Don't Make These Summer Fishing Mistakes! (And How To Catch Fish On Hot Days)

Don't make these mistakes! Summer bass fishing is tough enough without being your own worst enemy. If you can avoid these 5 common fishing mistakes, you will absolutely catch more fish this Summer! 

Summer fishing success is in the details. Paying close attention to conditions and timing is the difference between a great day on the water and just catching a sun burn. Here are Tim's top 5 mistakes he recommends you change as soon as possible. 

1) Timing – Best Bites Happen Midday

2) Not All Shade Is Created Equal – Find Shade Near Structure

3) Not All Docks Are The Same – Biggest/Darkest Shade Is Key

4) Throw Reaction But Don't Forget Finesse

5) Night Fishing – Fish Later For More Success

Below you'll find links to our favorite Summer baits. We've included them as recommendations to help you be more successful as you strive to avoid these mistakes. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can find detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 

OUR FAVORITE BAITS FOR SUMMER BASS FISHING...

DEEP DIVING CRANKBAIT...

•Strike King 6XD: https://bit.ly/2ery44M

Colors: Sexy Blue Back Herring, Sexy Shad

•Rapala DT 20: https://bit.ly/3JmnnR3

Colors: Pearl Grey Shiner, Green Gizzard Shad

•Azuma Z Boss 22: https://bit.ly/2poLKUC

Colors: Grand Shad, Goldie Lox, Hot Mess

PITCHIN JIG...

Jig– Dirty Jigs 1/2 oz Pitchin Jig: https://bit.ly/2amL3of

Color: The Go To, Alabama Craw

Trailer– Netbait 4" Paca Slim: https://bit.ly/3QhEpRe

Color: Tilapia Magic, Green Pumpkin Red

WOBBLE HEAD...

Head– Dirty Jigs Pivot Point Football Head: http://bit.ly/2jOY1Ns

Common Sizes: 1/2 oz 4/0 Hook, 3/4 oz 5/0 Hook

Bait #1– XZone Adrenaline Craw 4.25: https://bit.ly/3ebTO5h

Colors: Junebug, TW Dark Junebug, Tilapia

Bait #2 – Zoom Z Craw: http://bit.ly/2vW7Jo5

Colors: Junebug, Green Pumpkin

PADDLE TAIL SWIMBAIT...

Head– Matt Allen Swimbait Head: https://bit.ly/29RrTYN

Size: 3/8 oz

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

Color: Sexy Shad, Electric Shad

HOLLOW BODY FROG...

•River2Sea Bully Wa 2: https://bit.ly/2axyR2a

Color: Little Allen

•Snagproof Bobby's Perfect: https://bit.ly/3rHCOsQ

Color: Grey Ghost, Bluegill

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

Color: Glitter Hasu, Glitter Bluegill

TOPWATER POPPER...

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

Colors: Mat Shad, Gill

•Shimano World Pop: https://bit.ly/3sSjJpI

Colors: N Smelt, T Smelt

SHAKEY HEAD WORM...

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

Size: 3/16 oz

•Netbait T Mac Worm: https://bit.ly/41rJOer

Colors: Junebug, Bama Bug, Black Grape

All AROUNDJIG/SWIMBAIT COMBO...

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

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

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

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

BUDGET CRANKBAIT COMBO...

Rod– St. Croix Mojo Bass Glass 7'4" MH: https://bit.ly/2YIxLy5

Reel– Shimano SLX 150 XT (HG): http://bit.ly/2BRTYL8

Line– Sunline Super FC 12 lb: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

BUDGET SHAKEY HEAD COMBO...

Rod– Shimano SLX 6'10" Medium Heavy: http://bit.ly/2mGp1Vc

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

Line– Sunline Super FC 12 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

How To Fish Docks (Everything You Need To Know)

From which docks hold all the fish, to which baits you should you throw, we're covering everything you need to know about dock fishing! Don't waste time fishing the wrong docks. Don't fish the pilings in the wrong order and catch less fish! Dock fishing is full of subtle nuances that really matter and today we're going to help you eliminate all the guess work. 

The next time you're going to fish around docks remember the fine details in today's video. Fish older docks. Fish corner docks and docks at the ends of long runs of similar structures. Focus on docks that are up off the water so you can skip back under them. When it comes to pilings, focus on the closest pilings to you first, then work your way to the farthest pilings.

Fishing docks requires some very unique gear. Below you'll find links to the exact baits we recommend. We've also included details like our favorite sizes, colors, and any rigging components you'll need. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 

LARGE SWIMBAITS...

-Osprey 6" Tournament Talon: http://bit.ly/2bqsLS0

Colors: Chartreuse Shad, Gizzard, TW Shad

-Storm Arashi Glide Bait: http://bit.ly/2nHdrL1

Colors: Threadfin Shad, Green Gill, Bluegill

WEEDLESS UNDERSPIN...

Bait- Big Bite Baits Pro Swimmer 4.8": https://bit.ly/3AeQsaS

Colors: Albino Shad, Smoky Gold Clear Silver

Hook- Owner Flashy Swimmer 1/4 oz 5/0: http://bit.ly/2e8O4Y7

SHAKY HEAD...

