MUDDY vs CLEAR - Tips For Catching Bass Right Now!

Come along for a day of fishing on a brand new lake where Matt is faced with muddy water at one of the lake, and crystal clear water at the other! Muddy cold water is every angler's nemesis, and clear cold water isn't much better! Many anglers shy away from Winter fishing because they can't figure it out but today Matt is giving away the keys to having confidence and catching fish in these challenging conditions. 

While the conditions aren't the best for exploring a new lake (notice Matt's icy beard during the intro) Matt makes the best of it and even catches a few fish along the way. Pay close attention to his clear water tips about using light weights for a slow fall and the pendulum technique for fishing varying depths with ease. Then pay even more attention to his details about muddy water fishing. From key water temperatures, to cover, to his favorite lure colors, Matt pours out the information throughout the video. 

Below you'll find links to the baits Matt used in clear water, followed by the baits he had rigged up for muddy water. He's included his favorite colors and sizes for each, as well as some of the gear he trusted to catch his fish. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

TODAY'S CLEAR WATER BAITS

FINESSE KEITECH...

Bait- Keitech 2.8" Fat Swing Impact: http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

Color: Pro Blue Red Pearl

Head- Dirty Jigs 1/0 Guppy Head (1/8 oz): http://bit.ly/2nyUJRS

ALABAMA RIG... 

Bladed Rig- Hog Farmer Tactical Flex Rig (Bladed): https://bit.ly/38xd1es

Non Bladed Rig- Hog Farmer Tactical Flex Rig: https://bit.ly/3vhpSez

ALABAMA RIG COMPONENTS...

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

Dummy Baits- Netbait Little Spanky: http://bit.ly/2d0dpU8

Colors: Albino

Main Baits- 13 Fishing Churro 4.25: https://bit.ly/2LLeRA6

Colors: Moonlight Clan

GLIDE BAIT... 

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

Color: Light Trout

TUBE... 

Bait- STH 4" Finesse Tube: https://bit.ly/3aU0oeU

Color: Brown Pumpkin Copper

JERKBAIT... 

-Megabass Vision 110 Jr. +1: https://bit.ly/2LnK389

Color: HT Ito Tennessee Shad

TODAY'S MUDDY WATER BAITS

CHATTERBAIT...

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

Colors: Clear Water Shad, Fire Craw

Trailer #1- Hog Farmer Spunk Shad (4.5): http://bit.ly/2UFkCD7

Color: Blue Gizzard

Trailer #2- Big Bite Kamikaze (4.25): https://bit.ly/2NkSdPV

Color: Flame Thrower

SPINNERBAIT... 

Bait- Nichols MotherLode 1/2 oz: http://bit.ly/2ynNe6n

Color: JT's Chartreuse Shad

Trailer- Keitech 4.3" Fat Swing Impact: http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

Color: Ghost Rainbow

SQUAREBILL... 

-R2S Biggie Poppa: http://bit.ly/2ahCzvo

Color: Delta Craw

FLAT SIDE... 

-Rapala Ott's Garage Slim: https://bit.ly/3pV1CLN

Color: Hot Copper Green Shad

MATT'S A-RIG COMBO... 

Rod- Shimano Expride 7'7" heavy: https://bit.ly/32IrXqE

Reel- Shimano Metanium MGL (HG): http://bit.ly/2ezIBfB

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

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

MATT'S SQUAREBILL COMBO... 

Rod- Megabass Orochi XX Flat Side Special: http://bit.ly/2OSVNwH

Reel- 13 Fishing Concept C2: https://bit.ly/2NlzZhg

Line- Sufix 832 20 lb Braid: http://bit.ly/2ae93Ji

Leader- Sufix Advance 12 lb: https://bit.ly/3GJEUix

MATT'S 2.8 KEITECH COMBO... 

Rod- Shimano Expride 6'10" Medium Light: https://bit.ly/3AFcaFF

Reel- Shimano Vanford 2500: https://bit.ly/2gu84t7

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

Leader- Sunline Super FC 6 lb: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

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

Top 5 Baits For Early Spring Bass Fishing!

Spring transition is coming and big fish are on the move! If you want to be successful you need to be covering water and targeting active fish. The time for slow moving finesse baits is coming to an end so be ready to transition back to power fishing techniques. These are the lures we rely on to locate and catch bass this time of year, no matter what lake we're on. 

As soon as you get a few warm days in a row its a safe bet that the transition has begun. Its time to move shallow and search for the big bass you've been dreaming about all Winter. Depending on your exact conditions and what depth your fish are sitting in, one of these baits will help you put them in the boat. 

Below you'll find links to all the baits discussed in the video. We've even included some great budget gear to help you succeed. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 

RELATED VIDEO...

-Where Do Bass Go In Early spring?  https://youtu.be/KgGwOWpuFu4

ALABAMA RIGS...

Bladed Rig- Hog Farmer Tactical Flex Rig (Bladed): https://bit.ly/38xd1es

Non Bladed Rig- Hog Farmer Tactical Flex Rig: https://bit.ly/3vhpSez

ALABAMA RIG COMPONENTS...

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

Dummy Baits- Netbait Little Spanky: http://bit.ly/2d0dpU8

Colors: Albino, Smokin Magic Shad

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

Colors: Pro Blue Red Pearl, Electric Shad

GLIDE BAITS...

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

Colors: Light Trout, TW Phantom trout, Bluegill

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

Colors: Hitch, Adult Trout, Gizzard Shad

-River2Sea S-Waver 200: http://bit.ly/2aiu8Sh

Colors: Light Trout, Rainbow Trout, Warden Hitch

-Baitsanity Explorer Glide: http://bit.ly/33bQyxY

Colors: Shad, Trout, Kokanee, TW Steelhead

DEEP DIVING CRANKBAIT...

-R2S Tactical DD 75: http://bit.ly/37dclbX

Colors: Ghost Minnow, Mirrored Minnow, Blood Craw

LIPLESS CRANKBAIT...

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

Colors: American Shad, Chartreuse Shad, Ghost Minnow, Spring Craw

-Jackall TN-70: http://bit.ly/2lqAwjh

Colors: SG Threadfin, RT Escape Craw

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

Colors: Chili Craw, Delta Red, Natural Shad

SQUAREBILL CRANKBAIT... 

-13 Fishing Jabber Jaw: https://bit.ly/3z7hVdH

Colors: MudBug Punch, Day Old Guac, Lucky Charm

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

Colors: Abalone Shad, Cold Blooded, Delta Craw

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

Colors: Rayburn Red, Green Craw, Nasty Shad

CHATTERBAIT...

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

Colors: Fire Craw, Green Pumpkin Shad, Spring Craw

Trailer- Spunk Shad 4.5: http://bit.ly/2UFkCD7

Colors: Blue Gizzard, Blow Torch, Tennessee Magic

JERKBAITS... 

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

Colors: HL Hasu, HL Silver Shad, Blue Pearl Shad

-Shimano World Minnow: https://bit.ly/3Fwg9F6

Colors: Pro Blue, Ghost Ayu, Chartreuse Silver

-Lucky Craft Pointer 100: http://bit.ly/tbpointer

Colors: American Shad, Ghost Minnow

BUDGET SWIMBAIT COMBO... 

Rod- Dobyns 8' heavy 806H: http://bit.ly/2bGvlVV

Reel- Shimano Cardiff A 300: http://bit.ly/2cvhtMO

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

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

BUDGET CRANKBAIT COMBO... 

Rod- St. Croix Mojo Bass Glass 7'4" MH: https://bit.ly/2YIxLy5

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

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

BUDGET ALABAMA RIG COMBO...

Rod- Shimano SLX 7'5" Heavy: http://bit.ly/2mGp1Vc

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

Line- Sunline Super FC 20 lb: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

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 Early Spring? (Beginner To Advanced Tips)

Spring is coming and bass are beginning to move! Listen closely as Tim explains how the bass transition on different types of lakes and when you should expect it to begin on your local fishery. Let us show you what the bass will do next, so you can get ahead of them and experience awesome fishing as we transition into the prespawn.

We all understand that bass are focused on feeding before they spawn. But how do you apply that to your fishing? Where should your first stop be the next time you hit the water? Obviously its not going to be the same on a giant reservoir, a small pond, or a meandering river. In today's video Tim separates the different kinds of fisheries and explains what to expect in each one so you have the best shot at success!

Once you understand why the fish are moving and where they are heading you can predict their movements through changing conditions. Below is a breakdown of Matt and Tim's best confidence baits for Spring bass fishing including their favorite colors. We've also included links to the electronics we trust to locate our fish during the transition. 

ALABAMA RIG... 

Rig- Hog Farmer Tactical Flex Rig (Bladed): https://bit.ly/38xd1es

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

Dummy Baits- Netbait Little Spanky: http://bit.ly/2d0dpU8

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

GLIDE BAIT...

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

Colors: Light Trout, Bluegill, Warden

DEEP DIVING CRANKBAIT...

-R2S Tactical DD 75: http://bit.ly/37dclbX

Colors: Ghost Minnow, Mirrored Minnow

LIPLESS CRANKBAIT...

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

Colors: American Shad, Chartreuse Shad, Ghost Minnow

SQUAREBILL CRANKBAIT... 

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

Colors: Abalone Shad, Cold Blooded, Delta Craw

CHATTERBAIT...

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

Colors: Fire Craw, Green Pumpkin Shad, Brett's Bluegill

Trailer- Spunk Shad 4.5: http://bit.ly/2UFkCD7

Colors: Blue Gizzard, Natural Gill, Blow Torch

ELECTRONICS... 

Main Unit- Humminbird Solix 15: https://bit.ly/35HuPRY

Live Unit- Humminbird Apex 13: https://bit.ly/3pdaK1q

Live- Humminbird MEGA Live Imaging: https://bit.ly/2VXoaC7

360- Humminbird MEGA 360: https://bit.ly/3oUt7oO

Mapping- LakeMaster Plus Digital: http://bit.ly/2Dk5Erc

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

Spring Topwater Tricks To Get Topwater Strikes Right Now!

Bass eat topwater baits long before most fisherman consider using them. If you’re waiting for hot weather you’re missing one of the best topwater bites of the year! You need to start now because most of the giant bass that get caught on topwater are caught early in the season. Of course, you’ll need to adapt your technique a bit to account for the cooler conditions, but that’s what we’re here for. 

Consistent topwater action during the cool spring months requires patience. You’ll need to fish slower than you’re used to, and you’ll be targeting a smaller percentage of fish than you would be in Summer. However, that smaller segment includes a lot of the biggest bass in the lake. This bite has a lot more to do with cadence and speed of retrieve than it does water temperature. Don’t get hung up on a certain water temperature, instead, be cognizant that if you’ve been able to wear a T-shirt in the afternoon in the past week or two, the topwater bite has potential. These fish are sitting extremely shallow so they’re able to find warm water pockets, even when the main lake remains cool. 

Again, the key is speed. Focus on baits that cover a lot of water (side to side) while moving slowly toward the boat. Walking baits, poppers, and frogs, are all great options. Additionally, baits like a buzz bait (with some adaptations) and a whopper plopper are also great options. Below you’ll find links to the EXACT baits that we use from each category, including our favorite colors for each model. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 

Poppers… 

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

Colors: Matte Shad, MB Gizzard, Gill

-Lobina Rio Rico: http://bit.ly/2f7gink

Colors: Tennessee Shad, Lightning Shad

-Yellow Magic: http://bit.ly/2al0dKP

Colors: Smoke Shad, Bone

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

Colors: Phantom, Spayu

Walking Baits… 

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

Colors: Bone, Sooner

-Teckel KickKnocker: http://bit.ly/2nvxkoA

Colors: Chart Shiner, Vanilla Ice

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

Colors: American Shad, Bone, Half Mirror Wakasagi

Ploppers… 

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

Colors: Munky Butt, 

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

Colors: Munky Butt, Bone, Phantom Shad

Plopper Mods...

Swivel- Spro Power Swivel (Size 6): http://bit.ly/2ay0p7d

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

Buzzbaits… 

Double Buzz- D&M Double Hammer: http://bit.ly/29W2t9z

Colors: Black Widow, Bluegill

Single Buzz- D&M Easy Roller: https://bit.ly/2SCqcmj

Colors: Red Bug, White Shad

Frogs... 

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

Colors: Little Allen, Ghost

-Spro Bronzeye 65: http://bit.ly/2sz9Qje

Colors: Killer Gill, Nasty Shad

-Jackall Gavacho: http://bit.ly/2L7KsWS

Colors: Gold Gill, White, Chart Strike Gill

-Jackall Kaera: http://bit.ly/2Fz6SA3

Colors: White, Glitter Hasu, Glitter Bluegill

-Scum Frog Launch Frog: https://bit.ly/3rOYQIF

Colors: Bluegill, Shad, Dusk

Popper Combo... 

Rod- Shimano Expride 6'10" Medium: https://bit.ly/3aeQbYW

Reel- Shimano Curado 70 MGL K: https://bit.ly/3jdrMqa

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

Walking Bait/Whopper Plopper Combo... 

Rod- Shimano Zodias 7'2" Medium: https://bit.ly/3aeQbYW

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

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

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

Frog Combo... 

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

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

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

Budget Topwater Combo... 

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

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

Line- Power Pro Braided Line 30 lb: http://bit.ly/2aFg46b

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