How To Catch Open Water Bass! (When Others Are Giving Up)

Yes, those really are bass busting in open water! And yes, you can catch them! So many anglers pass on these fish because they don't understand what the bass are doing out there, and they have no idea how to target them. Here's what you need to know...

Catching open water bass is an art form. Once you've got it figured out, you've conquered the last frontier of bass fishing and the sky is the limit! Some of the largest, most unpressured fish in our lakes roam the open water, especially in Fall. These giants are rarely caught but its not because it can't be done, its because anglers are afraid to try. 

Below you'll find links to the exact baits and equipment we use for this fishing style. Again, the biggest tip is to use light line and smooth braid so you can cover more water effectively. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 

FINESSE SWIMBAITS... 

Bait- Storm 3" Largo Shad: https://bit.ly/3vxP0NB

Colors: Albino Shad

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

Size: 3/16 oz, 3/0 Hook

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

Color: Pro Blue Red Pearl

Head- Picasso Single Barrel: https://bit.ly/3py2s0v

Size: 1/4 oz, 2/0 Hook

SWIMBAIT... 

-Megabass 6" Magdraft: http://bit.ly/2mc8bfK

Colors: White Back Shad, MB Gizzard Shad

-Savage Gear 8" Trout RTF: https://bit.ly/33GROg1

Colors: Dirty Silver, Trout, Kokanee

WAKEBAIT... 

-River2Sea Tactical Wake 210: https://bit.ly/3aV6peA

Colors: Rainbow Trout, Hitch, Tactical Shad

TOPWATER FRONT RUNNER... 

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

Colors: Abalone Shad, Sooner

Front- PH Customs Phront Runner: https://bit.ly/3wJIdkH

Colors: Foil Black, Sexy Shad

TOPWATER... 

-Shower Blows 105 & 77: http://bit.ly/2zIkqUH

Colors: Full Metal, Neon Wakasagi, Flash Silver Shad

-Lucky Craft Gunfish 117: https://bit.ly/3vy7Pln

Colors: Aurora Black, BP Golden Shiner

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

Colors: Munky Butt, Phantom Shad

INLINE SPINNER... 

-Rooster Tail (3/4 oz): https://bit.ly/3BkIfoc

Colors: White, Chrome White

SPY BAIT... 

-SPRO Spin John 80: https://bit.ly/3ycTg9o

Colors: Matte Shad, Herring Pink

TAIL SPIN... 

-Jackall Deracoup (1 oz): http://bit.ly/2p8X4b0

Colors: Dera Shad, Silver

SPOON... 

-Blade Runner DUH (3/4 oz): http://bit.ly/2aKVLlG

Colors: UV Sierra, UV Morning Dawn

SMOOTH BRAIDED LINES... 

-Power Pro Super Slick: https://bit.ly/3vSwa6Z

Sizes: 15, 20, 30

-Sufix 131 G-Core: https://bit.ly/314VoyF

Sizes: 6,10, 20, 30

-Sunline X Plasma Asegai: http://bit.ly/2OR5i2j

Sizes: 12, 16, 18

TIM'S TOPWATER COMBO...

Rod- Megabass P5 Z-Crank Elseil: https://bit.ly/2wVOSbY

Reel- Daiwa Steez 70 CT SV TW: https://bit.ly/3esUZjg

Line- Sufix 131 (10 lb): https://bit.ly/314VoyF

Leader- Maxima Ultragreen (10 lb): http://bit.ly/2ae97J9

TIM'S SMALL TOPWATER COMBO... 

Rod- Dobyns Sierra Ultra Finesse 700: https://bit.ly/3C4PWgc

Reel- Shimano Curado BFS (XG): https://bit.ly/2QGRVF2

Line- Sufix 131 Braid (6 lb): https://bit.ly/314VoyF

Leader- Maxima Ultragreen (10 lb): http://bit.ly/2ae97J9

TIM'S FINESSE SWIMBAIT SPINNING COMBO... 

