BIG Bass on Chickamauga! Fall Bass Fishing Has Begun!!

Tim is on a mission to catch a big bass! He’s on the water early, armed with topwater and a chatterbait. Come along for the fun! Watch as he adapts to changing conditions, fine tunes the pattern, and catches some really nice Chickamauga bass! Fall is prime time to catch quality fish as they feed up before Winter so make the time, head to the lake, and catch a big one of your own. 

When Tim set out he was searching for an early morning topwater bite. He had a plan but he stayed open minded, paying attention to his surroundings. It didn’t take him long to realize there was no surface activity this morning. Taking the cue from nature he dropped down to the bottom with a chatterbait and got the bite he was looking for! When you’re on the water its important to pay close attention to your surroundings at all times. Every time you hit the water you’re surrounded by clues that will help you dial in the pattern. Keep your eyes open, don’t be afraid to adapt, and you’ll start catching fish more consistently. 

Once Tim ran in to surface activity he switched back to topwater and was able to capitalize on some really nice bass with the popper. As the activity died off, the dropshot was clutch to finish out the day. Below is a breakdown of the baits and equipment Tim used throughout the day. We’ve even included an all-around budget combo that you could use for the chatterbait and light flipping. All of the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 

Chatterbait… 

Bait- Evergreen JackHammer 1/2 oz (Clearwater Shad): http://bit.ly/2popvj6

Trailer- Yamamoto Zako (Electric Shad): http://bit.ly/2fKmSRp

Whopper Plopper… 

Bait- River2Sea Whopper Plopper 110 (Abalone Shad): http://bit.ly/2bsPbQV

Frog… 

Bait- River2Sea Bully Wa 2 65 (Dirty White): http://bit.ly/2axyR2a

Popper… 

Bait- Megabass Pop Max (Mat Shad): http://bit.ly/2qqfmm1

Dropshot… 

Bait- Roboworm 6” Fat Worm (Pro Blue Blue Neon): http://bit.ly/2awYSxM

Hook- Owner CoverShot Worm Hook (Size 2/0): http://bit.ly/2ISr7bR

Weight- Swagger Tungsten Pencil Weight (3/8 oz): http://bit.ly/2UY7cgx

Chatterbait Combo… 

Rod- Shimano Expride 7’2” MH Glass: http://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

Reel- Shimano Metanium MGL B: https://bit.ly/34HlAAk

Line- Power Pro Maxcuatro 50 lb Braid: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

Leader- Maxima Ultragreen 15 lb Mono: http://bit.ly/2ae97J9

Tim’s Popper Combo… 

Rod- G Loomis IMX Pro Med Topwater (802 TWR): http://bit.ly/2QurcHi

Reel- Daiwa Tatula Elite 7:1 Ratio: http://bit.ly/2ONCBS1

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

Dropshot (Power Shot) Combo… 

Rod- Shimano Zodias 7’2” Medium: https://bit.ly/3aeQbYW

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

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

Budget Power Shot/Chatterbait Combo… 

Rod- Dobyns Fury 7’ Medium Heavy: http://bit.ly/2bGvlVV

Reel- Shimano SLX 150 HG: http://bit.ly/2NfdOnk

Line- Sunline Assassin 12 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

Catching GIANT Striped Bass in a NEW Lake!

Come along as Matt and Tim chase big striper! They're exploring new water in search of these big predatory fish and it doesn't take long to find them! The guys start out with swimbaits and A-rigs but quickly realize the fish have gone deep. A quick switch to a spoon is all it takes to get the big ones biting!

The key tonight was finding lures that could be fished effectively in deep water. Tim put time into the A-Rig (A proven producer for big striped bass) but the combination of deep water (30-45 feet) and strong current was too much for the rig. A heavy spoon (1 3/4 oz) in bold colors proved to be the best option. Even in the current we were able to hop the spoons as we back drifted. We had a very short bite window before the river currents slowed but we connected with two beautiful Striper before it was over. 

We've done quite a few videos on spoon for bass and striper in the past. Matt typically leans toward a jigging spoon while Tim prefers a flutter spoon. Both styles are a must-have in an angler's arsenal and worth learning how to fish effectively. If you've missed our previous videos on the subject you can see them here... 

