Where Bass Go In Spring!! (And How To Catch Them)

Spring fishing is here and bass are on the move! Today we're explaining why bass are transitioning and how to predict their movements in your local lake. Let us help you get ahead of them so you aren't one of the guys struggling during the prespawn. We'll show you where the bass are headed so you can get there first and catch them as they arrive!

Before the spawn, bass focus on feeding. As they transition from Winter haunts to Spring spawning grounds, they make key stops along the way. These stops differ slightly on reservoirs, lakes, and ponds. In today's video, Tim breaks different types of fisheries into 4 groups and explains how bass move in each one. Once you've identified which group your local lake, pond, or river fits into, you're ready to fish!

Tim relies heavily on reaction baits to quickly locate and catch Spring bass. Below you'll find links to our favorite baits, including our favorite sizes, colors, and trailers. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

TACTICALBASSIN GEAR...

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

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

JERKBAIT...

•Megabass Vision 110+1: https://bit.ly/2iGYOCX

Colors: GP Pro Blue, GP Skeleton Tenn

THE ALABAMA RIG...

Bladed Rig– Hog Farmer Tactical Flex: https://bit.ly/38xd1es

Heads– Dirty Jigs Matt Allen (1/8 oz): http://bit.ly/29RrTYN

Dummies– Keitech 3.8" Fat Swing Impact: https://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

Swimbaits– Xzone 4.75" Swammer: https://bit.ly/2PogV0q

Color: Electric Shad, Pro Blue Red Pearl

SWIMBAITS...

•Berkley Chop Block: https://bit.ly/44MelaG

Favorite Size: 8"

Favorite Colors: CA Hitch, Chrome Gizzard, Shad

•Megabass 8" Magdraft: https://bit.ly/2mc8bfK

Colors: Nude Rainbow, White Back Shad, Albino Pearl Shad

SPINNERBAIT...

•Megabass SV–3: https://bit.ly/3lk1SD0

Color: Ayu, Wakasagi, Hasu

CRANKBAITS...

•Jackall TN 70: https://bit.ly/2lqAwjh

Colors: RT Escape Craw, SS Shad, SG threadfin

•Bill Lewis ATV 1.5: https://bit.ly/41o3ctj

Colors: Fire Truck Craw, Red Glitter Craw

PITCHING JIG...

•Dirty Jigs Pitchin Jig: https://bit.ly/2amL3of

Colors: Alabama Craw, The Go To, Hematoma

•Crush City Cleanup Craw: https://bit.ly/3TyfMmo

Colors: Bama Craw, Black Blue Green Pumpkin

CHATTERBAIT...

•ZMan Elite Evo (1/2 oz): https://bit.ly/3OAGB8y

Color: Electric Shad, Bama Bream, Black Blue

•Hog Farmer 4.5" Spunk Shad: https://bit.ly/2UFkCD7

Colors: TW Sunfish Magic

THE SENKO...

•Yamamoto 5" Senko: https://bit.ly/2axAmNS

Colors: Green Pumpkin Black, Oxblood, Plum Apple

•Gamakatsu Finesse Wide Gap Hook: https://bit.ly/2aKGmHM

Size: 1/0

SHAKY WORMS...

•Xzone Deception Worm: https://bit.ly/43YDE6x

Colors: Junebug, Dark Junebug

•MissileBaits Warlock Head: https://bit.ly/4bg8DyC

Size: 3/16 oz

POWER SHOT...

•Missile Baits 6" Magic Worm: https://bit.ly/3T7dHgB

Color: Missile Morning

•Owner Cover Shot HD: https://bit.ly/36Gunbf

Size: 2/0

•Xzone Tungsten Dropshot: https://bit.ly/2YAoMuv

Size: 1/4 oz

BUDGET CRANKBAIT COMBO...

Rod– St. Croix Black Bass 7'4" Medium Hvy Mod: https://bit.ly/41ntbDB

Reel– Daiwa Fuego CT: https://bit.ly/35hugfH

Line– Seaguar Red Label (12 lb): https://bit.ly/2LOVEwA

BUDGET SWIMBAIT COMBO...

Rod– Dobyns Fury 7'9" Heavy (795): https://bit.ly/4q6IjyQ

Reel– Abu Garcia Max5 300: https://bit.ly/4pYubaE

Line– Sunline Big Bait FC (22 lb): https://bit.ly/46NMLv7

BUDGET CHATTERBAIT COMBO...

