The Best Hard Baits For Bass Fishing - Shallow, Deep, Reaction (SPRING BUYER'S GUIDE 2026)

Today we're covering the best hard baits for Spring bass fishing! In our final Buyer's Guide of Spring, we're covering all the major categories for Spring Bass Fishing. From Blade baits to crankbaits, swimbaits to chatterbaits, these are the baits we personally fish in Spring. No matter what you face on the water, you can go confidently know exactly what we'd throw in your situation.

Spring is a great time to learn a new technique. Bass are moving shallow and you can target them with a variety of lures. Whether you're looking to dial in a technique, or you just want to fish with more confidence, these recommendations will save you a lot of time and money. These are our favorite baits from each major category we use in the Spring, so you don't have to second guess your choices when you're out fishing.

Below you'll find links to the exact baits discussed in the video, in the order they appeared. We've even included our favorite sizes and colors. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each.

TACTICALBASSIN GEAR...

•TacticalBassin Merch: https://bit.ly/3ZxEI0z

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

PREVIOUS BUYER'S GUIDE...

•Budget Rods and Reels: https://youtu.be/3yxQzzPMxM0

•Bang For The Buck Rods and Reels: https://youtu.be/zSpUeryIBoE

•High End Rods And Reels: https://youtu.be/eN0jl8xIJR4

•Budget Baits: https://youtu.be/4_M0OoZK2Y8

•BFS Guide: https://youtu.be/BO3GbKkgobo

•Soft Baits: https://youtu.be/02vnmQ6dJzQ

JERKBAITS...

•Jackall Rerange 95: https://bit.ly/3JCi7f6

Colors: HL Silver Shad, SG Threadfin

•Duo Realis 100 SP: https://bit.ly/45LDkf7

Colors: AM Edge, Ghost Minnow, Prism Smelt

SHALLOW CRANKBAITS...

•Bill Lewis ATV 1.5: https://bit.ly/41o3ctj

Color: Fire Truck Craw, Red Glitter Craw, Tennessee Shad

•Rapala OG Rocco: https://bit.ly/3PHvNCI

Colors: Classic Craw, Red Crawdad, Bruised Citrus Shad

•Berkley Frittside 5 Clickin: https://bit.ly/4rV0Kah

Colors: Ghost Red Craw, Special Red Craw, Kentucky Blue

MID/DEEP DIVING CRANKBAITS...

•Rapala DT 12: https://bit.ly/4pSzbNU

Colors: Live River Shad, Crystal Craw, Citrus Shad

•R2S Tactical DD 75: http://bit.ly/37dclbX

Color: DD Minnow, Metallic Shad, Ghost Minnow

LIPLESS CRANKBAIT...

•Nomad Swimtrex Max Series: https://bit.ly/3SjrDWD

Sizes: 1/2 oz, 3/4 oz

Colors: Red Craw, Threadfin Shad, Natural Threadfin

•Rapala Snare 50: https://bit.ly/47hD5sq

Colors: Classic Craw, Red Craw, Lemon Shad

SWIMBAITS...

•Jackall Gantarel: http://bit.ly/2adZI3R

Colors: RT Bluegill, RT Ghost Gill

•Bucca Brand 5" Bull Shad: https://bit.ly/4aYEpTm

Colors: Gizzard Magic, Matte Shad

•Bucca Brand 6" Trick Shad: https://bit.ly/4hFD5Go

Colors: Threadfintastic, Gizzard Magic, Matte Shad

•Savage Gear Scandal 200: https://bit.ly/48q7MNJ

Colors: Gizzard Shad, Rainbow Trout, Ghost Bone

SPY BAIT...

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

Colors: Ghost Minnow, Komochi Wakasagi

BLADE BAIT/TAIL SPIN...

•Damiki Vault (1/2 oz): http://bit.ly/2rnO7e2

Color: Black Holo, Real Shad

•Jackall Deracoup: http://bit.ly/2p8X4b0

Color: Dera Shad, Clear Shad, Silver

TOPWATER...

•Rapala PXR Jowler: https://bit.ly/3A3HDVs

Colors: Matte Shad, Pure Chrome

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

Colors: Bone Python, Spotlight Shad, Juvy Gill

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

Colors: Kasumi Ito, HT Ito Wakasagi, HT Moroko KS

•Megabass Karashi 80: https://bit.ly/4lgNFFK

Colors: STP, Kasumi Ito, Matte Shad

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

Colors: Ghost Gill, Ghost Minnow

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

Colors: Shadow Boxer, Holo Ghost Shad

WIRE BAITS...

