How To Fish BIG Plastic Worms | Rigging Tricks For Summer Bass Fishing

Do you like fishing worms for Summer bass? Do you want to catch bigger bass? Its time to try BIG worms! Fishing a big worm is easy and can usually be done with gear you already own. In today's video Tim covers his favorite baits, favorite hooks and rigging options, and explains when and where to throw each style. If you're ready to target bigger bass, its time to give this a try! 

Big worms come in all shapes and sizes. They can be Texas-rigged, Carolina-rigged, Wacky rigged, or thrown on a big shaky head. There is a time for a straight tail worm and a time for a curly tail worm. Color is a whole different topic by itself! The whole thing can seem overwhelming when you're looking down a wall of soft plastics in the tackle shop! Today Tim is going to make it much simpler. 

Below you'll find links to our favorite worms from all the different brands. We've included color recommendations for each worm and favorite rigging options as well. The links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. We've also included links to our favorite rod/reel combos at different budgets for throwing these bigger worms. 

Our Favorite "Standard" Worm... 

-NetBait T-Mac 6.5" Worm: http://bit.ly/2jndwj9

Colors- Bama Bug, Green Pumpkin, Kentucky Special

Rigging-Canterbury Shaky Head 3/16 oz: http://bit.ly/2aFOs0V

Favorite "Larger" Straight Tail Worms...

-Zoom Magnum Trick Worm: http://bit.ly/2iwZAyo

Colors- Green Pumpkin, Junebug, Watermelon Red

-Strike King 8" Bull Worm: http://bit.ly/2Iqhy3w

Colors- TW Green Pumpkin, Bama Bug, JuneBug

-Big Bite Baits 8" Finesse Worm: https://bit.ly/384mIjl

Colors- Blue Fleck, Plum Apple, Watermelon Red

Rigging- Dirty Jigs Magnum Stand Up Head 1/4 oz: http://bit.ly/2apouhn

Favorite BIG Straight Tails... 

-Yum Mighty Worm: https://bit.ly/2Yajojh

Colors- Green Pumpkin, Junebug, Blue Fleck

-Strike King 10" Bull Worm: http://bit.ly/2IVzvuS

Colors- Black Blue Swirl, Green Pumpkin Candy, Tequila Sunrise

Favorite BIG Wacky Worms... 

Magnum Baits 10" Soft Stick Bait: http://bit.ly/2KBhPWU

Colors- Black Blue, Green Pumpkin, Delta Dark Purple

Rigging- Frenzy Wack-A-Sack Wacky Hook: http://bit.ly/2oFduEq

Favorite BIG Curly Tails... 

-Zoom Ol Monster 10.5": http://bit.ly/2adPtjs

Colors: Black Red Flake, Candy Bug, Watermelon Red

-Zoom Ol Monster 12.5": http://bit.ly/2P5QZbq

Colors: Blue Fleck, Green Pumpkin

-Big Bite Baits B2 10": https://bit.ly/2BfL51p

Colors: Green Pumpkin Junebug, Junebug, Watermelon Red

Magnum Shaky Heads... 

-Hog Farmer Magnum Shaky Head: https://bit.ly/2Ylm79I

-Dirty Jigs Magnum Horseshoe Head: https://bit.ly/3gcYsyn

-Owner Magnum Shaky Football Head: https://bit.ly/2VlgJBA

Texas Rigging Components... 

Weight- 3/4 oz Swagger Vader Tungsten Worm Weight: https://bit.ly/3c28mks

Hook- 11/0 Owner Oversize Worm: http://bit.ly/2C1EZ4s

Hook- 7/0 Owner Jungle Wide Gap: http://bit.ly/2sBsR1Z

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

High-End Combo... 

Rod- Dobyns Xtasy 7'5" Heavy: http://bit.ly/36fIHCg

Reel- Shimano Metanium MGL 150 B: https://bit.ly/34HlAAk

Line- Sunline FX2 60 lb: http://bit.ly/31u57xA

Leader- Maxima Ultragreen 20 lb Mono: http://bit.ly/2ae97J9

Our Favorite Big Worm Combo... 

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

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

Line- Power Pro Maxcuatro 65 lb Braid: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

Leader- Maxima Ultragreen 20 lb Mono: http://bit.ly/2ae97J9

Budget Big Worm Combo... 

Shimano Intenza 7'4" Heavy: http://bit.ly/2QADLTq

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

Line- Power Pro 50 lb Braid: http://bit.ly/2aFg46b

Leader- Maxima Ultragreen 20 lb Mono: http://bit.ly/2ae97J9

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

Summer Crankbait Fishing: Best Baits, Modifications, and Colors (GIANT Fish Hooked!!)

Summer bass fishing with crankbaits can be incredible! Today the guys locate a school of hungry fish and start getting bit on every cast! The feeding frenzy is intense and seems like it will never end. When the bite finally slows Matt pulls out his crankbait boxes and shows his favorite baits, how to tune them, adjust hardware, and choose color but is interrupted when Coop sets the hook on a GIANT!

