How To Bass Fish On A Budget! (Cheap Lures That ACTUALLY Work!!)

Bass fishing shouldn't break the bank! If your tackle spending is out of control, we've got you covered with some awesome "budget" alternatives that really catch fish! High-end tackle is nice (we know because we're tackle junkies!!!) but you can catch a ton of fish without going broke buying lures and gear. Come along with Tim as he shops both big box stores and local tackle shops to find the best budget options for bass. 

The key to buying budget tackle is to avoid the junk. A lot of cheap tackle isn't worth the packaging its hanging in, but there are exceptions. Today's video is all about those hidden gems that catch consistent fish despite their below-average price. Baits like the Super Spot crankbait, Yum Dinger, and Chatterbait, should be in everyone's arsenal, no matter where you live. Baits like the Dark Sleeper, Savage Gear Bluegill, etc... can take your fishing to the next level without costing a fortune. 

Below you'll find links to all the baits Tim discussed in the video. We're taking it to the next level and also including some "budget" and "ultra budget" rods and reels to help you keep your entire fishing game within your spending limits. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 

Lipless Crankbait... 

-Cotton Cordell Super Spot: http://bit.ly/2y3K210

Colors: Chrome Blue, Rayburn Red

-Strike King Red Eye Shad: http://bit.ly/2fqX1RT

Colors: Sexy Shad, TN Shad 2.0, Chartreuse Sexy Shad

Spinnerbait... 

-Booyah 1/2 oz Spinnerbait: https://bit.ly/3gaOAIw

Color: Chartreuse/White, White

Chatterbait...

-Original Z-Man Chatterbait: https://bit.ly/3abzGOb

Colors: Green Pumpkin, White, Brown Black

Squarebill Crankbait... 

-Strike King 1.5: http://bit.ly/2Pz3HvE

Colors: Chartreuse Sexy Shad, Summer Sexy Shad, Gizzard Shad

Swimbaits... 

-Savage Gear Pulse Tail Bluegill: https://bit.ly/2xx1zjH

Colors: Bluegill, Ghost Gill

-Savage Gear Pulse Tail Baitfish: https://bit.ly/3ag8Mor

Colors: Silver Black Back, Green Back

-Megabass Dark Sleeper: http://bit.ly/2TyR1GT

Colors: Haze, Wakasagi, Shirauo

-Strike King Rage Swimmer 3.75: http://bit.ly/2evZF8j

Colors: Ghost Shad, Pro Blue Red Pearl

Inline Spinner... 

-Rooster Tail: https://bit.ly/2QqfNMs

Colors: Black, Chrome White

Stick Bait... 

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

Colors: Green Pumpkin, Elders Magic

-Big Bite Baits Trick Stick 6": https://bit.ly/3shcgNK

Colors: Green Pumpkin, Tilapia

Shaky Head... 

Worm- Netbait T-Mac 6.5": http://bit.ly/2jndwj9

Colors: Junebug, Green Pumpkin, Texas Craw

Jig Head- Limit Maker 1/8 oz: https://bit.ly/3gdVFYX

Jigs... 

Jig- Bass Patrol 1/2 oz: http://bit.ly/2Hbyf5x

Colors: Brown/Green Pumpkin, Brown/Black

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

Colors: Green Pumpkin Red, Summer Craw

Soft Jerkbait... 

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

Colors: Smokin Shad, Albino

Hook- VMC Heavy Duty Wide Gap 4/0: https://bit.ly/3ad5XVc

Creature Bait... 

Bait- Zoom Baby Brush Hog: http://bit.ly/2bnpCRx

Colors: Green pumpkin, Watermelon Seed

Weight- Eagle Claw 3/16 Lead: http://bit.ly/2tEcZfq

Hook- VMC Heavy Duty Wide Gap 3/0: https://bit.ly/3ad5XVc

Ned Rig... 

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

Colors: Black Blue Pumpkin, Aarons Green Pumpkin

Hook- Owner Block Head 1/16 oz: http://bit.ly/2qL0A8n

Budget All-Around Casting Combo... 

Rod- Shimano SLX 7'2" Medium: http://bit.ly/2L3wppO

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

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

Budget All-Around Spinning Combo... 

Rod- St. Croix Bass X 7'1" Medium: http://bit.ly/2r69Sj6

Reel- Shimano Sahara FI 2500: http://bit.ly/2XhhM43

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

Ultra-Budget Casting Combo... 

Rod- 13 Fishing Defy Black 7'1" Medium Heavy: https://bit.ly/32gzFnN

Reel- 13 Fishing Origin A: https://bit.ly/3ny0I6S

Line- Seaguar Red Label 15 lb Fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2LOVEwA

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

Crazy Underwater Footage Of Bass Attacking Jigs!! **Slow Motion Strikes**

Come along as we head underwater to watch bass interact with their prey! We're using jigs to imitate crawfish and small panfish and the bass can't get enough! Its fascinating to watch how the bass approach the lures, what makes them strike, and what makes them cautious. Some of the strikes are so vicious we needed to switch to slow motion footage to even see the bass attack!

