Where Do Bass Go After The Spawn? (And The Baits We Use To Catch Them)

As bass finish spawning they move out to deeper water. This begins one of the most predictable times of the year, and fish catching becomes easy! If this transition has confused you, we're here to help! We're going to show you how these fish move and how to get ahead of them so you can consistently catch fish.

Once bass back away from the shore they typically rest for a few days before beginning their transition. The pattern they follow differs slightly depending on the type of lake you're on, but the concepts apply equally to all of these locations. Once the bass have recuperated they typically split into two distinct groups. Some turn around and re-enter the shallows, while others run the pre-spawn stops in reserve on their way to outside, offshore structures.

Depending on the type of fishery you're on, the baits can differ dramatically. We primarily focus our time on faster moving, reaction baits, but we mix in a few bottom contact presentations as well. Below you'll find links to all the baits Matt discussed in the video. The links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.


TOPWATER...

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

Colors: Aurora Reaction


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

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


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

Color: Bluegill


UNDERSPINS...

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

Size: 3/8 – 1/2 oz


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

Size: 1/4 oz, 5/0 Hook


•Storm 3.5" Largo Shad: https://bit.ly/3vxP0NB

Colors: Albino Shad, Pro Blue Red Pearl


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

Colors: Electric Shad, Pro Blue Red Pearl


CRANKBAITS...

•Strike King 6XD: https://bit.ly/2ery44M

Colors: Sexy Shad, Chartreuse Sexy Shad


•Nomad D Trak 65: https://bit.ly/4a5wAYX

Colors: Sexy Shad, Citrus Shad


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

Colors: Summer Minnow, Chartreuse Blue, Metallic Shad


SOFT JERKBAIT...

•Xzone Whiplash Shad: https://bit.ly/3IpMKQo

Colors: Pro Blue Red Pearl, Electric Shad


•Gamakatsu Nano Alpha Superline EWG: https://bit.ly/4bbBuDW

Size: 4/0


NOSE HOOKED FLUKE...

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

Colors: Albino, Smokin Shad


•Owner CPS Spring: https://bit.ly/2b2YgDf

Size: Medium


•Gamakatsu Finesse Wide Gap: https://bit.ly/2aKGmHM

Size: 1/0


SHAKEY HEAD...

•Netbait T Mac Worm: https://bit.ly/2jndwj9

Colors: Junebug, Bama Bug


•Dirty Jigs Canterbury Shakey: https://bit.ly/2aFOs0V

Size: 3/16 oz


YAMATANUKI...

•Yamamoto Yamatanuki: https://bit.ly/3lZaMe3

Colors: Green Pumpkin Blue, Green Pumpkin Black


•Gamakatsu Nano Alpha Superline EWG: https://bit.ly/4bbBuDW

Size: 4/0


WOBBLE HEAD...

•Dirty Jigs Pivot Point Football: https://bit.ly/2jOY1Ns

Size: 1/2 oz with 4/0 Hook, 3/4 oz with 5/0 Hook


•Xzone Adrenaline Craw: https://bit.ly/3ebTO5h

Colors: Junebug, Dark Junebug


BUDGET ALL AROUND CASTING ROD...

Rod– St. Croix Bass X 7'4" Heavy Fast: https://bit.ly/3A5CFSU

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

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

Leader– Seaguar Blue Label (15 lb): https://bit.ly/48EP2Hz


BUDGET CRANKBAIT COMBO...

Rod– Shimano Intenza 7'2" Medium Heavy Mod Glass: https://bit.ly/49VWq0N

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

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

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

Chatterbait VS Swim Jig !! Shallow Water Bass Fishing!

The chatterbait and swim jig are both awesome! Come along for a fun day of fish catching in shallow water! Both the swim jig and the chatterbait are proven fish catchers, but a lot of anglers struggle to understand when to use each style. Today Matt is focusing on these two baits, as well as a frog, to target fish around shallow cover.

For us, the choice between these proven shallow water options is the cover you're fishing around (or through). The chatterbait has amazing drawing power, can cover water quickly, and can be fished erratically. However, it struggles in thick vegetation. The swim jig doesn't have nearly the drawing power, but makes up for it in ability. A swim jig can go anywhere, fish through anything, and gets BIG bites! Add in a frog for good measure and you've got a proven system for shallow water fishing!

Below you'll find links to all the baits and gear we used to target these fish. We've included the exact sizes and colors for each, along with rods and reels Matt used to get these fish out of cover. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.


CHATTERBAIT...

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: Ghost Minnow


NO JACK SWIM JIG...

•Dirty Jigs No Jack Swim Jig (1/2 oz): https://bit.ly/2d8qUCv

Color: Tactical Shad


•Xzone Swammer 5.5: https://bit.ly/2PogV0q

Color: Ghost Shad


SWIM JIG...

•Dirty Jigs Swim Jig (1/2 oz): https://bit.ly/2dIVUMd

Color: Chartreuse Shad


•River2Sea D Walker 120: https://bit.ly/2NwqBmz

Color: Silver Side


COMPACT SWIM JIG...

•Dirty Jigs Compact Swim Jig (3/8 oz): https://bit.ly/43OSFY1

Colors: Blue Glimmer


•Storm Largo Shad 3.5: https://bit.ly/3vxP0NB

Color: Pro Blue Red Pearl


FROGS...

•Spro Bronzeye 70 Poppin Frog: https://bit.ly/3iVW03I

Color: Killer Gill


•Savage Frog DC Walker Frog: https://bit.ly/2VVjRVl

Color: Olive/Chartreuse, Gill


WAKEBAIT...

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

Color: Golden Shiner


FROG COMBO...

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

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

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


NO JACK SWIM JIG COMBO...

