Finesse Swimbaits For GIANT Summer Bass! (Michigan Road Trip)

Come along for a day of fishing for BIG bass with little swimbaits. The guys face brutal conditions (post front and COLD wind in the middle of Summer) but the fish don't care. The giants start biting right away and with some exploring and fine tuning the guys are able to catch an incredible bag of Summer time Smallmouth!

The guys are out on the road exploring new water. Today they dropped in on unfamiliar lake with a goal of locating big summertime bass. It took no time at all to catch two giant bass but the duo didn't stop there, they continued to adapt and explore new areas making sure they maximize their time on the water. They used a variety of unique baits and colors to continue getting bit through the wind and changing conditions. 

Below is a breakdown of the baits the guys were using. We included sizes, weights, and colors since they differed from some of our typical offerings. We've found on multiple occasions that these brighter, bolder colors work exceptionally well on smallmouth, especially in the wind. In addition to the baits we've included links to the exact gear as well as a few budget offerings. The links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 

Primary Swimbait... 

-TacticalBassin Finesse Swimbait Head 1/2 oz (Tennessee Shad): http://bit.ly/2Pqrq3n

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

Other Bold Colors: Electric Bluegill, Chartreuse/Blue, Male Perch

Tim's Big Fish Swimbait... 

-Megabass Dark Sleeper 3.8" (Wakasagi) 3/4 oz: http://bit.ly/2TyR1GT

Senko... 

-Yamamoto 5" Senko (Green Flash): http://bit.ly/2axAmNS

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

Matt's Swimbait Combo... 

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

Reel- Shimano Aldebaran MGL 50 HG: http://bit.ly/2uQ4oH8

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

Tim's Senko Combo... 

Rod- G Loomis NRX 852S JWR: http://bit.ly/2dX9zjv

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

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

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

Budget Finesse Swimbait Combo... 

Rod- Shimano SLX 6'10" Medium: http://bit.ly/2L3wppO

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

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

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

How To Catch Fish Around Docks: Summer Fishing Tips

If your lake has docks, the fish are under them right now! From bass and catfish down to the smallest baitfish, everything that swims relies on the shade of docks for safety and comfort in the Summer heat. Today Tim goes in-depth showing how to approach dock fishing, explains which docks are most likely to hold fish, and demonstrates some of his favorite ways to target them. 

You can spend years dialing in which pilings on which docks consistently hold fish. Anglers make entire bass fishing careers out of doing exactly that. But if you just want to go fishing and consistently catch fish there are some simple tips that will help you choose the right docks quickly. Focus on docks that stand alone. A dock by itself will often hold large numbers of fish that would otherwise spread out along a row of docks. Focus on docks with quick deep water access. If the dock is in deeper water than those around it, there are likely to be bigger fish underneath. 

Lastly, choose docks based on the type of fishing you plan to do. If you're fishing slowly with finesse baits target single docks or areas with limited numbers of docks. This will give you the confidence to fish methodically and really pick the docks apart. If you're fishing fast moving reaction baits then areas with a lot of docks will give you endless targets to throw to. While you'll make more casts per fish, the reaction bite is so fun that it often outweighs the alternatives. 

Our final tip is about skipping docks. You may have noticed Tim is able to do this effortlessly. While a skilled angler who practices can do this with virtually any reel, the "DC" reels make it simple for almost anyone to do. If you want to get serious about fishing docks, don't be afraid to try a DC to shorten the learning curve and make the fishing more fun from the start. 

Below is a breakdown of the baits and equipment Tim recommends for Summer dock fishing. Of course you can dial in subtle details on your local lake but these baits and this equipment is what we use anywhere we go in the country when its time to target fish under docks. We've broken down the baits into reaction baits and slow moving baits to help you make the best choices. The links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 

Tim's #1 Bait Today... 

Swimbait- Keitech Fat Swing Impact 4.8" (Electric Shad): http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

Hook- Owner Flashy Swimmer 1/4 oz with 5/0 Hook: http://bit.ly/2e8O4Y7

Fast Moving Baits... 

