5 Finesse Tactics For Fall Bass Fishing

When the Fall Transition gets tough, turning to finesse will save the day. It might even get that big kicker bass you've been looking for! Tim is an expert with finesse tactics and today he's discussing the 5 rigs he turns to when the reaction bite shuts down. Do you have a favorite? 

Tim's 5 rigs include a dropshot, shaky head, ned rig, finesse swimbait, and finesse jig. He leans very strongly to the dropshot but each of these options has a key place in the arsenal. Pay attention to the details of his dropshot rigs including different hooks and baits to achieve different actions. While dropshot fishing isn't glamorous its incredibly effective in the Fall and is capable of fooling the biggest bass in the school. 

Below you'll find links to all of the items discussed in the video. We've included color recommendations, weight and size preferences, as well as some of our favorite gear to throw these lures. All of the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 

Texas-Rigged Dropshot... 

Worm- Roboworm 4" Fat (Prism Shad): http://bit.ly/2awYSxM

Other Colors: Hologram, Aaron's Pro Shad

Hook- Owner Cover Shot (1/0): http://bit.ly/2ISr7bR

Weight- Swagger Tungsten Dropshot 1/4 oz (Black): http://bit.ly/2UY7cgx

Nose-Hooked Dropshot... 

Worm- Roboworm Alive Shad (Hologram Shad): http://bit.ly/2kDNeYw

Other Colors: Prism Shad, Aarons Blue Smelt

Hook- Owner Mosquito Light (Size 1): http://bit.ly/2zQVKx3

Weight- Swagger Tungsten Dropshot 3/16 oz (Black): http://bit.ly/2UY7cgx

Other Great Dropshot Baits... 

-Berkley Maxscent Flat Worm: https://bit.ly/3lAAorL

Colors: Black Shiner, Natural Shad, Smoke Black Purple

-Big Bite Baits Smallie Smasher: http://bit.ly/2ZpCOCY

Colors: Silver Smoke Blue, Smoke Purple Flake

-Damiki Armor Shad: http://bit.ly/2VQ7g6o

Colors: RP Blue Pearl, PB Silver, American Shad

-Keitech 2.8" Fat Swing Impact: http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

Colors: Pro Blue Red Pearl, TW Shad, Electric Shad

Shaky Head... 

Worm- Netbait T-Mac 6.5" Worm (Junebug): http://bit.ly/2jndwj9

Other Colors: Texas Craw, Green Pumpkin

Hook- Canterbury Shaky Head 3/16 oz: http://bit.ly/2aFOs0V

Ned Rig Baits... 

- Zman Finesse TRD: http://bit.ly/2hs4RtR

Colors: Green Pumpkin Goby, The Deal, Canada Craw

-Zman TRD TicklerZ: http://bit.ly/2mGyDAC

Colors: Drew's Craw, Green Pumpkin, The Deal

-Xzone Ned Zone: http://bit.ly/2mRiYhF

Colors: 309, Minnow Magic, Green Pumpkin Purple

Ned Rig Heads... 

Tungsten- Swagger Tungsten Flanders 1/8 oz: http://bit.ly/2KcIB6M

Lead- Z Man Ned LockZ HD 1/10: http://bit.ly/2kIgRYK

Finesse Swimbaits... 

- Keitech 2.8" Fat Swing Impact: http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

Colors: Electric Shad, TW Ghost Shad

- Keitech 4" Easy Shiner: http://bit.ly/2bxJK6H

Colors: Electric Shad, Tennessee Shad

- Damiki Armor Shad: http://bit.ly/2KtPDAT

Colors: American Shad, RP Blue Pearl

-Megabass Dark Sleeper: http://bit.ly/2TyR1GT

Colors: Wakasagi, Shirauo

Finesse Swimbait Head... 

Head- Guppy Head 1/8 oz: http://bit.ly/2nyUJRS

Finesse Jigs... 

Lead- Dirty Jigs Finesse Jig 5/16 oz: http://bit.ly/2eJinXo

Colors: Supermatt Brown, Go To, Green Pumpkin Craw

Tungsten- Keitech Football Jig 3/8 oz: http://bit.ly/2FDQ3o1

Colors: Brown/Purple, Dark Green Pumpkin

Finesse Jig Trailers... 

