8 Year Old Catches GIANT Smallmouth In Crystal CLEAR Water!

Today we've got JD on the boat with us and he's ready to catch BIG Smallmouth! We're on Lake Michigan and the bass have moved up on shallow rock reefs and sand flats where you can see them in the clear water. Some of them are shallow, others are in 9-12 feet of water but it doesn't matter, you can see them as if the water wasn't there at all. The fish are BIG and they're aggressive, let's go fishing!

Fishing clear water like this requires a finesse touch. Tim and JD focus on a combination of finesse swimbaits and dropshot to catch these bass. In addition to the small baits, light line is critical to consistently fooling these fish. Lines that would be no issue in typical lakes will scare these fish before the bait even reaches the bottom. The bass can see both the line and the shadow of the line as it sinks, and both are enough to scare them off. 

Below is a breakdown of the baits and equipment the guys were using to catch these fish. If you want to to target big smallmouth (or any other bass) in crystal clear water, finesse tackle is a great place to start. The baits listed below are our confidence baits for this style of fishing and work around the country. The links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 

Swimbaits... 

-Dark Sleeper 3" (Wakasagi): http://bit.ly/2TyR1GT

Other Great Colors... Hanahaze, Donko

-Spark Shad 3" (Purple Haze): http://bit.ly/2XcLZk4

Other Great Colors... Neon Pepper, Real, Royal Gill

-Megabass Okashira Head 1/16 oz (For Spark Shad): http://bit.ly/2EpluSA

Dropshot... 

-Big Bite Baits Smallie Smasher Worm (Light Watermelon Red): http://bit.ly/2ZpCOCY

Other Great Colors... Chick Magnet, Green Pumpkin Purple

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

-Tungsten 1/4 oz Casting (Tie On) Dropshot Weight: http://bit.ly/37AVcrx

Jig... 

-Bass Patrol Round Rubber 3/8 oz Football (Brown Purple): http://bit.ly/2Hbyf5x

-Yamamoto Double Tail 4" Grub (Smoke Blk and Purple): http://bit.ly/2db9w1p

Tim's Combo...

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

Reel- Shimano Bantam MGL 150: http://bit.ly/2H44yjG

Line- Sunline Sniper 10 lb Fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

Spinning Combo... 

Rod- St. Croix Legend Xtreme Spinning 7' Medium: https://bit.ly/37UhrKR

Reel- Daiwa Certate LT 3000: http://bit.ly/35Kclij

Line- Sunline SX1 High Vis Yellow Braid 16 lb: http://bit.ly/2FngUkQ

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

"Bang For The Buck" Finesse Spinning Combo... 

Rod- Dobyns Fury 7' Med light: http://bit.ly/2e7HZPF

Reel- Shimano NASCI 3000: http://bit.ly/2g278cC

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

Leader- Maxima Ultragreen 8 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

Finesse Swimbaits For GIANT Summer Bass! (Michigan Road Trip)

Come along for a day of fishing for BIG bass with little swimbaits. The guys face brutal conditions (post front and COLD wind in the middle of Summer) but the fish don't care. The giants start biting right away and with some exploring and fine tuning the guys are able to catch an incredible bag of Summer time Smallmouth!

The guys are out on the road exploring new water. Today they dropped in on unfamiliar lake with a goal of locating big summertime bass. It took no time at all to catch two giant bass but the duo didn't stop there, they continued to adapt and explore new areas making sure they maximize their time on the water. They used a variety of unique baits and colors to continue getting bit through the wind and changing conditions. 

Below is a breakdown of the baits the guys were using. We included sizes, weights, and colors since they differed from some of our typical offerings. We've found on multiple occasions that these brighter, bolder colors work exceptionally well on smallmouth, especially in the wind. In addition to the baits we've included links to the exact gear as well as a few budget offerings. The links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 

Primary Swimbait... 

-TacticalBassin Finesse Swimbait Head 1/2 oz (Tennessee Shad): http://bit.ly/2Pqrq3n

-Keitech 3.8 and 4.3" Fat Swing Impact (SunGill): http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

Other Bold Colors: Electric Bluegill, Chartreuse/Blue, Male Perch

Tim's Big Fish Swimbait... 

-Megabass Dark Sleeper 3.8" (Wakasagi) 3/4 oz: http://bit.ly/2TyR1GT

Senko... 

