whopper plopper – Castable Fish Finder

Where Do Bass Go During The Fall Transition? (And How To Catch Them!)

Cooler nights are coming and if your fish haven’t vanished already, they’re going to! The Fall transition happens overnight and if you’re not prepared you’ll be left scratching your head. There are two distinct groups of fish during this transition, some that go shallow and others that go deep. Today we’re going to take a look at where these fish are headed and how you can get ahead of them.

The fish that move shallow are there to eat baitfish. Its critical that you cover water quickly because the fish are congregating in schools. Vast areas will be devoid of life while small pockets and cuts will be packed with dozens, even hundreds of bass that are ambushing bait. If you’re not covering water quickly you may never find the mega-school you’re searching for.

The fish that move deeper are focused on structure. Many of these fish are still going to be feeding on baitfish but they will use main lake structure for their hunting grounds. Focus on offshore rock piles, humps, channel bends, and main lake points. If baitfish are present you’ll target these fish with reaction baits, if baitfish are not present the jig is your best bet.

Wether you go shallow or deep, Fall is an amazing time to be on the water! Bass are congregated into schools and the bite can be incredible. Below are links to the different baits we use for both shallow and deep schooling fish. The links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

Shallow Water Baits…
Silent Squarebill- Lucky Craft BDS-3 (BP Golden Shiner): http://bit.ly/2blTVwI
Rattling Squarebill- River2Sea Biggie Poppa (Abalone Shad): http://bit.ly/2ahCzvo
Frog- River2Sea Bully Wa 2 65 (Little Allen): http://bit.ly/2axyR2a
Toad- Teckel Sprinker (Pearl White): http://bit.ly/2rmnqSI

Deep Water/Offshore Baits…
Ultra Deep Crankbait- Strike King 10XD (Chartreuse/Blue or Sexy Shad): http://bit.ly/2gHT4F0
Deep Crankbait- Strike King 6XD (Chartreuse/Blue or Sexy Shad): http://bit.ly/2ery44M
Jig- Dirty Jigs Flippin’ Jig 5/8 oz (Go To): http://bit.ly/2fx8YBI
Jig Trailer- Reaction Innovations Sweet Beaver (Tramp Stamp): http://bit.ly/29W3RZW
Flutter Spoon- Nichols Lake Fork 1 1/8 oz (Purple Threadfin): http://bit.ly/2ICAGKL
Tail Spin- Jackall Deracoup 3/4 oz (Clear Shad): http://bit.ly/2p8X4b0

Flutter Spoon Video: https://youtu.be/sdviwv6PTOM

All-Around Squarebill Combo…
Rod- G Loomis IMX Pro 845 CBR: http://bit.ly/2og0BmK
Reel- Shimano Bantam MGL 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

All-Around Deep Crank Combo…
Rod- G Loomis IMX Pro 968 CBR: http://bit.ly/2og0BmK
Reel- Shimano Tranx 200: http://bit.ly/2Tv0yCy
Line- Sunline Assassin 17 lb Fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2h4LNjm

Budget Crankbait Combo…
Rod- Shimano Intenza 7’6″ Glass: http://bit.ly/2QADLTq
Reel- Daiwa CG80: http://bit.ly/2NxaGbe
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!

#Fall #bassfishing #beginner

How To Catch Fish Around Docks: Summer Fishing Tips

If your lake has docks, the fish are under them right now! From bass and catfish down to the smallest baitfish, everything that swims relies on the shade of docks for safety and comfort in the Summer heat. Today Tim goes in-depth showing how to approach dock fishing, explains which docks are most likely to hold fish, and demonstrates some of his favorite ways to target them.

You can spend years dialing in which pilings on which docks consistently hold fish. Anglers make entire bass fishing careers out of doing exactly that. But if you just want to go fishing and consistently catch fish there are some simple tips that will help you choose the right docks quickly. Focus on docks that stand alone. A dock by itself will often hold large numbers of fish that would otherwise spread out along a row of docks. Focus on docks with quick deep water access. If the dock is in deeper water than those around it, there are likely to be bigger fish underneath.

Lastly, choose docks based on the type of fishing you plan to do. If you’re fishing slowly with finesse baits target single docks or areas with limited numbers of docks. This will give you the confidence to fish methodically and really pick the docks apart. If you’re fishing fast moving reaction baits then areas with a lot of docks will give you endless targets to throw to. While you’ll make more casts per fish, the reaction bite is so fun that it often outweighs the alternatives.

Our final tip is about skipping docks. You may have noticed Tim is able to do this effortlessly. While a skilled angler who practices can do this with virtually any reel, the “DC” reels make it simple for almost anyone to do. If you want to get serious about fishing docks, don’t be afraid to try a DC to shorten the learning curve and make the fishing more fun from the start.

