4 Finesse Baits That Always Catch Bass (Beginner To Advanced)

Struggling to catch bass during the Fall Transition? You're not alone! While some anglers have located aggressive schools and are catching fish on topwater and reaction baits many others continue to struggle. When the bite is tough, these 4 rigs are what Tim relies on to consistently put fish in the boat. 

We all dream about aggressive schools and big bass but all too often we're met with wind, rain, and tough fishing conditions. We always start with reaction baits in search of aggressive fish but if its not happening, its time to slow down and finesse. The rigs we rely on are a dropshot (both texas rigged and nose hooked), a shaky head, and a senko. Each rig has a purpose and when you learn how to switch between them, the combination can be deadly. 

Below is a breakdown of the baits and equipment discussed in the video. The links go directly to TackleWarehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. We've included our favorite colors for each bait as well as our favorite combos to fish them effectively. 

Weedless Dropshot… 

Bait- Roboworm 6” Straight Tail Worm (MMIII): http://bit.ly/2asZyH3

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

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

Nose Hook Dropshot… 

Bait #1- Keitech Easy Shiner 3” or 4” (Electric Shad): http://bit.ly/2bxJK6H

Bait #2- Damiki Armor Shad 3” (American Shad): http://bit.ly/2KtPDAT

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

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

Senko… 

Bait- Gamakatsu 5” Senko (Natural Shad or 956): http://bit.ly/2axAmNS

Colors- Natural Shad, Watermelon Copper Org Red Lam (956)

Hook- Owner Worm Hook 5/0: http://bit.ly/2D9Pmj0

Shaky Head… 

Bait- Netbait T-Mac 6.5”: http://bit.ly/2jndwj9

Colors- Sun Perch, JuneBug

Hook- Dirty Jigs Canterbury Shaky Head 1/4 oz: http://bit.ly/2aFOs0V

Nose Hook Dropshot Combo… 

Rod- Shimano Zodias 7’ Light: https://bit.ly/3ab5b9V

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

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

Leader- Sunline Sniper 8 lb Fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

Weedless Dropshot Combo…

Rod- Shimano Expride 7’ Light+: http://bit.ly/2osaj3q

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

Line- Sunline SX1 12 lb Braid: http://bit.ly/2tn8EzQ

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

Shaky Head Rod… 

Rod- Expride 6’10” Medium: http://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

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

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

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

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

Raw and Uncut Fishing For GIANT Fish! HUGE Bass On Ultralight Tackle!

Come along for a whole day of fishing! We're on the Great Lakes targeting bass with finesse tackle and are catching a ton of fish! Its raw and uncut so if you've ever wanted to watch a 6+ lb Smallmouth caught from cast to catch on a swimbait, this is for you! Its an epic day of fishing! Come be a part of it!

In this unedited live video Matt utilized a variety of baits. A tube was the major player in the beginning, while the dark sleeper and keitech stole the show toward the end. Matt teaches throughout the day about adapting to changing conditions, specifically targeting bass in clear water, how to fish transitions and breaks, how to target shallow water fish, and so much more! This style of video is unlike anything else we do. Its long format but you’ve been asking for it so here is the change to see the struggles, the miles of water covered, and the successes as the day unfolds!

Down below the cut points you'll find a full list of all the tackle used in the video including links that go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.  Matt included his exact colors and weights, the rods and reels, and even included a great combo for the bass angler on a budget that still wants excellent performance while targeting big fish. Enjoy!

Cut Points... 