While today's target species were hard to come by (the passing thunderheads mixed with sweltering periods of bluebird skies were not helping), the crankbait fishing for White Bass was intense! We'll never know what Coop was tied into as his drag was screaming but it goes to show the drawing power and excitement that can be had with a deep crankbait during the Summer months. If you haven't tried throwing a crankbait, the time has come. This pattern will work all the way through Fall and anyone can do it. 

Below is a list of the baits Matt showed in the video (including color recommendations) along with the hooks and equipment the guys were using. Additionally Matt has included a budget rod/reel combo option for those that want to dabble with the technique without buying expensive equipment. The links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

Today's Cranks That Caught Fish... 

Matt- Tactical DD 75 Crankbait (Metallic Shad): http://bit.ly/37dclbX

Coop- Strike King 6XD (Powder Blue/Chartreuse): http://bit.ly/2ery44M

The Baits In Matt's Crankbait Boxes... 

-Tactical DD 75 Crankbait: http://bit.ly/37dclbX

Favorites: Metallic Shad, Mirrored Minnow, DD Minnow

-Strike King 6XD: http://bit.ly/2ery44M

Favorites: Powder Blue/Chartreuse, Chartreuse Sexy Shad

-Strike King 10XD: http://bit.ly/2gHT4F0

Favorites: Sexy Blue Back Herring, Powder Blue Back Chart

-Megabass Big M 7.5: https://bit.ly/2yHmm4R

Favorites: Blue Back Chart, Yuzu Shad

-Azuma Z Boss 22 and 25: http://bit.ly/2poLKUC

Favorites: Hot Mess, Grand Shad

-Spro Little John Super DD: https://bit.ly/2yGt62O

Favorites: Natural Herring, Chart Blue, Spooky Nasty

-6th Sense Cloud 9 C25: http://bit.ly/2BQ4uDs

Favorites: Blue-Treuse Shad, Sexified Chartreuse Shad

Hook and Split Ring Upgrades... 

-Owner Hyperwire Split Rings(Size 4 or 5): http://bit.ly/2v8ArBX

-Owner ST-36 Trebles (Size 1/0): http://bit.ly/2cWpeyw

-Owner ST-56 Trebles (Sizes 4,2,1): http://bit.ly/2cVg7xW

-Gamakatsu EWG (Size 4, 2): http://bit.ly/2cZrsbY

Matt's Crankbait Combo... 

Rod- G Loomis IMX Pro 968 CBR Heavy: http://bit.ly/2og0BmK

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

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

Coop's Crankbait Combo... 

Rod- Shimano Zodias 7'6" Medium Heavy Glass: http://bit.ly/2cgmMAe

Reel- Shimano Tranx 200 HG: http://bit.ly/2Tv0yCy

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

Budget All-Around Crankbait Combo... 

Rod- Dobyns Fury 7' MH Crank: http://bit.ly/2bGvlVV

Reel- Shimano SLX 150 XT HG: http://bit.ly/2BRTYL8

Line- Sunline Assassin 15 lb 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

How To Catch Fish Around Docks: Summer Fishing Tips

If your lake has docks, the fish are under them right now! From bass and catfish down to the smallest baitfish, everything that swims relies on the shade of docks for safety and comfort in the Summer heat. Today Tim goes in-depth showing how to approach dock fishing, explains which docks are most likely to hold fish, and demonstrates some of his favorite ways to target them. 

You can spend years dialing in which pilings on which docks consistently hold fish. Anglers make entire bass fishing careers out of doing exactly that. But if you just want to go fishing and consistently catch fish there are some simple tips that will help you choose the right docks quickly. Focus on docks that stand alone. A dock by itself will often hold large numbers of fish that would otherwise spread out along a row of docks. Focus on docks with quick deep water access. If the dock is in deeper water than those around it, there are likely to be bigger fish underneath. 

Lastly, choose docks based on the type of fishing you plan to do. If you're fishing slowly with finesse baits target single docks or areas with limited numbers of docks. This will give you the confidence to fish methodically and really pick the docks apart. If you're fishing fast moving reaction baits then areas with a lot of docks will give you endless targets to throw to. While you'll make more casts per fish, the reaction bite is so fun that it often outweighs the alternatives. 

Our final tip is about skipping docks. You may have noticed Tim is able to do this effortlessly. While a skilled angler who practices can do this with virtually any reel, the "DC" reels make it simple for almost anyone to do. If you want to get serious about fishing docks, don't be afraid to try a DC to shorten the learning curve and make the fishing more fun from the start. 

Below is a breakdown of the baits and equipment Tim recommends for Summer dock fishing. Of course you can dial in subtle details on your local lake but these baits and this equipment is what we use anywhere we go in the country when its time to target fish under docks. We've broken down the baits into reaction baits and slow moving baits to help you make the best choices. The links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 

Tim's #1 Bait Today... 

Swimbait- Keitech Fat Swing Impact 4.8" (Electric Shad): http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

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

Fast Moving Baits... 

