Finesse Fishing Tricks – Northern Smallmouth and Southern Reservoirs!

The time has come! Northern Smallmouth! Southern Spots and Largemouth! Fisheries are opening up and the bite is beginning to happen throughout the North! Come along as we take a deep dive into both the finesse baits and power fishing techniques that shine in the early season!

From dropshot worms to tubes, and swimbaits to spy baits, these are the baits that consistently catch fish! Matt goes into detail on confidence colors, rigging upgrades, and the subtle tricks he uses to catch more fish. 

Below you'll find links to all the baits, including color recommendations and rigging components. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

DROPSHOT BAITS...

•Big Bite Baits Smallie Smasher: https://bit.ly/3xEADuo

Colors: Bully, Chick Magnet, Perch Dinner

•Netbait STH Crush Worm: https://bit.ly/3Q3mmyz

Colors: Juvenile Goby Pearl, Bang

•Xzone Finesse Slammer: http://bit.ly/2TJt7L8

Colors: 309, Big Limit, Smallie Magic

DROPSHOT TERMINAL...

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

Weight– VMC Cylinder Weight (1/4 oz): https://bit.ly/43Lun2f

TUBE BAITS...

•Netbait STH Finesse Tube (Both Sizes): https://bit.ly/3zAsnf6

Colors: Juvenile Goby, Dark Melon Purple, Ten Point

•Savage Gear Goby Tube (3.5"): https://bit.ly/33QGXzy

Colors: Light Pumpkin Purp Silver, Green Pumpkin

TUBE HEADS...

Small Tubes– Blade Runner Inhaler Head: https://bit.ly/2NX7nYr

Size: 1/8 oz with 1/0 Hook

Standard Tubes– Xzone 60 Degree Head: https://bit.ly/3jCHmR8

Size: 1/4 oz

ALABAMA RIGS...

•Hog Farmer Tactical MINI Flex (Bladed): https://bit.ly/3uwY6Md

•Hog Farmer Tactical MINI Flex (Non Bladed): https://bit.ly/3isTio0

MINI RIG COMPONENTS...

Heads– Matt Allen 1/8 oz Heads: http://bit.ly/29RrTYN

Baits– XZone Swammer: http://bit.ly/2PogV0q

Sizes: 3.5", 4"

Colors: Electric Shad, Dirty Shad

Dummy Baits– Damiki 3" Armor Shad: http://bit.ly/2KtPDAT

Colors: American Shad, Pure Gill

SPY BAITS...

•Duo Realis Spin Bait (3.5): https://bit.ly/3QE27YK

Colors: Ghost Minnow, Komochi Wakasagi

•Spro SpinJohn 80: https://bit.ly/3ycTg9o

Colors: Matte Shad, Herring Pink

HAIR JIGS...

•Outkast Tackle Feider Fly: http://bit.ly/2G7TBwj

Color: Black

SOFT SWIMBAITS...

•Megabass 3" Dark Sleeper: http://bit.ly/2TyR1GT

Colors: Wakasagi, Haze

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

Colors: Albino, Real, Baby Bass

•Keitech 3.8 Fat Swing Impact: http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

Colors: Bass Candy, Yellow Magic, Electric Bluegill

SWIMBAIT HEADS...

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

•Tactical Underspin (1/8 oz): https://bit.ly/3JOd8UY

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

•Megabass Okashira Screwhead (1/8 oz): http://bit.ly/2EpluSA

BIG SWIMBAITS...

•GRatt Pistol Pete: http://bit.ly/2RYCPFe

Colors: Guida's Citrus Shad, Gizzard Shad, Light Trout

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

Colors: MSS, White Back Shad, MB Gizzard

•Big Bite Baits B5: https://bit.ly/3LLU4pm

Colors: Light Shad, Sunny Shad, Blue Gizzard

JERKBAITS...

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

Colors: Matte Shad, Elegy Bone, Mat Skeleton Shad

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

Colors: Elegy Bone, GLX Northern Secret, Mat Shad

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

Colors: Clown, Chart Silver, Pink Smelt

FAVORITE JERKBAIT COMBO...

