The "Must Have" Baits For Spring Bass Fishing! (Boat And Shore Fishing)

We're tired of the cold... let's talk about Spring Bass Fishing! Early Spring fishing creeps up every year, make sure you're prepared! We all know Spring is a great time to be on the water, but what should you be gearing up to get ready? These are the "must have" lures for any serious angler that wants to catch big bass this coming Spring, whether you're on a boat, a kayak, or walking the shore!

Spring is all about covering water to locate schools of bass. If you're fishing too slowly, the odds of finding these mega schools drops significantly. With that in mind, all our top baits focus on covering water. Most of these baits "trigger" a feed response in a bass, but we've also included a few for the shore bound angler who may have less available spots to fish.

Below you'll find links to each of the baits discussed in the video. We've included our favorite colors and sizes for each, as well as a couple budget friendly rod and reel combos to fish them.  All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

CHATTERBAITS AND TRAILERS...

•ZMan EverGreen JackHammer (1/2 oz): http://bit.ly/2popvj6

Colors: Green Pumpkin Shad, Bruised Green Pumpkin, Fire Craw

•ZMan Chatterbait Elite Evo (1/2 oz): https://bit.ly/3YkW2Hd

Colors: Bama Bream, Hot Snakes

•Hog Farmer Spunk Shad (4.5 and 5.5): https://bit.ly/2UFkCD7

Colors: TW Sunfish Magic, Blow Torch, Ghost Minnow, Hematoma

UNDERSPINS AND SWIMBAITS...

•Dirty Jigs Tactical Mini Finesse Underspin: https://bit.ly/3JOd8UY

Size: 1/8 – 1/4 oz

•Dirty Jigs Tactical Underspin Series: https://bit.ly/4bKgVQf

Size: 3/8 – 1/2 oz

•Xzone 2.75" – 4" Swammer: https://bit.ly/2PogV0q

Colors: Electric Shad, Pro Blue Red Pearl

JERKBAITS...

•Shimano Zumverno 95 SP: https://bit.ly/3Gbzrmw

Colors: S Hasu, Clown

•Megabass Vision 110: https://bit.ly/3tw8Cpz

Colors: Mat Shad, GG Illusion Tennessee Shad

MEGABASS VISION 110 HOOK 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

SQUAREBILL CRANKBAITS...

•Rapala OG Rocco: https://bit.ly/3PHvNCI

Colors: Red Crawdad, Classic Craw, Chartreuse Black

•Bill Lewis ATV 1.5: https://bit.ly/41o3ctj

Colors: Red Glitter Craw, Fire Truck Craw

5 HOOK ALABAMA RIG...

Rig– Hog Farmer TacticalBassin 5 Hook 4 Blade: https://bit.ly/429NWTK

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

Colors: Electric Shad, Pro Blue Red Pearl

Head– Matt Allen Swimbait Head: https://bit.ly/29RrTYN

Size: 1/8 oz

MICRO FLEX RIGS...

Bladed– HogFarmer Tactical Micro Flex: https://bit.ly/3RY1wUK

Non Bladed– Hog Farmer Tactical Micro Flex: https://bit.ly/3Rui7Oc

Swimbait– 3" Damiki Armor Shad: https://bit.ly/2KtPDAT

Colors: American Shad, PB Silver

Head– Zman Trout Eye Finesse: https://bit.ly/3C7H1iL

Size: 1/8 oz

LIPLESS CRANKBAIT...

•Nomad Swimtrex Max (1/2 oz): https://bit.ly/3SjrDWD

Today's Color: Threadfin Shad, Natural Threadfin, Red Craw

•Jackall TN 70 Lipless: https://bit.ly/2lqAwjh

Today's Colors: SS Shad, SG Threadfin

SHORE ANGLER BAITS...

•Yamamoto 5" Senko: https://bit.ly/2axAmNS

Colors: Green Pumpkin Black Flake

•Missile Baits Bomba: https://bit.ly/44bZRNZ

Colors: Super Bug, Green Pumpkin

•Keitech 4.8" Fat Swing Impact: https://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

Colors: Electric Shad, Pro Blue Red Pearl

•Xzone Whiplash Shad: https://bit.ly/3IpMKQo

Colors: Electric Shad, Pro Blue Red Pearl

SHORE ANGLER HOOKS...

•Gamakatsu EWG Superline: https://bit.ly/3AmFDnK

Size: 3/0 and 4/0

•Owner Flashy Swimmer: https://bit.ly/2e8O4Y7

Size: 5/0

BUDGET CHATTERBAIT COMBO...

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

Reel– Shimano SLX 70 A (HG): https://bit.ly/3vPtYQ5

Line– Sufix 832 Braid (40 lb): https://bit.ly/2ae93Ji

Leader– Sufix Advance Mono (14 lb): https://bit.ly/3GJEUix

BUDGET SQUAREBILL/LIPLESS COMBO...

Rod– Dobyns Fury 7' Medium Heavy Mod Fast: https://bit.ly/4h9DHmn

Reel– Seviin GF Series 7.3:1: https://bit.ly/3qa2SQZ

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

BUDGET ALL PURPOSE BAITCASTER...

Rod– Fenwick Eagle 7'1" Medium X Fast: https://bit.ly/4b25LGh

Reel– Abu Garcia Max Pro: https://bit.ly/3QKCQOG

Line– Seaguar Red Label (15 lb): https://bit.ly/2LOVEwA

TACTICALBASSIN LURE DESIGNS (AND APPAREL)

We have a variety of custom lure designs and apparel available! Everything from Swimbaits and crankbaits, to apparel and merch! See it here…

•TacticalBassin Apparel and Merch: https://bit.ly/3ZxEI0z

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

No Electronics Needed! Old School Bass Fishing!

Come along as we go bass fishing in an aluminum boat with no electronics! Forget all the hype, let's prove you can still catch fish without all the bells and whistles! Jigs, crankbaits, and blade baits are all on the menu today and despite rain and snow, we catch a bunch of fish!

Modern electronics are incredibly useful tools, but they're not a requirement for a fun day on the water. Listen closely as Matt explains his decision making throughout the day, the clues he uses to locate fish, and how he builds a pattern. Even as conditions go from bad to worse, he's able to adapt, and keep catching fishing.

Below you'll find links to the exact baits Matt used through the day. We've also included the rod and reel combos he landed his fish with. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

THE JIG...

•Dirty Jigs Pitchin Jig (1/2 oz): https://bit.ly/2amL3of

Color: Hematoma

•Xzone 4" Muscle Back Craw: https://bit.ly/43DZXOQ

Color: Black Blue Flake

THE BLADE BAIT...

•Damiki Vault (1/2 oz): https://bit.ly/2rnO7e2

Color: Holo Mossback

•Owner Hyperwire Split Rings: https://bit.ly/2v8ArBX

Sizes: 2 (hooks), 3 (Line Tie)

•BKK EWG Spear: https://bit.ly/3PiUjM7

Size: 6

JERKBAIT...

•Megabass Vision 110 Jr: https://bit.ly/2OeAFBf

Color: French Pearl

LIPLESS CRANKBAIT...

•Jackall TN 70 Lipless: https://bit.ly/2lqAwjh

Color: RT Escape Craw

CRANKBAITS...

•Rapala OG Rocco: https://bit.ly/3PHvNCI

Color: Classic Craw

•Rapala OG Slim 6: https://bit.ly/3pV1CLN

Color: Live River Shad

JIG COMBO...

Rod– Shimano Expride 7'4" Heavy: https://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

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

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

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

BLADE BAIT COMBO...

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

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

Line– Sufix 832 Sunrise Braid (30 lb): https://bit.ly/3vbtuDw

Leader– Sufix Advance (12 lb): https://bit.ly/3GJEUix

JERKBAIT COMBO...

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

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

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

CRANKBAIT COMBO...

Rod– Megabass Levante Flat Side Special: https://bit.ly/2FdE3YY

Reel– Daiwa Tatula SV TW 70: https://bit.ly/3ZcBbCZ

Line– Daiwa Hidden FC (12 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 apparel and merch! See it here…

•TacticalBassin Apparel and Merch: https://bit.ly/3ZxEI0z

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

Early Spring Gear Review 2025! Rods, Reels, Tackle And Gear!

This is the hottest new gear in bass fishing for 2025! We've been testing a ton of new gear the past few months and these are the clear stand outs! From the new Shimano Outlier Series, to Aftco's Fortress Suit, to a variety of reels, baits, and tackle, these are the best new items we've found! Let's take a look!

This is our first gear review of 2025 and it's packed with amazing gear! We've been busily testing rods, reels, and baits, throughout Fall and Winter. Most baits didn't make the cut, but these gems earned their place! These new Strolling options are must haves, and the chatterbait trailers speak for themselves. For the swimbait anglers we've got the new Tranx 300 B, and the whole Shimano Outlier series! For those in the armed forces, or who want to support those that are, the Abu Garcia Zata Tact Z is an awesome addition!

