The Fall transition can be a topwater angler’s dream! When the bass are feeding and you’ve got a bait that matches the hatch, it feels like you can do no wrong! Poppers, walking baits, buzz baits, and frogs, can all produce days on the water you’ll never forget. But what about the other days? The days when the bite shuts off or the bass key in on a specific baitfish so aggressively that you can’t lure them away… These 4 tricks will make all the difference on the tough days.
Step 1 is to go natural. Stick to colors that perfectly match the baitfish. Its not the time for bright chartreuse or bone, stick to the ghost tones. Step 2 is to downsize and match the exact size of the baitfish the bass are targeting. Step 3 is to accent your hooks with feathers, colors changes, etc… to create the most natural bait possible. And finally, step 4 is to focus on subtle baits.
Below is a breakdown of Tim’s most reliable baits this time of year. We’ve also included links to the hooks and hardware upgrades he recommends. The links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.
Poppers…
-Yellow Magic Popper: http://bit.ly/2al0dKP
Colors: Japanese Shad, Smoke Shad
-Megabass Pop Max: http://bit.ly/2qqfmm1
Colors: MB Gizzard, Ito Wakasagi
Frogs…
-Spro Poppin Frog 60: http://bit.ly/2HsyqIJ
Colors: Misty Shad, Speck
-LiveTarget Hollow Body Frog 55: http://bit.ly/2Q40BAk
Colors: Brown Black, Tan Brown
Walking Baits…
-Evergreen Shower Blows 105: http://bit.ly/2zIkqUH
Colors: American Shad, Blue Back Herring
-River2Sea Rover 128: http://bit.ly/2acSVea
Colors: Ghost Minnow, Funky Tiger
Buzzbaits…
-Big Bite Baits Suicide Shad 1/4 oz: https://bit.ly/3iDnLLi
Color: Nickel
-Dirty Jigs Canterbury Buzz 1/2 oz: http://bit.ly/2cWI6if
Bait- Keitech 4.3″ Fat Swing Impact: http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v
Toads…
-Big Bite Baits Tour Toad: http://bit.ly/2NtAghc
Colors: Pearl Shine, Silver Shine
-Zoom Horny Toad: http://bit.ly/2aY5lBt
Colors: Grey Ghost, Watermelon Seed
Hook- Gamakatsu Superline Spring Lock 5/0: https://bit.ly/3mkwZi1
Hooks…
Red Treble- Owner ST-36 (Size 4, 2): http://bit.ly/2wSknXp
Feathers- Owner Feathered Hooks (Size 4, 2): http://bit.ly/2m7XrAx
Split Rings- Owner Hyperwire (Size 2, 3): http://bit.ly/2v8ArBX
Ultimate Frog Combo…
Rod- Shimano Expride 7’3″ Expride: http://bit.ly/2czPlZl
Reel- Shimano Curado DC HG: http://bit.ly/2yHtsp4
Line- Power Pro Maxcuatro 65 lb Braid: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ
All-Around Topwater Combo…
Rod- Shimano Expride 7′ Medium Light+: http://bit.ly/2czPlZl
Reel- Shimano SLX DC XG: http://bit.ly/2LWzw2Q
Line- Power Pro Maxcuatro 40 lb Braid: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ
Budget Topwater Combo…
Rod- Dobyns Colt 7′ Medium heavy: http://bit.ly/2lU0LfV
Reel- Daiwa CR80 High Speed: http://bit.ly/2Cgk5Nh
Line- Power Pro Braided Line 30 lb: 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 #topwater #popper