Rod- Shimano Expride 7'2" Medium Light: https://bit.ly/3AFcaFF

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

Line- Sufix 131 Braid (10 lb): https://bit.ly/314VoyF

Leader- Sunline Super FC (8 lb): http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

BUDGET TOPWATER COMBO... 

Rod- Shimano SLX 6'10" Medium: http://bit.ly/2mGp1Vc

Reel- Shimano SLX 70 MGL (XG): https://bit.ly/3gIUCgJ

Line- Power Pro Braid (15 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

Summer Fishing - Tips For Finding Fish And Catching Bigger Bass

These boys dodged the heat wave and caught some giant bass! Hop in the boat with them as they arrive in Wisconsin after a 12 hour drive across 5 states! Watch how they build a pattern, immediately locate fish, and not only catch fish, but catch great BIG bass! 

The key to success this evening was understanding bass' movements during the post spawn. With no history to rely on the guys looked at the map, chose a couple likely locations, and immediately began catching fish. They used a two-part approach, mixing a spy bait in with a variety of swimbaits. Post spawn fish tend to be aggressive, they want to feed, and this mix of reaction baits was the perfect option to catch these bass. 

Below you'll find links to the exact baits the guys were using. We've included the exact colors and sizes, along with the gear they were using to throw them. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can find detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 

SPY BAIT... 

-Duo Realis 3.5" Spinbait: https://bit.ly/3QE27YK

Color: Komochi Wakasagi

DARK SLEEPER... 

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

Color: Wakasagi

FINESSE SWIMBAIT... 

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

Color: Real

Head- Dirty Jigs Guppy 3/16 oz: http://bit.ly/2nyUJRS

Color: Tennessee Shad

LARGE SWIMBAITS... 

-Big Bite Baits B5 Line Thru: https://bit.ly/3LLU4pm

Color: Blue Gizzard

-Megabass 6" Magdraft: http://bit.ly/2CANTU7

Colors: White Back Shad

SPY BAIT COMBO... 

Rod- G Loomis NRX+ 901S SJR: https://bit.ly/2RB0oJP

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

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

DARK SLEEPER COMBO... 

Rod- Megabass P5 Dark Sleeper: https://bit.ly/2wVOSbY

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

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

GUPPY HEAD SWIMBAIT COMBO... 

Rod- G Loomis NRX+ 902S SJR: https://bit.ly/2RB0oJP

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

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

5" LINE THRU SWIMBAIT COMBO... 

Rod- Gamakatsu JDM Luxxe Avenge 7' MH: https://bit.ly/3hzK2ee

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

Line- Sunline Super FC 15 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

Simple Trick To Catch Bass When Its Cold!

When cold snaps hit, fishing can be brutal! Here's a quick trick we use to get fish to react and bite when they won't touch anything else! Whether they've suspended, gone deep, or just developed lock jaw, cracking a tube is a great way to catch bass in the cold. 

We all love to power fish in the Fall but when cold weather comes in, that bite can shut down in a hurry. Turning to baits like the dropshot, Neko rig, Ned rig, or slow dragging a tube are all great ways to get a bite. But if you still want to get them to react, try cracking the tube. Instead of using your standard tube head, grab a 1/2 - 3/4 ounce head. Let the bait fall to bottom then use a sharp double snap of the rod to get the bait to hop up off the bottom and fall back down on a semi-tight line. Something about these erratic movements draws a reaction strike, even during these tough conditions. 

Below you'll find links to the exact baits and equipment Tim used throughout the day. We've also included some of our other favorite baits for this technique. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 

TODAY'S BAITS... 

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

Colors: Green Pump Orange Firetail, Green Pump Purp Copper

Tube Head- Bite Me Tube Head (1/2 oz): http://bit.ly/2CV3o7S

Dropshot- Megabass Hazedong 3": http://bit.ly/2CIwgzt

Colors: Ghost Shad, Tennessee Shad

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

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

OTHER GREAT TUBES... 