Rod– Fenwick HMG 7'5" Medium Heavy X Fast: https://bit.ly/3AyrAiW

Reel– Abu Garcia Max5 Pro: https://bit.ly/4pGZ4Az

Line– Seaguar Red Label (17 lb): https://bit.ly/2LOVEwA

BUDGET SPINNING COMBO...

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

Reel– Shimano Nasci 2500 HG: https://bit.ly/2g278cC

Line– Sunline Super FC 8 lb: https://bit.ly/2p7fxju

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

Shallow Water Bass Fishing! Flipping, Topwater, Old School Spring Bass Fishing!

Jump in the boat for an exciting day of bass fishing! Matt is on the road and today he's dropped into a lake where the fish are in an old school mood. Today is all about a flipping stick, a frog rod, and shallow water. He's not chasing suspended fish, probing open water, or even using modern electronics!

This is the bass fishing we fell in love with as kids. Bass are up on the bank, they're not line shy, and you can hammer the hook sets. Matt isn't getting a ton of bites, but they're the right caliber of fish. He identifies 3 unique patterns to catch them, and quickly gets to work putting fish in the boat.

Below you'll find links to the exact baits and gear Matt used throughout the day. We've included the exact bait colors, rigging components, as well as the rod and reel combos that he used to work the baits effectively. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

TACTICALBASSIN GEAR...

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

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

THE FROG...

•Berkley Swamp Lord: https://bit.ly/3MAFQum

Color: Maverick

THE SENKO...

•Yamamoto 5" Fuzzy Senko: https://bit.ly/3Wgm6B7

Colors: Green Pump Orange

THE FLIPPING BAIT...

•MissileBaits DBomb: https://bit.ly/2d2dVlt

Color: Bruiser Flash, Ballistic Bruiser

•Owner Jungle Flipping Hook: https://bit.ly/3NZpvzp

Size: 4/0

•VMC Tungsten Weight: https://bit.ly/3G0WGCg

Size: 3/4 oz

•6th Sense Sinker Stoppers: https://bit.ly/32aJG6J

FROG COMBO #1...

Rod– Dobyns Champion Extreme HP 745: https://bit.ly/2ab2kRX

Model: 7'4" Mag Heavy

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

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

FROG COMBO #2...

Rod– Shimano Expride 7'3" Extra Heavy: http://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

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

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

SENKO COMBO...

Rod– Fenwick World Class 7'3" Med Hvy XFast: https://bit.ly/3qbGEya

Reel– Daiwa Kage SV 150: https://bit.ly/3JEBep4

Line– Sufix 832 Braid (40 lb): https://bit.ly/2ae93Ji

Leader– Seaguar Grand Max (15 lb): https://bit.ly/46eb98G

FLIPPING COMBO...

Rod– Fenwick World Class 7'5" Extra Hvy Fast: https://bit.ly/3qbGEya

Reel– Shimano Metanium MGL (HG): https://bit.ly/2ezIBfB

Line– Sufix 832 Braid (65 lb): https://bit.ly/2ae93Ji

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 BUDGET Rod And Reel Combos For Bass Fishing! SPRING BUYER'S GUIDE 2026

There are great rods and reels at affordable prices if you know where to look! The fishing industry is full of junk combos aimed at the beginning angler, but if you know what you're looking for, there are some great options hidden amongst them. With new technologies trickling down, bass fishing doesn't have to be expensive. These awesome rods and reels will save you a ton of money while offering great sensitivity and durability. Let's take a look at the best combos for Spring bass fishing!

The "BUDGET" category of bass fishing has erupted and we're really excited to take an in depth look with you. From power fishing to finesse, casting to spinning, Its hard to recognize the budget landscape from just a few years ago. Whether you're brand new to the sport, fishing on a budget, or you're looking for the best value in fishing gear, this video is for you!

Below you'll find links to the exact rods and reels discussed in the video. We've listed them in the order they appeared and included our favorite sizes and models for each. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

TACTICALBASSIN MERCH...

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

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

LOW PRICE CASTING COMBOS...

COMBO #1...

Rod– Abu Garcia Vengeance: https://bit.ly/4hx5z58

Models: 7'3" Heavy, 7' Medium Heavy, 7' Medium

Reel– Abu Garcia Max5 X: https://bit.ly/4ffgUVe

COMBO #2...