-Damiki BTC Squarebill Crankbait: https://bit.ly/35yagXK

(Threadfin Flash, Moss Back, Real Shad)

-Teckel Kick Knocker Topwater: http://bit.ly/2nvxkoA

(Bone, Bluegill, Chart Shiner)

-River2Sea Bully Wa 2 Frog: http://bit.ly/2axyR2a

(Ghost, TW Gill, Little Allen)

Slow Moving Baits... 

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

(Molting Craw, Hematoma, Go To)

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

(Green Pumpkin Red, Hematoma, Tramp Stamp)

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

(Green Pumpkin, Watermelon/Green Pumpkin, JuneBug)

-Gamakatsu Superline EWG 4/0 Hook: http://bit.ly/2ac92XG

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

(Bama Bug, Green Pumpkin)

-Dirty Jigs Canterbury Shaky Head 1/4 oz: http://bit.ly/2aFOs0V

DC Reels work great at every price point. As you move up to higher end equipment the reels become stronger and smoother but the technology that aids your ability to skip works throughout the line. Also, when dock fishing it is recommended to use an HG (high gear 7:1) or XG (Extra High Gear 8:1) to help you pull the fish out of the docks quickly before they tangle in the pilings. 

High End DC: Shimano Metanium DC: http://bit.ly/2qrSZvs

Mid-Range DC: Shimano Curado 150 DC: http://bit.ly/2yHtsp4

Budget DC: Shimano SLX 150 DC: http://bit.ly/2LWzw2Q

Excellent All-Around Combo For Docks... 

Rod- G Loomis IMX Pro 853C JWR: http://bit.ly/2R4f2Ud

Reel- Shimano Curado 150 DC: http://bit.ly/2yHtsp4

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

Leader- Sunline Sniper Fluorocarbon 14 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

Catch The BIGGEST BASS Of Your Life Right NOW - New PB!

Now is the time to catch a GIANT Bass! This period leading to the full moon in June is a critical time for anyone that fishes for bass. We all dream of catching a new personal best (PB), this is the time to do it! The big post-spawn bass stage in anticipation of a big meal before heading to their Summer patterns and we're going to show you EXACTLY how to CATCH them!

Today's video is broken down into 4 parts. Depending on where you live and what stage your fish are in, you may want to focus on sight fishing for spawning bass, big soft swimbaits for post spawners, hard swimbaits to draw a reaction strike, or a big topwater in search of that aggressive bass looking for a huge meal before heading offshore. No matter which you choose, the next 2 weeks are critical with the bite culminating on the Full Moon on June 5th. 

Below you'll find a breakdown of all the baits Matt discussed in the video. We've included links that go directly to Tackle Warehouse so you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each bait. We've also included color recommendations, hook upgrades, and tuning tips where applicable. 

Sight Fishing... 

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

Swimbait- Savage Gear Weedless Pulse Tail Bluegill: https://bit.ly/2Kd6qct

Jig - Dirty 1/2 oz Pitchin Jig: http://bit.ly/2amL3of

-Colors: Bever Craw, Green Pumpkin Craw, Okeechobee 420

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

Colors: Green Pumpkin Blue, Magic Craw, Toledo Special

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

Colors: Magic Craw Swirl, Spiked Watermelon, Tramp Stamp

Soft Swimbaits... 

-Mattlures Hammer Tail Shad: http://bit.ly/2vM8cKF

-Savage Gear 4D Trout: http://bit.ly/399bx97

Hard Swimbaits...

-River2Sea S-Waver 200: http://bit.ly/2aiu8Sh

(Rainbow Trout, Light Trout, Warden Hitch)

-Bucca's Bull Gill: http://bit.ly/2f1ASHn

(Bluegill, Dirty Bone)

-Jackall Gantarel: http://bit.ly/2adZI3R

(Ghost Gill, Spawn Gill, Bluegill)

Topwater/Wakebaits... 