Below you'll find links to all our favorite gear that was featured in this video. We've listed them in the order they appeared, and included all relevant information on favorite colors, sizes, etc. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

TACTICAL APPAREL...

•New TacticalBassin Gear: https://bit.ly/3ZxEI0z

New Items: Hoodies, Hats, Beanies

AFTCO GEAR...

•Aftco Fortress Rain Jacket: https://bit.ly/42LrGQ8

•Aftco Fortress Rain Bibs: https://bit.ly/4aPp45O

•Aftco Packable Transformer Jacket: https://bit.ly/3t4y4lP

•Aftco Packable Transformer Pants: https://bit.ly/3Zzy89y

SHIMANO TRANX...

•Shimano Tranx 300 B: https://bit.ly/40QzQ7b

Favorite Speed: 7:1 (HG)

SHIMANO OUTLIER ROD SERIES...

•Shimano Outlier Rods: https://bit.ly/3EuHPiT

7'4" MH Baits: S–Waver, 6" Trick Shad, Flag, 6" Magdraft

7'9" MH+ Baits: 7" Trick Shad, TK, Chad Shad, Toxic Gill

7'10" H+ Baits: Hinkle Shad, Phoney, K9, 8" Magdraft

7'11" H Baits: Citizen 6"–7", Bacca Burrito, Tyrant 9, Loose Caboose

8' XH Baits: 8" Hudd, SlideSwimmer 250, Hawghunter Mag, Tyrant 10

8' XXH Baits: Hinkle Trout, DRT Ghost, Roman Made Mother, DRT Frenzy

ABU GARCIA REEL...

•Abu Garcia Zata Tact Z: https://bit.ly/3B8E7Ks

Favorite Speed: 7.1:1

STROLL SHAD...

•Hog Farmer 5" Stroll Shad: https://bit.ly/3ALs7OI

Favorite Colors: Electric Shad, Ghost Minnow, Green Shad

Pairing– Dirty Jigs HD Tungsten Guppy: https://bit.ly/3WCfvSn

Size: 1/4 oz

OWNER HEAD...

•Owner Round Ball XL: https://bit.ly/3Et1q33

Favorite Sizes: 5/16 oz – 4/0, 3/8 oz – 5/0

CHATTERBAIT TRAILER...

•ZMan ChatterShad: https://bit.ly/4jPaGOX

Favorite Colors: Bad Shad, Electric Shad, The Deal

YAMAMOTO SWIMBAIT...

•Yamamoto Shad Shape Swimmer: https://bit.ly/4hOE5al

Sizes: 3.2", 3.7", 4.2"

Favorite Colors: Green Gizzard, Natural Shad, Rainbow Shad

TACTICALBASSIN LURE DESIGNS (AND APPAREL)

We have a variety of custom lure designs and apparel available! Everything from Swimbaits and crankbaits, to apparel and merch! See it here…

•TacticalBassin Apparel and Merch: https://bit.ly/3ZxEI0z

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

The Best Fishing Rod For EVERY Technique! ( Beginner To Advanced + Rod Actions )

Everything you need to know about fishing rods! From how to get the most out of budget rods, to the meanings of rod action and power codes. Tim is showing everything you need to know to get the best fishing rods for your favorite techniques, regardless of your budget!

Fishing gear is expensive and the truth is, most anglers just guess when buying a rod. You're at the mercy of a tackle shop employee or an online review as you spend spend hard earned money on a new rod. It doesn't have to be that way! Understanding ratings, codes, and how popular brands differ, will take all the guess work out so you can make the best selections for your fishing style.

Below you'll find links to many of our favorite rods, separated by technique. We've also included a few budget friendly rods as well. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

IF YOU COULD ONLY HAVE ONE...

Casting Rod– Shimano SLX 7'2" Medium Heavy: https://bit.ly/2L3wppO

Casting Reel– Shimano SLX A 150 (HG): https://bit.ly/2NfdOnk

Spinning Rod– Fenwick HMG 7'1" Medium XFast: https://bit.ly/4cXBAjD

Spinning Reel– Daiwa Legalis LT 2500D–XH: https://bit.ly/3Y0kDh3

BRAIDED LINE...

