Early Fall Bass Fishing! (Finesse Baits And Big Smallmouth)

We're exploring new water in search of big bass and taking you along for the ride on the Great Lakes! Don't miss any of the details as we adapt lure color, size, and retrieve to dial in a pattern for Smallmouth. Watch as the guys start off with power techniques like swimbaits and topwater but adapt with changing conditions, and continue catching fish with a ned rig, tube, and hair jig. 

Fishing Lake Michigan is all about adapting to changing conditions. Today started out with wind, settled to slick calm and high sun, then a lightning storm blew in. With no history to rely on the guys had to adapt on the fly, trying different presentations and locations (they ran over 50 miles!) to keep catching fish. They caught fish all day long and were vocal about the choices they were making and reasoning behind them. If you want to understand the mindset behind fish catching, this video is for you!

Below you'll find links to all the baits used in the video. We've included the exact models, sizes, and colors for each presentation. As promised, we've also included the jerkbait colors we use to adapt to changing conditions. Finally, you'll find links to our favorite rod and reel combos from the day with exact specs on each model. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 

SWIMBAIT... 

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

Color: Wakasagi, Donko

TOPWATER...

-Evergreen Shower Blows 105: http://bit.ly/2zIkqUH

Color: Bone, Skeleton Chartreuse

JERKBAIT... 

-Megabass Vision 110: http://bit.ly/2j31TKb

Natural Colors: Ito Natural, Matte Shad, Clear Laker

Bold Colors: Elegy Bone, Western Clown, Wakin React

TUBE...

Bait- STH Finesse Tube 2.5: https://bit.ly/3aU0oeU

Color: Dark Melon Gold Purple, Dark Melon Gold

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

Size: 1/8 oz 1/0 Hook

Alt. Head- Northland Tackle Short Shank: https://bit.ly/3AM4xwu

HAIR JIG... 

-Andy's Custom Maribou Jig (1/8 oz): https://bit.ly/3uYqDsw

Color: Black

NED RIG... 

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

Color: Desert Craw

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

Size: 1/10th with 1/0 Hook

DARK SLEEPER COMBO... 

Rod- Megabass P5 Dark Sleeper: https://bit.ly/2wVOSbY

Reel- Shimano Aldebaran MGL (HG): http://bit.ly/2fdX1Uy

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

HAIR JIG COMBO... (Back Order Available)

Rod- G Loomis NRX+ 901 SJR: https://bit.ly/2RB0oJP

Reel- Shimano Sustain FJ 3000: https://bit.ly/3BQLlNP

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

TUBE COMBO... 

Rod- St. Croix Legend Extreme 7'6" Medium: https://bit.ly/37UhrKR

Reel- Shimano Vanford 2500: https://bit.ly/2gu84t7

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

Leader- 6 lb Sunline Super FC: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

JERKBAIT COMBO... 

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

Reel- Shimano Aldebaran MGL (HG): http://bit.ly/2fdX1Uy

Line- Sunline Super FC 10 lb: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

WANT TACTICALBASSIN GEAR??

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

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

Sunken Shipwreck Explored! Amazing Smallmouth Fishing!

We won't let a broken boat stop us! Come along as we explore Lake Superior! Fall comes early in the North so we're able to target smallmouth moving shallow and feeding on baitfish long before they make the mouth in the Southern US. You'll see how clear the water is when we stumble across an 1800's era shipwreck along the way!

A lot of anglers are intimidated by big lakes. We often hear questions like, "where do you start?", "how do you know where to go?", and "Is it safe?" Fishing these GIANT bodies of water requires a dedication to safety but beyond that, its no different than fishing your local lake. Focus on protected areas or unique structures (coves, bays, points, and humps). We always start out fishing with reaction baits to cover water and find active fish, then slow down with finesse techniques as needed. 

Below you'll find links to the exact baits and equipment we used throughout the day. We've included the exact colors, sizes, and any other important details. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

PRIMARY BAITS…

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

Colors: Wakasagi, Haze

Size: 1/2 oz and 3/4 oz

-Evergreen Shower Blows 105: http://bit.ly/2zIkqUH

Color: Bone

OUR OTHER BAITS... 

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

Colors: Mirrored Minnow, Glass Minnow

Swimbait- Keitech 3.8" Fat Swing Impact: http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

Colors: SunGill, Smallmouth Magic

Head: Dirty Jigs Tactical Finesse 3/8 oz: http://bit.ly/2Pqrq3n

Jerkbait- Megabass Vision 110: http://bit.ly/2j31TKb

Colors: Mat Skeleton Shad, Elegy Bone

Spinnerbait- Megabass SV-3 3/8 oz: https://bit.ly/3lk1SD0

Color: Gill

Hair Jig- Andy's Custom Maribou Jig (1/8 oz): https://bit.ly/3uYqDsw

Color: Black

DARK SLEEPER COMBO...

Rod- Megabass P5 Dark Sleeper: https://bit.ly/2wVOSbY

Reel- Shimano Aldebaran MGL (HG): http://bit.ly/2fdX1Uy

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

TOPWATER COMBO... 

Rod- St. Croix Legend Elite 7' Medium: http://bit.ly/2z2qdHc

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

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

CRANKBAIT COMBO... 

Rod- St. Croix Mojo Glass 7'4" Medium heavy: https://bit.ly/2YIxLy5

Reel- Shimano Aldebaran MGL (HG): http://bit.ly/2fdX1Uy

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

SPINNERBAIT COMBO...