-Yamamoto 5" Senko (Green Flash): http://bit.ly/2axAmNS

-Owner Sniper Finesse Neko Hook (Size 1): http://bit.ly/2kfdv37

Matt's Swimbait Combo... 

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

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

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

Tim's Senko Combo... 

Rod- G Loomis NRX 852S JWR: http://bit.ly/2dX9zjv

Reel- Shimano Exsence 3000: http://bit.ly/2iMtscV

Line- Power Pro 10 lb Braid: http://bit.ly/2aFg46b

Leader- Sunline Sniper 6 lb Fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

Budget Finesse Swimbait Combo... 

Rod- Shimano SLX 6'10" Medium: http://bit.ly/2L3wppO

Reel- Shimano SLX 150 XT XG: http://bit.ly/2BRTYL8

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

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

Shallow Water Finesse Fishing For Summer Bass

The bass are in less than 2 feet of water! How would you catch them? We turned to "junk fishing" to get the bites. A mix of swim jigs, weightless senkos, and a shaky head did the trick. Come along and watch how we break down a new section of Lake Chickamauga, build a pattern, and locate quality fish despite difficult conditions. 

Summer bass fishing overwhelms a lot of anglers. Knowing how and when to adapt is difficult until you understand fish movements. Once you understand that half the fish go to offshore structure while the other half focus on shallow cover you will find their behavior more predictable. When the water gets really hot the fish will focus on shade for relief, even when that shade is ultra shallow. 

Today we intended to fish offshore structure but the wind had other plans. As the waves we picked up we knew the only option was to focus on the ultra shallow bite. Don't let Summer heat or changing conditions keep you off the water. Focus on the basics and you'll find consistent fish in the heat. Below you'll find a breakdown of the exact baits we threw to target these shallow water fish. The links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 

Senko... 

Worm- Yamamoto 5" Senko (Watermelon Red Flake): http://bit.ly/2axAmNS

Hook- Owner Jungle Wide Gap 3/0: http://bit.ly/2sBsR1Z

Shaky Head...

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

Hook- Dirty Jigs 3/16 Canterbury Shaky: http://bit.ly/2aFOs0V

Swim Jig... 

Jig- Dirty Jigs Swim Jig 3/8 oz (Crappie): http://bit.ly/2dIVUMd

Trailer- Keitech 4.3" Fat Swing Impact (Pro Blue Red Pearl): http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

Topwater... 

Frog- River2Sea Bully Wa 2 (Ghost): http://bit.ly/2axyR2a

Matt's Senko Combo... 

Rod- Shimano Zodias 7'2" MH: http://bit.ly/2cgmMAe

Reel- Shimano Curado DC 150 HG: http://bit.ly/2yHtsp4

Line- Maxima Ultragreen 15 lb: http://bit.ly/2ae97J9

Tim's Shaky Head Combo... 

Rod- G Loomis NRX 854C JWR: http://bit.ly/2hedqsq

Reel- Shimano Metanium DC HG: http://bit.ly/2qrSZvs

Line- Sunline Flippin FC 18 lb Fluorocarbon: https://bit.ly/3clXxt2

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

How To Catch Bigger Smallmouth (And Largemouth) - Everything You Need To Know - Finesse Bass Fishing

Smallmouth are amazing! They're aggressive, even in cold water. They're willing to migrate huge distances for food. When you set the hook they give you a ride that is unrivaled by the other bass. There is little wonder why so many anglers love Smallmouth bass fishing. Targeting these predators requires a finesse touch and some unique gear that is often overlooked for the other bass species.  

While you can catch a smallmouth on virtually anything, the fish tend to favor clearer water and a true finesse touch will increase your odds dramatically. In today's video Tim dives into his favorite finesse tactics and equipment for consistently targeting these bronze backs. 

Below is a breakdown of the gear he discussed in order of appearance. The links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 

Finesse Keitech Swimbaits... 

-Keitech Fat Swing Impact 4.3 and 3.8: http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

Colors: Chartreuse Blue, Crystal Shad, Goby, Smallmouth Magic

-Tactical Finesse Swimbait Head 3/8 oz: http://bit.ly/2Pqrq3n

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

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

-Dirty Jigs 1/8 oz Guppy Head 1/0: http://bit.ly/2nyUJRS

Finesse Swimbaits…

-Megabass 3" Spark Shad: http://bit.ly/2XcLZk4

Colors: Purple Haze, Real, Silver Shad

-Megabass 1/16 oz Okashira Head: http://bit.ly/2EpluSA

-Megabass Dark Sleeper 2.4" and 3": http://bit.ly/2TyR1GT

Colors: Donko, Haze, Hanahaze Wakasagi

Spy Baits... 

