Lipless Crankbait Tricks + Blade Bait Tips For Spring Bass Fishing!

These two baits catch TONS of BIG Bass in Spring! The lipless crankbait is a staple in most angler's Spring bass fishing arsenal, but very few understand the late season effectiveness of the blade bait. Both options can produce incredible results in Spring and you should fish them with confidence!

Today we're heading down the rabbit hole of lipless and blade baits. Tim begins with a surface level approach, recommending a couple baits for all-around success, but it doesn't take long before we're looking at niche baits, detailed color analysis, and in-depth descriptions of how big bass stage in Spring.

Below you'll find links to our favorite baits, and our favorite gear to throw them. We've included favorite colors, hook upgrades, and more. All of the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

BOTTOM CONTACT LIPLESS CRANKBAITS...

•Lucky Craft LV500: https://bit.ly/2aAUUbd

Colors: Ghost Minnow, American Shad, Chartreuse Shad

•Jackall TN Series: https://bit.ly/2lqAwjh

Size: 70, 60

Today's Colors: SS Shad, SG Threadfin, Blueback Chrome

TRADITIONAL LIPLESS CRANKBAITS...

•Bill Lewis Rattle Trap: https://bit.ly/2gm8CjC

Size: 1/2 oz

Colors: Chrome/Black, Ghost Minnow, Strawberry Craw

•Cotton Cordell Super Spot: https://bit.ly/2y3K210

Colors: Rayburn Red, Royal Red, Chrome/Blue

•Nomad Swimtrex Max: https://bit.ly/3SjrDWD

Size: 1/2 oz, 3/4 oz

Today's Color: Threadfin Shad

•Duo Realis Apex Vibe: https://bit.ly/4brSaIk

Size: 1/2 oz - 1 oz

Colors: Chartreuse Shad, Ghost Minnow, Sangria Craw

•Bill Lewis Hammer Trap: https://bit.ly/3Uk0Ri1

Size: Chrome Gizzard, Silverado, Rayburn Red

BLADE BAITS...

•Damiki Vault: http://bit.ly/2rnO7e2

Size: 1/2 oz, 3/4 oz

Color: Black Holo, Real Shad, Holo Ayu

•Megabass Vibration X Dyna Response: http://bit.ly/2R7FlvL

Size: 1/2 oz

Color: Ito Hiuo, Jukucho Shad, Setsuki Ayu

HOOK UPGRADES BY BAIT...

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

Size: 3

•TN 70/LV500 Hooks– Gamakatsu EWG: https://bit.ly/2DCOlmV

Size: 4

•TN 60 Hooks– Owner ST–35: https://bit.ly/2g8uCMj

Size: 6

•Swimtrex Max/Blade Bait Hook– BKK Spear EWG: https://bit.ly/3PiUjM7

Size: 6 (Front), 8 (Back)

•Round Bend Hooks– Owner ST 36: https://bit.ly/2cWpeyw

Sizes: 4, 6

LIPLESS STORAGE BOX...

•Plano 3700 Standard Box: https://bit.ly/2t3uHMR

FAVORITE LIPLESS COMBO...

Rod– G Loomis IMX Pro 855C CBR: https://bit.ly/2FQj6CZ

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

Line– Sufix 832 Braid (30 lb): https://bit.ly/2ae93Ji

Leader– Sufix Advance Mono (17 lb): https://bit.ly/3GJEUix

MID PRICED LIPLESS COMBO...

Rod– St. Croix Legend Tournament Carbon Cranker: https://bit.ly/3Iow9KV

Reel– Shimano SLX 70 MGL (HG): https://bit.ly/3gIUCgJ

Line– Sufix 131 Braid (40 lb): https://bit.ly/314VoyF

Leader– Sufix Advance Mono (17 lb): https://bit.ly/3GJEUix

BUDGET LIPLESS COMBO...

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

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

Line- Sunline FC 15 lb Fluorocarbon: http://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

Catching Bass With Metal: The Trick Behind Spoons, Blade Baits, And Tail Spins!

Why do big bass eat these crazy things?! What is it about a hunk of metal falling through the water that actually fools fish into biting? And why can't you get them to work for you?! Today Matt is taking you out for a first hand look at the proper retrieves for each of these lure styles so you can start catching fish!

Metal baits catch a ton of fish in the Fall and Winter. The colder the water the more effective they become at fooling sluggish fish. The key to any of these baits is understanding their specialized retrieves. Once you've mastered how to work them, the rest is easy. 

Below you'll find links to the exact baits, including Matt's favorite sizes and colors for each. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 

JIGGING SPOONS...

•Blade Runner Duh Spoon: http://bit.ly/2aKVLlG

Sizes: 1 3/4 oz, 3/4 oz

Colors: UV Sierra, UV Morning Dawn, UV Fried Chicken

FLUTTER SPOONS...