Rod- St. Croix Victory 7'1" Med Heavy Fast: https://bit.ly/3f4tcEb

Reel- Shimano Curado 70 MGL: https://bit.ly/2apmDJt

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

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

WANT TACTICALBASSIN GEAR??

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

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

Jerkbait Tricks For Early Fall Bass Fishing! (Beginner To Advanced)

Jerkbaits Catch Bass!! If you don't throw a jerkbait during the early Fall, you're missing some really fun fishing! Today we're on the water catching big smallmouth on Jerkbaits but in between catches Matt teaches the exact technique, how to use color to fine tune the pattern, and some other key tips. Whether you're a jerkbait beginner or a guy who throws them every day, you're going to enjoy the information in this video! 

Today Matt and CC used a Megabass Vision 110 and a Vision 110 Jr to dial in a jerkbait pattern along a windblown shoreline. The fish were staging on a shallow break to ambush baitfish and these baits were more than the fish could resist. In the beginning the fish were slapping at the baits but Matt began playing with colors and found the color "Elegy Bone" made all the difference. The duo went from short strikes and skin hooks to bass fully committing and t-boning the baits!

The jerkbait should be a part of your arsenal as water temperatures drop this Fall. Below you'll find links to all the baits in the video as well as a couple of our other favorite jerkbaits. We've also included the rod and reel combos we were using, along with a budget alternative. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 

TODAY'S JERKBAITS... 

-Megabass Vision 110: http://bit.ly/2j31TKb

Natural Colors: Matte Shad, Matte Pro Blue

Bold Colors: Elegy Bone, Matte Skeleton Shad

-Megabass Vision 110 Jr: http://bit.ly/2OeAFBf

Colors: GP Pro Blue 2, Elegy Bone, Matte Shad

OTHER GREAT JERKBAITS... 

-Megabass Vision 110 +1: http://bit.ly/2iGYOCX

Colors: Elegy Bone, GP Pro Blue, Matte Shad

-Jackall Rerange 110: http://bit.ly/2ge0qED

Colors: Blue Pearl Shad, Silver Shad, Hollow Minnow

-Rapala Shadow Rap Deep: https://bit.ly/3aerPi6

Colors: Clown, Elite Blue, Ghost Shiner

JERKBAIT STORAGE... 

-Plano EDGE 3700 THIN Box: https://bit.ly/2VX5eAL

JERKBAIT HOOK/SPLIT RING UPGRADES... 

Split Ring Replacement- Owner Hyperwire Black (Size 2): http://bit.ly/2v8ArBX

110 Replacement Hook- Gamakatsu Finesse Nano Treble (Size 5): http://bit.ly/2dWWAut

110 Junior Replacement Hook- Gamakatsu 1X Black (Size 8): https://bit.ly/3oSXVXp

MATT'S JERKBAIT COMBO... 

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

Reel- Shimano Aldebaran MGL (HG): http://bit.ly/2fdX1Uy

Line- Sunline 10 lb Fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2h4LNjm

CC'S JERKBAIT COMBO... 

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

Reel- Shimano Curado 70 MGL: https://bit.ly/2apmDJt

Line- Sunline 10 lb Super FC: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

BUDGET JERKBAIT COMBO... 

Rod- Shimano SLX 6'10" Medium: http://bit.ly/2mGp1Vc

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

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

WANT TACTICALBASSIN GEAR??

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

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

Summer Topwater! Big Fish Can't Resist In Shallow Water!

Summer topwater is amazing! Come along on this evening session as Tim gets bit cast after cast on top! He ends up with way over 20 lbs for 5 smallmouth and a TON of BIG bites! Watch as he switches from finesse baits to topwater, then dials in an exact pattern targeting big fish around hard bottom contours. 

No matter the species of bass you're targeting, topwater should have a place in your arsenal during the Summer months. Not only is it fun to throw and exciting to see as the bass erupt on the baits, it tends to get a larger bite than many subsurface alternatives. Tim and Tonya fished this lake briefly a few days prior and caught a few quality fish but the moment Tim picked up the topwater it seemed like every fish in the lake got BIGGER!

Below you'll find links to the exact gear used in the video. From the topwater baits to colors, to rod and reel combos, we've included everything. We've even included some of our other favorite topwater walking baits. All the links go directly Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 

Today's Topwater... 

-Evergreen SB Shower Blows 105: http://bit.ly/2zIkqUH

Colors: Bone, Full Metal, Morizo Pink

-River2Sea Whopper Plopper 110: http://bit.ly/2bsPbQV

Color: Loon, Bone

Tim's Topwater Combo... 

Rod- Shimano Expride 6'8" Medium Heavy: http://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

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

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

Alternate Topwater Combo... 

Rod- Shimano Zodias 7'2" Medium: https://bit.ly/2cgmMAe

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

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

Other Great topwater Walking Baits... 

-River2Sea Rover 128: http://bit.ly/2acSVea

Colors: Bone, Abalone Shad, You Know It

-Teckel Kicknocker: http://bit.ly/2nvxkoA

Colors: Pro Blue Shore, Lime Ice, Threadfin Shad

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

Colors: Bone, American Shad, Ghost Minnow

Budget Topwater Combo... 

Rod- St. Croix Bass X 7'1" Medium: http://bit.ly/2r0xWAs

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

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

Want TacticalBassin Gear?  

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

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