-Strike King Rage Chunk: http://bit.ly/2Hd4MFA

Colors: Green Pumpkin, Blue Craw

-Netbait Paca Chunk: http://bit.ly/2d8mIXx

Colors: Watermelon Jelly, Green Pumpkin

-Yamamoto 4" Double Tail: http://bit.ly/2db9w1p

Colors: Smoke Black Purple, Cinnamon Blk Purple

"Bang For The Buck" Dropshot/Ned Combo... 

Rod- Shimano Expride 6'10" Medium Light: http://bit.ly/2osaj3q

Reel- Shimano Vanford 2000 (Pre-Order Available): https://bit.ly/2PDlKlB

Line- Sunline SX1 Braid 12 lb Hi Vis: http://bit.ly/2FngUkQ

Leader- Sunline Sniper 7 lb Fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

Budget Dropshot/Ned/Finesse Swim Combo... 

Rod- Shimano Intenza 7' Medium Light: http://bit.ly/2s7kaQn

Reel- Shimano NASCI 2500: http://bit.ly/2g278cC

Line- Power Pro 15 lb Braid: http://bit.ly/2aFg46b

Leader- Maxima Ultragreen 6 lb Mono: http://bit.ly/2ae97J9

Favorite Finesse Jig/Shaky Head Combo... 

Rod- G Loomis GLX 843C MBR: http://bit.ly/2gqziwT

Reel- Shimano Aldebaran MGL 50 HG: http://bit.ly/2uQ4oH8

Line- Power Pro Maxcuatro 30 lb Braid: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

Leader- Maxima Ultragreen 12 lb: http://bit.ly/2ae97J9

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

Swimbait Fishing For Bass | Full Seminar | Best Baits, Gear, and Tricks

20 years of swimbait knowledge in one video! How to fish swimbaits, which swimbaits work best, when to crawl a softbait, when to twitch a glide bait, and a whole lot more! Matt shows his favorite baits, gives rigging tricks, shows cadences and retrieves, and gives away some of the long kept secrets of getting fish to bite instead of follow!

Matt spent years learning how to throw swimbaits and today he's sharing all of his hard-earned knowledge. All of the baits and equipment discussed in the video are linked below. Every link goes to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 

Soft Bluegill Baits... 

-Savage Gear Bluegill (Jig Hook): https://bit.ly/2xx1zjH

Colors: Bluegill, Ghost Gill, Black Gill

-Savage Gear Bluegill (Weedless): https://bit.ly/2Kd6qct

Colors: Bluegill, Ghost Gill, Black Gill

Hard Bluegill Baits... 

-River2Sea S Waver 168: http://bit.ly/2aiu8Sh

Color: Bluegill

-Jackall Gantarel: http://bit.ly/2adZI3R

Color: Ghost Gill, Spawn Gill

-Bull Gill: http://bit.ly/2f1ASHn

Color: Bluegill

-Megabass Vatalion: http://bit.ly/367AOxD

Colors: GG Gill, GG Wild Gill

Fast Multi-Joint Baits... 

-Bull Shad Slow Sink (6" and 7"): http://bit.ly/2eJ8gWM

Colors: Gizzard Shad, Threadfin Shad

-Triple Trout (7" and 8"): http://bit.ly/2E8Up5P

Colors: Blue Violet Shad, Bone, Trout

Open Water Glide Baits... 

-Baitsanity Explorer Glide: http://bit.ly/33bQyxY

Colors: Trout, Kokanee, Shad

-Savage Gear Magnum Shine Glide: https://bit.ly/36LNEWj

Colors: Light Trout, Hitch, Bone

-River2Sea S-Waver 200: http://bit.ly/2aiu8Sh

Colors: Rainbow Trout, Light Trout, Warden Hitch

Cover Glide Baits... 

-G Ratt Sneaky Pete: http://bit.ly/2RYCPFe

Colors: Hitch, Gizzard Shad, Baby Trout

-Savage Gear Shine Glide 185 (7.25"): https://bit.ly/30O32xB

Colors: Hitch, Gizzard, Bone

-Baitsanity Antidote: http://bit.ly/2ztUk9z

Colors: Trout, Summer Shad, Shad

-River2Sea S-Waver 168: http://bit.ly/2aiu8Sh

Colors: Light Trout, Warden Hitch

Boot Tail Soft Baits... 

