Topwater Tricks You've NEVER Heard... But Your FRIENDS Have!

Its topwater time! These are the tricks that make all the difference! Want to look different? Want to get bit when others can't? There are subtle changes you can make to your topwater baits that will make a huge difference! From heavy-weighted frogs to front runners, we're giving you the best of the best today!

You can go to the lake and throw the same old topwater or you can take it to the next level! There are reasons that some anglers get more bites than others. Sure, there are some key baits that get a ton of bites but there are also some tricks of the trade that we've learned through years of experimentation and we're willing to share them with you. 

Below you'll find links to the exact baits Tim discussed in the video. We've included our favorite colors, exact trailers, and all the components to help you modify them. We've also included some of our favorite rods for these techniques as well as a great budget option. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 

PROP BAITS... 

-River2Sea Whopper Plopper 110: http://bit.ly/2bsPbQV

Color: Monkey Butt, Bone, Shad

-Savage Gear Prop Walker: https://bit.ly/3kwBFAa

Colors: American Shad, Ghost Minnow, Bone

BUZZBAIT... 

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

Colors: White, Night Stalker, Redbug

-Dirty Jigs Pro Buzz: https://bit.ly/2WJ85R3

Colors: Pearl Shine, White

-Zorro Baits Head Knocker: http://bit.ly/2d4VpK1

Colors: Smoke Pepper, Silver White

BUZZBAIT TRAILERS... 

-River2Sea D Walker 120: http://bit.ly/2NwqBmz

Colors: PB Red, Shamrock Shad

-Big Bite Tour Toad: http://bit.ly/2NtAghc

Colors: Dirty Snow, Pearl Shine

POPPERS... 

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

Colors: Matte Shad, White Python, Megabass Sexy Shad

WALKING BAITS... 

-River2Sea Rover 128: http://bit.ly/2acSVea

Colors: Sooner, Ghost Minnow, Funky Tiger

-Evergreen Shower Blows 105: http://bit.ly/2zIkqUH

Colors: Bleeding White, Bone, Skeleton Chartreuse

TOPWATER HOOK UPGRADES... 

Split Ring- Owner Hyperwire: http://bit.ly/2v8ArBX

Size: 3 or 4

3X Treble- Owner ST-56: http://bit.ly/2cVg7xW

Size: 2 or 4 fit most topwater

Red Treble- Owner ST-36: http://bit.ly/2wSknXp

Size: 2 or 4 fit most topwater

Feathers- Owner Feather ST-36: http://bit.ly/2m7XrAx

Size 2 or 4 fit most topwater

FRONT RUNNERS... 

-PH Customs Phront Runner: https://bit.ly/3wJIdkH

Colors: Foil Black, Pearl Bone

FROGS... 

-Spro King Daddy: http://bit.ly/2h0LCYd

Colors: Nasty Shad, Killer Gill, Outback

-Spro Flappin Frog: https://bit.ly/37ljzM8

Colors: Nasty Shad, Leopard, Killer Gill

-Teckel Sprinker: http://bit.ly/2rmnqSI

Colors: Bone, Pearl White, Lemon Lime

FROG MODIFICATIONS... 

-Tungsten Dropshot Weights: http://bit.ly/2UY7cgx

-Tungsten Nail Weights: http://bit.ly/2iGNSFW

-Plastic Jig Rattles: https://bit.ly/3a9J4Sf

FROG COMBO... 

Rod- Shimano Expride 7'3" XH: http://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

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

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

WALKING BAIT COMBO... 

Rod- Shimano Zodias 6'10" Medium: https://bit.ly/2cgmMAe

Reel- Shimano Curado 70 MGL (XG): https://bit.ly/2apmDJt

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

BUDGET FROG/BUZZ COMBO... 

Rod- St. Croix Bass X 7'4" Heavy: http://bit.ly/2r0xWAs

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

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

WANT TACTICALBASSIN GEAR??

We have a variety of apparel items and custom lure designs available! Everything from hats, to hoodies, to crankbaits! Its all available direct through Tackle Warehouse with fast shipping. See it here... 

