Florida Bass Fishing Raw And Uncut! Big Bass On Swim Jigs And Chatterbaits!

Come along for a day on one of Florida's best lakes! We're going to build patterns and catch some BIG bass along the way! If you want to see what its like to really figure out a new body of water, this is for you. The fish are coming out of a cold snap and transitioning into the shallows. We're using a fluke, swim jig, and chatterbait to target them as they make the move. 

This style of video gives a complete view of what its really like to get out on the water and dial in the fish. Often times you see the highlights but don't see the struggles. From the break offs to the hand-lines and boat flips, its all here! If you enjoy this style of video leave a comment and let us know. Today was a blast! There was a period of struggle in the middle but we were able to combine two patterns into a very successful afternoon on the water. 

While we're in a completely new part of the country, the fishing itself is very similar to what we've experienced many other places. The bass are transitioning into the shallows to feed and spawn. Florida is well into Spring but most of the country is still weeks, and even months behind. If you want to replicate some of these patterns, we've included links to all the equipment Matt was using in the description below. All of the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. We've included relevant colors, as well as the rods and reels he was using to throw the baits. 

Fluke...

Bait- Zoom Super Fluke: http://bit.ly/2aqys0H

Color: Watermelon Seed

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

Frog... 

-Savage Gear DC Walker: https://bit.ly/2VVjRVl

Color: Gill

Swimbait... 

Bait- Gambler Big EZ: https://bit.ly/3axLYRV

Color: Gold Rush

Hook- Owner Beast 4/0: http://bit.ly/2ancP66

Chatterbait...

Bait- JackHammer (1/2 oz): http://bit.ly/2popvj6

Color: Black Blue

Trailer- Gambler EZ Swimmer: https://bit.ly/2OLlyUf

Color: JuneBug

Swim Jig... 

Bait- Dirty Jigs Swim Jig (1/2 oz): http://bit.ly/2dIVUMd

Color: Black and Blue 

Trailer- Gambler EZ Swimmer: https://bit.ly/2OLlyUf

Color: Junebug

Cut Points... 

4:30 - 1st Fish Catch

7:50 - 2nd Fish Catch

13:50 - How Matt Rigs A Fluke

21:05 - Nice Fish On A Fluke

24:10 - Another Fluke Fish

36:30 - Update And Fish Catch

01:03:10 - A Look At The Baits

01:12:45 - Starting Run To 2nd Spot

01:23:35 - Arriving At 2nd Spot

01:44:15 - Miss 3 Bites Then Catch A Giant!

02:15:25 - Matt Hand lines A BIG Bass! 

02:27:40 - How Matt Picks Apart Cover + Nice Fish 

02:48:30 - Matt Catches Another Big One

03:02:00 - Sunset Boat Run To Final Spot

03:04:00 - Final Fish Catch On Swim Jig

Fluke Combo... 

Rod- Shimano Zodias 7'5" Medium Heavy: https://bit.ly/3aeQbYW

Reel- Shimano Curado 200K HG: http://bit.ly/2tHewEh

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

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

Chatterbait Combo... 

Rod- St. Croix Legend Extreme 7'4" Heavy: https://bit.ly/2wlJQLu

Reel- Shimano Curado 200K HG: http://bit.ly/2tHewEh

Line- Power Pro Maxcuatro 65 lb Braid: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

Leader- Maxima Ultragreen 20 lb Mono: http://bit.ly/2ae97J9

Swim Jig Combo...

Rod- Shimano Expride 7'3" Extra Heavy: http://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

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

Line- Power Pro Maxcuatro 65 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

Swim Jigs and Swimbaits - Beginner To Advanced Tricks To Catch More Bass!

Come learn the secrets that fishermen use to consistently catch fish with swimbaits and swim jigs! Learn when its time to set the swimbait down and upsize to a swim jig. Watch as Matt explains the differences between swim jig trailers and how some create secondary action while others are virtually dead in the water. He’s giving up all the tricks from small finesse Swimbaits for clear water that will still get bit on the worst days, all the way to heavy swim jigs with huge hooks for busting hydrilla beds in search of giant largemouth!  

Finesse swimbaits are an incredible tool in every angler’s arsenal. The small keitechs have taken the industry by storm in recent years because of their incredible fish catching ability. Matt shows when to use the different styles and sizes and even shows how he and Tim rig the baits with micro hooks to maximize their bites on days when fish don’t want to bite. Color selection is key with these swimbaits as well so below in the description we’ve included color recommendations for every bait. 

Swim jigs are a huge category by themselves. We could go on for hours about how to pair trailers, modify skirts, and use each hook style to your advantage. But if you’re going to take away one piece of information its that for every weight/style of swim jig, there is a perfect trailer to make that bait rock and shimmy in the water. No matter what bait you choose, do not settle until you’ve found the perfect trailer that creates secondary action for you. 

