Squarebill Crankbait Tricks You Haven't Tried (But Your Friends Have!)

Want to catch more fish this Fall? Squarebill crankbaits are an awesome way to catch bass as temperatures cool. Which baits? What speed? Are there special colors that get bit more than others? Of course! Come along as we dive in-depth with squarebill crankbaits and cover everything you need to know as you head out on the water to catch Fall bass!

The squarebill crankbait should have a place in every angler’s arsenal. Whether you fish on the bank or from a boat it has an innate ability to come through shallow cover and trigger a feed response in lurking bass. Today’s video is all about learning how to fine-tune the technique to perfectly match your conditions. You need to start paying closer attention to speed, adding bite triggers into your retrieve cadence, adjusting diving depth by switching between baits in your arsenal, and which colors get more bites this time of year. You can go down the bank chucking and winding or you can take it to the next level and start triggering BIG bites consistently. Its totally up to you!

Below is a breakdown of all the baits and equipment in the video. All of the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. We’ve included our favorite baits, colors, hook upgrades when applicable, as well as the exact rods and reels we use. We even included a budget-friendly combo that excels for the price.

Matt’s All-Around Favorite Crankbait…
Bait- River2Sea Biggie Poppa Squarebill: http://bit.ly/2ahCzvo
Color: Abalone Shad

Tiny/Shallow Squarebills…
Bait- Spro Baby Fat John 50: http://bit.ly/2V03giW
Favorite Colors: Citrus Nasty, Honey Shad, Matte Shad
Bait- Lucky Craft 0.7, 1.0: https://bit.ly/32PbkGI
Favorite Colors: Golden Shiner, Pearl Threadfin
**50 Runs the shallowest, followed by 0.7, then 1.0**

Silent Squarebills…
Bait- Lucky Craft 1.5 and 2.5: http://bit.ly/2BGxKPa
Favorite Colors: Golden Shiner, American Shad, Gizzard Shad
Bait- 6th Sense Crush Silent 50 and 100: http://bit.ly/2BGUQlS
Favorite Colors: Shad Scales, Shad-Treuse Scales
**1.5 runs shallower than 2.5 and 50 runs shallower than 100**

Rattling Squarebills…
Bait- River2Sea Biggie: http://bit.ly/2ahCzvo
Favorite Colors: Abalone Shad, T-1000, TS Minnow
Bait- 6th Sense Crush 50 and 100: http://bit.ly/2HbaCGT
Favorite Colors: Shad Scales, Shad Burst, ChromeTreuse Shad
**Smalls runs shallower than Poppa**

Large Squarebills…
Bait- Lucky Craft BDS 6: http://bit.ly/2sRZby9
Favorite Color: BP Golden Shiner
Bait- 6th Sense Cloud 9 Mini Mag: http://bit.ly/31KGyeC
Favorite Colors: Ghost Shad Scales, Ghost Threadfin Shad, Shad Scales

Hook Upgrades…
Light Wire Hook- Gamakatsu EWG Treble (Size 2 and 4): http://bit.ly/2cZrsbY
Heavy Wire Hook- Owner ST-56 Treble (Size 2 and 4): http://bit.ly/2cVg7xW
Split Rings- Hyperwire Size 2 or 3: http://bit.ly/2v8ArBX

Favorite All-Around Squarebill Combo…
Rod- G Loomis IMX Pro 845 CBR: http://bit.ly/2og0BmK
Reel- Shimano Bantam 150 XG: http://bit.ly/2H44yjG
Line- Power Pro Maxcuatro 20 lb Braid: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ
Leader- Maxima Ultragreen 12 lb Mono: http://bit.ly/2ae97J9

Mid-Priced Squarebill Combo…
Rod- G Loomis E6X 845 CBR: http://bit.ly/2G5Bc86
Reel- Shimano SLX DC XG: http://bit.ly/2LWzw2Q
Line- Sunline Assassin 12 lb: http://bit.ly/2h4LNjm

Budget Combo…
Rod- Shimano Intenza 7′ Medium Glass: http://bit.ly/2QADLTq
Reel- Shimano SLX HG: http://bit.ly/2NfdOnk
Line- Sunline Assassin 12 lb: http://bit.ly/2h4LNjm

Ultra-Budget Combo…
Rod- Denali Ryker 7′ Medium heavy: https://bit.ly/31bKfgp
Reel- Daiwa CC 80 HS: http://bit.ly/34ltqP9
Line- Sunline Assassin 15 lb Fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2h4LNjm

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
_________________________________________________________________

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 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
________________________________________________________________

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 #crankbait #squarebill

Summer Crankbait Fishing: Best Baits, Modifications, and Colors (GIANT Fish Hooked!!)

