Big Swimbaits and Topwater For Spring Bass | Texas Bass Fishing

The guys are back in Texas chasing PreSpawn bass with a swimbait, an A-rig, and a variety of topwater. Come along as they build a pattern and adapt to changing conditions throughout the day. Watch how they fish with confidence and get bites, even on big swimbaits, without knowing anything about the lake. 

So many anglers get caught up in the mindset that certain baits (swimbaits, frogs, jigs, etc...) don't work on their lake. The reality is that bass behave very similarly and with few exceptions, eat the same baits throughout the country. We travel constantly and have seen over and over again that we can quickly catch fish on baits like a Gantarel or a frog, in lakes where others hesitate to even try these lures. 

The key to consistent fishing success anywhere in this country is building patterns. Focus on the conditions, how bass should behave during the season you're in, and take the extra time to intentionally fish likely locations based on those variables. You'll be amazed how many more bass you'll begin to catch!

As we continue to travel we're constantly refining our equipment. Life on the road requires specialized rods and an array of tackle. In the beginning our boats could hardly float from the masses of tackle we'd bring on trips. Anymore, we find key baits that work everywhere and we're able to narrow down our selections.

Below you'll find links to the baits we were using on this trip, some of our gear, and some travel-specific equipment that makes your life easier whether you're going cross country or to a lake down the road. All of the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 

A-Rigs... 

Rig- Hog Farmer TacticalBassin Bladed Flex: https://bit.ly/38xd1es

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

Baits- Keitech 4.8" Fat Swing Impact (Pro Blue Red Pearl): http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

Swimbait... 

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

Favorite Colors: Hitch, Gizzard Shad

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

Favorite Colors: RT Spawn Gill, RT Ghost Gill

Topwater...

-ScumFrog Launch Frog (Bluegill): https://bit.ly/3rOYQIF

-River2Sea Whopper Plopper 90 (Phantom Shad): http://bit.ly/2bsPbQV

-Evergreen Shower Blows 105 (Skeleton Chartreuse): http://bit.ly/2zIkqUH

Lure Retriever...

-Frabill 15' Pole Retriever: http://bit.ly/2TLTJc6

Travel Rods... 

High End (Our Favorite)- Megabass Triza Casting Rods: https://bit.ly/2Glg3au

Mid Range- St. Croix Triumph Casting Rods: https://bit.ly/3urbTSn

Budget Swimbait- Okuma Nomad Xpress: http://bit.ly/2p4zr3g

Tim's A-Rig Combo... 

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

Reel- 13 Fishing A2 (7.5:1): https://bit.ly/36XlOVs

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

Tim's Topwater Combo... 

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

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

Line- Power Pro Maxcuatro 30 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

Urban Fishing In Backyards For GIANT Largemouth and Peacock Bass!

Crazy weather has forced us into an urban jungle in South Florida! We’re chasing largemouth, Peacock Bass, and exotic Cichlids. Come along as we traverse ditches, bridges, tunnels, and backyards in search of some of Florida’s most interesting species. If you’ve ever wondered if these little roadside waters hold big fish, stick around because Tim is going to set the hook on an absolute GIANT bass!

When we dipped into Florida we have visions of warm air and aggressive bass. Instead we were met with freezing temperatures and brutal winds but we made the best of it by heading all the way to the Southern tip of the state where there were still some quality fish to be caught. We used a variety of baits including topwater, square bills, chatter baits, and a tiny keitech to get consistent bites. 

If you’re a bank fisherman, an urban angler, or just someone who’s wondered if those small waters along the road really hold fish, they do! Next time you get the opportunity to pull over and fish you should give it a try. We used all sorts of baits to try and catch fish today and a select few really stood out despite the cold weather. Below you’ll find links to all the baits as well as some of the equipment we used to throw them. All of the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 

