Where Do Bass Go In EARLY Spring? And How To Catch Them Before The PreSpawn!

The Fish are on the move! If your fish haven't already begun to transition, its coming! If you're not ready they'll vanish completely and tracking them down again before the spawn is almost impossible without an understanding of their migration. Where are they headed, where will they stop along the way, and how can you catch them when they do? Come along, and we'll show you. 

Different styles of fisheries progress differently. You need to figure out if you are fishing a river, a Delta, a natural lake, a highland reservoir, or a lowland reservoir. Depending which style you're on, the movements will vary. Luckily, we're explaining the movement in each one of these fisheries today. As your fish begin to move, you need to understand their ultimate goal is transition toward spawning flats. With that in mind you can identify the nearest spawning grounds to where your fish have been, then identify the key spots along the way the fish will stop on to feed. 

As you're focusing on fishing the key structures along the migration route there are key baits you should be focusing your time on. Use baits that cover water quickly, have significant drawing power, and can trigger a feed response. Below you'll find links to all of our favorite options for this transition into the prespawn. All of the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 

Glide Baits... 

-River2Sea S-Waver 168: http://bit.ly/2aiu8Sh

Color: Lite trout

-Baitsanity Antidote: http://bit.ly/2ztUk9z

Colors: Summer Shad, Trout

Alabama Rigs... 

Rig #1- HogFarmer BFL Flex: https://bit.ly/2WtLCVK

Rig #2- G Funk Bladed Cali: http://bit.ly/2rZhST7

Heads- Matt Allen Swimbait 1/8 oz: http://bit.ly/29RrTYN

Baits- Keitech 4.8" Fat Swing Impact: http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

Lipless Cranks... 

-Lucky Craft LV-500: http://bit.ly/2aAUUbd

Colors: Ghost Minnow, Spring Craw

-Strike King Red Eye Shad: http://bit.ly/2fqX1RT

Color: Delta Red 

-Strike King Red Eye Shad 2 Tap: http://bit.ly/2gmACC5

Color: Delta Red

Deep Cranks... 

-R2S Tactical DD75: http://bit.ly/37dclbX

Colors: Ghost Minnow, Blood Craw

-Spro Rk Crawler 55: http://bit.ly/2BLmsVN

Colors: Red Crawfish, Phantom Watermelon

Squarebills... 

-River2Sea Biggie Poppa: http://bit.ly/2ahCzvo

Colors: Cold Blooded, TS Minnow

-Spro Little John 50 Type R: http://bit.ly/3j0GS3a

Colors: Rayburn Red, Nasty Shad

Chatterbaits...

Bait- Z Man Jackhammer 1/2 oz: http://bit.ly/2popvj6

Colors: Green pumpkin Shad, Fire Craw

Trailer- HogFarmer Spunk Shad: http://bit.ly/2UFkCD7

Colors: Tennessee Magic, Green Pumpkin

Jerkbaits... 

-Rapala Shadow Rap Deep: http://bit.ly/3aerPi6

Colors: Moss Back Shiner

-Megabass Vision 110: http://bit.ly/2j31TKb

Colors: GP Pro Blue 2, Illusion Tennessee Shad

Favorite A-Rig Combo... 

Rod- Shimano Zodias 7'5" Heavy: https://bit.ly/3aeQbYW

**The Zodias Rod Can Be Backordered and should arrive soon**

Reel- Shimano Curado 200K (HG): http://bit.ly/2tHewEh

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

Leader- Sunline FC-100 Shock Leader 20 lb: http://bit.ly/2O4UElB

Budget Crankbait Combo... 

Rod- Dobyns Fury 7' Medium Heavy Cranking: http://bit.ly/2bGvlVV

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

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

Budget Glidebait Combo... 

Rod- Dobyns Fury 7'9" Medium Heavy Swimbait: http://bit.ly/2bGvlVV

Reel- Shimano Curado 300K: https://bit.ly/2HbZ3E4

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

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

Want TacticalBassin Apparel?  

We have a variety of apparel items and custom lure designs available! Everything from hats, to hoodies, to crankbaits! Its all available direct through Tackle Warehouse with fast shipping. See it here... 

TacticalBassin Apparel and Lure Designs: http://bit.ly/38YpPIz

A-Rig Tricks: Everything You Need To Know For Spring And Winter Bass Fishing

We all know A-Rigs catch big bass in Spring and Winter. But how do you build an Alabama Rig? Which heads work the best, which wire shapes last the longest, and which A-Rigs won't break when you need them most? Where should you fish with the rig and does that change in Spring and Winter? We've done all the hard work, let us show you exactly how we take an A-rig from the package to the mouth of a big bass!

There is no question, the A-rig changed big bass fishing forever! Its not the end all, be all of big bass, but its a great tool and its here to stay. If the Alabama Rig continues to stump you, you're going to love this video! Matt takes two different styles of rig from package to complete build out, complete with the exact modifications the guys use. He also covers why each component is used, and even includes really detailed information on different wire bends to get the most out of your rigs. 