Every time we head underwater we learn something new about bass behavior. In today's clips it was fascinating to watch how the fish inhaled the jigs. When the fish were cautious, they would only bite the claws. When they were made they inhaled the jig in a 2 or 3-step process. In every interaction it was clear the bass were aware of the jig's "claws" and made sure to incapacitate the claws first. 

What did you take away from the video? Do you notice any behavioral mannerisms? Did you see a favorite bait or trailer? Perhaps it was the subtle kick of the Paca Chunk, or the violent whipping motion of the Rage Craw?

We threw a huge variety of jigs and trailers to these fish. Below you'll find links to the exact jig and trailer combinations the fish were attacking, along with a few bonus trailers that we've had consistent success with over the years. All of the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 

Finesse Jig... 

Jig- Dirty Jigs Finesse Jig 7/16 oz (Supermatt Brown): http://bit.ly/2eJinXo

Trailer- Strike King Rage Chunk (Hard Candy): http://bit.ly/2uoqsLJ

Football Jig #1... 

Jig- Jewel Baits Pee Wee 5/16 oz (Hail Mary): https://bit.ly/2IkGi20

Trailer- Netbait Paca Chunk Tiny (Crawfish): http://bit.ly/2d8mIXx

Football Jig #2...

Jig- Keitech Tungsten Football 3/8 oz (Green Pumpkin Blue): http://bit.ly/2FDQ3o1

Trailer- Netbait Paca Chunk (Magic Craw): http://bit.ly/2d8mIXx

Other Great Jigs... 

-Dirty Jigs Pitchin' Jig (1/2 oz): http://bit.ly/2amL3of

-Bass Patrol Round Rubber (3/8 oz): http://bit.ly/2Hbyf5x

Other Great Trailers... 

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

-Z Man Ned Crawz: http://bit.ly/2U9vx6P

-Reaction Innovations Sweet Beaver: http://bit.ly/29W3RZW

High-End Finesse Jig Combo... 

Rod- G Loomis Conquest 844C MBR: http://bit.ly/2iL1PAY

Reel- Shimano Metanium MGL 150 B (XG): https://bit.ly/34HlAAk

Line- Power Pro Maxcuatro 40 lb Braid: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

Leader- Sunline FC Sniper 14 lb Fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

Best "Bang For The Buck" Finesse Jig Combo... 

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

Reel- Shimano Curado 70 MGL K: https://bit.ly/3jdrMqa

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

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

Budget Finesse Jig Combo... 

Rod- St. Croix Bass X 7'1" Medium Heavy: http://bit.ly/2r0xWAs

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

Line- Sunline Assassin 12 lb Fluorocarbon: 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

How To Catch Bass In Shallow Water | Spring Bass Fishing

Spring is here! The bass are moving into the shallows and you should be out catching them. The prespawn period before the bass begin bedding is an amazing opportunity to catch both numbers of fish and giant fish. Don't let the shallow water intimidate you; you can catch these fish! Today Tim is demonstrating his favorite lures for shallow water and showing exactly how he fishes them. 

This is the time of year to expand your fishing arsenal. If you've ever wanted to build confidence in a new bait, this is the time. Try a glide bait, a crankbait, Spinnerbait, etc... because the fish are moved up and they're feeding. If the weather changes and the bite gets tough, adapt to a slower presentation and you'll continue to catch fish. 

Below you'll find links to Tim's favorite techniques and the exact baits he uses in each category. We've included his favorite colors, along with some universal rod and reel combos to help you succeed on your next trip. All of the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 

GlideBait... 

-River2Sea S Waver 168: http://bit.ly/2aiu8Sh

Colors: Warden, Bluegill, Light Trout

-G Ratt Sneaky Pete: http://bit.ly/2RYCPFe

Colors: Hitch, Gizzard Shad

Sunglasses (For spotting followers on your glide bait)... 

-Eye Surrender TacticalBassin Glasses: https://bit.ly/3cLH0kl

Lense Color: Grey, Amber, Copper

Squarebills...

-Rapala BX brat: http://bit.ly/2qFBMiR

Colors: Delta, Hot Dang

-River2Sea Biggie: http://bit.ly/2ahCzvo

Colors: Cold Blooded, Delta Craw, Abalone Shad

Chatterbait... 

-EverGreen JackHammer 1/2 oz: http://bit.ly/2popvj6

Colors: Green Pumpkin, Brett's Bluegill, Fire Craw

-Z Man Chatterbait Custom 1/2 oz: http://bit.ly/2Ix71mI

Colors: Bluegill, Green Pumpkin, Hodge Knocker

Spinnerbait... 

-River2Sea Bling 1/2 oz: http://bit.ly/2diSwqq

Colors: Abalone Shad, I Know It

-War Eagle Screamin Eagle: http://bit.ly/2IEHHjA

Colors: Mouse, Aurora, Silver Shiner

Weedless Underspin... 

Hook- Owner Flashy Swimmer 5/0: http://bit.ly/2e8O4Y7

Bait- Keitech 4.8" Fat Swing Impact: http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

Colors: Electric Shad, Pro Blue Red Pearl

Flippin Jig... 