•Nichols Lake Fork Flutter Spoon: http://bit.ly/2ICAGKL

Size: 1 1/8 oz

Colors: Purple Threadfin, Shattered Glass Holo Silver, Gizzard Shad

•Nichols Mini Magnum Flutter Spoon: http://bit.ly/2IBHjx7

Size: 2.5 oz

Colors: Silver Shattered Glass, Gizzard Shad, Super Shad

BLADE BAITS...

•Damiki Vault: http://bit.ly/2rnO7e2

Size: 1/2 oz, 3/4 oz

Color: Black Holo, Real Shad, Holo Ayu

•Megabass Vibration X Dyna Response: http://bit.ly/2R7FlvL

Size: 1/2 oz

Color: Ito Hiuo, Jukucho Shad, Setsuki Ayu 

TAIL SPINNERS...

•Jackall Deracoup: http://bit.ly/2p8X4b0

Size: 1/2 - 1 oz

Color: Clear Shad, Dera Shad, Silver

•Damiki Axe Blade: http://bit.ly/2w2uB9t

Size: 1 oz

Color: Holo Real Shad, Black Holo, Bream

BLADE RUNNER UPGRADES...

Hook– Owner ST 56: http://bit.ly/2cVg7xW 

Size: 2

Swivel– Spro Power Swivel: http://bit.ly/2ay0p7d

Size: 2

VAULT BLADE BAIT UPGRADES...

Split Rings– Owner Hyperwire: http://bit.ly/2v8ArBX

Sizes: 2 and 3

Hooks– Owner STX 38: http://bit.ly/2oNIeCD

Size: 6

HIGH END SPOON COMBO...

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

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

Line– Sunline FC Fluorocarbon (20 lb): http://bit.ly/2h4LNjm

MID PRICED SPOON COMBO...

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

Reel– Shimano Curado 150 MGL (HG): https://bit.ly/2TQHwrP

Line– Sunline FC Fluorocarbon (20 lb): http://bit.ly/2h4LNjm

MATT'S MINI MAG COMBO...

Rod– Megabass P5 Tequila Baccarac: https://bit.ly/2wVOSbY

Reel– Shimano Bantam MGL (HG): https://bit.ly/2H44yjG

Line– Power Pro Maxcuatro (65 lb Braid): http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

Leader– Sunline Saltimate (25 lb): https://bit.ly/3oT1oq2

BLADE/TAIL SPIN COMBO...

Rod– Shimano Expride 7'2" Medium Light: https://bit.ly/32IrXqE

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

Line– Sunline FC Fluorocarbon (12 lb): 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

Spoon, Blade, and Tail Spin Tricks - Cold Water Bass Fishing

We're all excited about Spring but the cold water isn't gone yet! If your bass are deep and lethargic, its prime time to hit them with heavy metal. Will a bass really eat a hunk of metal? You better believe it! Spoons, Blades, Tail Spins, and Ice Jigs, are made for this time of year! Here are the tricks we use to get them bit...

The blade bait is one of the deadliest cold water baits ever made. Add in a jigging spoon and a tail spin and you've got an arsenal that can catch cold water bass anywhere. The key to these heavy metal baits is knowing how to adapt them to your conditions. Some days you're snapping them aggressively off the bottom, other days its nothing but a flip of the rod tip to keep the bait quivering on the bottom. Subtle changes will make a huge difference in the days and weeks ahead. 

Below you'll find links to the exact baits discussed in the video. We've included our favorite sizes and colors for each, as well as some of the gear we use to throw these baits. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 

BLADE BAITS...

-Damiki Vault (1/2 -3/4 oz): http://bit.ly/2rnO7e2

Colors: Cyber Purple, Cyber Gold, Black holo

-Binsky Blade (1/2 oz): http://bit.ly/2mR2Vwe

Colors: Silver

-Silver Buddy (1/2 oz): http://bit.ly/2AcTelj

Colors: Silver Plated, Stainless Steel

SPOONS... 

-Blade Runner Duh Spoon: http://bit.ly/2aKVLlG

Sizes: 3/4 , 1 3/4 oz

Colors: UV Morning Dawn, Electric Chicken, UV Black Shad

-Acme Tackle Kastmaster: http://bit.ly/2PtUwi3

Sizes: 3/8 - 1/2 oz

TAIL SPINS... 

-Blade Runner Tail Spin: http://bit.ly/2UZaQXP

Colors: Iris Shad, Blue Shad, Pearl White

-Jackall Deracoup (1/2 - 1 oz): http://bit.ly/2p8X4b0

Colors: Dera Shad, Clear Shad, Silver

ICE JIG...

-Rapala Jigging Rap: https://bit.ly/3Lqaq84

Sizes: 5/8 - 7/8 oz

Colors: Regal Shad, Silver, Chrome Blue

SPOON FISHING COMBO... 

