The Topwater Lures You Missed, But Your Friends Didn't!

Things are changing! Sure, the old staple baits work, but there are new baits in town and they're making waves! From subtle differences between walking baits and frogs, to this new category of straight retrieved, erratic baits... there is a lot to learn about topwater fishing for bass in 2024! Come along as Tim takes a quick dive into his favorite baits, new confidence baits, and how he's adapting to keep catching fish.

We all have a favorite topwater lure or two. Its great to have those confidence baits, but if you're not adapting, you're missing out! Fish are becoming wary of our presentations, and new innovations are emerging. Straight retrieve baits with erratic actions are coming over from Saltwater and you better be ready!

Below you'll find links to all the baits discussed in the video. We've included favorite colors, hook upgrades, as well as the rods and reels we use to fish them effectively. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

RELATED VIDEOS...

•5 "Must Try" Topwater Tricks For Summer Bass!: https://youtu.be/_4NRKoJ2BN4

•Don't Miss These 5 Overlooked Topwater Baits! They're Amazing!!: https://youtu.be/2fTVGa2JsNw

WALKING BAITS...

•Evergreen Shower Blows SB 105: https://bit.ly/2zIkqUH

Colors: Ghost Threadfin Shad, Bone, Full Metal

•Megabass Giant Dog X: https://bit.ly/2yU84eE

Colors: Megabass Sexy Shad, Wagin Hasu 2, White Python

TOPWATER FROG...

•Jackall Gavacho: https://bit.ly/2L7KsWS

Colors: Chart Strike Gill, Gold Gill

•Snagproof Bobby's Perfect: https://bit.ly/3rHCOsQ

Colors: Bluegill, Hot Mess

WHOPPER PLOPPER...

•River2Sea Whopper Plopper 90/110: https://bit.ly/2bsPbQV

Colors: Chrome Black, Bone, Monkey Butt

BUZZBAIT...

•D&M Easy Roller (1/2 oz): https://bit.ly/2SCqcmj

Colors: White Shad, Sexy Shad

•Big Bite Suicide Buzz: https://bit.ly/3iDnLLi

Colors: Pearly Shad, Blue Gizzard

POPPERS...

•Shimano World Pop 69F: https://bit.ly/3sSjJpI

Colors: Clown, N Smelt, T Smelt

•Megabass Pop Max: https://bit.ly/2qqfmm1

Colors: Gill, Mat Shad

WAKEBAIT...

•River2Sea Tactical 210 Wake: https://bit.ly/3aV6peA

Colors: Tactical Shad, Chrome Gill

STRAIGHT RETRIEVE BAITS...

•ZMan HellRaizer: https://bit.ly/3P0vseM

Colors: Ghost Shad, Chrome

•Nomad Dartwing: https://bit.ly/4eKzWnd

Colors: Natural Shad, Holo Ghost Shad

HOOK UPGRADES...

•Hayabusa TBL 930 NRB Coated: https://bit.ly/3qBuXkB

Size: 2, 4

•Gamakatsu Feathered Treble: https://bit.ly/2Ii4IXO

Size: 4, 2

TIM'S MAIN TOPWATER COMBO...

Rod– Megabass P5 Destroyer Z Crank Elseil: https://bit.ly/2wVOSbY

Model: 7' Medium Regular

Reel– Daiwa Steez SV TW: https://bit.ly/3wXZ9Jb

Line– Sufix 832 Braid (30 lb): https://bit.ly/2ae93Ji

Leader– Sufix Advance (12 lb): https://bit.ly/3GJEUix

TIM'S FROG COMBO...

Rod– Shimano Expride 7'3" Extra Heavy: https://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

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

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

BUDGET WALKING BAIT COMBO...

Rod– St. Croix Bass X 7'1" Medium Fast: https://bit.ly/2r0xWAs

Reel– Daiwa Fuego CT: https://bit.ly/35hugfH

Line– Sufix 832 (30 lb): https://bit.ly/2ae93Ji

Leader– Sufix Advance (15 lb): https://bit.ly/3GJEUix

BUDGET FROG COMBO...

Rod– Shimano SLX A 7'2" Heavy: https://bit.ly/2L3wppO

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

Line– Power Pro Braid (50 lb): https://bit.ly/2aFg46b

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

Don't Miss These 5 Overlooked Topwater Baits! They're Amazing!!

We all dream about topwater strikes! These baits will get you bit! From the standard topwater tricks, to overlooked baits you've likely never heard of, Matt is showing you everything you need to be prepared to catch bass on topwater! Let's go!!

Topwater fishing is amazing! From poppers to walking baits, wake baits to buzz baits, it's hard not to dream about your next topwater bite. However, when other anglers are throwing the same baits as you, it can get tough in a hurry! There are key baits that you need to throw every year, but there are also some hidden gems that no one is using.