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

Colors: Frosty Pumpkin, Ten Point

-Savage Gear 4" Goby Tube: https://bit.ly/33QGXzy

Colors: Brown Pump Copper Purp, Watermelon Copper Purple

-Dry Creek 3.5" Double Dip: https://bit.ly/38BgQ15

Colors: Watermelon Craw, Bama Craw

TIM'S TUBE CRACKING COMBO... 

Rod- G-Loomis NRX+ 854C: http://bit.ly/2hedqsq

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

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

Leader- Sunline Super FC 12lb: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

TIM'S DROPSHOT SETUP... 

Rod- Expride 7' Medium: http://bit.ly/2osaj3q 

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

Line- Power Pro 10 lb Braid: http://bit.ly/2aFg46b

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

"BANG FOR THE BUCK" TUBE CRACKING COMBO... 

Rod- Shimano Curado 7'2" Medium Heavy: https://bit.ly/2gUWTft

Reel- Shimano Curado 70 MGL: https://bit.ly/2apmDJt

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

Leader- Sunline Super FC 12lb: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

BUDGET TUBE CRACKING COMBO... 

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

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

Line- Sunline Super FC 12 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

Early Fall Bass Fishing! (Finesse Baits And Big Smallmouth)

We're exploring new water in search of big bass and taking you along for the ride on the Great Lakes! Don't miss any of the details as we adapt lure color, size, and retrieve to dial in a pattern for Smallmouth. Watch as the guys start off with power techniques like swimbaits and topwater but adapt with changing conditions, and continue catching fish with a ned rig, tube, and hair jig. 

Fishing Lake Michigan is all about adapting to changing conditions. Today started out with wind, settled to slick calm and high sun, then a lightning storm blew in. With no history to rely on the guys had to adapt on the fly, trying different presentations and locations (they ran over 50 miles!) to keep catching fish. They caught fish all day long and were vocal about the choices they were making and reasoning behind them. If you want to understand the mindset behind fish catching, this video is for you!

Below you'll find links to all the baits used in the video. We've included the exact models, sizes, and colors for each presentation. As promised, we've also included the jerkbait colors we use to adapt to changing conditions. Finally, you'll find links to our favorite rod and reel combos from the day with exact specs on each model. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 

SWIMBAIT... 

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

Color: Wakasagi, Donko

TOPWATER...

-Evergreen Shower Blows 105: http://bit.ly/2zIkqUH

Color: Bone, Skeleton Chartreuse

JERKBAIT... 

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

Natural Colors: Ito Natural, Matte Shad, Clear Laker

Bold Colors: Elegy Bone, Western Clown, Wakin React

TUBE...

Bait- STH Finesse Tube 2.5: https://bit.ly/3aU0oeU

Color: Dark Melon Gold Purple, Dark Melon Gold

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

Size: 1/8 oz 1/0 Hook

Alt. Head- Northland Tackle Short Shank: https://bit.ly/3AM4xwu

HAIR JIG... 

-Andy's Custom Maribou Jig (1/8 oz): https://bit.ly/3uYqDsw

Color: Black

NED RIG... 

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

Color: Desert Craw

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

Size: 1/10th with 1/0 Hook

DARK SLEEPER COMBO... 

Rod- Megabass P5 Dark Sleeper: https://bit.ly/2wVOSbY

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

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

HAIR JIG COMBO... (Back Order Available)

Rod- G Loomis NRX+ 901 SJR: https://bit.ly/2RB0oJP

Reel- Shimano Sustain FJ 3000: https://bit.ly/3BQLlNP

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

TUBE COMBO... 

Rod- St. Croix Legend Extreme 7'6" Medium: https://bit.ly/37UhrKR

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

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

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

JERKBAIT COMBO... 

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

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

Line- Sunline Super FC 10 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