Below are a breakdown of the baits, hooks, and even equipment we use when fishing swimbaits and swim jigs. The links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed descriptions and up close photos of each item. Matt has even included his favorite rods and reels for each bait category so you can really dial in your technique. 

Swimbaits… 

-Keitech Fat Swing Impact (3.8, 4.3, 4.8): http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

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

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

Colors: Silver Flash Minnow, TW Ghost Shad, TW Pro Blue

Swimbait Heads… 

-TacticalBassin Finesse Head: http://bit.ly/2Pqrq3n 

-Matt Allen Swimbait Head: http://bit.ly/29RrTYN 

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

Weedless Rigging and Bladed Heads… 

-Owner Flashy Swimmer: http://bit.ly/2e8O4Y7 

-Megabass Okashira Screw Head: http://bit.ly/2EpluSA 

-Coolbaits Down Under Underspin: http://bit.ly/2boS7QA 

Swim Jigs (Lightest Wire Hook To Heaviest)… 

-Finesse Swim Jigs: http://bit.ly/2dr2933 

Colors: Tactical Shad, Bluegill, Threadfin Shad

-Dirty Jigs Swim Jig: http://bit.ly/2dIVUMd

Colors: Chartreuse Shad, Dirty Shad, Bluegill

-No Jack Swim Jig: http://bit.ly/2d8qUCv 

Colors: Dirty Shad, Tactical Shad, Warmouth

-California Swim Jig: http://bit.ly/2auXfmx 

Colors: Alabama Bream, Citrus Shad, Tactical Shad

Swim Jig Trailers… 

Finesse- XZone Swammer 3.5: http://bit.ly/2PogV0q

Mid Size- River2Sea D Walker 100: http://bit.ly/2NwqBmz 

California- D Walker 120: http://bit.ly/2NwqBmz 

Lazy Method- Keitech 4.3” Fat Swing Impact: http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v 

Matt’s Favorite Tiny Swimbait Combo… 

Rod- Expride Spinning 6’10” Medium Light: http://bit.ly/2osaj3q 

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

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

Leader- Sunline Assassin 8 lb Fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2h4LNjm 

All-Around Swim Jig Combo… 

Rod- G Loomis GLX 844C MBR 7’ Heavy: http://bit.ly/2gqziwT 

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

Line- Power Pro Maxcuatro 50 lb Braid: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ 

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

Budget All-Around Swim Jig Combo… 

Rod- Shimano Intenza 7’4” Heavy: http://bit.ly/2QADLTq

Reel- Shimano SLX 150 DC: http://bit.ly/2LWzw2Q 

Line- Sunline Assassin 17 lb fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2h4LNjm

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

Swim Jigs: Everything You Need To Know For Summer Bass Fishing

Swim jigs made easy! Matt gives quick tricks that you can use to take your swim jig fishing for bass to the next level! If you're a spinnerbait or chatterbait guy, the swim jig is the next step. When combined with the proper trailer the baits come to life with amazing movement and flash that bass can't resist. Don't get caught shaking your swim jig this Summer, learn the proper technique and catch more bass!

In recent years, most swim jig fishermen have begun to use a keitech as their trailer. While this can be effective (and we often do it) its not the ideal swimbait trailer for a swim jig. Switching over to baits like the Rage Swimmer or D Walker will complete change the way the bait moves. A properly balanced swim jig with the right trailer will have head bob/roll, body rock, and skirt movement/flash without you imparting any outside action to the bait.

Summer time is the perfect time to learn the swim jig. This time of year you can get a lot of bites on the baits but you can also catch GIANT fish! Again, the key is selecting the right trailer. Below is a breakdown of the jigs, jig trailers, and equipment we use for swim jig fishing.

The Jigs...

-California Swim Jig (3/8 oz-3/4 oz): http://bit.ly/2auXfmx

-Dirty Jigs Swimbait (1/4 oz-3/8 oz): http://bit.ly/2dIVUMd

(Threadfin Shad, Tactical Shad, Crappie, Alabama Bream)

Swimbait Jig Trailers...

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

-Strike King Rage Swimmer 4.75: http://bit.ly/2evZF8j

-River2Sea D Walker 100 and 120: http://bit.ly/2NwqBmz

-Reaction Innovations Little Dipper: http://bit.ly/2brnU5I

Craw Jig Trailers...

Reaction Innovations Spicy Beaver: http://bit.ly/2MPuma1

Strike King Rage Bug: http://bit.ly/2aAsuiV

Strike King Rage Craw: http://bit.ly/2uoqsLJ

Zoom Z Craw: http://bit.ly/2vW7Jo5

California Swim Jig Combo...

Rod- Expride 7'6" Heavy: http://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

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

Line- 65 lb Power Pro Maxcuatro: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

Leader- 20 lb Maxima Ultragreen: http://bit.ly/2ae97J9

Swim Jig Combo...

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

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

Line- 50 lb Power Pro Maxcuatro: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

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