How To Catch Bigger Smallmouth (And Largemouth) - Everything You Need To Know - Finesse Bass Fishing

Smallmouth are amazing! They're aggressive, even in cold water. They're willing to migrate huge distances for food. When you set the hook they give you a ride that is unrivaled by the other bass. There is little wonder why so many anglers love Smallmouth bass fishing. Targeting these predators requires a finesse touch and some unique gear that is often overlooked for the other bass species.  

While you can catch a smallmouth on virtually anything, the fish tend to favor clearer water and a true finesse touch will increase your odds dramatically. In today's video Tim dives into his favorite finesse tactics and equipment for consistently targeting these bronze backs. 

Below is a breakdown of the gear he discussed in order of appearance. The links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 

Finesse Keitech Swimbaits... 

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

Colors: Chartreuse Blue, Crystal Shad, Goby, Smallmouth Magic

-Tactical Finesse Swimbait Head 3/8 oz: http://bit.ly/2Pqrq3n

-2.8 keitech Fat Swing Impact: http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

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

-Dirty Jigs 1/8 oz Guppy Head 1/0: http://bit.ly/2nyUJRS

Finesse Swimbaits…

-Megabass 3" Spark Shad: http://bit.ly/2XcLZk4

Colors: Purple Haze, Real, Silver Shad

-Megabass 1/16 oz Okashira Head: http://bit.ly/2EpluSA

-Megabass Dark Sleeper 2.4" and 3": http://bit.ly/2TyR1GT

Colors: Donko, Haze, Hanahaze Wakasagi

Spy Baits... 

-Duo Realis Spin Bait 80: http://bit.ly/2oeVG1m

Colors: Ghost SX Shad, BK Ayu, Ghost Minnow

-Duo Realis Spin Bait 90: http://bit.ly/2nhw56N

Colors: Ghost Minnow, Purple Reign AM, Shiner AM

Hair Jigs... 

-Outkast Tackle Feider Fly 3/32 (Black): http://bit.ly/2G7TBwj

Dropshot Worms...

-Big Bite Baits Smallie Smasher: http://bit.ly/2ZpCOCY

Colors: Chick Magnet, Green Pump Purp, Smoke Purp Flake

-Strike King Half Shell: http://bit.ly/2iR9awm

Colors: Morning Dawn, Magic, TW Green Pumpkin

Dropshot Rigging... 

Light Wire Hook- Owner Mosquito Light (Size 1, 2): http://bit.ly/2zQVKx3

Medium Wire Hook- Trokar Dropshot (Size 1, 2): http://bit.ly/2ahxJOr

Tungsten Tie-On Weight- Swagger Tear Drop (3/16): http://bit.ly/37AVcrx

Tungsten Dropshot Weight- Swagger Tear Drop (3/16): http://bit.ly/2V2B63h

Tubes... 

-Dry Creek Tournament Tube 3.5": http://bit.ly/2cJwI6r

Colors: Old Ugly, Mocha Copper Pepper, Crazy Eddie

-Big Bite Tour Tube 3.5": http://bit.ly/32e23VR

Colors: Tilapia, Green Pumpkin Purple Copper Flk

Tube Heads... 

-Bite me 60 degree Flat Eye Head (3/16): http://bit.ly/2diyVXK

-Provider Tackle 90 degree (3/16): http://bit.ly/2OAvYRv

Z Man Ned Rig Baits... 

-Z Man Finesse TRD: http://bit.ly/2hs4RtR

Colors: Green Pumpkin Goby, Canada Craw, Mud Bug

-Z Man TRD BugZ: http://bit.ly/2oiavEE

Colors: Green Pumpkin, Mud Bug, Hot Snakes

-Z Man TRD TicklerZ: http://bit.ly/2mGyDAC

Colors: Green Pumpkin Goby, Canada Craw, Mud Bug

Other Ned Rig Worms... 