Rod– Daiwa Aird X: https://bit.ly/2Z2JfYG

Models: Medium Heavy Fast, Heavy Fast

Reel– Daiwa Aird 80: https://bit.ly/46up5Mx

LOW PRICE SPINNING COMBO...

COMBO #1...

Rod– Daiwa Aird X: http://bit.ly/2P7Z3Vu

Model: 7' Medium

Reel– Daiwa Revros LT: https://bit.ly/3rpoPw9

Size: 2500

MID PRICED CASTING COMBOS...

COMBO #1...

Rod– Dobyns Colt: https://bit.ly/2lU0LfV

Models: 7' Medium Heavy, 7'3" Heavy

Reel– Abu Garcia Max5 SX: https://bit.ly/3UpUmJo

COMBO #2...

Rod– Abu Garcia Vendetta: https://bit.ly/4b8QUe1

Models: 7' Heavy, 7'3" Med Heavy, 7' Medium

Reel– Abu Garcia Max5 Pro: https://bit.ly/4pGZ4Az

COMBO #3...

Rod– Fenwick Eagle: https://bit.ly/4b25LGh

Models: 7'1" medium, 7'3" Med Hvy

Reel– Abu Garcia Max5 Pro: https://bit.ly/4pGZ4Az

COMBO #4...

Rod– Cashion Element Z2: https://bit.ly/48w69eC

Models: 6'10" Med Light, 7' Medium Heavy, 7'3" Heavy

Reel– Daiwa Fuego CT: https://bit.ly/35hugfH

COMBO #5...

Rod– Shimano SLX A: https://bit.ly/2L3wppO

Models: 6'10" Medium, 7'2" heavy, 7'5" Med Heavy

Reel– Shimano SLX A: https://bit.ly/2NfdOnk

COMBO #6...

Rod– St. Croix Bass X: https://bit.ly/3A5CFSU

Models: 7'4" Heavy, 7'2" Med Hvy Mod, 6'8" Medium XFast

Reel– Seviin GF Series: https://bit.ly/3qa2SQZ

COMBO #7...

Rod– Daiwa Tatula XT: https://bit.ly/3wqRhwq

Models: 7'1" Medium Heavy, 7' Medium, 7'3" Heavy

Reel– Daiwa Fuego CT: https://bit.ly/35hugfH

MID PRICED SPINNING MODELS...

COMBO #1...

Rod– Dobyns Maverick: https://bit.ly/3DsJYvf

Models: 6'9" Medium, 7' Medium Light

Reel– Daiwa Legalis LT: https://bit.ly/3Y0kDh3

Size: 2000

COMBO #2...

Rod– Daiwa Tatula XT: https://bit.ly/3n6Ojvx

Models: 7' Medium Fast, 7'1" Medium Light Fast

Reel– Daiwa Fuego LT: https://bit.ly/2yDmdtQ

Model: 2500

COMBO #3...

Rod– Cashion Element Z2: https://bit.ly/47GAOVA

Models: 6'10" Medium, 7'1" Medium Light

Reel– Shimano Nasci FD: https://bit.ly/2g278cC

Size: 2500

COMBO #4...

Rod– Shimano SLX A: https://bit.ly/2AdvIC1

Models: 6'9" Medium XFast, 7' Med Light XFast

Reel– Shimano Miravel: https://bit.ly/3QZnwL5

Size: 2500HG

COMBO #5...

Rod– 13 Fishing Oath: https://bit.ly/4d5fAX9

Models: 6'10" med Light+, 7'1" Medium Fast

Reel– Seviin GFS Spinning Reel: https://bit.ly/46ERsqE

Size: 2500

HIGHER END COMBOS...

CASTING COMBO...

Rod– St. Croix Black Bass: https://bit.ly/4cX7VHL

Models: 6'8" Medium, 7'2" MHM, 7'1" MH Fast, 7'4" Heavy

Reel– Shimano SLX 70 MGL: https://bit.ly/3gIUCgJ

Speed: HG (7.2:1)

SPINNING COMBO...

Rod– Dobyns Sierra Series: https://bit.ly/2EyotZU

Models: 7' Light, 7' Med Light, 6'9" Med Light

Reel– Shimano Ultegra: https://bit.ly/3YsflNS

Size: 1000 – 3000

If you plan to do any shopping, using our 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!

Prespawn Bass Fishing! New Megabass Karashi 80, Chatterbaits, And Spring Swimbaits!

