Backwater Exploring On The South Delta! Tidal Fishery Tricks!

Come along as we explore the forgotten South Delta! Trailering overland with a stranger, navigating through hyacinth-choked canals, and catching fish is all part of a day deep in the extreme Southern reaches of the California Delta. There's a reason most anglers don't venture this far South, but today we're with Matt Leverich and he knows how to navigate the maze. 

We ventured out on the water planning to "junk fish" our way through the South Delta. As the sun got overhead we found a strong frog bite but in true Delta fashion, it wouldn't last long. Soon the tide was out and the winds came in and we were forced to adapt. The day ended with one of the most incredible flurries of juvenile striper and largemouth I've ever seen on this fishery. We included a small fraction of the catches as dozens upon dozens of fish bit cast after cast for over an hour!

Below you'll find links to the exact baits and equipment we used throughout the day. We've included our exact combos, bait sizes, colors, etc... to help you be more successful on your next trip. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of the items. 

FROGS...

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

Color: Little Allen

-LiveTarget 65T Frog: http://bit.ly/2Q40BAk

Color: Emerald Brown

TOPWATER... 

-Evergreen SB 125: http://bit.ly/2zIkqUH

Color: Morizo Pink

WEEDLESS SWIMBAIT... 

Bait- Gambler Big EZ: https://bit.ly/3axLYRV

Color: Gold Rush

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

EXPOSED SWIMBAIT... 

Bait- Keitech 3.8" Fat Swing Impact: http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

Color: Crystal Shad

Hook- Matt Allen Swimbait Head 1/4 oz: http://bit.ly/29RrTYN

UNDERSPIN... 

Bait- Keitech 3.8" Fat Swing Impact: http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

Color: Ghost Rainbow

Hook- Hog Farmer War Pig 3/8 oz: http://bit.ly/2pcQnRP

LEVERICH'S FROG COMBO...

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

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

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

MATT'S HEAVY DUTY TRAVEL COMBO... 

Rod- Megabass Dragoon: https://bit.ly/2Glg3au

Reel- Shimano Metanium MGL 150 B: https://bit.ly/2ezIBfB

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

Leader- Sunline FC100 Fluoro 20 lb: http://bit.ly/2O4UElB

MATT'S ALL AROUND TRAVEL COMBO...

Rod- Megabass Stym Palides: https://bit.ly/2Glg3au

Reel- Shimano Curado 150 MGL: https://bit.ly/2TQHwrP

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

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

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

Sunken Shipwreck Explored! Amazing Smallmouth Fishing!

We won't let a broken boat stop us! Come along as we explore Lake Superior! Fall comes early in the North so we're able to target smallmouth moving shallow and feeding on baitfish long before they make the mouth in the Southern US. You'll see how clear the water is when we stumble across an 1800's era shipwreck along the way!

A lot of anglers are intimidated by big lakes. We often hear questions like, "where do you start?", "how do you know where to go?", and "Is it safe?" Fishing these GIANT bodies of water requires a dedication to safety but beyond that, its no different than fishing your local lake. Focus on protected areas or unique structures (coves, bays, points, and humps). We always start out fishing with reaction baits to cover water and find active fish, then slow down with finesse techniques as needed. 

Below you'll find links to the exact baits and equipment we used throughout the day. We've included the exact colors, sizes, and any other important details. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

PRIMARY BAITS…

-Megabass Dark Sleeper 3": http://bit.ly/2TyR1GT

Colors: Wakasagi, Haze

Size: 1/2 oz and 3/4 oz

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

Color: Bone

OUR OTHER BAITS... 

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

Colors: Mirrored Minnow, Glass Minnow

Swimbait- Keitech 3.8" Fat Swing Impact: http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

Colors: SunGill, Smallmouth Magic

Head: Dirty Jigs Tactical Finesse 3/8 oz: http://bit.ly/2Pqrq3n

Jerkbait- Megabass Vision 110: http://bit.ly/2j31TKb

Colors: Mat Skeleton Shad, Elegy Bone

Spinnerbait- Megabass SV-3 3/8 oz: https://bit.ly/3lk1SD0

Color: Gill

Hair Jig- Andy's Custom Maribou Jig (1/8 oz): https://bit.ly/3uYqDsw

Color: Black

DARK SLEEPER COMBO...

Rod- Megabass P5 Dark Sleeper: https://bit.ly/2wVOSbY

Reel- Shimano Aldebaran MGL (HG): http://bit.ly/2fdX1Uy

Line- Sunline Fluorocarbon 12 lb: http://bit.ly/2h4LNjm

TOPWATER COMBO... 

Rod- St. Croix Legend Elite 7' Medium: http://bit.ly/2z2qdHc

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

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

CRANKBAIT COMBO... 

Rod- St. Croix Mojo Glass 7'4" Medium heavy: https://bit.ly/2YIxLy5

Reel- Shimano Aldebaran MGL (HG): http://bit.ly/2fdX1Uy

Line- Sunline Super FC 12 lb Fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

SPINNERBAIT COMBO...

Rod- St. Croix Victory 7'1" Med Heavy Fast: https://bit.ly/3f4tcEb

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

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

Leader- Maxima Ultragreen 12 lb Mono: http://bit.ly/2ae97J9

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

Fishing When Its HOT ( Let's Find These Bass! )

Come along on a hot July afternoon as we do some Summer bass fishing on Lake Chickamauga. Think you can't catch them when its hot? Think again! Watch as we break down the lake, build several patterns, and catch fish both deep and shallow despite of the heat. 