-Xzone Ned Zone stick Bait 3": http://bit.ly/2mRiYhF

Colors: 309, Green Pump Purple, Minnow Magic

-Roboworm Ned Worm 3": http://bit.ly/2j9F0Xy

Colors: Desert Craw, TW Black Blue Pumpkin

-Missile Baits Ned Bomb: http://bit.ly/2XCOGwd

Colors: Super Bug, Bluetonium Green Pumpkin Core

Ned Heads... 

Tungsten- Swagger Flanders Head 1/6 oz: http://bit.ly/2KcIB6M

Lead- Z Man Ned LockZ HD Head: http://bit.ly/2kIgRYK

Stick Baits... 

-5" Yamamoto Senko: http://bit.ly/2axAmNS

Colors: Baby Bass, Crushed Goby, Electric Worm

-5" Yum Dinger: http://bit.ly/2J8nMrF

Colors: Elders Magic, Green Pumpkin, Ozark Smoke

Stick Bait Rigging... 

-G7 O-Rings 7MM: http://bit.ly/2PWEkUs

-G7 O Ring Tool: http://bit.ly/2PRMNrG

-Owner Jungle Wacky Weedless Hook: https://bit.ly/2VKZl9U

-Gamakatsu Finesse Wide Gap Hook: http://bit.ly/2aKGmHM

Tim's Favorite Keitech Combo... 

Rod- G Loomis GLX 853C JWR: http://bit.ly/2gqziwT

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

Line- Sunline Sniper 12 lb Fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

Tim's Favorite Ultra-Finesse Combo... 

Rod- Shimano Conquest 902S SJR: http://bit.ly/2BiGUNi

Reel- Shimano Exsence 3000: http://bit.ly/2iMtscV

Line- Sunline SX1 Braid 10 lb: http://bit.ly/2tn8EzQ

Leader- Sunline Sniper 6 lb Fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

Tim's Feider Combo... 

Rod- Daiwa Tatula Elite AGS 7'6" ML: http://bit.ly/2QHupT9

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

Line- Sunline 6 lb Sniper Fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

Where Do Bass Go After They Spawn? (And How To Catch Them During The Spring To Summer Transition)

Did your big fish disappear? We can help! If the big bass vanished after they finished spawning you are not alone! Matt breaks fisheries down into 4 categories and explains exactly what is happening and what will happen next in all 4 fisheries. He then goes on to explain his favorite baits for each scenario and how to use them effectively. If you're ready to get ahead of the fish and continue catching bass into the Summer, this video is for you!

Fisheries around the country can be broken down into Highland Reservoirs, Lowland Reservoirs, Streams/Rivers (includes tidal fisheries), and Natural Lakes (includes ponds). All 4 of these water bodies behaves differently but all are predictable. The guys have spent decades following bass movements and are very comfortable predicting their patterns throughout the seasons. 

Below you'll find a breakdown of the baits Matt discussed in the video. He'll begin with the actual bait he was showing in each category but may include an additional bait or two that will work great as an alternative. All of the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see close up photos and detailed product descriptions. 

Frogs... 

-River2Sea Bully Wa 2 (Little Allen): http://bit.ly/2axyR2a

-Jackall Gavacho (Chart Strike Gill): http://bit.ly/2L7KsWS

-Jackall Kaera (Glitter Hasu): http://bit.ly/2Fz6SA3

Senkos/Flukes... 

-Zoom Super Fluke (Smokin Shad): http://bit.ly/2aqys0H

-Yamamoto 5" Senko (Green Pumpkin Blk Flake): http://bit.ly/2axAmNS

Muddy Water Colors: Chartreuse Pearl (Fluke), Junebug (Senko)

Spinnerbaits... 

-Damiki TOT Spinnerbait 1/2 oz (Smelt Shad): http://bit.ly/38cxmD6

-Keitech 4.3" Fat Swing Impact Swimbait (Pro Blue Red Pearl): http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

Swim Jig... 

