Topwater Poppers: Everything You Need to Know! (Beginner To Advanced)

Don't overlook this topwater This Spring! Everyone owns a popper, but very few fishermen understand how to use them in different conditions. Today we're taking a deep dive into the world of topwater poppers. We're covering bait styles, actions, retrieves, and colors, to help you be more effective with this often overlooked topwater.

Tim is taking us to school today! He's pouring out information about how bass position and feed in the Spring, and showing how different bait actions and retrieves will help you get more bites. From aggressively working poppers for reaction strikes, to subtly calling wary fish, these baits are an amazing Spring time tool. It's time to take your popper fishing to the next level!

Below you'll find links to all the baits Tim discussed in the video. We've included our favorite colors for each bait, as well as 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.

CHUGGING TOPWATERS...

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

Colors: Holo Ghost Shad, Natural Shad, Shadow Boxer

•Storm Chug Bug: https://bit.ly/3JYOZsV

Colors: Bone, Gizzard Shad, Bleeding Pearl

POPPERS...

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

Colors: Gill, Mat Shad, Secret Gill

•Damiki D Pop 70: https://bit.ly/2Pjvqo3

Colors: Black Holo, Phantom, Spayu

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

Colors: Ghost Gill, Ghost Minnow

•Megabass Pop X: https://bit.ly/3i9T3sg

Colors: GG Deadly Black Shad, Gill, Mat Shad

•Shimano World Pop 69F: https://bit.ly/3sSjJpI

Colors: N Smelt, T Smelt, Gill

•Cultiva Gobo Popper: https://bit.ly/3T91jMD

Colors: Black Pearl, Smoke

•Lobina Rico: https://bit.ly/2RGNx4x

Colors: Absolute, Risque

BFS POPPERS...

•Damiki Umpa 40: https://bit.ly/42XSQkD

Colors: Mossy Shad, Ghost Minnow, Real Shad

•Rapala Ultralight Popper: https://bit.ly/3FzvsNP

Colors: Chrome, Clown

•Megabass Baby Pop X: https://bit.ly/3QgjPDY

Colors: Galaxy Smoke, MG Sexy Stream

TIM'S HIGH END POPPER COMBO...

Rod– Megabass P5 Destroyer Oneten Stick: https://bit.ly/2wVOSbY

Model:

Reel– Shimano Metanium 70 MGL: https://bit.ly/49al91d

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

Leader– Sufix Advance Mono (12 lb): https://bit.ly/3GJEUix

MID PRICED POPPER COMBO...

Rod– St. Croix Legend Tournament 7'2" Med Hvy Mod: https://bit.ly/3Iow9KV

Reel– Daiwa Tatula 100 Casting Reel: https://bit.ly/3KmzgFJ

Line– Power Pro Maxcuatro (30 lb): https://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

Leader– Sufix Advance Mono (12 lb): https://bit.ly/3GJEUix

BUDGET POPPER COMBO...

Rod– Fenwick HMG 6'8" Medium Mod Fast: https://bit.ly/4epUFz1

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

Line– Power Pro Moss Green (30 lb): https://bit.ly/2aFg46b

Leader– Sufix Advance Mono (12 lb): https://bit.ly/3GJEUix

BFS POPPER COMBO...

Rod– Shimano Expride B BFS: https://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

Model: 6'8" Light

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

Line– Seaguar PEX8 (18 lb): https://bit.ly/3UEhhl2

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

Early May Bass Fishing! Bait Tricks To Catch Fish During The Post Spawn Transition!

Jump in the boat with Tim for a fun day on the water! Bass are transitioning between the spawn and the begins of early Summer patterns. Tim quickly dials in a Karashi bite, follows that up with a topwater pattern, then backs it up with a swimbait bite skipping the Magdraft around trees. It's a great time to be on the water, but you'd better be ready to adapt!

This time of year can be amazing. With multiple patterns available, you can choose the style of fishing you want to do. Tim focused on post-spawn fish that were positioning to feed on offshore structures and shallow cover. He used a combination of swimbaits and topwater to catch fish throughout the day.