Below is a breakdown of the baits and equipment Tim recommends for Summer dock fishing. Of course you can dial in subtle details on your local lake but these baits and this equipment is what we use anywhere we go in the country when its time to target fish under docks. We’ve broken down the baits into reaction baits and slow moving baits to help you make the best choices. The links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

Tim’s #1 Bait Today…
Swimbait- Keitech Fat Swing Impact 4.8″ (Electric Shad): http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v
Hook- Owner Flashy Swimmer 1/4 oz with 5/0 Hook: http://bit.ly/2e8O4Y7

Fast Moving Baits…

-Damiki BTC Squarebill Crankbait: https://bit.ly/35yagXK
(Threadfin Flash, Moss Back, Real Shad)

-Teckel Kick Knocker Topwater: http://bit.ly/2nvxkoA
(Bone, Bluegill, Chart Shiner)

-River2Sea Bully Wa 2 Frog: http://bit.ly/2axyR2a
(Ghost, TW Gill, Little Allen)

Slow Moving Baits…

-Dirty Jigs Pitchin’ Jig (1/2 oz): http://bit.ly/2amL3of
(Molting Craw, Hematoma, Go To)
-Reaction Innovations Sweet Beaver Jig Trailer: http://bit.ly/29W3RZW
(Green Pumpkin Red, Hematoma, Tramp Stamp)

-Yamamoto Senko 5″: http://bit.ly/2axAmNS
(Green Pumpkin, Watermelon/Green Pumpkin, JuneBug)
-Gamakatsu Superline EWG 4/0 Hook: http://bit.ly/2ac92XG

-Netbait T-Mac Worm 6.5″: http://bit.ly/2jndwj9
(Bama Bug, Green Pumpkin)
-Dirty Jigs Canterbury Shaky Head 1/4 oz: http://bit.ly/2aFOs0V

DC Reels work great at every price point. As you move up to higher end equipment the reels become stronger and smoother but the technology that aids your ability to skip works throughout the line. Also, when dock fishing it is recommended to use an HG (high gear 7:1) or XG (Extra High Gear 8:1) to help you pull the fish out of the docks quickly before they tangle in the pilings.

High End DC: Shimano Metanium DC: http://bit.ly/2qrSZvs
Mid-Range DC: Shimano Curado 150 DC: http://bit.ly/2yHtsp4
Budget DC: Shimano SLX 150 DC: http://bit.ly/2LWzw2Q

Excellent All-Around Combo For Docks…
Rod- G Loomis IMX Pro 853C JWR: http://bit.ly/2R4f2Ud
Reel- Shimano Curado 150 DC: http://bit.ly/2yHtsp4
Line- Power Pro Maxcuatro 40 lb Braid: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ
Leader- Sunline Sniper Fluorocarbon 14 lb: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

#Summer #fishing #docks

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

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…

#Chickamauga #bassfishing #whopper plopper

Pond Fishing For Bass – Best Baits and Techniques

Want to fish a pond? These tips will make it much easier! Ponds can be some of the best bass fishing of your entire life if you know what to look for and which baits to throw. Keep it simple this year and use Tim’s proven method to break down the water in steps. Don’t get caught throwing just your favorite lure over and over again, its time to take your pond fishing to the next level.

It doesn’t matter if you’re bank fishing or in a boat, this method will help you maximize your time on the pond. Start by covering water with fast moving baits or topwater to gauge how many fish there are and if they’re in a feeding mood. Next, switch to slower moving reaction baits to pick off the remainder of the aggressive bass. Finally, wrap it up with finesse baits to catch as many fish as possible.

Not all lures are created equal. Unfortunately there is a lot of junk and hype on the market today. Below you’ll find an exhaustive list of baits we have confidence in for both pond and lake fishing. If you’re looking to fill a particular category, these are lures we trust. The links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of every item.

Creature Baits…
-Reaction Innovations Man Bear Pig: http://bit.ly/2s51oIV
-Zoom Brush Hog: http://bit.ly/2bnpCRx

Texas Rigging…
Tungsten Worm Weight- Swagger Vader 3/8 oz: https://bit.ly/3c28mks
Bobber Stop- 6th Sense Peg X: http://bit.ly/2bHjowk
Offset Hook- Gamakatsu EWG Wide Gap 3/0: http://bit.ly/2d07gvp

Fast Topwater…
Buzzbait- D&M Slow Roller Buzz: http://bit.ly/2t7BMKt
Whopper Plopper- Silent Plopper 110: http://bit.ly/2bsPbQV
Toad- Strike King Rage Toad: http://bit.ly/2dekwdd
Toad- Zoom Horny Toad: http://bit.ly/2aY5lBt