TacticalBassin Apparel and Lure Designs: http://bit.ly/38YpPIz

3 Topwater Tricks For Late Summer Bass Fishing!

The dog days of Summer have arrived! Catching bass on topwater is really simple, but there are some tricks! It doesn't matter if you fish reservoirs, swamps, or ponds, here are 3 tips that will simplify your topwater fishing this Summer.

The second half of Summer requires more attention to detail. The bass have seen a lot of baits the past few months and standing out from the crowd will become more important as each day passes. We recommend fishing the extremes. Focus on baits that are significantly larger, and significantly smaller than the "normal" offerings. Additionally, targeting fish during low light periods with fast moving baits and high sun periods with subtle presentations will increase your odds. 

Below you'll find links to our favorite baits for each topwater category. We've included our favorite colors for each, as well as the equipment we use to fish them. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 

RATS/WAKEBAITS... 

Favorite Rat- PB Rat 2-Piece: https://bit.ly/2OKJZBH

colors: Bone Brown, Brown Black

Budget Rat- Spro Rat 50: http://bit.ly/2tHDGyU

Colors: Ninja, Brown

Wake- Bull Shad Wake: http://bit.ly/2yceVRt

Colors: Gizzard Shad

WALKING BAIT... 

-Evergreen Shower Blows (Size 105): http://bit.ly/2zIkqUH

Colors: Bleeding White, American Shad

-Rapala Skitter Walk (Size 8): https://bit.ly/37DC2Uz

Colors: Shad Translucent, Chrome

FROGS... 

Big- Spro King Daddy: http://bit.ly/2h0LCYd

Colors: Killer Gill, Midnight Walker, Nasty Shad

Small- Jackall Kaera: http://bit.ly/2Fz6SA3

Colors: Glitter Bluegill, Glitter Hasu, White

UNIQUE ACTION FROGS... 

Bladed Feet- Teckel Honker: http://bit.ly/2Xj7Ye4

Colors: Black Blue, Gizzard Shad

Spinning Tail- Teckel Sprinker: http://bit.ly/2rmnqSI

Colors: Bone, Bluegill

POPPERS... 

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

Colors: Matte Shad, MB Gizzard

-Yellow Magic 1/2 oz: http://bit.ly/2al0dKP

Colors: Alewife, Smoke Shad

-Damiki D- Pop 70: http://bit.ly/2Pjvqo3

Colors: Black Holo, Spayu

BUZZBAITS... 

Subtle- D&M Easy Roller: https://bit.ly/2SCqcmj

Colors: Night Stalker, Red Bug

Clacker- Zorro Baits Head Knocker: http://bit.ly/2d4VpK1

Colors: Black/Black, White/White

WHOPPER PLOPPERS... 

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

Colors: Bone, Loon, Phantom Shad

-Whopper Plopper 90: http://bit.ly/2bsPbQV

Colors: Bone, Loon, Phantom Shad

WALKING/TOPWATER COMBO... 

Rod- Shimano Zodias 7'2" Medium: https://bit.ly/3aeQbYW

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

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

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

FROG COMBO...

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

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

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

BUDGET TOPWATER COMBO...

Rod- Shimano SLX 7'2" Medium: http://bit.ly/2L3wppO

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

Line- Power Pro Braided Line 30 lb: http://bit.ly/2aFg46b 

WANT TACTICALBASSIN GEAR?! 

We have a variety of apparel items and custom lure designs available! Everything from hats, to hoodies, to crankbaits! Its all available direct through Tackle Warehouse with fast shipping. See it here... 

TacticalBassin Apparel and Lure Designs: http://bit.ly/38YpPIz

Buzzbaits and Frogs! Summer Bass Fishing On Clearlake!

After months on the road we're finally back on Clearlake! Come along as we explore the lake, build patterns, and catch fish! Matt utilizes a buzzbait, frog, and toad to catch a fish in the grass on a hot Summer day. Many anglers avoid fishing in the heat but if you know where to look there are big fish to be caught!

Catching fish consistently in Summer requires an understanding of how and why they position. Shallow water bass love to be close to cover. A consistent food source is also key. In most lakes, if you can find baitfish and grass in the same area, you're around bass. This morning Matt hit the water at first light. He already knew where to find grass but the baitfish remained a mystery. By getting out early he was able to quickly locate active birds searching for a meal. 

