Clear Water Fishing? These Tricks Always Catch Bass!

Clear water can be tricky, but not with these tips! Whether you're on the Great Lakes, a highland reservoir, or a clear water pond, this information will help you catch more fish. We typically apply these tips to Northern Smallmouth, but they work great for big Spotted Bass and Largemouth too!

When water is clear, distance is your friend! Focusing on your lake's color line will get more bites, and so will light fluorocarbon. Once you've figured out how to be stealthy, it comes down to lure presentation. We have key baits that we trust to consistently get bite in clear water situations and you can rely on them too. From finesse power fishing to micro baits, these are the lures we use.

Below you'll find links to the exact baits discussed in the video. We've included our favorite sizes and colors, favorite rigging components, as well as the rods and reels we use to fish them effectively. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

SINGLE SWIMBAITS...

•Dirty Jigs Tactical Finesse Swimbait Head: https://bit.ly/2Pqrq3n

Favorite Size: 3/8 oz

•Keitech 3.8" Fat Swing Impact: https://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

Colors: Electric Blue Chartreuse, Sun Gill

•Xzone 4" Swammer: https://bit.ly/2PogV0q

Colors: Electric Shad, Electric Blue Chart, Perch

•Keitech 4" Easy Shiner: https://bit.ly/2bxJK6H

Colors: Electric Blue Chartreuse, Electric Bluegill

OKASHIRA SWIMBAIT...

•Megabass Okashira Screw Head: https://bit.ly/2EpluSA

Size: 1/16th - 1/8 oz

•Megabass 3" Spark Shad: https://bit.ly/2XcLZk4

Colors: Albino, Real, Silver Shad

DARK SLEEPER...

•Megabass 3" Dark Sleeper (3/4 oz): https://bit.ly/2TyR1GT

Colors: Wakasagi, Haze

JERKBAITS...

•Megabass Vision 110 Jr + 1: https://bit.ly/2LnK389

Colors: Elegy Bone, Northern Secret, MG Western Clown

SPEED CRANKBAITS...

•River2Sea Tactical DD 75: https://bit.ly/37dclbX

Colors: Northern Special, Green Pumpkin Craw

•Megabass Deep X 300: https://bit.ly/2sSQHpt

Colors: Elegy Bone, Biwako See Thru Chart

SPY BAITS...

•Duo Realis Spin Bait 80 (3/8 oz): https://bit.ly/3QE27YK

Colors: Ghost Minnow, Green Smelt, Blue Hitch

NED RIGS...

•Xzone Ned Zone: https://bit.ly/2mRiYhF

Colors: 309, Big Limit

•Duo Realis Wriggle ND Slim: https://bit.ly/3PQtGQq

Colors: BTM Dweller, Lotic White

•ZMan NedLockZ HD: https://bit.ly/2kIgRYK

Size: 1/10 oz

FINESSE TUBES...

•Netbait STH 2.5" Finesse Tube: https://bit.ly/3aU0oeU

Colors: Juvenile Goby, Ten Point

•Dirty Jigs Guppy Head: https://bit.ly/2nyUJRS

Size: 3/16 oz, 1/0 Hook

DROPSHOT...

•MissileBaits BombShot: https://bit.ly/2YYBipr

Colors: Fishaliscious, Goby Bite

•Big Bite Baits Smallie Smasher: https://bit.ly/3xEADuo

Colors: Smashed Goby, Perch Dinner

•Owner Mosquito Light: https://bit.ly/2zQVKx3

Size: 2

•Xzone Skinny Tungsten weight: https://bit.ly/40NDHjT

Size: 1/4 oz

FLUOROCARBON LINE...

•Sunline Super FC (7 lb): https://bit.ly/2p7fxju

•Seaguar InvizX (6-8 lb): https://bit.ly/2oVsG2Y

•Sufix 131 Braid (6 lb): https://bit.ly/314VoyF

FAVORITE FINESSE SPINNING COMBO...

Rod– G Loomis NRX+ 7'6" Medium Light: https://bit.ly/2RB0oJP

Model: 901S SJR

Reel– Shimano Exsence A 3000: https://bit.ly/2iMtscV

Line– Sufix 131 Braid (6 lb): https://bit.ly/314VoyF

Leader– Sunline Super FC (7 lb): https://bit.ly/2p7fxju

DARK SLEEPER COMBO...