Jig- Dirty Jigs No-Jack Flippin' Jig 5/8 oz: http://bit.ly/2fx8YBI

Colors: Go To, Hematoma, Magic Craw Swirl

Creature Trailer- RI Sweet Beaver: http://bit.ly/29W3RZW

Colors: Green Pumpkin Red, Tramp Stamp, Hematoma

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

Colors: Black Blue, Magic Craw, Toledo Special

Texas-Rigged Bait... 

Bait- Big Bite Baits BFE Creature: https://bit.ly/2Ce0tf7

Colors: Tilapia, Tilapia Magic, Green Pumpkin

Hook- Owner Jungle Wide Gap 4/0: http://bit.ly/2sBsR1Z

Weight- Swagger Tungsten Vader 1/2 oz: http://bit.ly/2NjDYtV

Favorite Finesse Worms...  

Shakeyhead- Netbait T-Mac 6.5": http://bit.ly/2jndwj9

Colors: JuneBug, Texas Craw, Green Pumpkin

Neko Rig- Missile Baits Quiver Worm: https://bit.ly/2xehVgx

Colors: Bluetonium Green Pumpkin, Super Bug

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

Colors: Green Pump Org Black Purp Prl, GreenPumpkin Purple

Texas Rig/Flipping Jig Combo... 

Rod- Shimano Expride 7'6" Medium Heavy: http://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

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

Line- Power Pro Maxcuatro 65 lb Braid: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

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

Spinnerbait/Chatterbait Combo... 

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

Reel- Curado 70 MGL K: https://bit.ly/3jdrMqa

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

Leader- Sunline FC100 16 lb Fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2O4UElB

Budget All-Around Finesse Combo... 

Rod- St. Croix Bass X 7'1" Medium: http://bit.ly/2r69Sj6

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

Line- Sunline Assassin 8 lb Fluorocarbon: 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

Lipless Crankbait and Blade Bait Tips For Spring Bass Fishing

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. Matt 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. 

With an almost endless list of baits in today's video we're using the video description to simplify the selections. Below you'll find links to our favorite all-around baits, our favorite baits by depth, 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. 

If You Could Only Have One... 

Bottom Contact- Lucky Craft LV-500 (Ghost minnow): http://bit.ly/2aAUUbd

Shallow Retrieve- Cotton Cordell Spot (Chrome Blue): http://bit.ly/2y3K210

Favorite Blade Baits For Spring... 

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

Favorite Colors: Ito Hiuo, Jukucho Shad, Gill OB

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

Favorite Colors: Black Holo, Holo Cyber Purple, Real Shad

Lipless Crankbaits For Bottom Hopping... 

-Jackall TN-70: http://bit.ly/2lqAwjh

Favorite Colors: Super Shad, SG Threadfin, RT Escape Craw

-Lucky Craft LV-500: http://bit.ly/2aAUUbd

Favorite Colors: Ghost minnow, American Shad, Chartreuse Shad

Lipless Cranks For Mid-Column Fishing... 

-Booyah One Knocker: https://bit.ly/3kyOoD5

Colors: Bling, Ghost, Tiger Craw

-6th Sense Quake 70: http://bit.ly/2Kxt4zm

Colors: Crimson Flash, Shad Hammer

-Strike King Red Eye Shad: http://bit.ly/2fqX1RT

Colors: Chartreuse Sexy Shad, Chrome Sexy Shad, Delta Red

Lipless Crankbaits For Shallow Fishing... 

-Damiki Tremor 65: http://bit.ly/2fVt8H6

Colors: American Shad, Real Shad, Red Craw

-Cotton Cordell Super Spot: http://bit.ly/2y3K210

Colors: Chrome Blue, Royal Red

-Lucky Craft LVR D-7: http://bit.ly/3r45j1T

Colors: Golden Shiner, Chartreuse Shad, Ghost Minnow

Split Ring/Treble Hook Upgrades...  

Split Rings- Owner Hyperwire (Size 3): http://bit.ly/2v8ArBX

Hooks For BIG Fish- Owner ST-56: http://bit.ly/2cVg7xW

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

**LV-500 and TN-70 both use Size 4 Hooks**

Hooks For Quality Fish- Gamakatsu EWG: http://bit.ly/2cZrsbY

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

**LV-500 and TN-70 both use Size 4 Hooks**

Our Favorite Lipless Combo... 

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

Reel- Shimano Bantam 150 XG: http://bit.ly/2H44yjG

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

Leader- Sunline FC-100 Shock Leader 16 lb: http://bit.ly/2O4UElB

Great Mid-Price Lipless Combo... 

Rod- Megabass Levante Flat Size Special: http://bit.ly/2FdE3YY

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

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

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

Budget Lipless Combo... 

Rod- Dobyns Fury 705 CB (7' Med Heavy Cranking): http://bit.ly/2bGvlVV

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

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

Budget Blade Bait Combo...

Rod- 13 Fishing 6'10" Medium Omen Black 3: http://bit.ly/3lAXbEV

Reel- 13 Fishing Origin C (8:1): http://bit.ly/392qsU6

Line- Sunline Assassin 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