Swim Jigs and Swimbaits - Beginner To Advanced Tricks To Catch More Bass!

Come learn the secrets that fishermen use to consistently catch fish with swimbaits and swim jigs! Learn when its time to set the swimbait down and upsize to a swim jig. Watch as Matt explains the differences between swim jig trailers and how some create secondary action while others are virtually dead in the water. He’s giving up all the tricks from small finesse Swimbaits for clear water that will still get bit on the worst days, all the way to heavy swim jigs with huge hooks for busting hydrilla beds in search of giant largemouth!  

Finesse swimbaits are an incredible tool in every angler’s arsenal. The small keitechs have taken the industry by storm in recent years because of their incredible fish catching ability. Matt shows when to use the different styles and sizes and even shows how he and Tim rig the baits with micro hooks to maximize their bites on days when fish don’t want to bite. Color selection is key with these swimbaits as well so below in the description we’ve included color recommendations for every bait. 

Swim jigs are a huge category by themselves. We could go on for hours about how to pair trailers, modify skirts, and use each hook style to your advantage. But if you’re going to take away one piece of information its that for every weight/style of swim jig, there is a perfect trailer to make that bait rock and shimmy in the water. No matter what bait you choose, do not settle until you’ve found the perfect trailer that creates secondary action for you. 

Below are a breakdown of the baits, hooks, and even equipment we use when fishing swimbaits and swim jigs. The links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed descriptions and up close photos of each item. Matt has even included his favorite rods and reels for each bait category so you can really dial in your technique. 

Swimbaits… 

-Keitech Fat Swing Impact (3.8, 4.3, 4.8): http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

Colors: Pro Blue Red Pearl, Electric Shad, TW Ghost Shad

-Keitech Easy Shiner 4”: http://bit.ly/2bxJK6H 

Colors: Silver Flash Minnow, TW Ghost Shad, TW Pro Blue

Swimbait Heads… 

-TacticalBassin Finesse Head: http://bit.ly/2Pqrq3n 

-Matt Allen Swimbait Head: http://bit.ly/29RrTYN 

-Dirty Jigs Guppy Head 1/0 Hook: http://bit.ly/2nyUJRS 

Weedless Rigging and Bladed Heads… 

-Owner Flashy Swimmer: http://bit.ly/2e8O4Y7 

-Megabass Okashira Screw Head: http://bit.ly/2EpluSA 

-Coolbaits Down Under Underspin: http://bit.ly/2boS7QA 

Swim Jigs (Lightest Wire Hook To Heaviest)… 

-Finesse Swim Jigs: http://bit.ly/2dr2933 

Colors: Tactical Shad, Bluegill, Threadfin Shad

-Dirty Jigs Swim Jig: http://bit.ly/2dIVUMd

Colors: Chartreuse Shad, Dirty Shad, Bluegill

-No Jack Swim Jig: http://bit.ly/2d8qUCv 

Colors: Dirty Shad, Tactical Shad, Warmouth

-California Swim Jig: http://bit.ly/2auXfmx 

Colors: Alabama Bream, Citrus Shad, Tactical Shad

Swim Jig Trailers… 

Finesse- XZone Swammer 3.5: http://bit.ly/2PogV0q

Mid Size- River2Sea D Walker 100: http://bit.ly/2NwqBmz 

California- D Walker 120: http://bit.ly/2NwqBmz 

Lazy Method- Keitech 4.3” Fat Swing Impact: http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v 

Matt’s Favorite Tiny Swimbait Combo… 

Rod- Expride Spinning 6’10” Medium Light: http://bit.ly/2osaj3q 

Reel- Stradic CI4+ 2500: http://bit.ly/2gu84t7 

Line- Power Pro Moss Green Braid 10 lb: http://bit.ly/2aFg46b 

Leader- Sunline Assassin 8 lb Fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2h4LNjm 

All-Around Swim Jig Combo… 

Rod- G Loomis GLX 844C MBR 7’ Heavy: http://bit.ly/2gqziwT 

Reel- Shimano Curado 150 DC HG: http://bit.ly/2yHtsp4 

Line- Power Pro Maxcuatro 50 lb Braid: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ 

Leader- Maxima Ultragreen 15 lb Mono: http://bit.ly/2ae97J9 

Budget All-Around Swim Jig Combo… 

Rod- Shimano Intenza 7’4” Heavy: http://bit.ly/2QADLTq

Reel- Shimano SLX 150 DC: http://bit.ly/2LWzw2Q 

Line- Sunline Assassin 17 lb fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2h4LNjm

Swimjig web.jpg

Pond Fishing For Bass - Best Baits and Techniques

Want to fish a pond? These tips will make it much easier! Ponds can be some of the best bass fishing of your entire life if you know what to look for and which baits to throw. Keep it simple this year and use Tim's proven method to break down the water in steps. Don't get caught throwing just your favorite lure over and over again, its time to take your pond fishing to the next level. 

