How To Catch Bigger Smallmouth (And Largemouth) - Everything You Need To Know - Finesse Bass Fishing

Smallmouth are amazing! They're aggressive, even in cold water. They're willing to migrate huge distances for food. When you set the hook they give you a ride that is unrivaled by the other bass. There is little wonder why so many anglers love Smallmouth bass fishing. Targeting these predators requires a finesse touch and some unique gear that is often overlooked for the other bass species.  

While you can catch a smallmouth on virtually anything, the fish tend to favor clearer water and a true finesse touch will increase your odds dramatically. In today's video Tim dives into his favorite finesse tactics and equipment for consistently targeting these bronze backs. 

Below is a breakdown of the gear he discussed in order of appearance. The links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 

Finesse Keitech Swimbaits... 

-Keitech Fat Swing Impact 4.3 and 3.8: http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

Colors: Chartreuse Blue, Crystal Shad, Goby, Smallmouth Magic

-Tactical Finesse Swimbait Head 3/8 oz: http://bit.ly/2Pqrq3n

-2.8 keitech Fat Swing Impact: http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

Colors: Electric Shad, Pro Blue Red Pearl, Tennessee Shad

-Dirty Jigs 1/8 oz Guppy Head 1/0: http://bit.ly/2nyUJRS

Finesse Swimbaits…

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

Colors: Purple Haze, Real, Silver Shad

-Megabass 1/16 oz Okashira Head: http://bit.ly/2EpluSA

-Megabass Dark Sleeper 2.4" and 3": http://bit.ly/2TyR1GT

Colors: Donko, Haze, Hanahaze Wakasagi

Spy Baits... 

-Duo Realis Spin Bait 80: http://bit.ly/2oeVG1m

Colors: Ghost SX Shad, BK Ayu, Ghost Minnow

-Duo Realis Spin Bait 90: http://bit.ly/2nhw56N

Colors: Ghost Minnow, Purple Reign AM, Shiner AM

Hair Jigs... 

-Outkast Tackle Feider Fly 3/32 (Black): http://bit.ly/2G7TBwj

Dropshot Worms...

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

Colors: Chick Magnet, Green Pump Purp, Smoke Purp Flake

-Strike King Half Shell: http://bit.ly/2iR9awm

Colors: Morning Dawn, Magic, TW Green Pumpkin

Dropshot Rigging... 

Light Wire Hook- Owner Mosquito Light (Size 1, 2): http://bit.ly/2zQVKx3

Medium Wire Hook- Trokar Dropshot (Size 1, 2): http://bit.ly/2ahxJOr

Tungsten Tie-On Weight- Swagger Tear Drop (3/16): http://bit.ly/37AVcrx

Tungsten Dropshot Weight- Swagger Tear Drop (3/16): http://bit.ly/2V2B63h

Tubes... 

-Dry Creek Tournament Tube 3.5": http://bit.ly/2cJwI6r

Colors: Old Ugly, Mocha Copper Pepper, Crazy Eddie

-Big Bite Tour Tube 3.5": http://bit.ly/32e23VR

Colors: Tilapia, Green Pumpkin Purple Copper Flk

Tube Heads... 

-Bite me 60 degree Flat Eye Head (3/16): http://bit.ly/2diyVXK

-Provider Tackle 90 degree (3/16): http://bit.ly/2OAvYRv

Z Man Ned Rig Baits... 

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

Colors: Green Pumpkin Goby, Canada Craw, Mud Bug

-Z Man TRD BugZ: http://bit.ly/2oiavEE

Colors: Green Pumpkin, Mud Bug, Hot Snakes

-Z Man TRD TicklerZ: http://bit.ly/2mGyDAC

Colors: Green Pumpkin Goby, Canada Craw, Mud Bug

Other Ned Rig Worms... 

-Xzone Ned Zone stick Bait 3": http://bit.ly/2mRiYhF

Colors: 309, Green Pump Purple, Minnow Magic

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

Colors: Desert Craw, TW Black Blue Pumpkin

-Missile Baits Ned Bomb: http://bit.ly/2XCOGwd

Colors: Super Bug, Bluetonium Green Pumpkin Core

Ned Heads... 

Tungsten- Swagger Flanders Head 1/6 oz: http://bit.ly/2KcIB6M

Lead- Z Man Ned LockZ HD Head: http://bit.ly/2kIgRYK

Stick Baits... 

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

Colors: Baby Bass, Crushed Goby, Electric Worm

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

Colors: Elders Magic, Green Pumpkin, Ozark Smoke

Stick Bait Rigging... 

-G7 O-Rings 7MM: http://bit.ly/2PWEkUs

-G7 O Ring Tool: http://bit.ly/2PRMNrG

-Owner Jungle Wacky Weedless Hook: https://bit.ly/2VKZl9U

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

Tim's Favorite Keitech Combo... 

