Clear Water Fishing? These Tricks Always Catch Bass!

Clear water can be tricky, but not with these tips! Whether you're on the Great Lakes, a highland reservoir, or a clear water pond, this information will help you catch more fish. We typically apply these tips to Northern Smallmouth, but they work great for big Spotted Bass and Largemouth too!

When water is clear, distance is your friend! Focusing on your lake's color line will get more bites, and so will light fluorocarbon. Once you've figured out how to be stealthy, it comes down to lure presentation. We have key baits that we trust to consistently get bite in clear water situations and you can rely on them too. From finesse power fishing to micro baits, these are the lures we use.

Below you'll find links to the exact baits discussed in the video. We've included our favorite sizes and colors, favorite rigging components, as well as the rods and reels we use to fish them effectively. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

SINGLE SWIMBAITS...

•Dirty Jigs Tactical Finesse Swimbait Head: https://bit.ly/2Pqrq3n

Favorite Size: 3/8 oz

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

Colors: Electric Blue Chartreuse, Sun Gill

•Xzone 4" Swammer: https://bit.ly/2PogV0q

Colors: Electric Shad, Electric Blue Chart, Perch

•Keitech 4" Easy Shiner: https://bit.ly/2bxJK6H

Colors: Electric Blue Chartreuse, Electric Bluegill

OKASHIRA SWIMBAIT...

•Megabass Okashira Screw Head: https://bit.ly/2EpluSA

Size: 1/16th - 1/8 oz

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

Colors: Albino, Real, Silver Shad

DARK SLEEPER...

•Megabass 3" Dark Sleeper (3/4 oz): https://bit.ly/2TyR1GT

Colors: Wakasagi, Haze

JERKBAITS...

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

Colors: Elegy Bone, Northern Secret, MG Western Clown

SPEED CRANKBAITS...

•River2Sea Tactical DD 75: https://bit.ly/37dclbX

Colors: Northern Special, Green Pumpkin Craw

•Megabass Deep X 300: https://bit.ly/2sSQHpt

Colors: Elegy Bone, Biwako See Thru Chart

SPY BAITS...

•Duo Realis Spin Bait 80 (3/8 oz): https://bit.ly/3QE27YK

Colors: Ghost Minnow, Green Smelt, Blue Hitch

NED RIGS...

•Xzone Ned Zone: https://bit.ly/2mRiYhF

Colors: 309, Big Limit

•Duo Realis Wriggle ND Slim: https://bit.ly/3PQtGQq

Colors: BTM Dweller, Lotic White

•ZMan NedLockZ HD: https://bit.ly/2kIgRYK

Size: 1/10 oz

FINESSE TUBES...

•Netbait STH 2.5" Finesse Tube: https://bit.ly/3aU0oeU

Colors: Juvenile Goby, Ten Point

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

Size: 3/16 oz, 1/0 Hook

DROPSHOT...

•MissileBaits BombShot: https://bit.ly/2YYBipr

Colors: Fishaliscious, Goby Bite

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

Colors: Smashed Goby, Perch Dinner

•Owner Mosquito Light: https://bit.ly/2zQVKx3

Size: 2

•Xzone Skinny Tungsten weight: https://bit.ly/40NDHjT

Size: 1/4 oz

FLUOROCARBON LINE...

•Sunline Super FC (7 lb): https://bit.ly/2p7fxju

•Seaguar InvizX (6-8 lb): https://bit.ly/2oVsG2Y

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

FAVORITE FINESSE SPINNING COMBO...

Rod– G Loomis NRX+ 7'6" Medium Light: https://bit.ly/2RB0oJP

Model: 901S SJR

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

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

Leader– Sunline Super FC (7 lb): https://bit.ly/2p7fxju

DARK SLEEPER COMBO...

Rod– Megabass P5 7'1" Med Hvy Dark Sleeper: https://bit.ly/2wVOSbY

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

LIne– Sunline Super FC (12 lb): https://bit.ly/2p7fxju

FINESSE SWIMBAIT COMBO...