Jump in the boat with Tim and Matt for an AMAZING day of bass fishing! The guys are dialing in a prespawn pattern that is WIDE OPEN! They catch a ton of fish, they catch BIG bass, and they catch them a lot of really fun ways! From the brand new Megabass Karashi 80, to the Chatterbait, Lipless Crankbait, A–Rigs, and more! What a day!

The prespawn is all about locating groups of fish. Covering water quickly is key to success. The more water you cover, the higher your odds of locating active schools of bass. From there, we rely on key baits to locate and target the bigger prespawn bass that are staging up. Today was an awesome example of how fun the Spring can be!

Below you'll find links to the exact baits and gear we used throughout the day. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. We've included the exact colors for the baits, rigging components, as well as the rod and reel combos that fished the baits effectively.

TACTICALBASSIN MERCH…

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

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

MAGDRAFT...

•Megabass 8" Magdraft: https://bit.ly/2mc8bfK

Color: White Back Shad

ALABAMA RIG...

Rig– Hog Farmer Tactical Mini Rig 5 Hook: https://bit.ly/429NWTK

Head– Dirty Jigs Matt Allen Head (1/8 oz): https://bit.ly/29RrTYN

Baits– Xzone 4" Swammer: https://bit.ly/2PogV0q

Color: Pro Blue Red Pearl

KARASHI 80...

•Megabass Karashi 80: https://bit.ly/4lgNFFK

Color: STP

TIM'S CHATTERBAITS...

Bait– Zman JackHammer (1/2 oz): https://bit.ly/2popvj6

Color: Black Blue

Trailer– Hog Farmer 4.5" Spunk Shad: https://bit.ly/2UFkCD7

Color: Black and Blue Flake

Bait– Zman JackHammer (1/2 oz): https://bit.ly/2popvj6

Color: Green Pumpkin Shad

Trailer– Hog Farmer 5" Stroll Shad: https://bit.ly/3ALs7OI

Color: Green Shad

MATT'S CHATTERBAIT...

Bait– Zman Elite Evo Tungsten (1/2 oz): https://bit.ly/3YkW2Hd

Color: Electric Shad

Trailer– Hog Farmer 5.5" Spunk Shad: https://bit.ly/2UFkCD7

Color: Ghost Minnow

LIPLESS CRANKBAIT...

•Nomad Swimtrex Max (3/4 oz): https://bit.ly/3SjrDWD

Color: Threadfin Shad

PADDLE TAIL...

•Owner 5/0 Flashy Swimmer: https://bit.ly/2e8O4Y7

Color: Nickel

•Keitech 4.8" Fat Swing Impact: https://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

Color: Pro Blue Red Pearl

TIM'S CHATTERBAIT COMBO...

Rod– Megabass Destoyer P5 "DAEMOS": https://bit.ly/3wHoXpD

Model: 7'2" Med+ Fast.

Reel– Shimano Bantam MGL A (HG): https://bit.ly/2H44yjG

Speed: 7:1

Line– Power Pro Maxcuatro (40 lb): https://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

Leader– Seaguar Grand Max (19 lb): https://bit.ly/46eb98G

MATT'S LIPLESS CRANKBAIT COMBO...

Rod– St. Croix Legend Tournament Carbon Cranker: https://bit.ly/3Iow9KV

Model: 7'2" Medium Heavy Moderate

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

Line– Sufix 131 Braid (40 lb): https://bit.ly/314VoyF

Leader– Sufix Advance Mono (14 lb): https://bit.ly/3GJEUix

MATT'S KARASHI 80 COMBO...

Rod– Dobyns Xtasy 723C: https://bit.ly/36fIHCg

Model: 7'2" Medium Heavy

Reel– Abu Garcia Zenon LTX: https://bit.ly/40ltb6s

Line– Sufix 131 Braid (30 lb): https://bit.ly/314VoyF

Leader– Seaguar Grand Max (12 lb): https://bit.ly/46eb98G

TIM'S BIG BAIT COMBO...

Rod– St. Croix Victory 8' Heavy Fast: https://bit.ly/3f4tcEb

Reel– Shimano Tranx 300B (HG): https://bit.ly/40QzQ7b

Line– Sufix 832 Braid (65 lb): https://bit.ly/2ae93Ji

Leader– Seaguar Gold Label (30 lb): https://bit.ly/3UqrUbi

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