-Megabass MagDraft (6", 8", 10"): http://bit.ly/2mc8bfK

Colors: MB Shad, MB Gizzard, White Back Shad

-Little Creeper 8" Trash Fish: http://bit.ly/2hmXtg1

Colors: LC Hitch, Just Shad, Ghost Rainbow

Little Creeper 6" Fatty Trash Fish: http://bit.ly/2ixaEw2

Colors: Just Shad, LC Hitch, Blueback Herring

-Keitech Fat Swing Impact (6.8 and 7.8): http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

Colors: Pro Blue Red Pearl, Electric Shad, Ghost Rainbow Trout

-Scottsboro Tackle (6" and 7"): http://bit.ly/2Oy7CKH

Colors: Mullins Madness, Natural Light, Ole Smokey

-Osprey 6" Tournament Talon: http://bit.ly/2bqsLS0

Colors: Chartreuse Shad, TW Shad, Gizzard

Wedge Tail Soft Baits... 

-Huddleston 4" Jig Hook Shad: https://bit.ly/2GC9Qrg

Colors: Mean Green, Money, Tequila

-Huddleston 8" Trout: http://bit.ly/2azFTon

Colors: Rainbow Trout, Holdover, Hitch

-Huddleston 68 Special: http://bit.ly/2dj5apG

Colors: Black Gizzard, Rainbow, Green Gizzard

-Savage Gear 4D Pulse Tail Trout: http://bit.ly/399bx97

Colors: Ghost Trout, Hitch, Trout

Savage Gear Pulse Tail Shiner: https://bit.ly/2SDD0Zl

Colors: White, Shad, Green Back

Pre-Order Soft Baits... 

-Savage Gear 8" Pulse Tail (Jig Hook): https://bit.ly/33GROg1

-Savage Gear 6" Pulse Tail (Jig Hook): https://bit.ly/2Ib674q

Hook/Split Ring Recommendations... 

-Owner ST-56 Treble Hooks (3X Strong): http://bit.ly/2cVg7xW

-Owner HyperWire Split Rings 3X Strong (Size 4,5,6): http://bit.ly/2aTH3f1

-Owner UltraWire Split Rings 4X Strong (Size 5, 6,7): http://bit.ly/3bQgswL

Hook Sizes By Bait... 

Size 2 Trebles: S-Waver 168, Vatalion, MagDraft 6"

Size 1 Trebles: Shine Glide, Sneaky Pete, Antidote, Triple Trout, Bull Gill

Size 1/0 Trebles: Bull Shad, Sneaky Pete (Front), S Waver 200, Magdraft 8"

Size 2/0 Trebles: Shine Glide Magnum, Baitsanity Explorer

Matt's Line/Leader... 

Main Line- Power Pro Maxcuatro Braid 80 lb: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

Leader- Sunline FC100 Shock Leader 35 lb: http://bit.ly/2O4UElB

Budget Line- Power Pro Braid 80 lb: http://bit.ly/2aFg46b

Budget Leader- Maxima Ultragreen 30 lb: http://bit.ly/2ae97J9

Matt's Favorite All-Around Swimbait Combo... 

Rod- G Loomis IMX Pro 966: https://bit.ly/3ktZFnF

Reel- Shimano Tranx 300: http://bit.ly/2kYsvRw

High-End Swimbait Combo... 

Rod- Megabass Destroyer Onager: http://bit.ly/2wVOSbY

Reel- Shimano Tranx 300: http://bit.ly/2kYsvRw

Budget Swimbait Combo... 

Rod- Dobyns Fury 806H 8' Heavy Swimbait: http://bit.ly/2bGvlVV

Reel- Shimano Cardiff 300A: http://bit.ly/2cvhtMO

Related Videos... 

Underwater Swimbait Action: https://youtu.be/iye3hF1tCQo

Underwater Swimbait Strikes: https://youtu.be/OT06aiLojOI

S-Wavers: https://youtu.be/dgriRTYyqMM

Spring GlideBait Fishing: https://youtu.be/0CO7nvP7H4w

Our Baits And Apparel…

TacticalBassin Gear: http://bit.ly/38YpPIz

Fall Fishing On Chickamauga: Topwater, Fluke, and Crankbaits

The guys are back on Chickamauga, exploring new water, and catching fish. Come along for a Fall day of junk Fishing as they catch them on everything from deep cranks to topwater to tail spinners and soft jerkbaits. When its "one of those days" you do whatever it takes to keep putting fish in the boat!

Tim kicked the day off with a finesse rod in hand. He was dropshotting deep edges in search of quality fish. When Matt climbed on board the duo turned their attention to reaction baits and were quickly rewarded with a nice fish on the Tactical Crankbait. Soon after they bite shifted again and the guys began switching between a tail spinner, a fluke, and a popper to put fish in the boat. They fished shallow, deep, and everywhere in between. They caught fish in 2 feet and 30 feet of water and worked for every bite they got. 

Toward the end of the day the guys accepted the conditions, downsized their baits and immediately saw success. Some days the bass want a tiny offering and this was one of those days. You couldn't get bit on a walking bait, they'd eat a popper, but when Matt went all the way down to a tiny popper he was immediately rewarded with multiple fish. When the going gets tough don't just beat your head on the wall, take the time to adapt your presentation, try new areas, and you might just catch the fish you're searching for. 

Below is a breakdown of the baits and gear the guys were using throughout the day. The links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

Crankbait... 

-River2Sea Tactical DD 75 (Glass minnow): http://bit.ly/37dclbX

Topwater... 

Larger Popper- Megabass Pop Max: http://bit.ly/2qqfmm1

Tiny popper- Megabass Pop X (Mat Shad): https://bit.ly/3i9T3sg

Tail Spinners... 

-Damiki Axe Blade: http://bit.ly/2w2uB9t

-Jackall Deracoup: http://bit.ly/2p8X4b0

Soft Jerkbait... 

Bait- Zoom Super Fluke (Smokin Shad): http://bit.ly/2aqys0H

Hook- Gamakatsu EWG Superline 4/0: http://bit.ly/2ac92XG

Dropshot... 

Bait- Roboworm 6" Fat (Pro Staff Peoples Worm): http://bit.ly/2awYSxM 

Hook- Owner Mosquito 1/0: http://bit.ly/2fqYFCR

Weight- Swagger Tungsten 1/4 oz: http://bit.ly/2UY7cgx

Matt's Tail Spinner/Popper Combo... 

Rod- Shimano Expride 6'10" Medium: http://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

Reel- Aldebaran 50 MGL HG: http://bit.ly/2uQ4oH8

Line- Power Pro maxcuatro 20 lb Braid: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

Leader- Maxima Ultragreen 12 lb mono: http://bit.ly/2ae97J9

"Bang For The Buck" Tail Spinner/Popper Combo... 

Rod- Shimano Zodias 6'10" Medium (Pre-Order Available): https://bit.ly/3aeQbYW

Reel- Shimano Curado 70 MGL HG: https://bit.ly/3jdrMqa

Line- Power Pro 20 lb Braid: http://bit.ly/2aFg46b

Leader- Maxima Ultragreen 12 lb mono: http://bit.ly/2ae97J9

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

Catch Fish Every Time! How To Speed Crank For Bass Right Now!

This is THE BEST technique to consistently catch fish in the Fall and Winter. Over the past few years we've dialed in our crankbait fishing and developed a style we call "speed cranking". It requires specialized baits (We even designed our own specifically for the technique), high-speed reels, and a very unique cadence with the retrieve. Done correctly, it produces incredible results all around the country throughout the Fall and Winter. 

Today we're demonstrating the technique on Dale Hollow Lake on the Kentucky/Tennessee border. This world-renowned lake is home to the world record smallmouth but is also a great largemouth and spotted bass fishery. Before we even left the marina we were catching bass on the crankbait. Throughout the day we found success using a high speed retrieve with aggressive pauses. We caught fish on both the Tactical Crankbait and the Rock Crawler with our best results split between outside grass lines and deep rock points. 