•Zman Evo Elite (1/2 oz): https://bit.ly/3OAGB8y

Color: Electric Shad, Bama Bream, Bruised Green Pumpkin

Bluegill Trailer - Hog Farmer Spunk Shad 4.5: http://bit.ly/2UFkCD7

Color: TW Sunfish Magic

•Dirty Jigs Compact Double Willow Spinnerbait: https://bit.ly/3OyxKDD

Colors: Tactical Shad, Alabama Bream

WANT TACTICALBASSIN GEAR??

We have a variety of custom lure designs and apparel available! Everything from Swimbaits and crankbaits, to apparel and merch! See it here…

•TacticalBassin Apparel and Merch: https://bit.ly/3ZxEI0z

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

If you plan to shop, using these affiliate links before shopping at Tackle Warehouse is the single greatest way to support us! You won't be able to see a difference but they'll know you're one of us!

CHATTERBAIT FISHING MADE EASY! Underwater Footage, Best Trailer, Beginner To Advanced Seminar!

These Chatterbait tips will help you catch more bass! Bladed jigs catch a ton of fish, this is what you need to know so they'll work for you too! By changing trailers, a chatterbait will mimic shad, panfish, crawfish, and a variety of other baitfish. Chatterbaits are an enormous category, but today we're simplifying it in a way that anyone can understand.

The chatterbait is incredibly versatile once you learn to adapt your trailers and retrieves. We use a handful of baits, paired to select trailers, to meet every situation we face. The chatterbait can remain a simple option in your arsenal, or you can start adapting retrieves from a high speed burn, to a popping retrieve, to a bottom hopping presentation, to take it to a whole different level. You owe it to yourself to commit time to the chatterbait this Spring!

Below you'll find links to the exact baits, trailers, and gear discussed in the video. We've included our favorite sizes, colors, and styles for every option. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

TACTICALBASSIN MERCH...

•TacticalBassin Merch: https://bit.ly/3ZxEI0z

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

IF YOU COULD ONLY HAVE TWO...

Bait– Jack Hammer Chatterbait (1/2 oz): http://bit.ly/2popvj6

Color: Green Pumpkin Shad

Trailer– Hog Farmer Spunk Shad 4.5: http://bit.ly/2UFkCD7

Color: Sexy Shad

Bait– Zman Evo Elite (1/2 oz): https://bit.ly/3OAGB8y

Color: Electric Shad

Trailer– Hog Farmer Spunk Shad 4.5: http://bit.ly/2UFkCD7

Color: Electric Shad

TYPES OF CHATTERBAITS...

•Jack Hammer Chatterbait (1/2 oz): http://bit.ly/2popvj6

•ZMan Elite Evo Chatterbait (1/2 oz): https://bit.ly/3OAGB8y

•Zman Tungsten Evo Chatterbait (1/2 oz): https://bit.ly/3YkW2Hd

•ZMan Baby Jack (3/8 oz): https://bit.ly/4jvWTMx

•Zman Evo Elite Mini Max (3/8 oz): https://bit.ly/3EahpTT

•ZMan CrossEyez (1/2 oz): https://bit.ly/2ZrZnVd

•Zman Micro Max (3/16 oz): https://bit.ly/4odPVyC

Natural Jackhammer Colors...

•Green Pumpkin Shad, Ghost Baby Gill, TW Green Pumpkin Watermelon

Bold Jackhammer Colors...

•Bhite Delite, Fire Craw, Green Shad

Natural Evo Colors...

•Electric Shad, The Deal, Spot Remover

Bold Evo Colors...

•Citrus Shad, Hot Snakes, Lava Craw

PINTAIL TRAILERS...

•Hog Farmer Spunk Shad: https://bit.ly/2UFkCD7

Sizes: 4.5, 5.5

Natural Colors: Sexy Shad, Electric Shad, Ghost Minnow

Bold Colors: Green Pumpkin Chartreuse, Blow Torch, Citrus Shad

•MissileBaits Spunk Shad: https://bit.ly/3CA8BCG

Sizes: 4.5, 5.5

Colors: Lava Craw, Bruiser Flash, Super Bug

•Hog Farmer Stroll Shad: https://bit.ly/3ALs7OI

Sizes: 5" and 6"

Colors: Green Shad, Electric Shad, Ghost Minnow

BAITFISH, CRAW, AND PADDLE TAIL TRAILERS...

•Zman 4.5" ChatterShad: https://bit.ly/4jPaGOX

Colors: Electric Shad, Bad Shad, The Deal

•Big Bite Baits 4.25" Kamikaze Swimon: https://bit.ly/2NkSdPV

Colors: Smokey Gold, Hematoma, Green Pumpkin Chartreuse

•Xzone 4" Muscle Back Craw: https://bit.ly/43DZXOQ

Colors: Black/Blue, Green Pumpkin Black, Summer Craw

•Yamamoto Kickin Zako: https://bit.ly/3fPRQsF

Colors: Zako, Green pumpkin White Lam, Sexy Shad

DOWNSIZED TRAILERS...

•Zman 3.5" ChatterShad: https://bit.ly/4jPaGOX

Colors: Electric Shad, Bad Shad, The Deal

•Hog Farmer 4" Stroll Shad: https://bit.ly/3ALs7OI

Colors: Green Shad, Electric Shad

•Yamamoto 3" Zako: https://bit.ly/2fKmSRp

Colors: Blue Craw, Sexy Shad, Pro Blue

UNIQUE SITUATION COLOR PAIRINGS...

Chatterbait– BHite Delight

Spunk Shad– Hog Farmer Green Pumpkin Chartreuse

Chatterbait– Fire Craw

Spunk Shad– MissileBaits Lava Craw

Chatterbait– Bruised Green Pumpkin

Spunk Shad– MissileBaits Super Bug

Chatterbait– Bama Bream (Evo Elite)

Spunk Shad– TW Sunfish Magic

MEGABASS CHATTERBAIT COMBO...

Rod– Megabass P5 Destroyer "Daemos": https://bit.ly/3wHoXpD

Model: 7'2" Medium+

Reel– Shimano Metanium DC 70 A: https://bit.ly/2qrSZvs

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

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

FENWICK CHATTERBAIT COMBO...

Rod– Fenwick Elite 7'5" Medium Heavy X Fast: https://bit.ly/3MyC6tb

Reel– Shimano Metanium DC 70 A: https://bit.ly/2qrSZvs

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

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

BUDGET CHATTERBAIT COMBO...

Rod– Fenwick HMG 7'5" Medium Heavy X Fast: https://bit.ly/3AyrAiW

Reel– Abu Garcia Max5 Pro: https://bit.ly/4pGZ4Az

Line– Seaguar Red Label (17 lb): https://bit.ly/2LOVEwA

How To Catch BIG BASS In Spring! ( It's Not Random And You Can Catch Them )

Spring is Big Bass Season, but only for select anglers. If you want to catch bigger bass this year, you need to understand that its not random and you need to fish with intention. Today Tim explains exactly what motivates big bass in Spring. He explains their movements, what they eat, and how factors like water temperature, visibility, and weather patterns, can impact them. He also shares the key baits that will help you begin targeting these big bass!

A few days ago Matt gave us an in–depth video on building patterns to target quality fish. There is a distinct mindset difference between catching more fish, and catching bigger fish. If you've struggled to catch bigger fish in Spring, you aren't alone. This time of year presents an amazing opportunity to target the biggest fish in the lake, but not everyone knows how to do it. When the same anglers continually catch big bass, it's not random, and it's not by accident. Listen closely to Tim's tips about how fish are positioning, then focus all your attention on baits that specifically target big bass.

Below you'll find links to the exact baits and gear discussed in the video. We've included our favorite sizes and colors for each, as well as some great budget–friendly gear that will help you fish effectively. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

TACTICALBASSIN MERCH...

•TacticalBassin Merch: https://bit.ly/3ZxEI0z

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

RELATED VIDEOS...

•The #1 Secret To March Bass Fishing: https://youtu.be/csUmc3c9BkY

•Where Bass Go In Early Spring: https://youtu.be/i-xXt40T0kw

BOOT TAIL SWIMBAITS...

•Megabass 8" Magdraft: https://bit.ly/2mc8bfK

Color: White Back Shad, Albino Pearl Shad, Biwako Shad

•Megabass 6" Freestyle Swimbait: https://bit.ly/3bRG3Wi

Colors: Ghost Shad Solid, White Back Shad, Brownie

•Owner Beast Hook (6/0): https://bit.ly/2ancP66

•Bucca 5" Bacca Burrito: https://bit.ly/3p5SkiW

Colors: Tactical Shad, Tactical Gizzard Shad, Tactical Chartreuse Shad

GLIDE BAITS...

