Early Fall Bass Fishing! (Finesse Baits And Big Smallmouth)

We're exploring new water in search of big bass and taking you along for the ride on the Great Lakes! Don't miss any of the details as we adapt lure color, size, and retrieve to dial in a pattern for Smallmouth. Watch as the guys start off with power techniques like swimbaits and topwater but adapt with changing conditions, and continue catching fish with a ned rig, tube, and hair jig. 

Fishing Lake Michigan is all about adapting to changing conditions. Today started out with wind, settled to slick calm and high sun, then a lightning storm blew in. With no history to rely on the guys had to adapt on the fly, trying different presentations and locations (they ran over 50 miles!) to keep catching fish. They caught fish all day long and were vocal about the choices they were making and reasoning behind them. If you want to understand the mindset behind fish catching, this video is for you!

Below you'll find links to all the baits used in the video. We've included the exact models, sizes, and colors for each presentation. As promised, we've also included the jerkbait colors we use to adapt to changing conditions. Finally, you'll find links to our favorite rod and reel combos from the day with exact specs on each model. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 

SWIMBAIT... 

-Megabass Dark Sleeper 3" (1/2 oz): http://bit.ly/2TyR1GT

Color: Wakasagi, Donko

TOPWATER...

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

Color: Bone, Skeleton Chartreuse

JERKBAIT... 

-Megabass Vision 110: http://bit.ly/2j31TKb

Natural Colors: Ito Natural, Matte Shad, Clear Laker

Bold Colors: Elegy Bone, Western Clown, Wakin React

TUBE...

Bait- STH Finesse Tube 2.5: https://bit.ly/3aU0oeU

Color: Dark Melon Gold Purple, Dark Melon Gold

Head- Blade Runner Inhaler: https://bit.ly/2NX7nYr

Size: 1/8 oz 1/0 Hook

Alt. Head- Northland Tackle Short Shank: https://bit.ly/3AM4xwu

HAIR JIG... 

-Andy's Custom Maribou Jig (1/8 oz): https://bit.ly/3uYqDsw

Color: Black

NED RIG... 

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

Color: Desert Craw

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

Size: 1/10th with 1/0 Hook

DARK SLEEPER COMBO... 

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

Reel- Shimano Aldebaran MGL (HG): http://bit.ly/2fdX1Uy

Line- Sunline Fluorocarbon 12 lb: http://bit.ly/2h4LNjm

HAIR JIG COMBO... (Back Order Available)

Rod- G Loomis NRX+ 901 SJR: https://bit.ly/2RB0oJP

Reel- Shimano Sustain FJ 3000: https://bit.ly/3BQLlNP

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

TUBE COMBO... 

Rod- St. Croix Legend Extreme 7'6" Medium: https://bit.ly/37UhrKR

Reel- Shimano Vanford 2500: https://bit.ly/2gu84t7

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

Leader- 6 lb Sunline Super FC: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

JERKBAIT COMBO... 

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

Reel- Shimano Aldebaran MGL (HG): http://bit.ly/2fdX1Uy

Line- Sunline Super FC 10 lb: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

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

4 FINESSE TRICKS To Catch BASS When FISHING is TOUGH!

This year has been tough for a lot of anglers! Increased fishing pressure and intense weather has made it difficult for a lot of us to consistently catch bass. Now isn't the time to give up! Some of the most exciting fishing of the year is just around the corner! If you're struggling to get bit right now, turn to one of these 4 proven techniques to catch more fish. 

When the going gets tough, its time to pick up the finesse rods! Power fishing is our passion so when its time to lighten up and slow down our first move is the finesse swimbait. Fishing these small swimbaits still gives us the feel and the fun of power fishing, but we get way more bites than we do on larger presentations. If the swimbait isn't working, its time to turn to slower bottom contact baits. 

Which one should you try first? This is where you fishing style comes into play. All of these are proven options and you really can't go wrong. If you ask Tim, he's probably reaching for a Neko rig. If you ask Matt, he's probably reaching for a tube. All 3 bottom contact presentations work incredibly well so make sure you've got at least one of them rigged up at all times. 

Below you'll find links to the exact baits discussed in the video. We've included the baits, the hooks, and our favorite colors for each presentation. We've also included the rod and reel combos we use with each presentation. If you prefer BFS to spinning tackle, we've linked that combo as well. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 

FINESSE SWIMBAITS...

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

Colors: Real, Albino, Purple Haze

Keitech Fat 2.8 Swimbait: http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

Colors: Electric Shad, Pro Blue Red Pearl

FINESSE SWIMBAIT HEADS...

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

Bladed- Okashira 1/8 oz Screw Head: http://bit.ly/2EpluSA

NEKO RIG...

