Free Rig Fishing For Fall Bass! ( Underwater Footage, Baits, and Rigging Tricks )

The "Free Rig" is an overlooked technique for catching bass in Fall! Have you tried the Free Rig yet? This rig modifies the traditional "Texas Rig" to create bait separation for a more natural fall. Give your bait more freedom, allow for slower falls, and catches a ton of fish this time of year!

If you haven't tried the Free Rig, this is the right time of year to experiment with it. The Free Rig isn't new, but is continuing to gain popularity, especially with newer Urchin baits. This rig shines around hard cover and will produce bites long after bass have become leery of traditional presentations. The benefit of this rig is it allows your bait to fall very slowly, while still keeping great contact with the bottom.

Below you'll find links to Tim's favorite baits for free rigging, along with the gear he uses to fish them effectively. We've also included our favorite colors for each bait to help you get started. 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


URCHIN BAITS...

•Tiemco Harinezume 88MM Elastomer Creature: https://bit.ly/4yX6YL5

Favorite Colors: Dark Mimizu, Loco Beetle, Green Pumpkin


•Yamamoto Uni Mas: https://bit.ly/4fC83Pc

Colors: Green Pumpkin Purp Cop, Green Pump, Scuppernong


•Berkley Moeba: https://bit.ly/4wu7i1w

Colors: Green Pumpkin, Watermelon, Bloodshot


•Zman Fuzzy Nuggetz: https://bit.ly/3KFn2Mv

Colors: Green Pumpkin, Green Pumpkin Goby


BAITFISH PROFILES...

•Berkley 3.5" Flux Gill: https://bit.ly/4deiBV8

Dark Gill, Green Pumpkin


•Megabass Sling Shad: https://bit.ly/41tgaaT

Colors: G Biwahigai, Hasu, Oikawa


•Zman 5" Jerk Shadz: https://bit.ly/3yRocN0

Colors: Electric Shad, Smelt


CREATURE BAITS...

•MissileBaits Baby D Stroyer: https://bit.ly/3248BXL

Colors: Green Pumpkin, Super Bug


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

Colors: Tilapia, Black Blue/Green Pumpkin


CRAW BAITS...

•XZone Adrenaline Craw Jr (3.5"): https://bit.ly/3ebTO5h

Colors: Green Pumpkin Blk Flake, Tilapia


•Rapala Crush City Bronco Bug (3.25"): https://bit.ly/4aUfkGv

Colors: Black Blue Green Pumpkin, Green Pumpkin Blue


HOOKS BY BAIT STYLE...

Tiemco: Zman ZWG Hook (3/0): https://bit.ly/4qWQlLQ

Urchin: Gamakatsu Weedless Ball Rig (3/0): https://bit.ly/4i2attD

Dice: Owner Sniper Finesse (1/0): https://bit.ly/2kfdv37

Creatures: Owner All Purpose (2/0): https://bit.ly/4qXdQUY

BFS Creature: Owner Rig N Hook (1/0): https://bit.ly/2BnniXN


FREE RIG WEIGHTS...

Lead– Cast Again Tackle Frag Weight: https://bit.ly/4qxAfbm

Sizes: 1/8 – 3/8 oz


Tungsten– Nako Free Rig Weight: https://bit.ly/4xM7p9t

Sizes: 3/16 – 1/2 oz


Tungsten– Nako Skinny Free Weight: https://bit.ly/4zSUu7D

Sizes: 1/8 – 1/2 oz


TIM'S ALL AROUND FREE RIG COMBO...

Rod– Dobyns Xtasy 6'10" Med Hvy: https://bit.ly/47EvHYz

Reel– Daiwa Tatula SV TW 70 (7:1): https://bit.ly/3ZcBbCZ

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

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


TIM'S FULL SIZE BAIT COMBO...

Rod– Abu Garcia Zenon 7' Medium Heavy Fast: https://bit.ly/43y32RU

Reel– Abu Garcia Zenon MG–X: https://bit.ly/4dv7WT0

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

Leader– Sunline System Shock Fluoro (16 lb): https://bit.ly/3oT1oq2


TIM'S SPINNING COMBO...

