Top 5 "Must Have Baits" For Spring Bass Fishing!

Early Spring fishing creeps up every year, make sure you're ready! We all know Spring is a great time to be on the water but what should you be gearing up in preparation? These are the "must have" lures for any serious angler that wants to catch big bass this coming Spring.

Spring is all about covering water to locate schools of bass. If you're fishing too slowly, the odds of finding these mega schools drops significantly. With that in mind, all our top baits focus on covering water. Aside from speed, flash, vibration, and sound, are all key components of successful Spring baits.

Below you'll find links to each of the baits discussed in the video. We've included our favorite colors and sizes for each, as well as a couple budget friendly rod and reel combos.  All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

MINI RIG...

Rig– Hog Farmer Tactical Mini Flex (Bladed): https://bit.ly/3uwY6Md

Heads– Dirty Jigs Matt Allen Swimbait Head: https://bit.ly/29RrTYN

Size: 1/8 oz

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

Colors: Electric Shad, Pro Blue Red Pearl

MICRO RIG...

Rig– HogFarmer Tactical Micro Flex (Bladed): https://bit.ly/3RY1wUK

Heads– Dirty Jigs Guppy: https://bit.ly/2nyUJRS

Size: 1/8 oz, 1/0 hook

Baits– Damiki 3" Armor Shad: https://bit.ly/2KtPDAT

Colors: American Shad, PB Silver

CHATTERBAITS...

•ZMan EverGreen JackHammer (1/2 oz): http://bit.ly/2popvj6

Colors: Green Pumpkin Shad, Bruised Green Pumpkin

•ZMan Mini Max (3/8 oz): https://bit.ly/3tqztzi

Colors: Bluegill, Gizzard Shad

CHATTERBAIT TRAILERS...

•Hog Farmer 5.5" Spunk Shad: https://bit.ly/2UFkCD7

Colors: Chartreuse Shad, Sexy Shad, Hematoma

•MissileBaits 5.5" Spunk Shad: https://bit.ly/3CA8BCG

Colors: Frosted Purple, Green Pumpkin Delight, Super Bug

•Big Bite Baits 3.75" Kamikaze SwimOn: https://bit.ly/2NkSdPV

Colors: Green Pump Chartreuse, Smoky Gold

SQUAREBILL CRANKBAITS...

•Rapala OG Rocco: https://bit.ly/3PHvNCI

Colors: Red Crawdad, Tuxedo Shad

•Bill Lewis ATV 1.5: https://bit.ly/41o3ctj

Colors: Red Glitter Craw, Fire Truck Craw

UNDERSPIN SWIMBAIT...

•Dirty Jigs Mini Underspin: https://bit.ly/3JOd8UY

Size: 1/8 - 1/4 oz

•XZone 2.75" Swammer: https://bit.ly/2PogV0q

Colors: Pro Blue Red Pearl, Electric Shad

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

Colors: Albino Shad, Pro Blue Red Pearl

LIPLESS CRANKBAITS...

•Nomad Swimtrex Max (1/2 oz): https://bit.ly/3SjrDWD

Today's Color: Threadfin Shad, Natural Threadfin, Red Craw

•Jackall TN 70 Lipless: https://bit.ly/2lqAwjh

Today's Colors: SS Shad, SG Threadfin

JERKBAITS...

•Megabass Vision 110 Jr +1: https://bit.ly/2LnK389

Matte Shad, Elegy Bone, Pro Blue

•Shimano Zumverno 95 SP: https://bit.ly/3Gbzrmw

Colors: S Hasu, Clown

•Shimano World Minnow: https://bit.ly/3Fwg9F6

Colors: ST Chiayu, Clown, Chart Silver

MICRO RIG COMBO...

Rod– Shimano Curado 7'2" Medium Light: https://bit.ly/2gUWTft

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

Line– Power Pro Maxcuatro (30 lb): https://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

Leader– Maxima Ultragreen (10 lb): https://bit.ly/2ae97J9

BUDGET CHATTERBAIT COMBO...

Rod– Shimano SLX A 6'10" Medium Heavy: https://bit.ly/2L3wppO

Reel– Shimano SLX 70 A (HG): https://bit.ly/3vPtYQ5

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

Leader– Sufix Advance Mono (14 lb): https://bit.ly/3GJEUix

BUDGET SQUAREBILL/LIPLESS COMBO...

