Spring Gear Review! The Hottest Bass Fishing Baits And Gear Of 2026!

This gear review is packed with incredible baits and tackle! With the Bassmaster Classic behind us, it's time to explore all the awesome new gear that's come to market for Spring! From a high end reel, to a new line of rods, and a whole lot of baits, this gear review is packed with awesome gear for bass fishing!

There were so many products launched around the Classic, it will make your head spin! How do you even know where to start? What is worth buying and what is a waste of money? We're here to help! We've put in the time to find the very best baits and gear that stand out from the crowd this Spring.

Below you'll find links to the exact gear discussed in the video. We've included favorite colors, models, and sizes where applicable. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

IMX PRO CASTING RODS...

•G Loomis IMX Pro Jig And Worm Rods: https://bit.ly/41Geqe9

Favorite Models...

•853C JWR (7'1" Medium Heavy)

•894C JWR (7'5" Heavy)

•G Loomis IMX Pro Mag Bass Rods: https://bit.ly/41lfbZW

Favorite Models...

•823C MBR (6'10" Medium Heavy)

•843C MBR (7' Medium Heavy)

•844C MBR (7' Heavy)

•G Loomis IMX Pro Bait Finesse Rod: https://bit.ly/4e9Lane

IMX PRO SPINNING RODS...

•G Loomis IMX Pro Dropshot Rods: https://bit.ly/4bYRVa3

Favorite Models...

•822S DSR (6'10" Medium+)     

•862S DSR (7'2" Medium+)

•G Loomis IMX Pro Jig And Worm Rods: https://bit.ly/4t1wBH7

Favorite Models...

•871S JWR (7'3" Medium Light)

•852S JWR (7'1" Medium)

•G Loomis IMX Pro Spin Jig Rods: https://bit.ly/4tyzfUv

•842S SJR (7' Medium)

SPINNING REEL...

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

Favorite Size: 2500 SHG

FISHING LINE...

•Berkley GinClear: https://bit.ly/4si6sCz

Favorite Sizes: 12, 15, 20 lb

•Seaguar Carbon Ultra: https://bit.ly/4sl6s4G

Favorite Sizes: 12, 15, 17 lb

TACKLE MANAGEMENT...

•BKK OCD Tackle Management (SMALL): https://bit.ly/4ciKCsJ

•BKK OCD Fully Loaded Box: https://bit.ly/46ph2OI

•BKK Hook And Accessory Boxes: https://bit.ly/3Yl2TQN

SOFT JERKBAIT...

•Xzone Whiplash Shad: https://bit.ly/4buE4qx

Favorite Sizes: 3.5" and 5"

Favorite Colors: Electric Shad, Smelt, Pro Blue Red Pearl

•BKK Armor Point Offset Worm Hook: https://bit.ly/48hOoBq

Size For 3.5 Whiplash: 1/0

SWIMBAIT...

•Nomad Dozer Paddletail Swimbait: https://bit.ly/4cciSpA

Favorite Colors: Astro, Sandy Pearl

SPY BAIT...

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

Favorite Colors: Ghost Shad, Ghost Perch, Morning Dawn

SPINNERBAIT...

•Megabass SV–3 Single Willow: https://bit.ly/4t1jYvN

Colors: Hasu, Pearl Shad, Wakasagi

SPOONS...

•Nichols Duh Spoon 2.0: https://bit.ly/4iGlkrd

Favorite Sizes: 3/8 and 1/2 oz

Favorite Colors: Sierra, Tactical Shad, Shattered Glass

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

Matt's NEW BulletProof Aluminum Boat!! Full Tour + Jet Boat Rigging

Matt's new jet boat made a big splash in recent months and today we're taking a tour! The black boat named "Strawberry" is the culmination of years of planning, preparation, and destroyed boats. The guys have crashed and sunk multiple times and learned valuable lessons along the way. While we tend to focus on the good days at TacticalBassin, the truth is, a lot of the best learning happens while you're bailing water out of a sinking ship!

Matt's new completely custom jet boat was built by Mike Watson of Bulletproof boats. It's built on his famed "Creek Runner" tunnel hull, with a standing center console. Matt spent months thinking through every detail to make this boat as fishable as possible, and Mike brought all of it to life. It's a true work horse, purpose built for running shallow water to target giant fish, far away from crowds.

Below you'll find links to all the gear Matt used to rig this boat. The links will take you directly to  Tackle Warehouse, where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. We've also included links to Mike Watson's Facebook page, Hennessey Outdoor Electronics, and Omega boat steps' websites.

TACTICALBASSIN MERCH…

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

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

MIKE WATSON'S CONTACT INFORMATION...

•Mike Watson's Facebook Page: https://bit.ly/4cmZM1f

•Mike Watson's Cell Number: (423) 292-8102

Boat Model: Creek Runner

OMEGA BOAT STEPS...

•Omega Boat Step Website: https://bit.ly/4c5ixoP

Matt's Steps: Dual Step + Extra Step

HENNESSEY OUTDOORS RIGGING...

