Best Baits To Catch Bass When Its HOT In August!

These baits get bit despite the heat! If you're struggling to get bit, it's time to downsize. We're at the beginning of a trend that will last all the way into Fall. Juvenile baitfish are beginning to show up in your lake, and they'll become more prevalent in the coming months. Catch bass around them by downsizing your presentation!

We love power fishing! We love swimbaits, topwater, and large creature baits, but we also understand when it's time to put them down. As the heat of August sets in, smaller profiles will save your fishing. Don't be afraid to try these tiny soft plastics and hard baits when the going gets tough.

Below you'll find links to our favorite baits for this time period. We've included our favorite colors, rigging components, as well as the gear we use to fish them effectively. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

SHAKEY HEAD...

Worm– Xzone Deception Worm: https://bit.ly/43YDE6x

Colors: Pumpkin Plum Party, Junebug, Plum

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

Colors: Bama Bug, Plum

Small Head– Missile Baits Warlock: https://bit.ly/4bg8DyC

Size: 3/16 oz

DROPSHOT...

Worm– MissileBaits 6" Magic Worm: https://bit.ly/3T7dHgB

Colors: Blueback Secret, Junebug Dream

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

Size: 2/0

Dice– Owner OSP Dice (No Salt): https://bit.ly/4e0DII9

Colors: Green Pumpkin, Invincible Shrimp

Hook– Gamakatsu Dropshot: https://bit.ly/43MMNjU

Size: 1/0

Weight– Xzone Tungsten Tie On Skinny Weight: https://bit.ly/4c86nt6

Size: 1/4 oz

BAIT FINESSE CRAWS AND CREATURES...

•Xzone Stealth Finesse Creature: https://bit.ly/3M0BXOU

Colors: Black Blue/Green Pumpkin, Green Pumpkin

•Xzone Stealth Craw: https://bit.ly/4ckYPmX

Colors: Grass Craw, Tilapia

•Zman Finesse Bulletz: https://bit.ly/4cHyEsv

Size: 1/15 oz

•Zman Nedlockz: https://bit.ly/3OWdp9W

Size: 1/10 oz

•Owner All Purpose Bait Hook: https://bit.ly/2QbbdRW

Size: 1/0

•VMC Tungsten Worm Weight: https://bit.ly/3Vo2dbo

Size: 1/16 oz

MINI UNDERSPIN...

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

Size: 1/8 oz – 1/4 oz

•Xzone 2.75" Swammer: https://bit.ly/2PogV0q

Colors: Electric Shad, Pro Blue Red Pearl

•Crush City 2.5" Mayor: https://bit.ly/43Uhyli

Colors: Albino Shad, Gizzard Shad

FINESSE TOPWATER...

•Jackall Kaera Frog: https://bit.ly/2Fz6SA3

Colors: Glitter Hasu, Glitter Bluegill

•Megabass Pop X: https://bit.ly/3i9T3sg

Colors: GG Deadly Black Shad, Mat Shad

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

Colors: Glitz Shad, See Through Shad

TIM'S DROPSHOT BAITCAST COMBO...

Rod– St. Croix Legend Elite 6'10" Medium XFast: https://bit.ly/2z2qdHc

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

Line– Power Pro maxcuatro (20 lb): https://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

Leader– Seaguar Gold Label (12 lb): https://bit.ly/3UqrUbi

MATT'S BFS COMBO...

Rod– Shimano Expride B 6'8" Light: https://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

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

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

SHAKEY HEAD COMBO...

Rod– Shimano Zodias 6'10" Med Heavy: https://bit.ly/2cgmMAe

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

Line– Power Pro Maxcuatro 30 lb Braid: https://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

Leader– Sunline Super FC (10 lb): https://bit.ly/2p7fxju

BUDGET BFS COMBO...

Rod– Cashion Element Z2 6'10" Medium Light Fast: https://bit.ly/48w69eC

Reel– Abu Garcia Revo X BFS: https://bit.ly/4flqwi3

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

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

Top 5 Baits For Pond Fishing!

Are you a pond fisherman? Do you walk the bank, fish from a kayak, or tin boat?  If you fish small waters there are a few key baits that you need to know how to use. You can carry whole tackle boxes but at the end of the day, one of these 5 baits is how you'll catch most of your fish!

