Fishing The Dog Days Of Summer! (Frog And Topwater Tips)

Come along for some HOT Summer Bass Fishing! Tim and JD are back on the water and the bass are biting! They're exploring shallow, grassy coves with topwater and Tim is teaching JD as they go. From cast angles to subtle bait entry into the water, there are some knowledge gems amongst the fish catches.

Summer heat can be brutal! Scorching Summer temperatures seem to have come early this year, and while it may be uncomfortable to fish in, the bass are biting! Let the high temperatures work for you, as bass position around shade edges. The guys were able to capitalize with a variety of topwater baits, with the occasional dropshot fish mixed in.

Below you'll find links to the exact baits and gear they used used throughout the day. We've also included some great budget–friendly combos for the angler who wants to fish these techniques effectively without spending excessively on the gear. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

DROPSHOT...

Bait– MissileBaits 6" Magic Worm: https://bit.ly/3T7dHgB

Color: MissileMorning

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

Size: 2/0

Weight– Xzone Skinny Tungsten: https://bit.ly/40NDHjT

Size: 1/4 oz

TOPWATER...

•Jackall Gavacho: https://bit.ly/2L7KsWS

Colors: Chart Strike Gill

•Whopper Plopper 90: https://bit.ly/2bsPbQV

Color: Chrome Black

•Baby Pop X: https://bit.ly/3QgjPDY

Color: MG Sexy Stream

TIM'S MAIN TOPWATER COMBO...

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

Model: 7' Medium Regular

Reel– Daiwa Steez SV TW: https://bit.ly/3wXZ9Jb

Line– Sufix 832 Braid (30 lb): https://bit.ly/2ae93Ji

Leader– Sufix Advance (12 lb): https://bit.ly/3GJEUix

TIM'S FROG COMBO...

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

Reel– Shimano Metanium MGL (HG): https://bit.ly/2ezIBfB

Line– Power Pro Maxcuatro 65 lb Braid: https://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

BUDGET FROG COMBO...

Rod– Shimano SLX A 7'2" Heavy: https://bit.ly/2L3wppO

Reel– Shimano SLX 150 XT (HG): https://bit.ly/2BRTYL8

Line– Power Pro Braid (50 lb): https://bit.ly/2aFg46b

BUDGET WALKING BAIT COMBO...

Rod– St. Croix Bass X 7'1" Medium Fast: https://bit.ly/2r0xWAs

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

Line– Sufix 832 (30 lb): https://bit.ly/2ae93Ji

Leader– Sufix Advance (15 lb): https://bit.ly/3GJEUix

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 Topwater Lures You Missed, But Your Friends Didn't!

Things are changing! Sure, the old staple baits work, but there are new baits in town and they're making waves! From subtle differences between walking baits and frogs, to this new category of straight retrieved, erratic baits... there is a lot to learn about topwater fishing for bass in 2024! Come along as Tim takes a quick dive into his favorite baits, new confidence baits, and how he's adapting to keep catching fish.

We all have a favorite topwater lure or two. Its great to have those confidence baits, but if you're not adapting, you're missing out! Fish are becoming wary of our presentations, and new innovations are emerging. Straight retrieve baits with erratic actions are coming over from Saltwater and you better be ready!

Below you'll find links to all the baits discussed in the video. We've included favorite colors, hook upgrades, 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.

RELATED VIDEOS...

•5 "Must Try" Topwater Tricks For Summer Bass!: https://youtu.be/_4NRKoJ2BN4

•Don't Miss These 5 Overlooked Topwater Baits! They're Amazing!!: https://youtu.be/2fTVGa2JsNw

WALKING BAITS...

•Evergreen Shower Blows SB 105: https://bit.ly/2zIkqUH

Colors: Ghost Threadfin Shad, Bone, Full Metal

•Megabass Giant Dog X: https://bit.ly/2yU84eE

Colors: Megabass Sexy Shad, Wagin Hasu 2, White Python

TOPWATER FROG...

•Jackall Gavacho: https://bit.ly/2L7KsWS

Colors: Chart Strike Gill, Gold Gill

•Snagproof Bobby's Perfect: https://bit.ly/3rHCOsQ

Colors: Bluegill, Hot Mess

WHOPPER PLOPPER...

•River2Sea Whopper Plopper 90/110: https://bit.ly/2bsPbQV

Colors: Chrome Black, Bone, Monkey Butt

BUZZBAIT...