Worm- Netbait T-Mac 6.5": http://bit.ly/2jndwj9

Colors: Junebug, Green Pumpkin

Head- Canterbury 3/16 oz Shakey: http://bit.ly/2aFOs0V

WEIGHTLESS SENKO... 

Worm- Yamamoto 5" Senko: http://bit.ly/2axAmNS

Colors: Green Pumpkin Blk Flake, Green Pump Watermelon Lam

Wacky Hook- Owner Jungle Wacky Weedless (1/0): https://bit.ly/2VKZl9U

NEKO RIG... 

Worm- Yamamoto 5" Senko: http://bit.ly/2axAmNS

Colors: Green Pumpkin Blk Flake, Green Pump Watermelon Lam

Hook- Owner Sniper Finesse Neko Size 1: http://bit.ly/2kfdv37

Weight- Swagger Pagoda Nail 1/32: http://bit.ly/2iGNSFW

JIGS.... 

Bait- Dirty Jigs Finesse Jig: http://bit.ly/2eJinXo

Colors: Brown Craw, The Go To

Trailer- Reaction Innovations Smallie Beaver: http://bit.ly/2dR6CkP

DROPSHOT... 

Worm- Roboworm 6" Fat: http://bit.ly/2awYSxM

Colors: Desert Craw, MMIII

Hook- Owner Cover Shot 1/0: http://bit.ly/2ISr7bR

Weight- Swagger Tungsten 3/16 oz: http://bit.ly/2UY7cgx

BIG SWIMBAIT COMBO... 

Rod- Dobyns FURY 806H: http://bit.ly/2bGvlVV

Reel- Shimano Tranx 300: http://bit.ly/2kYsvRw

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

Leader- Sunline FC-100 30 lb Shock Leader: http://bit.ly/2O4UElB

"BANG FOR THE BUCK" SENKO/NEKO RIG COMBO...

Rod- Shimano Expride 7' Medium: http://bit.ly/2osaj3q

Reel- Shimano Vanford 3000: https://bit.ly/2PDlKlB

Line- Power Pro Braid 15 lb: http://bit.ly/2aFg46b

Leader- Maxima Ultragreen 8 lb: http://bit.ly/2ae97J9

BUDGET JIG COMBO...

Rod- St. Croix Bass X 7'4" Medium Heavy: http://bit.ly/2r0xWAs

Reel- Shimano SLX 70 MGL (HG): https://bit.ly/3gIUCgJ

Line- Sunline Assassin 15 lb Fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2h4LNjm

WANT TACTICALBASSIN GEAR? 

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

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

How To Catch Fish Around Docks: Summer Fishing Tips

If your lake has docks, the fish are under them right now! From bass and catfish down to the smallest baitfish, everything that swims relies on the shade of docks for safety and comfort in the Summer heat. Today Tim goes in-depth showing how to approach dock fishing, explains which docks are most likely to hold fish, and demonstrates some of his favorite ways to target them. 

You can spend years dialing in which pilings on which docks consistently hold fish. Anglers make entire bass fishing careers out of doing exactly that. But if you just want to go fishing and consistently catch fish there are some simple tips that will help you choose the right docks quickly. Focus on docks that stand alone. A dock by itself will often hold large numbers of fish that would otherwise spread out along a row of docks. Focus on docks with quick deep water access. If the dock is in deeper water than those around it, there are likely to be bigger fish underneath. 

Lastly, choose docks based on the type of fishing you plan to do. If you're fishing slowly with finesse baits target single docks or areas with limited numbers of docks. This will give you the confidence to fish methodically and really pick the docks apart. If you're fishing fast moving reaction baits then areas with a lot of docks will give you endless targets to throw to. While you'll make more casts per fish, the reaction bite is so fun that it often outweighs the alternatives. 

Our final tip is about skipping docks. You may have noticed Tim is able to do this effortlessly. While a skilled angler who practices can do this with virtually any reel, the "DC" reels make it simple for almost anyone to do. If you want to get serious about fishing docks, don't be afraid to try a DC to shorten the learning curve and make the fishing more fun from the start. 

Below is a breakdown of the baits and equipment Tim recommends for Summer dock fishing. Of course you can dial in subtle details on your local lake but these baits and this equipment is what we use anywhere we go in the country when its time to target fish under docks. We've broken down the baits into reaction baits and slow moving baits to help you make the best choices. The links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 

Tim's #1 Bait Today... 

Swimbait- Keitech Fat Swing Impact 4.8" (Electric Shad): http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

Hook- Owner Flashy Swimmer 1/4 oz with 5/0 Hook: http://bit.ly/2e8O4Y7

Fast Moving Baits... 

-Damiki BTC Squarebill Crankbait: https://bit.ly/35yagXK

(Threadfin Flash, Moss Back, Real Shad)

-Teckel Kick Knocker Topwater: http://bit.ly/2nvxkoA

(Bone, Bluegill, Chart Shiner)

-River2Sea Bully Wa 2 Frog: http://bit.ly/2axyR2a

(Ghost, TW Gill, Little Allen)

Slow Moving Baits... 

