Where Do Bass Go In Early Spring? (And The Baits To Catch Them)

Spring is coming and bass are beginning to move! Listen closely as Tim explains how the bass transition on different types of lakes and when you should expect it to begin on your local fishery. We'll show you what the bass will do next, so you can get ahead of them and experience awesome fishing as we transition into the prespawn!

We all understand that bass are focused on feeding before the spawn. But how do you apply that to your fishing? Where should your first stop be the next time you hit the water? Obviously it's not going to be the same on a giant reservoir, a small pond, or a lake. In today's video Tim separates the different kinds of fisheries and explains what to expect in each one so you have the best shot at success.

Once you understand why the fish are moving and where they are heading you can predict their movements through changing conditions. Below is a breakdown Tim's best confidence baits for Spring bass fishing including his favorite colors and sizes for each. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

SPINNERBAITS...

•Megabass SV–3: https://bit.ly/3lk1SD0

Colors: White Chart, Hot Tiger, Ayu

•Nichols Pulsator Painted Blades: https://bit.ly/3HUfyiG

Colors: White/Chart, ColeSlaw

TACTICAL MINI FLEX 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– Keitech 3.8" Fat Swing Impact: https://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

Color: Electric Shad

TACTICAL MICRO FLEX 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, Fire Craw

•ZMan Elite EVO (1/2 oz): https://bit.ly/3OAGB8y

Colors: Electric Shad, GlitterBomb, Black/Blue

CHATTERBAIT TRAILERS...

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

Colors: Sexy Shad, Hematoma, Blow Torch

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

Colors: Frosted Purple, Green Pumpkin Delight, Super Bug

SPEED CRANKS...

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

Colors: Chartreuse Blue, Metallic Shad, Blood Craw

•Spro Rock Crawler: https://bit.ly/2NFPA5t

Colors: Red Bug, Red Crawfish, Phantom Green

SQUAREBILL CRANKBAIT...

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

Colors: Red Glitter Craw, Fire Truck Craw

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, Crawfish

GLIDE BAIT...

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

Color: Lite Trout

UNDERSPIN...

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

Size: 1/4 oz

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

Color: Chartreuse/Blue, Sexy Shad

BUDGET CHATTERBAIT / SPINNERBAIT 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 Black Bass 7'2" Medium Hvy Mod: https://bit.ly/4cX7VHL

Reel– Seviin GF Series (7:1): https://bit.ly/3qa2SQZ

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

BUDGET A–RIG COMBO...

Rod– Fenwick Eagle 7'5" Medium Heavy X Fast: https://bit.ly/4b25LGh

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

Line– Seaguar Red Label (17 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

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

This Simple Lure Trick Makes Fall Bass Fishing Easy!

Want to catch more fish this Fall? It's much easier than you think! If your bass are chasing baitfish, the addition of a blade to your favorite lure will have a shocking impact on your catch rate! The biggest issue in Fall is distracting bass away from the 1000's of real baitfish, to get them to focus on your lure. A small blade does an amazing job of getting their attention!

Whether you throw swimbaits, Alabama Rigs, crankbaits, or any other soft bait, adding a blade is simple to do. The Tactical duo loves throwing swimbaits, but this time of year they focus almost entirely on underspins. Now you know why!

Below you'll find links to the exact baits, heads, and terminal upgrades that Tim recommends. We've also included some great budget rod and reel options for fishing these baits effectively. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

UNDERSPINS...

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

Favorite Size: 1/4 oz

•Dirty Jigs Tactical Underspin: https://bit.ly/4bKgVQf

Favorite Size: 3/8 oz, 3/0 Hook

SWIMBAITS FOR UNDERSPINS...

•Xzone Swammer: https://bit.ly/2PogV0q

Size: 3.3" - 4.75"

Colors: Pro Blue Red Pearl, Sexy Shad, Electric Shad

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

Size: 3" - 3.5"

Colors: Albino Shad, Pro Blue Red Pearl

•Keitech Fat Swing Impact: https://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

Size: 2.8 - 3.3"

Colors: Electric Shad, Pro Blue Red Pearl, Sexy Shad

BLADED ALABAMA RIGS...

•Hog Farmer Tactical MICRO Flex (Bladed): https://bit.ly/3RY1wUK

•Hog Farmer Tactical MINI Flex (Bladed): https://bit.ly/3uwY6Md

•Hog Farmer Tactical Flex Rig (Bladed): https://bit.ly/38xd1es

SPINNERBAITS...

•Megabass SV–3 Spinnerbait: https://bit.ly/3lk1SD0

Colors: Hasu, Ayu, Wakasagi

•War Eagle Screamin Eagle Nickel: https://bit.ly/2IEHHjA

Colors: Mouse, Spot Remover

SPY BAIT...

