Prespawn Bass Fishing With Worms, Creature Baits, and Swimbaits - A Day On The Water

We're back in Florida, avoiding the cold and chasing big bass! Matt's family joins him today for a fun day on the water, dialing in patterns and catching quality fish. We love to power fish in Spring but sometimes you have to listen to the fish and just slow down. Today's biggest fish fell for a plastic worm, but that didn't stop Matt from finding a frog bite in the end! 

We love to focus on power fishing in early Spring but weather is the ultimate deciding factor. You can be on an amazing reaction bite one day but the next you'll need a spinning rod in your hand if cold weather comes in. Planning for the best while preparing to adapt, is the name of the game in the early season. With mixed weather in the forecast, Matt and CC had everything from heavy punching, to light plastic worms, to swimbaits, and frogs, all ready to go when conditions dictated. 

If you're tired of the cold, a quick trips South might be just what you need. But take heart, the prespawn will be here before you know it, no matter where you live. If you're interested in what we were using today we've linked all the baits and equipment in the description below. We've included the exact colors, weights, hook sizes, etc. All of the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 

Plastic Worm... 

Worm- Netbait Big Bopper Paddle Tail: http://bit.ly/3qOxeU7

Color: Okeechobee Craw

Weight- Swagger Tungsten 3/16 Flippin: http://bit.ly/2NjDYtV

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

Creature Bait... 

Creature- Netbait 4" Paca Slim: http://bit.ly/2M5cuGF

Color: Green Pumpkin

Weight- Swagger Tungsten Vader 3/16 Flippin: http://bit.ly/2NjDYtV 

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

Swimbait... 

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

Colors: Black Blue Green Pumpkin, Gold Rush

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

Frog... 

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

Color: Green Leopard

Texas-rig Combo... 

Rod- St. Croix Legend X 7'1" Medium Heavy: http://bit.ly/2r3Wskp

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

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

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

Frog Combo... 

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

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

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

Swimbait 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

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

Fall Frog Fishing: Small Frogs Get More Bites

Frog fishing is a fun way to catch bass before Winter. As the water cools, bass ambush small minnows in the shallows around the last remnants of grass. The Frog is a great baitfish imitator and one of the last topwater bites of the year. If you don't have snow on the ground, give the frog one last shot to wrap up the topwater season before Winter sets in.

This time of year, smaller frogs can be the difference between a tough bite and a day to remember. Smaller frogs perfectly mimic the small baitfish in the shallows. They elicit strikes when few baits will and typically have an excellent hookup ratio. Focus on ghost and glitter colors in cleaner water and bolder colors in murky water. 

Of course, you'll have to adapt your equipment to throw these smaller offerings. You'll still need a stout rod to set the double frog hook but it doesn't need to be nearly as strong as the rod you'd use for their larger cousins. Below you'll find links to the gear Tim was using today along with a list of our favorite small frogs for different situations. We've also included our favorite frog combo, small frog rod, and budget option. The links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 

Today's Bait... 

-Jackall Kaera (Glitter Bluegill): http://bit.ly/2Fz6SA3

Small Frogs... 

-Best All Around: Jackall Kaera: http://bit.ly/2Fz6SA3

Favorite Colors: Glitter Hasu, Glitter Bluegill

-Best Walking: Spro Bronzeye Frog Jr: http://bit.ly/2XkbgxR

Favorite Colors: Killer Gill, Nasty Shad

-Best In Slop: R2S Bully Wa 55: http://bit.ly/2axyR2a

Favorite Colors: Bluegill, Little Allen

-Best Popping Frog: Spro Poppin Frog 60: http://bit.ly/2HsyqIJ

Favorite Colors: Speck, Killer Gill

Favorite Frog Combo... 

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

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

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

Tim's Combo Today... 

Rod- Dobyns Xtasy 7'5" Heavy: http://bit.ly/36fIHCg

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

Line- Power Pro 40 lb Braid: http://bit.ly/2aFg46b

Small Frog Combo... 

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

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

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

Budget Small Frog Combo... 

Rod- Shimano Intenza 7'4" Heavy: http://bit.ly/2QADLTq

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

Line- Power Pro 40 lb Braid: http://bit.ly/2aFg46b

NEW Tactical Bassin Apparel... 

TacticalBassin Hat: https://bit.ly/31EYB8W

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

Topwater Fishing Clearlake Before The Big Move! (Special Guest!)

Matt is headed to Tennessee but not before one last slugfest on Clearlake! Today he hops on the boat with Ross England to stick some fish before the big move! Come along as the guys chase a topwater frog bite in the morning then follow it up with jigs, creatures, and underspins! 