Rod– St. Croix Mojo Glass 7'2" Medium Moderate: https://bit.ly/3P8REVe

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

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

Everything You Need To Know About Squarebills and Shallow Crankbaits! (Full Seminar)

We're taking a deep dive into the world of shallow crankbaits! Come along as Matt teaches how, when, and where to fish these baits! If you've ever thrown a shallow crank, or even if you have the slightest curiosity about them, this video is for you!

There are so many new baits on the market, it's hard to know which baits to use! This is everything you need to know! From color, to size, to diving depth, Matt breaks down shallow crankbaits so the rest of us can enjoy them.

OVERSIZED CRANKS...

•Megabass Big M 4.0: https://bit.ly/44Sg9Mv

Colors: Jukucho Shad, GG Gill

•Megabass Big M 2.0: https://bit.ly/3ZifaE6

Colors: Jukucho Shad, Gillkko

•Strike King 8.0: https://bit.ly/45Pcpwi

Colors: TN Shad 2.0, Chartreuse Sexy Shad

•Strike King 4.0: https://bit.ly/2dzeCUk

Colors: Olive Shad, Green Gizzard Shad

•Lucky Craft BDS 6: https://bit.ly/2sRZby9

Colors: BP Golden Shiner, Chartreuse Shad

LARGE CRANKS...

•6th Sense Crush 100X: https://bit.ly/3LJSeIv

Colors: Ghost Shad Scales, Ghost Threadfin Shad

•Shimano Macbeth 75 Big: https://bit.ly/3PAgT4u

Colors: Ghost Shad, Sleeper Shad

•Lucky Craft BDS 4: https://bit.ly/3PjXmUz

Colors: American Shad,  Ghost Minnow

•Rapala BX Big Brat: https://bit.ly/3r8WZOW

Colors: Homers Buddy, Pearl Grey Ghost, Silver

•Bill Lewis ATV 2.5: https://bit.ly/41o3ctj

Colors: Tennessee Shad, Red Glitter Craw

•13 Fishing Scamp 2.5: https://bit.ly/3iMkYAw

Colors: Epic Shad, Mud Bug Punch

FAT SQUAREBILLS...

•Megabass S Crank 1.5: https://bit.ly/2dPdTxb

Colors: MB Gizzard, Megabass Sexy Shad

•Damiki BTC 60: https://bit.ly/35yagXK

Colors: Blue Craw, Mossy Shad, Real Shad

•Shimano Macbeth 50: https://bit.ly/3EDeBv5

Colors: Ghost Shad, Sleeper Shad, Sexy Shad

•Lucky Craft BDS 2: https://bit.ly/48r4Q0T

Colors: American Shad, Golden Shiner

•Shimano Macbeth 63: https://bit.ly/3LnsMYP

Colors: Ghost Shad, Sleeper Shad

PRIMARY SQUAREBILLS...

•Spro Essential Hunter 65: https://bit.ly/3cSMnOD

Colors: Black Silver, Fire Craw

•6th Sense Crush Silent 50S: https://bit.ly/2BGUQlS

Colors: Ghost Shad Scales, Ghost Threadfin Shad

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

Colors: Cold Blooded, Abalone Shad

•Strike King 1.5: https://bit.ly/3xLv526

Colors: Sexy Ghost Minnow, TN Shad 2.0

•Rapala OG Rocco: https://bit.ly/3PHvNCI

Colors: Tuxedo Shad, Red Crawdad

•13 Fishing Scamp 1.5: https://bit.ly/3PBfRVF

Colors: Olive Crush, Mudbug Punch

•Bill Lewis ATV 1.5: https://bit.ly/41o3ctj

Colors: Red Glitter Craw, Tennessee Shad

•Spro Speed Demon 55: https://bit.ly/3XGWUC2

Colors: Laundry Matte, Crystal Craw

•Lucky Craft 1.5: https://bit.ly/2BGxKPa

Colors: American Shad, Ghost Minnow

SMALL PROFILE CRANKS...

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

Colors: Cold Blooded, Abalone Shad

•Bill Lewis ATV 1.0: https://bit.ly/3kBMuGb

Colors: Red Glitter Craw, Tennessee Shad

•Rapala BX Brat: https://bit.ly/2qFBMiR

Colors: Mossy, Pearl Grey Shiner

•Rapala DT 4: https://bit.ly/3EFGd2J

Colors: Live Bluegill, Green Gizzard Shad

•Megabass Super Z Z2: https://bit.ly/3fsxn9G

Colors: Kasumi Ito, Mat Craw 2

•Megabass Super Z Z1: https://bit.ly/2Y9dkHB

Colors: Wild Craw, Mat Craw 2, Kasumi Ito

ODD BALL CRANKS...

