Squarebill Crankbait Tricks To Catch More Bass Right Now!

Squarebills are a great way to cover water and catch bass in Spring. They're great for fishing shallow because of their ability to deflect off cover. They catch aggressive fish with ease but you can also adjust your retrieve to trigger a feed response from inactive fish. Today we're covering a few of the tricks we use to really dial in the shallow squarebill crankbait bite in Spring. 

As the fish stage around shallow spawning areas the squarebill begins to shine. There are a few considerations when choosing the right squarebill, such as color, rattling or silent, and diving depth. Understanding how each of these variables can be adapted to changing conditions will help you catch fish much more consistently. 

In addition to those variables Tim has a few tricks he applies to maximize his effectiveness with square bills. He uses several different hooks for different situations and pays very close attention to his equipment. Below you'll find links to his top rattling and top silent square bills, separated by diving depth. We've also included links to some of our favorite rod and reel combos for this technique. All of the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 

Silent Squarebills... 

Ultra Shallow- Rapala BX Brat: http://bit.ly/2qFBMiR

Colors: Delta, Hot Dang, Mossy

Shallow- Lucky Craft 1.5: http://bit.ly/2BGxKPa

Colors: American Shad, TO Craw, Flake Flake Stripe Gill

Mid-Depth- Lucky Craft 2.5: http://bit.ly/2BGxKPa

Colors: American Shad, Chartreuse Shad

Rattling Squarebills... 

Ultra Shallow- River2Sea Biggie Smalls: http://bit.ly/2ahCzvo

Colors: Cold Blooded, I know It, Abalone Shad

Shallow- Spro Little John Type R: https://bit.ly/3j0GS3a

Colors: Copper Shad, Homemade Shad, Rayburn Red

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

Colors: Cold Blooded, I know It, Abalone Shad

Hook/Ring Upgrades... 

Tim's Favorite Crank Hook- Owner ST-35: http://bit.ly/2g8uCMj

Tim's Traditional Crankbait Hook- Owner ST-36: http://bit.ly/2cWpeyw

Bladed Hook- VMC Bladed Hybrid: http://bit.ly/2oqWODi

Split Rings- Owner Hyperwire (Size 2 or 3): http://bit.ly/2v8ArBX

Hook Sizes... 

BX Brat, 1.5, Biggie Smalls, Little John: Size 4

Biggie Poppa, 2.5: Size 2

High-end Squarebill Combo... 

Rod- Megabass P5 Z-Crank: https://bit.ly/30GcHqb

Reel- Shimano Metanium 150 B (XG): https://bit.ly/34HlAAk

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

All-Around Squarebill Combo... 

Rod- Dobyns Champion XP 704 (7' Medium): http://bit.ly/29OVD4V

Reel- Shimano SLX 70 MGL (HG): https://bit.ly/3gIUCgJ

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

Budget Squarebill Combo... 

Rod- Shimano Intenza 7' Medium Glass: http://bit.ly/2QADLTq

Reel- Shimano SLX 70 MGL (HG): https://bit.ly/3gIUCgJ

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

Want TacticalBassin Gear?  

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

We're Going Where?! Chatterbait Fishing For BackWater Bass!

Today we're exploring a crazy backwater! Everyone else is driving airboats but we're determined to stuff our bass boat down the tiny swamp paths, through Lily pad fields, and into untouched waters! We have no idea what we're in for at the start but by the end of the day we put together a great pattern throwing chatterbaits for prespawn bass. Come along!

So many anglers fish the same fisheries over and over. There is nothing wrong with that but if the opportunity to explore ever presents itself, jump at the opportunity! On a recent trip Matt and CC were poking around a few backwater areas and found a tiny path that connected to an area they wanted to explore. Next thing you know they're driving down tiny ditches, plowing through airboat paths, getting stuck, overheating, and catching fish! 

The duo were using a variety of baits to build a pattern but once they pieced it together it was just a couple baits that did all the damage. Below you'll find links to the exact baits, colors, and the gear they were using while exploring this incredible area. All of the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 

Stick Bait... 

Bait- Gambler Fat Ace 6" Worm: http://bit.ly/2aJq2AO

Color: JB Blue

Hook- Owner 4/0 Jungle Wide Gap: http://bit.ly/2sBsR1Z

Chatterbait... 

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

Colors: Matt- Black Blue, CC- Hite's Hot Craw

Trailer- HogFarmer Spunk Shad 5.5": http://bit.ly/2UFkCD7

Colors: Matt- Black Blue, CC- Natural Gill

Matt's Heavy-Cover Chatterbait Combo... 

Rod- Megabass Levante Braillist: http://bit.ly/2FdE3YY

Reel- Shimano Metanium MGL 150 B (XG): https://bit.ly/34HlAAk

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

Leader- Sunline FC-100 Shock Leader 16 lb: http://bit.ly/2O4UElB

CC's Chatterbait Combo... 

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

Reel- Shimano Chronarch MGL 151 (XG): http://bit.ly/2n8DghB

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

Leader- Sunline FC-100 Shock Leader 16 lb: http://bit.ly/2O4UElB

Budget Chatterbait Combo... 

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

Reel- Shimano SLX 70 MGL (XG): https://bit.ly/3gIUCgJ

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

Want TacticalBassin Gear?  

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

Where Do Bass Go In Spring? (And How To Catch Them In The Prespawn)

As we enter the Prespawn, bass behave much differently than during the late Winter. They make drastic changes in both location and feeding patterns. If your fish have vanished, this video is for you! Tim explains how bass are moving, what conditions cause the shifts, and how you can get ahead of them. 

