Buzzbaits and Frogs! Summer Bass Fishing On Clearlake!

After months on the road we’re finally back on Clearlake! Come along as we explore the lake, build patterns, and catch fish! Matt utilizes a buzzbait, frog, and toad to catch a fish in the grass on a hot Summer day. Many anglers avoid fishing in the heat but if you know where to look there are big fish to be caught!

Catching fish consistently in Summer requires an understanding of how and why they position. Shallow water bass love to be close to cover. A consistent food source is also key. In most lakes, if you can find baitfish and grass in the same area, you’re around bass. This morning Matt hit the water at first light. He already knew where to find grass but the baitfish remained a mystery. By getting out early he was able to quickly locate active birds searching for a meal.

It took time to get the first bite but the bird activity confirmed the presence of baitfish and ultimately the presence of bass. Whenever you’re on the water pay close attention to nature, it’s clues can really shorten your search time. Once Matt located fish he used a combination of baits to get consistent bites from bass that were positioned to ambush prey as it passed by the grass beds.

Below is a breakdown of the baits and equipment Matt used to catch his fish. We’ve included color recommendations for the various baits, the exact combos Matt was fishing with, and even a budget-minded alternative. The links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

The Baits…
-Skirtless Buzzbait- Dirty Jigs Canterbury Pro Buzz 1/2 oz (Blue Glimmer): http://bit.ly/2cWI6if
Trailer- River2Sea D Walker Swimbait 120 (PB Red): http://bit.ly/2NwqBmz

-4 Blade Buzzbait- D&M Easy Roller Buzz (Night Stalker): https://bit.ly/2SCqcmj

-Frog- River2Sea Bully Wa 2: http://bit.ly/2axyR2a
Colors: Dirty White, Ghost, Little Allen, TW Gill

-Big Bite Baits Tour Toad: http://bit.ly/2NtAghc
Colors: Hematoma, Pearl Shine
Hook- Owner 6/0 Twist Lock Open Gap: http://bit.ly/2cYZ3rM

Matt’s Buzzbait Combo…
Rod- Dobyns Xtasy 7’5″ 5 Power (Heavy): http://bit.ly/36fIHCg
Reel- Shimano Curado 150 DC XG: http://bit.ly/2yHtsp4
Line- Power Pro Maxcuatro 65 lb Braid: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

Matt’s Frog Combo…
Rod- Shimano Expride 7’3″ Extra Heavy: http://bit.ly/2nTq9FL
Reel- Shimano Curado 200K HG: http://bit.ly/2tHewEh
Line- Power Pro Maxcuatro 65 lb Braid: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

Budget Buzzbait Combo…
Rod- Shimano Intenza 7’2″ Medium Heavy: http://bit.ly/2QADLTq
Reel- Shimano SLX DC XG: http://bit.ly/2LWzw2Q
Line- Power Pro 50 lb Braided Line: http://bit.ly/2aFg46b

Budget Frog Combo…
Rod- Dobyns Fury 736 (7’3″ Mag Heavy): http://bit.ly/2bGvlVV
Reel- Shimano SLX DC XG: http://bit.ly/2LWzw2Q
Line- Power Pro 65 lb Braided Line: http://bit.ly/2aFg46b

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!

#bassfishing #frogfishing #topwater

Tricks To Catch More Topwater And Crankbait Fish This Summer!

Summer bass are aggressive if you know WHERE to look! Even more important is knowing WHEN to look! If you want to catch topwater and crankbait fish in the heat of Summer, the most likely bite is the low light pattern. Get up early and stay out late to catch bass as they feed aggressively in the low light periods of the day.

Yes, some of the biggest bass are caught under a high sun, even in Summer. But that fact only matters if you’re willing and able to withstand the heat. A lot of anglers aren’t willing to subject themselves to the harsh Summer temperatures so for you, we’ve got some recommendations. If you focus early and late in the day you can experience an amazing reaction bite! Topwater, crankbaits, and swimbaits can all be great producers before the sun hits the water.

When you get on the pattern remember that it is a PATTERN, it can be repeated. Don’t get caught up with fishing a single spot. If you can mimic the area you’re in somewhere else, don’t be afraid to cover water and try multiple locations. This is especially important when your shade is fading. You can stay on the pattern and continue to catch fish, even as the sun rises in the morning sky, by pursuing those final shade pockets.

Tim’s “Go To” baits are broken down below. These are the baits he trusts when he goes out during low light conditions in search of a BIG bite. The links to the baits go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

Wakebait…
-Evergreen ND180 Noisy Dachs Wakebait (Black Bone): http://bit.ly/2JbrbaM
-G Ratt Magic Mouse (Grey-White Belly): http://bit.ly/2ytrPbP

Buzzbait…
-D&M Easy Roller Buzzbait (RedBug, White Shad): https://bit.ly/2SCqcmj
-D&M Double Buzz (Bluegill): http://bit.ly/29W2t9z

Walking Baits/Poppers…
-Teckel KickKnocker (Bone, Chart Shiner): http://bit.ly/2nvxkoA
-Megabass Pop Max (Gill, White Python): http://bit.ly/2qqfmm1

Frogs…
-River2Sea Bully Wa2 65 (Little Allen, Dirty White, TW Bluegill): http://bit.ly/2axyR2a

Subsurface Offerings…
GlideBait- S Waver 200 (Warden): http://bit.ly/2aiu8Sh
Lipless- Lucky Craft LV-500 (Aurora Black): http://bit.ly/2aAUUbd
Silent Squarebill- Lucky Craft 1.5 (American Shad): http://bit.ly/2BGxKPa
Rattling Squarebill- R2S Biggie Crank (T-1000, Abalone Shad): http://bit.ly/2ahCzvo

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
_________________________________________________________________

What we wear…

Sun Mask: http://bit.ly/2JcA8xi
Sun Shirt w/ Hood: http://bit.ly/38cVi9G
Light Fishing Pants: http://bit.ly/2foDx10
_________________________________________________________________

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
________________________________________________________________

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!

#bassfishing #topwater #squarebill