•Bucca Brand 6" Trick Shad: https://bit.ly/4hFD5Go

Colors: Matte Shad, Threadfintastic

•Berkley 8" Chop Block: https://bit.ly/44MelaG

Colors: Chrome Gizzard, Shad, CA Hitch

CHATTERBAIT...

•ZMan Jack Hammer Chatterbait (1/2 oz): http://bit.ly/2popvj6

Color: Green Pumpkin Shad, Bruised Green Pumpkin

•ZMan Evo Elite Chatterbait (1/2 oz): https://bit.ly/3OAGB8y

Color: Electric Shad, Black Blue, Bama Bream

•Hog Farmer 5.5" Spunk Shad: https://bit.ly/2UFkCD7

Colors: Sexy Shad, Hematoma Swirl, Electric Shad

FLIPPING JIG...

•Dirty Jigs No Jack Flippin Jig (1/2 oz): https://bit.ly/2fx8YBI

Colors: The Go To, Molting Craw

•Crush City Cleanup Craw: https://bit.ly/3TyfMmo

Colors: Tilapia Magic, Green Pumpkin Blue, Bama Craw

STICK BAIT...

•Yamamoto Senko: https://bit.ly/2axAmNS

Size: 5" or 6"

Favorite Colors: Green Pumpkin Black Flk, Black Blue Flake

HIGH END SWIMBAIT COMBO...

Rod– Shimano Outlier 7'10" Heavy: https://bit.ly/3EuHPiT

Reel– Shimano Curado 300 (HG): https://bit.ly/2HbZ3E4

Line– Sufix 832 Braid (65 lb): https://bit.ly/2ae93Ji

Leader– Sunline Saltimate Tunageat (25 lb): https://bit.ly/47MCfkR

BUDGET BIG SWIMBAIT COMBO...

Rod– Shimano SLX A 7'8" Heavy: https://bit.ly/3QbMjvs

Reel– Shimano Cardiff 300: https://bit.ly/2cvhtMO

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

Leader– Sunline Saltimate (30 lb): https://bit.ly/2O4UElB

BUDGET CHATTERBAIT COMBO...

Rod– Fenwick HMG 7'5" Medium Heavy X Fast: https://bit.ly/3AyrAiW

Reel– Abu Garcia Max5 Pro: https://bit.ly/4pGZ4Az

Line– Seaguar Red Label (17 lb): https://bit.ly/2LOVEwA

BUDGET JIG COMBO...

Rod– Dobyns Fury 765 Flip: https://bit.ly/2bGvlVV

Model: 7'6" Medium heavy Fast

Reel– Daiwa Fuego CT (7.3:1): https://bit.ly/35hugfH

Line– Power Pro Braid (65 lb): https://bit.ly/2aFg46b

Leader– Sufix Advance (20 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 apparel and merch! See it here…

•TacticalBassin Apparel and Merch: https://bit.ly/3ZxEI0z

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

If you plan to do any shopping, using our affiliate links before doing your shopping at Tackle Warehouse is the single greatest way to support us! You won't be able to even see a difference but they'll know you're one of us!

Top 5 Baits For March Bass Fishing! (Beginner To Advanced)

March is awesome! These baits will help you catch more and bigger fish! Big bass are transitioning into the shallows to feed and the fishing can be amazing! We spend March focused on faster, more aggressive presentations all month long and you should too. If you want to catch a monster bass this year, you need to go fishing right now!

March is some of the best bass fishing of the year! Bass are feeding and you can catch them on many different baits. We focus on a handful of key baits and colors to get consistent bites wherever we go, and you can apply that same information to your local lake. From chatterbaits, to crankbaits, to swimbaits, this is the month to try to catch a big bass. For the angler who prefers not to power fish or is impacted by shore access, we have some great options for you as well!

Below you'll find links to all the baits discussed in the video. We've included our favorite sizes and colors for each. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

TACTICALBASSIN MERCH AND GEAR...

•TacticalBassin Apparel and Merch: https://bit.ly/3ZxEI0z

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

CHATTERBAITS AND TRAILERS...