Rod– Shimano Expride B 7'6" XXH: https://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

Reel– Shimano Bantam MGL (HG): https://bit.ly/2H44yjG

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


COMPACT SWIM JIG COMBO...

Rod– St. Croix Legend Xtreme 7'4" Heavy: https://bit.ly/2wlJQLu

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

Line– Sufix 131 Braid (50 lb): https://bit.ly/314VoyF


CHATTERBAIT COMBO...

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

Model: 7'2" Medium+ Fast

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

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

Leader– Sunline Saltimate FC (20 lb): https://bit.ly/2O4UElB


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

Top 5 Baits For May Bass Fishing!

Bass fishing in May can be amazing, here's what you need to know! The bass are in transition and we're going to show you how to catch them. Most lakes have bass in every phase of the spawn by now, there are still lingering spawners but there are also a lot of post spawn fish. Some fish go deep while others stay around shallow cover. No matter how you like to fish, we've got tips to help you do it better!

There are a lot of great baits for targeting fish during the post spawn to early Summer transition, but we have some very clear favorites. Whether you're going deep or shallow, these are baits you can rely on to catch fish throughout the entire transition. And don't forget that early in the month the shad spawn is a major deal!

Below you'll find links to the baits discussed in the video. We've listed them in the order they appeared and included our favorite sizes and colors for each. We've also included a couple budget combos to help you consistently land the fish that bite. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.


SPINNERBAITS...

•Damiki TOT Spinnerbait: https://bit.ly/368VED0

Size: 3/8 oz

Color: Smelt Shad, Snow Shad


•Megabass SV–3 Spinnerbait: https://bit.ly/3lk1SD0

Size: 1/2 oz

Color: Hasu, Wakasagi


•Nichols Pulsator Spinnerbait: https://bit.ly/2Sttxpc

Size: 1/2 oz

Color: JT's Chartreuse Shad, Bombshell Bass


CHATTERBAITS...

•Zman JackHammer 1/2 oz: http://bit.ly/2popvj6

Colors: Blueback Herring, Green Pumpkin Shad


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

Colors: Electric Shad, Spot Remover


•Missile Baits 4.5 Spunk Shad: https://bit.ly/3CA8BCG

Color: Frosted Purple, Green Pumpkin Delight


•Hog Farmer 4.5 Spunk Shad: https://bit.ly/2UFkCD7

Colors: Electric Shad, Ghost Minnow


SWIMBAITS...

•River2Sea S Waver 168: http://bit.ly/2aiu8Sh

Colors: Abalone Shad, Warden Hitch, Light Trout


•Baitsanity Antidote: https://bit.ly/2ztUk9z

Colors: Summer Shad, TW Gizzard Shad


•Bucca's Bacca Burrito: https://bit.ly/3p5SkiW

Colors: Tactical Gizzard Shad, Tactical Chartreuse Shad


•Megabass 6" Magdraft: https://bit.ly/2CANTU7

Colors: White Back Shad, Borealis Shad


UNDERSPIN...

•Tactical Bassin Underspin: https://bit.ly/4bKgVQf

Size: 3/8 oz


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

Color: Electric Shad, Pro Blue Red Pearl


SHALLOW CRANKBAITS...

•Damiki BTC 50: https://bit.ly/3OVb3Lc

Colors: Ghost Minnow, Mossy Shad


•Nomad Atlas 55: https://bit.ly/3UOkjU5

Colors: Threadfin Shad, Tennessee Shad


•River2Sea Biggie Poppa: https://bit.ly/2ahCzvo

Colors: Gizzard Shad, Abalone Shad


DEEP CRANKBAITS...

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

Colors: Summer Minnow, Metallic Shad


•Rapala DT 16: https://bit.ly/42ITxNr

Colors: Green Gizzard Shad, Helsinki Shad


•Strike King 6XD: https://bit.ly/2ery44M

Colors: Sexy Shad, Chartreuse Blue Back Herring


TOPWATER...

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

Colors: T Smelt, N Smelt


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

Colors: Mat Shad


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

Colors: Phantom Shad


FROGS...

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

Colors: Glitter Hasu, Glitter Bluegill


•Jackall Gavacho Frog: http://bit.ly/2L7KsWS

Colors: Chart Strike Gill


THE SENKO...

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

Colors: Electric Shad, Green Pumpkin Black Flake


Hook– Hayabusa Weedless Wacky: https://bit.ly/3UjDZx0

Size: 1/0


SHAKEY HEAD...

•Missile Baits 6" Magic Worm: https://bit.ly/3T7dHgB

Colors: Missile Morning, Junebug Dream


•Netbait T Mac: http://bit.ly/2jndwj9

Colors: Bama Bug, Junebug


Head– Dirty Jigs Canterbury: http://bit.ly/2aFOs0V

Size: 3/16 oz


THE KARASHI...

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

Colors: Kasumi Ito KS, HT Setsuki Chiayu


ALL AROUND BUDGET CASTING COMBO...

Rod– Fenwick Eagle: https://bit.ly/4b25LGh

Models: 7'1" Medium

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

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

Leader– Seaguar Blue Label (15 lb): https://bit.ly/48EP2Hz


ALL AROUND BUDGET SPINNING COMBO...

Rod– Daiwa Tatula XT: https://bit.ly/3n6Ojvx

Models: 7' Medium Fast

Reel– Daiwa Legalis LT: https://bit.ly/3Y0kDh3

Size: 2500 D-XH

Line– Sunline Super FC (8 lb): https://bit.ly/2p7fxju


BUDGET FROG FISHING COMBO...

Rod– Shimano SLX A: https://bit.ly/2L3wppO

Models: 7'2" heavy

Reel– Shimano SLX A: https://bit.ly/2NfdOnk

Speed: HG

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