Its going to be a few months before Matt and Tim return to California so Matt couldn't miss the chance to catch a few more fish with Ross before leaving town. The bite was strong despite a ton of tournament boats on the water, and the guys wasted no time putting together a solid Summer pattern. The key this morning was fishing outside corners of cover with a frog. The fish weren't in the pockets, they were right out on the points hunting small baitfish as they passed by. 

Once the sun got overhead the bite shut down but Ross was quick to adapt to an underspin to fire the bite back up. Matt utilized a creature bait to cover water as the temperatures climbed and between them, the guys continued catching fish until midday. 

Below you'll find 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. Additionally, we've included a link to Ross' Guide Service if you're interested in spending a day fishing Clearlake while Matt and Tim are out of the area. 

-Ross England Clearlake Guide Service: http://bit.ly/2mb7DIP

Today's Baits... 

Frog- River2Sea Bully Wa 2: http://bit.ly/2axyR2a

Favorite Colors: Little Allen, Ghost, TW Bluegill

Underspin- CoolBaits Down Under Underspin (3/16 oz): http://bit.ly/2boS7QA

Swimbait Trailer- Keitech 3.3" Fat Swing Impact: http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

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

Jig- Dirty Jigs Compact Pitchin' Jig 1/2 oz (Go To): http://bit.ly/2hAIyCV

Trailer- Missile Baits D Bomb (Green Pumpkin Watermelon): http://bit.ly/2d2dVlt

Wobble Head- Dirty Jigs 1/2 oz Pivot Point 4/0 Hook: http://bit.ly/2jOY1Ns

Creature Bait- Zoom Z-Craw (Standard): http://bit.ly/2vW7Jo5

Favorite Colors: California 420, Junebug, Huckleberry

Matt's Frog Combo... 

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

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

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

Wobble Head Combo... 

Rod- Dobyns Xtasy 7'5" Heavy (755): http://bit.ly/36fIHCg

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

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

Leader- Sunline FC100 20 lb Fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2O4UElB

Budget Frog Combo... 

Rod- Dobyns Fury 7'3" Mag Heavy (736): http://bit.ly/2bGvlVV

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

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

Budget Wobble Head Combo... 

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

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

Line- Sunline Assassin 17 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

Buzzbaits and Frogs! Summer Bass Fishing On Clearlake!

After months on the road we're finally back on Clearlake! Come along as we explore the lake, build patterns, and catch fish! Matt utilizes a buzzbait, frog, and toad to catch a fish in the grass on a hot Summer day. Many anglers avoid fishing in the heat but if you know where to look there are big fish to be caught!

Catching fish consistently in Summer requires an understanding of how and why they position. Shallow water bass love to be close to cover. A consistent food source is also key. In most lakes, if you can find baitfish and grass in the same area, you're around bass. This morning Matt hit the water at first light. He already knew where to find grass but the baitfish remained a mystery. By getting out early he was able to quickly locate active birds searching for a meal. 

It took time to get the first bite but the bird activity confirmed the presence of baitfish and ultimately the presence of bass. Whenever you're on the water pay close attention to nature, it's clues can really shorten your search time. Once Matt located fish he used a combination of baits to get consistent bites from bass that were positioned to ambush prey as it passed by the grass beds. 

Below is a breakdown of the baits and equipment Matt used to catch his fish. We've included color recommendations for the various baits, the exact combos Matt was fishing with, and even a budget-minded alternative. The links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

The Baits... 

-Skirtless Buzzbait- Dirty Jigs Canterbury Pro Buzz 1/2 oz (Blue Glimmer): http://bit.ly/2cWI6if

Trailer- River2Sea D Walker Swimbait 120 (PB Red): http://bit.ly/2NwqBmz

-4 Blade Buzzbait- D&M Easy Roller Buzz (Night Stalker): https://bit.ly/2SCqcmj

-Frog- River2Sea Bully Wa 2: http://bit.ly/2axyR2a

Colors: Dirty White, Ghost, Little Allen, TW Gill

-Big Bite Baits Tour Toad: http://bit.ly/2NtAghc

Colors: Hematoma, Pearl Shine

Hook- Owner 6/0 Twist Lock Open Gap: http://bit.ly/2cYZ3rM

Matt's Buzzbait Combo... 

Rod- Dobyns Xtasy 7'5" 5 Power (Heavy): http://bit.ly/36fIHCg

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

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

Matt's Frog Combo...

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

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

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

Budget Buzzbait Combo... 

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

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

Line- Power Pro 50 lb Braided Line: http://bit.ly/2aFg46b

Budget Frog Combo... 

Rod- Dobyns Fury 736 (7'3" Mag Heavy): http://bit.ly/2bGvlVV

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

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

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