•Nishine Chippawa RB Blade: https://bit.ly/3Z8wueJ

Colors: Ghost Shad, Hologram Shad

•13 Fishing Jabber Jaw: https://bit.ly/3z7hVdH

Colors: Black Back Shad, Lucky Charm

SHALLOW CRANKS...

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

Colors: Ghost Minnow, Mossy Shad

•Shimano Macbeth 50S: https://bit.ly/48m3ch1

Colors: Sleeper Shad, Ghost Shad

•Lucky Craft BDS 1: https://bit.ly/3sKcpPC

Colors: American Shad, Ghost Minnow

•Spro Outsider 55 SR: https://bit.ly/3Pfx1XI

Colors: Dirty Gizzard, Rainbow Gill, River Gold

•Evergreen CH1: https://bit.ly/2MrsOCG

Colors: Ghost Wakasagi, Bone, Champion Shad

•Spro Fat John 50: https://bit.ly/2V03giW

Colors: Matte Shad, Honey Shad, Cell Mate

BFS CRANKS...

•Damiki Disco 40: https://bit.ly/432XZaY

Colors: Ghost Minnow, Mossy Shad, Olive Flash Shad

•Shimano Macbeth 39F: https://bit.ly/45Pj3Dd

Colors: Clear Green Craw, Sleeper Shad

•Megabass Griffon BFS SR: https://bit.ly/3qOyDj6

Colors: Mat Shad, GP Kawamatsu

FLAT SIDE CRANKS...

•Shimano Macbeth Flat: https://bit.ly/3QNYS1g

Colors: Clear Green Craw, Sleeper Shad

•Megabass SonicSide: https://bit.ly/2PxtPWo

Colors: Green Craw, MB Gizzard

•Spro Little John: https://bit.ly/2dDfuqt

Colors: Blood Craw, Chrome Olive

•Spro Little John Type R: https://bit.ly/3j0GS3a

Colors: Copper Shad, Rayburn Red

•Rapala Ott's OG Slim 06: https://bit.ly/3pV1CLN

Colors: Live River Shad, Red Crawdad

•Rapala Ott's OG Tiny 4: https://bit.ly/3A76zGi

Colors: Live River Shad, Shad

MATT’S MAIN SQUAREBILL COMBO…

Rod– Megabass Levante Flat Side Special: https://bit.ly/2FdE3YY

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

Line– Sunline Crank FC 12 lb: https://bit.ly/3fohguC

GREAT CRANKBAIT RODS...

HIGH END - St. Croix Legend Tourn. 7'2" M Mod Fast: https://bit.ly/3Iow9KV

BFS - Cashion Icon 7' Light: https://bit.ly/3mLIIes

BUDGET - St. Croix Mojo Glass 7'2" MM: https://bit.ly/3P8REVe

HOOKS…

1X Strength - Gamakatsu EWG: https://bit.ly/2DCOlmV

Size: 6, 4, 2

2X Strength - BKK EWG 71SS: https://bit.ly/3PiUjM7

Size: 6, 4, 2

3X Strength - Owner ST-56: https://bit.ly/2cVg7xW

Size: 6, 4, 2

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

Size: 2, 3

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

Fall Bass Fishing! Full Day On The Water!

Come along for a day of crankbait fishing with Matt! It's time to "Burn Burn Burn Pause!!" Matt's exploring a stretch of the Tennessee River and he's catching fish! He starts the day expecting to throw a variety of baits but it becomes really obvious that the crankbait is king. Before you know it, that's all he's throwing!

When bass start gorging on shad and other bait fish in the Fall, the crankbait is hard to beat! On this day, Matt was catching fish on a variety of baits, but all the better bites came on the crank. From burning the Tactical DD on offshore structure for Smallmouth, to grinding a squarebill through the shallows for Largemouth, the bite revolved around a crankbait.

Below you'll find links to all the baits Matt used throughout the day, as well as the gear he used to fish them effectively. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

THE CRANKBAITS...

•Shimano Macbeth 50S: https://bit.ly/48m3ch1

Colors: Ghost Shad

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

Colors: Mirrored Minnow, Green Pumpkin Craw

•Spro Speed Demon: https://bit.ly/3XGWUC2

Color: Laundry Matte

UNDERSPIN...