Summer bass fishing doesn't have to be tough. We know where the bass are positioning, its just a matter of getting them to bite. Matt begins by developing a solid offshore pattern. Once he's confident he can keep catching fish he completely shifts gears, moves shallow and starts the process over. Before long, he's got two solid patterns in completely different areas, and both are producing nice quality fish. 

Today was a "junk fishing" day. Matt caught fish on all sorts of different baits. Below you'll find links to every bait that caught a fish. We've included favorite colors and weights as well as some of the rod and reel combos he was using to get the job done. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 

TAIL SPINNER...

Bait- Jackall Deracoup Tail Spin 1 oz: http://bit.ly/2p8X4b0

Color: Clear Shad

SCROUNGER... 

Head- Hog Farmer Hog Wobblers 3/4 oz: https://bit.ly/3vBWUFj

Bait- Scottsboro 6" Shad Jerkbait: https://bit.ly/3gHTQ6t

Color: Viper Shad

UNDERSPIN... 

Head- Blade Runner Spintrix 1/2 oz (Anchovy): http://bit.ly/2oocg0a

Bait- Keitech 4.8" Fat Swing Impact: http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

Color: Pro Blue Red Pearl

BLADE BAIT... 

Bait- Damiki Vault 3/4 oz: http://bit.ly/2rnO7e2

Color: Spot Black

Hook Upgrade- Owner ST-56 (Size 4): http://bit.ly/2cVg7xW

TOPWATER... 

Bait- Evergreen Shower Blows 125: http://bit.ly/2zIkqUH

Color: Half Mirror Wakasagi

CRANKBAIT... 

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

Color: Gizzard Blue Green

BLADE BAIT COMBO (New Rod)... 

Rod- Halo HFX 7' Medium Heavy: https://bit.ly/36rfYvW

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

Line- Sunline Assassin 12 lb Fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2h4LNjm

UNDERSPIN COMBO...

Rod- Shimano Zodias 7'5" Medium Heavy: https://bit.ly/2cgmMAe

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

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

Leader- Sunline FC-100 20 lb Shock Leader: http://bit.ly/2O4UElB

HIGH-END TOPWATER COMBO... 

**These Rods ARE Available For BackOrder**

Rod- G Loomis NRX+ 844C MBR: https://bit.ly/2SuZG15

Reel- Shimano Metanium DC (HG): http://bit.ly/2qrSZvs

Line- Sufix 131 Braid 40 lb: https://bit.ly/314VoyF

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

Spring Topwater Tricks To Get Topwater Strikes Right Now!

Bass eat topwater baits long before most fisherman consider using them. If you’re waiting for hot weather you’re missing one of the best topwater bites of the year! You need to start now because most of the giant bass that get caught on topwater are caught early in the season. Of course, you’ll need to adapt your technique a bit to account for the cooler conditions, but that’s what we’re here for. 

Consistent topwater action during the cool spring months requires patience. You’ll need to fish slower than you’re used to, and you’ll be targeting a smaller percentage of fish than you would be in Summer. However, that smaller segment includes a lot of the biggest bass in the lake. This bite has a lot more to do with cadence and speed of retrieve than it does water temperature. Don’t get hung up on a certain water temperature, instead, be cognizant that if you’ve been able to wear a T-shirt in the afternoon in the past week or two, the topwater bite has potential. These fish are sitting extremely shallow so they’re able to find warm water pockets, even when the main lake remains cool. 

Again, the key is speed. Focus on baits that cover a lot of water (side to side) while moving slowly toward the boat. Walking baits, poppers, and frogs, are all great options. Additionally, baits like a buzz bait (with some adaptations) and a whopper plopper are also great options. Below you’ll find links to the EXACT baits that we use from each category, including our favorite colors for each model. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 

Poppers… 

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

Colors: Matte Shad, MB Gizzard, Gill

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

Colors: Tennessee Shad, Lightning Shad

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

Colors: Smoke Shad, Bone

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

Colors: Phantom, Spayu

Walking Baits… 

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

Colors: Bone, Sooner

-Teckel KickKnocker: http://bit.ly/2nvxkoA

Colors: Chart Shiner, Vanilla Ice

-Evergreen Shower Blows 125: http://bit.ly/2zIkqUH

Colors: American Shad, Bone, Half Mirror Wakasagi

Ploppers… 

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

Colors: Munky Butt, 

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

Colors: Munky Butt, Bone, Phantom Shad

Plopper Mods...

Swivel- Spro Power Swivel (Size 6): http://bit.ly/2ay0p7d

Split Ring- Owner Hyperwire #3 or #4: http://bit.ly/2v8ArBX

Buzzbaits… 

Double Buzz- D&M Double Hammer: http://bit.ly/29W2t9z

Colors: Black Widow, Bluegill

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

Colors: Red Bug, White Shad

Frogs... 

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

Colors: Little Allen, Ghost

-Spro Bronzeye 65: http://bit.ly/2sz9Qje

Colors: Killer Gill, Nasty Shad

-Jackall Gavacho: http://bit.ly/2L7KsWS

Colors: Gold Gill, White, Chart Strike Gill

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

Colors: White, Glitter Hasu, Glitter Bluegill

-Scum Frog Launch Frog: https://bit.ly/3rOYQIF

Colors: Bluegill, Shad, Dusk

Popper Combo... 

Rod- Shimano Expride 6'10" Medium: https://bit.ly/3aeQbYW

Reel- Shimano Curado 70 MGL K: https://bit.ly/3jdrMqa

Line- Power Pro Maxcuatro Braid 30 lb: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

Walking Bait/Whopper Plopper 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 Curado 150 DC: http://bit.ly/2yHtsp4

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