-Fall Spoon Fishing: https://youtu.be/ldW7yW4Fum8

-Flutter Spoons: https://youtu.be/OH46tQAT634

-Jigging Spoons: https://youtu.be/sCBKJaOj3ss

Below is a breakdown of the baits and equipment the guys were using this evening. We've even included a link to the NET they SHOULD HAVE brought with them to land these big fish with ease. All of the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each.

The spoons... 

Bait- Blade Runner 1 3/4 oz DUH Spoon: http://bit.ly/2aKVLlG

Colors: UV Fried Chicken, UV Citrus

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

Swivel- Sampo Welded Ring Black Size 4: https://bit.ly/3kflHd2

The A-Rig... 

Rig- G Funk Baits Cali Rig: http://bit.ly/2nD76fw

Heads- Matt Allen Swimbait Head (1/8 and 1/2 oz): http://bit.ly/29RrTYN

Baits- Keitech 4.8" Fat Swing Impact (Electric Shad): http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

Dummy Baits- Keitech 3.3" Fat Swing Impact (Electric Shad): http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

The Net... 

Frabill Knotless Conservation Net 9522: https://bit.ly/33vYRaq

Matt's Spoon Combo... 

Rod- Poison Adrena 7'4" Heavy: https://bit.ly/3diigiT

Reel- Shimano Metanium  MGL 150 B HG: https://bit.ly/34HlAAk

Line- Power Pro Maxcuatro 50 lb Braid: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

Leader- Maxima Ultragreen 20 lb Mono: http://bit.ly/2ae97J9

Alternative Line- Sunline Assassin 20 lb Fluorocarbon**: http://bit.ly/2h4LNjm

** Note: If this was a dedicated spoon rod Matt said he would remove the braid/leader and fish this rig with 20 lb Sunline Assassin Fluorocarbon. He feels the Fluoro is a better option for deep spooning around finicky fish but the braid is a better line for fishing a variety of baits with this rod.

"Bang For The Buck" Spoon Combo... 

Rod- Shimano Expride 7'2" Medium heavy: http://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

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

Line- Sunline Assassin 20 lb Fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2h4LNjm

Budget Spoon Combo...

Rod- Shimano Intenza 7'4" Heavy: http://bit.ly/2QADLTq

Reel- Daiwa CA 80 High Speed: https://bit.ly/3hprTgv

Line- Sunline Assassin 20 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

Topwater, Flukes, and Underspins For Aggressive Fall Bass!

There are dozen of bass busting on the surface and we've got the right baits to catch them! Come along as Matt takes a finesse approach to Chickamuaga. He's throwing a fluke, a topwater, and several bladed swimbaits, but everything has been downsized to match the size of baitfish in the shallows. By "matching the hatch" the bite gets so good he can almost call his shots. Let's go fishing!

One of the biggest mistakes we see anglers make when they downsize their lures is they also downsize their drawing power. Choosing baits that will draw a finesse bite but still maintain drawing power is an art in itself. Today Matt focused in on 4 key baits to accomplish this and ultimately added fifth. 

The fluke is by far the easiest of the bunch, it has natural drawing power at any size because of its aggressive darting action. The topwater was accomplished by choosing a bait with a cupped face that spit water and created a larger disturbance than other similarly sized baits. Upsizing the drawing power of tiny swimbaits is a task but its most easily accomplished by adding flash. Matt used one with a flashing underspin blade and another with a spinner on the nose. And finally, when he backed out to deep water, the tail spin was implemented to maintain a small size but increase drawing power. 

The next time you're met with tiny baitfish in the shallows remember that you can downsize your presentation without downsizing your catch rate. Focus on baits with significant drawing power and you'll catch fish. Below are links to all the baits and equipment Matt used in the video. The links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

Fluke... 

Bait- Zoom Super Fluke Jr: http://bit.ly/2aqys0H

Colors: Smokin Shad, Albino, Arkansas Shiner

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

Support- Owner CPS Spring (Size Small): http://bit.ly/2b2YgDf

Video detailing this rigging method: https://youtu.be/U3bP0HkJxk0

Topwater... 

Bait- Evergreen Shower Blows 105: http://bit.ly/2zIkqUH

Colors: Skeleton Chartreuse, American Shad, Emerald Shiner

Underspin... 

Bait- Keitech 3.3" Fat Swing Impact: http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

Colors: Pro Blue Red Pearl, Electric Shad

Hook- Owner Flashy Swimmer 1/8 oz with 1/0 hook: http://bit.ly/2e8O4Y7

Screw Head... 