Rod– Megabass P5 7'1" Med Hvy Dark Sleeper: https://bit.ly/2wVOSbY

Reel– Shimano Aldebaran MGL (HG): https://bit.ly/2fdX1Uy

LIne– Sunline Super FC (12 lb): https://bit.ly/2p7fxju

FINESSE SWIMBAIT COMBO...

Rod– G Loomis GLX 7'5" Medium 892S JWR: https://bit.ly/49kagJX

Reel– Shimano Exsence A 3000: https://bit.ly/2iMtscV

Line– Seaguar InvizX (10 lb): https://bit.ly/2oVsG2Y

JERKBAIT COMBO...

Rod– Shimano Expride B 6'10" Medium Mod Fast: https://bit.ly/32IrXqE

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

Line– Sunline FC (10 lb): https://bit.ly/2h4LNjm

TACTICALBASSIN LURE DESIGNS (AND APPAREL)

We have a variety of custom lure designs and apparel available! Everything from Swimbaits and crankbaits, to hats and hoodies! Its all available direct through Tackle Warehouse with fast shipping. See it here... 

TacticalBassin Lure Designs: http://bit.ly/38YpPIz

The Best Bait Finesse (BFS) Tricks For Spring Bass Fishing!

You have to try these first couple tricks! Whether you prefer spinning tackle, or bait finesse gear, these ultra light baits work like magic in the Spring! Bass can't resist these downsized finesse lures, especially on tough lakes with a lot of fishing pressure. If you haven't tried BFS fishing yet, you're missing some of the best bass fishing there is!

The bait finesse system is a method of casting ultra light lures with baitcasting rods and reels. This isn't trying to fish lighter line on your existing setups, this is a completely different method of fishing. These casting combos are more capable than most spinning rods, when it comes to throwing the micro baits. But what you really need to understand is this fishing method will put the FUN back in bass fishing for you!

Below you'll find links to the exact baits, rods, reels, and gear we use for Spring BFS fishing. We've linked them in the exact order Matt talked about them, and even included our favorite colors for the baits. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

THE BUDGET COMBO...

Rod– Cashion Element Series: https://bit.ly/48w69eC

Model: 6'10" Medium Light

Reel– Shimano Curado BFS: https://bit.ly/2QGRVF2

Speed: 8:1

Line– Daiwa Hidden FC: https://bit.ly/3ILKXH0

Size: 7 lb

THE HARD BAITS...

•Megabass Karashi: https://bit.ly/3LwMGS7

Colors: HT Setsuki Chiayu, Kasumi Ito KS, HT Moroko KS

•Shimano 39F Tiny Crankbait: https://bit.ly/45Pj3Dd

Colors: Clear Green Craw, Sleeper Shad

•Megabass Griffon SRX BFS Crankbait: https://bit.ly/3qOyDj6

Colors: Phantom Green Craw, Mat Craw 2, Crack Sand

MATT'S BUZBE STORAGE BOXES...

Karshi Box– Buzbe Colony 15: https://bit.ly/3sr7aVn

Hook Box– Buzbe Colony 28 Terminal: https://bit.ly/3QxM6V1

CRAW BAITS...

•ZMan TRD CrawZ: https://bit.ly/2U9vx6P

Colors: Green Pumpkin, Green Pumpkin Orange

•Reins 2.5" Ring Craw: https://bit.ly/3U0OQvC

Colors: Green Pumpkin, Green Pumpkin Blue

CRAW RIGGING...

•ZMan NedLockz EWG: https://bit.ly/3OWdp9W

Size: 1/10 oz

•Reins Tungsten Slip Sinker: https://bit.ly/3Kx0Fqz

Size: 1/16 oz

•Owner Rig N Hook: https://bit.ly/2BnniXN

Size: 1/0

WACKY SENKO...

•Yamamoto 5" Thin Senko: https://bit.ly/43d1Tgn

Colors: Green Pumpkin Black, Baby Bass

•Hayabusa Wacky Hook: https://bit.ly/3UjDZx0

Size: 1

SOFT JERKBAIT...

•Jackall 3.5" Rhythm Wag: https://bit.ly/3NT6OvF

Colors: Golden Shad, Prism Shad

•BKK Chimera Hook: https://bit.ly/3IS3pwf

Size: 1/0

MATT'S KARASHI COMBO...

Rod– Cashion Icon 7' Light: https://bit.ly/3mLIIes

Reel– Shimano Curado BFS: https://bit.ly/2QGRVF2

Line– Sufix 832 Braid (10 lb): https://bit.ly/2ae93Ji

Leader– Sunline Super FC (7 lb): https://bit.ly/2p7fxju

ALL AROUND COMBO...