Rod- G Loomis GLX 853C JWR: http://bit.ly/2gqziwT

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

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

Tim's Favorite Ultra-Finesse Combo... 

Rod- Shimano Conquest 902S SJR: http://bit.ly/2BiGUNi

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

Line- Sunline SX1 Braid 10 lb: http://bit.ly/2tn8EzQ

Leader- Sunline Sniper 6 lb Fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

Tim's Feider Combo... 

Rod- Daiwa Tatula Elite AGS 7'6" ML: http://bit.ly/2QHupT9

Reel- Shimano Stradic CI4+ 2500: http://bit.ly/2gu84t7

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

How Fish React To Different Lures - Incredible Underwater Bite Footage!

Come underwater and watch the incredible reactions these fish have to different lures! Watch how incredibly accurate they are as they strike at lures while dodging the hooks. Its amazing! Most anglers consider fish to be basic and instinctual but this footage suggests they have incredible control while attacking their prey. While watching their behavior Tim provides key clues to help you adapt your fishing to become a better bass fisherman this year. 

This video came about because Tim was watching underwater footage of bass while quarantined at home during this pandemic. He noticed a tendency with the fish to bite just behind the hook on a jig. As he began digging through footage he noticed it was the same with worms and swimbaits as well. Could it be that bass are really that smart? It would appear so! With that in mind, what can you do differently to increase your odds of catching these fish? 

Tim suggests a few different solutions. The first is to shorten the trailers on your jigs. The shorter the pinchers are, the more likely they'll fully engulf the jig. Second is to adapt your hooks, even going to a red hook to draw a directed strike toward the hook. For finesse fishermen, Tim suggests going to smaller worms, lighter line, and much smaller hooks so they go unnoticed by the bass. Lastly, adjust your hookset on larger baits. Often times its wise to wait a moment and give the fish the opportunity to fully engulf the bait. 

Below is a breakdown of the baits in order of appearance. The links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. We've also included color recommendations to help you fish with confidence. 

Jig- Keitech Tungsten 3/8 oz Football (Brown/Purple): http://bit.ly/2FDQ3o1

Trailer- Z Man TRD CrawZ (Green Pumpkin): http://bit.ly/2U9vx6P

Jig- Dirty Jigs 3/8 oz Football (Supermatt Brown): http://bit.ly/2d0iJbd

Trailer- Yamamoto 5" Double Tail Grub (Green Pump Green/Purp): http://bit.ly/2db9w1p

Jig- Z Man Shroomz 3/16 oz Micro Finesse Jig (Green Pumpkin): http://bit.ly/2UcGaBP

Trailer- Z Man TRD CrawZ (Green Pumpkin): http://bit.ly/2U9vx6P

Swimbait- Megabass Dark Sleeper 3" and  2.4": http://bit.ly/2TyR1GT

Colors: Haze, Donko

Swimbait- 10" Huddleston Deluxe ROF 12 (Rainbow Trout): http://bit.ly/2nztmdj

Dropshot Worm - Keitech 5.5" Easy shaker worm: http://bit.ly/2R2t8a3

Colors: Pro Blue Red Pearl, Shad, Electric Shad

Dropshot Worm- Big Bite 3" Smallie Smasher: http://bit.ly/2ZpCOCY

Colors: Green Pump Org Blk Purp Prl Bl, Chick Magnet

Hook- Owner Mosquito Light Size 1: http://bit.ly/2zQVKx3

Weight- Swagger Tungsten Tie-On 1/4 oz: http://bit.ly/2YAoMuv

Swimbait- Savage Gear 4D Trout 6" (Trout): http://bit.ly/399bx97

Red Treble Hook... 

-Owner ST-36: http://bit.ly/2wSknXp

-Gamakatsu Round Bend Treble: https://bit.ly/2WcMhca

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

Never Get Skunked - Micro Swimbait Tips For Early Season Bass

We're back on Lake Berryessa for a quick evening fishing trip. Fresh off the jerkbait and fluke video from a few days ago, we're back to see how many bass we can catch! Matt hopes to pick up where he left off so he's brought a variety of jerkbaits and topwater options. Of course nothing goes to plan but he adapts and has an awesome evening fishing with finesse swimbaits!

Spring bass fishing is all about adapting to changing conditions. One day its beautiful, the next day its snowing. One day you've got the lake to yourself, the next day there are boats everywhere. If you find that your fish have shut down, look no further than a tiny swimbait like the 2.8 keitech to save the day! These little baits are incredibly adaptable and get bit by everything that swims. Trout, crappie, and even trophy bass, have no problem gulping them! 

