TacticalBassin Is Expanding! Meet Adam Hinkle!

We're expanding in 2025 with bonus content featuring some of our closest friends! Meet Adam Hinkle, a serious bass angler from the San Diego area in Southern California. Adam brings a unique perspective to the Tactical Family, having grown up in California's "Big Bass Era", and constantly adapting both power fishing and finesse presentations to the clear, pressured waters of Southern California.

Today Adam is showing how different Southern California can be from the rest of the country in "Winter". A hoodie and a shallow crankbait can get the job done on a crisp San Diego morning. Despite the temperate climate, there are many aspects of fishing in this region that translate to the whole country, and Adam is going to help us stay connected to those trends. Expect to see him featured a few times a year in bonus videos, along with the other members of our newly formed "Tactical Family" team of anglers.

Below you'll find links to the exact baits and gear Adam was using, as well as some widely available options that are very similar to his custom gear. All the link go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

CRANKBAIT...

•Berkley Fritside 5 HD Crankbait: https://bit.ly/4hcwfXJ

Color: HD Green Craw

ADAM'S HOMEMADE JIG...

Jig Skirt: Dirty Jigs Replacement Skirts: https://bit.ly/3Xu0BwC

Jig Head: Boss Mini Ball Head (3/8 oz): https://bit.ly/4aeiBRK

ADAM'S CAROLINA RIG...

Bait– Zoom Baby Brush Hog: https://bit.ly/2bnpCRx

Color: Watermelon Red Flake

Hook– Gamakatsu Offset Round Bend (Size 3/0): https://bit.ly/3BVoabb

Swivel– Spro Power Swivel (Size 6): https://bit.ly/2ay0p7d

Weight– Picasso Tungsten Cylinder (1 oz): https://bit.ly/3E2CSxo

SIMILAR CRANKBAIT COMBO...

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

Reel– Shimano SLX 150 DC (XG): https://bit.ly/2LWzw2Q

Line– Seaguar Tatsu Fluorocarbon (12 lb): https://bit.ly/3Cje0Rw

BUDGET CRANKBAIT COMBO...

Rod– St. Croix Black Bass 7'4" Medium Hvy Mod: https://bit.ly/41ntbDB

Reel– Shimano SLX A 150 (XG): https://bit.ly/2NfdOnk

Line– Seaguar Red Label (12 lb): https://bit.ly/2LOVEwA

TACTICALBASSIN LURE DESIGNS (AND APPAREL)

We have a variety of custom lure designs and apparel available! Everything from Swimbaits and crankbaits, to apparel and merch! See it here…

•TacticalBassin Apparel and Merch: https://bit.ly/3ZxEI0z

•TacticalBassin Lure Designs: http://bit.ly/38YpPIz

Finding Fish In A New Lake! ( This Crazy Pattern Worked!! )

We're on a new lake and it's a good thing he saw the birds! We're deep in the South with an evening to burn so we're fishing a new lake. It's covered in lily pads with tons of cover along the shorelines. Everything about this lake says "fish shallow cover" but when Matt saw birds diving, the light tackle came out and he got bit on the first cast!

If you'd told Matt ahead of time that he'd be throwing light spinning tackle in open water on a lake like this, he would have thought you were crazy! This is why it's so important to keep an open mind when you approach a new lake. Pay attention to what the fish are saying and keep an eye on your environment for any clues. This evening, the birds were working bait and Matt was sure the fish wouldn't be far behind.

Below you'll find links to the exact baits Matt was fishing, and the equipment he used to throw them effectively. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

THE UNDERSPIN...

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

Size: 1/4 oz with

Bait– Xzone 3.5" Swammer: https://bit.ly/2PogV0q

Color: pro blue red pearl

THE WEEDLESS RIG...

Hook– Owner Flashy Swimmer: https://bit.ly/2e8O4Y7

Size: 3/0 Hook, 3/16 oz

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

Color: Electric Shad

GLIDE BAIT...

•River2Sea S Waver 168: https://bit.ly/2aiu8Sh

Color: TW Cali Hitch

MAIN UNDERSPIN COMBO...

Rod– Shimano Expride B 6'8" Medium: https://bit.ly/2osaj3q

Reel– Shimano Ultegra 2500: https://bit.ly/2nfApml

Line– Power Pro Braid (10 lb): https://bit.ly/2aFg46b

Leader– Sunline Super FC (8 lb): https://bit.ly/2p7fxju

WEEDLESS UNDERSPIN COMBO...

Rod– Daiwa Steez AGS 7'1" Medium: https://bit.ly/44wVwFk

Model: Utility Player

Reel– Daiwa Certate LT 2500: https://bit.ly/35Kclij

Line– Sufix 832 Braid (10 lb): https://bit.ly/2ae93Ji

Leader– Seaguar Gold Label (10 lb): https://bit.ly/3UqrUbi

S–WAVER COMBO...

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

Reel– Shimano Bantam MGL A (HG): https://bit.ly/2H44yjG

Line– Power Pro Maxcuatro (65 lb): https://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

Leader– Sunline Saltimate FC (20 lb): https://bit.ly/2O4UElB

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

NO ELECTRONICS NEEDED! (Old School Bass Fishing Tips)

Come along for some "Old School" Bass fishing! We've removed the electronics from the boat, we've grabbed spinnerbaits, jigs, crankbaits, and other "old school" baits and we're going out to catch some bass! You don't want to miss this one as we get a reminder that bass fishing is still fun, no matter how you do it!