Slow Topwater…
Popper- Rio Rico: http://bit.ly/2f7gink
Popper- Bubble Popper: http://bit.ly/2yxP2ZQ
Frog- Spro Bronzeye Poppin Frog: http://bit.ly/2HsyqIJ

Subsurface Reaction Baits…
Swimbait- 4.8″ Keitech (Sungill): http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v
Hook- 1/4 oz Owner Flashy Swimmer 5/0: http://bit.ly/2e8O4Y7
Swim Jig- California Swim Jig 3/8 oz (Alabama Bream): http://bit.ly/2auXfmx
Bladed Jig- Chatterbait Custom 3/8 oz (Green Pumpkin): http://bit.ly/2Ix71mI
Bladed Jig- Evergreen JackHammer 3/8 oz (BHite Delight): http://bit.ly/2popvj6
Trailer- Hog Farmer Spunk Shad (Green Pumpkin): http://bit.ly/2UFkCD7
Soft Jerkbait- Zoom Super Fluke (Electric Shad): http://bit.ly/2aqys0H

Worms…
Stick Bait- Big Bite Baits Wacky Stick (Watermelon Red): http://bit.ly/2rrNT6g
Stick bait- Yum Dinger (Green Pumpkin Purple): http://bit.ly/2J8nMrF
Stick Bait- Yamamoto Senko 5″ (Green Pumpkin): http://bit.ly/2axAmNS
Worm- Netbait T-Mac Worm: http://bit.ly/2jndwj9

Tim’s All-Around Pond Combo…
Rod- Shimano Zodias 7’2″ MH: http://bit.ly/2cgmMAe
Reel- Shimano Curado 200K: http://bit.ly/2tHewEh
Line- 40 lb Power Pro Maxcuatro: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ
Leader- 15 lb Sunline Sniper: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

Budget Pond Combo…
Rod- Denali Attax 7′ Medium heavy: http://bit.ly/2tDsOa0
Reel- Caius B 150 HG: http://bit.ly/2O3Dvuw
Line- 15 lb Sunline Assassin Fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2h4LNjm

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…

#pondfishing #pond #bassfishing

Underwater Footage From Bass Heaven!! (Is This Even Real?!) Insane Topwater Strike Footage!!

This is the craziest school of GIANT BASS ever! They just finished spawning, they’ve schooled up on outside structure, and they’re hungry! Come UNDERWATER and watch as we throw TOPWATER lures over them. These fish are exploding on a frog, whopper plopper, walking bait, and popper. The topwater strikes are crazy!

Its amazing to see how different the bass treat each of these topwaters. The Whopper Plopper gets hunted down at top speed and ambushed any which way the fish is able to get it. The walking bait is hunted back and forth and ultimately ambushed from the side. The frog and popper are both hunted vertically with the bass shooting straight up and eating the bait belly first.

There is so much we can learn from this! Knowing how the bass eat the baits tells us which baits to throw when the bass are in different moods. We also see that the slower moving baits will rely much more heavily on “fooling the fish” (bait color, sound, hook color, etc) than the faster moving offerings.

Below is a breakdown of the baits in the video including our top 3 baits from each category. We’ve also included our favorite color choices for each style, hook and hardware upgrades, and our favorite rods for throwing topwater. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

Frogs…
-R2S Bully Wa 2 65(Shown In Video): http://bit.ly/2axyR2a
Favorite Colors: Little Allen, Ghost, TW Bluegill
-Jackall Kaera (Small Profile): http://bit.ly/2Fz6SA3
Favorite Colors: Glitter Hasu, Green Frog, White
-Snagproof Bobby’s Perfect Frog (Soft, Easy Hookset): http://bit.ly/2abpR40
Favorite Colors: Brown Bullfrog, Sexy Shad, Tweety

Poppers…
-R2S Bubble Walker 80 (Shown In Video): http://bit.ly/2e0PZOY
Favorite Colors: Sooner, Loon, Bluegill
-Megabass Pop Max (Incredible Colors): http://bit.ly/2qqfmm1
Favorite Colors: Gill, MB Gizzard, Ito Wakasagi
-Yellow Magic (Small Profile): http://bit.ly/2al0dKP
Favorite Colors: Smoke Shad, Japanese Shad, Alewife

Whopper Plopper…
-Whopper Plopper 130 (Shown In Video): http://bit.ly/2a7ipHL
Favorite Colors: I Know It, TW Bluegill, Chubby
-Whopper Plopper 110 (Stop and Start Retrieve): http://bit.ly/2bsPbQV
Favorite Colors: T-1000, Monkey Butt, Bone