Rod– Shimano Expride B 6'8" Light: https://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

Reel– Shimano Aldebaran BFS: https://bit.ly/3ryXKpR

Line– Daiwa Hidden FC (7 lb): https://bit.ly/3ILKXH0

HIGH END COMBO...

Rod– Megabass Destroyer P5 Pop X Stick: https://bit.ly/2wVOSbY

Size: 6'3" Ultralight

Reel– Shimano Aldebaran BFS: https://bit.ly/3ryXKpR

Line– Daiwa Hidden FC (7 lb): https://bit.ly/3ILKXH0

TACTICALBASSIN LURE DESIGNS (AND APPAREL)

We have a variety of custom lure designs and apparel available! Everything from Swimbaits and crankbaits, to hats and hoodies! Its all available direct through Tackle Warehouse with fast shipping. See it here... 

TacticalBassin Lure Designs: http://bit.ly/38YpPIz

Best Baits To "Free Rig" For Spring Bass!

Have you tried the "Free Rig" yet? The subtle action of the Free Rig has been outperforming both the Texas Rig and Carolina Rig in a lot of situations! It's a fish catcher that's it's here to stay, and these tips will help you use it effectively. Not all baits are created equal, but Tim has been exploring this technique for several years and has some key tips to help you catch fish.

The Free Rig isn't new, but is continuing to gain popularity! It shines around stumps, laydowns, docks, and grass. Bass that have become conditioned to traditional presentations continue to fall for this subtle approach. The benefit of this rig is it allows your bait to fall very slowly, while still keeping great contact with the bottom.

Below you'll find links to Tim's favorite baits for free rigging, along with the gear he uses to fish them effectively. We've also included our favorite colors for each bait to help you get started. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

HOOKS AND WEIGHTS...

Light Wire Hook– Hayabusa Round Bend: https://bit.ly/3Zbo8Ty

Sizes: 2/0 for small profiles, 4/0 for large

Heavy Wire Hook– Owner Cover Shot HD: https://bit.ly/36Gunbf

Sizes: 1/0 - 3/0

Wide Gap Hook– Gamakatsu Offset EWG: https://bit.ly/2d07gvp

Sizes: 3/0 - 4/0

Heavy Weight– Reins Heavy Tungsten: https://bit.ly/47iSN4V

Size: 1/2 oz

Standard Weight– Swagger Tungsten Casting Pencil: https://bit.ly/2YAoMuv

Size: 1/8 - 3/8 oz

Light Weight– Zappu Pinfree Shot Tungsten: https://bit.ly/48750Kw

Size: 1/8 - 3/16 oz

CRAW BAITS...

•XZone Adrenaline Craw Jr (3.5"): https://bit.ly/3ebTO5h

Colors: Green Pumpkin Blk Flake, Tilapia

•OSP DoLive Beaver: https://bit.ly/3ECnepu

Colors: Green Pumpkin Pepper, Watermelon Pepper

•Crush City Bronco Bug: https://bit.ly/4aUfkGv

Colors: Black Blue Green Pumpkin, Green Pumpkin

CREATURE BAITS...

•MissileBaits Baby D Stroyer: https://bit.ly/3248BXL

Colors: Super Bug, Green Pumpkin

•MissileBaits D Stroyer: https://bit.ly/2QiTTrM

Colors: Super Bug, Green Pumpkin

SHAD/GILL PROFILES...

•GeeCrack Bellows Shad: https://bit.ly/3E4zVdl

Colors: Electric Shad, AJ's Juice

•GeeCrack Bellows Gill: https://bit.ly/3PUJgbL

Colors: Electric Shad, Green Pumpkin Blue Flake

•Zoom Super Fluke: https://bit.ly/2aqys0H

Colors: Baitfish, Smokin Shad, Electric Shad

TIM'S FAVORITE COMBO...

Rod– Shimano Expride B 7'2" Medium Light: https://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

Reel– Shimano Aldebaran MGL (HG): https://bit.ly/2fdX1Uy

Line– Sufix 131 Braid (30 lb): https://bit.ly/314VoyF

Leader– Sunline Super FC (12 lb): https://bit.ly/2p7fxju

SPINNING COMBO...

Rod– Shimano Zodias 7'2" Medium Light+ Fast: https://bit.ly/2jOUXAO

Reel– Shimano Vanford 3000: https://bit.ly/2gu84t7

Line– Seaguar SmackDown Braid (15 lb): https://bit.ly/43KGHQH

Leader– Seaguar Gold Label (10 lb): https://bit.ly/3UqrUbi

BUDGET COMBO...