•Hennessey Outdoor Electronics Website: https://bit.ly/3kX87kA

Matt's Components...

•Hennessey Harness

•Ulta Mat

•Trolling Motor Sock

•HOE Single Bow Mount

ELECTRONICS AND RIGGING...

•Humminbird Xplore 10 Fish Finder: https://bit.ly/3Qi4R2f

•Humminbird Mega Live 2 Transducer: https://bit.ly/40FHMJR

•Minn Kota Ultrex Quest Trolling Motor: https://bit.ly/41RErpY

•Minn Kota 8' Talons: https://bit.ly/2F0QBSP

•Minn Kota Talon Quick Disconnects: https://bit.ly/4c2eg5v

•TH Marine Rod Tamers: https://bit.ly/2ox8BOm

BATTERIES AND JUMPER PACK...

•Pro Guide Lithium Batteries: https://bit.ly/4drktua

•Pro Guide Lithium Battery Chargers: https://bit.ly/4sg7wae

Matt's Batteries: 12V 235 AH, 36V 75AH

Matt's Charger: PGC-1236

•Noco Boost Plus Jumper Pack: https://bit.ly/3xVnaOD

TACKLE AND GEAR...

•Big Drip Magnum Loadstone Magnet: https://bit.ly/3YM2oPE

•BKK OCD Fully Loaded Terminal Box: https://bit.ly/46ph2OI

•Plano Edge 3600 Box: https://bit.ly/2YBaWYX

•Plano Edge 3700 Box: https://bit.ly/2t3uHMR

•Rod Glove Rod Sleeves: https://bit.ly/2GFOT9R

•Mustang Elite 190 Life Jackets: https://bit.ly/3Ql4MLa

TOOLS...

•Rapala Mag Spring Plier: https://bit.ly/3xJFwTu

•Cuda Carbon Steel Hook Cutter: Source Locally

•Nomad Designs Hydra X 11" Plier: Source Locally

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

The Best Fishing Rod For Every Technique! ( Budget To High End )

This is EVERYTHING you need to know about fishing rods! From how to get the most out of budget rods, to the meaning behind rod action and power codes. Tim is showing everything you need to know to get the best fishing rods for your favorite techniques, regardless of your budget and skill level!

Fishing gear is expensive and the truth is, most anglers have no idea what they need. You're at the mercy of a tackle shop employee or an online review as you spend hard earned money on a new rod. It doesn't have to be that way! Understanding ratings, codes, and how popular brands differ, will take all the guess work out so you can make the best selections for your fishing style.

Below you'll find links to many of our favorite rods, separated by technique. We've also included a few budget friendly rods as well. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

TACTICALBASSIN MERCH AND LURE DESIGNS...

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

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

If you're an advanced angler, let us know two of your favorite models from this rod line. If not, pay close attention and enjoy the cheat sheet below of all our favorite models by technique.

St. Croix Black Bass Casting Rods: https://bit.ly/4cX7VHL

FAVORITE CASTING RODS BY TECHNIQUE...

JIG (PITCH AND FLIP): St. Croix Legend X2 7'4" Hvy Fast: https://bit.ly/3IOSXcJ

BUDGET: St. Croix Black Bass 7'4" Hvy Fast: https://bit.ly/3A5CFSU

JIG (FOOTBALL): G Loomis NRX+ 844C MBR: https://bit.ly/2SuZG15

BUDGET: Daiwa Tatula XT 7'3" Med Hvy: https://bit.ly/3wqRhwq

JERKBAIT: Shimano Expride 6'10" Medium- Mod Fast: https://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

BUDGET: Shimano SLX 6'10" Medium: https://bit.ly/2L3wppO

A–RIG: Dobyns Champion Extreme HP 7'8" Hvy (784): https://bit.ly/2ab2kRX

BUDGET: Dobyns Fury 7'6" Med Hvy (765): https://bit.ly/2bGvlVV

CHATTERBAIT: Megabass P5 Destroyer 7'2" Daemos: https://bit.ly/3wHoXpD

BUDGET: Fenwick Eagle 7'5" Med Hvy Ex Fast: https://bit.ly/4b25LGh

SPINNERBAIT: St. Croix Legend Tournament 7’3” MH Fast: https://bit.ly/3Iow9KV

BUDGET: St. Croix Black Bass 7'3" MH Fast: https://bit.ly/4cX7VHL

HEAVY FLIPPING: Shimano Expride 7'11" XH: http://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

BUDGET: Daiwa Tatula XT 7'6" XH: https://bit.ly/3wqRhwq

SENKO/ T–Rig: Fenwick World Class 7’1" Med Hvy XF: https://bit.ly/3qbGEya

BUDGET: Fenwick Eagle 7'1" Med Hvy X Fast: https://bit.ly/4b25LGh

PADDLE TAIL: Megabass Destroyer P5 7'1" Med Hvy Fast: https://bit.ly/2wVOSbY

BUDGET: Cashion Element Z2 7'3" Med Hvy: https://bit.ly/48w69eC

FINESSE SWIM/UNDERSPIN: Shimano Expride B 7'2" Med Light: https://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