-BBZ 8" Floating Swimbait: http://bit.ly/2cU1x5P

(Trout, Silver Fish, Hitch)

-Megabass Mega Dog: http://bit.ly/2VIYoMH

(Live Shiner, MB Gizzard, Rainbow)

-G Ratt Wild Willy: https://bit.ly/2St6ERy

(Gizzard Shad, Hitch, Bone)

***The Wild Willy is very affordable in the big bait category. It will perform better with some minor modifications. We Recommend the following upgrades to the Willy to get the best walk. First, upgrade Split Rings. Second, upgrade the rear treble hook to a larger, heavier hook. If a wider walk is preferred, add 6-8 sticky lead strips on the belly directly in front of the rear hook hanger. These upgrades will give you a phenomenal large walking bait at a very affordable price.***

Wild Willy Upgrades... 

Rear Hook Swap - Owner ST-56 Size 1: http://bit.ly/2cVg7xW

Split Ring Upgrade - Owner Hyperwire Rings Size 5: http://bit.ly/2aTH3f1

Lead Strips- Storm SuspenStrips: https://bit.ly/2YDQNUf

Lead Dots- Storm SuspenDots: https://bit.ly/3d80ez6

High-End Swimbait Combo... 

Rod- Megabass Orochi XX Leviathan: http://bit.ly/2OSVNwH

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

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

Leader- Sunline FC-100 System Leader 35 lb: http://bit.ly/2O4UElB

Budget Swimbait Combo... 

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

Reel- Shimano Cardiff 300A: http://bit.ly/2cvhtMO

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

Leader- Maxima Ultragreen 30 lb Mono: http://bit.ly/2ae97J9

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

Senko and Underspin Tips For Big Bass! Kayak Bass Fishing on Clearlake

I only brought 3 rods! A senko, an underspin, and a swimbait are all tied on. Which will get the biggest bite? Can we build a pattern? Come along for a really fun day of fishing on Clearlake! We're going to put the kayak to work and stick some big bass along the way!

Today really highlighted the value of fishing from a kayak or other small boat. Often times anglers in smaller craft feel like they're at a disadvantage but the big bites today absolutely would not have come if I was on my bass boat. These are highly pressured fish that are very leery of boats but they had no concerns about the kayak! 

The underspin proved to be the hero of the day. Both of the big fish (a 5 and 6 lber) both annihilated the underspin along the edges of submerged trees. The senko also proved to be invaluable. After making a pass through our small area with the underspin we slowly and methodically worked back through the fish with the senko and were able to pick up a few more key bites to finish out the day. These two baits proved to be an awesome pairing as one got the majority of bites while the other got the kicker bites we were hoping for. 

Below is a breakdown of the baits we had tied on and the gear we were using to throw it. All the bait links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see up close photos of each bait and a detailed description. 

Underspin.. 

-Owner 1/4 oz Flashy Swimmer 5/0 Hook: http://bit.ly/2e8O4Y7

-Keitech 4.8" Fat Swing Impact (Electric Shad): http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

Senko... 

-Gamakatsu Superline EWG 4/0 Hook: http://bit.ly/2ac92XG

-Yamamoto 6" Senko (Green Pumpkin): http://bit.ly/2axAmNS

Glide Baits... 

-R2S S-Waver 200 (Phantom Trout): http://bit.ly/2aiu8Sh

-Gratt Sneaky Pete 7'5" (Hitch): http://bit.ly/2RYCPFe

Underspin Combo... 

Rod- Shimano Expride 7'2" Heavy: http://bit.ly/2czPlZl

Reel- Shimano Metanium MGL (Current Model): https://bit.ly/34HlAAk

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

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

Senko Combo... 

Rod- Shimano Zodias 7'2" Medium Heavy: http://bit.ly/2cgmMAe

Reel- Curado 150 DC HG: http://bit.ly/2yHtsp4

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

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

Gear...

Life Jacket- Mustang Elite Inflatable: http://bit.ly/2odXXIP

Camera- GoPro Hero 8: http://bit.ly/37hVTX4

Kayak- Old Town Predator PDL: http://bit.ly/2WyVQka

**Kayak Link Goes To Manufacturer's Website**

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