-Dirty Jigs Pitchin' Jig (1/2 oz): http://bit.ly/2amL3of

(Molting Craw, Hematoma, Go To)

-Reaction Innovations Sweet Beaver Jig Trailer: http://bit.ly/29W3RZW

(Green Pumpkin Red, Hematoma, Tramp Stamp)

-Yamamoto Senko 5": http://bit.ly/2axAmNS

(Green Pumpkin, Watermelon/Green Pumpkin, JuneBug)

-Gamakatsu Superline EWG 4/0 Hook: http://bit.ly/2ac92XG

-Netbait T-Mac Worm 6.5": http://bit.ly/2jndwj9

(Bama Bug, Green Pumpkin)

-Dirty Jigs Canterbury Shaky Head 1/4 oz: http://bit.ly/2aFOs0V

DC Reels work great at every price point. As you move up to higher end equipment the reels become stronger and smoother but the technology that aids your ability to skip works throughout the line. Also, when dock fishing it is recommended to use an HG (high gear 7:1) or XG (Extra High Gear 8:1) to help you pull the fish out of the docks quickly before they tangle in the pilings. 

High End DC: Shimano Metanium DC: http://bit.ly/2qrSZvs

Mid-Range DC: Shimano Curado 150 DC: http://bit.ly/2yHtsp4

Budget DC: Shimano SLX 150 DC: http://bit.ly/2LWzw2Q

Excellent All-Around Combo For Docks... 

Rod- G Loomis IMX Pro 853C JWR: http://bit.ly/2R4f2Ud

Reel- Shimano Curado 150 DC: http://bit.ly/2yHtsp4

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

Leader- Sunline Sniper Fluorocarbon 14 lb: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

NEW Tactical Bassin Apparel... 

TacticalBassin Reaper Hoodie: http://bit.ly/2TwBWs7

TacticalBassin Shadow Hoodie: http://bit.ly/2FVD9Rs

TacticalBassin Sun Shirt: http://bit.ly/2TvFMBD

TacticalBassin Hooded Sun Shirt: http://bit.ly/38cVi9G

Catching Big Slab Crappie From My Dock!

Giant Slab Crappie! We don't have to go far, they're all around our dock! The fish are schooling around the pilings and feeding aggressively on small shad. They'll eat a variety of baits but we figured out the biggest fish like to eat the float and fly. Come along as JD and I throw light line and ultralight bass tackle for crappie and bass.

Big slabs can be caught on any cheap crappie jig but we've demonstrated in previous crappie videos (links below) that your odds of catching the really big ones goes up exponentially when you use higher quality lures. Flies and hair jigs consistently out produce crappie jigs and small swimbaits like keitechs are far superior to traditional curly tail grubs. If your goal is bigger crappie, don't be afraid to pick up some of your finesse bass tackle and give it a try!

Today's video was all about having a good time. JD is doing a great job of learning the techniques and we're glad you could come along for the fun! If you're interested in any of the gear we were using in today's video, we've linked them below. The links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see close up photos and descriptions of each item. We also linked some of our previous crappie and float n fly videos. 

Our Favorite Crappie Baits... 

-Spro 1/16 oz Phat Fly (Grey Ghost): http://bit.ly/2mboisG

-Thill Stealth Mini Float Bobber: http://bit.ly/2EYoXWa

-Thill Bobber Stops: http://bit.ly/2CJz1F0

-Cumberland Pro Lures 1/16 oz Float-N-Fly: http://bit.ly/2o9PE63

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

-Acme Tackle 1/4 oz Kastmasters: http://bit.ly/2PtUwi3

Tim's Hair Jig Combo... 

Rod- G Loomis Trout Series 901: Source Locally

Reel- Shimano Stradic FL 1000: http://bit.ly/35Bufnb

Line- Sunline Sniper Fluorocarbon 4 lb: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

Budget Bass / Crappie Combo... 

Rod- Shimano Convergence 7' Medium Light: https://bit.ly/3euARZO

Reel- Shimano Sedona FL 1000: http://bit.ly/2wgh50Z

Line- Sunline Sniper Fluorocarbon 4 lb: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

Crappie Videos... 

How To Catch Huge Slab Crappie: https://youtu.be/WjDVpQ4aTsc

Huge Slab Crappie On Every Cast!: https://youtu.be/cBpu1suTnno

Float N Fly Video... 

The Float N Fly Just Got Easier!: https://youtu.be/oqZfnRkIvc0

NEW Tactical Bassin Apparel... 

TacticalBassin Reaper Hoodie: http://bit.ly/2TwBWs7

TacticalBassin Shadow Hoodie: http://bit.ly/2FVD9Rs

TacticalBassin Sun Shirt: http://bit.ly/2TvFMBD

TacticalBassin Hooded Sun Shirt: http://bit.ly/38cVi9G