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

-River2Sea D Walker 100/120 (White Ice): http://bit.ly/2NwqBmz

Clear Water Colors: Tactical Shad, Blue Glimmer

Deep Diving Crankbaits... 

-Strike King 6XD: http://bit.ly/2ery44M

Colors: Chartreuse Sexy Shad, Sexy Blue Back Herring

-Azuma Z Boss 20,22 and 24: http://bit.ly/2poLKUC

Colors: Grand Shad, Goldie Lox, Ole Blue

Football Jig... 

-Dirty Jigs Finesse Football 1/2 oz: http://bit.ly/2d2apsm

Colors: Green Pumpkin Craw, Bever Craw, Go To

-Keitech Tungsten Football Jig 1/2 oz: http://bit.ly/2FDQ3o1

Colors: Dark Green Pumpkin, Green Pumpkin Black

Jig Trailers... 

-Netbait Paca Chunk: http://bit.ly/2d8mIXx

Colors: Green Pumpkin Blue, Summer Craw

-Striking King Rage Chunk: http://bit.ly/2Hd4MFA

Colors: Blue Craw, Summer Craw

-Yamamoto Double Tail Grub: http://bit.ly/2db9w1p

Colors: Green Pumpkin Purple and Copper

Great All-Around Summer Fishing Combo... 

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

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

Line- Sunline Assassin 15 lb Fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2h4LNjm

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

How Fish React To Different Lures - Incredible Underwater Bite Footage!

Come underwater and watch the incredible reactions these fish have to different lures! Watch how incredibly accurate they are as they strike at lures while dodging the hooks. Its amazing! Most anglers consider fish to be basic and instinctual but this footage suggests they have incredible control while attacking their prey. While watching their behavior Tim provides key clues to help you adapt your fishing to become a better bass fisherman this year. 

This video came about because Tim was watching underwater footage of bass while quarantined at home during this pandemic. He noticed a tendency with the fish to bite just behind the hook on a jig. As he began digging through footage he noticed it was the same with worms and swimbaits as well. Could it be that bass are really that smart? It would appear so! With that in mind, what can you do differently to increase your odds of catching these fish? 

Tim suggests a few different solutions. The first is to shorten the trailers on your jigs. The shorter the pinchers are, the more likely they'll fully engulf the jig. Second is to adapt your hooks, even going to a red hook to draw a directed strike toward the hook. For finesse fishermen, Tim suggests going to smaller worms, lighter line, and much smaller hooks so they go unnoticed by the bass. Lastly, adjust your hookset on larger baits. Often times its wise to wait a moment and give the fish the opportunity to fully engulf the bait. 

Below is a breakdown of the baits in order of appearance. The links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. We've also included color recommendations to help you fish with confidence. 

Jig- Keitech Tungsten 3/8 oz Football (Brown/Purple): http://bit.ly/2FDQ3o1

Trailer- Z Man TRD CrawZ (Green Pumpkin): http://bit.ly/2U9vx6P

Jig- Dirty Jigs 3/8 oz Football (Supermatt Brown): http://bit.ly/2d0iJbd

Trailer- Yamamoto 5" Double Tail Grub (Green Pump Green/Purp): http://bit.ly/2db9w1p

Jig- Z Man Shroomz 3/16 oz Micro Finesse Jig (Green Pumpkin): http://bit.ly/2UcGaBP

Trailer- Z Man TRD CrawZ (Green Pumpkin): http://bit.ly/2U9vx6P

Swimbait- Megabass Dark Sleeper 3" and  2.4": http://bit.ly/2TyR1GT

Colors: Haze, Donko

Swimbait- 10" Huddleston Deluxe ROF 12 (Rainbow Trout): http://bit.ly/2nztmdj

Dropshot Worm - Keitech 5.5" Easy shaker worm: http://bit.ly/2R2t8a3

Colors: Pro Blue Red Pearl, Shad, Electric Shad

Dropshot Worm- Big Bite 3" Smallie Smasher: http://bit.ly/2ZpCOCY

Colors: Green Pump Org Blk Purp Prl Bl, Chick Magnet

Hook- Owner Mosquito Light Size 1: http://bit.ly/2zQVKx3

Weight- Swagger Tungsten Tie-On 1/4 oz: http://bit.ly/2YAoMuv

Swimbait- Savage Gear 4D Trout 6" (Trout): http://bit.ly/399bx97

Red Treble Hook... 