Below you'll find links to Matt's favorite baits. We've included our favorite colors for each, as well as some great combos for fishing these baits effectively. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

WALKING BAITS...

•Evergreen Shower Blows (SB 105): http://bit.ly/2zIkqUH

Colors: Full Metal, Bone, Skeleton Chartreuse

•Megabass Giant Dog X: https://bit.ly/2yU84eE

Colors: Sexy French Pearl, Sexy Shad, Wagin Hasu 2

POPPERS...

•Megabass Pop X: https://bit.ly/3i9T3sg

Colors: Aurora Reaction, GG Deadly Black Shad, Gill

•Duo Realis Popper 64: https://bit.ly/4a1hoMQ

Colors: Ghost Gill, Ghost Minnow, Prism Smelt

WAKEBAITS...

•River2Sea Tactical Wake 210: https://bit.ly/3aV6peA

Colors: Copper Carp, Tactical Shad, Golden Shiner

•Baitsanity Antidote TUG: https://bit.ly/3Y0MhtS

Colors: Dark Bluegill, Bone, Metallic Trout

HOLLOW BODY FROG...

•Jackall Kaera: https://bit.ly/2Fz6SA3

Colors: Glitter Hasu, Glitter Bluegill, White

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

Colors: Bluegill, Dusk, Shad

BUZZBAIT...

•Dirty Jigs Skirtless Buzz (1/2 oz): https://bit.ly/2WJ85R3

Colors: Black, Red, Silver

•D&M Easy Roller (1/2 oz): https://bit.ly/2SCqcmj

Colors: Night Stalker, Red Bug, White Shad

OVERLOOKED TOPWATER BAITS...

•Teckel Blade Waker: https://bit.ly/2DuYZxU

Colors: Silver Shiner, Pearl White, Bluegill

•Jackall Piku Piku: https://bit.ly/399wl59

Colors: Lively Shad, Lively Wakasagi

•Snagproof Zoo Pop: https://bit.ly/484SzxL

Colors: Bloody Shad, Dark Gill, Bone

•Nomad Chug Norris: https://bit.ly/3wn1zRJ

Colors: Hollow Ghost Shad, Bone

•ZMan Hellraizer: https://bit.ly/3P0vseM

Colors: Ghost Gill, Ghost Shad, Chrome

MATT'S FAVORITE TOPWATER COMBO...

Rod– G Loomis GLX 7' Medium Heavy: https://bit.ly/3PmpCqj

Model: 853C MBR

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

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

Leader– Sufix Advance (17 lb): https://bit.ly/3GJEUix

MID PRICED TOPWATER COMBO...

Rod– Shimano Expride B 7'2" Medium Light: https://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

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

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

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

BUDGET TOPWATER COMBO...

Rod– St. Croix Bass X 7'1" Medium Fast: https://bit.ly/2r0xWAs

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

Line– Sufix 832 (30 lb): https://bit.ly/2ae93Ji

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

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

Topwater Lures Made Easy! (Beginner To Advanced)

Choosing the right topwater can be a real challenge! Between poppers, walkers, crawlers, whopper poppers, buzz baits, frogs, and toads its hard to know what to throw. But just like anything else, there are key baits that seem to work day after day and month after month. Today Matt is opening up his topwater boxes and sharing the key "stand outs" that he relies on to get bit when it counts. 

Matt breaks his spring topwater into 4 categories. He relies on poppers, walking baits, straight retrieve baits, and frogs, to catch fish throughout Spring. Within those 4 categories it gets pretty complicated (as witnessed by the 4 boxes of topwaters he pulls out of the rod locker) but today he is sharing his favorites with us. From each category he's able to quickly select the "key" baits that will get bit when you need them most. 

Below you'll find links to the exact topwater lures shown in the video. We've included the guys favorite colors and sizes for each, as well as some of the different rods they use to throw these baits. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 

POPPERS... 

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

Colors: Spayu, Phantom, Black Holo

Refined- Yellow Magic 1/4 oz: http://bit.ly/2al0dKP

Colors: Smoke Shad, Japanese Shad, Alewife

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

Colors: Gill, Pumpkinseed, MB Gizzard

WALKING BAITS... 

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

Colors: Sooner, Bone, Abalone Shad

Refined- Evergreen Shower Blows 105/125: http://bit.ly/2zIkqUH

Colors: Bone, Half Mirror Wakasagi, Skeleton Chartreuse

Small Profile- Rapala Skitter Walk: https://bit.ly/37DC2Uz

Colors: Shad Translucent, Bluegill

STRAIGHT RETRIEVE BAITS... 

-Whopper Plopper 130: http://bit.ly/2a7ipHL

Colors: Bone, Bluegill, Munky Butt

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

Colors: Bone, I Know It

-Dirty Jigs Skirtless Pro Buzz: https://bit.ly/2WJ85R3

Colors: Silver, Red

-Quad Blade Buzz: https://bit.ly/2SCqcmj

Colors: Night Stalker, Red Bug

SMALL FROGS... 