MATT: Daiwa Steez AGS 7'6" Med Med Light: https://bit.ly/44wVwFk

LIPLESS: St. Croix Legend Tournament: https://bit.ly/3Iow9KV

Model: 7'2" Med Hvy Moderate – Carbon Cranker

BUDGET: St. Croix Black Bass 7'2" Med Hvy Mod: https://bit.ly/4cX7VHL

DEEP CRANK: Dobyns Champion XP 805 CB: https://bit.ly/29OVD4V

BUDGET: 13 Fishing Oath 7'3" Med Hvy Mod: https://bit.ly/4kbRaNq

SQUAREBILL: Megabass Levante "Flat Side Special": https://bit.ly/2FdE3YY

BUDGET: Cashion Element Z2 7'3" Med Hvy Mod: https://bit.ly/3xZbLAy

GLIDEBAIT: Dobyns Champion XP 806H: https://bit.ly/2aivwYX

BUDGET: Dobyns Fury XP 806H: https://bit.ly/4q6IjyQ

JIG HOOK SWIMBAIT: Shimano Outlier 8'0" XH: https://bit.ly/3EuHPiT

BUDGET: Shimano SLX 7'8" Heavy: https://bit.ly/3QbMjvs

FROG: Dobyns Champion Extreme XP 746: https://bit.ly/2ab2kRX

BUDGET: Dobyns Fury 745: https://bit.ly/2bGvlVV

TOPWATER: Megabass Destroyer Z-Crank Elsiel: https://bit.ly/2wVOSbY

MATT: G Loomis GLX 843C MBR: https://bit.ly/2gqziwT

SHAKEY HEAD: Abu Garcia Zenon 7'0" Med Hvy: https://bit.ly/43y32RU

BUDGET: Fenwick HMG 7'1" Med Hvy Fast: https://bit.ly/3AyrAiW

BAIT FINESSE: Cashion Icon 6'10" Med Light: https://bit.ly/3mLIIes

BUDGET: Cashion Element Z2 6'10" Med Light: https://bit.ly/48w69eC

FAVORITE SPINNING RODS BY TECHNIQUE...

STROLLING: Shimano Expride 6'10" MH XF: https://bit.ly/47Cdeee

BUDGET: Fenwick Eagle 7'1" Medium XF: https://bit.ly/3Lo1gKC

DROPSHOT/DICE: St. Croix Legend X2 6'10" MLXF: https://bit.ly/4farXAh

BUDGET: Cashion Element Z2 7'1" Medium Light: https://bit.ly/47GAOVA

NED RIG: G Loomis NRX+ 821S NRR: https://bit.ly/4bIiddV

BUDGET: St. Croix Bass X 6'10" ML: https://bit.ly/3xi0ren

HAIR JIG: G Loomis NRX+901S SJR: https://bit.ly/2RB0oJP

BUDGET: Daiwa Tatula Cork 7'6" Med Light: https://bit.ly/4f8RRV2

NEKO RIG/COIKE: Megabass Destoyer P5 6'11" Landsat: https://bit.ly/31Pt839

BUDGET: St. Croix Black Bass 7'1" Medium: https://bit.ly/4diwkqT

If you plan to do any shopping, using these affiliate links before doing your shopping at Tackle Warehouse is the single greatest way to support us! You won't be able to even see a difference but they'll know you're part of the TacticalBassin Family! Thank you for your continued support!

How To Adjust Your Humminbird Mega Live 2 Forward Facing Sonar (Full Settings)

Tim's Live Imaging is dialed! If you struggle to adjust your FFS image, or don't understand what you're seeing, this video will help! Tim is an expert at dialing in his Humminbird electronics to get the clearest possible picture. He uses a handful of simple settings that you can easily replicate on your own unit. Whether you're using an Apex 16 like Tim, or a smaller Xplore, these settings will give you a clear image the next time you go fishing.

We know there are mixed feelings about modern electronics. We recognize that different anglers have different budgets and beliefs, but we are here to help everyone. For those that are using forward facing sonar, these are the best settings we've found to get a consistent image across conditions and times of year.

Below you'll find links to all of Tim's favorite electronics. We've included the high end units, his favorite mid–priced unit, along with the mapping card that he uses to effectively navigate new lakes. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

WANT TACTICALBASSIN GEAR??

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

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

MEGA LIVE 2...

•Humminbird Mega Live 2 Transducer: https://bit.ly/40FHMJR

TARGET LOCK...

•Humminbird Target Lock Turret: https://bit.ly/3DWobfm

(Use in conjunction with Mega Live 2 to control the transducer separate of the trolling motor)

TIM'S ELECTRONICS...

•Humminbird Apex 16: https://bit.ly/3QBaOli

•Humminbird Xplore 12: https://bit.ly/3JrZ2vZ

MAPPING...

•Lakemaster VX Premium Cards: https://bit.ly/3z2RFmK

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

If you plan to do any shopping, using these affiliate links before doing your shopping at Tackle Warehouse is the single greatest way to support us! You won't be able to even see a difference but they'll know you're one of us!