If you've spent any time fishing ponds you know they're just as diverse as larger lakes. Some are shallow, others are deep. Some have clear water while others are muddy. Despite all these differences, there are key baits that work in nearly every pond, every time. These are the baits we trust when we're showing up to a new pond and need to see what kind of fish live there.

Below you'll find links to the exact baits (in the order they were discussed). We've included our favorite colors and sizes for each, along with some great budget-friendly rods and reels you can use to fish these baits effectively.

WEEDLESS UNDERSPIN...

Hook– Owner Flashy Swimmer: https://bit.ly/2e8O4Y7

Size: 1/4 oz, 5/0 Hook

Bait– Xzone 4" Swammer: https://bit.ly/2PogV0q

Color: Tennessee Shad

STICK BAIT...

•Yamamoto 5" Senko: https://bit.ly/2axAmNS

Color: Green Pumpkin Black Flake

•ZMan ZinkerZ: https://bit.ly/2ZVJANs

Color: Purple Rain, Green Pumpkin

•Big Bite Baits Trick Stick: https://bit.ly/3shcgNK

Color: Tilapia, Green Pumpkin

SOFT JERKBAIT...

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

Colors: Pro Blue Red Pearl, Electric Shad

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

Colors: Smokin Shad, Albino

•Gamakatsu Nano Alpha Superline EWG: https://bit.ly/4bbBuDW

Size: 3/0

TEXAS RIG CREATURE...

•MissileBaits D stroyer: https://bit.ly/2QiTTrM

Colors: Super Bug, Green Pumpkin

•Xzone Tungsten Weight: https://bit.ly/3c28mks

Size: 3/16 oz

•Owner All Purpose Bait Hook: https://bit.ly/2QbbdRW

Size: 3/0

FROG...

•Berkley Swamp Lord Popping Frog: https://bit.ly/4dSmnkF

Color: Burnt Bone

•Spro Poppin Bronzeye 60: https://bit.ly/2HsyqIJ

Color: Killer Gill

ALL AROUND COMBO...

Rod– St. Croix Bass X 7'1" Medium Fast: https://bit.ly/3A5CFSU

Reel– Shimano SLX 150 XT: https://bit.ly/2BRTYL8

Line– Seaguar Red Label (15 lb): https://bit.ly/2LOVEwA

POWER FISHING COMBO...

Rod– Fenwick Eagle 7'5" Medium Heavy Extra Fast: https://bit.ly/4b25LGh

Reel– Abu García Revo X LP (7:1): https://bit.ly/3wZ12ph

Line– Power Pro Maxcuatro Braid (50 lb): https://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

LIGHTER COMBO...

Rod– Shimano SLX A 6'10" Medium: https://bit.ly/2L3wppO

Reel– Shimano SLX MGL 70: https://bit.ly/3gIUCgJ

Leader– Sunline FC (12 lb): https://bit.ly/2h4LNjm

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

Where Bass Go When Its Really Hot! (And How To Catch Them)

Come along for a HOT day on the water and watch Tim prove that you can still power fish in the heat! Step one when it gets hot is to decide if you want to target shallow or deep fish. Today, Tim focused on the shallow bite. He used a handful of reaction baits (Karashi and Topwater) to target fish that were hidden in shade lines.

Summer heat is uncomfortable, but the fishing can be amazing! Watch how Tim instantly eliminates 99% of the lake and focuses solely on shallow shade. This is because the shallow bass are forced into these locations, making them vulnerable to his power fishing approach. He switches back and forth between a Karashi, Jowler, and Giant Dog X, before finally turning to the free rig.

Below you'll find links to the exact baits Tim used throughout the day. We've also included the combos he used to fish them effectively. 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

Colors: See–Through Shad, HT Ito Wakasagi KS

GIANT DOG X...

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

Chrome Color: Spot Light Shad

JOWLER...

•Rapala PXR Jowler: https://bit.ly/3A3HDVs

Colors: Pure Chrome

FREE RIG...

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

Color: Green Pumpkin Blk Flake

•Owner Covershot HD: https://bit.ly/36Gunbf

Size: 2/0

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

Size: 1/4 oz

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

TOPWATER COMBO...

