Summer Gear Review! New Tackle, Rods, Reels, ICAST 2020 New Releases!

New Tackle! Let's check out some of the best baits and equipment from 2020! We've got you covered from new worms, to crankbaits, to budget reels, and high-end fishing rods! We've waded through the seemingly endless list of new product releases from all of the virtual ICAST launches and came up with a list of our favorites. Be sure to look through the video description for the "honorable mentions" that didn't make it into the video!

Every Summer the market is flooded with new gear. Everything from silly gimmicks to truly innovative tackle hits the market at the same time. How do you wade through it and find the gems without wasting all your money? We've waded through it for you and narrowed it down to a handful of stand-out items that are worth a serious look. Most of this year's picks are ICAST releases but a few are products from the past year that have stood the test of time and have earned their spot on the list.  

Below is a breakdown of the baits and equipment included in today's video (in order of appearance). Where applicable we've included our favorite colors, sizes, models, etc. Below that you'll find the "Honorable Mentions". These are the baits and gear that didn't make it into the video but certainly could have and are definitely worth a look. All of the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 

Baits... 

-Jackall TN-50 Lipless: http://bit.ly/2lqAwjh

Colors: Threadfin, Scale Minnow, Escape Craw

-Megabass Jamaica Boa Buzzbait: https://bit.ly/3iofbiZ

Colors: Hasu, Black Mamba, White Python

-JackHammer StealthBlade: https://bit.ly/30J8L8h

Colors: Spot Remover, Clear Water Shad, Green Pumpkin

-Jackall Rerange 110 MR: https://bit.ly/2CbWr6X

Colors: Blue Pearl Shad, Ghost Wakasagi, SG Threadfin

-Savage Gear Prop Walker 4": https://bit.ly/3kwBFAa

Colors: Dirty Silver, American Shad, Golden Shiner

-Netbait Dagger Creature: https://bit.ly/2PCjOto

Colors: Bama Bug, Green Pumpkin, Tilapia Magic

-Big Bite Baits BFE Creature: https://bit.ly/2Ce0tf7

Colors: Junebug Candy, Green Pumpkin, Tilapia

-Magnum Baits Wormser: https://bit.ly/2XM1naf

Colors: Delta Dark Purple, Green Pumpkin, Oxblood

Missile Baits New Colors (Baits Shown)... 

-Quiver Worm (Hillbilly Magic): https://bit.ly/2xehVgx

-New Bomb (Fried Melon): http://bit.ly/2XCOGwd

-D Bomb (Ballistic Bruiser): http://bit.ly/2d2dVlt

Rods and Reels... 

-Shimano Zodias Casting Rods: https://bit.ly/3aeQbYW

Favorite Models... 6'10" Medium Heavy, 7'2" Medium Heavy, 7'5" Medium Heavy

-Shimano Zodias Spinning Rods: https://bit.ly/3ab5b9V

Favorite Models... 7' Medium Light, 7' Medium, 7'6" Light

-Shimano Vanford Spinning Reel: https://bit.ly/2PDlKlB

Favorite Sizes: 2500, 3000

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

Favorite Speeds: HG, XG

-Megabass JDM Destroyer P5 Casting Rods: https://bit.ly/30GcHqb

Favorite Models... Tequila Baccarac, Dark Sleeper

-Megabass Destroyer P5 Spinning Rods: https://bit.ly/31Pt839

Favorite Model... Wind Buster

Honorable Mentions... 

-Teckel BladeWaker: https://bit.ly/2DuYZxU

This versatile bait can be fished as a bladed jig, ultra shallow swim jig, or buzzbait. 

-FishArrow Riser Jack Swimbait: https://bit.ly/30FMOqw

This bait is a completely different action than you're used to. Its a crackdown with a nose up rise that gets bit. Watch some of the JDM videos and you'll be pumped!

-Norman Speed N Crankbait: https://bit.ly/33Hpj2f

We love to speed crank and this little bait is designed for speed. Its the exact profile of the Deep Little N but in a shallow version. 

-G Loomis IMX Pro Swimbait (Keitech) Rod: https://bit.ly/3ktZFnF

The 7'2" 863C was designed for small to medium paddle tails. This is the first rod we've seen that is specifically designed to throw finesse swimbaits like the keitech. Great rod, great action, definitely fills a niche. 

-Spro King Daddy: http://bit.ly/2h0LCYd

This giant frog is a big fish catcher! Its proven itself for years but now comes in even more colors! Our favorite are Yellow Sparkle and Navy Seal. 