•Duo Realis Spinbait Series: https://bit.ly/3QE27YK

Sizes: 70, 80

Colors: Ghost Minnow, River Bait, AM Edge

•Spro Spin John 80: https://bit.ly/3ycTg9o

Colors: Herring Pink, Matte Shad, Ayu

OKASHIRA SCREW HEAD...

•Megabass Okashira Screw Head: https://bit.ly/2EpluSA

Size: 1/8 oz

•Megabass Spark Shad: https://bit.ly/2XcLZk4

size: 3"

Colors: Albino, Real, Silver Shad

TAIL SPINNERS...

•Jackall Deracoup: http://bit.ly/2p8X4b0

Size: 1/2 - 1 oz

Color: Clear Shad, Dera Shad, Silver

•Damiki Axe Blade: http://bit.ly/2w2uB9t

Size: 1 oz

Color: Holo Real Shad, Black Holo, Bream

•Freedom Tackle Kilter Blade: https://bit.ly/3pIBMws

Size: 3/4 oz

Color: Black Shad, Sexy Shad

TERMINAL UPGRADES...

•VMC Bladed Hybrid Treble: https://bit.ly/2oqWODi

Favorite Sizes: 4, 5, 6

•Xzone Blade Spins: https://bit.ly/3A6Rzhv

Preferred Shape: Willow

BUDGET A RIG COMBO...

Rod– Shimano SLX 7’5” Heavy: https://bit.ly/3oTctYa

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

Line– Sunline Super FC (20 lb): http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

BUDGET SPYBAIT COMBO...

Rod– Shimano SLX 7' Medium Light: https://bit.ly/2AdvIC1

Reel– Shimano Miravel 2500: https://bit.ly/3QZnwL5

Line– Seaguar InvizX (8 lb): https://bit.ly/2oVsG2Y

BUDGET UNDERSPIN/ SPINNERBAIT COMBO...

Rod– Fenwick HMG 7'1" Medium Heavy XFast: https://bit.ly/3AyrAiW

Reel– Abu Garcia Revo X LP: https://bit.ly/3wZ12ph

Line– Sunline FC (15 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

Spring Bass Fishing Is Awesome! (Catching Them On Everything In The Boat!)

The guys are going fishing and they're taking you along for the ride! Spring bass fishing is all about adapting to changing conditions. Watch as the guys catch fish on deep diving crankbaits and square bills, underspins and spinnerbaits, and do it while wearing down jackets to start, and shorts by the end of the day! If you're not ready to adapt, you might as well stay at home!

We love Spring bass fishing! These post spawn fish were aggressive and we found several viable patterns. We found fish holding on current seams and pinch points, as well as moved up on flooded flats. Because of the changing conditions we threw almost every bait we had in the boat!

Below you'll find links to the exact baits, rods, and reels the guys used throughout the day. We've included the exact sizes, colors, and trailers where applicable. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions.

CRANKBAITS...

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

Colors: Northern Special, Blood Craw

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

Color: Red Glitter Craw

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

Color: Red Glitter Craw

•Rapala DT 8: https://bit.ly/40JmoBQ

Color: Delta

UNDERSPINS...

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

Size: 3/16 oz
•Xzone 2.75 Swammer: https://bit.ly/2PogV0q

Color: Pro Blue Red Pearl

•Dirty Jigs Tactical Underspin: https://bit.ly/4bKgVQf

Size: 1/2 oz, 4/0 Hook

•Xzone 4.75 Swammer: https://bit.ly/2PogV0q

Color:

CHATTERBAIT...

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

Color: Dirty White:

•Hog Farmer 4.5 Spunk Shad: https://bit.ly/2UFkCD7

Color: Green Pumpkin Chartreuse

SPINNERBAIT...

•Megabass SV–3 (3/4 oz): https://bit.ly/3lk1SD0

Color: Ayu

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

Size: 1

MATT'S SPINNING COMBO...

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

Model: 7'6" Light+

Reel– Shimano Exsence A 3000: https://bit.ly/2iMtscV

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

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

SQUAREBILL CRANKBAIT COMBO...

Rod– Megabass Orochi XX Flat Side Special: https://bit.ly/2OSVNwH

Model: 7' Medium Regular

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

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

TIM'S FINESSE COMBO...

Rod– St. Croix Legend Tournament 6'8" Medium Fast: https://bit.ly/3Iow9KV

Reel– Daiwa Steez 70 CT SV TW: https://bit.ly/3esUZjg

Line– Sunline Super FC 7 lb: https://bit.ly/2p7fxju

SPINNERBAIT COMBO...

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

Model: 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 (15 lb): https://bit.ly/3uoqaVr

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