Big Bait Fishing Southern California With Adam Hinkle! – Tactical Family

Come along or an awesome day on the water with Adam Hinkle! Adam has a long history of big bait fishing, and today he's catching big bass with glide baits, wake baits, and topwater. Before its over, he pulls out some of his hand made baits and catches the biggest fish of the day!

We're continuing to expand in 2025 with bonus content featuring some of our closest friends! Meet Adam Hinkle, a serious bass angler from the San Diego area in Southern California. Adam brings a unique perspective to the Tactical Family, having grown up in California's "Big Bass Era", and constantly adapting both power fishing and finesse presentations to the clear, pressured waters of Southern California.

Below you'll find links to the exact baits and gear Adam was using, as well as some widely available options that are very similar to his custom gear. All the link go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

ADAM'S WAKEBAIT...

•Discontinued Rago Top Trout: Unavailable today

TACTICAL'S FAVORITE WAKEBAITS...

•River2Sea Tactical Wake 210: https://bit.ly/3aV6peA

Colors: Copper Carp, Tactical Shad, Chrome Gill

•Bucca Bull Shad Wake: https://bit.ly/2yceVRt

Colors: Gizzard Shad, Dirty Bone

ADAM'S POPPER...

•Megabass Pop Max: https://bit.ly/2qqfmm1

Color: Pagani Raigyo

ADAM'S GLIDE BAIT...

•86 Baits Fail Safe: Source Directly When Available

TACTICAL'S FAVORITE SHAD GLIDES...

•Baitsanity Chimera Shad: https://bit.ly/44XiYvW

Color: Ghost Gizzard Shad, Threadfin Shad

•Bucca Brand Trick Shad: https://bit.ly/4hFD5Go

Color: ThreadfinTastic, Matte Shad

•Spro Chad Shad: https://bit.ly/3AqivoQ

Color: Threadfin Shad

TACTICAL'S FAVORITE BUZZBAITS...

Full Size– Megabass Jamaica Boa: https://bit.ly/3iofbiZ

Loud– Damiki MTB Noisy Buzz: https://bit.ly/2P8PWnd

Subtle– D&M Easy Roller: https://bit.ly/2SCqcmj

THE FLUKE...

•Zoom Salty Super Fluke: https://bit.ly/2aqys0H

Colors: Albino, Smokin Shad

•Gamakatsu Superline Hook: https://bit.ly/2ac92XG

Size: 3/0

SWIMBAIT COMBO...

Rod– Dobyns 7'9" Champion XP 795: https://bit.ly/2aivwYX

Reel– Curado 300K (HG): https://bit.ly/2HbZ3E4

Line– Maxima Ultragreen (25 lb): https://bit.ly/2ae97J9

POPPER COMBO...

Rod– Shimano Expride 7'2" Med Mod Glass: https://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

Reel– Shimano SLX DC (XG): https://bit.ly/2LWzw2Q

Line– Sufix Advance Mono (12 lb): https://bit.ly/3GJEUix

BUZZBAIT COMBO...

Rod– Megabass Levante 7'5"  EMTF: https://bit.ly/2OSVNwH

Reel– Shimano Curado 200 DC (XG): https://bit.ly/3QMMb6o

Line– Seaguar InvizX (17 lb): https://bit.ly/2oVsG2Y

TACTICALBASSIN LURE DESIGNS (AND APPAREL)

We have a variety of custom lure designs and apparel available! Everything from Swimbaits and crankbaits, to apparel and merch! See it here…

•TacticalBassin Apparel and Merch: https://bit.ly/3ZxEI0z

•TacticalBassin Lure Designs: http://bit.ly/38YpPIz

The EASIEST Trick For EARLY FALL Bass Fishing!

Want to catch more fish this Fall?! It's this easy!! The key is to stand out from the thousands of minnows, baitfish, and juvenile panfish in the shallows this Fall, is to add flash and vibration to your lure. We achieve this by adding additional blades to our lures. A simple will blade can add incredible flash and vibration that can instantly take your fishing to the next level!