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

Colors: Glitter Bluegill, Glitter Hasu, Green Frog

-Spro Bronzeye Jr. 60: http://bit.ly/2XkbgxR

Colors: Killer Gill, Red Ear, Neon Glow

MATT'S FAVORITE WALKING BAIT COMBO... 

Rod- G Loomis GLX 844C MBR: http://bit.ly/2gqziwT

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

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

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

MATT'S FAVORITE FROG COMBO... 

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

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

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

MID-PRICED WALKING BAIT COMBO... 

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

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

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

BUDGET POPPER COMBO...

Rod- Shimano SLX 6'10" Medium: http://bit.ly/2mGp1Vc

Reel- Shimano SLX 150 (HG): http://bit.ly/2NfdOnk

Line- Power Pro 30 lb Braid: 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

Fall Topwater For Bass | Everything You Need To Know + Underwater Footage!

Its topwater time!! Who's ready?! Popper, buzzbait, whopper plopper, walking baits, wakebaits... Fall is awesome! If you're as pumped up as we are its time to get serious about topwater fishing! Fall bass fishing is just around the corner, the baitfish will be schooling in the shallows, and its time to get your equipment dialed in. From insane underwater footage, to favorite baits, to rigging tricks, we're about to talk all things TOPWATER...

As Fall approaches the topwater bite will get better and better. Best of all, BIG bass are heading into the shallows again. If you're tired of the Summer doldrums and want to catch bigger bass this Fall, topwater is going to help you do it. Understanding when to throw topwater, how to select the right gear, and knowing which lures offer you the best chance at success, is what this video is all about.

Matt and Tim use a variety of lures to accomplish their goals. One day you might see them throwing a giant wakebait, the next morning it could be a little popper. How do they make those decisions and how can you do the same? It all comes down to understanding what the bass are eating. Matching the SIZE of the baitfish is critical to success throughout the coming months. In this video covers a ton of different lures in a variety of sizes to help you prepare for every situation. We don't expect you to remember it all so below is a breakdown of the exact lures and gear Matt discussed (in order of appearance).

Buzzbaits...

-D&M Slow Roller Buzz: http://bit.ly/2t7BMKt

-Dirty Jigs Skirtless Pro Buzz: http://bit.ly/2cWI6if

-Trailer Hook- Gamakatsu 3/0: http://bit.ly/2IGCfg1

-Swimbait Trailer- D Walker 120: http://bit.ly/2NwqBmz

Buzz Color Recommendations: White, Shad, Silver, Black/Red

Trailer Color Recommendations: PB Red, Shamrock Shad

Wakebait...

-Evergreen Noisy Dachs ND180: http://bit.ly/2JbrbaM

Color Recommendations: Black Bone, Oikawa

Ploppers...

-Whopper Plopper 130: http://bit.ly/2a7ipHL

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

-Whopper Plopper 75: http://bit.ly/2bsPbQV

Color Recommendations: I Know It, T-1000, Monkey Butt, Bone

Poppers...

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

-Jackall Binksy: http://bit.ly/346G9Wk

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

-Yellow Magic 1/4 oz: http://bit.ly/2al0dKP

Megabass color Recommendations: Ito Wakasagi, Megabass Sexy Shad

Jackall color Recommendations: Ghost Minnow, Ghost Oikawa

Damiki Color Recommendations: Black Hollow, Spayu

Yellow Magic Color Recommendations: Alewife, Smoke Shad, White Shad

Walking Baits...

-Evergreen Shower Blows 150: http://bit.ly/2zIkqUH

-Strike King Mega Dawg: http://bit.ly/2NNGQvs

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

-Reaction Innovations Vixen: http://bit.ly/2rp11nr

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

-Heddon Chug N Spook: http://bit.ly/2Pk0TpZ

Evergreen Color Recommendations: Half Mirror Wakasagi, American Shad, Bone

Strike King Color Recommendations: Chrome Sexy Shad, Sexy Blueback Herring

Reaction Innovations Recommendations: Bone, Silver Shiner

River2Sea Color Recommendations: Sooner, Ghost Minnow, You Know It

Heddon Color Recommendations: G Finish Shad, Okie Shad, Bone Silver

Red Hook Upgrades...

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

Red Hook- Owner ST-36 Red Size: http://bit.ly/2wSknXp

Matt's Repurposed Jerkbait Combo...

Rod- Shimano Expride 6'10" Medium: http://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

Reel- Shimano Aldebaran MGL HG: http://bit.ly/2uQ4oH8

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

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

All--Around Topwater Combo...

Rod- Zodias 7'2" Medium: http://bit.ly/2cgmMAe

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

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

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

Deep Crank Rods That Work Well...

Dobyns Champion 804CB or 805CB: http://bit.ly/29OVD4V

Shimano Zodias 7'6" Glass: http://bit.ly/2cgmMAe