Free Rig Fishing For Bass! Tips And Tricks + Underwater Footage!!

Have you tried the "Free Rig" yet? This rig plays off the traditional Texas rig and will give your bait more freedom, allow for slower falls, and catches a ton of fish this time of year! If you haven't tried the Free Rig, this is the right time of year to experiment with it. It's a fish catcher and it's here to stay!

The Free Rig isn't new, but is continuing to gain popularity, especially as grass begins dying back in the Fall. This rig shines around hard cover and will produce long after bass have become leery of traditional presentations. 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.

CREATURE BAITS...

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

Colors: Tilapia, Green Pumpkin Blk Flake

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

Colors: Green Pumpkin Blue, Black Blue/Green Pumpkin

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

Colors: Green Pumpkin Pepper, Watermelon Pepper

SHAD PROFILES...

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

Colors: Pro Blue Red Pearl, Electric Shad, Baby Bass

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

Colors: Electric Shad, Albino

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

Colors: Electric Shad, AJ's Juice

GILL PROFILES...

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

Colors: TW Zapata Gill, Green Pumpkin Blue

•Deps 3.8" Bull Flat: https://bit.ly/3Ey9Jr6

Colors: TW Black Blue Green Pumpkin, Watermelon Blue

BAIT FINESSE CREATURE...

•Xzone Stealth Finesse Creature: https://bit.ly/3M0BXOU

Colors: Green Pumpkin/Black Blue

RIGGING COMPONENTS...

Bait Finesse Hook– BKK Basilisk Hook: https://bit.ly/3ZRtt1M

Size: 1/0

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

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

Medium Wire Hook– Hayabusa HD Round Bend: https://bit.ly/3EzvYwE

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

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

Size: 3/0

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

Size: 1/2 oz

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

Size: 1/8 - 1/4 oz

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

TIM'S HEAVY COVER COMBO...

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

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

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

Leader– Seaguar Gold Label (20 lb): https://bit.ly/3UqrUbi

BAIT FINESSE COMBO...

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

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

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! It's all available direct through Tackle Warehouse with fast shipping. See it here...

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

Swinging Jigs For Summer Bass! (All The Tricks To Catch More Fish)

This is our FAVORITE technique for catching BIG BASS in late Spring and early Summer. The Swing head jig has been forgotten by most anglers but it's still catching big fish for those that remember! This technique is easy to do, won't require new gear, and it will work on your lake. Its time to set your old Summer patterns aside and try something completely different!

The swinging jig is incredibly simple. All you do is pair the free swinging head with your favorite bait, let it hit bottom, and start a moderate retrieve. As you swim it along the bottom the bait will bump along, deflecting off cover, and drawing reaction strikes from the bass. While this technique can be done with swimbaits, worms, and creature baits, our best results have consistently come with creature baits.

When it comes to baits, there are endless options that can be rigged on these heads. However, we've found very specific baits that consistently get bigger bites. Below you'll find links to those exact baits, as well as the heads and gear we use to fish them. 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...

Head- Dirty Jigs Pivot Point Football (1/2 oz with 4/0): http://bit.ly/2jOY1Ns

Bait- XZone Lures Adrenaline Craw (Junebug): https://bit.ly/3ebTO5h

FULL SIZE CREATURE BAITS...

•XZone Adrenaline Craw 4.25: https://bit.ly/3ebTO5h

Colors: Junebug, TW Dark Junebug, Tilapia

•Zoom Z Craw: http://bit.ly/2vW7Jo5

Colors: Junebug, Green Pumpkin

•Netbait 4" Paca Slim: https://bit.ly/3QhEpRe

Colors: Junebug, Green Pumpkin, Green Pumpkin Red

•ZMan Hella Crawz: https://bit.ly/3YQbUxK

Colors: Bama Bug, Sprayed Grass

SMALL CREATURE BAITS...

•XZone Adrenaline Craw 3.5: https://bit.ly/3ebTO5h

Colors: 309, Green Pumpkin Blue, TW Dark Junebug

•Reins 3.5" Bubbling Craw: https://bit.ly/3Ybeyj8

Colors: Green pumpkin, Ebimismo

FAVORITE HEADS...

•Dirty Jigs Pivot Point Football Head: http://bit.ly/2jOY1Ns

Common Sizes: 1/2 oz 4/0 Hook, 3/4 oz 5/0 Hook

•Xzone Tungsten Swing Football: https://bit.ly/3wYgDpf

Common Sizes: 3/8 oz 3/0, 1/2 oz 5/0

•Gamakatsu Tungsten Hybrid Swing Head: https://bit.ly/3AHXshQ

Sizes: 1/2, 3/4, 1 oz

•Owner All Purpose Bait Hook: https://bit.ly/2QbbdRW

Size: 2/0 - 4/0

HIGH END COMBO...

Rod– St. Croix Legend Xtreme 7'4" Heavy Fast: https://bit.ly/2wlJQLu

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

Line– Sufix 131 Braid (50 lb): https://bit.ly/314VoyF

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

MATT'S MAIN COMBO...