Summer bass fishing with crankbaits can be incredible! Today the guys locate a school of hungry fish and start getting bit on every cast! The feeding frenzy is intense and seems like it will never end. When the bite finally slows Matt pulls out his crankbait boxes and shows his favorite baits, how to tune them, adjust hardware, and choose color but is interrupted when Coop sets the hook on a GIANT!

While today’s target species were hard to come by (the passing thunderheads mixed with sweltering periods of bluebird skies were not helping), the crankbait fishing for White Bass was intense! We’ll never know what Coop was tied into as his drag was screaming but it goes to show the drawing power and excitement that can be had with a deep crankbait during the Summer months. If you haven’t tried throwing a crankbait, the time has come. This pattern will work all the way through Fall and anyone can do it.

Below is a list of the baits Matt showed in the video (including color recommendations) along with the hooks and equipment the guys were using. Additionally Matt has included a budget rod/reel combo option for those that want to dabble with the technique without buying expensive equipment. The links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

Today’s Cranks That Caught Fish…
Matt- Tactical DD 75 Crankbait (Metallic Shad): http://bit.ly/37dclbX
Coop- Strike King 6XD (Powder Blue/Chartreuse): http://bit.ly/2ery44M

The Baits In Matt’s Crankbait Boxes…

-Tactical DD 75 Crankbait: http://bit.ly/37dclbX
Favorites: Metallic Shad, Mirrored Minnow, DD Minnow

-Strike King 6XD: http://bit.ly/2ery44M
Favorites: Powder Blue/Chartreuse, Chartreuse Sexy Shad

-Strike King 10XD: http://bit.ly/2gHT4F0
Favorites: Sexy Blue Back Herring, Powder Blue Back Chart

-Megabass Big M 7.5: https://bit.ly/2yHmm4R
Favorites: Blue Back Chart, Yuzu Shad

-Azuma Z Boss 22 and 25: http://bit.ly/2poLKUC
Favorites: Hot Mess, Grand Shad

-Spro Little John Super DD: https://bit.ly/2yGt62O
Favorites: Natural Herring, Chart Blue, Spooky Nasty

-6th Sense Cloud 9 C25: http://bit.ly/2BQ4uDs
Favorites: Blue-Treuse Shad, Sexified Chartreuse Shad

Hook and Split Ring Upgrades…
-Owner Hyperwire Split Rings(Size 4 or 5): http://bit.ly/2v8ArBX
-Owner ST-36 Trebles (Size 1/0): http://bit.ly/2cWpeyw
-Owner ST-56 Trebles (Sizes 4,2,1): http://bit.ly/2cVg7xW
-Gamakatsu EWG (Size 4, 2): http://bit.ly/2cZrsbY

Matt’s Crankbait Combo…
Rod- G Loomis IMX Pro 968 CBR Heavy: http://bit.ly/2og0BmK
Reel- Shimano Curado 200K: http://bit.ly/2tHewEh
Line- Sunline Assassin 17 lb Fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2h4LNjm

Coop’s Crankbait Combo…
Rod- Shimano Zodias 7’6″ Medium Heavy Glass: http://bit.ly/2cgmMAe
Reel- Shimano Tranx 200 HG: http://bit.ly/2Tv0yCy
Line- Sunline Assassin 15 lb Fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2h4LNjm

Budget All-Around Crankbait Combo…
Rod- Dobyns Fury 7′ MH Crank: http://bit.ly/2bGvlVV
Reel- Shimano SLX 150 XT HG: http://bit.ly/2BRTYL8
Line- Sunline Assassin 15 lb Fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2h4LNjm

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!

#Summer #crankbait #bassfishing

Summer Fishing Tricks: Early Morning Bite (Whopper plopper and Crankbait)

No one likes getting up early but in Summer, its worth it! Midday the lake can feel like a Dead Sea if you don’t know where to look but in the morning, everything is alive! Come along with Matt on the Tennessee River as he explores new water and builds a morning pattern with a whopper plopper, lipless crankbait, and wobble head (swing head jig).

Most anglers fish a whopper plopper on a slow, steady retrieve. Most of the time we do too, but there is a time and place for the popping method and today it paid off with 2 nice bites. After the topwater bite slowed Matt turned to a lipless and ultimately a swinging jig to continue catching fish.

The morning bite window is incredibly easy but is also very short. Its imperative that you get on the water at first light and if you’re not prepared to begin shadow fishing and targeting offshore fish, expect the bite to be done before 9 AM. Below we’ve included links to all the gear Matt used in today’s video. We included the exact colors as well as recommendations on some of our other favorites.