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

Colors: Baby Bass, Green Pumpkin Black Flake

Skirted Weight- VMC Neko Skirt: https://bit.ly/2WRNgTM

Hook- Owner Sniper Finesse Neko (1/0): http://bit.ly/2kfdv37

NED RIG BAITS... 

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

Colors: Green Pumpkin, Green pumpkin Goby

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

Colors: TW Black Blue Pumpkin, Desert Craw

NED RIG HEADS...

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

Lead- Owner Block head: http://bit.ly/2qL0A8n

FINESSE TUBES...

Bait- Netbait STH 2.5" Finesse Tube: https://bit.ly/3aU0oeU

Colors: Dark Melon Purple, Ten Point, Juvenile Goby

Head- Blade Runner Inhaler: https://bit.ly/2NX7nYr

Size: 1/8 oz with 1/0 hook

TIM'S BFS COMBO...

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

Reel- Shimano Curado BFS: https://bit.ly/2QGRVF2

Line- Sunline Super FC 8lb Fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

FINESSE TUBE COMBO...

Rod- St. Croix Victory 7'3" Medium: https://bit.ly/2RPMkfV

Reel- Shimano Vanford 2500: https://bit.ly/2gu84t7

Line- Power Pro Braided Line 10 lb: http://bit.ly/2aFg46b

Leader- Sunline Sniper 7 lb Fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

ALL-AROUND FINESSE COMBO... 

Rod- Shimano Expride 7' Medium: http://bit.ly/2osaj3q

Reel- Shimano Vanford 2500: https://bit.ly/2gu84t7

Line- Sunline SX1 16 lb Braid: http://bit.ly/2tn8EzQ

Leader- Sunline Sniper 7 lb Fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

BUDGET ALL-AROUND FINESSE COMBO...

Rod- Shimano Intenza 7' Medium Light: http://bit.ly/2s7kaQn

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

Line- Sunline Sniper 8 lb Fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

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 Fish A Shaky Head - Everything You Need To Know! (Beginner To Advanced)

Every bass fisherman should know how to fish a shaky head. We're going to give you the beginner basics, as well as some very advanced information on head shapes, line ties, worms, and creatures. Whether you're a brand new angler or a tournament pro, there is information here that will help you catch more fish!

If you just want to catch a few fish on a shakey head, a basic head and a 6" straight tail worm will almost always get the job done. But if you're ready to jump down the rabbit hole with us, we look at 4 factors when choosing our heads. The head style,  the hook brand (and shape), the keeper system, and the line tie. When it comes to baits we look at bait size, color, tail shape, and ability to float. 

Below you'll find links to the exact baits and heads discussed in the video. We've included sizes, exact color recommendations, and any other pertinent information to help you make your best selections. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 

IF YOU ONLY WANT ONE... 

Worm- Roboworm Fat 6" Straight: http://bit.ly/2awYSxM

Color: Green Pumpkin Neon

Head- Dirty Jigs Stand Up Finesse 1/8 oz: https://bit.ly/3fUYNby

Color: Green Pumpkin

FAVORITE HEADS BY SITUATION...

Skipping- Canterbury Shaky 1/8 oz: http://bit.ly/2aFOs0V

Do Everything- Stand Up Finesse Head 3/16 oz: https://bit.ly/3fUYNby

Offshore Structure- Owner Shaky Ultrahead 1/4 oz: http://bit.ly/2iofJdg

SPECIALTY HEADS...

Exposed Hook- Picasso Rhino Head 1/4 oz: https://bit.ly/3CM8J0t

Tungsten- Swagger Tungsten Shaky 3/16 oz: https://bit.ly/3AH6fyk

MAGNUM HEADS BY SITUATION... 

Mag Worms In Cover- Strike King Mag Jig 1/2 oz: http://bit.ly/2xw54pW

Mag Worms In Open- Hog Farmer Mag Shaky 1/2 oz: https://bit.ly/2Ylm79I

STRAIGHT TAIL WORMS... 

-Roboworm 6" Straight Tail: http://bit.ly/2asZyH3

Colors: Green pumpkin Neon, MMIII, Oxblood Light Red

-Roboworm 6" Fat Straight Tail: http://bit.ly/2awYSxM

Colors: Green Pumpkin Neon, MMIII, Oxblood Light Red

-Big Bite Squirrel Tail Worm: https://bit.ly/3c7I9Ui

Colors: Green Pumpkin, June Bug Red, Tilapia

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

Colors: Junebug, Green Pumpkin, Texas Craw

-Magnum Baits Wormser 6": https://bit.ly/2XM1naf

Colors: PNW, Delta Dark Purple, Green Pumpkin

MAGNUM WORMS... 

-Magnum Baits Wormser 8.5": https://bit.ly/2XM1naf

Colors: Oxblood, Delta Dark Purple, Green Pumpkin

-Yum Might Worm: https://bit.ly/2Yajojh

Colors: Green Pumpkin, Junebug, Red Bug

-Strike King 8" Bull Worm: http://bit.ly/2Iqhy3w

Colors: Junebug, TW Green Pumpkin

-Strike King 10" Bull Worm: http://bit.ly/2IVzvuS

Colors: Green Pumpkin, Junebug

CREATURE BAITS...

