Summer Fishing a Senko and Jig For Clear Water Bass

We're targeting shallow water bass, in heavy cover, in crystal clear water. Flipping and pitching is easy with heavy tackle but what do you do when the water is clear? We've downsized our gear, switched to light line, and are going deep in the cover in search of a big bite! In the afternoon we switch our attention to offshore fish, targeting them with finesse swimbaits, and have an awesome day! Come along for the fun!

These smallmouth are behaving just like largemouth. They've moved up into shallow reeds and are feeding on baitfish. By switching to light line Matt and Cobi are able to get consistent bites but getting the fish out of the cover proves to be a challenge. Its a fine line between getting bit and being able to get them out. The guys employed a variety of techniques to catch these fish. Initially the plan was to fish a senko and a jig but the anglers quickly realized a finesse swimbait would be another key tool. 

Below you'll find links to the baits and equipment used in the video. We've also included a value combo for those anglers who are finesse fishing on a budget. The links go direct to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 

Stick Bait... 

Bait- Yamamoto Senko 5" (Watermelon black Red Flake): http://bit.ly/2axAmNS

Hook- Owner Jungle Wacky Weedless (1/0): https://bit.ly/2VKZl9U

Jig... 

Bait- Keitech Tungsten Football (Green Pumpkin Blue): http://bit.ly/2FDQ3o1

Trailer- Big Bite Twin Tail Grub (Tilapia): http://bit.ly/2qS1YtE

Cobi's Screwhead... 

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

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

Matt's Finesse Swimbait... 

Bait- Keitech 4" Easy Shiner (Crystal Shad): http://bit.ly/2bxJK6H

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

Matt's High-End Senko Combo... 

Rod- G Loomis Conquest 842C MBR: http://bit.ly/2iL1PAY

**Switch to the 843C if you plan to Wacky AND Texas Rig**

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

Line- Sunline Assassin 10 lb Fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2h4LNjm

Finesse Swimbait Combo... 

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

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

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

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

Screw head Combo... 

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

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

Line- Power Pro Braided Line 8 lb: http://bit.ly/2aFg46b

Leader- Sunline Sniper 5 lb Fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

Budget Finesse Spinning Combo... 

Rod- Shimano Intenza 7'6" Light: http://bit.ly/2s7kaQn

Reel- Shimano Ultegra 2500: http://bit.ly/2nfApml

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

Budget Finesse Casting Combo... 

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

Reel- Shimano SLX HG: http://bit.ly/2NfdOnk

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

Swim Jigs and Swimbaits - Beginner To Advanced Tricks To Catch More Bass!

Come learn the secrets that fishermen use to consistently catch fish with swimbaits and swim jigs! Learn when its time to set the swimbait down and upsize to a swim jig. Watch as Matt explains the differences between swim jig trailers and how some create secondary action while others are virtually dead in the water. He’s giving up all the tricks from small finesse Swimbaits for clear water that will still get bit on the worst days, all the way to heavy swim jigs with huge hooks for busting hydrilla beds in search of giant largemouth!  

Finesse swimbaits are an incredible tool in every angler’s arsenal. The small keitechs have taken the industry by storm in recent years because of their incredible fish catching ability. Matt shows when to use the different styles and sizes and even shows how he and Tim rig the baits with micro hooks to maximize their bites on days when fish don’t want to bite. Color selection is key with these swimbaits as well so below in the description we’ve included color recommendations for every bait. 

Swim jigs are a huge category by themselves. We could go on for hours about how to pair trailers, modify skirts, and use each hook style to your advantage. But if you’re going to take away one piece of information its that for every weight/style of swim jig, there is a perfect trailer to make that bait rock and shimmy in the water. No matter what bait you choose, do not settle until you’ve found the perfect trailer that creates secondary action for you. 

Below are a breakdown of the baits, hooks, and even equipment we use when fishing swimbaits and swim jigs. The links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed descriptions and up close photos of each item. Matt has even included his favorite rods and reels for each bait category so you can really dial in your technique. 

