Top 5 Baits To Catch BIG Smallmouth Bass! (North, South, and Western Fisheries)

These baits catch BIG Bass! Fishing around Clear water like the Great Lakes, Southern Herring Fisheries, and Western reservoirs, requires unique baits. When it comes to Smallmouth (as well as Spotted Bass and Largemouth) there are a handful of baits that consistently catch the big bass. We've narrowed it down through countless hours on the water to a few key baits that you can trust.

During the prespawn you want to cover water quickly. Smallmouth school together, leaving huge parts of the lake virtually barren. The baits we use not only catch big bass, they help you locate fish quickly. After that the baits begin to fit niches. Swimbaits cover a ton of water, jerkbaits draw a core feed response, and the tube can elicit a strike from the wariest clear water bass.

Below you'll find links to all the baits Matt discussed in the video. We've included his favorite colors, rigging components, and even some great rod and reel combos to help you fish these baits effectively. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

TACTICALBASSIN GEAR...

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

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

SWIMBAITS...

•Megabass Spark Shad: https://bit.ly/2XcLZk4

Favorite Sizes: 3" and 3.6"

Favorite Colors: Albino, Natural Shad, Ayu, Real

•Keitech 3.8" Fat Swing Impact: https://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

Colors: Top Shad, Electric Shad, Pro Blue Red Pearl

•Xzone 3.5" Swammer: https://bit.ly/2PogV0q

Colors: Electric Shad, Tennessee Shad, Natural Goby

•Megabass Dark Sleeper: https://bit.ly/2TyR1GT

Size: 1/2 oz – 3/4 oz

Favorite Colors: Wakasagi, Morning Goby, Goby Desert

SWIMBAIT HEADS...

•Dirty Jigs Tactical Finesse Swimbait Head: https://bit.ly/2Pqrq3n

Favorite Sizes: 1/4 – 3/8 oz

•Dirty Jigs Guppy Head: https://bit.ly/2nyUJRS

Favorite Sizes: 1/8 – 1/4 oz, 1/0 Hook

JERKBAITS...

•Megabass Vision 110: https://bit.ly/3tw8Cpz

Colors: Mat Tennessee Shad, Mat Shad, GLX Phantom Minnow

•Megabass Vision 110+2 Jr: https://bit.ly/4cZ29q7

Colors: Tennessee Shad, Elegy Bone

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

Colors: Glitz Shad, See Through Shad, Juvy Gill

SPY BAITS...

•Duo Realis Spinbait Series: https://bit.ly/3QE27YK

Sizes: 70, 80

Favorite Colors: Ghost Minnow, River Bait, Ghost Wakasagi

•Great Lakes Finesse Stay Pinned Spybait: https://bit.ly/41mpM6J

Favorite Colors: Ghost Shad, Ghost Perch, Morning Dawn

HAIR JIG...

•Great Lakes Finesse Maribou Jig: https://bit.ly/4iPXoA2

Color: Black

BLADED RIGS...

•Hog Farmer Tactical MICRO Flex (Bladed): https://bit.ly/3RY1wUK

•Hog Farmer Tactical MINI Flex (Bladed): https://bit.ly/3uwY6Md

NON BLADED RIGS...

•Hog Farmer Tactical MICRO Flex (Non Bladed): https://bit.ly/3Rui7Oc

•Hog Farmer Tactical MINI Flex (Non Bladed): https://bit.ly/3isTio0

TUBES AND TUBE HEADS...

•Xzone Stealth Finesse 2.25" Tube: https://bit.ly/3yEr6aj

Colors: Great Lakes Sand, Goby Punch, Green Pumpkin Black

•Xzone Stealth Finesse Tube Head: https://bit.ly/3WY18YM

Favorite Size: 1/8 – 1/4 oz

•Big Bite Baits 3.5" Scentsation Tube: https://bit.ly/43eGkzS

Colors: Perch Dinner, Green Pump Purp Cop

•Xzone 60 Degree Goby Head: https://bit.ly/3hV3cPE

Size: 3/8 – 1/2 oz

DROPSHOT WORMS...

•MissileBaits BombShot: https://bit.ly/2YYBipr

Colors: Fishalicious, Goby Bite, GP3

•Berkley Lab Series Flat Worm: https://bit.ly/4f3qxtm

Colors: Obsidian Black, Tactical, Oxblood Red Flake

MATT'S SPY BAIT SPINNING COMBO...

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

Model: 7'6" Light+

Reel– Shimano Vanquish 2500 Spinning Reel: https://bit.ly/4sAmR5X

Line– Sunline Super FC (5 lb): https://bit.ly/2p7fxju

DARK SLEEPER COMBO...