-Owner ST-36: http://bit.ly/2wSknXp

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

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

Bass Fishing: Finesse Tips For Fishing Crystal Clear Water

Struggling to catch bass in crystal clear water? Come along with Tim for a day of clear water bass fishing. He shows the finesse baits he's using and explains how he downsizes line to adapt to the water conditions. Pay close attention to his color selections and bait sizes as he lures fish into biting despite the tough conditions. 

Tim's first trick to catch clear water fish was to focus on shade pockets. Often the "last shade" in an area will have an active group of fish long after sunny areas have stopped biting. He used a ghost colored S-Waver then dropped down to a finesse head and smaller keitech to coax the bites. 

Once the last shade faded away he turned his attention to fishing the "color line" along the shore where light penetration is limited by depth. The color line is an amazing place to find active fish under bright sunny conditions. Finally, after not getting the results he hoped for Tim moved ultra shallow into cover in search of afternoon bass in shady pockets near brush. Today he found those fish spawning but could have caught them a variety of ways under normal circumstances. 

Below is a breakdown of the baits and equipment he used throughout the day. In addition to the exact baits we've included additional color recommendations that work great in clear water. All of the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can find detailed pictures and descriptions of each item. 

Glide Bait... 

-R2S S-Waver 168 (TW Phantom Trout): http://bit.ly/2aiu8Sh

Paddle Tail Swimbaits... 

-Keitech Fat Swing Impact 3.8" (Sun Gill): http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

-Keitech Fat Swing Impact 4.3" (Electric Shad): http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

-Tactical Finesse Head 3/8 oz (Naked Shad): http://bit.ly/2Pqrq3n

Other Great Colors: Crystal Shad, Goby, TW Pro Blue

Dropshot... 

-Reaction Innovations Flirt Worm 4.95 (Morning Dawn): http://bit.ly/2CMB33J

Other Great Colors: Infection, Spring Break, Bad Shad Green

-Owner Mosquito Light Size 1 Hook: http://bit.ly/2zQVKx3

-Tungsten "Tie On" Dropshot 1/4 oz: http://bit.ly/2YAoMuv

Jig... 

-Keitech Tungsten Football Jig 3/8 oz (Brown/Purple): http://bit.ly/2FDQ3o1

Other Great Colors: Green Pumpkin Blue, Green Pumpkin Chartreuse

-Z Man Finesse TRD CrawZ Trailer (Green Pumpkin): http://bit.ly/2U9vx6P

Keitech Combo... 

Rod- G Loomis GLX 853C JWR: http://bit.ly/2gqziwT

Reel- Shimano Metanium (Updated Metanium Linked) XG: https://bit.ly/34HlAAk

Line- Sunline Sniper 12 lb Fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

Dropshot Combo... 

Rod- G Loomis NRX 822S DSR: http://bit.ly/2dX9zjv

Reel- Shimano Exsence 3000: http://bit.ly/2iMtscV

Line- Sunline SX1 Braid 12 lb: http://bit.ly/2tn8EzQ

Leader- Sunline Sniper 6 lb Fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

Jig Combo... 

Rod- G Loomis NRX 852C JWR: http://bit.ly/2hedqsq

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

Line- Power Pro Maxcuatro 30 lb Braid: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

Leader- Sunline Sniper Fluorocarbon 10 lb: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

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