How To Catch BIG Bass On Ultralight Tackle! Senko And Dropshot!

Battling big bass on ultralight tackle is amazing! Come along for a day on the water as Matt and CC battle big fish with light gear! The water is crystal clear (25+ feet of visibility!!!) and the fish are angry! Learn the tricks they use to build a pattern, get the right bites, and slow play those fish to the boat on tiny hooks and light line. 

These Great Lakes smallmouth love to fight! With the incredible water clarity on Lake Michigan, light line is a must. When you hook this big fish on light line, you know a battle is coming! In today's video Matt and CC use a combination of dropshot, senko, and dark sleeper to build a pattern and catch a huge limit of smallmouth on a place they've never even seen before! 

Consistently catching fish isn't about knowing secret spots. Its about understanding how fish position and when they move. After that its about making the best presentation possible and being willing to cover water as you build patterns. Below is a breakdown of the baits and equipment used in today's video. The links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 

Dropshot Components... 

Matt's Worm- Big Bite Baits Smallie Smasher (Chick Magnet): http://bit.ly/2ZpCOCY

CC's Worm- Missile Baits Bomb Shot (Green Pumpkin): https://bit.ly/2YYBipr

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

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

Senko Components... 

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

Colors: Natural Shad, Electric Shad, Baby Bass

Hook- Gamakatsu Finesse Wide Gap 1/0: http://bit.ly/2aKGmHM

O-Ring- O-Wacky Rings (Size 9): http://bit.ly/2MolpRD

Swimbaits... 

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

Colors: Wakasagi, Haze, Donko

Matt's Senko Combo... 

Rod- Megabass Destroyer Flyssa: http://bit.ly/2B7NyFj

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

Line- Sunline Xplasma Asegai Braid 8 lb: http://bit.ly/2OR5i2j

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

Dark Sleeper Combo... 

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

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

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

Budget Swimbait Alternative Combo... 

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

Reel- Shimano SLX DC 150 HG: http://bit.ly/2LWzw2Q

Line- Sunline Assassin 12 lb Fluorocarbon: 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 In CRYSTAL CLEAR WATER! (Finesse and Reaction Baits)

If you've ever seen fish in clear water but couldn't get them to bite, this video is for you! Come along for a day of fishing in some of clearest freshwater on earth! We can see bottom in 35+ feet but with some tricks, we're able to catch plenty of fish. We catch a bunch of really nice fish including some GIANT smallmouth bass on a variety of lures!

Clear water can be so frustrating! You're looking at the fish, they're looking back at you, and no one is falling for it. If you know how to adapt your equipment and which baits to focus on, this can also be one of the most rewarding types of fishing. While its incredibly frustrating to look at a fish that won't bite, its absolutely incredible to watch fish attack your lures! Don't be afraid of clear water. The guys show you exactly what it takes to get consistent bites and BIG bites in clear water. 

Below are a breakdown of the baits and equipment the guys used in today's video, as well as some budget offerings that are perfect for clear water. We've included color and size recommendations for the baits and terminal tackle as well to help you succeed. The links go directly to tackle warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 

Fluke...

Bait- Zoom Super Fluke (Tennessee Shad): http://bit.ly/2aqys0H

Hook- Gamakatsu Finesse Wide Gap (Size 1): http://bit.ly/2aKGmHM

Spring- Owner CPS Spring Medium: http://bit.ly/2b2YgDf

Senko... 

Bait- Yamamoto Senko 5" (Natural Shad, Electric Shad): http://bit.ly/2axAmNS

Hook- Owner Wacky Hook 1/0: http://bit.ly/2x0yBGU

Finesse Swimbaits... 

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

-Megabass Spark Shad 3" (Purple Haze): http://bit.ly/2XcLZk4

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

-Keitech 3.8 Fat Swing Impact (Smallmouth Magic): http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

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

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

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

Matt's Ultra High-End Spinning Combo... 

Rod- G Loomis Conquest 902S Spinning: http://bit.ly/2BiGUNi

Reel- Shimano Stella FJ 2500: http://bit.ly/2U8Pkzg

Line- Sunline XPlasma Asegai Braid 8 lb: http://bit.ly/2OR5i2j

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

Incredible "Bang For The Buck" Finesse Spinning Combo...

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

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

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

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

Budget-Friendly Finesse Swimbait Combo... 

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

Reel- Shimano SLX 150 DC HG: http://bit.ly/2LWzw2Q

Line- Sunline Assassin 12 lb Fluorocarbon: 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

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