7 Fishing Mistakes That Will Ruin Your Summer!

Don't make these mistakes this Summer! Summer bass fishing is tough enough without getting in your own way! If you can avoid these 7 common fishing mistakes, you will absolutely catch more fish this Summer!

Summer fishing success is all about attention to detail. Paying close attention to conditions and timing is the difference between a great day (or night) on the water and just wasting time. Here are the mistakes you should avoid this Summer...

1) Fishing Memories Instead Of The Current Conditions: Many anglers focus all their time on fishing places that worked in the past, regardless of the conditions or time of year. This is a huge waste of time and will lead you toward slow days on the water.

2) Summer Bass Go Deep When Its Hot: While a lot of bass move to offshore structures, there are a surprising number of fish that stay extremely shallow around cover in Summer. Even better, those shallow fish are incredibly predictable and can be easily patterned with exciting techniques.

3) Ignoring "Lively" Water: Water temperature is important, but oxygen (Dissolved Oxygen) is much more important. Bass will completely abandon areas that have low oxygen, even when they look perfect. Key indicators are lack of baitfish, lack of live grass, and overall lack of overall life. Focus on areas with grass, current, or boat wakes.

4) Slowing Down In Bad Water and Speeding Up In Good Water: Begin your day by power fishing and looking for active fish before slowing down. Most anglers begin fishing slow and only covering water after that fails to work.

5) Failure To Understand Bite Windows: Bass feed during key opportunities. They tend to feed heavily, then become lethargic. Bite windows can happen at any time, so pay attention to when you're getting bit.

6) Overlooking Shade: Bass love to hide in shade and ambush prey in the Summer months. Docks, bluff walls, and overhead cover are all likely locations to check.

7) Failure To Adjust To Pressure: Change the size or sound of your baits to get more bites. Recognize that you must be different than the crowd to have real success.


TOPWATER...

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

Colors: Bone Python, Spotlight Shad, Juvy Gill


NEKO RIG...

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

Color: Tactical Shad, Tactical Twilight, Green Pumpkin Blk

Hook– Owner Sniper Finesse Neko (Size 1): https://bit.ly/2kfdv37

Band– VMC Crossover (Size 5): https://bit.ly/3w0NYdz

Weight– Xzone Pagoda: https://bit.ly/2iGNSFW

Size: 3/32 oz


SHAKY HEAD...

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

Colors: Junebug, TW Dark Junebug

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

Size: 3/16 oz


SUMMER JIG...

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

Colors: The Go To, Green Pumpkin Brown

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

Colors: Green Pumpkin Black, Summer Craw


CHATTERBAIT...

•Zman 1/2 oz Evo Elite Chatterbait: https://bit.ly/3OAGB8y

Color: Alabama Bream

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

Color: TW Sunfish Magic


WOBBLE HEAD...

•XZone Adrenaline Craw 4.25: https://bit.ly/3ebTO5h

Colors: Junebug, Dark Junebug

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

Common Sizes: 1/2 oz 4/0 Hook


JIG AND MINNOW...

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

Color: Sexy Shad, Green Shad

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

Size: 2/0


BUDGET TOPWATER COMBO...

Rod– 13 Fishing Oath 7'1" Medium Fast: https://bit.ly/4xXeuVJ

Reel– Abu Garcia Max5 Pro: https://bit.ly/4pGZ4Az

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

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


BUDGET CRANKBAIT COMBO...

Rod– Cashion Element Z2 7'3" MH Mod Fast: https://bit.ly/3xZbLAy

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

Line– Seaguar Red Label (12 lb): https://bit.ly/2LOVEwA


BUDGET WORM/MINNOW FISHING COMBO...

Rod– St. Croix Black Bass 6'8" Medium XFast: https://bit.ly/4diwkqT

Reel– Daiwa Fuego LT 2000: https://bit.ly/488CsQb

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


BUDGET JIG/WOBBLE HEAD COMBO...

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

Reel– Seviin GF (7.3:1): https://bit.ly/3qa2SQZ

Line- Sunline Super FC (18 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

4 Common Spring Fishing Mistakes! ( Don't Be This Guy )

We all make mistakes while fishing, and some are worse than others! If you want to catch more fish this Spring you need to avoid these mistakes! Pay attention to what you're doing out there and you'll see an instant change in your bass fishing for the better!

Tim is telling it like it is! We all make mistakes on the water, that's just part bass fishing. Focus on positive change and your fishing will improve. Here are the mistakes we believe you should watch out for this Spring!


THE MISTAKES...

•Fishing Too Slowly

•Sticking With Confidence Baits

•Failing To Add Cadence Changes To Reaction Baits

•Overworking Your Finesse Presentations

•Fishing History Instead Of Current Conditions

•Forcing A Pattern When The Conditions Don't Match

•Keep Everything In Perspective


Below you'll find links to Tim's key confidence baits this time of year. We've included his favorite sizes and colors for each, along with the rigging components he uses to fish them effectively. We've also included some great budget friendly rod and reel combos for working these baits properly. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.


BAITS TO HELP YOU COVER WATER...