-Plano Edge FLEX Boxes: https://bit.ly/3kngvEG

We've fallen in love with Edge boxes this past year. The FLEX series allows complete adjustability in all directions, creating an incredibly versatile box.

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

Which Fishing Line Is Best? Braid vs Monofilament vs Fluorocarbon

Find out which fishing line you should use for different techniques! Do you know there are tricks to make your fishing even easier? Let's start simple for beginner anglers then dive in deep for advanced anglers. We're covering all the different lines and explaining the advantages of each for different techniques.

Each style of line has benefits. Monofilament is inexpensive, strong, and easy to use. Fluorocarbon has incredible abrasion resistance and is incredibly clear. Braided line provides power in an incredibly thin package. While all of these lines have amazing benefits, they also provide challenges that need to be overcome. 

Understanding which line to throw for different techniques will improve your overall fishing experience. There is no perfect line for EVERY situation but there are some options that are great for MOST situations. The majority of break offs, foul ups, and backlashes are a direct result of mistakes in line selection. Below are some of our favorite lines for different techniques. 

Monofilament... 

Basic- Berkley Big Game: https://bit.ly/3361fGi

Quality- Maxima Ultragreen: http://bit.ly/2ae97J9

Finesse- Sunline Super Natural Monofilament: https://bit.ly/3f9CZ8q

Fluorocarbon... 

Basic- Seaguar Red Label: http://bit.ly/2LOVEwA

Quality- Sunline Assassin: http://bit.ly/2h4LNjm 

Finesse- Sunline Sniper: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

Braided... 

Basic- Power Pro Spectra: http://bit.ly/2aFg46b

Quality- Power Pro Maxcuatro: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

Finesse- Sunline SX1: http://bit.ly/2tn8EzQ

Specialty Lines... 

Leader- Sunline FC-100 System Leader: http://bit.ly/2O4UElB

Cranking- Sunline Crank FC: https://bit.ly/3fohguC

Heavy Cover- Seaguar AbrazX: http://bit.ly/2aaBBDX

Weightless Techniques- Sunline SX1 High Vis: http://bit.ly/2FngUkQ

Frog/Flip- Sunline SX2 Moss Green: http://bit.ly/31u57xA

Accessories... 

Plano Spool Box: https://bit.ly/30VngVs

Plano Leader Box: https://bit.ly/2CX249A

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

Best Fishing Knots Made Easy! 5 Knots You Need To Know!

Learn a couple of these easy knots and you'll be able to catch fish anywhere in the world! We choose our knots based on ease of tying and consistent results. You don't need special tools and you don't need to use your knees and toes to help tie them. These knots are EASY! 

Today Tim is showing the 5 knots we use for all of our fishing. The 3 "Line-To-Lure" knots are the San Diego Jam knot, Palomar Knot, and Uni Knot. The two "Line-To-Line" (leader) knots are the Double Uni Knot and the Double Blood Knot. 

Every time "knots" come up everyone seems to have an opinion. Some people insist on tying incredibly complex knots. Others prefer knots that require special tools. Some anglers just tie whatever knot their grandpa taught them because it works... most of the time. We choose our knots based on a handful of variables. The knot must be easy to tie on the water and can't take an excessive amount of time. It must work with a variety of lines and line sizes. And most important, you must be able to visibly verify that it is tied correctly.  

Now that you know the knots to tie, let's talk about line. There are different lines for different purposes. Below is a breakdown of all our favorite fishing lines for different circumstances. The links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each line. 

Braided Lines... We use these lines for the vast majority of our fishing. Braided line is incredibly strong, has very little stretch, and is very thin. The downside of braid is that its highly visible in the water. For power fishing techniques like frogging, topwater, flipping, etc braid is amazing! It gives you incredible power to set the hook hard and drag the fish away from cover. In these situations its okay to tie the braided line direct to your lure. If you're fishing slower or in clearer water you'll want to add a monofilament or fluorocarbon leader to reduce visibility. 