It doesn't matter if you're bank fishing or in a boat, this method will help you maximize your time on the pond. Start by covering water with fast moving baits or topwater to gauge how many fish there are and if they're in a feeding mood. Next, switch to slower moving reaction baits to pick off the remainder of the aggressive bass. Finally, wrap it up with finesse baits to catch as many fish as possible. 

Not all lures are created equal. Unfortunately there is a lot of junk and hype on the market today. Below you'll find an exhaustive list of baits we have confidence in for both pond and lake fishing. If you're looking to fill a particular category, these are lures we trust. The links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of every item. 

Creature Baits... 

-Reaction Innovations Man Bear Pig: http://bit.ly/2s51oIV

-Zoom Brush Hog: http://bit.ly/2bnpCRx

Texas Rigging... 

Tungsten Worm Weight- Swagger Vader 3/8 oz: https://bit.ly/3c28mks

Bobber Stop- 6th Sense Peg X: http://bit.ly/2bHjowk

Offset Hook- Gamakatsu EWG Wide Gap 3/0: http://bit.ly/2d07gvp

Fast Topwater... 

Buzzbait- D&M Slow Roller Buzz: http://bit.ly/2t7BMKt

Whopper Plopper- Silent Plopper 110: http://bit.ly/2bsPbQV

Toad- Strike King Rage Toad: http://bit.ly/2dekwdd

Toad- Zoom Horny Toad: http://bit.ly/2aY5lBt

Slow Topwater... 

Popper- Rio Rico: http://bit.ly/2f7gink

Popper- Bubble Popper: http://bit.ly/2yxP2ZQ

Frog- Spro Bronzeye Poppin Frog: http://bit.ly/2HsyqIJ

Subsurface Reaction Baits... 

Swimbait- 4.8" Keitech (Sungill): http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

Hook- 1/4 oz Owner Flashy Swimmer 5/0: http://bit.ly/2e8O4Y7

Swim Jig- California Swim Jig 3/8 oz (Alabama Bream): http://bit.ly/2auXfmx

Bladed Jig- Chatterbait Custom 3/8 oz (Green Pumpkin): http://bit.ly/2Ix71mI

Bladed Jig- Evergreen JackHammer 3/8 oz (BHite Delight): http://bit.ly/2popvj6

Trailer- Hog Farmer Spunk Shad (Green Pumpkin): http://bit.ly/2UFkCD7

Soft Jerkbait- Zoom Super Fluke (Electric Shad): http://bit.ly/2aqys0H

Worms... 

Stick Bait- Big Bite Baits Wacky Stick (Watermelon Red): http://bit.ly/2rrNT6g

Stick bait- Yum Dinger (Green Pumpkin Purple): http://bit.ly/2J8nMrF 

Stick Bait- Yamamoto Senko 5" (Green Pumpkin): http://bit.ly/2axAmNS

Worm- Netbait T-Mac Worm: http://bit.ly/2jndwj9

Tim's All-Around Pond Combo... 

Rod- Shimano Zodias 7'2" MH: http://bit.ly/2cgmMAe

Reel- Shimano Curado 200K: http://bit.ly/2tHewEh

Line- 40 lb Power Pro Maxcuatro: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

Leader- 15 lb Sunline Sniper: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

Budget Pond Combo... 

Rod- Denali Attax 7' Medium heavy: http://bit.ly/2tDsOa0

Reel- Caius B 150 HG: http://bit.ly/2O3Dvuw

Line- 15 lb Sunline Assassin Fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2h4LNjm

NEW Tactical Bassin Apparel... 

TacticalBassin Reaper Hoodie: http://bit.ly/2TwBWs7

TacticalBassin Shadow Hoodie: http://bit.ly/2FVD9Rs

TacticalBassin Sun Shirt: http://bit.ly/2TvFMBD

TacticalBassin Hooded Sun Shirt: http://bit.ly/38cVi9G

Topwater web.jpg

Senko Fishing Tricks! Beginner Senko Rigging To Advanced Fishing Tips

Senkos have a "right side up!" Few anglers realize there is a right and wrong way to rig them. This is just one of the many details Tim is covering in today's in-depth look at bass fishing with a soft stick bait. He'll cover the beginner rigging basics but also dive into advanced tricks that will help you refine your technique in different situations. 

If you're only going to fish a Senko once in a while, it should be the 5". The standard 5" senko has incredible fishing catching power all over the country. If you want to refine your fishing, target bigger fish, search for a key finesse bite, etc... there is a time and place for the other sizes and styles. Most anglers consider the senko a basic bait but they're overlooking its value for big bass and power fishing.

Below is a breakdown of all the baits, hooks, and gear in the video. We've included color recommendations for each senko, hook sizes to match worm sizes, and more. The links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 

Senkos... 