With all the discussions surrounding modern electronics, it's easy to forget that we all still love bass fishing and we just want to get the next bite. Today Matt has removed all the distractions from the boat, picked a lake, grabbed a few baits, and is bringing us along on the journey. Water temperature? He has no idea! The positioning of offshore fish? No Clue! Will he still catch them? Of course!

Below you'll find links to the exact baits Matt was using, including colors, sizes, and hook upgrades. We've also included the rod and reel combos he used to catch these fish. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

CHATTERBAITS...

•ZMan 1/2 oz JackHammer: https://bit.ly/2popvj6

Colors: Dirty White, Bruised Green Pumpkin

•Missile Baits Spunk Shad 5.5: https://bit.ly/3CA8BCG

Color: Frosted Purple

•Missile Baits Spunk Shad 4.5: https://bit.ly/3CA8BCG

Color: Super Bug

CRANKBAITS...

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

Color: Fire Truck Craw

•Duo Realis Kabuki Crank SR: https://bit.ly/4bRSzE2

Color: HellCraw

SPINNERBAIT...

•Megabass SV–3 (3/8 oz): https://bit.ly/3lk1SD0

Color: Gill

•Gamakatsu G Power Stinger: https://bit.ly/3jdoaWN

Size: 1

THE JIG...

•Dirty Jigs Pitchin Jig (1/2 oz): https://bit.ly/2amL3of

Color: Hematoma

•Xzone 4" Muscle Back Craw: https://bit.ly/43DZXOQ

Color: Black Blue Flake

ALUMINUM BOAT TACKLE STORAGE...

•Buzbe Swarm Modular Tackle Bag: https://bit.ly/3JyGtnA

COLD WEATHER GEAR...

•Aftco Crosswind Puff Jacket: https://bit.ly/3tZn7TA

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 50 lb Braid: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

Leader– Seaguar Blue Label 20 lb: https://bit.ly/48EP2Hz

SQUAREBILL COMBO...

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

Model: 7' medium moderate

Reel– Shimano Aldebaran MGL (HG): https://bit.ly/2fdX1Uy

Line– Daiwa Hidden FC (12 lb): https://bit.ly/3ILKXH0

SPINNERBAIT COMBO...

Rod– Megabass Destroyer P5: https://bit.ly/3wHoXpD

Model: FMJ, 7'3" Medium Heavy

Reel– Shimano Metanium DC (HG): https://bit.ly/2qrSZvs

Line– Daiwa J Braid Grand (50 lb): https://bit.ly/488sttq

Leader– Seaguar Premier (15 lb): https://bit.ly/3uoqaVr

JIG COMBO...

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

Reel– Shimano Bantam MGL A (HG): https://bit.ly/2H44yjG

Line– Power Pro Maxcuatro (65 lb): https://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

Leader– Sunline Saltimate FC (20 lb): https://bit.ly/2O4UElB

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

Fishing A Cypress Swamp With Unexpected Baits!

We didn't Expect Them To Eat These Baits In A Swamp! We're on the road again, exploring new lakes and finding new patterns. Come along for an awesome day of adapting and experimenting as we fish standing timber in the Deep South.

Bass fishing is all about adapting to conditions. When Matt launched the boat into a field of standing timber, he had no idea a cold snap was coming! As temperatures fell the bite collapsed, but that wouldn't stop him from catching fish! He began changing baits and tactics until he found fish suspending around trees in the middle of the lake!

Below you'll find links to the exact baits and gear Matt used throughout the day. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

TEXAS RIG WORMS...

•Netbait C Mac Worm:  https://bit.ly/43AETJ9

Size: 7" and 11"

Colors: Junebug, Red Bug

•Keitech 8" Mag Wag Long Worm: https://bit.ly/3dkFMLl

Color: Junebug

TEXAS RIGGING COMPONENTS...

Hook– VMC Redline Wide Gap: https://bit.ly/3m3dn6G

Size: 4/0

Weight– Gamakatsu G Shield Tungsten Flipping: https://bit.ly/3Ur7K0X

Size: 3/8 oz

ALABAMA RIG...

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

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

Size: 1/8 oz

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

Color: Pro Blue Red Pearl

Dummy Baits– Keitech 4" Easy Shiner: https://bit.ly/2bxJK6H

Color: Pro Blue Red Pearl

SWIMBAIT...

Bait– Megabass Magdraft Freestyle: https://bit.ly/3bRG3Wi

Color: Albino Pearl Shad

Hook– Owner Flashy Swimmer: https://bit.ly/2e8O4Y7

Size: 3/8 oz, 6/0 Hook

LURE RETRIEVERS...

•Toothy Fishman XL Swimbait Retriever: https://bit.ly/3A8370q

•Frabill 15' Extendable Lure Retriever: https://bit.ly/2TLTJc6

TEXAS RIG WORM COMBO...

Rod– Megabass Destroyer P5: https://bit.ly/3wHoXpD

Model: FMJ, 7'3" Medium Heavy

Reel– Shimano Metanium DC (HG): https://bit.ly/2qrSZvs

Line– Daiwa J Braid Grand (50 lb): https://bit.ly/488sttq

Leader– Seaguar Premium (20 lb): https://bit.ly/3uoqaVr

UMBRELLA RIG COMBO...

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

Reel– Shimano Bantam MGL A (HG): https://bit.ly/2H44yjG

Line– Power Pro Maxcuatro (65 lb): https://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

Leader– Sunline Saltimate FC (20 lb): https://bit.ly/2O4UElB

MAGDRAFT FREESTYLE COMBO...

Rod– Shimano Expride 7'7" Heavy: https://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

Reel– Shimano Bantam MGL (HG): https://bit.ly/2H44yjG

Line– Power Pro Maxcuatro (65 lb): https://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

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