Below the video you'll find links to all the baits and gear he used throughout the day. From the specific bait colors, to the details of his rod and reel combos, we've included everything to help you understand how he was catching fish. 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

TOPWATER...

•Megabass Giant Dog X: https://bit.ly/3JHJd08

Color: Spotlight Shad

KARASHI...

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

Color: See Through Shad

SPARK SHAD SWIMBAIT...

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

Color: Real

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

Size: 1/4 oz, 1/0 Hook

MAGDRAFT SWIMBAIT...

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

Color: White Back Shad, Nude Rainbow

KARASHI COMBO...

Rod– Megabass Destroyer Evoluzion 6'6" Light: https://bit.ly/4oXDY0A

Model: Expada

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

Line– Daiwa Hidden FC (7 lb): https://bit.ly/3ILKXH0

TOPWATER COMBO...

Rod– Megabass Destroyer P5 7' Medium Regular: https://bit.ly/2wVOSbY

Model: Z–Crank Elsiel

Reel– Daiwa Steez SV TW: https://bit.ly/3wXZ9Jb

Line– Sufix 131 Braid (40 lb): https://bit.ly/314VoyF

Leader– Sufix Advance Mono (12 lb): https://bit.ly/3GJEUix

MAGDRAFT COMBO...

Rod– Shimano Outlier 7'4" Medium Heavy: https://bit.ly/3EuHPiT

Reel– Shimano Metanium DC 70 A: https://bit.ly/49al91d

Line– Sunline Super FC Fluorocarbon (20 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

Shallow Water Bass Fishing! Flipping, Topwater, Old School Spring Bass Fishing!

Jump in the boat for an exciting day of bass fishing! Matt is on the road and today he's dropped into a lake where the fish are in an old school mood. Today is all about a flipping stick, a frog rod, and shallow water. He's not chasing suspended fish, probing open water, or even using modern electronics!

This is the bass fishing we fell in love with as kids. Bass are up on the bank, they're not line shy, and you can hammer the hook sets. Matt isn't getting a ton of bites, but they're the right caliber of fish. He identifies 3 unique patterns to catch them, and quickly gets to work putting fish in the boat.

Below you'll find links to the exact baits and gear Matt used throughout the day. We've included the exact bait colors, rigging components, as well as the rod and reel combos that he used to work the baits effectively. 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 FROG...

•Berkley Swamp Lord: https://bit.ly/3MAFQum

Color: Maverick

THE SENKO...

•Yamamoto 5" Fuzzy Senko: https://bit.ly/3Wgm6B7

Colors: Green Pump Orange

THE FLIPPING BAIT...

•MissileBaits DBomb: https://bit.ly/2d2dVlt

Color: Bruiser Flash, Ballistic Bruiser

•Owner Jungle Flipping Hook: https://bit.ly/3NZpvzp

Size: 4/0

•VMC Tungsten Weight: https://bit.ly/3G0WGCg

Size: 3/4 oz

•6th Sense Sinker Stoppers: https://bit.ly/32aJG6J

FROG COMBO #1...

Rod– Dobyns Champion Extreme HP 745: https://bit.ly/2ab2kRX

Model: 7'4" Mag Heavy

Reel– Shimano Metanium MGL 150 B (HG): https://bit.ly/34HlAAk

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

FROG COMBO #2...

Rod– Shimano Expride 7'3" Extra Heavy: http://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

Reel– Shimano Metanium MGL 150 B (XG): https://bit.ly/34HlAAk

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

SENKO COMBO...

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

Reel– Daiwa Kage SV 150: https://bit.ly/3JEBep4

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

Leader– Seaguar Grand Max (15 lb): https://bit.ly/46eb98G

FLIPPING COMBO...

Rod– Fenwick World Class 7'5" Extra Hvy Fast: https://bit.ly/3qbGEya

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

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

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!