Top 5 Baits To Catch BIG Smallmouth Bass! (North, South, and Western Fisheries)

These baits catch BIG Bass! Fishing around Clear water like the Great Lakes, Southern Herring Fisheries, and Western reservoirs, requires unique baits. When it comes to Smallmouth (as well as Spotted Bass and Largemouth) there are a handful of baits that consistently catch the big bass. We've narrowed it down through countless hours on the water to a few key baits that you can trust.

During the prespawn you want to cover water quickly. Smallmouth school together, leaving huge parts of the lake virtually barren. The baits we use not only catch big bass, they help you locate fish quickly. After that the baits begin to fit niches. Swimbaits cover a ton of water, jerkbaits draw a core feed response, and the tube can elicit a strike from the wariest clear water bass.

Below you'll find links to all the baits Matt discussed in the video. We've included his favorite colors, rigging components, and even some great rod and reel combos to help you fish these baits effectively. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

TACTICALBASSIN GEAR...

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

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

SWIMBAITS...

•Megabass Spark Shad: https://bit.ly/2XcLZk4

Favorite Sizes: 3" and 3.6"

Favorite Colors: Albino, Natural Shad, Ayu, Real

•Keitech 3.8" Fat Swing Impact: https://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

Colors: Top Shad, Electric Shad, Pro Blue Red Pearl

•Xzone 3.5" Swammer: https://bit.ly/2PogV0q

Colors: Electric Shad, Tennessee Shad, Natural Goby

•Megabass Dark Sleeper: https://bit.ly/2TyR1GT

Size: 1/2 oz – 3/4 oz

Favorite Colors: Wakasagi, Morning Goby, Goby Desert

SWIMBAIT HEADS...

•Dirty Jigs Tactical Finesse Swimbait Head: https://bit.ly/2Pqrq3n

Favorite Sizes: 1/4 – 3/8 oz

•Dirty Jigs Guppy Head: https://bit.ly/2nyUJRS

Favorite Sizes: 1/8 – 1/4 oz, 1/0 Hook

JERKBAITS...

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

Colors: Mat Tennessee Shad, Mat Shad, GLX Phantom Minnow

•Megabass Vision 110+2 Jr: https://bit.ly/4cZ29q7

Colors: Tennessee Shad, Elegy Bone

•Megabass Karashi: https://bit.ly/3LwMGS7

Colors: Glitz Shad, See Through Shad, Juvy Gill

SPY BAITS...

•Duo Realis Spinbait Series: https://bit.ly/3QE27YK

Sizes: 70, 80

Favorite Colors: Ghost Minnow, River Bait, Ghost Wakasagi

•Great Lakes Finesse Stay Pinned Spybait: https://bit.ly/41mpM6J

Favorite Colors: Ghost Shad, Ghost Perch, Morning Dawn

HAIR JIG...

•Great Lakes Finesse Maribou Jig: https://bit.ly/4iPXoA2

Color: Black

BLADED RIGS...

•Hog Farmer Tactical MICRO Flex (Bladed): https://bit.ly/3RY1wUK

•Hog Farmer Tactical MINI Flex (Bladed): https://bit.ly/3uwY6Md

NON BLADED RIGS...

•Hog Farmer Tactical MICRO Flex (Non Bladed): https://bit.ly/3Rui7Oc

•Hog Farmer Tactical MINI Flex (Non Bladed): https://bit.ly/3isTio0

TUBES AND TUBE HEADS...

•Xzone Stealth Finesse 2.25" Tube: https://bit.ly/3yEr6aj

Colors: Great Lakes Sand, Goby Punch, Green Pumpkin Black

•Xzone Stealth Finesse Tube Head: https://bit.ly/3WY18YM

Favorite Size: 1/8 – 1/4 oz

•Big Bite Baits 3.5" Scentsation Tube: https://bit.ly/43eGkzS

Colors: Perch Dinner, Green Pump Purp Cop

•Xzone 60 Degree Goby Head: https://bit.ly/3hV3cPE

Size: 3/8 – 1/2 oz

DROPSHOT WORMS...

•MissileBaits BombShot: https://bit.ly/2YYBipr

Colors: Fishalicious, Goby Bite, GP3

•Berkley Lab Series Flat Worm: https://bit.ly/4f3qxtm

Colors: Obsidian Black, Tactical, Oxblood Red Flake

MATT'S SPY BAIT SPINNING COMBO...