Hard Baits…
-Whopper Plopper 110 Topwater (Bone): http://bit.ly/2bsPbQV
Other Favorites- Loon, Munky Butt
-TN70 Lipless Crank (RT Scale Minnow): http://bit.ly/2lqAwjh
Other Favorites- Super Shad, Ghost Minnow

Swing Head Jig…
Jighead- Swing Head Football 3/4 oz 4/0 Hook: http://bit.ly/2jOY1Ns
First Bait- Keitech Crazy Flapper 4.4 (Green Pumpkin): http://bit.ly/2c3cXrp
Second Bait- Zoom Z Craw (Junebug): http://bit.ly/2vW7Jo5

Matt’s Topwater Combo…
Rod- Shimano Zodias 7’2″ MH: http://bit.ly/2cgmMAe
Reel- Shimano Curado DC 150 HG: http://bit.ly/2yHtsp4
Line- Power Pro Maxcuatro 50 lb Braid: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

Matt’s Swing Head Combo…
Rod- Shimano Zodias 7’5″ Heavy: http://bit.ly/2cgmMAe
Reel- Shimano Curado 200K HG: http://bit.ly/2tHewEh
Braid- Power Pro Maxcuatro 50 lb: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ
Leader- Maxima Ultragreen 20 lb Mono: http://bit.ly/2ae97J9

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!

#Chickamauga #bassfishing #whopper plopper

Post Spawn Crankbait Fishing Tricks – Speed Cranking For Aggressive Bass!

Forget the way you fish crankbaits! If you’re not speed cranking in the post spawn, you’re missing an amazing opportunity to catch big bass. Its all about TRIGGERING a reaction strike. Whether you’re a Southern Largemouth guy or a Northern Smallmouth guy, you have an amazing opportunity right now to force feed your crankbaits to the bass. The crank’s ability to fire up a feeding frenzy is second to none as bass are moving toward their Summer haunts and you don’t want to miss it!

This technique works incredibly well this time of year. It doesn’t matter if your fish are 20′ deep feeding on outside ledges or 2′ deep on shallow rock bars. The method works in both scenarios, you just need to adapt the specific baits to maintain the speed at different depths. We find that carrying a variety of squarebill crankbaits, mid divers, and deep divers will allow you to adapt to changing conditions. Also, traditional knowledge would encourage using ghost colors in clear water but we’ve found that during this period you can see incredible results fishing bold colors like Chartreuse or chartreuse/Blue, even in gin clear water.

Below you’ll find a breakdown of the baits and equipment Matt discussed along with size and color recommendations. The links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

Summer Bait…
-Strike King 6XD: http://bit.ly/2ery44M
Colors: Chart Sexy Shad, Powder Blue Back Chart

Squarebills…
-Strike King KVD HC 1.0 Squarebill: http://bit.ly/2Pz3HvE
Colors- The Shizzle, Summer Sexy Shad
-Lucky Craft BDS-3: http://bit.ly/2blTVwI
Colors- Golden Shiner, Ghost Minnow
-Damiki BTC 60: https://bit.ly/35yagXK
Colors- Baby Bow, Threadfin Flash

Deep Cranks…
-River2Sea Tactical Crank DD 75: http://bit.ly/37dclbX
Colors- Metallic Shad, Natural Gill
-Megabass Deep X 300: http://bit.ly/2sSQHpt
Colors- See Through Chart, Blue Back Matte Chart, Sexy Ayu
-Norman Deep Little N: http://bit.ly/2acSLUd
Colors- Chart/Blue, Chartreuse Shad, Nutter Shad

Mid Cranks…
-Norman Deep Baby N: http://bit.ly/2O9CAcu
Colors- Chart Blue, Nutter Shad, Sexy Shad
-SPRO Rock Crawler 55: http://bit.ly/2BLmsVN
Colors- Phantom Green, Missouri Craw, MudBug

Hook and Split Ring Upgrades…
-Owner Hyperwire Size 3 Split Rings: http://bit.ly/2v8ArBX
-Owner ST-56 Size 4 Trebles: http://bit.ly/2cVg7xW
-Gamakatsu EWG Size 4 Trebles: http://bit.ly/2cZrsbY

Fluorocarbon Crankbait Combo…
Rod- G Loomis IMX Pro 906 CBR (7’6″ MH): http://bit.ly/2og0BmK
Reel- Shimano Bantam MGL 150 XG: http://bit.ly/2H44yjG
Line- Sunline Assassin Fluorocarbon 12 lb: http://bit.ly/2h4LNjm

Braid Crankbait Combo…
Rod- G Loomis IMX Pro 845 CBR (7’6″ MH): http://bit.ly/2og0BmK
Reel- Shimano Bantam MGL 150 HG: http://bit.ly/2H44yjG
Line- Power Pro Maxcuatro 20 lb Braid: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ
Leader- Maxima Ultragreen 12 lb Mono: http://bit.ly/2ae97J9

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
Reaper Hoodie (Hoodie with Warm Face Cover built in): http://bit.ly/2TwBWs7
Horizon Sweater (Water resistant, great for layering): http://bit.ly/2gTC1oB
_________________________________________________________________

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!

#crankbait #tacticalbassin #Summerfishing