Once the building portion of the video is done he goes in-depth into where fish are position right now in Winter, and where they will be positioning as we enter the pre-spawn. All of the different components, baits, rigs, etc... are linked below. All of the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. Not all rigs are created equal, some are too stiff, some break too often, and some are near perfect. Here are our favorites... 

The Rigs... 

-Favorite Bladed Rig: HogFarmer BFL Flex: https://bit.ly/2WtLCVK

-Favorite Non-Bladed Rig: HogFarmer Cali Crush: http://bit.ly/39Iuy1M

-Budget Rig: Yum Flash Mob Jr: http://bit.ly/2bgDGNu

Other Reliable Rigs... 

Bladed- G Funk Bladed Cali: http://bit.ly/2rZhST7

Non-Bladed- G Funk Cali: http://bit.ly/2nD76fw

Swimbait Heads... 

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

Light Wire- Tactical Finesse Swimbait Head: http://bit.ly/2Pqrq3n

Best Size: 1/8 ounce

Components... 

Keepers- Owner CPS Springs (Medium): http://bit.ly/2b2YgDf

Rings- Owner Hyperwire (Size 4): http://bit.ly/2v8ArBX

Swimbaits... 

-13 Fishing Churro (3.5): https://bit.ly/2LLeRA6

Colors- Mojito, Blue Collar, Moonlight Clan

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

Colors- Electric Shad, Pro Blue Red Pearl

Sizes: 3.8, 4.3, 4.8

Best Tools... 

Split Ring Pliers- Texas Tackle Executive: http://bit.ly/2fT4Qw0

Matt's A-Rig Combo... 

Rod- Shimano Zodias 7'5" Heavy: https://bit.ly/3aeQbYW

**The Zodias Rod Can Be Backordered and should arrive soon**

Reel- Shimano Curado 200K (HG): http://bit.ly/2tHewEh

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

Leader- Sunline FC-100 Shock Leader 20 lb: http://bit.ly/2O4UElB

Budget A-Rig Combo... 

Rod- Shimano SLX 7'5" Heavy: http://bit.ly/2L3wppO

Reel- Shimano SLX XT (HG): http://bit.ly/2BRTYL8

Line- Power Pro 65 lb Braid: http://bit.ly/2aFg46b

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

Want TacticalBassin Apparel?  

We have a variety of apparel items and custom lure designs available! Everything from hats, to hoodies, to crankbaits! Its all available direct through Tackle Warehouse with fast shipping. See it here... 

TacticalBassin Apparel and Lure Designs: http://bit.ly/38YpPIz

Spring Fluke and Jerkbait Tricks To Catch More Bass!

Learn how to adapt to changing conditions during a day of fishing a clear water reservoir with Matt. He starts out with a Zoom Super Fluke on a Texas Rig but is soon mixing it up with traditional jerkbaits and the nose-hook rig (Banjo Minnow Rig) as he adapts from a cold morning to a slick calm, warm afternoon. 

A jerkbait is incredibly versatile if you know how to adapt it to changing conditions. We were able to catch fish on a cold morning with a slow retrieve around this cover then switched to a Vision 110 Jr. to match the size of baitfish being ambushed by schooling bass. Ultimately it required a drop to 8 lb fluorocarbon and a small nose-hook rig to catch fish in clear water that were ambushing on an aggressive retrieve. Few baits are as adaptable as the jerkbait. 

Below is a breakdown of all the gear Matt was using throughout the day. We've included direct links to Tackle Warehouse for the baits, hooks, and gear. We also included links to some of our previous underwater and fluke rigging videos that will help you adapt traditional jerkbaits and soft jerkbaits to the conditions.

The Baits... 

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

Other Colors: Pro Blue Red Pearl, Smoking Shad

-Megabass Vision 110 Jr. (GP Pro Blue): http://bit.ly/2OeAFBf

Other Colors: Clear Laker, Tennessee Shad

-Keitech 2.8 Fat Swimbait (TW Pro Blue): http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

Texas Rig Hooks... 

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

Slower Sink- Gamakatsu EWG 4/0: http://bit.ly/2d07gvp

Nose Hook Rig... 

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

Weedless Hook- Gamakatsu Weedless Finesse Wide Gap 1/0: http://bit.ly/2i57dOP

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

Texas Rig Fluke Combo... 

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

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

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

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

Jerkbait Combo... 

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

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

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

Nose Hook Combo... 

Rod- G Loomis NRX 872S JWR: http://bit.ly/2dX9zjv

Reel- Shimano Twin Power FD 3000: https://bit.ly/3df3hX5

Line- Sunline XPlasma Asegai 12 lb: http://bit.ly/2OR5i2j

Leader- Sunline Sniper 8 lb Fluorocarbon: 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