-1st Fish Catch: 3:01

-5th Fish Catch: 32:00

-Suprise Species Catch: 53:55

-Explaining Next Move: 01:00:25

-Start Fishing Next Spot: 01:11:04

-10th Fish Catch: 01:29:53

-Start Fishing Next Spot: 01:38:26

-Retie Dark Sleeper Then Catch 6.2 lb Smallmouth!: 01:50:41

-Weighing 6 lb Smallmouth: 01:55:05

-Releasing 6 lb Smallmouth: 01:55:55

-15th Fish Catch: 02:16:11

-Matt Misses Another Giant!: 02:36:43

-Teaching About Dark Sleeper Swimbaits: 02:41:30

-20th Fish Catch: 03:02:09

-Motor Overheats!!: 03:09:05

-Final Fish Catch: 03:29:10

-Outro and Final Thoughts: 03:35:10

The Baits... 

-Big Bite Baits Tour Tube 3.5" (Tilapia): http://bit.ly/32e23VR

Jighead- BladeRunner Inhaler 3/16 oz 2/0: https://bit.ly/2NX7nYr

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

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

-Megabass Dark Sleeper 3" 1/2 oz (Wakasagi): http://bit.ly/2TyR1GT

Matt's Tube Combo... 

Rod- G Loomis NRX 872S JWR: http://bit.ly/2dX9zjv

Reel- Shimano Twin Power FD 3000: https://bit.ly/3df3hX5

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

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

Dark Sleeper Combo... 

Rod- Shimano Expride 7'2" Medium Light +: http://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

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

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

Budget Finesse Swimbait Combo... 

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

Reel- Shimano SLX DC HG: http://bit.ly/2LWzw2Q

Line- Sunline Assassin 12 lb Fluorocarbon: 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

Sight Casting For GIANT Smallmouth Bass In The Clearest Water You've Ever Seen!

We've found water so clear you can see giant bass swimming 50 yards away! We're sight casting to them like they're snook on a saltwater flat and its working!!! Come along as Matt and CC stalk big fish with ultralight tackle in the Great Lakes and catch a monster bag the first day! Don't let clear water and big fish intimidate you, Matt is about to show you everything you need to know to consistently catch these fish!

If you've ever been faced with fish in crystal clear water you know they can be very finicky. Knowing how to adapt your gear and lead the fish so they don't spook is critical. Once you've established how much lead you need to put your bait in their line of sight without spooking them, its clock work. Today we did our best work with a tube and a dark sleeper. The fish ambushing around rocks would crush the dark sleeper but fish on the open flats would only eat a tube worked with tiny pops of the rod tip. 

The next time you're faced with clear water conditions, don't be afraid to try and catch those bass! Use long leaders, make long casts, and don't be afraid to search for fish where no one else is willing to go. Below is a breakdown of the baits (including exact colors, weights, etc) and the gear we were using to throw them. The links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 

The Tube... 

Matt's Tube- Big Bite Baits 3.5" Salt Tube: https://bit.ly/2D7j6RX

Matt's Color: Green Pumpkin Black Orange

CC's Tube- Big Bite Baits 3.5" Tour Tube: http://bit.ly/32e23VR

CC's Color: Green Pumpkin Blue Flake

Tube Head- Blade Runner Inhaler 1/4 oz 2/0: https://bit.ly/2NX7nYr

The Swimbait... 

Swimbait- Megabass Dark Sleeper 1/2 oz 3": http://bit.ly/2TyR1GT

Color: Wakasagi

The Hair Jig…

Jig- Feider Fly 1/16 oz: http://bit.ly/2G7TBwj

Color: Black

Matt's Tube Combo... 

Rod- G Loomis NRX 872S JWR: http://bit.ly/2dX9zjv

Reel- Shimano Twin Power FD 3000: https://bit.ly/3df3hX5

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

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

Budget Tube Combo... 

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

Reel- Shimano Sahara FI 2500: http://bit.ly/2XhhM43

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

Leader- Maxima Ultragreen Monofilament 8 lb: http://bit.ly/2ae97J9

Matt's Dark Sleeper Combo... 