Topwater… 

-Savage Gear Prop Walker 4” (American Shad): https://bit.ly/3kwBFAa

-NEW Whopper Plopper 60 (Loon): http://bit.ly/2bsPbQV

-Whopper Plopper 90 (Sooner): http://bit.ly/2bsPbQV

Crankbait… 

-13 Fishing Scamp 1.5 (Olive Crush): https://bit.ly/3iMkYAw

Chatterbait…

Bait- Evergreen JackHammer 1/2 oz (Bruised Green Pumpkin): http://bit.ly/2popvj6

Trailer- Keitech 4.3” Fat Swing Impact (Green Pumpkin): http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

Underspin… 

Bait- Keitech 2.8” Fat Swing Impact (Electric Shad): http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

Head- Cool Baits Down Under 1/8 oz: http://bit.ly/2boS7QA

Tim’s Chatterbait/Topwater Rod… 

Rod- Shimano Expride 7’ Medium Glass: http://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

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

Line- Sunline FX2 Braid (50 lb): http://bit.ly/31u57xA

Matt’s Underspin Combo… 

Rod- Shimano Zodias 7’ Light: https://bit.ly/3ab5b9V

Reel- Shimano Vanford 2500: https://bit.ly/2PDlKlB

Line- Sunline Sniper Fluorocarbon (5 lb): http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

Budget Topwater Combo… 

Rod- St. Croix Bass X 6’8” Medium: http://bit.ly/2r0xWAs

Reel- Shimano SLX (XG): http://bit.ly/2NfdOnk

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

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

BIG Bass on Chickamauga! Fall Bass Fishing Has Begun!!

Tim is on a mission to catch a big bass! He’s on the water early, armed with topwater and a chatterbait. Come along for the fun! Watch as he adapts to changing conditions, fine tunes the pattern, and catches some really nice Chickamauga bass! Fall is prime time to catch quality fish as they feed up before Winter so make the time, head to the lake, and catch a big one of your own. 

When Tim set out he was searching for an early morning topwater bite. He had a plan but he stayed open minded, paying attention to his surroundings. It didn’t take him long to realize there was no surface activity this morning. Taking the cue from nature he dropped down to the bottom with a chatterbait and got the bite he was looking for! When you’re on the water its important to pay close attention to your surroundings at all times. Every time you hit the water you’re surrounded by clues that will help you dial in the pattern. Keep your eyes open, don’t be afraid to adapt, and you’ll start catching fish more consistently. 

Once Tim ran in to surface activity he switched back to topwater and was able to capitalize on some really nice bass with the popper. As the activity died off, the dropshot was clutch to finish out the day. Below is a breakdown of the baits and equipment Tim used throughout the day. We’ve even included an all-around budget combo that you could use for the chatterbait and light flipping. All of the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 

Chatterbait… 

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

Trailer- Yamamoto Zako (Electric Shad): http://bit.ly/2fKmSRp

Whopper Plopper… 

Bait- River2Sea Whopper Plopper 110 (Abalone Shad): http://bit.ly/2bsPbQV

Frog… 

Bait- River2Sea Bully Wa 2 65 (Dirty White): http://bit.ly/2axyR2a

Popper… 

Bait- Megabass Pop Max (Mat Shad): http://bit.ly/2qqfmm1

Dropshot… 

Bait- Roboworm 6” Fat Worm (Pro Blue Blue Neon): http://bit.ly/2awYSxM

Hook- Owner CoverShot Worm Hook (Size 2/0): http://bit.ly/2ISr7bR

Weight- Swagger Tungsten Pencil Weight (3/8 oz): http://bit.ly/2UY7cgx

Chatterbait Combo… 

Rod- Shimano Expride 7’2” MH Glass: http://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

Reel- Shimano Metanium MGL B: https://bit.ly/34HlAAk

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

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

Tim’s Popper Combo… 

Rod- G Loomis IMX Pro Med Topwater (802 TWR): http://bit.ly/2QurcHi

Reel- Daiwa Tatula Elite 7:1 Ratio: http://bit.ly/2ONCBS1

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

Dropshot (Power Shot) Combo… 

Rod- Shimano Zodias 7’2” Medium: https://bit.ly/3aeQbYW

Reel- Shimano Chronarch MGL HG: http://bit.ly/2n8DghB

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

Budget Power Shot/Chatterbait Combo… 

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

Reel- Shimano SLX 150 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