Budget– Power Pro Braid: https://bit.ly/2aFg46b

Affordable– Sufix 832: https://bit.ly/2ae93Ji

Refined– Seaguar PEX8: https://bit.ly/3UEhhl2

Spinning– 10-15 lb Line

Casting– 40 lb Line

FAVORITE CASTING RODS BY TECHNIQUE...

Jig (Pitch and Flip)– Shimano Expride B 7'4" Heavy Mod Fast: https://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

Jig (Football)– G Loomis GLX 844C MBR: http://bit.ly/2gqziwT

Jerkbait– Shimano Expride 6'10" Medium: https://bit.ly/32IrXqE

Alabama Rig– Shimano Zodias 7'5" Medium Heavy: https://bit.ly/2cgmMAe

Chatterbait– Megabass P5 Destroyer 7'2" Daemos: https://bit.ly/3wHoXpD

Spinnerbait– St. Croix Legend Tournament 7’3” MH Fast: https://bit.ly/3Iow9KV

Heavy Flipping– Shimano Expride 7'11" XH: http://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

Weightless Worms– Megabass P5 Dark Sleeper: https://bit.ly/2wVOSbY

Tail Spin/Blade– Shimano Expride 7’2” Medium LIght: https://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

Keitech (4.8)– Fenwick World Class 7'3" Medium Heavy XFast: https://bit.ly/3qbGEya

Underspin (Finesse)– Daiwa Steez AGS 7'6" Med Med Light: https://bit.ly/44wVwFk

Big Swimbait– G Loomis IMX Pro 966 SWBR: https://bit.ly/3ktZFnF

Lipless Crankbait– G Loomis IMX Pro 855C CBR: http://bit.ly/2og0BmK

Deep Crank (Tight Action)– G Loomis IMX Pro 906 CBR: http://bit.ly/2og0BmK

Deep Crank (All Around)– Shimano Zodias 7'6" MH Glass: https://bit.ly/2cgmMAe

Squarebill– Megabass Levante "Flat Side Special": https://bit.ly/2FdE3YY

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

Bait Finesse– Cashion Icon 6'10" Medium Light Fast: https://bit.ly/3mLIIes

Spoon– St. Croix Legend Elite 7'4" Heavy: http://bit.ly/2z2qdHc

Texas Rig– Shimano Poison Adrena 7'3" Medium Heavy: https://bit.ly/4cVIwOI

Topwater– G Loomis GLX 843C MBR: https://bit.ly/2gqziwT

FAVORITE SPINNING RODS BY TECHNIQUE...

Strolling– Expride 6'10" Medium XFast (Solid Tip): https://bit.ly/2osaj3q

Dropshot– G Loomis NRX+ 822S DSR: https://bit.ly/2RB0oJP

Ned Rig– G Loomis NRX+ 821S DSR: https://bit.ly/2RB0oJP

Tube– St. Croix Legend Elite 7'6" Medium: http://bit.ly/2pjJWMA

Northern Hair Jig– St. Croix Victory 7'10" Med Light: https://bit.ly/2RPMkfV

FAVORITE BUDGET RODS BY TECHNIQUE...

Jerkbait– Shimano SLX 6'10" Medium: http://bit.ly/2mGp1Vc

All Around Crankbait– St. Croix Mojo Glass 7'4" MH: https://bit.ly/2YIxLy5

Lipless Crankbait– St. Croix Black Bass 7'2" Med Hvy Mod: https://bit.ly/4cX7VHL

Jig– Fenwick Eagle 7'3" Medium Heavy Fast: https://bit.ly/4b25LGh

Texas Rig– Daiwa Tatula XT 7’3” MH Fast: https://bit.ly/3wqRhwq

All Around– Shimano SLX 7'2" Medium Heavy: http://bit.ly/2mGp1Vc

Dropshot/Ned Rig– St. Croix Bass X 6'10" Med Light X Fast: https://bit.ly/3xi0ren

Topwater (Walking)– Abu Garcia Veritas 7' Medium Fast: https://bit.ly/3CGiPVg

Topwater (Popper) – St. Croix Bass X 6'8" Medium X Fast: https://bit.ly/3A5CFSU

Big Swimbait– Savage Gear 8' Heavy Squad: https://bit.ly/3tT8bS2

Frog– Daiwa Tatula 7’4” Heavy Frog: http://bit.ly/2Q4NgKA

WANT TACTICALBASSIN GEAR??

We have a variety of custom lure designs and apparel available! Everything from Swimbaits and crankbaits, to apparel and merch! See it here…

•TacticalBassin Apparel and Merch: https://bit.ly/3ZxEI0z

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