-Duo Realis Spin Bait 80: http://bit.ly/2oeVG1m

Colors: Ghost SX Shad, BK Ayu, Ghost Minnow

-Duo Realis Spin Bait 90: http://bit.ly/2nhw56N

Colors: Ghost Minnow, Purple Reign AM, Shiner AM

Hair Jigs... 

-Outkast Tackle Feider Fly 3/32 (Black): http://bit.ly/2G7TBwj

Dropshot Worms...

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

Colors: Chick Magnet, Green Pump Purp, Smoke Purp Flake

-Strike King Half Shell: http://bit.ly/2iR9awm

Colors: Morning Dawn, Magic, TW Green Pumpkin

Dropshot Rigging... 

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

Medium Wire Hook- Trokar Dropshot (Size 1, 2): http://bit.ly/2ahxJOr

Tungsten Tie-On Weight- Swagger Tear Drop (3/16): http://bit.ly/37AVcrx

Tungsten Dropshot Weight- Swagger Tear Drop (3/16): http://bit.ly/2V2B63h

Tubes... 

-Dry Creek Tournament Tube 3.5": http://bit.ly/2cJwI6r

Colors: Old Ugly, Mocha Copper Pepper, Crazy Eddie

-Big Bite Tour Tube 3.5": http://bit.ly/32e23VR

Colors: Tilapia, Green Pumpkin Purple Copper Flk

Tube Heads... 

-Bite me 60 degree Flat Eye Head (3/16): http://bit.ly/2diyVXK

-Provider Tackle 90 degree (3/16): http://bit.ly/2OAvYRv

Z Man Ned Rig Baits... 

-Z Man Finesse TRD: http://bit.ly/2hs4RtR

Colors: Green Pumpkin Goby, Canada Craw, Mud Bug

-Z Man TRD BugZ: http://bit.ly/2oiavEE

Colors: Green Pumpkin, Mud Bug, Hot Snakes

-Z Man TRD TicklerZ: http://bit.ly/2mGyDAC

Colors: Green Pumpkin Goby, Canada Craw, Mud Bug

Other Ned Rig Worms... 

-Xzone Ned Zone stick Bait 3": http://bit.ly/2mRiYhF

Colors: 309, Green Pump Purple, Minnow Magic

-Roboworm Ned Worm 3": http://bit.ly/2j9F0Xy

Colors: Desert Craw, TW Black Blue Pumpkin

-Missile Baits Ned Bomb: http://bit.ly/2XCOGwd

Colors: Super Bug, Bluetonium Green Pumpkin Core

Ned Heads... 

Tungsten- Swagger Flanders Head 1/6 oz: http://bit.ly/2KcIB6M

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

Stick Baits... 

-5" Yamamoto Senko: http://bit.ly/2axAmNS

Colors: Baby Bass, Crushed Goby, Electric Worm

-5" Yum Dinger: http://bit.ly/2J8nMrF

Colors: Elders Magic, Green Pumpkin, Ozark Smoke

Stick Bait Rigging... 

-G7 O-Rings 7MM: http://bit.ly/2PWEkUs

-G7 O Ring Tool: http://bit.ly/2PRMNrG

-Owner Jungle Wacky Weedless Hook: https://bit.ly/2VKZl9U

-Gamakatsu Finesse Wide Gap Hook: http://bit.ly/2aKGmHM

Tim's Favorite Keitech Combo... 

Rod- G Loomis GLX 853C JWR: http://bit.ly/2gqziwT

Reel- Shimano Chronarch MGL HG: http://bit.ly/2n8DghB

Line- Sunline Sniper 12 lb Fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

Tim's Favorite Ultra-Finesse Combo... 

Rod- Shimano Conquest 902S SJR: http://bit.ly/2BiGUNi

Reel- Shimano Exsence 3000: http://bit.ly/2iMtscV

Line- Sunline SX1 Braid 10 lb: http://bit.ly/2tn8EzQ

Leader- Sunline Sniper 6 lb Fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

Tim's Feider Combo... 

Rod- Daiwa Tatula Elite AGS 7'6" ML: http://bit.ly/2QHupT9

Reel- Shimano Stradic CI4+ 2500: http://bit.ly/2gu84t7

Line- Sunline 6 lb Sniper Fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju