Crystal Clear Water - Bass Fishing Paradise!

These fish had never even seen a lure! Come along as we fish some of the most beautiful, crystal clear water we've ever seen! We're on an untouched section of Lake Michigan in search of Smallmouth bass! Before we set out, realize that exploring areas like this comes with huge risks! If something goes wrong, there is no one coming to help. Its important that you have tools, food, and shelter, if you want to explore the far reaches of the Great Lakes!

Fishing crystal clear water is incredibly exciting! You can see the fish coming, and you can see them running from you. Light line, small hooks, and natural baits are a must! An adventure of this caliber takes a ton of planning and its not uncommon to fail entirely. But on this day, we landed on the fish and they were biting! It really seemed like some of these bass had never seen a lure!

Below you'll find links to the exact baits we threw throughout the day, including the exact sizes and colors. When you pair light tackle against big fish, quality drags and light line are key so you'll notice we are using very high-end equipment on this trip. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

COOP'S KEITECH... 

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

Color: Electric Blue and Chartreuse

Head- Megabass Okashira Screw Head (1/8 oz): http://bit.ly/2EpluSA

MATT'S HAIR JIG... 

-Outkast Tackle Feider Fly (3/32 oz): http://bit.ly/2G7TBwj

Color: Black

DARK SLEEPER SWIMBAITS... 

-Megabass 3" Dark Sleeper (1/2 oz, 3/4 oz): http://bit.ly/2TyR1GT

Colors: Wakasagi, Haze

MATT'S HAIR JIG COMBO... 

Rod- Megabass P5 Baby Plugging: https://bit.ly/2B7NyFj

Reel- Shimano Vanford 2000: https://bit.ly/2gu84t7

Line- Sunline Super FC 5 lb: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

MATT'S DARK SLEEPER COMBO... 

Rod- Shimano Zodias 7'2" Medium Light: https://bit.ly/2cgmMAe

Reel- Shimano Aldebaran MGL 50 (HG): http://bit.ly/2fdX1Uy

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

COOP'S KEITECH COMBO...

Rod- G Loomis NRX+ 842S SJR: https://bit.ly/2RB0oJP

Reel- Shimano Stella 2500: https://bit.ly/38LaK2u

Line- Sunline Super FC 5 lb: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju 

AFFORDABLE FINESSE COMBO... 

Rod- Shimano Intenza 7'6" Light: http://bit.ly/2s7kaQn

Reel- Shimano Ultegra 3000: https://bit.ly/2nfApml

Line- Sunline Super FC 7 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

Finesse Swimbaits For BIG Smallmouth! (Fishing With Matt's Dad)

Come along as we explore a new clear water lake in Michigan! Its full of prespawn Smallmouth and Northern Largemouth. They're feeding in schools along the edges of shallow flats and we're casting a variety of finesse swimbaits and hair jigs to catch them. If you've wondered what fishing is like in the North, its on fire!

Its been a while since we've had Matt's dad on the boat. In true form, he set the pace with a bunch of quality fish, leaving Matt and CC with a lot of ground to make up. Each member of the team settled on a different swimbait and all produced quality fish throughout the day. At the end Matt picked up a black hair jig and stuck some nice bonus fish as well. 

Smallmouth pull incredibly hard for their size. If you've never targeted them on finesse tackle, you need to give it a try! Below you'll find links to the exact baits we were using as well as the gear we trusted to get these fish in the boat. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 

Matt's Dad's Swimbait... 

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

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

Colors: Electric Shad, Electric Bluegill

CC's Swimbait... 

Bait- Megabass Dark Sleeper 3" (1/2 oz): http://bit.ly/2TyR1GT

Color: Wakasagi

Matt's Swimbait... 

Head- Tactical Finesse Head 3/8 oz: http://bit.ly/2Pqrq3n

Bait- Keitech 3.8" Fat Swing Impact: http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

Color: Smallmouth Magic

Matt's Hair Jig... 

Bait- Andy's Maribou Pro Series Fly (1/8 oz): https://bit.ly/3uYqDsw

Color: Black

Matt's Casting Swimbait Combo... 

Rod- Megabass P5 "Dark Sleeper": https://bit.ly/30GcHqb

Reel- Shimano Aldebaran MGL 50 (HG): http://bit.ly/2uQ4oH8

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

Matt's Dad's Spinning Combo... 

Rod- G Loomis NRX+ 852S JWR (Pre-Order): https://bit.ly/3y0Ss5m

Reel- Shimano Exsence 3000: https://bit.ly/3hNG96T

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

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

Matt's Hair Jig Combo... 

Rod- Megabass P5 "Baby Plugging": https://bit.ly/31Pt839

Reel- Shimano Vanford 1000: https://bit.ly/2PDlKlB

Line- Sunline Super FC 5 lb Fluorocarbon: 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 To Catch BIG Smallmouth Bass!

Which baits catch the BIGGEST fish? That's what we all really want to know! When it comes to smallmouth (as well as spotted bass and largemouth) there are a handful of baits that really stand out from the rest. We've narrowed it down through countless hours on the water to a few key baits that can be fished in unique ways when you really want to catch a big one. 

During the prespawn you want to cover water quickly. Smallmouth school together, leaving huge parts of the lake virtually barren. The baits we use not only catch big bass, they help you find them quickly. After that the baits begin to fit niches. Swimbaits cover a ton of water, jerkbaits draw a core feed response, and the tube can elicit a strike from the wariest clear water bass. 

Below you'll find links to all the baits, rods, and equipment Matt discussed in the video. We've included his favorite colors, hooks, etc... to really help you dial in your gear. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 

A-Rig... 

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

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

Tube Baits... 

-Netbait STH Tube: https://bit.ly/3aU0oeU

Colors- Dark Melon Gold Purple, Juvenile Goby, Ten Point

-Big Bite Tour Tube: http://bit.ly/32e23VR

Colors- Green Pumpkin Blue, Green Pumpkin Purple Copper

-Savage Gear 3D Goby Tube: https://bit.ly/33QGXzy

Colors- Brown Purple Copper, Goby, Light Pumpkin

Tube Heads... 

-Blade Runner Inhaler Jighead: https://bit.ly/2NX7nYr

2.5" Tube- 1/8 oz with 1/0

Standard Tubes- 1/8 - 1/4  oz with 2/0

Hair Jigs... 

-Andy's Custom Maribou: https://bit.ly/3uYqDsw

-Outkast Feider Fly: http://bit.ly/2G7TBwj

Sizes: 3/32 - 1/8 oz

Color: Black

Swimbaits... 

Bait- Megabass Dark Sleeper: http://bit.ly/2TyR1GT

Colors- Wakasagi, Donko, Haze

Sizes- 3" 1/2 oz and 3" 3/4 oz

Bait- Keitech Fat Swing Impact (3.8"): http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

Colors- Smallmouth Magic, Green Pumpkin Fire, Electric Bluegill

Head- Tactical Finesse (3/8 oz): http://bit.ly/2Pqrq3n

Bait- Keitech 4" Easy Shiner: http://bit.ly/2bxJK6H

Colors- Crystal Shad, Dark Sculpin, Electric Bluegill

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

Jerkbaits... 

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

Colors- Matte Skeleton Shad, Matte Pro Blue, Matte Shad

-Megabass Vision 110 Jr: http://bit.ly/2OeAFBf

Colors- GP Pro Blue 2, Elegy Bone, Ito Clear Laker

Matt's Hair Jig Combo... 

Rod- Megabass P5 Spinning (Baby Plugging): https://bit.ly/31Pt839

Reel- Shimano Vanford 1000: https://bit.ly/2PDlKlB

Alternate Reel- Shimano Twin Power FD 1000: https://bit.ly/3df3hX5

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

Tube Jig Combo... 

Rod- G Loomis NRX+ 872S JWR (Pre-Order Available): https://bit.ly/3y0Ss5m

Reel- Shimano Twin Power 2500 FD: https://bit.ly/3df3hX5

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

Leader- Sunline Fluorocarbon 7 lb: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

Keitech/Dark Sleeper Rods... 

High End- Megabass P5 Dark Sleeper: https://bit.ly/30GcHqb

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

Budget- Shimano SLX 6'10" Medium: http://bit.ly/2L3wppO

Keitech/Dark Sleeper Reels... 

High End- Shimano Aldebaran MGL (HG): http://bit.ly/2uQ4oH8

Mid Range- Shimano Curado 70 MGL (HG): https://bit.ly/3jdrMqa

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

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

How To Catch Bigger Smallmouth (And Largemouth) - Everything You Need To Know - Finesse Bass Fishing

Smallmouth are amazing! They're aggressive, even in cold water. They're willing to migrate huge distances for food. When you set the hook they give you a ride that is unrivaled by the other bass. There is little wonder why so many anglers love Smallmouth bass fishing. Targeting these predators requires a finesse touch and some unique gear that is often overlooked for the other bass species.  

While you can catch a smallmouth on virtually anything, the fish tend to favor clearer water and a true finesse touch will increase your odds dramatically. In today's video Tim dives into his favorite finesse tactics and equipment for consistently targeting these bronze backs. 

Below is a breakdown of the gear he discussed in order of appearance. The links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 

Finesse Keitech Swimbaits... 

-Keitech Fat Swing Impact 4.3 and 3.8: http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

Colors: Chartreuse Blue, Crystal Shad, Goby, Smallmouth Magic

-Tactical Finesse Swimbait Head 3/8 oz: http://bit.ly/2Pqrq3n

-2.8 keitech Fat Swing Impact: http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

Colors: Electric Shad, Pro Blue Red Pearl, Tennessee Shad

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

Finesse Swimbaits…

-Megabass 3" Spark Shad: http://bit.ly/2XcLZk4

Colors: Purple Haze, Real, Silver Shad

-Megabass 1/16 oz Okashira Head: http://bit.ly/2EpluSA

-Megabass Dark Sleeper 2.4" and 3": http://bit.ly/2TyR1GT

Colors: Donko, Haze, Hanahaze Wakasagi

Spy Baits... 

-Duo Realis Spin Bait 80: http://bit.ly/2oeVG1m

Colors: Ghost SX Shad, BK Ayu, Ghost Minnow

-Duo Realis Spin Bait 90: http://bit.ly/2nhw56N

Colors: Ghost Minnow, Purple Reign AM, Shiner AM

Hair Jigs... 

-Outkast Tackle Feider Fly 3/32 (Black): http://bit.ly/2G7TBwj

Dropshot Worms...

-Big Bite Baits Smallie Smasher: http://bit.ly/2ZpCOCY

Colors: Chick Magnet, Green Pump Purp, Smoke Purp Flake

-Strike King Half Shell: http://bit.ly/2iR9awm

Colors: Morning Dawn, Magic, TW Green Pumpkin

Dropshot Rigging... 

Light Wire Hook- Owner Mosquito Light (Size 1, 2): http://bit.ly/2zQVKx3

Medium Wire Hook- Trokar Dropshot (Size 1, 2): http://bit.ly/2ahxJOr

Tungsten Tie-On Weight- Swagger Tear Drop (3/16): http://bit.ly/37AVcrx

Tungsten Dropshot Weight- Swagger Tear Drop (3/16): http://bit.ly/2V2B63h

Tubes... 

-Dry Creek Tournament Tube 3.5": http://bit.ly/2cJwI6r

Colors: Old Ugly, Mocha Copper Pepper, Crazy Eddie

-Big Bite Tour Tube 3.5": http://bit.ly/32e23VR

Colors: Tilapia, Green Pumpkin Purple Copper Flk

Tube Heads... 

-Bite me 60 degree Flat Eye Head (3/16): http://bit.ly/2diyVXK

-Provider Tackle 90 degree (3/16): http://bit.ly/2OAvYRv

Z Man Ned Rig Baits... 

-Z Man Finesse TRD: http://bit.ly/2hs4RtR

Colors: Green Pumpkin Goby, Canada Craw, Mud Bug

-Z Man TRD BugZ: http://bit.ly/2oiavEE

Colors: Green Pumpkin, Mud Bug, Hot Snakes

-Z Man TRD TicklerZ: http://bit.ly/2mGyDAC

Colors: Green Pumpkin Goby, Canada Craw, Mud Bug

Other Ned Rig Worms... 

-Xzone Ned Zone stick Bait 3": http://bit.ly/2mRiYhF

Colors: 309, Green Pump Purple, Minnow Magic

-Roboworm Ned Worm 3": http://bit.ly/2j9F0Xy

Colors: Desert Craw, TW Black Blue Pumpkin

-Missile Baits Ned Bomb: http://bit.ly/2XCOGwd

Colors: Super Bug, Bluetonium Green Pumpkin Core

Ned Heads... 

Tungsten- Swagger Flanders Head 1/6 oz: http://bit.ly/2KcIB6M

Lead- Z Man Ned LockZ HD Head: http://bit.ly/2kIgRYK

Stick Baits... 

-5" Yamamoto Senko: http://bit.ly/2axAmNS

Colors: Baby Bass, Crushed Goby, Electric Worm

-5" Yum Dinger: http://bit.ly/2J8nMrF

Colors: Elders Magic, Green Pumpkin, Ozark Smoke

Stick Bait Rigging... 

-G7 O-Rings 7MM: http://bit.ly/2PWEkUs

-G7 O Ring Tool: http://bit.ly/2PRMNrG

-Owner Jungle Wacky Weedless Hook: https://bit.ly/2VKZl9U

-Gamakatsu Finesse Wide Gap Hook: http://bit.ly/2aKGmHM

Tim's Favorite Keitech Combo... 

Rod- G Loomis GLX 853C JWR: http://bit.ly/2gqziwT

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

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

Tim's Favorite Ultra-Finesse Combo... 

Rod- Shimano Conquest 902S SJR: http://bit.ly/2BiGUNi

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

Line- Sunline SX1 Braid 10 lb: http://bit.ly/2tn8EzQ

Leader- Sunline Sniper 6 lb Fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

Tim's Feider Combo... 

Rod- Daiwa Tatula Elite AGS 7'6" ML: http://bit.ly/2QHupT9

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

Line- Sunline 6 lb Sniper Fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju