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!

Best Soft Baits For Bass Fishing: Worms, Creatures, Craws, Swimbaits (2026 SPRING BUYER'S GUIDE)

Welcome back to our Spring Buyer's Guide Series! Today we're exploring the best soft plastics for Spring bass fishing. From senkos to Flukes, big swimbaits to creature baits, we're talking all about soft baits. This is a major bass fishing category that confuses a lot of anglers, today we're going to simplify it!

The goal of today's video is to help you focus on the best baits this Spring. We've taken all the major soft bait categories (dropshot worm, creature bait, shaky head worm, ned rig, etc...) and chosen our favorite bait or baits for each category. Our goal is to help you fish with confidence, rather than guessing about what bait to tie on next.

All the baits are linked in the description below, in the order they appeared in the video. We've taking it a step further and included our favorite colors and sizes for each bait as well. 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

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

PLASTIC WORMS...

Straight Worm– Xzone Deception: https://bit.ly/43YDE6x

Colors: TW Dark Junebug, Green Pumpkin Black

Curly Worm–Keitech Mad Wag Long: https://bit.ly/3dkFMLl

Colors: Junebug, Green Pumpkin

Swimming Worm– Big Bite 7.5" Tour Swim: https://bit.ly/3ut2QR1

Colors: Purpletoma, 1099, Red Bug

Finesse Worm– Berkley Powerworm 4.75" Bottom Hopper: https://bit.ly/2Q9Qhdt

Colors: Green Pumpkin, Blue Craw

Dropshot Minnow– MissileBaits BombShot: https://bit.ly/2YYBipr

Colors: Fishaliscious, CandyBomb

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

Colors: Missile Morning, Blueback Secret

CREATURES AND CRAWS...

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

Colors: SuperBug, Tilapia Magic, Bruiser Flash

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

Colors: Green Pumpkin Black, Summer Craw

STICK BAITS...

•Yamamoto 5” Senko: http://bit.ly/2axAmNS

Colors: SunGill, Green Pumpkin Black Flake

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

Colors: Green Pump Chartreuse, Green Pump Orange

SOFT JERKBAIT...

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

Colors: Pro Blue Red Pearl, Electric Shad

NED BAITS...

•Zman TRD FattyZ: https://bit.ly/3y5A2EU

Colors: Goby Bryant, Green Pumpkin Goby

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

Colors: Black Blue/Green Pumpkin, Grass Craw

TUBE BAIT...

•Big Bite Baits Tour Tube: http://bit.ly/32e23VR

Color: Green Pumpkin Blue, Tilapia

PADDLE TAIL...

•Xzone 3.5" Swammer: https://bit.ly/2PogV0q

Colors: Pro Blue Red Pearl, Electric Shad, Gas

GILL BAIT...

•Berkley Flux Gill: https://bit.ly/4deiBV8

Colors: Bluegill, Dark Gill, Green Pumpkin

MINNOW BAITS...

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

Colors: Blue Gizzard, Green Shad, Ghost Minnow

•Rapala Crush City 6.25" Freeloader: https://bit.ly/3QWwj4b

Colors: Gizzard Shad, Shad

•Yamamoto 7" Hinge Minnow: https://bit.ly/4hCOze1

Colors: Natural Shad, Rainbow Shad

SWIMBAITS...

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

Colors: White Back Shad, Ghost Shad Solid

•Berkley 6" Chop Block: https://bit.ly/44MelaG

Colors: Shad, Chrome Gizzard

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

Colors: Bluegill, Ghost Gill, Bream

BUDGET TEXAS RIG COMBO...

Rod– Dobyns Fury 7'3" Heavy (734C): https://bit.ly/2bGvlVV

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

Line– Seaguar InvizX (15 lb): https://bit.ly/2oVsG2Y

BUDGET FINESSE COMBO...

Rod– Cashion Element Z2 7'1" Medium Light: https://bit.ly/47GAOVA

Reel– Daiwa Fuego LT 2500D – XH: https://bit.ly/2yDmdtQ

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

BUDGET MINNOW SHAKING COMBO...

Rod– Fenwick Eagle 7' Medium Light: https://bit.ly/3Lo1gKC

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

Line– Power Pro Braid (15 lb): https://bit.ly/2aFg46b

Leader– Sufix Advance (10 lb): https://bit.ly/3GJEUix

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!

Best BFS Baits, Rods, and Reels For Bass Fishing! (SPRING BUYER'S GUIDE 2026)

If you're still holding out on BFS fishing, it's time to give it a try. Thousands of new anglers are flocking to this fishing method because of its benefits, don't be the one that misses out! In today's Buyer's Guide we're covering our favorite BFS baits, rods, reels, and tackle for casting ultralight presentations without the need for spinning tackle. 

This fishing method is here to stay, gaining more popularity every day! If you're not familiar with BFS, anything you've done with a spinning rod can now be done with a bait caster. Plus, it's a lot of fun! BFS has been around for decades but has grown exponentially in the US Market the past few years. Even if you prefer spinning tackle, you can benefit from the new baits being designed for the BFS category.

Below you'll find links to the rods, reels, and baits discussed in the video. 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

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 REELS...

•Abu Garcia Revo X BFS: https://bit.ly/4flqwi3

•Shimano Curado BFS: https://bit.ly/2QGRVF2

•Daiwa Tatula BF70 BFS: https://bit.ly/4b7UbYM

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

BFS RODS...

•Daiwa Tatula XT Bait Finesse: https://bit.ly/3LFqEeH

Model: 6'5" Light Fast

•Abu Garcia Veritas BFS: https://bit.ly/3Daye0v

Model: 7'1" Medium Light Moderate

•Cashion Element Z2 Casting: https://bit.ly/43hnh7S

Model: 6'10" Medium Light

•Dobyns Sierra Ultra Finesse Casting: https://bit.ly/3C4PWgc

Models: 6'9" Light Extra Fast, 7' Light Fast

•Megabass P5 Destroyer: https://bit.ly/2wVOSbY

Models: Pop X Stick, Kasumi Six Eleven

KARASHI RODS...

•Cashion Icon BF Bait Finesse Series: https://bit.ly/3mLIIes

Models: 7' Light

•Megabass Destroyer Evoluzion Expada: https://bit.ly/4oXDY0A

Model: 6'6" Light Slow

FISHING LINE...

•Daiwa Samurai Hidden FC: https://bit.ly/3ILKXH0

Preferred Size: 7 lb

•Sunline Super FC: https://bit.ly/2p7fxju

Preferred Size: 6-8 lb

•Seguar PEX8 JDM Braided line: https://bit.ly/3UEhhl2

Preferred Size: 16 – 21 lb

HARD BAITS...

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

Tactical Colors: Juvy Gill, See Through Shad, Glitz Shad

Replacement Hook: Tinsel Hook– https://bit.ly/4ltPizz

•Bill Lewis Gnat: https://bit.ly/3URb85s

Colors: Red Glitter Craw, Ghost Minnow

•Megabass Griffin SR-X: https://bit.ly/3qOyDj6

Colors: GP Kawamatsu, Phantom Green Craw

•Duo Realis Spinbait 70 (1/4 oz): https://bit.ly/3QE27YK

Colors: Ghost Minnow, Morning Dawn

•Duo Realis Rosante 63 SP: https://bit.ly/3EFMLOY

Colors: All Bait, Komochi Wakasagi

•Megabass X Nanahan: https://bit.ly/4uhe6zn

Colors: Elegy Bone, Kasumi Ito

SWIMBAITS...

•Baitsanity BFS Glide Minnow: https://bit.ly/4od827Y

•Baitsanity BFS Crank Minnow: https://bit.ly/4mOdXz7

Colors: Bluegill, Baby Shad, Minnow

•Bucca Brand 2.5" Trick Shad: https://bit.ly/4blc761

•Bucca Brand Lil Baby Bull Shad: https://bit.ly/46MzYst

Colors: Matte Shad, Threadfintastic

TOPWATER...

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

Colors: MG Sexy Stream, Mat Shad

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

Colors: Real Shad, Mossy Shad

•Megabass Dog X Jr Coayu: https://bit.ly/475zcoD

Colors: Bahama Milk Pearl, Downsizing Wakasagi

CHATTERBAIT...

•Zman Chatterbait Micro Max: https://bit.ly/4odPVyC

Colors: Bluegill, Spot Remover

•Yamamoto 3" Zako: https://bit.ly/2fKmSRp

Colors: Green Pumpkin, Green Gizzard

SOFT JERKBAIT...

•Xzone 3.5" Whiplash Shad: https://bit.ly/3IpMKQo

Colors: Baby Bass, Pro Blue Red Pearl

•Owner J Light Hook: https://bit.ly/3HDg0SH

Size: 1/0

PADDLE TAILS...

•Dirty Jigs Tungsten Guppy Head: https://bit.ly/4nfOJtT

Size: 1/8 oz

•XZone 2.75 Swammer: https://bit.ly/2PogV0q

Colors: Electric Shad

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

Colors: Albino, Real

TEXAS RIGS...

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

Colors: Black Blue/Green Pumpkin, Green Pumpkin Blue

•Xzone Stealth Finesse Craw: https://bit.ly/4ckYPmX

Colors: Grass Craw, Green Pumpkin Black

•Reins Slip Sinker Tungsten: https://bit.ly/3Kx0Fqz

Size: 1/16 oz

•Owner Rig N Hook: https://bit.ly/2BnniXN

Size: 1/0

NED RIGS...

•Savage Gear Ned Salamander: https://bit.ly/3rSNi8g

Colors: Green Pump Purp Cop

•ZMan TRD Bugz: https://bit.ly/2oiavEE

Colors: Green Pumpkin

•Great Lakes Finesse Ned Head: https://bit.ly/4krhkeA

Size: 1/8 oz

•ZMan NedLockz EWG: https://bit.ly/3OWdp9W

Size: 1/10 oz

SENKO...

•Yamamoto 5" Thin Senko: https://bit.ly/43d1Tgn

Colors: Green Pumpkin Black, Baby Bass

MICRO BAITS...

•Great Lakes Finesse Micro Snack Craw: https://bit.ly/4lOsTgf

•Great Lakes Finesse Micro Juvy Craw: https://bit.ly/4fdTgKd

Colors: Brown Pumpkin Special, Green Pumpkin

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!