-Big Bite Baits Flying Squirrel: http://bit.ly/2sn1FaT

Colors: Tilapia, Green Pumpkin

-Missile Baits D Stroyer: http://bit.ly/2QiTTrM

Colors: Super Bug, GP3

BAIT KNOCKERS... 

-Strikezone Pocket Knocker: http://bit.ly/2csyRVT

-Strikezone Magnum Pocket Knocker: https://bit.ly/3xPivLl

HIGH-END SHAKY COMBO...

Rod- St. Croix Legend Elite 7' Medium: http://bit.ly/2r3Wskp

Reel- Shimano Metanium MGL (HG): http://bit.ly/2ezIBfB

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

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

MAGNUM SHAKY COMBO...

Rod- Shimano Zodias 7'5" heavy: https://bit.ly/3aeQbYW

Reel- Shimano Curado 150 DC (HG): http://bit.ly/2ezIBfB

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

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

BUDGET SHAKY HEAD COMBO...

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

Reel- Shimano SLX XT (XG): http://bit.ly/2BRTYL8

Line- Sunline 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

The BEST Summer Lure Everyone FORGOT!

Don't forget these when its hot! We've all fished a tube but somehow, most anglers have forgotten. Tubes doesn't stop working when Summer rolls around but you rarely see anyone using them! If you want to show the fish something different this year, we're going to show you which tubes to use, the best way to rig them, and which retrieves will help you get bit this Summer. 

When someone talks about a tube most anglers immediately think of smallmouth bass or reservoir fishing. Almost no one adapts it for Summer fishing in grass, let alone for getting out on the ledges or deep offshore structure. The tube is one of the most adaptable soft baits with a range of effectiveness that touches trophy smallmouth and trophy largemouth alike. 

If this bait doesn't have a place in your current line up for Summer bass, its probably time to add it. Below you'll find links to the exact baits Matt discussed in the video, including favorite colors and rigging. We've also included our favorite tube rods along with some great budget options. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

NORTHERN TUBES...

Tube- Netbait STH 2.5": https://bit.ly/3aU0oeU

Favorite Colors: Juvenile Goby, Dark Melon Gold Purple

Hook- Blade Runner Inhaler (1/0 Hook): https://bit.ly/2NX7nYr

Tube- Savage Gear 3D Goby: https://bit.ly/33QGXzy

Favorite Colors: Light Pumpkin, Brown Pumpkin, Goby

Hook- Blade Runner Inhaler (2/0 Hook): https://bit.ly/2NX7nYr

MID-COUNTRY TUBES...

Tube- Netbait STH 4": https://bit.ly/3aU0oeU

Favorite Colors: Dark Melon Purple, Green Pumpkin, Ten Point

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

Favorite Colors: Green Pump Blue, Tilapia

MID-COUNTRY TUBE HEADS...

Standard- Bite Me Flat Eye (1/4 oz): http://bit.ly/2diyVXK

Strong- Blade Runner Inhaler (3/0 Hook): https://bit.ly/2NX7nYr

Heavy- Bite Me Big Dude (3/8 - 3/4 oz): http://bit.ly/2CV3o7S

HEAVY COVER TUBES...

Tube- Big Bite 4" Flipper Tube: https://bit.ly/3htKA6h

Favorite Colors: 1099, Tilapia, Ozark Craw

Hook- Owner Jungle Wide Gap 3/0: http://bit.ly/2sBsR1Z

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

HIGH-END TUBE COMBO #1... (Pre-Order Available)

Rod- G Loomis NRX+ 872S JWR: https://bit.ly/2dX9zjv

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

Line- Sunline SX-1 Braid (12 lb): http://bit.ly/2tn8EzQ

Leader- Sunline Super FC (7 lb): http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

HIGH-END TUBE COMBO #2... 

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

Reel- Shimano Vanford 2000: https://bit.ly/2gu84t7

Line- Sunline SX-1 Braid (12 lb): http://bit.ly/2tn8EzQ

Leader- Sunline Super FC (7 lb): http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

BUDGET TUBE COMBO... 

Rod- Shimano Intenza 7'3" Medium Heavy: http://bit.ly/2s7kaQn

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

Line- Power Pro Braid (15 lb): http://bit.ly/2aFg46b

Leader- Maxima Ultragreen (8 lb): http://bit.ly/2ae97J9

OUR FAVORITE HEAVY COVER FLIPPING COMBO... 

Rod- Shimano Expride 7'11" Extra Heavy: http://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

Reel- Shimano Metanium DC (HG): http://bit.ly/2qrSZvs

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

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