Rod– Megabass Orochi XX Braillist: https://bit.ly/2OSVNwH

Model: 7'5" Medium Heavy

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

Line– Sufix 832 Braid (50 lb): https://bit.ly/2ae93Ji

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

BUDGET FRIENDLY COMBO...

Rod– St. Croix Bass X 7'4" Heavy Fast: https://bit.ly/3A5CFSU

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

Line- Power Pro Maxcuatro (50 lb): https://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

Leader– Sufix Advance (17 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

Underwater Footage Of Finesse Baits!! Micro Craws, Creatures, and Texas Rigs!!

Finesse fishing is taking over again! Let's head underwater and see why! These are some of our favorite finesse baits! Whether you prefer spinning tackle, or you've jumped on board with BFS (Bait Finesse), fishing downsized presentations helps you get bites when fishing is tough. The Micro Texas Rig has become a go–to presentation for us, and these are the baits we rely on!

What began as jig trailers for our micro jigs, has morphed into a category all its own. As Bait Finesse Fishing has taken a larger roll in our fishing, the micro creatures and craws have become a staple in the arsenal. They can be rigged on ned heads, micro Texas Rigs, and of course, as a micro jig trailer. Each bait has a unique profile and stance in the water, and each plays an important roll in our fishing.

Do you have a favorite, after watching the underwater footage? Let us know in the comments! Below you'll find links to all the baits, as well as the rigging we used to display them. We've also included some of our favorite finesse gear, and some great budget friendly alternatives. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each.

THE RIGGING...

•Owner Cover Shot Worm: https://bit.ly/2ISr7bR

Size: 1

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

Size: 1/16 oz

ALTERNATIVE RIGGING...

•ZMan Ned Lockz EWG: https://bit.ly/3OWdp9W

Size: 1/10

•Hayabusa Brush Easy Ball Jighead: https://bit.ly/3P0iC2k

Size: 1/10

THE CRAWS AND CREATURES...

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

Color: Green Pumpkin Blue

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

Color: Green Pumpkin Orange

•ZMan TRD Bugz: https://bit.ly/2oiavEE

Color: Green Pumpkin Orange

•Raid Egu Bug: https://bit.ly/3wKKXDh

Color: Black Bitou

•Savage Gear Ned Salamander: https://bit.ly/3rSNi8g

Color: Green Pumpkin Chartreuse

BFS STORAGE BOX...

•Plano Edge 3700 Thin: https://bit.ly/2VX5eAL

TIM'S BFS COMBO...

Rod– Megabass P5 6'3" Ultra Light Slow: https://bit.ly/2wVOSbY

Model: Pop X Stick

Reel– Daiwa PX BF TW 70: https://bit.ly/3y0fWw0

Line– Daiwa Hidden FC (6 lb): https://bit.ly/3ILKXH0

BUDGET BFS COMBO...

Rod– Cashion Element 6'10" Medium Light: https://bit.ly/48w69eC

Reel– Ark Gravity BFS: https://bit.ly/3UtgXnY

Line– Seaguar Smackdown (10 lb): https://bit.ly/3y63F96

Leader– Seaguar Gold Label (6 lb): https://bit.ly/3UqrUbi

FAVORITE SPINNING COMBO...

Rod– G Loomis NRX+ 821S NRR: https://bit.ly/4bIiddV

Model: 6'10" Medium Light

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

BUDGET SPINNING COMBO...

Rod– St. Croix Bass X 6'10" ML XFast: https://bit.ly/2r69Sj6

Reel– Shimano Miravel 2500HG: https://bit.ly/3QZnwL5

Line– Sunline Super FC 6 lb: https://bit.ly/2p7fxju

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

How To Fish The Free Rig! ( Fall Bass Fishing )

Have you tried the "Free Rig" yet? If you haven't tried the Free Rig, this is the right time of year to experiment with it. Think of it as a finesse version of a Texas Rig or Carolina Rig. Its a fish catcher and it's here to stay!

The Free Rig isn't new, but is continuing to gain popularity, especially as grass begins dying back in the Fall. This rig shines around hard cover and will produce long after bass have become leery of traditional presentations. 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.

CREATURE BAITS...

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

Colors: Tilapia, Green Pumpkin Blk Flake

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

Colors: Super Bug, Green Pumpkin

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

Colors: Green Pumpkin Pepper, Watermelon Pepper

SHAD/GILL PROFILES...

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

Colors: Electric Shad, AJ's Juice

•Deps 3.8" Bull Flat: https://bit.ly/3Ey9Jr6

Colors: TW Black Blue Green Pumpkin, Watermelon Blue

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

Colors: Electric Shad, Albino

•Xzone Stealth Invader: https://bit.ly/43OrFJx

Colors: Bass Candy, Touch Down

RIGGING COMPONENTS...

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

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

Heavy Wire Hook– Hayabusa HD Round Bend: https://bit.ly/3EzvYwE

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

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

Size: 1/2 oz

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

Size: 1/8 - 1/4 oz

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

BUDGET FRIENDLY COMBO...

Rod– Shimano SLX 6'10" Medium Heavy: https://bit.ly/2mGp1Vc

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

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