Rod– G Loomis GLX 7'5" Medium 892S JWR: https://bit.ly/49kagJX

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

Line– Seaguar InvizX (10 lb): https://bit.ly/2oVsG2Y

JERKBAIT COMBO...

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

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

Line– Sunline FC (10 lb): https://bit.ly/2h4LNjm

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 Bait Finesse (BFS) Tricks For Spring Bass Fishing!

You have to try these first couple tricks! Whether you prefer spinning tackle, or bait finesse gear, these ultra light baits work like magic in the Spring! Bass can't resist these downsized finesse lures, especially on tough lakes with a lot of fishing pressure. If you haven't tried BFS fishing yet, you're missing some of the best bass fishing there is!

The bait finesse system is a method of casting ultra light lures with baitcasting rods and reels. This isn't trying to fish lighter line on your existing setups, this is a completely different method of fishing. These casting combos are more capable than most spinning rods, when it comes to throwing the micro baits. But what you really need to understand is this fishing method will put the FUN back in bass fishing for you!

Below you'll find links to the exact baits, rods, reels, and gear we use for Spring BFS fishing. We've linked them in the exact order Matt talked about them, and even included our favorite colors for the baits. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

THE BUDGET COMBO...

Rod– Cashion Element Series: https://bit.ly/48w69eC

Model: 6'10" Medium Light

Reel– Shimano Curado BFS: https://bit.ly/2QGRVF2

Speed: 8:1

Line– Daiwa Hidden FC: https://bit.ly/3ILKXH0

Size: 7 lb

THE HARD BAITS...

•Megabass Karashi: https://bit.ly/3LwMGS7

Colors: HT Setsuki Chiayu, Kasumi Ito KS, HT Moroko KS

•Shimano 39F Tiny Crankbait: https://bit.ly/45Pj3Dd

Colors: Clear Green Craw, Sleeper Shad

•Megabass Griffon SRX BFS Crankbait: https://bit.ly/3qOyDj6

Colors: Phantom Green Craw, Mat Craw 2, Crack Sand

MATT'S BUZBE STORAGE BOXES...

Karshi Box– Buzbe Colony 15: https://bit.ly/3sr7aVn

Hook Box– Buzbe Colony 28 Terminal: https://bit.ly/3QxM6V1

CRAW BAITS...

•ZMan TRD CrawZ: https://bit.ly/2U9vx6P

Colors: Green Pumpkin, Green Pumpkin Orange

•Reins 2.5" Ring Craw: https://bit.ly/3U0OQvC

Colors: Green Pumpkin, Green Pumpkin Blue

CRAW RIGGING...

•ZMan NedLockz EWG: https://bit.ly/3OWdp9W

Size: 1/10 oz

•Reins Tungsten Slip Sinker: https://bit.ly/3Kx0Fqz

Size: 1/16 oz

•Owner Rig N Hook: https://bit.ly/2BnniXN

Size: 1/0

WACKY SENKO...

•Yamamoto 5" Thin Senko: https://bit.ly/43d1Tgn

Colors: Green Pumpkin Black, Baby Bass

•Hayabusa Wacky Hook: https://bit.ly/3UjDZx0

Size: 1

SOFT JERKBAIT...

•Jackall 3.5" Rhythm Wag: https://bit.ly/3NT6OvF

Colors: Golden Shad, Prism Shad

•BKK Chimera Hook: https://bit.ly/3IS3pwf

Size: 1/0

MATT'S KARASHI COMBO...

Rod– Cashion Icon 7' Light: https://bit.ly/3mLIIes

Reel– Shimano Curado BFS: https://bit.ly/2QGRVF2

Line– Sufix 832 Braid (10 lb): https://bit.ly/2ae93Ji

Leader– Sunline Super FC (7 lb): https://bit.ly/2p7fxju

ALL AROUND COMBO...

