Come along on Lake Chickamauga as we explore a new lake and catch fish! Pay close attention as we refine a pattern and put it into action with no outside information. Chickamauga has almost 800 feet of shoreline but we’re able to build a pattern in minutes and start catching really nice bass! You can too!
Any time you’re on a new body of water (Matt has been to the lake once but never this end and Tim has not been here at all) it can be overwhelming. We’re thousands of miles from home with hundreds of miles of water to choose from where do you start? Matt and Tim chose to start with reaction. They focused on a spinnerbait, chatterbait, and lipless crankbait to cover water quickly. When that didn’t work they turned their attention to the back of a cove that looked promising on the map.
Once in the cove our attention again turned to covering water. Matt focused on a frog so he could quickly work around vegetation and Tim chose a senko to reach deep in the pockets under flooded trees. A pattern quickly emerged and we were able to dial in a combination of topwater, stick baits, and sight fishing. You can use this method of breaking down water on any lake in the nation. Cover water, get bit, and adapt until a pattern emerges.
Below is a breakdown of the equipment the we were using to find success. The links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. We’ve also included links to the rods and reels we were using to consistently catch these fish.
Topwater…
Frog- Jackall Kaera (White): http://bit.ly/2Fz6SA3
Popper- Damiki D Pop 70 (Phantom): http://bit.ly/2Pjvqo3
Soft Baits…
Stick Bait- Yamamoto 5″ Senko (Crushed Goby): http://bit.ly/2axAmNS
Senko Hook- Owner Jungle Wide Gap 3/0: http://bit.ly/2sBsR1Z
Creature- Big Bite Baits Flying Squirrel (Tilapia): http://bit.ly/2sn1FaT
Creature Hook- Gamakatsu EWG Superline 2/0: http://bit.ly/2ac92XG
Dropshot Weight- Swagger 1/4 oz Tungsten Tear Drop: http://bit.ly/2V2B63h
Reaction…
Spinnerbait- Megabass V-9 1/2 oz (Kohoku Reaction): http://bit.ly/2tOaVCt
Spinnerbait Trailer- Keitech 4.3″ Fat Swing Impact (Pro Blue Red Pearl): http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v
Lipless Crank- Jackall TN-70 Crankbait (RT Scale Minnow): http://bit.ly/2lqAwjh
Chatterbait- Z Man JackHammer 1/2 oz (BHite Delight): http://bit.ly/2popvj6
Chatterbait Trailer- HogFarmer Spunk Shad (Ghost Minnow 4.5): http://bit.ly/2UFkCD7
Matt’s Senko/ Heavy Dropshot Combo…
Rod- Shimano Zodias 7’2″ Medium Heavy: http://bit.ly/2cgmMAe
Reel- Shimano Curado 200K HG: http://bit.ly/2tHewEh
Line- Power Pro Maxcuatro 40 lb Braid: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ
Leader- Maxima Ultragreen 15 lb Mono: http://bit.ly/2ae97J9
Tim’s Popper Combo…
Rod- Shimano Zodias 6’10” Medium Heavy: http://bit.ly/2cgmMAe
Reel- Shimano Chronarch MGL HG: http://bit.ly/2n8DghB
Braid- Power Pro Maxcuatro 30 lb Braid: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ
Budget Frog Combo…
Rod- Dobyns Fury 7’3″ Mag Heavy (736): http://bit.ly/2bGvlVV
Reel- Shimano SLX 150 HG: http://bit.ly/2BRTYL8
Line- Power Pro Maxcuatro 65 lb Braid: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ
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
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What we wear…
Sun Mask: http://bit.ly/2JcA8xi
Sun Shirt w/ Hood: http://bit.ly/38cVi9G
Light Fishing Pants: http://bit.ly/2foDx10
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Equipment We Recommend…
Minn Kota Ultrex Trolling Motor: http://bit.ly/2vFQypW
Humminbird Solix 15 Electronics: http://bit.ly/2Hazsej
Minn Kota Talons: http://bit.ly/2F0QBSP
Hot Foot Throttle Control: http://bit.ly/2ob4kgO
Loc-R-Bar Boat Security: http://bit.ly/2CMF1NP
Favorite Storage Box: http://bit.ly/2fvjcFB
Favorite Pliers: http://bit.ly/2tfxFvw
Favorite Split Ring Pliers: http://bit.ly/2fT4Qw0
Favorite Wire Cutters: http://bit.ly/2soB34k
Favorite life jacket: http://bit.ly/2odXXIP
Favorite sunglasses: http://bit.ly/2glE3eN
Hero8 Camera: http://bit.ly/37hVTX4
ElectroSamson Scale: http://bit.ly/2f7QgQ9
Frabill Net: http://bit.ly/2FNdnQr
Lure Retriever: http://bit.ly/2TLTJc6
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If you plan to do any shopping, using our links before doing your shopping at Tackle Warehouse is the single greatest way to support us! You won’t be able to even see a difference but they’ll know you’re one of us!
#Chickamauga #bassfishing #topwater