Rod– Megabass Destroyer P5 Flyssa: https://bit.ly/3RmuKdN

Model: 7'6" Light+

Reel– Shimano Vanquish 2500 Spinning Reel: https://bit.ly/4sAmR5X

Line– Sunline Super FC (5 lb): https://bit.ly/2p7fxju

DARK SLEEPER COMBO...

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

Reel– Daiwa Steez A 100: https://bit.ly/489D4rb

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

TUBE FISHING COMBO...

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

Reel– Shimano Twin Power FE 2500: https://bit.ly/3df3hX5

Line– Sufix 832 Braid (10 lb): https://bit.ly/2ae93Ji

Leader– Seaguar Gold Label Fluoro (8 lb): https://bit.ly/3UqrUbi

DROPSHOT COMBO...

Rod– St. Croix Legend X2 6'10" Med Light: https://bit.ly/4farXAh

Reel– Daiwa Luvias ST 2500: https://bit.ly/459jXLv

Line– Seaguar PEX8 (18 lb): https://bit.ly/3UEhhl2

Leader– 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 apparel and merch! See it here…

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

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

Post Spawn Bass Fishing On Lake Chickamauga!

Jump in the boat with Tim for an awesome day on the water! Tim targets fish with swimbaits, chatterbaits, and finesse baits, as conditions change throughout the day. Lake Chickamauga is a vast fishery that is ever-changing. At one end of the lake Tim is faced with clear water and finesse conditions, but at the other end, he power fishes in muddy water for big bass.

Lake Chickamauga is a world renowned lake for good reason. It's packed with bass! However, it's also packed with anglers, as most great fisheries are. As a result, you'll see Tim adapting his techniques throughout the day as he tries to fool these educated bass into biting. It doesn't take long for a successful pattern to emerge and Tim quickly loads the boat with quality bass.

Below you'll find links to all the baits and gear Tim used through the day. We've included his exact colors, trailers, as well as the rod and reel combos he used to fish the baits effectively. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

TACTICALBASSIN GEAR...

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

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

MAGDRAFT...

•Megabass 6" Magdraft Swimbait: https://bit.ly/2mc8bfK

Color: Ghost Shad Solid

NEKO RIG...

•MissileBaits 6" Magic Worm: https://bit.ly/3T7dHgB

Color: MissileMorning

•Owner Weedless Sniper Finesse Hook: https://bit.ly/2zXirRH

Size: 1/0

•VMC Crossover Ring: https://bit.ly/3w0NYdz

•Gamakatsu Trigger Nail: https://bit.ly/48EMWtI

Size: 1/16 oz

KARASHI...

•Megabass Karashi: https://bit.ly/3LwMGS7

Color: See Through Shad, HT Ito Wakasagi KS

CHATTERBAIT...

•ZMan Elite Evo 1/2 oz: https://bit.ly/3OAGB8y

Colors: Electric Shad

•Hog Farmer 4.5" Spunk Shad: https://bit.ly/2UFkCD7

Colors: Electric Shad

•Zman 4.5" ChatterShad: https://bit.ly/4jPaGOX

Color: The Deal, Electric Shad

MAGDRAFT COMBO...

Rod– Shimano Outlier 7'4" Medium Heavy: https://bit.ly/3EuHPiT

Reel– Shimano Metanium DC 70 A: https://bit.ly/49al91d

Line– Sunline Super FC Fluorocarbon (20 lb): https://bit.ly/2p7fxju

KARASHI COMBO...

Rod– Megabass Destroyer Evoluzion 6'6" Light: https://bit.ly/4oXDY0A

Model: Expada

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

Line– Daiwa Hidden FC (7 lb): https://bit.ly/3ILKXH0

CHATTERBAIT COMBO...

Rod– Megabass P5 Destroyer "Daemos": https://bit.ly/3wHoXpD

Model: 7'2" Medium+

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

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

Leader– Seaguar Grand Max (15 lb): https://bit.ly/46eb98G

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

Topwater Walking Baits For Bass! Full Seminar ( Beginner To Advanced )

Are you using topwater baits to their full potential?! We all love topwater, but if you have a favorite bait or two and never give it any more thought, you're in for a surprise! There's more to this category than most anglers realize. Today Matt is diving deep into the world of walking topwater baits.

