Dropshot Tricks For The Early Fall Transition! (On The Water)

Come along for a fun day of bass fishing! Tim is exploring a new lake today and despite catching a few on jerkbaits and swimbaits right away, he quickly finds that dropshot baits are the key to consistent bites. The early Fall transition can be a challenge, so it's no surprise that Tim turned to finesse to catch some beautiful bass while exploring new water.

In between fish catches, Tim shares a handful of key tips about the dropshot bite. Notice how he switches between the weedless dropshot and the nose hooked model. One is for power fishing, the other for finessing fish that don't want to bite. He also uses two completely different styles of bait to coax fish into eating. Again, it's key to notice that Tim was able to catch plenty of fish on other baits, but it wasn't until he locked the dropshot in his hand that the bigger fish made an appearance.

Below you'll find links to the exact baits and gear Tim used throughout the day. We've also included the combos he was fishing with, the terminal box, and the glasses that let him easily spot the grass lines below the surface. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.


JERKBAIT...

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

Color: S Hasu


TEXAS RIG DROPSHOT...

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

Color: Blueback Secret

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

Size: 2/0

Weight– Xzone Tungsten Pencil: https://bit.ly/3LeDf7Z

Size: 1/4 oz


FINESSE SWIMBAIT...

•Keitech 4" Easy Shiner: https://bit.ly/2bxJK6H

Color: Ayu

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

Size: 1/4 oz, 1/0 Hook


NOSE HOOKED DROPSHOT...

Bait– Megabass 3" Hazedong Shad: https://bit.ly/2CIwgzt

Color: Tennessee Shad

Hook– Owner Mosquito Light: https://bit.ly/2zQVKx3

Size: 2

Weight– Xzone Tungsten Pencil: https://bit.ly/3LeDf7Z

Size: 3/16 oz


TIM'S SUNGLASSES...

•Eye Surrender TacticalBassin Sunglasses: https://bit.ly/3cLH0kl

Lense Color: Black/Blue Mirror


TERMINAL BOX...

•Spro Terminal Box: https://bit.ly/3L9Y03F

Box Size: XL


JERKBAIT COMBO...

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

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

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


FINESSE DROPSHOT COMBO...

Rod– G Loomis NRX+ 822 DSR: https://bit.ly/2RB0oJP

Reel– Shimano Exsence 2500: https://bit.ly/2iMtscV

Line– Sunline SX1 10 lb Braid: http://bit.ly/2tn8EzQ

Leader– Seaguar Gold Label (6 lb): https://bit.ly/3UqrUbi


TEXAS RIG DROPSHOT COMBO...

Rod– Abu Garcia Zenon 7'1" Medium 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 (15 lb): https://bit.ly/46eb98G


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 Most Overlooked Bait Of 2025! (You Should Try This Spybait Again)

Spy baits are one of the most underrated lures in bass fishing! Their ability to catch big fish in both clear and stained water is remarkable. There aren't many baits that are this good, that go unnoticed by the majority of anglers. From fan casting flats, to ledge fishing, to targeting schooling fish, the spy bait should have a place in your box!

It's amazing how many anglers look right past the spybait. They don't look like much in the water, but they catch a ton of fish! From the smaller 70 and 80 sizes for Smallmouth and Spotted Bass, to the larger 90 and 100 sizes for big Largemouth, these baits have earned their place on the deck of the boat.

Below you'll find links to the exact baits we discussed in the video. We've included our favorite sizes, colors, hook upgrades, as well as the rod and reel combos 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.


IF YOU COULD ONLY HAVE ONE...

•Duo Realis Spinbait 80 (1/4 oz): https://bit.ly/3QE27YK

Color: River Bait


RELATED VIDEO...

•BIG SMALLMOUTH ON SPYBAITS: https://youtu.be/bPjmUwUEYy4


STORAGE BOX...

Buzbe Colony 28 Modular Box: https://bit.ly/3U9y4cl


MAIN SPY BAITS...

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

Sizes: 70, 80

Natural Colors: Ghost Minnow, River Bait, Ghost Wakasagi

Bold Colors: Neo Pearl, TW Ghost SX Shad, AM Edge


•Spro Spin John 80: https://bit.ly/3ycTg9o

Colors: Herring Pink, Matte Shad, Ayu


LARGER/SHAD SHAPED BAITS...

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

Sizes: 90, 100

Colors: Ghost Minnow, Chartreuse Shad, Komochi Wakasagi


•Duo Realis Spinbait Alpha: https://bit.ly/2UbnUu9

Colors: Ghost Minnow, River Bait, Wakasagi


UNIQUE SPY BAIT...

