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

SPRING SWIMBAITS FOR BASS! Best Baits, Techniques, Full Seminar!

SPRING SWIMBAIT FISHING IS EASY! You only need a few baits to consistently catch fish, no matter where you live. Most anglers act like catching big bass with swimbaits is difficult, but aside from some little tricks, there isn't much you need to know to start catching bass with swimbaits. Focus on key baits, fish with confidence, and the rest will come naturally.

Tim breaks swimbaits into basic categories, including bluegill, baitfish, and trout profiles. Based on what bass are primarily eating in your lake, he covers which baits to focus on, and how to fish them effectively. Once you've got the basics it's all about building confidence with those key baits. You can catch a giant swimbait fish this year, all you have to do is commit to it.

Below you'll find links to the exact baits discussed in the video. We've included our favorite sizes, sink rates, and colors. We've also included some great rod and reel combos, as well as some other swimbait videos. All the gear 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

3 CONFIDENCE BAITS...

•Megabass 6" Magdraft: http://bit.ly/2mc8bfK

Color: White Back Shad

•Savage Gear LT Gill: https://bit.ly/3pCRab7

Color: Bluegill

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

Color: Matte Shad

RELATED SWIMBAIT VIDEOS…

•Swimbait Fishing For Bass Made Easy: https://youtu.be/mAuslfbxtBk

BLUEGILL SOFT BAITS...

•Savage Gear LT Gill: https://bit.ly/3pCRab7

Color: Bluegill

•Savage Gear 4" RTF Bluegill: https://bit.ly/2xx1zjH

Color: Bluegill, Ghost Gill

•Megabass Sleeper Gill: https://bit.ly/3HPvgMT

Color: Gill, Gillkko, Glitter Wild Gill

BLUEGILL HARD BAITS...

•Megabass Vatalion: https://bit.ly/367AOxD

Color: GG Gill, GG Wild Gill

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

Colors: RT Bluegill, RT Ghost Gill

SHAD SOFT BAITS...

•Megabass Magdraft (6" and 8"): https://bit.ly/2mc8bfK

Colors: White Back Shad, Albino Pearl Shad

•Megabass 5” Magdraft: https://bit.ly/4gNg7LN

Colors: Borealis Shad, Silver Shad, White Back Shad

•Megabass 6" Magdraft Freestyle: https://bit.ly/3bRG3Wi

Colors: White Back Shad, Albino Pearl Shad

•Owner Weighted Beast: https://bit.ly/2ancP66

Size: 8/0

•Megabass 5" Magdraft Freestyle: https://bit.ly/3NqWRel

Colors: White Back Shad, Aurora Shad, Brownie

•ZMan 6" ShadTron LT: https://bit.ly/46oXNoG

Colors: Blueback Herring, Threadfin Shad

•Bacca Burrito Swimbait (5" and 6"): https://bit.ly/3p5SkiW

Colors: Tactical Shad, Tactical Gizzard Shad, Tactical Chartreuse Shad

SHAD GLIDE BAITS...

•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

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

Colors: Shad, Chrome Gizzard, Golden Shiner

TROUT AND KOKANEE BAITS...

Megabass 8" and 10" Magdraft: https://bit.ly/2mc8bfK

Colors: Nude Rainbow, Stealth Rainbow

•Savage Gear Scandal 250: https://bit.ly/48q7MNJ

Colors: Gizzard Shad, Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout

DOBYNS SWIMBAIT COMBO...

Rod– Dobyns Champion XP 806 Heavy: https://bit.ly/2aivwYX

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

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

Leader– Saltimate Tunageat FC (30 lb): https://bit.ly/47MCfkR

ST. CROIX SWIMBAIT COMBO...

Rod– St. Croix Victory 8' Heavy Fast: https://bit.ly/3f4tcEb

Reel– Shimano Tranx 300B (HG): https://bit.ly/40QzQ7b

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

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

SHIMANO SWIMBAIT COMBO...