Topwater walking baits should be broken into multiple categories. You have cigar style baits, pencil poppers, subtle baits, silent baits, as well as different hook arrangements. And truth be told, they all have a time and place in your fishing. Gone are the days of having a "favorite bait" and hoping for the best. Matt is explaining how to dial in your bite, regardless of the conditions.

Below you'll find links to the exact baits and gear Matt discussed in the video. We've included his favorite colors and sizes for each, hook upgrades, as well as great rod and reel combos for fishing these baits effectively, regardless of your budget.

3 HOOK TOPWATERS…

•Heddon Super Spook: https://bit.ly/2diThgH

Colors: Okie Shad, Bone

•Megabass Dog X Diamante Sonic Slide: https://bit.ly/4c6PIIw

Colors: STP, Mat Shad, Albino Pearl Shad

•Reaction Innovations Vixen: https://bit.ly/2rp11nr

Colors: Chrome, Bone, Lime Ice

•Evergreen JT 115: https://bit.ly/44ZFNz7

Colors: Full Metal, Bone

2 HOOK TOPWATERS…

•Megabass Giant Dog X: https://bit.ly/2yU84eE

Colors: Juvy Gill, Bone Python, Spotlight Shad

•Rapala Skitter Walk: https://bit.ly/37DC2Uz

Colors: Bone, Chrome

•Duo Realis Pencil 100: https://bit.ly/3RyEZgz

Colors: Smokey Bone, Chrome Tiger

•Duo Realis Pencil 110 Silent: https://bit.ly/3TdJIoL

Colors: Chrome Tiger, UV Silver Slash B

PENCIL POPPERS…

•Evergreen Shower Blows SB: https://bit.ly/2zIkqUH

Colors: Bone, Full Metal, Half Mirror Wakasagi

•Rapala PXR Jowler 127: https://bit.ly/3A3HDVs

Colors: Broken Bone, Matte Shad, Pure Chrome

•Berkley Cane Walker: https://bit.ly/4mgIIgE

Colors: Chrome, MF Shad

•Teckel Slash Kicker: https://bit.ly/4bkNy7k

Colors: threadfin Shad, Chrome

DOWNSIZED BAITS…

•Owner Cultiva Zip’N Ziggy: https://bit.ly/3BTMLuh

Colors: Natural Minnow, Shiner

•Megabass Dog X Jr Coayu: https://bit.ly/475zcoD

Colors: Frozen Shad, Mat Shad

KARASHI…

•Megabass Karashi: https://bit.ly/3LwMGS7

Color: Glitz Shad, See through Shad, Juvy Gill

•Megabass Karashi 80: https://bit.ly/4lgNFFK

Color: STP, Kasumi Ito, Mat Shad

FRONT RUNNERS…

•Bill Lewis Zig Zag: https://bit.ly/3SNz343

Colors: Sneaky Shad, Chrome Black Back

•PH Customs Phront Runner: https://bit.ly/3wJIdkH

Colors: Foil Black, Sexy Shad

HOOK UPGRADES…

•BKK Spear 21 SS Treble: https://bit.ly/4o9LVza

Sizes: 4 – 2

•Gamakatsu Red Round Bend Treble: https://bit.ly/2WcMhca

Sizes: 4 – 2

•Owner ST–36 Red Treble: https://bit.ly/2wSknXp

Sizes: 4 – 2

•Owner Hyper Wire Split Ring: https://bit.ly/2v8ArBX

Size: 2 – 3

MATT'S FAVORITE TOPWATER COMBO...