Walking Baits…
-R2S Rover 128 (Shown In Video): http://bit.ly/2acSVea
Favorite Colors: Abalone Shad, Ghost Minnow, Sooner
-Evergreen Shower Blows 125 (Amazing Sound): http://bit.ly/2zIkqUH
Favorite Colors: American Shad, Emerald Shiner, Bone
-Heddon Super Spook (Inexpensive): http://bit.ly/2diThgH
Favorite Colors: Bone, Lakefork Shad, Okie Shad

Hook Upgrades…
Red Hooks- Owner ST-36 (Size 2, 4): http://bit.ly/2wSknXp
Strong Hooks- Owner St-56 (Size 2, 4): http://bit.ly/2cVg7xW
Split Rings: Owner Hyperwire Size 2,3,4: http://bit.ly/2v8ArBX

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

All-Around Topwater Rod…
Rod- Shimano Expride 7’2″ Med light+: http://bit.ly/2nTq9FL
Reel- Shimano Curado 150 DC HG: http://bit.ly/2yHtsp4
Line- Power Pro Maxcuatro 40 lb Braid: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

Budget Topwater Combo…
Rod- Sellus 6’10” Medium: http://bit.ly/2dQNkw7
Reel- Caius B HG: http://bit.ly/2O3Dvuw
Line- Power Pro 40 lb Braid: http://bit.ly/2aFg46b

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…

#bassfishing #topwater #Whopper Plopper

Best Topwater Tricks For Spring and Summer Bass Fishing! Easy Modifications!

Its topwater time! The most exciting fishing of the year is here! Check out our favorite baits and some awesome new options for this season! From poppers to spooks, whopper ploppers to frogs, Matt explains them in depth. If that wasn’t enough he explains colors, bait modifications, and upgrades as well.

Today’s video is broken into two distinct sections. The first is directed towards anglers that prefer a simple approach. We cover 3 baits that will cover virtually everything you’ll face on a water. The second section covers 7 baits, color selection, and bait modifications to help you adapt to changing conditions.

Below is a breakdown of all the baits in the video (In order of appearance) with colors recommendations for each. We’ve also included our favorite topwater rods. The links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

3 Great Baits…
Popper- Damiki D-Pop 70: http://bit.ly/2Pjvqo3
Colors: Spayu, Phantom, Black Holo
Walking Bait- Heddon Super Spook: http://bit.ly/2diThgH
Colors: Okie Shad, Lake Fork Shad, Bone
Plopper- R2S Whopper Plopper 110: http://bit.ly/2bsPbQV
Colors: Bone, Monkey Butt, T-1000

Matt’s Favorite Baits By Category

Walking Bait…
-River2Sea Rover 128: http://bit.ly/2acSVea
Colors: Sooner, Bone, Ghost Minnow
-Evergreen Shower Blows 125: http://bit.ly/2zIkqUH
Colors: American Shad, Half Mirror Wakasagi

Popper…
-River2Sea Bubble Walker 80: http://bit.ly/2e0PZOY
Colors: Sooner, Bluegill, Abalone Shad

Whopper Plopper…
-Whopper Plopper 110: http://bit.ly/2bsPbQV
Colors: Bone, Monkey Butt, T-1000
-Whopper Plopper 130: http://bit.ly/2a7ipHL
Colors: TW Bluegill, Chubby, Matte Black

Frog…
-Bully Wa 2 Frog 65: http://bit.ly/2axyR2a
Colors: Little Allen, Ghost, TW Bluegill
-Jackall Kaera Frog: http://bit.ly/2Fz6SA3
Colors: White, Glitter Hasu, Glitter Bluegill

Bonus Bait…
-Megabass I-Loud Prop Bait: https://bit.ly/3bjDxaF
Colors: Galaxy Gill, Smelt Wakasagi, White Python

Hook and Hardware Upgrades…
Split Rings- Owner Hyperwire (Sizes 3-4): http://bit.ly/2v8ArBX
Trebles- Owner ST-56 3X Trebles (Sizes 2-4): http://bit.ly/2cVg7xW

Matt’s Favorite High-End Topwater Combo…
Rod- G Loomis GLX 843C MBR: http://bit.ly/2gqziwT
Reel- Shimano Chronarch MGL HG: http://bit.ly/2n8DghB
Line- Power Pro Maxcuatro 40 lb Braid: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ
Leader- Maxima Ultragreen 12 lb: http://bit.ly/2ae97J9

Favorite Frog Combo…
Rod- Shimano Expride 7’3″ XH: 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-Friendly Topwater Combo…
Rod- Denali Fission 7′ Medium: https://bit.ly/3eDteAr
Reel- Shimano SLX XG: http://bit.ly/2NfdOnk
Line- Power Pro Maxcuatro 40 lb Braid: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

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…

#bassfishing #topwater #Whopper Plopper