4 Finesse Baits That Always Catch Bass (Beginner To Advanced)

Struggling to catch bass during the Fall Transition? You're not alone! While some anglers have located aggressive schools and are catching fish on topwater and reaction baits many others continue to struggle. When the bite is tough, these 4 rigs are what Tim relies on to consistently put fish in the boat. 

We all dream about aggressive schools and big bass but all too often we're met with wind, rain, and tough fishing conditions. We always start with reaction baits in search of aggressive fish but if its not happening, its time to slow down and finesse. The rigs we rely on are a dropshot (both texas rigged and nose hooked), a shaky head, and a senko. Each rig has a purpose and when you learn how to switch between them, the combination can be deadly. 

Below is a breakdown of the baits and equipment discussed in the video. The links go directly to TackleWarehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. We've included our favorite colors for each bait as well as our favorite combos to fish them effectively. 

Weedless Dropshot… 

Bait- Roboworm 6” Straight Tail Worm (MMIII): http://bit.ly/2asZyH3

Hook- Owner Cover Shot 2/0: http://bit.ly/2ISr7bR

Weight- Swagger Tungsten Cylinder 1/4 oz: http://bit.ly/2UY7cgx

Nose Hook Dropshot… 

Bait #1- Keitech Easy Shiner 3” or 4” (Electric Shad): http://bit.ly/2bxJK6H

Bait #2- Damiki Armor Shad 3” (American Shad): http://bit.ly/2KtPDAT

Hook- Owner Mosquito 1/0: http://bit.ly/2fqYFCR

Weight- Swagger Tungsten Cylinder 1/4 oz: http://bit.ly/2UY7cgx

Senko… 

Bait- Gamakatsu 5” Senko (Natural Shad or 956): http://bit.ly/2axAmNS

Colors- Natural Shad, Watermelon Copper Org Red Lam (956)

Hook- Owner Worm Hook 5/0: http://bit.ly/2D9Pmj0

Shaky Head… 

Bait- Netbait T-Mac 6.5”: http://bit.ly/2jndwj9

Colors- Sun Perch, JuneBug

Hook- Dirty Jigs Canterbury Shaky Head 1/4 oz: http://bit.ly/2aFOs0V

Nose Hook Dropshot Combo… 

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

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

Line- Power Pro 15 lb Braid: http://bit.ly/2aFg46b

Leader- Sunline Sniper 8 lb Fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

Weedless Dropshot Combo…

Rod- Shimano Expride 7’ Light+: http://bit.ly/2osaj3q

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

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

Leader- Sunline Sniper 10 lb Fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

Shaky Head Rod… 

Rod- Expride 6’10” Medium: http://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

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

Line- Power Pro Maxcuatro 20 lb: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

Leader- Sunline Sniper 12 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

Where Do Bass Go During The Fall Transition? (And How To Catch Them!)

Cooler nights are coming and if your fish haven't vanished already, they're going to! The Fall transition happens overnight and if you're not prepared you'll be left scratching your head. There are two distinct groups of fish during this transition, some that go shallow and others that go deep. Today we're going to take a look at where these fish are headed and how you can get ahead of them.

The fish that move shallow are there to eat baitfish. Its critical that you cover water quickly because the fish are congregating in schools. Vast areas will be devoid of life while small pockets and cuts will be packed with dozens, even hundreds of bass that are ambushing bait. If you're not covering water quickly you may never find the mega-school you're searching for. 

The fish that move deeper are focused on structure. Many of these fish are still going to be feeding on baitfish but they will use main lake structure for their hunting grounds. Focus on offshore rock piles, humps, channel bends, and main lake points. If baitfish are present you'll target these fish with reaction baits, if baitfish are not present the jig is your best bet. 

Wether you go shallow or deep, Fall is an amazing time to be on the water! Bass are congregated into schools and the bite can be incredible. Below are links to the different baits we use for both shallow and deep schooling fish. The links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 

Shallow Water Baits... 

Silent Squarebill- Lucky Craft BDS-3 (BP Golden Shiner): http://bit.ly/2blTVwI

Rattling Squarebill- River2Sea Biggie Poppa (Abalone Shad): http://bit.ly/2ahCzvo

Frog- River2Sea Bully Wa 2 65 (Little Allen): http://bit.ly/2axyR2a

Toad- Teckel Sprinker (Pearl White): http://bit.ly/2rmnqSI

Deep Water/Offshore Baits... 

Ultra Deep Crankbait- Strike King 10XD (Chartreuse/Blue or Sexy Shad): http://bit.ly/2gHT4F0

Deep Crankbait- Strike King 6XD (Chartreuse/Blue or Sexy Shad): http://bit.ly/2ery44M

Jig- Dirty Jigs Flippin' Jig 5/8 oz (Go To): http://bit.ly/2fx8YBI

Jig Trailer- Reaction Innovations Sweet Beaver (Tramp Stamp): http://bit.ly/29W3RZW

Flutter Spoon- Nichols Lake Fork 1 1/8 oz (Purple Threadfin): http://bit.ly/2ICAGKL

Tail Spin- Jackall Deracoup 3/4 oz (Clear Shad): http://bit.ly/2p8X4b0

Flutter Spoon Video: https://youtu.be/sdviwv6PTOM

All-Around Squarebill Combo... 

Rod- G Loomis IMX Pro 845 CBR: http://bit.ly/2og0BmK

Reel- Shimano Bantam MGL HG: http://bit.ly/2H44yjG

Line- Power Pro Maxcuatro 20 lb Braid: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

Leader- Maxima Ultragreen 12 lb Mono: http://bit.ly/2ae97J9

All-Around Deep Crank Combo... 

Rod- G Loomis IMX Pro 968 CBR: http://bit.ly/2og0BmK

Reel- Shimano Tranx 200: http://bit.ly/2Tv0yCy

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

Budget Crankbait Combo... 

Rod- Shimano Intenza 7'6" Glass: http://bit.ly/2QADLTq

Reel- Daiwa CG80: http://bit.ly/2NxaGbe

Line- Sunline Assassin 15 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

3 Crankbait Tricks Every Bass Fisherman Needs To Know Before Fall

Fall crankbait fishing is so much fun! You can catch so many fish and it takes very little effort. Whether you fish once in a while or every day, these quick tips will help you catch way more fish this Fall!

In today's video Matt shows the baits he has the most confidence in between the Summer and Fall. He explains how the different actions trigger fish differently and when to use each style. He goes on to cover specific colors, hook modifications, likely locations, and finally ends with gear recommendations.

If you've ever thrown a deep diving crankbait you know just how much fun it can be! You also know the heartbreak that comes with losing a giant bass as it spits out your crank. Apply Matt's tips this Fall to successfully land more of the big bass that eat your bait.

Below is a breakdown of the baits, colors, and equipment that the guys use for this style of fishing.

Baits...

-Strike King 10XD: http://bit.ly/2gHT4F0

(Chartreuse Sexy Shad, Sexy Shad, Delta Red)

-Strike King 6XD: http://bit.ly/2ery44M

(Delta Red, Chartreuse Sexy Shad, Sexy Shad)

-Azuma Z Boss 22 and 24: http://bit.ly/2poLKUC

(Grand Shad, Blazing Boss)

-6th Sense Cloud 9 C20 and C25: http://bit.ly/2BQ4uDs

(Shad Fantasy, Wild Shad)

-Berkley Dredger 25.5: http://bit.ly/2I8xOcA

(Boiled Craw, Rusty Shad, Irish Gold)

-Norman DD22: http://bit.ly/2LKB37w

(Chili Bowl, Psycho Shad, Chartreuse Shad)

-Megabass Deep Six: http://bit.ly/2A3clKP

(Fire Craw, Shadow Craw, MB Gizzard, Ito Wakasagi)

Hook and Split Ring Upgrades...

-Gamakatsu EWG Treble Bronze: http://bit.ly/2cZrsbY

-Gamakatsu EWG Treble Red: http://bit.ly/2dmxXK8

-Owner ST-56 3X Treble: http://bit.ly/2cVg7xW

-Owner ST-36 Treble Red: http://bit.ly/2cWpeyw

-Owner Hyperwire Split Rings (Size 3-5): http://bit.ly/2v8ArBX

Storage...

-Plano Waterproof Deep 3700: http://bit.ly/2xjccls

Preferred Rod Combo...

Rod- G Loomis 906 Crankbait: http://bit.ly/2og0BmK

Reel- Shimano Bantam MGL HG: http://bit.ly/2H44yjG

Line- Power Pro Maxcuatro 20 lb: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

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

Additional Rods...

-Dobyns Champion 805 CB: http://bit.ly/29OVD4V

-Shimano Curado 7'8" MH: http://bit.ly/2zCjAtd

-Shimano Zodias 7'6" MH Glass: http://bit.ly/2cgmMAe

Additional Reels...

Mid-Range- Curado DC 150 HG: http://bit.ly/2yHtsp4

Budget- SLX DC 150 HG: http://bit.ly/2LWzw2Q

Additional Line...

High End- Sunline Xplasma Asegai 30 lb: http://bit.ly/2OR5i2j

Mid Range- Power Pro Maxcuatro 20-30 lb: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

Budget- Power Pro Braided Line 20 lb: http://bit.ly/2aFg46b

Fall Topwater For Bass | Everything You Need To Know + Underwater Footage!

Its topwater time!! Who's ready?! Popper, buzzbait, whopper plopper, walking baits, wakebaits... Fall is awesome! If you're as pumped up as we are its time to get serious about topwater fishing! Fall bass fishing is just around the corner, the baitfish will be schooling in the shallows, and its time to get your equipment dialed in. From insane underwater footage, to favorite baits, to rigging tricks, we're about to talk all things TOPWATER...

As Fall approaches the topwater bite will get better and better. Best of all, BIG bass are heading into the shallows again. If you're tired of the Summer doldrums and want to catch bigger bass this Fall, topwater is going to help you do it. Understanding when to throw topwater, how to select the right gear, and knowing which lures offer you the best chance at success, is what this video is all about.

Matt and Tim use a variety of lures to accomplish their goals. One day you might see them throwing a giant wakebait, the next morning it could be a little popper. How do they make those decisions and how can you do the same? It all comes down to understanding what the bass are eating. Matching the SIZE of the baitfish is critical to success throughout the coming months. In this video covers a ton of different lures in a variety of sizes to help you prepare for every situation. We don't expect you to remember it all so below is a breakdown of the exact lures and gear Matt discussed (in order of appearance).

Buzzbaits...

-D&M Slow Roller Buzz: http://bit.ly/2t7BMKt

-Dirty Jigs Skirtless Pro Buzz: http://bit.ly/2cWI6if

-Trailer Hook- Gamakatsu 3/0: http://bit.ly/2IGCfg1

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

Buzz Color Recommendations: White, Shad, Silver, Black/Red

Trailer Color Recommendations: PB Red, Shamrock Shad

Wakebait...

-Evergreen Noisy Dachs ND180: http://bit.ly/2JbrbaM

Color Recommendations: Black Bone, Oikawa

Ploppers...

-Whopper Plopper 130: http://bit.ly/2a7ipHL

-Whopper Plopper 110: http://bit.ly/2bsPbQV

-Whopper Plopper 75: http://bit.ly/2bsPbQV

Color Recommendations: I Know It, T-1000, Monkey Butt, Bone

Poppers...

-Megabass Pop Max: http://bit.ly/2qqfmm1

-Jackall Binksy: http://bit.ly/346G9Wk

-Damiki D Pop 70: http://bit.ly/2Pjvqo3

-Yellow Magic 1/4 oz: http://bit.ly/2al0dKP

Megabass color Recommendations: Ito Wakasagi, Megabass Sexy Shad

Jackall color Recommendations: Ghost Minnow, Ghost Oikawa

Damiki Color Recommendations: Black Hollow, Spayu

Yellow Magic Color Recommendations: Alewife, Smoke Shad, White Shad

Walking Baits...

-Evergreen Shower Blows 150: http://bit.ly/2zIkqUH

-Strike King Mega Dawg: http://bit.ly/2NNGQvs

-Evergreen Shower Blows 125: http://bit.ly/2zIkqUH

-Reaction Innovations Vixen: http://bit.ly/2rp11nr

-River2Sea Rover 128: http://bit.ly/2acSVea

-Heddon Chug N Spook: http://bit.ly/2Pk0TpZ

Evergreen Color Recommendations: Half Mirror Wakasagi, American Shad, Bone

Strike King Color Recommendations: Chrome Sexy Shad, Sexy Blueback Herring

Reaction Innovations Recommendations: Bone, Silver Shiner

River2Sea Color Recommendations: Sooner, Ghost Minnow, You Know It

Heddon Color Recommendations: G Finish Shad, Okie Shad, Bone Silver

Red Hook Upgrades...

Split Ring- Owner Hyperwire Size 3 or 4: http://bit.ly/2v8ArBX

Red Hook- Owner ST-36 Red Size: http://bit.ly/2wSknXp

Matt's Repurposed Jerkbait Combo...

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

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

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

Leader- 12 lb Maxima Ultragreen: http://bit.ly/2ae97J9

All--Around Topwater Combo...

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

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

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

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

Deep Crank Rods That Work Well...

Dobyns Champion 804CB or 805CB: http://bit.ly/29OVD4V

Shimano Zodias 7'6" Glass: http://bit.ly/2cgmMAe