Rod– Shimano Expride B 6'8" Light: https://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

Reel– Shimano Aldebaran BFS: https://bit.ly/3ryXKpR

Line– Daiwa Hidden FC (7 lb): https://bit.ly/3ILKXH0

HIGH END COMBO...

Rod– Megabass Destroyer P5 Pop X Stick: https://bit.ly/2wVOSbY

Size: 6'3" Ultralight

Reel– Shimano Aldebaran BFS: https://bit.ly/3ryXKpR

Line– Daiwa Hidden FC (7 lb): https://bit.ly/3ILKXH0

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

Best Baits To "Free Rig" For Spring Bass!

Have you tried the "Free Rig" yet? The subtle action of the Free Rig has been outperforming both the Texas Rig and Carolina Rig in a lot of situations! It's a fish catcher that's it's here to stay, and these tips will help you use it effectively. Not all baits are created equal, but Tim has been exploring this technique for several years and has some key tips to help you catch fish.

The Free Rig isn't new, but is continuing to gain popularity! It shines around stumps, laydowns, docks, and grass. Bass that have become conditioned to traditional presentations continue to fall for this subtle approach. The benefit of this rig is it allows your bait to fall very slowly, while still keeping great contact with the bottom.

Below you'll find links to Tim's favorite baits for free rigging, along with the gear he uses to fish them effectively. We've also included our favorite colors for each bait to help you get started. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

HOOKS AND WEIGHTS...

Light Wire Hook– Hayabusa Round Bend: https://bit.ly/3Zbo8Ty

Sizes: 2/0 for small profiles, 4/0 for large

Heavy Wire Hook– Owner Cover Shot HD: https://bit.ly/36Gunbf

Sizes: 1/0 - 3/0

Wide Gap Hook– Gamakatsu Offset EWG: https://bit.ly/2d07gvp

Sizes: 3/0 - 4/0

Heavy Weight– Reins Heavy Tungsten: https://bit.ly/47iSN4V

Size: 1/2 oz

Standard Weight– Swagger Tungsten Casting Pencil: https://bit.ly/2YAoMuv

Size: 1/8 - 3/8 oz

Light Weight– Zappu Pinfree Shot Tungsten: https://bit.ly/48750Kw

Size: 1/8 - 3/16 oz

CRAW BAITS...

•XZone Adrenaline Craw Jr (3.5"): https://bit.ly/3ebTO5h

Colors: Green Pumpkin Blk Flake, Tilapia

•OSP DoLive Beaver: https://bit.ly/3ECnepu

Colors: Green Pumpkin Pepper, Watermelon Pepper

•Crush City Bronco Bug: https://bit.ly/4aUfkGv

Colors: Black Blue Green Pumpkin, Green Pumpkin

CREATURE BAITS...

•MissileBaits Baby D Stroyer: https://bit.ly/3248BXL

Colors: Super Bug, Green Pumpkin

•MissileBaits D Stroyer: https://bit.ly/2QiTTrM

Colors: Super Bug, Green Pumpkin

SHAD/GILL PROFILES...

•GeeCrack Bellows Shad: https://bit.ly/3E4zVdl

Colors: Electric Shad, AJ's Juice

•GeeCrack Bellows Gill: https://bit.ly/3PUJgbL

Colors: Electric Shad, Green Pumpkin Blue Flake

•Zoom Super Fluke: https://bit.ly/2aqys0H

Colors: Baitfish, Smokin Shad, Electric Shad

TIM'S FAVORITE COMBO...

Rod– Shimano Expride B 7'2" Medium Light: https://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

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

Line– Sufix 131 Braid (30 lb): https://bit.ly/314VoyF

Leader– Sunline Super FC (12 lb): https://bit.ly/2p7fxju

SPINNING COMBO...