The Bait We Designed... 

-River2Sea Tactical DD 75 Crankbait: http://bit.ly/37dclbX

There are a handful of lures that are capable of triggering a feed response in bass when they're not in a feeding mood. The jerkbait, Speed Cranking a deep diving crankbait, and an Alabama Rig are all great methods to trigger a bass but of these, the crankbait is the most predictable around the country. Whether you're looking for a GIANT largemouth, a world-class Smallmouth, or a trophy Spotted Bass, it can be done by speeding up your retrieve, mixing up cadence, and choosing a bait with the right vibration. 

Below is a breakdown of the baits and equipment we use for speed cranking. First is today's baits and specific colors used, then we separated all of the baits by category and included very specific color recommendations that you can rely on to get bit. We've also included the exact gear we use so you're prepared when the right bite comes and even added in budget-minded alternatives that will help you land these crankbait fish without breaking the bank. The links go direct to Tackle warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

Today's Baits... 

-Spro RkCrawler 55 (Phantom Green, Red Crawfish): http://bit.ly/2NFPA5t

-R2S Tactical DD 75 (Green Pumpkin Craw): http://bit.ly/37dclbX

Cranks For Primarily Baitfish Eaters... 

-Megabass Deep X 300: http://bit.ly/2sSQHpt

-Megabass Deep Six: http://bit.ly/2A3clKP

-R2S Tactical DD 75: http://bit.ly/37dclbX

Cranks For Primarily Crawfish Eaters... 

-Spro RkCrawler 55 MD (Shallower): https://bit.ly/3juD6hS

-Spro RkCrawler 55 (Deeper): http://bit.ly/2NFPA5t

-Teckel Drunker: http://bit.ly/2xryClV

-R2S Tactical DD 75: http://bit.ly/37dclbX

Consistent Shad Colors... 

Deep X 300: MB Gizzard, Sexy Ayu, Sexy Shad

Deep Six: Ito Wakasagi, MB Gizzard, Sexy Shad

Tactical DD: Ghost Minnow, Glass Minnow, Mirrored Minnow

Consistent Craw Colors... 

RkCrawler: Phantom Brown, Phantom Green, Red River Craw

Drunker: Phantom Green Craw, Phantom Brown Craw, Phantom Red

Tactical DD: Green Pumpkin Craw, Blood Craw

Hook and Hardware Upgrades... 

Split Rings- Owner Hyperwire (Size 3): http://bit.ly/2v8ArBX

Light Wire Hook- Gamakatsu EWG: http://bit.ly/2cZrsbY

Heavy Wire Hook- Owner ST-56: http://bit.ly/2cVg7xW

Hook Sizes... 

Size 2: Deep Six

Size 4: Deep X 300, Tactical DD

Size 6: Drunker, RkCrawler

Braided Line Combo... 

Rod- G Loomis IMX Pro 845 CBR: http://bit.ly/2og0BmK

Reel- Shimano Bantam MGL HG: http://bit.ly/2H44yjG

Line- Power Pro Maxcuatro 20 lb: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

Leader- 12 lb Maxima Ultragreen: http://bit.ly/2ae97J9

Fluorocarbon Combo... 

Rod- G Loomis IMX Pro 906 CBR: http://bit.ly/2og0BmK

Reel- Shimano Shimano Bantam MGL HG: http://bit.ly/2H44yjG

Line- 12 lb Sunline Assassin: http://bit.ly/2h4LNjm

Low Budget Combo... 

Rod- St Croix Bass X 7'2" MH Moderate: http://bit.ly/2r0xWAs

Reel- Shimano SLX HG: http://bit.ly/2NfdOnk

Line- Sunline Assassin 12 lb: http://bit.ly/2h4LNjm

Other Budget Rods... 

Dobyns- Fury 7' Medium Heavy Crankbait: http://bit.ly/2bGvlVV

Shimano- SLX 7' Medium Glass (Pre-Order Available): http://bit.ly/2bGvlVV

Daiwa- Tatula XT 7' Medium Glass: http://bit.ly/2FXhNpO

Falcon- Lowrider 7'6" Medium Heavy Moderate: https://bit.ly/3negdkY

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