Rod– Shimano Expride B 6'10" Medium: https://bit.ly/32IrXqE

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

Line– Sunline Super FC 10 lb Fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

DARK SLEEPER 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

FAVORITE ULTRALIGHT SPINNING COMBO...

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

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

Line– Sunline Super FC (5 lb): http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

AFFORDABLE LIGHT SPINNING COMBO...

Rod– Shimano Zodias 7'6" Light: https://bit.ly/2jOUXAO

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

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

TACTICALBASSIN LURE DESIGNS (AND APPAREL)

We have a variety of custom lure designs and apparel available! Everything from Swimbaits and crankbaits, to hats and hoodies! Its all available direct through Tackle Warehouse with fast shipping. See it here... 

TacticalBassin Lure Designs: http://bit.ly/38YpPIz

The BEST Finesse Trick For Cold Water Bass!! (Damiki Rig Fishing)

The Damiki Rig is an amazing technique for cold water bass fishing! Its slow, methodical approach can get wary bass to bite when nothing else will fool them. Fished properly (slowly), it can get bass to bite in the coldest temperatures you'll face all Winter. If you haven't given it a try, its time!

The concept behind the Damiki rig is very simple. Suspend a small baitfish imitating plastic above the fish in cold water and give them time to inspect it. As long as you can keep it sitting perfectly level and moving slowly, they'll usually eat it. This method rely's on the same concept as the float n fly to fool bass into biting but does it in a more manageable and angler–friendly way. 

Below you'll find links to the exact baits we use for this technique. We've included our favorite sizes and colors, as well as the gear we use to fish the technique. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 

THE DAMIKI RIG...

Head– Damiki Rig Head: http://bit.ly/2tg1ajm

Size: 1/4 oz , 1/0 Hook

Bait– Damiki 3" Armor Shad: http://bit.ly/2VQ7g6o

Color: RP Blue Pearl

DAMIKI RIG HEADS...

•Damiki Rig Head: http://bit.ly/2tg1ajm

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

•VMC Moon Eye Jig: https://bit.ly/3O87vCS

DAMIKI RIG BAITS...

•Damiki Armor Shad (Fork Tail): http://bit.ly/2VQ7g6o

Color: American Shad, Pro Purple, RP Blue Pearl

•Strike King Baby Z Too: https://bit.ly/3UzCkmf

Color: The Deal, Smoky Shad

•Zoom Super Fluke Jr: http://bit.ly/2aqys0H

Color: Smokin Shad, Albino

PADDLE TAIL BAITS...

•Damiki Armor Shad (Paddle Tail): http://bit.ly/2KtPDAT

Color: American Shad, Pro Purple, RP Blue Pearl

•Keitech 2.8 Fat Swing Impact: http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

Color: Electric Shad, Pro Blue Red Pearl

•Keitech 3.5" Easy Shiner: http://bit.ly/2bxJK6H

Color: Electric Shad, Pro Blue Red Pearl

HIGH END SPINNING COMBO...

Rod– G Loomis NRX+ 822S DSR: https://bit.ly/2RB0oJP

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

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

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

HIGH END CASTING COMBO...

Rod– Shimano Expride 6'10" Medium: https://bit.ly/32IrXqE

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

Line– Sunline Super FC 8 lb: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

BUDGET SPINNING COMBO...

Rod– St. Croix Mojo Bass 6'8" Medium: https://bit.ly/3UFPcaO

Reel– Shimano Sedona FI 2500: http://bit.ly/2wgh50Z

Line– 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

Finesse Reaction?! The Bass Fishing Trick You've Never Tried!

Reaction Baits come in finesse?? That's right!! When the bite gets tough, we fish finesse baits, but that doesn't mean slowing down! Come along as Matt fishes finesse swimbaits, jerkbaits, crankbaits, and topwater, for Summer bass that are chasing micro bait!

Turning to finesse presentations doesn't have to be boring. You can still "power fish" but with a much smaller offering. Pay close attention as Matt explains how these different bait profiles help him catch more fish, and under what conditions he throws them. From small flukes, to tiny topwater, there is a finesse presentation that will help you catch more fish as Summer comes to an end. 

Below you'll find links to the exact baits Matt used and discussed in the video. We've included the rigging components as well as our favorite colors for each. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 

FINESSE SWIMBAIT...

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

FINESSE UNDERSPIN...

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

JERKBAIT... 

-13 Fishing Whipper Snapper: https://bit.ly/3okRcrq

Colors: Lucky Charm, Olive Crush

WHOPPER PLOPPER...

-River2Sea Whopper Plopper 60: https://bit.ly/3okRcrq

Colors: Munky Butt, Phantom Shad

CRANKBAIT... 

-Shimano Macbeth 39 Tiny: https://bit.ly/3xTsnG0

Colors: Sleeper Shad, Ghost Shad

POPPERS... 

-Megabass Pop X: https://bit.ly/3i9T3sg

Colors: Mat Shad, Wagin Hasu, Deadly Black Shad

-Rapala Ultralight Popper: https://bit.ly/3FzvsNP

Colors: Silver Blue, Chrome

DOUBLE FLUKE...

Bait- Zoom Super Fluke Jr: http://bit.ly/2aqys0H

Colors: Smokin Shad, Albino

Hook- Owner All Purpose Hook (2/0): https://bit.ly/2QbbdRW

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

Leader- Sunline FC Leader (12 lb): http://bit.ly/2aiu0Wu

NOSE HOOKED FLUKE...

Bait- Zoom Fluke: http://bit.ly/2OFjvjx

Colors: Albino, Smokin Shad

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

Screw- Owner CPS Spring (Small): http://bit.ly/2b2YgDf

MICRO SWIMBAIT... 

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

Colors: Electric Shad, Pro Blue Red Pearl

Head- Zman OG Mushroom Head: https://bit.ly/3nyFyZc

Size: 3/32 oz

ALL-AROUND BFS COMBO... 

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

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

Line- Sunline Super FC 7 lb: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

HIGH-END ULTRALIGHT SPINNING COMBO... 

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

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

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

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

MID-PRICED SPINNING COMBO... 

Rod- Shimano Zodias 7'6" Medium: https://bit.ly/2jOUXAO

Reel- Shimano Vanford 3000: https://bit.ly/2gu84t7

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

Leader- Sunline Super FC (7 lb): http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

BUDGET SPINNING COMBO...

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

Reel- Shimano Sahara FJ 2500: https://bit.ly/2XhhM43

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

Bass Fishing Vacation! Big Baits vs Finesse Baits On New Lakes

We're on vacation and the fishing is on fire! We're chasing big smallmouth and they're eating swimbaits! From tiny little finesse baits to larger swimbaits, the bite is rocking! Come along for a relaxed evening on the water as we lean back on the Smallies and enjoy some fun fishing!

This may just be a fun afternoon session for Matt but pay close attention to the details he drops while fishing. He's talking about targeting bigger fish on any natural lake in the country, then opens up about how to choose the best bait for the situation, even if you don't know anything about the lake you're on. There is key information sprinkled throughout this fishing session. And let's not overlook that in the North, fishing clear water, Matt opted to throw the bigger swimbaits and it worked!

Below you'll find links to the exact baits the guys were using. We've included the exact sizes and colors for each, along with the key rods and reels they used to successfully catch these fish, even on the lightest lines. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

LINE THRU SWIMBAIT...

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

Colors: Blue Gizzard, Pearly Shad

DARK SLEEPER...

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

Color: Wakasagi

FINESSE SWIMBAIT...

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

Color: Real, Ayu

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

JERKBAIT...

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

Color: Mat Skeleton Shad

Hook Upgrade- Gamakatsu Finesse Nano (Size 5): http://bit.ly/2dWWAut

HAIR JIG...

-Outkast Tackle Feider Fly (1/8 oz): http://bit.ly/2G7TBwj

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 12 lb: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

DARK SLEEPER COMBO...

Rod- Megabass 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

JERKBAIT COMBO...

Rod- Shimano Expride B 6'10" Medium: https://bit.ly/32IrXqE

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

Line- Sunline Super FC 10 lb: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

HAIR JIG 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

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