3 Paddle Tail Swimbaits That Catch Fish In Tough Conditions + Road Trip Fishing!

Jump in the boat for a wild day on the water! Matt is on a road trip in the North and has no idea what he’s in for. What begins as a beautiful day on the water quickly spirals into a snow storm, but that doesn’t stop him from catching fish! Come along and see how he adapts to the changing conditions to catch some beautiful bass in ugly conditions.

Today is a great example of a natural Northern lake. There seem to be a ton of fish in the shallows that are willing to bite, but it takes some adapting to catch the bigger bass. Notice how Matt cycles through baits and locations to fine tune a pattern to catch the bigger fish, ultimately using the wind to his advantage.

Below you’ll find links to all the baits and gear he used throughout the day. We’ve included the exact rod and reel combos, the baits, as well as specifics on hooks and bait colors. 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

THE BAITS…

•Megabass 3” Dark Sleeper: https://bit.ly/2TyR1GT

Color: Wakasagi

Weight: 1/2 oz

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

Color: Ayu

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

Size: 1/4 oz, 1/0 Hook

•Yamamoto 3.2” Shibo Swimmer: https://bit.ly/4txT8vy

Color: Rainbow Shad

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

Size: 1/4 oz

•Great Lakes Finesse 3.25” Dropkick Shad: https://bit.ly/4ncjtg0

Color: Ayu

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

Size: 1/4 oz

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

LARGE PADDLETAIL COMBO...

Rod– St. Croix Legend X2 7'1" Medium Heavy XFast: https://bit.ly/4farXAh

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

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

Leader– Seaguar Grand Max (12 lb): https://bit.ly/46eb98G

FINESSE PADDLETAIL COMBO...

Rod– Dobyns Champion XP 7'9" Medium Light Fast: https://bit.ly/2j7EBXD

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

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

Leader– Seaguar Grand Max (8 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

Spring Swimbait And Chatterbait Fishing Is EASY!

Jump in the boat with Tim and Matt for an awesome day of fishing on Lake Guntersville! The bass are spawning, but the guys are committed to power fishing instead of sight fishing. They use an 8" Glide and a Chatterbait to cover water and locate aggressive fish. They give key tips throughout the day while landing quality bass on a variety of baits.

Most anglers are focused on spawning bass in April, but it's not a requirement to have a fun day on the water. You can target pre spawners that are still moving in, and post spawn bass on their way back out. The guys did an excellent job of this throughout the day, focusing on offshore structures and steeper banks where bass would naturally gather after the spawn.

Below you'll find links to all the baits and gear the guys used throughout the day. We've included the exact bait colors, rigging components, as well as the rod and reel combos they used to fish the baits effectively. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

SWIMBAIT...

•Berkley 8" Chop Block: https://bit.ly/44MelaG

Colors: Burnt Bone, Chrome Gizzard, Shad

CHATTERBAIT...

•Zman 1/2 oz Jackhammer: https://bit.ly/2popvj6

Color: Green Pumpkin Shad

•MissileBaits 5.5" Spunk Shad: https://bit.ly/3CA8BCG

Color: Goby Bite

•Zman 3/8 oz Evo Elite Chatterbait: https://bit.ly/3OAGB8y

Color: Alabama Bream, Electric Shad

•Hog Farmer 5.5" Spunk Shad: http://bit.ly/2UFkCD7

Color: TW Sunfish Magic, Electric Shad

UNDERSPIN...

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

Favorite Size: 1/4 oz, 5/0 Hook

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

Color: Pro Blue Red Pearl

SOFT JERBAIT...

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

Color: 6" Electric Shad, 5" Pro Blue Red Pearl

MEGABASS CHATTERBAIT COMBO...

Rod– Megabass P5 Destroyer "Daemos": https://bit.ly/3wHoXpD

Model: 7'2" Medium+

Reel– Shimano Metanium DC 70 A: https://bit.ly/2qrSZvs

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

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

FENWICK CHATTERBAIT COMBO...

Rod– Fenwick Elite 7'5" Medium Heavy X Fast: https://bit.ly/3MyC6tb

Reel– Shimano Metanium DC 70 A: https://bit.ly/2qrSZvs

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

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

MATT'S GLIDE BAIT COMBO...