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

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

Line– Seaguar SmackDown Braid (15 lb): https://bit.ly/43KGHQH

Leader– Seaguar Gold Label (10 lb): https://bit.ly/3UqrUbi

BUDGET COMBO...

Rod– Cashion Element 6'9" Medium XFast: https://bit.ly/48w69eC

Reel– Daiwa Fuego CT (HS): https://bit.ly/35hugfH

Line– Sunline FC (12 lb): https://bit.ly/2h4LNjm

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

NEW TacticalBassin Lure Design! THE MICRO FLEX RIG!!! **Full Review**

The "Tactical Micro Flex Rig" is finally here!! We've been prototyping, tweaking, modifying, and dialing in our final rig design! We've known from the day we launched the Hog Farmer Tactical Flex Rig years ago, that it would eventually become a series of rigs, designed to help anglers in EVERY situation. The time has come!

The new "Hog Farmer Tactical Micro Flex Rig" bridges the gap between traditional bass fishing, and A-Rig fishing. This compact, little rig is designed to fish with 2" to 3" swimbaits. It can be thrown on spinning gear, bait finesse gear, or traditional bass tackle. The days of being "beat up" by the Alabama Rig are over. We all know the effectiveness of these umbrella rigs but actually fishing them can be cumbersome. Slinging this micro rig is effortless! You can throw it day after day, even if you don't know how to use casting gear.

Below you'll find links to the brand new rigs, as well as to our favorite swimbaits, rod and reel combos, and storage solutions. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

HOGFARMER TACTICAL MICRO FLEX RIG...

•HogFarmer Tactical Micro Flex (Bladed): https://bit.ly/3RY1wUK

•Hog Farmer Tactical Micro Flex (Non Bladed): https://bit.ly/3Rui7Oc

FAVORITE SWIMBAIT PAIRINGS...

•Damiki 3" Armor Shad: https://bit.ly/2KtPDAT

Colors: American Shad, PB Silver

•ZMan 3" Slim Swimz: https://bit.ly/41BAQfr

Colors: The Deal, Bad Shad, Disco Cisco

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

Colors: Pro Blue Red Pearl, Electric Shad

FAVORITE MICRO FLEX HEADS...

•Dirty Jigs Guppy: https://bit.ly/2nyUJRS

Size: 1/8 oz, 1/0 hook

•Megabass Okashira Head: https://bit.ly/3RNNZxK

Size: 1/8 oz, 3/0 Hook

•ZMan Finesse Eyez: https://bit.ly/3RCkJtx

Size: 1/8 - 3/16 oz

OUR LARGER RIGS...

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

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

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

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

ALL AROUND MICRO FLEX COMBO...

Rod– Shimano Curado 7'2" Medium Light: https://bit.ly/2gUWTft

Reel– Shimano Curado 70 MGL (HG)L: https://bit.ly/2apmDJt

Line– Power Pro Maxcuatro (30 lb): https://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

Leader– Maxima Ultragreen (10 lb): https://bit.ly/2ae97J9

HIGH END MICRO FLEX COMBO...

Rod– Shimano Expride B 6'10" Medium Heavy: https://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

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

Line– Sufix 131 Sunrise Braid (40 lb): https://bit.ly/3vbtuDw

Leader– Sunline Super FC (12 lb): https://bit.ly/2p7fxju

BUDGET MICRO FLEX COMBO...

Rod– Daiwa Tatula XT 7' Medium Fast: https://bit.ly/3wqRhwq

Reel– Daiwa Fuego CT 100 HS: https://bit.ly/35hugfH

Line– Seaguar Red Label (12 lb): https://bit.ly/2LOVEwA

SPINNING MICRO FLEX COMBO...

Rod– Shimano Expride B 7' Medium Fast: https://bit.ly/2osaj3q

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

Line– Sufix 832 (15 lb): https://bit.ly/2ae93Ji

Leader– Seaguar Blue Label (12 lb): https://bit.ly/48EP2Hz

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