•Duo Realis Heartbee 75SS: https://bit.ly/3WCAkNA

Colors: LG Wakasagi, Half Mirror Ayu


HOOK UPGRADES...

•Duo Realis Nano Treble Hooks: https://bit.ly/3RKoHBi

80 Size: 8

90 Size: 6

100 Size: 5

Alpha 72: 6

Alpha 62: 8


MATT'S SPY BAIT SPINNING COMBO...

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

Model: 7'6" Light+

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

Line– Seaguar InvizX (6 lb): https://bit.ly/2oVsG2Y


MATT'S SPY BAIT BFS COMBO...

Rod– Abu Garcia Zenon 7'1" Medium Moderate Fast: https://bit.ly/49WVp8U

Reel– Abu Garcia Zenon MG LTX BFS: https://bit.ly/4aSBckW

Line– Daiwa Hidden FC (6 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

Summer Worm Fishing! Neko Rig vs. Power Shot!

Come along for a fun day of bass fishing! Tim has big plans to power fish, but the fish have something else in store! Watch how Tim adapts to changing conditions, identifies a pattern, and catches BIG fish in tough weather. It's amazing what you can do on the water when you read the conditions and adapt!

Today is a great example of how to build patterns. Tim certainly started off with preconceived notions, but he immediately realized he'd have to adapt. The first couple bites clued him in to the worm pattern, and it was a slugfest from then on! Between the neko rig and power shot, he caught a ton of fish, and a couple of giants!

Below you'll find links to the exact baits Tim used throughout the day. We've included the worms, the rigging components, as well as the rod and reel 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.


NEKO RIG...

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

Colors: Green Weenie Laminate

Hook– Owner Sniper Finesse Neko: https://bit.ly/2zXirRH

Size: 1

Ring– VMC Crossover: https://bit.ly/3w0NYdz

Size: 7 mm

Weight– Reins Tungsten Nail Sinker: https://bit.ly/3Qvfv3Z

Size: 3/32 oz


POWER SHOT...

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

Color: Watermelon Violet

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

Size: 2/0

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

Size: 1/4 oz


FINESSE SWIMBAIT...

•Keitech 3.5" Easy Shiner: https://bit.ly/2bxJK6H

Color: Ayu

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

Size: 1/4 oz


SUNGLASSES...

•Eye Surrender Tactical Bassin Sunglasses: https://bit.ly/3cLH0kl

Lense Color: Copper


NEKO RIG COMBO...

Rod– G Loomis NRX+ 852S JWR: https://bit.ly/2dX9zjv

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

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

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


POWER SHOT COMBO...

Rod– Abu Garcia Zenon 7'0" Medium Fast: https://bit.ly/43y32RU

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

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

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


FINESSE SWIMBAIT COMBO...

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

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

Line– Sunline Super FC Fluorocarbon (7 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

3 Baits Every Midwest And Northern Angler Should Own! (To Catch Bigger Fish)

Come along for an incredible day fishing on the Great Lakes! Tim is targeting trophy smallmouth with finesse tackle. He catches a ton of fish, catches big ones, its just an all around great day of fishing! Pay close attention to his bait selection, as there are 3 key baits that he relies on to consistently get these fish to bite.

Clear water finesse fishing is all about the subtle details. Notice how Tim adjusts his retrieves, adjusts his baits, and targets specific fish. These tricks are all key to consistently catching the big fish in a school.

Below you'll find links to all the baits Tim used throughout the day. We've also included the rod and reel combos he focused on, as well as specifics on bait color, hooks, etc. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.


FINESSE TUBE...

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

Colors: Great Lakes Sand, 309

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

Size: 3/16 oz


THE DARK SLEEPER...

•Megabass 3" Dark Sleeper (3/4 oz): https://bit.ly/2TyR1GT

Color: Wakasagi


THE SPARK SHAD...

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

Color: Real, Royal Gill

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

Size: 3/16 oz – 1/4 oz


THE SCALE...

•Bubba Smart Fish Scale: https://bit.ly/43tkx5W


THE TUBE COMBO...

Rod– G Loomis NRX+ 852C JWR: https://bit.ly/2hedqsq

Reel– Shimano Aldebaran MGL 50 (HG): https://bit.ly/2fdX1Uy

Line– Seaguar InvizX Fluorocarbon (10 lb): https://bit.ly/2oVsG2Y


THE DARK SLEEPER COMBO...

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

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

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


SPARK SHAD COMBO #1...

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

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

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


SPARK SHAD COMBO #2...

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

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

Line– Sunline Super FC (7 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