-Damiki BTC Squarebill Crankbait: https://bit.ly/35yagXK

(Threadfin Flash, Moss Back, Real Shad)

-Teckel Kick Knocker Topwater: http://bit.ly/2nvxkoA

(Bone, Bluegill, Chart Shiner)

-River2Sea Bully Wa 2 Frog: http://bit.ly/2axyR2a

(Ghost, TW Gill, Little Allen)

Slow Moving Baits... 

-Dirty Jigs Pitchin' Jig (1/2 oz): http://bit.ly/2amL3of

(Molting Craw, Hematoma, Go To)

-Reaction Innovations Sweet Beaver Jig Trailer: http://bit.ly/29W3RZW

(Green Pumpkin Red, Hematoma, Tramp Stamp)

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

(Green Pumpkin, Watermelon/Green Pumpkin, JuneBug)

-Gamakatsu Superline EWG 4/0 Hook: http://bit.ly/2ac92XG

-Netbait T-Mac Worm 6.5": http://bit.ly/2jndwj9

(Bama Bug, Green Pumpkin)

-Dirty Jigs Canterbury Shaky Head 1/4 oz: http://bit.ly/2aFOs0V

DC Reels work great at every price point. As you move up to higher end equipment the reels become stronger and smoother but the technology that aids your ability to skip works throughout the line. Also, when dock fishing it is recommended to use an HG (high gear 7:1) or XG (Extra High Gear 8:1) to help you pull the fish out of the docks quickly before they tangle in the pilings. 

High End DC: Shimano Metanium DC: http://bit.ly/2qrSZvs

Mid-Range DC: Shimano Curado 150 DC: http://bit.ly/2yHtsp4

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

Excellent All-Around Combo For Docks... 

Rod- G Loomis IMX Pro 853C JWR: http://bit.ly/2R4f2Ud

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

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

Leader- Sunline Sniper Fluorocarbon 14 lb: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

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

Where Do Bass Go After They Spawn? (And How To Catch Them During The Spring To Summer Transition)

Did your big fish disappear? We can help! If the big bass vanished after they finished spawning you are not alone! Matt breaks fisheries down into 4 categories and explains exactly what is happening and what will happen next in all 4 fisheries. He then goes on to explain his favorite baits for each scenario and how to use them effectively. If you're ready to get ahead of the fish and continue catching bass into the Summer, this video is for you!

Fisheries around the country can be broken down into Highland Reservoirs, Lowland Reservoirs, Streams/Rivers (includes tidal fisheries), and Natural Lakes (includes ponds). All 4 of these water bodies behaves differently but all are predictable. The guys have spent decades following bass movements and are very comfortable predicting their patterns throughout the seasons. 

Below you'll find a breakdown of the baits Matt discussed in the video. He'll begin with the actual bait he was showing in each category but may include an additional bait or two that will work great as an alternative. All of the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see close up photos and detailed product descriptions. 

Frogs... 

-River2Sea Bully Wa 2 (Little Allen): http://bit.ly/2axyR2a

-Jackall Gavacho (Chart Strike Gill): http://bit.ly/2L7KsWS

-Jackall Kaera (Glitter Hasu): http://bit.ly/2Fz6SA3

Senkos/Flukes... 

-Zoom Super Fluke (Smokin Shad): http://bit.ly/2aqys0H

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

Muddy Water Colors: Chartreuse Pearl (Fluke), Junebug (Senko)

Spinnerbaits... 

-Damiki TOT Spinnerbait 1/2 oz (Smelt Shad): http://bit.ly/38cxmD6

-Keitech 4.3" Fat Swing Impact Swimbait (Pro Blue Red Pearl): http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

Swim Jig... 

-Dirty Jigs California Swim Jig 3/8 oz (Crappie): http://bit.ly/2auXfmx

-River2Sea D Walker 100/120 (White Ice): http://bit.ly/2NwqBmz

Clear Water Colors: Tactical Shad, Blue Glimmer

Deep Diving Crankbaits... 

-Strike King 6XD: http://bit.ly/2ery44M

Colors: Chartreuse Sexy Shad, Sexy Blue Back Herring

-Azuma Z Boss 20,22 and 24: http://bit.ly/2poLKUC

Colors: Grand Shad, Goldie Lox, Ole Blue

Football Jig... 

-Dirty Jigs Finesse Football 1/2 oz: http://bit.ly/2d2apsm

Colors: Green Pumpkin Craw, Bever Craw, Go To

-Keitech Tungsten Football Jig 1/2 oz: http://bit.ly/2FDQ3o1

Colors: Dark Green Pumpkin, Green Pumpkin Black

Jig Trailers... 

-Netbait Paca Chunk: http://bit.ly/2d8mIXx

Colors: Green Pumpkin Blue, Summer Craw

-Striking King Rage Chunk: http://bit.ly/2Hd4MFA

Colors: Blue Craw, Summer Craw

-Yamamoto Double Tail Grub: http://bit.ly/2db9w1p

Colors: Green Pumpkin Purple and Copper

Great All-Around Summer Fishing Combo... 

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

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

Line- Sunline Assassin 15 lb 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