Head– Dirty Jigs Tactical Finesse Underspin: https://bit.ly/3JOd8UY

Weight: 1/4 oz

Bait– Storm 3" Largo Shad: https://bit.ly/3vxP0NB

Color: Albino Shad

SOFT JERKBAIT...

Bait– Xzone Whiplash Shad: https://bit.ly/3IpMKQo

Color: Smoke Pearl Laminate

Hook– Gamakatsu Superline Wide Gap: https://bit.ly/2ac92XG

Size: 4/0

TOPWATER...

•River2Sea Whopper Plopper 90: https://bit.ly/2bsPbQV

Color: Bone

MATT'S DEEP CRANK COMBO...

Rod– G Loomis IMX Pro 906 CBR: https://bit.ly/2FQj6CZ

Reel– Shimano Curado 150 MGL (HG): https://bit.ly/2TQHwrP

Line– Sunline Crank FC 12 lb: https://bit.ly/3fohguC

MATT'S SOFT JERKBAIT COMBO...

Rod– Shimano Expride 6'10" Medium Heavy: https://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

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

Line– Power Pro Maxcuatro 40 lb Braid: https://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

Leader– Maxima Ultragreen 15 lb: https://bit.ly/2ae97J9

SQUAREBILL CRANKBAIT COMBO...

Rod– Megabass Levante Flat Side Special: https://bit.ly/2FdE3YY

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

Line– Sunline Crank FC 12 lb: https://bit.ly/3fohguC

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

This Is How We Catch Bigger Bass In Spring! (Shallow Water Tricks)

Come along for a day on the water and watch how we locate big bass in a giant reservoir! Matt runs the exact pattern that we teach for early season bass fishing and it plays out perfectly. First he catches a few fish, then he catches a whole school, then he catches a BIG one! Its the perfect script for early Spring bass fishing!

Matt is targeting early prespawn bass with a chatterbait, lipless, and squarebill. He's running secondary points in search of active fish and not wasting any time on unproductive water. When he locates a school he picks it apart then keeps moving in search of the bigger fish that are sure to follow. This is a pattern you can run on any lake around the country. We hope this gives you confidence to keep moving until you catch the fish you're searching for!

Below you'll find links to the exact baits and gear Matt was using throughout the video. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. We've also included a link to Tim's recent "red bait" video to help you gain an understanding of the crawfish phenomenon in Spring. 

RELATED VIDEO...

•Tim's Red Bait Video: https://youtu.be/m5U7SGEvW1A

THE CHATTERBAITS...

Bait– ZMan JackHammer (1/2 oz): http://bit.ly/2popvj6

Colors: Golden Shiner, Fire Craw

Trailer #1– Missile Baits 4.5 Spunk Shad: https://bit.ly/3CA8BCG

Color: Frosted Purple

Trailer #2– Hog Farmer 4.5 Spunk Shad: http://bit.ly/2UFkCD7

Color: Blow Torch

LIPLESS CRANKBAIT...

•Jackall TN 70 Lipless: http://bit.ly/2lqAwjh

Colors: Crawfish, SS Shad

SQUAREBILL CRANKBAIT...

•Bill Lewis ATV 1.5: https://bit.ly/41o3ctj

Color: Fire Truck Craw

MATT'S SQUAREBILL COMBO...

Rod– Megabass Levante Flat Side Special: http://bit.ly/2FdE3YY

Reel– Shimano SLX 70 MGL (HG): https://bit.ly/3gIUCgJ

Line– Sunline Crank FC 14 lb: https://bit.ly/3fohguC

MATT'S CHATTERBAIT COMBO...

Rod– G Loomis IMX Pro 883C BJR: http://bit.ly/2QurcHi

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

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

Leader– Sunline Saltimate System Shock 20 lb: https://bit.ly/3oT1oq2

MATT'S LIPLESS COMBO #1...

Rod– G Loomis IMX PRO 855 CBR: http://bit.ly/2og0BmK

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

Line– Sufix 131 Braid (30 lb): https://bit.ly/314VoyF

Leader– Sunline Saltimate Shock 20 lb: https://bit.ly/3oT1oq2

MATT'S LIPLESS COMBO #2...

Rod– St. Croix Legend Tournament Carbon Cranker: https://bit.ly/3Iow9KV

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

Line– Sufix 131 Braid (30 lb): https://bit.ly/314VoyF

Leader– Sunline Saltimate Shock 20 lb: https://bit.ly/3oT1oq2

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