Rod- Shimano Zodias 7'5" Medium Heavy: https://bit.ly/2cgmMAe

Reel- Shimano Curado 150 MGL: https://bit.ly/2TQHwrP

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

BLADE BAIT/TAIL SPIN COMBO... 

Rod- St. Croix Victory 7'2" Medium Hvy Mod: https://bit.ly/3f4tcEb

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

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

BUDGET BLADE/TAIL SPIN COMBO...

Rod- St. Croix Bass X 7'2" Medium Hvy Mod: https://bit.ly/2r0xWAs

Reel- Shimano SLX 150 XT (HG): http://bit.ly/2BRTYL8

Line- Sunline FC 12 lb: 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

Cold Water Tricks That Catch Bass Right Now!

Do you struggle to catch fish in Winter? Not with these tricks! Subtle nuances are what separate the consistent anglers from the guys who struggle all Winter. And don't fall into the finesse trap either, you can catch a ton of fish with reaction baits in cold water if you know the tricks that work!

The colder the water, the more details begin to matter. Anyone can throw a crankbait out, reel it back, and catch a bass in the post-spawn. But knowing how to trigger a feed response in a lethargic fish is completely different. Perhaps you already know to pause your jerkbait longer, but do you know how to balance your bait so it suspends long enough to get the bite? This is only a sampling of what it takes to be a consistent Winter bass fisherman. 

Below you'll find links to the baits and gear Tim discussed in the video. We included upgrades, components, and favorite colors as well. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 

BLADED ALABAMA RIG... 

Rig- Hog Farmer Tactical Flex Bladed: https://bit.ly/38xd1es

Heads- Matt Allen Swimbait Head (1/8 oz): http://bit.ly/29RrTYN

Santone Replacement Willow Leaf Blades: https://bit.ly/3ENHfHv

Dummy Baits- Lil Spanky: http://bit.ly/2d0dpU8

Colors: Albino

Swimbaits- Keitech 4.8" Fat: http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

Colors: Pro Blue Red Pearl

NON-BLADED ALABAMA RIG... 

Rig- Hog Farmer Tactical Flex (Non-Bladed): https://bit.ly/3vhpSez

Heads- Matt Allen Swimbait Head (1/8 oz): http://bit.ly/29RrTYN

Dummy Baits- Keitech 2.8" Fat Swing: http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v  

Color: Pro Blue Red Pearl

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

Color: Pro Blue Red Pearl, Electric Shad

MEGABASS VISION SERIES JERKBAITS... 

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

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

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

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

Favorite Colors: Pro Blue, Matte Shad, Tennessee Shad

Bold Colors: Elegy Bone, Wakin React, Kohoku Reaction

Storm Suspend Dots: https://bit.ly/3d80ez6

CRANKBAIT... 

-River2Sea Tactical DD 75: http://bit.ly/37dclbX

Colors: DD Minnow, Ghost Minnow

-SPRO Rock Crawler MD 55: https://bit.ly/3juD6hS

Colors: Phantom Green, Phantom Brown

BLADE BAITS... 

-Damiki Vault (1/2 oz): http://bit.ly/2rnO7e2

Colors: Black Holo, Cyber Purple, Real Shad

-Megabass Dyna Response (1/2 oz): http://bit.ly/2R7FlvL

Colors: Ito Hiuo, Jekucho Shad, Setsuki Ayu

BLADE BAIT HOOK UPGRADES... 

Hooks- Owner STX 38 (Size 8): http://bit.ly/2oNIeCD

VMC- Bladed Hybrid Treble (Size 8) : http://bit.ly/2oqWODi

Split Rings- Owner Hyperwire: http://bit.ly/2v8ArBX

Ring Size: 2 on line tie, 3 on tail and belly

GLIDE BAIT…

Bait- River2Sea S Waver 200: http://bit.ly/2aiu8Sh 

Colors: Lite Trout, Warden

Hook- Owner ST-56 1/0: http://bit.ly/2cVg7xW

LIVE SONAR... 

-Humminbird Mega Live: https://bit.ly/2VXoaC7

BUDGET A-RIG COMBO... 

Rod- Shimano SLX 7'5" Heavy: http://bit.ly/2mGp1Vc

Reel- Shimano SLX 150 XT (HG): http://bit.ly/2BRTYL8

Line- Sunline Super FC 20 lb: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

BUDGET JERKBAIT COMBO... 

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

Reel- Shimano SLX 150 XT (HG): http://bit.ly/2BRTYL8

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

BUDGET FINESSE COMBO... 

Rod- Shimano Intenza 7' Medium Light: http://bit.ly/2s7kaQn

Reel- Shimano NASCI 2500: http://bit.ly/2g278cC

Line- Sunline Super FC 7 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