CHATTERBAIT...

Bait– Jack Hammer Chatterbait (1/2 oz): http://bit.ly/2popvj6

Color: Green Pumpkin Shad

Trailer– Hog Farmer Spunk Shad 4.5: http://bit.ly/2UFkCD7

Color: Sexy Shad


Bait– Zman Evo Elite (1/2 oz): https://bit.ly/3OAGB8y

Color: Electric Shad

Trailer– Hog Farmer Spunk Shad 4.5: http://bit.ly/2UFkCD7

Color: Electric Shad


SWIM JIG...

•Dirty Jigs Swim Jig: https://bit.ly/2dIVUMd

Favorite Size: 3/8 - 1/2 oz

Favorite Colors: Tactical Shad, Alabama Bream, Alabama Craw


•Xzone 4.75" Swammer: http://bit.ly/2PogV0q

Colors: Green Pumpkin Blue, Pro Blue Red Pearl


TIM'S SPRING CONFIDENCE BAITS...


SWIMBAIT AND GLIDEBAIT...

•Megabass 8" Magdraft: https://bit.ly/2mc8bfK

Colors: Nude Rainbow, White Back Shad, Albino Pearl Shad


•Berkley Chop Block: https://bit.ly/44MelaG

Favorite Size: 8"

Favorite Colors: CA Hitch, Chrome Gizzard, Shad


UNDERSPIN...

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

Favorite Size: 3/16 oz

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

Color: Green Shad


•Owner Flashy Swimmer: https://bit.ly/2e8O4Y7

Favorite Size: 3/16 oz, 3/0 Hook

•Xzone 4.75" Swammer: https://bit.ly/2PogV0q

Color: Pro Blue Red Pearl


SQUAREBILL CRANKBAITS...

•Bill Lewis 1.5 ATV: https://bit.ly/41o3ctj

Colors: Red Glitter Craw, FireTruck Craw


LIPLESS CRANKBAIT...

•Nomad Swimtrex Max (1/2 oz): https://bit.ly/3SjrDWD

Today's Color: Threadfin Shad, Natural Threadfin, Red Craw


SPINNERBAIT...

•Megabass SV–3 (1/2 oz): https://bit.ly/3lk1SD0

Colors: Ayu, Wakasagi, Gill


BUDGET CHATTERBAIT COMBO...

Rod– Fenwick HMG 7'5" Medium Heavy X Fast: https://bit.ly/3AyrAiW

Reel– Abu Garcia Max5 Pro: https://bit.ly/4pGZ4Az

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


BUDGET CRANKBAIT COMBO...

Rod– St. Croix Black Bass 7'4" Medium Hvy Mod: https://bit.ly/41ntbDB

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

Line– Seaguar Red Label (12 lb): https://bit.ly/2LOVEwA


BUDGET SWIMBAIT COMBO...

Rod– Dobyns Fury 7'9" Heavy (795): https://bit.ly/4q6IjyQ

Reel– Abu Garcia Max5 300: https://bit.ly/4pYubaE

Line– Sunline Big Bait FC (22 lb): https://bit.ly/46NMLv7


ALL AROUND BUDGET SPINNING COMBO...

Rod– Daiwa Tatula XT: https://bit.ly/3n6Ojvx

Models: 7' Medium Fast

Reel– Daiwa Legalis LT: https://bit.ly/3Y0kDh3

Size: 2500 D-XH

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


WANT TACTICALBASSIN GEAR??

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 Winter Mistakes That Will Ruin Your Fishing! (And How To Avoid Them)

Don't be caught making these mistakes! Winter bass fishing is really simple, but if you're making these mistakes you're ruining your chances of catching big bass. Subtle details like time of day, lure speed, and size, are often overlooked. These details can make or break your day, so it's time to pay attention! Avoid these mistakes to catch more bass this Winter.

We all make mistakes that hurt our fishing. Some were aware of, some catch us off guard. If you can avoid these three, you're going to have a lot more fun this Winter! Focus on fishing during low light periods, especially early morning. Next, forget about your "go to" baits from other times of year and focus on key Winter actions and profiles. And finally, pay attention to your surroundings so you know when the fish have vacated an area.

Below you'll find links to the baits Tim discussed in the video. We've also included some of Tim's favorite 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.


HULA GRUB...

•Yamamoto 2.5" Hula Grub: https://bit.ly/497jz1m

Colors: Green Pumpkin Purple and Copper


•VMC Finesse Football: https://bit.ly/3CZ1cQK

Size: 3/8 oz


FOOTBALL JIG...

•Keitech Tungsten Football Jig: https://bit.ly/2FDQ3o1

Colors: Green Pumpkin ,Green Pumpkin Blue


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

Colors: Green Pumpkin Black Flake


SWIMBAITS...

•Hawg Hunter Magnum Trout: https://bit.ly/3WuwJ0P

Colors: TW Gizzard Shad


•Huddleston Deluxe 8" Trout: https://bit.ly/2UVHiuQ

Colors: Albino, Brown Hitch, Silver Blue Back


•Baitsanity 11.5" Chimera Shad: https://bit.ly/3U1em4P

Colors: Ghost Gizzard Shad, Hatchery Trout


FINESSE SWIMBAITS...