Rod– G Loomis GLX 7' Medium Heavy: https://bit.ly/3PmpCqj

Model: 853C MBR

Reel– Shimano Metanium 70 DC A (HG): https://bit.ly/49al91d

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

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

ALL AROUND TOPWATER COMBO…

Rod– Dobyns Kaden 7’1” Medium Heavy: https://bit.ly/4lX6u1q

Model: 713C

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

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

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

FINESSE TOPWATER COMBO…

Rod– Dobyns Kaden 6’10” Medium Heavy: https://bit.ly/4lX6u1q

Model: 610-4CB

Reel– Daiwa Fuego CT: https://bit.ly/35hugfH

Line– Daiwa J Braid Grand (30 lb): https://bit.ly/488sttq

Leader– Sufix Advance (12 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 apparel and merch! See it here…

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

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

Top 5 Baits For Post Spawn Bass Fishing! (Early Summer Transition)

These Lures Catch Bass Right Now! These are the baits we rely on after the bass spawn ends. The post spawn transition can be tough to understand but we've got you covered! We recently covered where fish go after the spawn, today we're focused on the confidence baits we rely on to catch them. Whether you fish shallow or deep, these are the baits we trust!

This time of year can be amazing because bass tend to school together. When you locate them it can be fish after fish for hours! Understanding where the fish position is one piece of the puzzle, knowing which baits to fish confidently is the remaining piece. Today Tim is covering his favorite baits for post spawn bass fishing in a variety of different situations. From muddy water to clear, deep to shallow, these are the baits he uses during the coming months.

Below you'll find links to the exact baits Tim discussed in the video. We've also included some of our favorite budget friendly combos for these techniques. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehousehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

TACTICALBASSIN GEAR...

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

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

RELATED VIDEOS...

•Where Do Bass Go After They Spawn: https://youtu.be/J_WJNGvEf04

TOPWATER WALKING BAITS...

•Rapala Jowler 127: https://bit.ly/3A3HDVs

Color: Glitter Bone, Black Back Shad

•Megabass Giant Dog X: https://bit.ly/2yU84eE

Colors: Juvy Gill, Spotlight Shad

•Shower Blows SB 105: https://bit.ly/2zIkqUH

Color: Full Metal, Bone

TOPWATER POPPERS...

•Megabass Pop Max: https://bit.ly/2qqfmm1

Colors: Mat Shad, MB Gizzard

•Shimano World Pop 69F: https://bit.ly/3sSjJpI

Colors: N Smelt, T Smelt, Gill

•Jackall Gavacho Frog: https://bit.ly/2L7KsWS

Colors: Chart Strike Gill, Gold Gill

SWIM JIG...

•Dirty Jigs California Swim Jig (3/8 oz): https://bit.ly/2auXfmx

Color: Alabama Bream, Tactical Shad

•Big Bite Baits Pro Swimmer: https://bit.ly/3AeQsaS

Color: Sunfish, Albino Shad

CHATTERBAIT...

•Zman Evo Elite (1/2 oz): https://bit.ly/3OAGB8y

Color: Bama Bream

Chatterbait Trailer– Hog Farmer 4.5" Spunk Shad: https://bit.ly/2UFkCD7

Color: TW Sunfish Magic, Green Pumpkin

UNDERSPINS...

•Xzone 4.75" Swammer: https://bit.ly/2PogV0q

Colors: Electric Shad, Pro Blue Red Pearl

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

Size: 1/4 oz, 5/0 Hook

WACKY SENKO...

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

Colors: Green Pumpkin Black Flake, Sun Gill, Baby Bass

•Gamakatsu Finesse Wide Gap Hook: https://bit.ly/2aKGmHM

Size: 1/0

BUDGET WALKING TOPWATER COMBO...

Rod– St. Croix Bass X 7'1" Medium Fast: https://bit.ly/2r0xWAs

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

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

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

BUDGET POPPER COMBO...

Rod– Fenwick HMG 6'8" Medium Mod Fast: https://bit.ly/4epUFz1

Reel– Daiwa Fuego CT: https://bit.ly/35hugfH

Line– Power Pro Moss Green (30 lb): https://bit.ly/2aFg46b

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

BUDGET CHATTERBAIT COMBO...

Rod– Fenwick HMG 7'5" Medium Heavy X Fast: https://bit.ly/3AyrAiW

Reel– Abu Garcia Max5 Pro: https://bit.ly/4pGZ4Az

Line– Seaguar Red Label (17 lb): https://bit.ly/2LOVEwA

BUDGET WACKY WORM COMBO...

Rod– St. Croix Black Bass 6'8" Medium XFast: https://bit.ly/4diwkqT

Reel– Daiwa Fuego LT 2000: https://bit.ly/488CsQb

Line– Sunline Super FC (8 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 apparel and merch! See it here…

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

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