Rod– Megabass P5 Dark Sleeper: https://bit.ly/2wVOSbY

Reel– Daiwa Steez A 100: https://bit.ly/489D4rb

Line– Sunline FC 12 lb: http://bit.ly/2h4LNjm

TUBE FISHING COMBO...

Rod– St. Croix Legend Elite 7'6" Medium: http://bit.ly/2pjJWMA

Reel– Shimano Twin Power FE 2500: https://bit.ly/3df3hX5

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

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

DROPSHOT COMBO...

Rod– St. Croix Legend X2 6'10" Med Light: https://bit.ly/4farXAh

Reel– Daiwa Luvias ST 2500: https://bit.ly/459jXLv

Line– Seaguar PEX8 (18 lb): https://bit.ly/3UEhhl2

Leader– Sunline Super FC (6 lb): https://bit.ly/2p7fxju

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

Early May Bass Fishing! Bait Tricks To Catch Fish During The Post Spawn Transition!

Jump in the boat with Tim for a fun day on the water! Bass are transitioning between the spawn and the begins of early Summer patterns. Tim quickly dials in a Karashi bite, follows that up with a topwater pattern, then backs it up with a swimbait bite skipping the Magdraft around trees. It's a great time to be on the water, but you'd better be ready to adapt!

This time of year can be amazing. With multiple patterns available, you can choose the style of fishing you want to do. Tim focused on post-spawn fish that were positioning to feed on offshore structures and shallow cover. He used a combination of swimbaits and topwater to catch fish throughout the day.

Below the video you'll find links to all the baits and gear he used throughout the day. From the specific bait colors, to the details of his rod and reel combos, we've included everything to help you understand how he was catching fish. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

TACTICALBASSIN GEAR...

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

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

TOPWATER...

•Megabass Giant Dog X: https://bit.ly/3JHJd08

Color: Spotlight Shad

KARASHI...

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

Color: See Through Shad

SPARK SHAD SWIMBAIT...

•Megabass 3" Spark Shad: https://bit.ly/2XcLZk4

Color: Real

•Dirty Jigs Guppy Head: https://bit.ly/2nyUJRS

Size: 1/4 oz, 1/0 Hook

MAGDRAFT SWIMBAIT...

•Megabass 6" Magdraft: https://bit.ly/2mc8bfK

Color: White Back Shad, Nude Rainbow

KARASHI COMBO...

Rod– Megabass Destroyer Evoluzion 6'6" Light: https://bit.ly/4oXDY0A

Model: Expada

Reel– Daiwa PX BF 70: https://bit.ly/3y0fWw0

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

TOPWATER COMBO...

Rod– Megabass Destroyer P5 7' Medium Regular: https://bit.ly/2wVOSbY

Model: Z–Crank Elsiel

Reel– Daiwa Steez SV TW: https://bit.ly/3wXZ9Jb

Line– Sufix 131 Braid (40 lb): https://bit.ly/314VoyF

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

MAGDRAFT COMBO...

Rod– Shimano Outlier 7'4" Medium Heavy: https://bit.ly/3EuHPiT

Reel– Shimano Metanium DC 70 A: https://bit.ly/49al91d

Line– Sunline Super FC Fluorocarbon (20 lb): https://bit.ly/2p7fxju

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

This Topwater Trick Hooks For Fish! (And More Fall Fishing Tips)

Catch more fish this Fall with this one tip! It makes all the difference! Fall fishing is so much fun but there are so many subtle details that make the difference. Today Tim is on the water with his boys and he's teaching them the fine details of topwater fishing for Spotted Bass. There is a lot of great information flying by but one topwater tip in particular takes the cake, did you hear it?

This is such a great example of Fall junk fishing. Some bass are chasing baitfish in 70 feet of water, others are sitting on offshore structure, and still more are up shallow on docks. You can catch them almost any way you want, but taking the time to dial in multiple techniques is what changes a good day into a GREAT day! This is the time of year when attention to detail is everything so don't let your guard down and keep adjusting to changing conditions.

Below you'll find links to the exact baits and gear the guys were using throughout the day. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

TOPWATER...

•River2Sea Whopper Plopper 90: https://bit.ly/2bsPbQV

Color: Chrome Black

•Evergreen SB 105: https://bit.ly/2zIkqUH

Color: Full Metal

UNDERSPIN...

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

Size: 1/4 oz

•Storm 3" Largo Shad: https://bit.ly/3vxP0NB

Color: Albino Shad

JERKBAIT...

•Shimano Zumverno 95 SP: https://bit.ly/3Gbzrmw

Color: S Hasu

SPY BAIT...

•Duo Realis SpinBait (1/2 oz): https://bit.ly/3QE27YK

Color: BK Ayu

TIM'S TOPWATER COMBO...