Rod– Dobyns Xtasy 7'2" Med (723): https://bit.ly/2KS92gK

Reel– Dobyns Tatula MQ LT 2500: https://bit.ly/3IWhxbv

Line– Seaguar PEX8 Braid (21 lb): https://bit.ly/3UEhhl2

Leader– Seaguar Gold Label (12 lb): https://bit.ly/3UqrUbi


BUDGET FREE RIG COMBO...

Rod– Dobyns Fury 7' Med Hvy (703): https://bit.ly/2bGvlVV

Reel– Shimano SLX 70 MGL: https://bit.ly/3gIUCgJ

Line– Power Pro Maxcuatro (40 lb): https://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

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


TACTICALBASSIN LURE DESIGNS (AND APPAREL)

•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!

The Best JDM Urchin Bait You've Never Heard Of! ( But Your Friends Have )

Urchin baits have swept bass fishing and it's not over yet! While everyone is trying to figure out how to rig a Coike, there's a JDM bait that quietly solves the problems, and most US anglers don't even know it exists! Like many bass fishing trends, we're looking to the Japanese market for the next step in the evolution of Urchin / Uni / Coike baits.

Round Urchin baits are amazing fish-catching lures. They fool a lot of fish, and they trigger a feed response in GIANT bass as well. However, they have some inherent flaws. In order to have a high hookup ratio with these baits, you're confronted with fish mortality issues. Is it better to not catch the fish, or risk permanent damage to the fish? Insert the Tiemco Harinezume (Hedge Hog). This bait has the same fish–catching abilities, without any of the issues, and is already wildly popular in the JDM market.

Below you'll find links to some of our favorite Urchin baits, as well as the new baits being discussed in today's video. We've included all the rigging components, as well as some great rod and reel combos to fish these 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


TIEMCO CREATURE...

•Tiemco Harinezume Elastomer Creature: https://bit.ly/4yX6YL5

Favorite Colors: Dark Mimizu, Loco Beetle, Green Pumpkin


RELATED URCHIN BAITS...

•Berkley Maxscent Moeba: https://bit.ly/4wu7i1w

•Yamamoto Uni Mas: https://bit.ly/4fC83Pc

•Yamamoto Uni Max: https://bit.ly/4gW4V3a

•Coike Full Cast: https://bit.ly/4h0ZcFI

•Hag's Prickly Pear 19mm: https://bit.ly/4t07x3h

•Hag's Prickly Pear 25mm: https://bit.ly/4yYc6yy


Preferred Hooks Sizes By Size...

ECO 88mm – 3/0 Wide Gap

BABY ECO 70mm – 1/0 Wide Gap

MINI ECO 60mm – 1 Wide Gap


SWINGING JIGHEAD RIGGING...

•Zman Texas Eye Jighead (3/0): https://bit.ly/45zbxgP

Favorite Sizes: 1/8 – 3/16 oz


•Zman Texas Eye Finesse Jighead (1/0): https://bit.ly/4hIWzw6

Favorite Sizes: 1/15 – 1/10 oz


FREE RIG...

Hook– BKK Armor Point Offset HD: https://bit.ly/4lcHa6U

Weight– Free Rig Weight: https://bit.ly/4xl19W9

Bobber Stop– VMC Stopper: https://bit.ly/4xkiDSy


GIKA RIG...

•Gamakatsu Gika Rig: https://bit.ly/3TAQqYS

Favorite Sizes: 3/16 – 1/4 oz, 3/0 Hook

•Gamakatsu Gika Rig Weights: https://bit.ly/452hG4R

Favorite Sizes: 1/8 – 3/16 oz


WEIGHTED HOOK...

•Gamakatsu Weighted EWG Hook: https://bit.ly/3wndxGX

Favorite Sizes: 1/16 – 1/8 oz, 3/0 Hook


FOOTBALL HEAD...