•D&M Easy Roller (1/2 oz): https://bit.ly/2SCqcmj

Colors: White Shad, Sexy Shad

•Big Bite Suicide Buzz: https://bit.ly/3iDnLLi

Colors: Pearly Shad, Blue Gizzard

POPPERS...

•Shimano World Pop 69F: https://bit.ly/3sSjJpI

Colors: Clown, N Smelt, T Smelt

•Megabass Pop Max: https://bit.ly/2qqfmm1

Colors: Gill, Mat Shad

WAKEBAIT...

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

Colors: Tactical Shad, Chrome Gill

STRAIGHT RETRIEVE BAITS...

•ZMan HellRaizer: https://bit.ly/3P0vseM

Colors: Ghost Shad, Chrome

•Nomad Dartwing: https://bit.ly/4eKzWnd

Colors: Natural Shad, Holo Ghost Shad

HOOK UPGRADES...

•Hayabusa TBL 930 NRB Coated: https://bit.ly/3qBuXkB

Size: 2, 4

•Gamakatsu Feathered Treble: https://bit.ly/2Ii4IXO

Size: 4, 2

TIM'S MAIN TOPWATER COMBO...

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

Model: 7' Medium Regular

Reel– Daiwa Steez SV TW: https://bit.ly/3wXZ9Jb

Line– Sufix 832 Braid (30 lb): https://bit.ly/2ae93Ji

Leader– Sufix Advance (12 lb): https://bit.ly/3GJEUix

TIM'S FROG COMBO...

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

Reel– Shimano Metanium MGL (HG): https://bit.ly/2ezIBfB

Line– Power Pro Maxcuatro 65 lb Braid: https://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

BUDGET WALKING BAIT COMBO...

Rod– St. Croix Bass X 7'1" Medium Fast: https://bit.ly/2r0xWAs

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

Line– Sufix 832 (30 lb): https://bit.ly/2ae93Ji

Leader– Sufix Advance (15 lb): https://bit.ly/3GJEUix

BUDGET FROG COMBO...

Rod– Shimano SLX A 7'2" Heavy: https://bit.ly/2L3wppO

Reel– Shimano SLX 150 XT (HG): https://bit.ly/2BRTYL8

Line– Power Pro Braid (50 lb): https://bit.ly/2aFg46b

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

Don't Miss These 5 Overlooked Topwater Baits! They're Amazing!!

We all dream about topwater strikes! These baits will get you bit! From the standard topwater tricks, to overlooked baits you've likely never heard of, Matt is showing you everything you need to be prepared to catch bass on topwater! Let's go!!

Topwater fishing is amazing! From poppers to walking baits, wake baits to buzz baits, it's hard not to dream about your next topwater bite. However, when other anglers are throwing the same baits as you, it can get tough in a hurry! There are key baits that you need to throw every year, but there are also some hidden gems that no one is using.

Below you'll find links to Matt's favorite baits. We've included our favorite colors for each, as well as some great combos for fishing these baits effectively. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

WALKING BAITS...

•Evergreen Shower Blows (SB 105): http://bit.ly/2zIkqUH

Colors: Full Metal, Bone, Skeleton Chartreuse

•Megabass Giant Dog X: https://bit.ly/2yU84eE

Colors: Sexy French Pearl, Sexy Shad, Wagin Hasu 2

POPPERS...

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

Colors: Aurora Reaction, GG Deadly Black Shad, Gill

•Duo Realis Popper 64: https://bit.ly/4a1hoMQ

Colors: Ghost Gill, Ghost Minnow, Prism Smelt

WAKEBAITS...

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

Colors: Copper Carp, Tactical Shad, Golden Shiner

•Baitsanity Antidote TUG: https://bit.ly/3Y0MhtS

Colors: Dark Bluegill, Bone, Metallic Trout

HOLLOW BODY FROG...

•Jackall Kaera: https://bit.ly/2Fz6SA3

Colors: Glitter Hasu, Glitter Bluegill, White

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

Colors: Bluegill, Dusk, Shad

BUZZBAIT...

•Dirty Jigs Skirtless Buzz (1/2 oz): https://bit.ly/2WJ85R3

Colors: Black, Red, Silver

•D&M Easy Roller (1/2 oz): https://bit.ly/2SCqcmj

Colors: Night Stalker, Red Bug, White Shad

OVERLOOKED TOPWATER BAITS...

