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

Big Swimbaits and Topwater For Spring Bass | Texas Bass Fishing

The guys are back in Texas chasing PreSpawn bass with a swimbait, an A-rig, and a variety of topwater. Come along as they build a pattern and adapt to changing conditions throughout the day. Watch how they fish with confidence and get bites, even on big swimbaits, without knowing anything about the lake. 

So many anglers get caught up in the mindset that certain baits (swimbaits, frogs, jigs, etc...) don't work on their lake. The reality is that bass behave very similarly and with few exceptions, eat the same baits throughout the country. We travel constantly and have seen over and over again that we can quickly catch fish on baits like a Gantarel or a frog, in lakes where others hesitate to even try these lures. 

The key to consistent fishing success anywhere in this country is building patterns. Focus on the conditions, how bass should behave during the season you're in, and take the extra time to intentionally fish likely locations based on those variables. You'll be amazed how many more bass you'll begin to catch!

As we continue to travel we're constantly refining our equipment. Life on the road requires specialized rods and an array of tackle. In the beginning our boats could hardly float from the masses of tackle we'd bring on trips. Anymore, we find key baits that work everywhere and we're able to narrow down our selections.

Below you'll find links to the baits we were using on this trip, some of our gear, and some travel-specific equipment that makes your life easier whether you're going cross country or to a lake down the road. All of the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 

A-Rigs... 

Rig- Hog Farmer TacticalBassin Bladed Flex: https://bit.ly/38xd1es

Heads- Matt Allen Swimbait Heads (1/8 oz): http://bit.ly/29RrTYN

Baits- Keitech 4.8" Fat Swing Impact (Pro Blue Red Pearl): http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

Swimbait... 

-G-Ratt Sneaky Pete: http://bit.ly/2RYCPFe

Favorite Colors: Hitch, Gizzard Shad

-Jackall Gantarel: http://bit.ly/2adZI3R

Favorite Colors: RT Spawn Gill, RT Ghost Gill

Topwater...

-ScumFrog Launch Frog (Bluegill): https://bit.ly/3rOYQIF

-River2Sea Whopper Plopper 90 (Phantom Shad): http://bit.ly/2bsPbQV

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

Lure Retriever...

-Frabill 15' Pole Retriever: http://bit.ly/2TLTJc6

Travel Rods... 

High End (Our Favorite)- Megabass Triza Casting Rods: https://bit.ly/2Glg3au

Mid Range- St. Croix Triumph Casting Rods: https://bit.ly/3urbTSn

Budget Swimbait- Okuma Nomad Xpress: http://bit.ly/2p4zr3g

Tim's A-Rig Combo... 

Rod- Shimano Zodias 7'5" Heavy: https://bit.ly/3aeQbYW

Reel- 13 Fishing A2 (7.5:1): https://bit.ly/36XlOVs

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

Tim's Topwater Combo... 

Rod- Megabass Destroyer P5 Z-Crank: https://bit.ly/30GcHqb

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

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

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

Underspin Tricks For Early Spring Bass Fishing! (Beginner To Advanced)

The underspin is deadly on early Spring bass! Whether your fish are up in shallow cover eating big bait fish, hanging on breaks eating tiny shad, or suspending on outside structure, the underspin can be adapted to virtually any conditions. Like any technique, there are small tricks that make a huge difference in your success and today Tim is showing his best trick for catching fish that aren't ready to fully commit to the bait. 

Underspins come in all shapes and sizes. Even with our "simple is better" approach to the technique we still find ourselves with 4 or 5 models on the boat at all times. Being able to adapt to changing conditions and different size baitfish makes a huge difference with this technique so don't be afraid to adjust your bait if the fish aren't reacting. 

When in comes to fishing cover, the Flashy Swimmer is key. When the going gets tough, you can't beat a Cool Baits. And when the fish are ready to feed, the Blade Runner and Hog Farmer will give you a strong hook and consistent action to land the giants! All of the baits discussed in the video are linked in the description below. All of the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 

Weedless Underspin... 

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

-Owner Flashy Beast: http://bit.ly/2gx3A54

Sizing: - 1/0: 3.3 Keitech

             - 3/0: 3.8 Keitech

             - 5/0 4.8 Keitech

             - 8/0 For LARGE Swimbaits

Finesse Underspin... 

Head- Cool Baits Underspin (1/8 oz): http://bit.ly/2boS7QA

Bait #1- Keitech 2.8" Fat Swing Impact: http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

Bait #2- Damiki 3" Armor Shad: http://bit.ly/2KtPDAT

Bait #3- Keitech 4" Easy Shiner: http://bit.ly/2bxJK6H

Finesse Screw Head... 

Head- Megabass Okashira Head (1/16 oz): http://bit.ly/2EpluSA

Bait- Megabass 3" Spark Shad: http://bit.ly/2XcLZk4

Full-Profile Underspins... 

-Blade Runner Spintrix 3/8 - 1/2 oz (Anchovy): http://bit.ly/2oocg0a

-HogFarmer War Pig HD 3/8 - 1/2 oz (Albino): http://bit.ly/2pcQnRP

-Fish Head Spin 3/8 oz (Smokin Shad): http://bit.ly/2ZPzGhh

Underspin Stinger Hook Trick... 

Hook- Owner Straight Shank: http://bit.ly/3bEX0Uv

Size: 2,1, or 1/0 to Match Blade Size

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

Favorite Colors By Brand... 

Keitech- Pro Blue Red Pearl, Electric Shad

Damiki- RP Blue Pearl, American Shad

Megabass- Real, Albino

Finesse Underspin Combo... 

Rod- Shimano Expride 6'10" Med Light: http://bit.ly/2osaj3q

Reel- Shimano Ultegra 2500 (Pre-Order Available): http://bit.ly/2PeNvUH

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

Leader- Sunline Sniper 7 lb Fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

Full-Size Underspin Combo... 

Rod- Shimano Expride 7'6" Medium Heavy: http://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

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

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

Leader- Sunline FC-100 16 lb Fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2O4UElB

Budget Finesse Underspin Combo... 

Rod- Shimano Intenza 7'6" Light: http://bit.ly/2s7kaQn

Reel- Shimano Sahara FI 2500: http://bit.ly/2XhhM43

Line- Sunline Sniper 7 lb Fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

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

We Got STUCK! Caught Almost 30 LBS!!! Swimbaits, Creature Baits, and Senko!

Low Tide almost got us! We knew a school of giant bass were tucked up in a shallow backwater and we ALMOST made it! After blowing mud with the outboard we had to adapt and run a new pattern. Come along for the excitement! We started off catching bass with senkos and ended with some really nice bed fish. The Delta is always full of surprises but today it came together and we had a blast catching big bass in clear water! 

Today was one of those days where we rolled with the punches. Amazingly, when we pulled the boat out at the end of the day we had no prop or skeg damage on the Yamaha SHO despite the brutal beating it took to reach our fish! After the shallow water debacle we lost Tim to a giant sight fish for a few hours. Unfortunately that fish never committed but he did connect with a really nice fish on a swimbait to save his day. In the meantime Matt covered a ton of water and found some very nice fish moved up. He was able to combine a variety of baits from craws and creatures to senkos and bluegill swimbaits to get the key bites he needed. 

Tidal fisheries like the delta require constant adjustment. We started out with a plan and made change after change until we locked into a pattern we weren't anticipating. Once we found sight fish we were able to cover miles and miles of canals in search of matching conditions and every time we found the right water temperature and clarity, we found bed fish. By day's end we'd caught a handful of big delta bass on a variety of baits and put together a monster limit. Too much fun!

Below is a breakdown of all the baits that we caught fish on (in order of appearance) as well as some of the equipment we were using to be successful. 

Stick Bait... 

Bait- Yamamoto Senko 6" (Green Pump/Watermelon Laminate): http://bit.ly/2axAmNS

Other Great Colors- Green Pumpkin Black Flake, Natural Shad

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

Craw... 

Bait- Reaction Innovations Sweet Beaver (Flora Bama): http://bit.ly/29W3RZW

Other Great Colors- Tramp Stamp, Spiked Watermelon

Hook- Owner Jungle Wide Gap 3/0: http://bit.ly/2sBsR1Z

Weight- Swagger Vader Tungsten 3/8 oz: http://bit.ly/2NjDYtV

Bluegill Swimbait... 

Bait- Mattlures HammerTail Bluegill: http://bit.ly/2FsZhA3

Hook- Owner ST-56 Size 2: http://bit.ly/2cVg7xW

Split Ring- Owner Hyperwire Size 5: http://bit.ly/2aTH3f1

Line-Thru Swimbait... 

Bait- Savage Gear 4D Trout (Hitch): http://bit.ly/399bx97

Hook- Owner ST-56 Size 2: http://bit.ly/2cVg7xW

Creature #1... 

Bait- Big Bite Baits Kreit Squirrel Tail (Tilapia): http://bit.ly/2sn1FaT

Other Great Colors... Tilapia Magic, Green Pumpkin

Hook- Owner Jungle Wide Gap 3/0: http://bit.ly/2sBsR1Z

Weight- Swagger Vader Tungsten 3/8 oz: http://bit.ly/2NjDYtV

Creature #2... 

Bait- Reaction Innovations Man Bear Pig (Flora Bama): http://bit.ly/2s51oIV

Other Great Colors... Dirty Wizard, Magic Craw Red

Hook- Owner Jungle Wide Gap 3/0: http://bit.ly/2sBsR1Z

Weight- Swagger Vader Tungsten 1/2 oz: http://bit.ly/2NjDYtV

Frogs... 

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

-Megabass Big Gabot (Wild Gill): https://bit.ly/3bXW8Jh

Matt's All-Around Combo... 

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

Reel- Shimano Metanium MGL HG: http://bit.ly/2ezIBfB

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

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

Tim's All-Around Combo... 

Rod- G Loomis GLX 894C JWR: http://bit.ly/2gqziwT

Reel- Shimano Metanium MGL HG: http://bit.ly/2ezIBfB

Line- Sunline FX2 Braid 50 lb: http://bit.ly/31u57xA

Leader- Sunline Sniper 18 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