Rod- Shimano Expride 7'2" Medium Light +: http://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

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

Line- Sunline Assassin 12 lb Fluorocarbon: 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

How To Fish A Tube: Everything You Need To Know! **GIANT Smallmouth Caught!**

A Tube will catch everything that swims! When you know how to use the different tube styles and sizes, heads, hooks, and colors, the tube becomes incredibly adaptable! They work all year long no matter how shallow or deep you're fishing. Today Matt and CC put them to work on a pile of 4-6 lb Smallmouth in crystal clear water and take the time to teach you every detail of the technique along the way. 

Despite its effectiveness the tube is often overlooked by anglers. Its not as popular as the dropshot or ned rig but if forget to throw it, you're missing an incredible opportunity! When you learn to mix it in with the other baits it becomes even more effective. Today Matt and CC implemented stubby tubes, heavy wire hooks, and when the bite slowed, mixed in a ned rig to make sure they weren't leaving any fish behind. 

Below is a breakdown of the baits and equipment used and discussed in today's video. The links go directly to tackle warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. We've included the different head styles, tube styles, etc... that will help you become a well rounded tube fisherman. 

Today's Exact Baits... 

Matt's Tube- Big Bite Baits Salt Tube 3.5" (Green Pump Blk Org): https://bit.ly/2D7j6RX

CC's Tube- Big Bite Baits Tour Tube 3.5" (Green Pump Blue): http://bit.ly/32e23VR

Ned Worm- Missile Baits Ned Bomb (Green Pumpkin Flash): http://bit.ly/2XCOGwd

Today's Exact Heads... 

Tube: Blade Runner Inhaler 3/16 with 2/0 Hook: https://bit.ly/2NX7nYr

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

Favorite Tubes For Different Situations... 

Tournament Tube (Skinny)- Dry Creek Tournament 3.5: http://bit.ly/2cJwI6r

Colors: Crazy Eddie, Old Ugly, Green Pumpkin

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

Colors: Green Pump Blue, Tilapia, Green Pump Purp Copper

Fat Tube (Double Dip)- Dry Creek Full Body Double Dip: https://bit.ly/38BgQ15

Colors: Bama Craw, Buzzard Snot, Columbia Craw

Finesse Tube (2.5"): Big Bite Baits 2.5": https://bit.ly/3ivlceF

Colors: Green Pumpkin Pepper, Light Melon Perch

Favorite Heads... 

-Blade Runner Inhaler: https://bit.ly/2NX7nYr

The BEST head we've found for a stout (but small) hook! The 1/0 is perfect for 2.5" tubes, the 2/0 is perfect for all standard tubes/double dip tubes, and a 3/0 is a great pairing for full size 4" tubes. Again this is a small hook but heavy wire. You can still set it with standard spinning tackle but there is no fear of ever bending it out on a fish. If you know you're around big fish, this is the head. 

-Bite Me Flat Eye Tube Head: http://bit.ly/2diyVXK

This has been my favorite tube head for years. Its narrow enough to fit in any tube and has an excellent medium wire hook. 

-Swagger Tungsten Tube Head: https://bit.ly/31Kmcpq

This head is small for its size due to tungsten's density so its easier to fit it into various tubes than its lead counterparts. Its an EWG-style hook, not a round bend. Some anglers prefer one style over another, we've been experimenting with EWG this past year.  

-Bite Me Tackle Goby Head: http://bit.ly/2CV3o7S

This is the head for fishing deep or cracking a tube! Heavy weights with an excellent medium wire hook. 

Matt's Tube Rod... 

Rod- G Loomis NRX 872S JWR: http://bit.ly/2dX9zjv

Reel- Shimano Twin Power FD 3000: https://bit.ly/3df3hX5

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

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

Mid Range Tube Combo... 

Rod- Dobyns Champion XP 7'6" Medium: http://bit.ly/2j7EBXD

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

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

Leader- Sunline Sniper 8 lb Fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

Budget Tube Combo... 

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

Reel- Shimano Sahara FI 2500: http://bit.ly/2XhhM43

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

Leader- Maxima Ultragreen Monofilament 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