We know this sounds too easy, but it's the truth! The simple addition of a blade not only adds flash and vibration, it causes other baitfish to stay away from your lure, leaving it in plain sight for the bass. Fall bass are generally feeding aggressively, they just need to notice your lure out of the thousands of real meals swimming around below the surface. Baits like underspins, spinnerbaits, and Alabama Rigs will give you the upper hand this Fall.

Below we'll link our favorite baits, favorite modifications and components, as well as some great budget–friendly combos for fishing these techniques effectively. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

SPINNERBAIT...

•Nichols Metal Flake Double Willow (3/8 oz): https://bit.ly/2Sttxpc

Colors: Blue Shad, JT's Chartreuse Shad

CHATTERBAIT...

•Zman Elite Evo Tungsten (1/2 oz): https://bit.ly/3YkW2Hd

Colors: Electric Shad, The Deal

•Zman ChatterShad: https://bit.ly/4jPaGOX

Colors: Bad Shad, Electric Shad

UNDERSPIN...

•Tactical Mini Underspin: https://bit.ly/3JOd8UY

Size: 1/4 oz

•Crush City 3" Mayor: https://bit.ly/43Uhyli

Colors: Shad, Gizzard Shad

TAIL SPIN...

•Jackall Deracoup: https://bit.ly/2p8X4b0

Colors: Silver, Dera Shad

•Damiki Axe Blade: https://bit.ly/2w2uB9t

Colors: Black Holo, Real Shad

ALABAMA RIG...

•Hog Farmer Tactical Mini Flex Rig: https://bit.ly/3uwY6Md

•Hog Farmer Tactical Micro Flex Rig: https://bit.ly/3RY1wUK

WILLOW LEAF BLADES...

•Hildebrandt Willow Leaf Blades: https://bit.ly/46l4f0o

•Gamakatsu One Touch Blade: https://bit.ly/4nm4Fu5

•Nichols Spoon Spinners: https://bit.ly/3IhFXMB

•Spro Power Swivels: https://bit.ly/2ay0p7d

BUDGET SPINNERBAIT/CHATTERBAIT COMBO...

Rod– St. Croix Black Bass 7'1" Medium Heavy Fast: https://bit.ly/4cX7VHL

Reel– Seviin GF Series (7:1): https://bit.ly/3qa2SQZ

Line– Seaguar Red Label (17 lb): https://bit.ly/2LOVEwA

BUDGET UNDERSPIN COMBO...

Rod– Fenwick HMG 7' Medium Light: https://bit.ly/4cXBAjD

Reel– Daiwa Fuego LT 2500D–XH: https://bit.ly/2yDmdtQ

Line– Sunline Super FC (8 lb): https://bit.ly/2p7fxju

BUDGET ALABAMA RIG COMBO...

Rod– Shimano SLX 7'5" Medium Heavy XFast: https://bit.ly/2L3wppO

Reel– Shimano SLX 150 XT (HG): https://bit.ly/3YgnWE8

Line– Seaguar Red Label (20 lb): https://bit.ly/2LOVEwA

TACTICALBASSIN LURE DESIGNS (AND APPAREL)

We have a variety of custom lure designs and apparel available! Everything from Swimbaits and crankbaits, to apparel and merch! See it here…

•TacticalBassin Apparel and Merch: https://bit.ly/3ZxEI0z

•TacticalBassin Lure Designs: http://bit.ly/38YpPIz

Breaking Down A New Lake To Find And Catch Bass!

We're exploring a new lake, come along! New lakes are always an adventure, and today is no different. We started off with big baits and big expectations, but soon realized we'd need to adapt to succeed. Watch how Matt breaks down the water, develops multiple patterns, and catches fish.

By the end of the day Matt and his dad have developed 4 unique patterns that are all producing quality bites. Without question, the Shakey Head worm on outside cover is producing the best quality fish, but in the end Matt opts to move shallow and have fun targeting fish with bait finesse gear.

Below you'll find links to all the baits Matt and his dad used throughout the day. We've included the exact rod and reel combos, as well. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

KARASHI...

•Megabass Karashi: https://bit.ly/3LwMGS7

Color: Juvy Gill, Glitz Shad

TOPWATER...

•Megabass Giant Dog X: https://bit.ly/2yU84eE

Color: Juvy Gill, HT Ito Tennessee Shad

UNDERSPIN...

•Dirty Jigs Tactical Mini Underspin: https://bit.ly/3JOd8UY

Size: 1/4 oz

•Keitech 2.8" Fat Swing Impact: https://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

Color: Pro Blue Red Pearl

SHAKEY HEAD WORM...

•Crush City Janitor Worm: https://bit.ly/3Fy6nsd

Colors: Candy Bug, Bama Bug

•Xzone MB Fat Finesse Worm: https://bit.ly/4lSgfx4

Color: Junebug

•MissileBaits Warlock Head: https://bit.ly/4bg8DyC

Size: 1/4 oz

DICE...

•OSP Dice Rubber: https://bit.ly/4e0DII9

Color: Green Pumpkin Pepper

•Gamakatsu TWG Dropshot Hook: https://bit.ly/2zGX441

Size: 1/0

•VMC BET Dropshot Weight: https://bit.ly/4gFECei

Size: 1/4 oz

STROLL SHAD...

•Hog Farmer 5" Stroll Shad: https://bit.ly/3ALs7OI

Color: Sexy Shad

•Dirty Jigs Tungsten HD Guppy: https://bit.ly/3WCfvSn

Size: 1/4 oz

GILL GLIDE...

•Baitsanity Explorer Gill: https://bit.ly/3F65FxK

Color: Dark Bluegill

SHAKEY HEAD COMBO...

Rod– G Loomis GLX 892S JWR: https://bit.ly/2A6HH3O

Reel– Shimano Exsence A 3000: https://bit.ly/2iMtscV

Line– Sufix 832 Braid (10 lb): https://bit.ly/2ae93Ji

Leader– Seaguar Gold Label (10 lb): https://bit.ly/3UqrUbi

KARASHI COMBO...

Rod– Cashion Icon 7' Light: https://bit.ly/3mLIIes

Reel– Shimano Curado BFS: https://bit.ly/2QGRVF2

Line– Daiwa Hidden FC (7 lb): https://bit.ly/3ILKXH0

DICE/UNDERSPIN COMBO...

Rod– Megabass P5 Destroyer "Flyssa": https://bit.ly/3RmuKdN

Reel– Shimano Exsence A 3000: https://bit.ly/2iMtscV

Line– Sufix 832 Braid (10 lb): https://bit.ly/2ae93Ji

Leader– Seaguar Gold Label (8 lb): https://bit.ly/3UqrUbi

GLIDE COMBO...

Rod– Fenwick Elite 7'8" Medium Heavy Fast: https://bit.ly/3MyC6tb

Reel– Daiwa Tatula 200: https://bit.ly/4ig0woA

Line– Power Pro Maxcuatro (65 lb): https://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

Leader– Sunline Saltimate FC (25 lb): https://bit.ly/2O4UElB

TACTICALBASSIN LURE DESIGNS (AND APPAREL)

We have a variety of custom lure designs and apparel available! Everything from Swimbaits and crankbaits, to apparel and merch! See it here…

•TacticalBassin Apparel and Merch: https://bit.ly/3ZxEI0z

•TacticalBassin Lure Designs: http://bit.ly/38YpPIz

Free Rig Fishing For Bass! Tips And Tricks To Catch More Fish This Fall!!

Have you tried the "Free Rig" yet? This rig takes the traditional "Texas Rig" to a whole new level! Give your bait more freedom, allow for slower falls, and catches a ton of fish this time of year! If you haven't tried the Free Rig, this is the right time of year to experiment with it. It's a fish catcher!!

The Free Rig isn't new, but is continuing to gain popularity, especially as grass begins dying back in the Fall. This rig shines around hard cover and will produce bites long after bass have become leery of traditional presentations. The benefit of this rig is it allows your bait to fall very slowly, while still keeping great contact with the bottom.

Below you'll find links to Tim's favorite baits for free rigging, along with the gear he uses to fish them effectively. We've also included our favorite colors for each bait to help you get started. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

CREATURE BAITS...

•MissileBaits Baby D Stroyer: https://bit.ly/3248BXL

Colors: Green Pumpkin, Super Bug

•XZone Adrenaline Craw Jr (3.5"): https://bit.ly/3ebTO5h

Colors: Green Pumpkin Blk Flake, Tilapia,

SHAD PROFILES...

•Megabass Sling Shad: https://bit.ly/41tgaaT

Colors: G Biwahigai, Hasu, Oikawa

•Xzone Whiplash Shad: https://bit.ly/3IpMKQo

Colors: Pro Blue Red Pearl, Electric Shad, Baby Bass

•GeeCrack Bellows Shad: https://bit.ly/3E4zVdl

Colors: Electric Shad, AJ's Juice

UNIQUE PROFILES...

•Crush City 3" Mayor: https://bit.ly/43Uhyli

Colors: Gizzard Shad, Pro Blue Red Pearl

•Yamamoto Slinko: https://bit.ly/4gaO0Yd

Colors: Green Pumpkin Watermelon Laminate, Baby Bass

RIGGING COMPONENTS...

Straight Shank Hook– Redline Finesse Neko: https://bit.ly/3KseINJ

Size: 1/0

Medium Wire Hook– Owner Cover Shot: https://bit.ly/2ISr7bR

Size: 1/0 – 3/0

Heavy Wire Hook– Owner Cover Shot HD: https://bit.ly/36Gunbf

Size: 1/0 – 3/0

Heavy Weight– Decoy DS–9 Sliding Sinker: https://bit.ly/469QvWf

Size: 1/2 oz

Light Weight– Xzone Tungsten Pencil: https://bit.ly/2YAoMuv

Size: 1/8 - 1/4 oz

TIM'S HIGH END COMBO...

Rod– Abu Garcia Zenon 7' Medium Heavy Fast: https://bit.ly/43y32RU

Reel– Abu Garcia Zenon MG–X: https://bit.ly/4dv7WT0

Line– Sufix 832 Braid (30 lb): https://bit.ly/2ae93Ji

Leader– Seaguar JDM Grand Max (12 lb): https://bit.ly/46eb98G

TIM'S ALL AROUND COMBO...

Rod– Shimano Expride B 7'2" Medium Light: https://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

Reel– Shimano Curado 70 MGL (HG): https://bit.ly/2apmDJt

Line– Sufix 131 Braid (30 lb): https://bit.ly/314VoyF

Leader– Sunline Super FC (12 lb): https://bit.ly/2p7fxju

TIM'S SPINNING COMBO...

Rod– Shimano Expride 6'10" Medium Light: https://bit.ly/2osaj3q

Leader– Shimano Sustain 2500: https://bit.ly/3BQLlNP

Line– Power Pro Braid (10 lb): https://bit.ly/2aFg46b

Leader– Seaguar Gold Label (10 lb): https://bit.ly/3UqrUbi

TACTICALBASSIN LURE DESIGNS (AND APPAREL)

We have a variety of custom lure designs and apparel available! Everything from Swimbaits and crankbaits, to apparel and merch! See it here…

•TacticalBassin Apparel and Merch: https://bit.ly/3ZxEI0z

•TacticalBassin Lure Designs: http://bit.ly/38YpPIz