•Teckel Blade Waker: https://bit.ly/2DuYZxU

Colors: Silver Shiner, Pearl White, Bluegill

•Jackall Piku Piku: https://bit.ly/399wl59

Colors: Lively Shad, Lively Wakasagi

•Snagproof Zoo Pop: https://bit.ly/484SzxL

Colors: Bloody Shad, Dark Gill, Bone

•Nomad Chug Norris: https://bit.ly/3wn1zRJ

Colors: Hollow Ghost Shad, Bone

•ZMan Hellraizer: https://bit.ly/3P0vseM

Colors: Ghost Gill, Ghost Shad, Chrome

MATT'S FAVORITE TOPWATER COMBO...

Rod– G Loomis GLX 7' Medium Heavy: https://bit.ly/3PmpCqj

Model: 853C MBR

Reel– Shimano Metanium MGL 150 B (HG): https://bit.ly/2ezIBfB

Line– Sufix 832 Braid (40 lb): https://bit.ly/2ae93Ji

Leader– Sufix Advance (17 lb): https://bit.ly/3GJEUix

MID PRICED TOPWATER COMBO...

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

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

Line– Power Pro Maxcuatro (40 lb): https://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

Leader– Sufix Advance (14 lb): https://bit.ly/3GJEUix

BUDGET TOPWATER COMBO...

Rod– St. Croix Bass X 7'1" Medium Fast: https://bit.ly/2r0xWAs

Reel– Shimano SLX A 150 (HG): https://bit.ly/2NfdOnk

Line– Sufix 832 (30 lb): https://bit.ly/2ae93Ji

Leader– Sufix Advance (14 lb): https://bit.ly/3GJEUix

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

How To Break Down Any Lake And Start Catching Fish!

Come along with Matt and Tim as they break down a new lake! These guys have dropped into a new fishery with zero information and immediately start putting the pieces together to catch quality fish with ease. It really is easy if you know what to look for!

While this lake didn't seem to have giant fish in it, the guys immediately figured out how to catch top quality fish for that lake. Along the way they share how they choose spots, how mapping can help, and the mindset behind their bait selection. This information will help you build a pattern on any lake, anywhere!

Below you'll find links to the exact baits and equipment the guys fished throughout the evening. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

TOPWATER...

•Megabass Giant Dog X: https://bit.ly/2yU84eE

Color: Megabass Sexy Shad, Wagin Hasu 2

•Shimano World Pop: https://bit.ly/3sSjJpI

Color: N Smelt

•Reaction Innovations Vixen: https://bit.ly/2rp11nr

Color: Bone

•Shower Blows SB 105: https://bit.ly/2zIkqUH

Color: Skeleton Chartreuse

•Whopper Plopper 90: https://bit.ly/2bsPbQV

Color: Loon

FLUKE...

Bait– Zoom Super Fluke: https://bit.ly/2aqys0H

Color: Smokin Shad

Hook– VMC Redline Wide Gap: https://bit.ly/3m3dn6G

Size: 4/0

SPY BAIT...

•Spro Spin John 80: https://bit.ly/3ycTg9o

Color: Herring Pink

SWIMBAIT...

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

Color: Ghost Shad Solid

MATT'S TOPWATER COMBO...

Rod– G Loomis GLX 843C MBR: https://bit.ly/2gqziwT

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

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

Leader– Maxima Ultragreen (15 lb): https://bit.ly/2ae97J9

TIM'S TOPWATER COMBO...

Rod– 13 Fishing Envy Black III 7'1" Medium: https://bit.ly/3KtYZhv

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

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

Leader– Sufix Advance Mono (12 lb): https://bit.ly/3GJEUix

MATT'S SPY BAIT COMBO...

Rod– Cashion Icon 6'10" Medium Light: https://bit.ly/3mLIIes

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

Line– Sunline Super FC 7 lb: https://bit.ly/2p7fxju

MATT'S SWIMBAIT COMBO...

Rod– Megabass Orochi XX Braillist: https://bit.ly/2OSVNwH

Reel– Shimano Metanium MGL (HG): https://bit.ly/2ezIBfB

Line– Power Pro Maxcuatro 50 lb: https://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

Leader– Sunline Saltimate 20 lb: https://bit.ly/3oT1oq2

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