•Zman Finesse Football Nedz: https://bit.ly/3U6jUOs

Favorite Sizes: 3/16 – 1/4 oz


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

Favorite Sizes: 3/16 – 1/4 oz


MATT'S URCHIN COMBO...

Rod– Fenwick World Class 7'3" Medium Heavy: 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 Gold Label (20 lb): https://bit.ly/3UqrUbi


MID PRICED URCHIN COMBO...

Rod– Fenwick Elite 7'1" Medium Heavy: https://bit.ly/3MyC6tb

Reel– Bates Salty Hundo 100: https://bit.ly/4ueBBcj

Line– Power Pro Maxcuatro Braid (40 lb): https://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

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


BUDGET URCHIN COMBO...

Rod– Dobyns Maverick 7'3" Med Hvy Fast: https://bit.ly/3ncP1nX

Reel– Shimano SLX XT: https://bit.ly/2BRTYL8

Line– Sunline SniperFC (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

Early Fall Dock Fishing Tricks You Can't Afford To Miss!

The HOTTEST bite of the Fall is coming, don't miss it! Dock fishing is better right now than any other time of year!  While docks are always a great option, this time of year bass are pouring into the docks and replenishing daily because of changes in surrounding grass. If you're ever going to give it a try, now is the time.

Matt is pouring out the knowledge in today's video. From how bass position under docks, to identifying which docks are worth fishing, to favorite baits for getting fish to bite, this is an information-packed video! If you've tried fishing docks and never seen the kind of success that you head others talk about, now is the time, and this is details that will make the difference.

Below you'll finds to all the baits and gear Matt discussed in the video. We've included some of his favorite rod and reel combos, as well as some great budget–friendly rod and reel combos to help you catch 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


THE JIGS...

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

Color: The Go To

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

Colors: Green Pumpkin Black


Jig– Dirty Jigs Compact Pitchin Jig (1/2 oz): https://bit.ly/2hAIyCV

Colors: The Go To, Alabama Craw

Trailer– MissileBaits Mini D Chunk: https://bit.ly/3lGE8gx

Colors: Green Pumpkin, Super Bug


UNI BAITS...

•Uni HD: https://bit.ly/4wTn2vo

•Uni Mas: https://bit.ly/4fC83Pc

•Uni Max: https://bit.ly/4gW4V3a

Favorite Colors: Green Pumpkin, Scuppernong


UNI HD RIGGING...

Hook– Gamakatsu Antenna Hook: https://bit.ly/4x1Ks1J

Size: 1/0

Ring– Owner Hyperwire: https://bit.ly/2v8ArBX

Size: 2

Weight– Reins Dropshot: https://bit.ly/4flML9N

Size: 3/16 oz


TIEMCO BAITS/RIGGING...

Bait– Tiemco Harinezumi Elastomer: https://bit.ly/4yX6YL5

Color: Green Pumpkin - 88 MM

Hook– BKK Offset Worm HD: https://bit.ly/4lcHa6U

Size: 3/0

Weight– Tungsten Tie On: https://bit.ly/4x6sQll

Size: 1/4 oz


THE SENKOS...

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

Favorite Sizes: 5" and 7"

5" Colors: Tactical Shad, Tactical Twilight, SunGill

7" Colors: Baby Bass, Green Pumpkin Blk Flk


SOFT JERKBAIT...

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

Sizes: 5" and 6"

Colors: Pro Blue Red Pearl, Electric Shad


•Gamakatsu Nano Alpha Superline EWG: https://bit.ly/4bbBuDW

Size: 3/0 – 4/0


THE KARASHI...

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

Colors: Juvy Gill, Glitz Shad, See Through Shad


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

Colors: Kasumi Ito, STP, Mat Shad


MATT'S JIG COMBO...

Rod– Dobyns Xtasy 755: https://bit.ly/36fIHCg

Model: 7'5" Mag Heavy

Reel– Abu Garcia Zenon X: https://bit.ly/4klsOju

Line– Sufix 832 Braid (50 lb): https://bit.ly/2ae93Ji

Leader– Sufix Advance Mono (20 lb): https://bit.ly/3GJEUix


BUDGET JIG COMBO...