It took time to get the first bite but the bird activity confirmed the presence of baitfish and ultimately the presence of bass. Whenever you're on the water pay close attention to nature, it's clues can really shorten your search time. Once Matt located fish he used a combination of baits to get consistent bites from bass that were positioned to ambush prey as it passed by the grass beds. 

Below is a breakdown of the baits and equipment Matt used to catch his fish. We've included color recommendations for the various baits, the exact combos Matt was fishing with, and even a budget-minded alternative. The links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

The Baits... 

-Skirtless Buzzbait- Dirty Jigs Canterbury Pro Buzz 1/2 oz (Blue Glimmer): http://bit.ly/2cWI6if

Trailer- River2Sea D Walker Swimbait 120 (PB Red): http://bit.ly/2NwqBmz

-4 Blade Buzzbait- D&M Easy Roller Buzz (Night Stalker): https://bit.ly/2SCqcmj

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

Colors: Dirty White, Ghost, Little Allen, TW Gill

-Big Bite Baits Tour Toad: http://bit.ly/2NtAghc

Colors: Hematoma, Pearl Shine

Hook- Owner 6/0 Twist Lock Open Gap: http://bit.ly/2cYZ3rM

Matt's Buzzbait Combo... 

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

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

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

Matt's Frog Combo...

Rod- Shimano Expride 7'3" Extra 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

Budget Buzzbait Combo... 

Rod- Shimano Intenza 7'2" Medium Heavy: http://bit.ly/2QADLTq

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

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

Budget Frog Combo... 

Rod- Dobyns Fury 736 (7'3" Mag Heavy): http://bit.ly/2bGvlVV

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

Line- Power Pro 65 lb Braided Line: http://bit.ly/2aFg46b

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

Tricks To Catch More Topwater And Crankbait Fish This Summer!

Summer bass are aggressive if you know WHERE to look! Even more important is knowing WHEN to look! If you want to catch topwater and crankbait fish in the heat of Summer, the most likely bite is the low light pattern. Get up early and stay out late to catch bass as they feed aggressively in the low light periods of the day. 

Yes, some of the biggest bass are caught under a high sun, even in Summer. But that fact only matters if you're willing and able to withstand the heat. A lot of anglers aren't willing to subject themselves to the harsh Summer temperatures so for you, we've got some recommendations. If you focus early and late in the day you can experience an amazing reaction bite! Topwater, crankbaits, and swimbaits can all be great producers before the sun hits the water. 

When you get on the pattern remember that it is a PATTERN, it can be repeated. Don't get caught up with fishing a single spot. If you can mimic the area you're in somewhere else, don't be afraid to cover water and try multiple locations. This is especially important when your shade is fading. You can stay on the pattern and continue to catch fish, even as the sun rises in the morning sky, by pursuing those final shade pockets. 

Tim's "Go To" baits are broken down below. These are the baits he trusts when he goes out during low light conditions in search of a BIG bite. The links to the baits go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

Wakebait... 

-Evergreen ND180 Noisy Dachs Wakebait (Black Bone): http://bit.ly/2JbrbaM

-G Ratt Magic Mouse (Grey-White Belly): http://bit.ly/2ytrPbP

Buzzbait... 

-D&M Easy Roller Buzzbait (RedBug, White Shad): https://bit.ly/2SCqcmj

-D&M Double Buzz (Bluegill): http://bit.ly/29W2t9z

Walking Baits/Poppers... 

-Teckel KickKnocker (Bone, Chart Shiner): http://bit.ly/2nvxkoA

-Megabass Pop Max (Gill, White Python): http://bit.ly/2qqfmm1

Frogs... 

-River2Sea Bully Wa2 65 (Little Allen, Dirty White, TW Bluegill): http://bit.ly/2axyR2a

Subsurface Offerings... 

GlideBait- S Waver 200 (Warden): http://bit.ly/2aiu8Sh

Lipless- Lucky Craft LV-500 (Aurora Black): http://bit.ly/2aAUUbd

Silent Squarebill- Lucky Craft 1.5 (American Shad): http://bit.ly/2BGxKPa

Rattling Squarebill- R2S Biggie Crank (T-1000, Abalone Shad): http://bit.ly/2ahCzvo

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