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

Colors: Albino, Real, Silver Shad

Hook- Megabass Okashira Screw Head (1/16 oz): http://bit.ly/2EpluSA

Tail Spinner... 

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

Red Hook Upgrade- Owner ST-36 Red (Size 4): http://bit.ly/2wSknXp

Matt's Finesse Swimbait Combo... 

Rod- Shimano Expride 6'10" Medium: http://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

Reel- Shimano Aldebaran MGL 50 HG: http://bit.ly/2uQ4oH8

Line- Sunline Assassin 10 lb Fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2h4LNjm

Topwater Combo... 

Rod- Shimano Expride 7' Medium Light+: http://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

Reel- Shimano Bantam Metanium MGL HG: https://bit.ly/34HlAAk

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

Leader- Maxima Ultragreen 12 lb Mono: http://bit.ly/2ae97J9

Budget All-Around Finesse Casting Combo...

Rod- Shimano Intenza 6'10" Medium Heavy: http://bit.ly/2QADLTq

Reel- Shimano SLX DC: http://bit.ly/2MJyuXN

Line- Sunline Assassin 10 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

Where Do Bass Go During The Fall Transition? (And How To Catch Them!)

Cooler nights are coming and if your fish haven't vanished already, they're going to! The Fall transition happens overnight and if you're not prepared you'll be left scratching your head. There are two distinct groups of fish during this transition, some that go shallow and others that go deep. Today we're going to take a look at where these fish are headed and how you can get ahead of them.

The fish that move shallow are there to eat baitfish. Its critical that you cover water quickly because the fish are congregating in schools. Vast areas will be devoid of life while small pockets and cuts will be packed with dozens, even hundreds of bass that are ambushing bait. If you're not covering water quickly you may never find the mega-school you're searching for. 

The fish that move deeper are focused on structure. Many of these fish are still going to be feeding on baitfish but they will use main lake structure for their hunting grounds. Focus on offshore rock piles, humps, channel bends, and main lake points. If baitfish are present you'll target these fish with reaction baits, if baitfish are not present the jig is your best bet. 

Wether you go shallow or deep, Fall is an amazing time to be on the water! Bass are congregated into schools and the bite can be incredible. Below are links to the different baits we use for both shallow and deep schooling fish. The links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 

Shallow Water Baits... 

Silent Squarebill- Lucky Craft BDS-3 (BP Golden Shiner): http://bit.ly/2blTVwI

Rattling Squarebill- River2Sea Biggie Poppa (Abalone Shad): http://bit.ly/2ahCzvo

Frog- River2Sea Bully Wa 2 65 (Little Allen): http://bit.ly/2axyR2a

Toad- Teckel Sprinker (Pearl White): http://bit.ly/2rmnqSI

Deep Water/Offshore Baits... 

Ultra Deep Crankbait- Strike King 10XD (Chartreuse/Blue or Sexy Shad): http://bit.ly/2gHT4F0

Deep Crankbait- Strike King 6XD (Chartreuse/Blue or Sexy Shad): http://bit.ly/2ery44M

Jig- Dirty Jigs Flippin' Jig 5/8 oz (Go To): http://bit.ly/2fx8YBI

Jig Trailer- Reaction Innovations Sweet Beaver (Tramp Stamp): http://bit.ly/29W3RZW

Flutter Spoon- Nichols Lake Fork 1 1/8 oz (Purple Threadfin): http://bit.ly/2ICAGKL

Tail Spin- Jackall Deracoup 3/4 oz (Clear Shad): http://bit.ly/2p8X4b0

Flutter Spoon Video: https://youtu.be/sdviwv6PTOM

All-Around Squarebill Combo... 

Rod- G Loomis IMX Pro 845 CBR: http://bit.ly/2og0BmK

Reel- Shimano Bantam MGL HG: http://bit.ly/2H44yjG

Line- Power Pro Maxcuatro 20 lb Braid: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

Leader- Maxima Ultragreen 12 lb Mono: http://bit.ly/2ae97J9

All-Around Deep Crank Combo... 

Rod- G Loomis IMX Pro 968 CBR: http://bit.ly/2og0BmK

Reel- Shimano Tranx 200: http://bit.ly/2Tv0yCy

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

Budget Crankbait Combo... 

Rod- Shimano Intenza 7'6" Glass: http://bit.ly/2QADLTq

Reel- Daiwa CG80: http://bit.ly/2NxaGbe

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