Hopefully you enjoyed today's video as much as we did. We were met with challenging conditions but were able to adapt and overcome. Below is a breakdown of the exact equipment we were using and a few bonus baits that are worth trying if your fish are already conditioned to the Keitech. All of these baits go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see close up photos and detailed descriptions of each item. 

The Baits In order Of Appearance... 

Topwater- Showerblows 105 (Half Mirror Wakasagi): http://bit.ly/2zIkqUH

Soft Jerkbait- Zoom Super Fluke (Electric Shad): http://bit.ly/2aqys0H

Swimbait- Keitech Fat Swing Impact 2.8" (TW Ghost Shad): http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

Swimbait Head- Dirty Jigs 1/8 oz Guppy Head 1/0: http://bit.ly/2nyUJRS

Other Great Finesse Swimbaits... 

-Damiki Armor Shad 3": http://bit.ly/2KtPDAT

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

-Jackall Rhythm Wave 2.8": http://bit.ly/2m78LM9

Matt's Finesse Swimbait Combo...

Rod- Shimano Expride 6'10" ML: http://bit.ly/2osaj3q

Reel- Shimano Stadic FL 1000: http://bit.ly/35Bufnb

Line- Sunline Asegai 10 lb Braid: http://bit.ly/2OR5i2j

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

Mid-Priced Finesse Swimbait Combo... 

Rod- Shimano Zodias 6'8" ML: http://bit.ly/2jOUXAO

Reel- Shimano Ultegra 1000: http://bit.ly/2nfApml

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

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

Spring Swimbait Bite Is On! Big Bass Attacking Glide Baits!

We found the bass! No light rods today, its all swimbaits and heavy tackle! We knew going in that we'd probably catch a bunch of fish on the big bait so instead of throwing our favorite glide bait (S-Waver 200) we decided to mix it up and find out what else they would eat. Let's see if these bass will eat a Baitsanity Explorer, Storm Arashi Glide, or G Ratt Sneaky Pete. (Spoiler Alert: THEY DO!) Spring swimbait fishing with glide baits can be incredible, let us show you how to be successful as we catch some nice Clearlake bass.

Glide Baits have a remarkable ability to trigger a feed response in bass. Learning how to use them to your advantage can change your Spring fishing. These baits naturally draw larger than average bass due to their size (drawing power) but if you don't know what to do when those fish appear, it can be incredibly frustrating! Pay close attention to the guy's hands as they twitch and work the baits to trigger a feed response and convert these bass from casual followers to aggressive biters. 

We're all struggling to adapt during these difficult times. The virus is causing lake closures, fishing bans, and a whole range of difficult circumstances for anglers.  If you're still able to get out on the water and want to maximize your limited time with a shot at a giant bass, the glide bait could be your best bet for success. 

Below is a breakdown of the baits, equipment, and component upgrades the guys used to find success today. Stock hardware on most of these baits is severely lacking, you absolutely want to upgrade both the hooks and split rings to avoid bend outs when you hook the fish of a lifetime. 

The Baits... 

-Storm Arashi Glide (Threadfin Shad): http://bit.ly/2nHdrL1

Other Great Colors- Oikawa Mesu, Bluegill, Rainbow Trout)

-Baitsanity Antidote Slow Sink (Shad): http://bit.ly/2ztUk9z

Other Great Colors- Summer Shad, Killer Shad

-G-Ratt Sneaky Pete 7.5 (Hitch): http://bit.ly/2RYCPFe

Other Great Colors- Green Perch, Baby Trout

-S Waver 200 (Light Trout): http://bit.ly/2aiu8Sh

Other Great Colors- Bluegill, Warden Hitch

Open Water GlideBaits (Not Used Today)... 

-Baitsanity Explorer: http://bit.ly/33bQyxY

-Deps Slide Swimmer 250: http://bit.ly/2AfXQnF

-Gan Craft Jointed Claw 230: http://bit.ly/2fLjSnm

Hardware Upgrades... 

Split Rings- Owner Hyperwire Size 5 or 6: http://bit.ly/2aTH3f1

Hooks- Owner ST-56 (3X Strong) Size 1: http://bit.ly/2cVg7xW

Tim's High-End Combo... 

Rod- Megabass Destroyer 7'11" Onager: http://bit.ly/2wVOSbY

Reel- Shimano Tranx 300 HG: http://bit.ly/2kYsvRw

Line- 80 lb Power Pro Maxcuatro Braid: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

Leader- 30 lb Sunline FC100 Fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2O4UElB

Matt's Budget Combo... 

Rod- Dobyns Fury 806H: http://bit.ly/2bGvlVV

Reel- Shimano Tranx 300 HG: http://bit.ly/2kYsvRw

Line- 80 lb Power Pro Maxcuatro Braid: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

Leader- 35 lb Sunline FC100 Fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2O4UElB

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