The early prespawn is one of the best opportunities to catch a trophy bass! If you're struggling to catch fish right now, don't worry. The bass are shifting from their Winter haunts toward spawning grounds and its a very predictable movement. The fish are moving up the secondary points as they make their way toward the backs of major coves. They'll stop on key pieces of structure on these secondary points and can be caught very easily. Once you've located them, you can repeat the pattern in cove after cove. 

The key to success this time of year is fishing baits that cover water quickly and draw reaction strikes. These fast moving baits help eliminate water and get consistently larger bites than slower presentations. Below you'll find links to our best confidence baits. We've also included some of our favorite gear for throwing them so you'll be prepared as we enter the prespawn. All of the links go directly to tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 

Related Videos... 

Where Do Bass Go In Early Spring: https://youtu.be/PxQ2yH1fFco

Where Do Bass Go In Winter: https://youtu.be/iF6n4nfyukQ

Glide Baits... 

-Storm Arashi Glide: http://bit.ly/2nHdrL1

Colors: Bluegill, Threadfin Shad

-G Ratt Sneaky Pete: http://bit.ly/2RYCPFe

Colors: Hitch, Gizzard Shad

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

Colors: Light Trout, Warden

Alabama Rigs... 

Rig- Hog Farmer BFL Flex Rig: https://bit.ly/2WtLCVK

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

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

Colors: Pro Blue Red Pearl, Electric Shad

Crankbaits... 

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

Colors: Cold Blooded, Delta Craw, Rooster

Mid Diver- Spro Rock Crawler: http://bit.ly/2NFPA5t

Colors: Red Crawfish, Red River Craw

Deep Diver- Tactical DD 75: http://bit.ly/37dclbX

Colors: Blood Craw, Green Pumpkin Craw

Jerkbaits... 

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

Colors: GP Pro Blue, Tennessee Shad

Flashy- Jackall Rerange 110: http://bit.ly/2ge0qED

Colors: Blue Pearl Shad, HL Silver Shad

Favorite Alabama Rig Combo... 

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

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

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

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

Budget Crankbait Combo... 

Rod- Dobyns Fury 705 CB (7' Med Heavy Cranking): http://bit.ly/2bGvlVV

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

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

Budget Glidebait Combo... 

Rod- Savage Gear Squad 8' Heavy: https://bit.ly/3tT8bS2

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

Line- 80 lb Power Pro Braid: http://bit.ly/2aFg46b

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

Want TacticalBassin Gear?  

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

Florida Bass Fishing Raw And Uncut! Big Bass On Swim Jigs And Chatterbaits!

Come along for a day on one of Florida's best lakes! We're going to build patterns and catch some BIG bass along the way! If you want to see what its like to really figure out a new body of water, this is for you. The fish are coming out of a cold snap and transitioning into the shallows. We're using a fluke, swim jig, and chatterbait to target them as they make the move. 

This style of video gives a complete view of what its really like to get out on the water and dial in the fish. Often times you see the highlights but don't see the struggles. From the break offs to the hand-lines and boat flips, its all here! If you enjoy this style of video leave a comment and let us know. Today was a blast! There was a period of struggle in the middle but we were able to combine two patterns into a very successful afternoon on the water. 

While we're in a completely new part of the country, the fishing itself is very similar to what we've experienced many other places. The bass are transitioning into the shallows to feed and spawn. Florida is well into Spring but most of the country is still weeks, and even months behind. If you want to replicate some of these patterns, we've included links to all the equipment Matt was using in the description below. All of the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. We've included relevant colors, as well as the rods and reels he was using to throw the baits. 

Fluke...

Bait- Zoom Super Fluke: http://bit.ly/2aqys0H

Color: Watermelon Seed

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

Frog... 

-Savage Gear DC Walker: https://bit.ly/2VVjRVl

Color: Gill

Swimbait... 

Bait- Gambler Big EZ: https://bit.ly/3axLYRV

Color: Gold Rush

Hook- Owner Beast 4/0: http://bit.ly/2ancP66

Chatterbait...

Bait- JackHammer (1/2 oz): http://bit.ly/2popvj6

Color: Black Blue

Trailer- Gambler EZ Swimmer: https://bit.ly/2OLlyUf

Color: JuneBug

Swim Jig... 

Bait- Dirty Jigs Swim Jig (1/2 oz): http://bit.ly/2dIVUMd

Color: Black and Blue 

Trailer- Gambler EZ Swimmer: https://bit.ly/2OLlyUf

Color: Junebug

Cut Points... 

4:30 - 1st Fish Catch

7:50 - 2nd Fish Catch

13:50 - How Matt Rigs A Fluke

21:05 - Nice Fish On A Fluke

24:10 - Another Fluke Fish

36:30 - Update And Fish Catch

01:03:10 - A Look At The Baits

01:12:45 - Starting Run To 2nd Spot

01:23:35 - Arriving At 2nd Spot

01:44:15 - Miss 3 Bites Then Catch A Giant!

02:15:25 - Matt Hand lines A BIG Bass! 

02:27:40 - How Matt Picks Apart Cover + Nice Fish 

02:48:30 - Matt Catches Another Big One

03:02:00 - Sunset Boat Run To Final Spot

03:04:00 - Final Fish Catch On Swim Jig

Fluke Combo... 

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

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

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

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

Chatterbait Combo... 

Rod- St. Croix Legend Extreme 7'4" Heavy: https://bit.ly/2wlJQLu

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

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

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

Swim Jig Combo...

Rod- Shimano Expride 7'3" Extra Heavy: http://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

Reel- Shimano Metanium DC (HG): http://bit.ly/2qrSZvs

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

Want TacticalBassin Gear?  

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