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

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

Line– Sufix 832 Braid (50 lb): https://bit.ly/2ae93Ji

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


MATT'S BFS KARASHI COMBO...

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

Model: 6'6" Light Slow

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

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


BUDGET KARASHI COMBO...

Rod– Cashion Element Z2 6'10" Medium Light: https://bit.ly/48w69eC

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

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


BUDGET URCHIN COMBO...

Rod– Dobyns Maverick 7'3" Medium Heavy: https://bit.ly/3ncP1nX

Reel– Shimano SLX XT 150: https://bit.ly/2BRTYL8

Line– Power Pro Moss Green (40 lb): https://bit.ly/2aFg46b

Leader– Seaguar Pounce Fluoro (15 lb): https://bit.ly/4fG9v3f


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

How To Catch Tough September Bass! ( On The Water Tricks For September bass Fishing )

Jump in the boat with us for a day of September Bass Fishing! Tim is on the Tennessee river, and he's targeting active fish around grass. He's using a combination of flipping, topwater, and reaction baits to catch fish. Watch how he adapts to changing conditions to catch fish throughout the day.

This time of year can be very challenging. Fish are transitioning from Summer to Fall patterns and are generally focused on eating baitfish near open water. This pattern keeps the fish moving, and requires the angler to do the same. Tim does a great job of covering water to dial in several key patterns throughout the day.

Below you'll find links to the exact baits and gear he used throughout the day. We've included his exact bait colors, as well as the rod and reel combos he 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.


TACTICALBASSIN GEAR...

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

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


SOFT JERKBAIT...

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

Colors: Electric Shad, Baby Bass, Pro Blue Red Pearl


Hook– Gamakatsu Superline Wide Gap: https://bit.ly/2ac92XG

Size: 5/0


POPPING FROG...

•Jackall Gavacho: http://bit.ly/2L7KsWS

Colors: Chart Strike Gill


TOPWATER...

•Rapala PXR Jowler 127: https://bit.ly/3A3HDVs

Colors: Pure Chrome


UNDERSPIN...

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

Size: 5/0 – 1/4 oz

•Daiwa 5" D Fin Swimbait: https://bit.ly/4ya80mj

Color: Rainbow Shad


PUNCH RIG...

Bait– MissileBaits Dbomb: https://bit.ly/2d2dVlt

Color: Love Bug

Hook– Owner Jungle Flippin HD Hook: https://bit.ly/3NZpvzp

Size: 4/0

Weight– Fitzgerald Tungsten Flipping: https://bit.ly/45OXowr

Size: 1 oz

Stopper– VMC Sinker Stop (Large): https://bit.ly/38XLQd4


TOAD...

•Zoom Uni Toad: https://bit.ly/3UXYH9S

Color: Natural Shad


WHIPLASH COMBO...

Rod– Shimano Zodias 6'10" Med Hvy: https://bit.ly/3aeQbYW

Reel– Shimano SLX 70 MGL: https://bit.ly/3gIUCgJ

Line– Power Pro Maxcuatro (40 lb): https://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

Leader– Seaguar Pounce (15 lb): https://bit.ly/4fG9v3f


JOWLER COMBO...

Rod– G Loomis IMX PRO 843C MBR: https://bit.ly/41lfbZW

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

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

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


FROG COMBO...

Rod– Daiwa Tatula Elitę 7'4" Heavy: https://bit.ly/3KtYe7Z

Reel– Daiwa Zillion SV TW G (7:1): https://bit.ly/3xobPDM

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


PUNCH COMBO...

Rod– Dobyns Champion Extreme HP 805 Flip: https://bit.ly/4xpbNvf

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

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


HEAVY PUNCH COMBO...

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

Reel– Abu Garcia Revo Beast 200: https://bit.ly/3YDNsSu

Line– Power Pro Maxcuatro 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