Swimbaits… 

-Keitech Fat Swing Impact (3.8, 4.3, 4.8): http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

Colors: Pro Blue Red Pearl, Electric Shad, TW Ghost Shad

-Keitech Easy Shiner 4”: http://bit.ly/2bxJK6H 

Colors: Silver Flash Minnow, TW Ghost Shad, TW Pro Blue

Swimbait Heads… 

-TacticalBassin Finesse Head: http://bit.ly/2Pqrq3n 

-Matt Allen Swimbait Head: http://bit.ly/29RrTYN 

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

Weedless Rigging and Bladed Heads… 

-Owner Flashy Swimmer: http://bit.ly/2e8O4Y7 

-Megabass Okashira Screw Head: http://bit.ly/2EpluSA 

-Coolbaits Down Under Underspin: http://bit.ly/2boS7QA 

Swim Jigs (Lightest Wire Hook To Heaviest)… 

-Finesse Swim Jigs: http://bit.ly/2dr2933 

Colors: Tactical Shad, Bluegill, Threadfin Shad

-Dirty Jigs Swim Jig: http://bit.ly/2dIVUMd

Colors: Chartreuse Shad, Dirty Shad, Bluegill

-No Jack Swim Jig: http://bit.ly/2d8qUCv 

Colors: Dirty Shad, Tactical Shad, Warmouth

-California Swim Jig: http://bit.ly/2auXfmx 

Colors: Alabama Bream, Citrus Shad, Tactical Shad

Swim Jig Trailers… 

Finesse- XZone Swammer 3.5: http://bit.ly/2PogV0q

Mid Size- River2Sea D Walker 100: http://bit.ly/2NwqBmz 

California- D Walker 120: http://bit.ly/2NwqBmz 

Lazy Method- Keitech 4.3” Fat Swing Impact: http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v 

Matt’s Favorite Tiny Swimbait Combo… 

Rod- Expride Spinning 6’10” Medium Light: http://bit.ly/2osaj3q 

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

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

Leader- Sunline Assassin 8 lb Fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2h4LNjm 

All-Around Swim Jig Combo… 

Rod- G Loomis GLX 844C MBR 7’ Heavy: http://bit.ly/2gqziwT 

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

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

Leader- Maxima Ultragreen 15 lb Mono: http://bit.ly/2ae97J9 

Budget All-Around Swim Jig Combo… 

Rod- Shimano Intenza 7’4” Heavy: http://bit.ly/2QADLTq

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

Line- Sunline Assassin 17 lb fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2h4LNjm

Bass Fishing: Finesse Tips For Fishing Crystal Clear Water

Struggling to catch bass in crystal clear water? Come along with Tim for a day of clear water bass fishing. He shows the finesse baits he's using and explains how he downsizes line to adapt to the water conditions. Pay close attention to his color selections and bait sizes as he lures fish into biting despite the tough conditions. 

Tim's first trick to catch clear water fish was to focus on shade pockets. Often the "last shade" in an area will have an active group of fish long after sunny areas have stopped biting. He used a ghost colored S-Waver then dropped down to a finesse head and smaller keitech to coax the bites. 

Once the last shade faded away he turned his attention to fishing the "color line" along the shore where light penetration is limited by depth. The color line is an amazing place to find active fish under bright sunny conditions. Finally, after not getting the results he hoped for Tim moved ultra shallow into cover in search of afternoon bass in shady pockets near brush. Today he found those fish spawning but could have caught them a variety of ways under normal circumstances. 

Below is a breakdown of the baits and equipment he used throughout the day. In addition to the exact baits we've included additional color recommendations that work great in clear water. All of the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can find detailed pictures and descriptions of each item. 

Glide Bait... 

-R2S S-Waver 168 (TW Phantom Trout): http://bit.ly/2aiu8Sh

Paddle Tail Swimbaits... 

-Keitech Fat Swing Impact 3.8" (Sun Gill): http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

-Keitech Fat Swing Impact 4.3" (Electric Shad): http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

-Tactical Finesse Head 3/8 oz (Naked Shad): http://bit.ly/2Pqrq3n

Other Great Colors: Crystal Shad, Goby, TW Pro Blue

Dropshot... 

-Reaction Innovations Flirt Worm 4.95 (Morning Dawn): http://bit.ly/2CMB33J

Other Great Colors: Infection, Spring Break, Bad Shad Green

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

-Tungsten "Tie On" Dropshot 1/4 oz: http://bit.ly/2YAoMuv

Jig... 

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

Other Great Colors: Green Pumpkin Blue, Green Pumpkin Chartreuse

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

Keitech Combo... 

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

Reel- Shimano Metanium (Updated Metanium Linked) XG: https://bit.ly/34HlAAk

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

Dropshot Combo... 

Rod- G Loomis NRX 822S DSR: http://bit.ly/2dX9zjv

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

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

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

Jig Combo... 

Rod- G Loomis NRX 852C JWR: http://bit.ly/2hedqsq

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

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

Leader- Sunline Sniper Fluorocarbon 10 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

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