Rod– Megabass P5 Destroyer Z Crank Elseil: https://bit.ly/2wVOSbY

Model: 7' Medium Regular

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

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

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

FREE RIG COMBO...

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

Reel– Shimano Aldebaran MGL (HG): https://bit.ly/2fdX1Uy

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

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

BUDGET TOPWATER COMBO...

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

Reel– Daiwa Fuego CT: https://bit.ly/35hugfH

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

Leader– Sufix Advance (15 lb): https://bit.ly/3GJEUix

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

Don't Make This Huge Summer Fishing Mistake!

Start catching fish today! Everyone else overlooks this spot! As we approach the middle of Summer, fish get harder to catch. If you're fishing the same techniques in the same places, you're probably starting to struggle. But there is something simple you can do to start catching fish again right now!

It's time to get away from the bank! Forget the shoreline you fish every day and start focusing your attention on submerged vegetation and color lines. Weed lines and weed edges are the EASIEST place to catch fish in your lake and almost no one is targeting them! The same can be said for the color line!

Below you'll find links to the exact baits and gear we use when targeting bass this time of year. We've included our favorite sizes and colors for each lure to make it as simple as possible for you. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

GRASS FISHING

TOPWATER...

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

Colors: Juvy Gill, Spotlight Shad, Megabass Sexy Shad

CHATTERBAIT...

•ZMan Evo Elite (1/2 oz): https://bit.ly/3OAGB8y

Color: Bama Bream

•Hog Farmer 4.5" Spunk Shad: https://bit.ly/2UFkCD7

Color: TW Sunfish Magic

SOFT JERKBAIT...

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

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

•VMC Redline Wide Gap: https://bit.ly/3m3dn6G

Size: 4/0

SHAKEY HEAD...

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

Color: Junebug

•Dirty Jigs Canterbury Shakey Head: https://bit.ly/2aFOs0V

Size: 3/16 oz

PITCHIN JIG...

•Dirty Jigs Pitchin Jig (1/2 oz): https://bit.ly/2amL3of

Color: The Go To

•Xzone 4" Muscle Back Craw: https://bit.ly/43DZXOQ

Color: Green Pumpkin Black Flake

COLOR LINE

TOPWATER...

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

Color: Copper Carp, Chrome Gill

•Rapala Jowler 127: https://bit.ly/3A3HDVs

Color: Glitter Bone, Pure Chrome

MINNOW BAITS...

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

Colors: Green Shad, Ghost Minnow

•Crush City Freeloader: https://bit.ly/3QWwj4b

Colors: Gizzard Shad, Green Shad

SENKO...

•Yamamoto 5" Senko: https://bit.ly/2axAmNS

Color: Green Pumpkin Black Flake, Natural Shad

•Gamakatsu Finesse Wide Gap Hook: https://bit.ly/2aKGmHM

Size: 1/0

TUBE...

•Big Bite Baits 3.5" Tour Tube: https://bit.ly/32e23VR

Colors: Green Pumpkin Blue, Green Pump Purp Cop

•Xzone 60 Degree Tube Head: https://bit.ly/3jCHmR8

Size: 1/4 oz

MATT'S TOPWATER COMBO...

Rod– G Loomis GLX 7' Medium Heavy: https://bit.ly/3PmpCqj

Model: 843C MBR

Reel– Shimano Metanium MGL 150 B (HG): https://bit.ly/2ezIBfB

Line– Sufix 832 Braid (40 lb): https://bit.ly/2ae93Ji

Leader– Sufix Advance (17 lb): https://bit.ly/3GJEUix

OUR FAVORITE JIG COMBO...

Rod– Shimano Expride 7'4" Heavy Moderate Fast: https://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

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

Line– Sufix 832 Braid (50 lb): https://bit.ly/2ae93Ji

Leader– Sufix Advance (20 lb): https://bit.ly/3GJEUix

BUDGET SENKO/TUBE COMBO...

Rod– Daiwa Tatula XT 7'3" Medium: https://bit.ly/3n6Ojvx

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

Line– Sunline Super FC (7 lb): https://bit.ly/2p7fxju

BUDGET SOFT JERKBAIT 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– Seaguar InvizX (15 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