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

Colors: Real, Albino


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

Colors: Electric Shad, Pro Blue Red Pearl


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

Size: 1/4 oz


MICRO RIG...

Rig– Tactical Micro Rig (Non-Bladed): https://bit.ly/3Rui7Oc

Hooks– Zman Trout Eye Finesse (1/8 oz): https://bit.ly/3C7H1iL

Baits– Damiki 3" Armor Shad: https://bit.ly/2KtPDAT

Colors: PB Silver, Pure Gill


CRANKBAIT...

•R2S Tactical DD 75: https://bit.ly/37dclbX

Colors: True Shad, Ghost Minnow, Glass Minnow


MICRO RIG/JIG COMBO...

Rod– Fenwick World Class 7'1" Medium XFast: https://bit.ly/3qbGEya

Reel– Abu Garcia Zata Tact Z: https://bit.ly/3B8E7Ks

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


BIG SOFT SWIMBAIT COMBO...

Rod– Shimano Outlier 8'0" XH: https://bit.ly/3EuHPiT

Reel– Shimano Conquest MD 300: https://bit.ly/3ZBEK5p

Line– Sufix 832 Braid (80 lb): https://bit.ly/2ae93Ji

Leader– Seaguar Grand Max (35 lb): https://bit.ly/46eb98G


BUDGET SWIMBAIT COMBO...

Rod– Dobyns Fury 8' H: https://bit.ly/2bGvlVV

Reel– Cardiff 300 A: https://bit.ly/2cvhtMO

Line– Sufix 832 Braid (65 lb): https://bit.ly/2ae93Ji

Leader– Seaguar Gold Label (30 lb): https://bit.ly/3UqrUbi


BUDGET CRANKBAIT COMBO...

Rod– Cashion Element Z2 7'3" MH Mod Fast: https://bit.ly/3xZbLAy

Reel– Seviin GF (7.3:1): https://bit.ly/3qa2SQZ

Line– 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

Don't Let These 3 Mistakes Ruin Your Fall Fishing!!

Avoid these common mistakes to improve your Fall Fishing! Fall brings some amazing patterns to bass fishing. You can catch them shallow or deep, you can catch them on top, or with fast moving subsurface baits. This is one of the most fun times of year to fish! That said, there are some pitfalls that a lot of anglers fall into that can quickly ruin your Fall. Here's what you need to know!

The biggest mistake we see anglers make is they forget about Fall. What we mean is, they're so caught up in the struggles of September bass fishing, that when the bite starts changing, they aren't even looking for it. They're still out struggling on a tough pattern, not realizing that bass have moved shallow and the best bite of the year is happening in a cove around the corner! Don't get caught this year, keep pushing and searching for the Fall bite because if it hasn't already started on your lake, it's just around the corner.

Below you'll find links to the exact baits and gear we discussed in the video. We've included some of Tim's favorite baits for Fall fishing, especially some of the unique baits he's focusing in on this time of year. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.


THE JIG...

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

Colors: The Go To


•Xzone Adrenaline Craw Jr: https://bit.ly/3ebTO5h

Colors: Green Pumpkin Black Flake


CHATTERBAIT...

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

Color: Electric Shad

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

Color: Electric Shad


•ZMan Mini Max Chatterbait: https://bit.ly/3tqztzi

Colors: Spot Remover

•Zman 3.5" Chattershad: https://bit.ly/4jPaGOX

Color: Bad Shad


UNDERSPIN...

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

Size: 1/4 oz


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

Colors: Albino Shad, Pro Blue Red Pearl


GLIDE BAITS...

•River2Sea S Waver 168: https://bit.ly/2aiu8Sh

Colors: Party Crasher, Lit Shad


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

Colors: Threadfin Shad, Gizzard Shad


BUDGET JIG COMBO...

Rod– St. Croix Bass X 7'4" Heavy Fast: https://bit.ly/3A5CFSU

Reel– Shimano SLX 70 MGL (HG): https://bit.ly/3vPtYQ5

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

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


BUDGET MINI UNDERSPIN COMBO...

Rod– Shimano Intenza 7' Medium: https://bit.ly/3O8zBye

Reel– Shimano Miravel 2500: https://bit.ly/3QZnwL5

Line– Seaguar InvizX (8 lb): https://bit.ly/2oVsG2Y


BUDGET CHATTERBAIT COMBO...

Rod– Cashion Element 7'1" Medium Heavy Mod Fast: https://bit.ly/48w69eC

Reel– Daiwa Aird 80 Casting Reel: https://bit.ly/46up5Mx

Line– Sunline Super FC (16 lb): https://bit.ly/2p7fxju


BUDGET GLIDE BAIT COMBO...

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

Reel– Abu Garcia Revo SX LP: https://bit.ly/40nsz0i

Line– Sufix 832 Braid (65 lb): https://bit.ly/2ae93Ji

Leader– Sunline Saltimate Shock (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