Rod– Fenwick World Class 7'8" Medium Heavy: https://bit.ly/3qbGEya

Reel– Abu García Beast 300: https://bit.ly/3VJM3Zp

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

Leader– Seaguar Grand Max (30 lb): https://bit.ly/46eb98G

TIM'S GLIDE BAIT COMBO...

Rod– Shimano Outlier 7'11" Heavy: https://bit.ly/3EuHPiT

Reel– Shimano Tranx 200 (HG): https://bit.ly/2Tv0yCy

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

Leader– Sunline Saltimate Shock Leader (30 lb): https://bit.ly/47MCfkR

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 Best Hard Baits For Bass Fishing - Shallow, Deep, Reaction (SPRING BUYER'S GUIDE 2026)

Today we're covering the best hard baits for Spring bass fishing! In our final Buyer's Guide of Spring, we're covering all the major categories for Spring Bass Fishing. From Blade baits to crankbaits, swimbaits to chatterbaits, these are the baits we personally fish in Spring. No matter what you face on the water, you can go confidently know exactly what we'd throw in your situation.

Spring is a great time to learn a new technique. Bass are moving shallow and you can target them with a variety of lures. Whether you're looking to dial in a technique, or you just want to fish with more confidence, these recommendations will save you a lot of time and money. These are our favorite baits from each major category we use in the Spring, so you don't have to second guess your choices when you're out fishing.

Below you'll find links to the exact baits discussed in the video, in the order they appeared. We've even included our favorite sizes and colors. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each.

TACTICALBASSIN GEAR...

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

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

PREVIOUS BUYER'S GUIDE...

•Budget Rods and Reels: https://youtu.be/3yxQzzPMxM0

•Bang For The Buck Rods and Reels: https://youtu.be/zSpUeryIBoE

•High End Rods And Reels: https://youtu.be/eN0jl8xIJR4

•Budget Baits: https://youtu.be/4_M0OoZK2Y8

•BFS Guide: https://youtu.be/BO3GbKkgobo

•Soft Baits: https://youtu.be/02vnmQ6dJzQ

JERKBAITS...

•Jackall Rerange 95: https://bit.ly/3JCi7f6

Colors: HL Silver Shad, SG Threadfin

•Duo Realis 100 SP: https://bit.ly/45LDkf7

Colors: AM Edge, Ghost Minnow, Prism Smelt

SHALLOW CRANKBAITS...

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

Color: Fire Truck Craw, Red Glitter Craw, Tennessee Shad

•Rapala OG Rocco: https://bit.ly/3PHvNCI

Colors: Classic Craw, Red Crawdad, Bruised Citrus Shad

•Berkley Frittside 5 Clickin: https://bit.ly/4rV0Kah

Colors: Ghost Red Craw, Special Red Craw, Kentucky Blue

MID/DEEP DIVING CRANKBAITS...

•Rapala DT 12: https://bit.ly/4pSzbNU

Colors: Live River Shad, Crystal Craw, Citrus Shad

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

Color: DD Minnow, Metallic Shad, Ghost Minnow

LIPLESS CRANKBAIT...

•Nomad Swimtrex Max Series: https://bit.ly/3SjrDWD

Sizes: 1/2 oz, 3/4 oz

Colors: Red Craw, Threadfin Shad, Natural Threadfin

•Rapala Snare 50: https://bit.ly/47hD5sq

Colors: Classic Craw, Red Craw, Lemon Shad

SWIMBAITS...

•Jackall Gantarel: http://bit.ly/2adZI3R

Colors: RT Bluegill, RT Ghost Gill

•Bucca Brand 5" Bull Shad: https://bit.ly/4aYEpTm

Colors: Gizzard Magic, Matte Shad

•Bucca Brand 6" Trick Shad: https://bit.ly/4hFD5Go

Colors: Threadfintastic, Gizzard Magic, Matte Shad

•Savage Gear Scandal 200: https://bit.ly/48q7MNJ

Colors: Gizzard Shad, Rainbow Trout, Ghost Bone

SPY BAIT...

•Duo Realis Spinbait 80 (3/8 oz): https://bit.ly/3QE27YK

Colors: Ghost Minnow, Komochi Wakasagi

BLADE BAIT/TAIL SPIN...