Rod– Cashion Element 6'9" Medium XFast: https://bit.ly/48w69eC

Reel– Daiwa Fuego CT (HS): https://bit.ly/35hugfH

Line– Sunline FC (12 lb): https://bit.ly/2h4LNjm

TACTICALBASSIN LURE DESIGNS (AND APPAREL)

We have a variety of custom lure designs and apparel available! Everything from Swimbaits and crankbaits, to hats and hoodies! Its all available direct through Tackle Warehouse with fast shipping. See it here... 

TacticalBassin Lure Designs: http://bit.ly/38YpPIz

Spring Fishing Tips For Bass! ( Dropshot, Chatterbait, Glide Bait )

Spring bass fishing is awesome... if you're willing to adapt! One minute you've got a dropshot in your hand, the next minute you're slinging a glide bait. As conditions change, you have to adapt with them if you want to consistently catch fish. Come along for a fun day with Tim and the boys. Watch how they adapt to changing conditions and learn as Tim teaches them about Spring bass fishing.

The guys started out with a plan to power fish but quickly realized they had to adapt. The dropshot and shaky head saved the day until the conditions began shifting. Once the light got a little lower, the power fishing techniques came back into play, with multiple fish on chatterbaits and glide baits. Keep an open mind, be willing to adapt, and you'll take your Spring bass fishing to new heights!

Below you'll find links to the exact baits and gear the guys were using. We've included the exact colors and sizes, and even the rod and reel combos. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

THE DROPSHOT...

Worm– MissileBaits 6" Magic Worm: https://bit.ly/3T7dHgB

Color: PB & J

Hook– Owner Cover Shot HD: https://bit.ly/36Gunbf

Size: 2

Weight– Swagger Tungsten Pencil Dropshot: https://bit.ly/2UY7cgx

Size: 1/4 oz

THE SHAKEY HEAD...

Worm– Netbait Baitfuel Finesse Worm: https://bit.ly/43iBmzX

Color: Tilapia Magic, Green Pumpkin

Hook– Dirty Jigs Canterbury Shakey: https://bit.ly/2aFOs0V

Size: 3/16 oz

THE CHATTERBAIT...

•ZMan Elite Evo (1/2 oz): https://bit.ly/3OAGB8y

Color: Electric Shad

•Hog Farmer 4.5" Spunk Shad: https://bit.ly/2UFkCD7

Color: Electric Shad

THE GLIDE BAIT...

•River2Sea S Waver 168: https://bit.ly/2aiu8Sh

Color: Warden Hitch

Hook Upgrade– Owner ST 56 Treble: https://bit.ly/2cVg7xW

Size: 2

TIM'S POWER SHOT COMBO...

Rod– Shimano Expride 6'10" Medium Heavy: https://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

Reel– Shimano Curado 70 MGL (XG): https://bit.ly/2apmDJt

Braid– Sufix 131 (30 lb): https://bit.ly/314VoyF

Leader– Seaguar InvizX (15 lb): https://bit.ly/2oVsG2Y

JD'S BUDGET POWER SHOT COMBO...

Rod– Shimano SLX A 6'10" Medium Heavy: https://bit.ly/2L3wppO

Reel– Shimano SLX 150 XT (HG): https://bit.ly/2BRTYL8

Line– Seaguar Basix (12 lb): https://bit.ly/38c1HHr

CHATTERBAIT COMBO...

Rod– G Loomis IMX Pro 883C BJR: http://bit.ly/2QurcHi

Reel– Shimano Metanium MGL 150 B (HG): https://bit.ly/2ezIBfB

Line– Power Pro Maxcuatro 40 lb Braid: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

Leader– Sunline Saltimate System Shock 20 lb: https://bit.ly/3oT1oq2

GLIDE BAIT COMBO...

Rod– Shimano Expride B 7'6" Medium heavy: https://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

Reel– Shimano Tranx 200 (HG): https://bit.ly/2Tv0yCy

Line– Sufix 832 (65 lb): https://bit.ly/2ae93Ji

Leader– Sufix Advance (20 lb): https://bit.ly/3GJEUix

TACTICALBASSIN LURE DESIGNS (AND APPAREL)

We have a variety of custom lure designs and apparel available! Everything from Swimbaits and crankbaits, to hats and hoodies! Its all available direct through Tackle Warehouse with fast shipping. See it here... 

TacticalBassin Lure Designs: http://bit.ly/38YpPIz