•ZMan EverGreen JackHammer (1/2 oz): http://bit.ly/2popvj6

Colors: Green Pumpkin Shad, Fire Craw

•Zman Elite Evo (1/2 oz): https://bit.ly/3OAGB8y

Colors: Electric Shad, Bama Bream, The Deal

•Hog Farmer Spunk Shad (4.5 and 5.5): https://bit.ly/2UFkCD7

Natural Colors: Electric Shad, Ghost Minnow, TW Sunfish Magic

Bold Colors: Blow Torch, Citrus Shad

SWIMBAITS...

•Megabass 8" Magdraft: https://bit.ly/2mc8bfK

Color: White Back Shad, Albino Pearl Shad, Nude Rainbow

•Bucca Brand 6" Trick Shad: https://bit.ly/4hFD5Go

Colors: Matte Shad, Threadfintastic, Gizzard Magic

•Berkley Powerbait 8" Chop Block: https://bit.ly/44MelaG

Colors: Burnt Bone, CA Hitch, Shad

TACTICAL A–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

•Hog Farmer Tactical 5 Hook (Bladed): https://bit.ly/429NWTK

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

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

UNDERSPINS...

•Dirty Jigs Tactical Mini Underspin: https://bit.ly/3JOd8UY

Favorite Size: 1/4 oz

•Dirty Jigs Tactical Underspin Series: https://bit.ly/4bKgVQf

Favorite Size: 3/8 oz, 3/0 Hook

•Crush City 3" Major: https://bit.ly/43Uhyli

Colors: Electric Shad, Gizzard Shad

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

Color: Sexy Shad

LIPLESS CRANKBAIT...

•Nomad Swimtrex Max (1/2 oz): https://bit.ly/3SjrDWD

Today's Color: Threadfin Shad, Natural Threadfin, Red Craw

•Jackall TN 70 Lipless: https://bit.ly/2lqAwjh

Today's Colors: SS Shad, SG Threadfin, Crawfish

SQUAREBILL CRANKBAITS...

•Berkley Frittside 5: https://bit.ly/4gLRM98

Colors: Special Red Craw, Brown Craw

•Bill Lewis ATV 1.5: https://bit.ly/41o3ctj

Colors: Red Glitter Craw, Fire Truck Craw

•Rapala OG Rocco: https://bit.ly/3PHvNCI

Colors: Red Crawdad, Classic Craw, Chartreuse Black

BANK ANGLER BAITS AND HOOKS...

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

Color: Super Bug

•Yamamoto 5" Senko: https://bit.ly/2axAmNS

Colors: Sungill, Green Pumpkin Black Flake

•Xzone Deception Worm: https://bit.ly/43YDE6x

Colors: Green Pumpkin Blue, Green Pumpkin Black

•Xzone 4.75" Swammer: https://bit.ly/2PogV0q

Colors: Electric Shad, Pro Blue Red Pearl

•Gamakatsu EWG Superline Hook: https://bit.ly/3AmFDnK

Size: 3/0

•MissileBaits Warlock Head: https://bit.ly/4bg8DyC

Size: 3/16 oz

•Owner Flashy Swimmer: https://bit.ly/2e8O4Y7

Size: 5/0, 1/4 oz

BUDGET SQUAREBILL/LIPLESS COMBO...

Rod– St. Croix Black Bass 7'2" Medium Hvy Mod: https://bit.ly/4cX7VHL

Reel– Seviin GF Series (7:1): https://bit.ly/3qa2SQZ

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

BUDGET A–RIG COMBO...

Rod– Fenwick Eagle 7'5" Medium Heavy X Fast: https://bit.ly/4b25LGh

Reel– Abu Garcia Max5 Pro: https://bit.ly/3QKCQOG

Line– Sunline FC (17 lb): https://bit.ly/2h4LNjm

BUDGET CHATTERBAIT COMBO...

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

Reel– Daiwa Tatula X: https://bit.ly/3IPdYDV

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

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

BUDGET BANK ANGLER COMBO...

Rod– Dobyns Maverick 7'3" Heavy Fast: https://bit.ly/3ncP1nX

Reel– Shimano SLX 70 MGL (HG): https://bit.ly/3vPtYQ5

Line– Seaguar Red Label (15 lb): https://bit.ly/2LOVEwA

If you plan to do any shopping, using these affiliate links before doing your shopping at Tackle Warehouse is the single greatest way to support us! You won't be able to even see a difference but they'll know you're one of us!