•Damiki Vault (1/2 oz): http://bit.ly/2rnO7e2

Color: Black Holo, Real Shad

•Jackall Deracoup: http://bit.ly/2p8X4b0

Color: Dera Shad, Clear Shad, Silver

TOPWATER...

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

Colors: Matte Shad, Pure Chrome

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

Colors: Bone Python, Spotlight Shad, Juvy Gill

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

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

•Megabass Karashi 80: https://bit.ly/4lgNFFK

Colors: STP, Kasumi Ito, Matte Shad

•Duo Realis Popper 64: https://bit.ly/4a1hoMQ

Colors: Ghost Gill, Ghost Minnow

•Nomad Chug Norris: https://bit.ly/3wn1zRJ

Colors: Shadow Boxer, Holo Ghost Shad

WIRE BAITS...

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

Color: Electric Shad, Bama Bream, Bruised Green Pumpkin

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

Color: TW Sunfish Magic

•Dirty Jigs Compact Double Willow Spinnerbait: https://bit.ly/3OyxKDD

Colors: Tactical Shad, Alabama Bream

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

If you plan to shop, using these affiliate links before shopping at Tackle Warehouse is the single greatest way to support us! You won't be able to see a difference but they'll know you're one of us!

The Next Big Trend In Swimbait Fishing For Bass! (Soft Glide Baits)

Soft glide baits are the hottest trend in swimbait fishing! These baits catch giant bass, are cost effective, and widely available. If you haven't started throwing soft glidebaits, you're missing a huge opportunity! The swimbait community needed these baits, and now they're here.

We've been throwing big baits for decades. We've seen trends come and go, shifts in bait popularity, and the rise and fall of many swimbait anglers. Through it all, we've learned to spot trends that are going to matter. The soft glide bait solves real world problems for swimbait anglers. These baits are very natural and will get bit in conditions when traditional glide baits often fail.

Below you'll find links to the baits discussed in the video. We've included our favorite colors and sizes for each, along with some of 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.

WANT TACTICALBASSIN MERCH??

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

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

GROW DESIGN WORKS...

•Grow Designs Flag 255: https://bit.ly/3YYjHMK

Favorite Colors: Real Rainbow Trout, Albino Purple Shad

•Grow Designs Flag 170: https://bit.ly/46LrrVS

Favorite Colors: Phantom, Frost

BERKLEY SWIMBAITS...

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

Favorite Size: 8"

Favorite Colors: CA Hitch, Chrome Gizzard, Shad

•Berkley Nessie: https://bit.ly/4qJfE35

Favorite Size: 7"

Favorite Colors: Rainbow Trout, Hickory Shad

RAID SWIMBAIT...

•Raid Osakana Slide 170: https://bit.ly/417QgrV

Favorite Colors: TW Shad, The Bait, Hustler

SAVAGE GEAR SWIMBAIT...

•Savage Gear Soft Shine Glide: https://bit.ly/3WE2eIP

Favorite Colors: Gizzard Shad, Threadfin Shad, Bluegill

MATT'S DEDICATED SOFT GLIDE COMBO...

Rod– Fenwick Elite 7'8" Medium Heavy: https://bit.ly/3MyC6tb

Reel– Abu Garcia Beast 200 (7.5:1): https://bit.ly/3VJM3Zp

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

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

OUTLIER SOFT GLIDE COMBO...

Rod– Shimano Outlier 7'9" Medium Heavy: https://bit.ly/3EuHPiT

Reel– Shimano Curado 300 (HG): https://bit.ly/2HbZ3E4

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

Leader– Sunline Saltimate Tunageat (25 lb): https://bit.ly/47MCfkR

MATT'S ST. CROIX SMALL GLIDE COMBO...

Rod– St. Croix Legend Xtreme 7'4" Heavy Fast: https://bit.ly/2wlJQLu

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

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

Leader– Seaguar Grand Max (19 lb): https://bit.ly/46eb98G

MATT'S FENWICK SMALL GLIDE COMBO...

Rod– Fenwick World Class 7'5" Medium Heavy: https://bit.ly/3qbGEya

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

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

Leader– Seaguar Grand Max (19 lb): https://bit.ly/46eb98G

BUDGET SMALL GLIDE COMBO...

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

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

Line– Seaguar Red Label Fluoro (20 lb): https://bit.ly/2LOVEwA

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