Rod– Shimano Outlier 8' Extra Heavy:  https://bit.ly/3EuHPiT

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

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

Leader– Saltimate Tunageat FC (35 lb): https://bit.ly/47MCfkR

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

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

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

How To Catch BIG BASS In Spring! ( It's Not Random And You Can Catch Them )

Spring is Big Bass Season, but only for select anglers. If you want to catch bigger bass this year, you need to understand that its not random and you need to fish with intention. Today Tim explains exactly what motivates big bass in Spring. He explains their movements, what they eat, and how factors like water temperature, visibility, and weather patterns, can impact them. He also shares the key baits that will help you begin targeting these big bass!

A few days ago Matt gave us an in–depth video on building patterns to target quality fish. There is a distinct mindset difference between catching more fish, and catching bigger fish. If you've struggled to catch bigger fish in Spring, you aren't alone. This time of year presents an amazing opportunity to target the biggest fish in the lake, but not everyone knows how to do it. When the same anglers continually catch big bass, it's not random, and it's not by accident. Listen closely to Tim's tips about how fish are positioning, then focus all your attention on baits that specifically target big bass.

Below you'll find links to the exact baits and gear discussed in the video. We've included our favorite sizes and colors for each, as well as some great budget–friendly gear that will help you fish effectively. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

TACTICALBASSIN MERCH...

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

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

RELATED VIDEOS...

•The #1 Secret To March Bass Fishing: https://youtu.be/csUmc3c9BkY

•Where Bass Go In Early Spring: https://youtu.be/i-xXt40T0kw

BOOT TAIL SWIMBAITS...

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

Color: White Back Shad, Albino Pearl Shad, Biwako Shad

•Megabass 6" Freestyle Swimbait: https://bit.ly/3bRG3Wi

Colors: Ghost Shad Solid, White Back Shad, Brownie

•Owner Beast Hook (6/0): https://bit.ly/2ancP66

•Bucca 5" Bacca Burrito: https://bit.ly/3p5SkiW

Colors: Tactical Shad, Tactical Gizzard Shad, Tactical Chartreuse Shad

GLIDE BAITS...

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

Colors: Matte Shad, Threadfintastic

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

Colors: Chrome Gizzard, Shad, CA Hitch

CHATTERBAIT...

•ZMan Jack Hammer Chatterbait (1/2 oz): http://bit.ly/2popvj6

Color: Green Pumpkin Shad, Bruised Green Pumpkin

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

Color: Electric Shad, Black Blue, Bama Bream

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

Colors: Sexy Shad, Hematoma Swirl, Electric Shad

FLIPPING JIG...

•Dirty Jigs No Jack Flippin Jig (1/2 oz): https://bit.ly/2fx8YBI

Colors: The Go To, Molting Craw

•Crush City Cleanup Craw: https://bit.ly/3TyfMmo

Colors: Tilapia Magic, Green Pumpkin Blue, Bama Craw

STICK BAIT...

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

Size: 5" or 6"

Favorite Colors: Green Pumpkin Black Flk, Black Blue Flake

HIGH END SWIMBAIT COMBO...

Rod– Shimano Outlier 7'10" 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

BUDGET BIG SWIMBAIT COMBO...

Rod– Shimano SLX A 7'8" Heavy: https://bit.ly/3QbMjvs

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

Line– Power Pro Maxcuatro (65 lb): https://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

Leader– Sunline Saltimate (30 lb): https://bit.ly/2O4UElB

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 JIG COMBO...

Rod– Dobyns Fury 765 Flip: https://bit.ly/2bGvlVV

Model: 7'6" Medium heavy Fast

Reel– Daiwa Fuego CT (7.3:1): https://bit.ly/35hugfH

Line– Power Pro Braid (65 lb): https://bit.ly/2aFg46b

Leader– Sufix Advance (20 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

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