-Favorite Braid (Ultra Thin)- Power Pro Maxcuatro: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

-Budget Braid- Power Pro Original: http://bit.ly/2aFg46b

-Finesse Braid (Spinning Rods)- Sunline SX-1: http://bit.ly/2tn8EzQ

-Smooth Braid- Sufix 832: http://bit.ly/2ae93Ji

Fluorocarbon Lines... Fluorocarbon is the best of both worlds between braid and mono. It has good sensitivity, strength, and is virtually invisible in the water. Its a great stand alone line for all fishing applications (except for topwater because it tends to sink) but it truly shines as a finesse line. It can be used as a main line or as a leader (Sniper for finesse leader, FC100 for power fishing leader). 

-Finesse Applications- Sunline Sniper FC: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

-Power Applications- Sunline Assassin FC: http://bit.ly/2h4LNjm

-Leader Material- Sunline FC100 System Leader: http://bit.ly/2O4UElB

Monofilament... Mono is what most anglers start with. Its incredibly forgiving, has a lot of stretch, is very strong, and its relatively cheap. Traditionally monofilament shines for topwater and crankbaits where stretch is a plus. Over the years we have shifted to braided line and currently only use monofilament as a leader material. 

-Favorite Mono- Maxima Ultragreen: http://bit.ly/2ae97J9

-Budget Mono- Berkley Big Game: http://bit.ly/2vZGjSb

Line Size Recommendations By Technique... 

Dropshot- 10 lb Braid or 6 lb Fluorocarbon

Crankbait- 12-17 lb Fluorocarbon or 30 lb Braid

Topwater- 40 lb Braid or 15 lb Mono

Frog- 65 lb Braid

Jig- 50 lb Braid, 15-20 lb Fluorocarbon, 15-20 lb Mono Leader

Ned Rig- 8 lb Braid or 6 lb Fluorocarbon

Senko- 30 lb Braid, 10-15 lb Mono leader, 12 lb fluorocarbon

Shakey Head- 20 lb Braid, 10-12 lb fluorocarbon, 10 lb mono leader

Spnnerbait/Chatterbait- 15-20 lb fluorocarbon, 40-50 lb Braid

Big Swimbait- 80 lb braid, 25-35 lb mono or fluorocarbon leader

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

New Kayak Review! Old Town Sportsman AutoPilot 136!

This kayak just won "Best Of Show" At ICAST 2020, let's look at why! When we heard the Sportsman Autopilot 136 had an Ultrex trolling motor and could "spot lock" to hold position so we didn't have to paddle the kayak constantly, we knew we had to have it! Come along as Tim takes it for a spin on the water, looks at the features, and shows how to operate the motor. 

This is a top of the line kayak! Its incredibly stable, has room to stand, walk, and enough stability to fish from virtually any position. We've had it out in big waves, heavy winds, and have had the opportunity to catch some great big bass from these boats. If you're upgrading to a larger kayak or considering adding a trolling motor to an existing kayak, you should give this a look. 

The 13'6" version (136) retails for $3999 while the smaller 12' version (120) retails for $3799. This is a serious investment for an entry level kayaker but is a no brainer for a bass angler coming down from a bass boat. As bass boat angler's we've already fallen in love with the spot lock feature of the Ultrex trolling motor and know there is no going back. Having this same feature in a kayak gives us the ability to go farther, stay more stable in rough water, and most importantly, focus on the fishing instead of the positioning. 

Below you'll find links to the kayak as well as some of our favorite kayak accessories. The kayak link will take you directly to the manufacturer's website (Old Town), while the accessory links will go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of the items. 

Sportsman Kayaks... 

-Sportsman AutoPilot 136: https://bit.ly/3h9ngaS

-Sportsman AutoPilot 120: https://bit.ly/32ySIuZ

Favorite Pedal Drive Kayak... 

-Predator PDL: http://bit.ly/2WyVQka

Favorite Kayak Accessories... 

Storage- Plano Guide Series V-Crate: http://bit.ly/2BLjK4f

Life Vest- Mustang Elite Inflatable PFD: http://bit.ly/2odXXIP

Electronics- Humminbird Helix 9 Chirp G3: http://bit.ly/2GmFXui

Anchor- Kayak Anchor Wizard: Source Locally

Battery- Bioenno Lithium 100 AH: Source Locally

Links To Some Of Our Kayak Fishing Videos... 

-10 lber Caught From A Kayak: https://youtu.be/bNTZvcyep-0

-Epic Golf Course Pond Fishing: https://youtu.be/8NoDLM2fpyE

-Tiny Creek Fishing- Crystal Clear Water and BIG Fish: https://youtu.be/6k76sDqv7hA

-Summer Topwater Fishing: https://youtu.be/QpGrXiY5t0c

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