Rod– St. Croix Legend Elite 6'8" Medium XFast: https://bit.ly/2z2qdHc

Reel– Daiwa Steez 70 CT SV TW: https://bit.ly/3esUZjg

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

Leader– Maxima Ultragreen (15 lb): https://bit.ly/2ae97J9

TIM'S JERKBAIT COMBO...

Rod– Shimano Expride B 6'10" medium: https://bit.ly/32IrXqE

Reel– Shimano Aldebaran MGL HG: http://bit.ly/2uQ4oH8

Line– Sunline Super FC 10 lb: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

BUDGET TOPWATER COMBO...

Rod– St. Croix Bass X 7'1" Medium Fast: https://bit.ly/2r0xWAs

Reel– Shimano SLX A 150 (HG): https://bit.ly/2NfdOnk

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

Leader– Maxima Ultragreen (15 lb): https://bit.ly/2ae97J9

TACTICALBASSIN LURE DESIGNS (AND APPAREL)

We have a variety of custom lure designs and apparel available! Everything from Swimbaits and crankbaits, to hats and hoodies! Its all available direct through Tackle Warehouse with fast shipping. See it here... 

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

Power Fishing Tips For Spring! (Spinnerbait, Swimbait, And Micro Baits)

What an awesome day on the water!!! Come along as Matt throws everything from micro baits in clear water, to spinnerbaits and swimbaits for big bass in murky water. Spring bass fishing is all about adapting to changing conditions and today was a perfect example of how to do it!

When the guys get on a spinnerbait or swimbait bite you'd better look out! Both Matt and Tim love a shallow water power fishing bite and today the fish were lined up and waiting to bite once Matt located them! Pay attention to the details Matt lets slip about dialing in his spinnerbaits, as well as about dialing in Multi–use rods. 

Below you'll find links to the exact baits and equipment Matt was using. We've included his favorite sizes and colors for each lure, as well as the rods he was using for these techniques. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 

THE SMALL BAITS...

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

Colors: Kasumi Ito KS, HT Ito Wakasagi, HT Moroko KS

•Jackall Pikupiku: https://bit.ly/399wl59

Colors: Lively Wakasagi, Natural Ghost Wakasagi

•Megabass Vision 110 +1 Jr: https://bit.ly/2LnK389

Colors: Kasumi Ito, Mat Shad

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

Size: 1/8 oz

Bait: Keitech 2.8 Fat Swing Impact: http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

Color: Pro Blue Red Pearl

THE POWER FISHING BAITS...

•Megabass 6" Magdraft: http://bit.ly/2mc8bfK

Color: White Back Shad

•Megabass SV–3 Spinnebait: https://bit.ly/3lk1SD0

Size: 1/2 oz

Color: Ayu

•Gratt Pistol Pete Glide Bait: http://bit.ly/2RYCPFe

Color: American Shad, Gizzard Shad

•Damiki TOT Spinnerbait: https://bit.ly/368VED0

Size: 3/8 oz

Color: Smelt Shad

Trailer: Xzone 4" Swammer: http://bit.ly/2PogV0q

Color: Electric Shad

MAGDRAFT COMBO...

Rod– Megabass Orochi XX Braillist: http://bit.ly/2OSVNwH

Reel– Shimano Metanium MGL (HG): https://bit.ly/2ezIBfB

Line– Power Pro Maxcuatro 65 lb Braid: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

Leader– Sunline Saltimate FC 20 lb: https://bit.ly/3oT1oq2

SPINNERBAIT COMBO...

Rod– St. Croix Legend Tournament 7'1" MH Fast: https://bit.ly/3Iow9KV

Reel– Shimano Curado 150 MGL (HG): https://bit.ly/2TQHwrP

Line– Power Pro Maxcuatro 40 lb Braid: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

Leader– Sunline Saltimate FC 16 lb: https://bit.ly/3oT1oq2

SMALL GLIDE COMBO...

Rod– Shimano Expride B 6'10" Medium Heavy: https://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

Reel– Shimano Metanium MGL (HG): https://bit.ly/2ezIBfB

Line– Power Pro Maxcuatro 50 lb Braid: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

Leader– Sunline Saltimate FC 16 lb: https://bit.ly/3oT1oq2

KARASHI COMBO...

Rod– Megabass P5 Destroyer "Baby Plugging": https://bit.ly/2B7NyFj

Reel– Shimano Vanford 2000: https://bit.ly/2gu84t7

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

Leader– Sunline Super FC 6 lb: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

TACTICALBASSIN LURE DESIGNS (AND APPAREL)

We have a variety of custom lure designs and apparel available! Everything from Swimbaits and crankbaits, to hats and hoodies! Its all available direct through Tackle Warehouse with fast shipping. See it here... 

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