Summer Bass Fishing Gear Review! New Baits, Tackle, and Equipment This Summer!

Let's take a look at some of the best new gear for this Summer! From new crankbaits to worms, trailer accessories to reels, we're covering it all! This review is a selection of products from a variety of brands that have been making a difference in our fishing lately. Some items are brand new to the market, others have just recently had a positive impact in our fishing and earned a place in the review. 

You may have noticed that our recent videos have not been from our home state. We're back out on the road, traveling the country, and exploring new places. We're coming to a lake near you, trying new gear, catching new fish, and continuing to grow our angling knowledge so we can help you become a more consistent angler as we share that knowledge. In the spirit of road tripping, we've recently had a lot of positive experiences with our boat and trailer upgrades so today Tim begins with a series of trailer upgrades that have been impacting his fishing in a positive way. 

Boating/Trailer Equipment... 

-Moto Stop Transom Saver (Yamaha): http://bit.ly/2SCCwW4

-DD26 Transom Saver (Mercury): https://bit.ly/2BfaZlC

-TH Marine Steer Stop- https://bit.ly/2Sc5Ikg

-Fulton F2 Series Trailer Jack: https://bit.ly/2YHEB34

-Fulton F2 Series Winch: https://bit.ly/3frtFx8

-Spare Boat Buckle Winch Straps (Loop End): https://bit.ly/2BgnOw1

Its no secret that we're both tackle junkies. When new gear comes out we're always quick to give it a try. We're constantly fishing new brands, new baits, and new equipment. With Covid creating supply chain issues across the fishing industry we've been reaching even further to try new baits and gear while some of our favorites are sold out! These are a few of the items that have stood out for us in recent months. All of the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and product descriptions of each item. 

Baits... 

-Megabass Z Series Z-1 Crankbait: https://bit.ly/2Y9dkHB

Favorite Colors: Mat Craw 2, PM Hot Gill 2, Kasumi Ito

-Megabass Z Series Z-2 Crankbait: https://bit.ly/3fsxn9G

Favorite Colors: GG Gill, Mat Craw 2, PM Hot Gill 2

-Teckel KickKnocker Topwater: http://bit.ly/2nvxkoA

Favorite Colors: Bone, Lime Ice

-Yum Mighty Worm: https://bit.ly/2Yajojh

Gear... 

-Shimano Bantam Metanium MGL 150 B: https://bit.ly/34HlAAk

This reel is AWESOME for the price! If you're looking for a new high-end "do everything" reel this is it! Today's video is just giving it a quick stamp of approval because there is a dedicated review of just this reel coming in the future. We didn't care to be first on a review, we wanted to really break this reel in and see how it did over time... more to come on that very soon. 

-Sunline FC Structure Fluorocarbon Line: https://bit.ly/2UMO73N

This line is designed for fishing around structure. Big Worms and Jigs, deep water, etc... is what they had in mind when designing this. Its been on the market for a couple years but I'm just giving it a fair shot now and so far I've been very impressed. 

NEW Tactical Bassin Apparel... 

TacticalBassin Reaper Hoodie: http://bit.ly/2TwBWs7

TacticalBassin Shadow Hoodie: http://bit.ly/2FVD9Rs

TacticalBassin Sun Shirt: http://bit.ly/2TvFMBD

TacticalBassin Hooded Sun Shirt: http://bit.ly/38cVi9G

My Wife Bought A Boat! Full Tour of CC's New (Used) Boat - Complete DIY Restoration

Our wives love to fish! CC already had an older Ranger bass boat but she needed a larger platform. She upgraded to a used Champion 198 this Winter and has been working on DIY projects to dial it in all Spring. When she got the boat it was stripped, leaving room to rig it any way her heart desired. Come along as she gives a full tour, showing every detail of how she chose to rig this boat. From the Ultrex 112 trolling motor to brand new electronics and accessories throughout, she did it right!

Buying a bass boat can be a very stressful time. For the angler buying a new boat, you're faced with the anxiety of selecting from a handful of electronics options, color schemes, engine sizes, etc. For the angler purchasing a used boat, you're faced with fears of reliability and hidden damage. For both groups, it can be an incredible experience if you have a little confidence about what you're looking for. If you're considering a used boat purchase, this video will tell you everything you need to look for before committing to buy: https://youtu.be/cZtbnWpl4uI

After making a purchase the next step is to dial the boat in so you feel like its your own. This may involve big purchases like a new motor, shallow water anchors, or seats. It could also just be as simple as a few stickers that make it feel personal. When CC purchased her boat it was stripped. There was no trolling motor, electronics, batteries, charger, etc... She had a blank slate to work with and over the course of a few months we were able to buy and install all the parts and pieces to make it her own. 

Below are a list of the parts and equipment that were upgraded. We'll follow the course of the video so we'll begin in the stern and work our way to the bow. 

Transom... 

Steering- Hydraulic Steer Stops: https://bit.ly/2Sc5Ikg

Motor Support- Motor Stiks: Source From T-H Marine

Plug- Flow Rite Remote Drain Plug: http://bit.ly/2jkZqjS

Anchors- Minn Kota 8' Talons: http://bit.ly/2F0QBSP

Brackets- Minn Kota Tilt Brackets: https://bit.ly/2VJ8O1c

Battery Compartment... 

Batteries- Group 31 100 Amp Hour: Source Locally

Switch- Battery Disconnect Switch: Source Locally

Battery Charger- Minn Kota Precision 4-Bank: http://bit.ly/2vcrbjA

Console... 

Electronics- Humminbird Helix 12 CHIRP G3: https://bit.ly/2w7u3jx

Electronics Mount- BalzOut 6": http://bit.ly/2HnxLtu

New Rocker Switches: Source From New Wire Marine

Throttle- Hot Foot Throttle Control: http://bit.ly/2ob4kgO

Bow... 

Motor- Minn Kota Ultrex MEGA DI 112 (52" Shaft): http://bit.ly/2RqrT4v

Wiring Sleeve- T-H Marine Troll Jacket: http://bit.ly/2xBxoVf

Electronics- Humminbird Helix 12 CHIRP G3: https://bit.ly/2w7u3jx

Electronics Mount- Kong Wave Tamer: http://bit.ly/2wsJVbA

Foot Switch- Talon Remote Foot Control: http://bit.ly/2O7zWUE

Rod Straps- Boat Buckle Deck Mount System: https://bit.ly/3aC7bYf

Underneath... 

Megaware Keel Guard: http://bit.ly/2N5p36m

Want to watch another tour? Here is the full tour of Matt and Tim's boats after their restorations where completed: https://youtu.be/KE2HVAr4lRM

NEW Tactical Bassin Apparel... 

TacticalBassin Reaper Hoodie: http://bit.ly/2TwBWs7

TacticalBassin Shadow Hoodie: http://bit.ly/2FVD9Rs

TacticalBassin Sun Shirt: http://bit.ly/2TvFMBD

TacticalBassin Hooded Sun Shirt: http://bit.ly/38cVi9G

DIY Boat Project: How To Install A Keel Guard (Its Easy, No More Excuses)

This boat got trashed! The previous owners didn't bother to install a keel guard and the gel coat damage is really severe. There are hundreds of nicks and gouges from the boat hitting logs and rocks. A few of the gouges were so bad Matt had to repair them before we could even do a keel guard install! But that's all behind us now, today we're installing a Keel Guard (the quick and easy way) so we never have to worry about damage to the keel again! 

Its amazing how many anglers we know that aren't using a keel guard. They all know they should but they're unclear on how to do the install so they don't bother with it. Unfortunately some of those same friends have ended up with costly insurance claims after running aground, hitting logs, etc. Today I'm demonstrating the installation alone to show how easy it really is. This can be installed by one person in less than an hour.

Below you'll find links to both brands of Keel Guard that we've used over the years. We are not brand specific and to date, have yet to have an issue with either version. The length of Keel Guard is based on the length of your boat and the links below to Tackle Warehouse will include recommendations based on boat length. 

-Megaware Keel Guard: http://bit.ly/2N5p36m

-Gator Guards Keel Guard: https://bit.ly/2YsD8zc

If you missed our previous DIY install you can see it here... 

DIY Boat Project: The First Upgrade I Make To Every Boat! - https://youtu.be/7MyIQp1EhQ8

NEW Tactical Bassin Apparel... 

TacticalBassin Reaper Hoodie: http://bit.ly/2TwBWs7

TacticalBassin Shadow Hoodie: http://bit.ly/2FVD9Rs

TacticalBassin Sun Shirt: http://bit.ly/2TvFMBD

TacticalBassin Hooded Sun Shirt: http://bit.ly/38cVi9G

DIY Boat Project: The First Upgrade I Make To Every Boat!

Today we're doing a simple project that every fishing boat on the market should do. Boat Buckles are a retractable rod strap that hold your fishing rods in place when the boat is moving and conveniently store inside the gunwale when you stop.  Most used boats have bungee straps or old velcro straps and are desperately in need of an upgrade. Watch step by step as Matt installs a set of Boat Buckle straps. 

We just picked up CC's new boat, a used Champion 198. Any time you purchase used boats you know there will be some work involved. The Boat Buckles are just the beginning as we plan to upgrade the batteries, trolling motor, electronics, and wiring in the coming weeks. We do these first because its a mandatory upgrade on all our boats, its relatively inexpensive, and can be done very quickly with minimal tools. 

A lot of anglers are afraid to work on their own boats. There is something taboo about pulling off a motor cowling and going to work. While some jobs really do need a boat mechanic, a job like this can be done quickly and easily at home. Below are links to the parts we used for this upgrade. Also linked if you're curious are the additional upgrades we'll be doing to the rest of the boat. 

-Boat Buckle Rod Straps: https://bit.ly/3aC7bYf

**Be sure to add the concealment kit if you want your buckles mounted on the inside of the hull like we did on this boat**

Additional items we're upgrading on CC's boat... 

-Ultrex 112 MEGA I-Pilot Link 52" Shaft Trolling Motor: http://bit.ly/2RqrT4v

-Humminbird Helix 12 Chirp G3 Electronics: https://bit.ly/2w7u3jx

-Kong Wave Tamer Mount: http://bit.ly/2wsJVbA

-Megaware Keel Guard: http://bit.ly/2N5p36m

-Boat Buckle Retractable Transom Straps: https://bit.ly/2QYpbEz

NEW Tactical Bassin Apparel... 

TacticalBassin Reaper Hoodie: http://bit.ly/2TwBWs7

TacticalBassin Shadow Hoodie: http://bit.ly/2FVD9Rs

TacticalBassin Sun Shirt: http://bit.ly/2TvFMBD

TacticalBassin Hooded Sun Shirt: http://bit.ly/38cVi9G