-Yamamoto Senko 5"-7": http://bit.ly/2axAmNS

-Yamamoto Pro Senko: http://bit.ly/2vXUKln

5" Senko Colors- Electric Worm, Green Weenie Laminate, Mowed Grass

6" Senko Colors- Green Pump/Watermelon Laminate, Green Pump/Blk Flake

7" Senko Colors- Green Pump/Blk Flk, Green Pump/Watermelon Red Lam

Pro Senko Colors- Natural Shad, Green Pump/Blk Flake

Budget Senko Alternatives... 

-Yum Dinger: http://bit.ly/2J8nMrF

-Big Bite Baits Super Soft Stick: https://bit.ly/2KVzQMG

-Gambler Fat Ace: http://bit.ly/2aJq2AO

Wacky Rig Hooks... 

Weedless- Owner Jungle Wacky Hook: https://bit.ly/2VKZl9U

Standard- Gamakatsu Finesse Wide Gap: http://bit.ly/2aKGmHM

Texas Rig Hooks... 

-Owner Jungle Wide Gap Hook: http://bit.ly/2sBsR1Z

Sizes... 5" - 3/0 , 6"- 4/0, 7"- 7/0

-Gamakatsu Offset EWG Hook: http://bit.ly/2d07gvp

Sizes... 5" - 2/0 , 6" - 4/0

-Gamakatsu Monster 6/0 Hook (7" Senko): https://bit.ly/2Wg4uFU

Pro Senko Hook... 

Texas Rigged- Owner Cover Shot: http://bit.ly/2ISr7bR

O-Rings and Tools...

-O-Wacky Tool: http://bit.ly/2wtX7M8

-O-Wacky O Rings: http://bit.ly/2h5MhX2

Tim's Finesse Senko Spinning Combo... 

Rod- G Loomis NRX 852S JWR: http://bit.ly/2dX9zjv

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

Line- Sunline XPlasma Braid 12 lb: http://bit.ly/2OR5i2j

Leader- Sunline Sniper 8 lb Fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

Tim's Power-Fishing Senko Combo... 

Rod- Shimano Expride 7'2" Heavy: http://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

Reel- Shimano Curado 150 DC HG: http://bit.ly/2yHtsp4

Leader- Sunline Sniper Fluorocarbon 20 lb: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

Budget All-Around Senko Combo... 

Rod- St. Croix Bass X 7'1" MH: http://bit.ly/2r0xWAs

Reel- Shimano SLX HG: http://bit.ly/2NfdOnk

Line- Sunline Assassin 15 lb Fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2h4LNjm

Senko web.jpg

Buyer's Guide: Best Rod And Reel Combos Under $100

There are some amazing budget combos this year! 3 brands have really stepped up and created amazing options for anglers looking to spend $50 on a rod or reel. We applaud these brands for making affordable gear for both entry level bass fisherman and anglers on a budget. If you're looking for the best "bang for the buck" in budget bass fishing, look no further than today's buyer's guide.

The past year has shown a real swing in the market. More and more brands are recognizing the influx of junior high through college anglers and are building equipment geared toward them. 3 of these brands really stand out with excellent gear for the price. In today's video we did not pair up each combo. Instead, we focused on 3 casting rods, 2 spinning rods, 2 spinning reels, and 1 casting reel.

As more companies come on board with high quality gear at an entry level price our selections will grow but for 2019, these are the items that are worth investing in. Below you will find links to all of the gear. The links go direct to Tackle Warehouse where you can find detailed descriptions of each item. Additionally, we included some of our favorite models from each line of rods.

Casting Rods...

-13 Fishing Defy Black: http://bit.ly/2Ak3F3M

Favorite Models- 7'1" Medium, 7'3" Medium heavy

-Daiwa Aird-X: http://bit.ly/2Z2JfYG

Favorite Models- 7' Medium Heavy, 7' Heavy

-Shimano Sellus: http://bit.ly/2XNYB3h

Favorite Models- 7' Medium, 7'2" Medium Heavy, 7'6" Heavy

Casting Reel...

-Daiwa CC80: http://bit.ly/34ltqP9

Spinning Rods...

-Shimano Sellus: http://bit.ly/2ro5vQu

Favorite Models: 7'1" Medium, 7'1" Medium Heavy

-Daiwa Aird-X: http://bit.ly/2P7Z3Vu

Favorite Models: 7' Medium, 7' Medium Heavy

Spinning Reels...

-Daiwa Revros LT 2000: http://bit.ly/34nCGCj

-Shimano Sedona FL 2500: http://bit.ly/2wgh50Z

Favorite Braided Line...

Budget- Power Pro 15 lb: http://bit.ly/2aFg46b

Mid-Range- Power Pro Maxcuatro 20 lb: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

$100 combo web.jpg