RAW BASS FISHING! Serious Fish Catching And Finesse Fishing Knowledge!

Have you ever caught this many bass, this quickly?! Tim is headed out for an afternoon on the lake and he's bringing you along for the fun! It takes him no time to find some giant schools of aggressive bass and the catching ensues! Listen closely as he talks through his mindset, his approach, and the specifics of the baits he's using.
This day is all about finesse. Tim is focused on swimbaits, spy baits, hair jigs, and tubes, to keep the fish biting. Consistently cycling through baits is key to keeping the schools of fish active. They're on isolated areas in open water, specifically chunk rock and rock to sand transitions, so these fish would be easily overlooked by an angler who was simply fishing the bank.
Below you'll find links to the exact baits and equipment Tim used throughout the day. From the specific colors, to the rigging components, to the rod and reel combos, we've linked it all. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.
FINESSE SWIMBAIT...
•Megabass 3" Spark shad: bit.ly/2XcLZk4
Color: Real
•Dirty Jigs Guppy Head: bit.ly/2nyUJRS
Size: 1/4 oz, 1/0 Hook
Rod- Shimano Expride 7'2" Medium Light: bit.ly/2nTq9FL
Reel- Daiwa PX BF70 BFS: bit.ly/3y0fWw0
Line- Sunline Super FC (7 lb): bit.ly/2p7fxju
FINESSE TUBE...
•Great Lake Finesse Juvy Craw: bit.ly/4aCo9UC
Color: green pumpkin
•Dirty Jigs Guppy Head: bit.ly/2nyUJRS
Size: 1/4 oz, 1/0 Hook
Rod- Shimano Expride 7'2" Medium Light: bit.ly/2nTq9FL
Reel- Aldebaran MGL (HG): bit.ly/2fdX1Uy
Line- Seaguar AbrazX (10 lb): bit.ly/2aaBBDX
SPY BAIT...
•Duo Realis Spinbait 80: bit.ly/3QE27YK
Size: 1/4 oz
Color: Shiner
Rod- Cashion Icon 6'8" Ultra Light: bit.ly/4aurFAO
Reel- Abu Garcia Zenon BFS: bit.ly/4aSBckW
Line- Sunline Super FC (6 lb): bit.ly/2p7fxju
JERKBAIT...
•Megabass Vision 110 Jr +1: bit.ly/2LnK389
Color: Northern Secret
Rod- Megabass P5 Destroyer Oneten Stick: bit.ly/2wVOSbY
Model: 6'5" Medium Slow
Reel- Shimano Aldebaran MGL (HG): bit.ly/2fdX1Uy
Line- Sunline Super FC (10 lb): bit.ly/2p7fxju
NED RIG...
•Great Lakes Finesse Snack Craw: bit.ly/4b8aeHo
Color: Green Pumpkin
•BKK Silent Chaser Head: bit.ly/3ZvTJ2g
Size: 1/4 oz, 1/0 Hook
Rod- Daiwa Steez AGS Spinning: bit.ly/44wVwFk
Model: 7’6” Medium Light
Reel- Daiwa Exist 3000-XH: bit.ly/453vyds
Line- Sunline Super FC (7 lb): bit.ly/2p7fxju
HAIR JIG...
•Andy's Maribou Pro Series: bit.ly/3uYqDsw
Color: Black
•Outkast Tackle Feider Fly: bit.ly/2G7TBwj
Color: Black
Rod- Fenwick World Class: bit.ly/4bX4gZK
Model: 7'6" Medium Light Extra Fast
Reel- Shimano Exsence A 3000: bit.ly/2iMtscV
Line- Sunline Super FC (5 lb): bit.ly/2p7fxju
TACTICALBASSIN LURE DESIGNS (AND APPAREL)
We have a variety of custom lure designs and apparel available! Everything from Swimbaits and crankbaits, to hats and hoodies! Its all available direct through Tackle Warehouse with fast shipping. See it here...
TacticalBassin Lure Designs: bit.ly/38YpPIz
_________________________________________________________________
*MAJOR EQUIPMENT WE USE DAILY...
Boat- Skeeter FXR 21: bit.ly/43GvGQh
Motor- Yamaha VMAX SHO 250 HP: bit.ly/3xolFv0
Trolling Motor- Minn Kota Ultrex Quest: bit.ly/41RErpY
Electronics- Humminbird Apex 13: bit.ly/3pdaK1q
Anchors- Minn Kota Raptors: bit.ly/3iMUrEJ
Camera- GoPro Hero 12: bit.ly/3MwQToy
*FAVORITE TOOLS AND GEAR…
Favorite sunglasses: bit.ly/3cLH0kl
Favorite Pliers: bit.ly/3xJFwTu
Favorite Rod Cover: bit.ly/3UewJEx
Favorite life jacket: bit.ly/2odXXIP
Favorite Scale: bit.ly/2f7QgQ9
Favorite Lure Retriever: bit.ly/2TLTJc6
Favorite Braid Cutters: bit.ly/35KSp3O
Favorite Split Ring Pliers: bit.ly/2fT4Qw0
Favorite Storage Box: bit.ly/3U9y4cl
Favorite Net: bit.ly/3kdZ3kA
________________________________________________________________
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!
#fishing #bassfishing #smallmouth

[@jordannarlock7995]

So I live right near where the flat you are fishing by the blue roofed house. I can’t tell you how much the local guys appreciate you coming to Michigan, not naming spots, and treating the fish with respect and getting them back into the water fast. Protect the resource and show it on camera! Also, that’s my go to prespawn honey hole! Well done finding it

[@tacticalbassin]

Thank you for the kind words Jordan! Sometimes we catch flack for not naming the areas that we fish. This is 100% the reason why. Matt and I respect the local anglers no matter which body of water we fish throughout the country. We work really hard to try and find special fisheries on our own, and don't want to ruin them.

[@jordannarlock7995]

@@tacticalbassin The people that get mad, have never had the chance to live on or near a world class fishery, and experience its demise. Recently that area has seen TONS of new anglers which is fantastic, we want more fishermen in this world. But sometimes, it can become a lot, and the fishery gets pressed too hard. If you ever make it to the Traverse City/ Suttons Bay, MI area. hit this post up. Would love to fish with you guys, and have a beer and throw some Smallie knowledge around!

[@richardbossman9875]

So we never got an in depth Spy bait video that I know of. I know it might not be the best time of year for it on most places but this is a technique I’ve been anxious to learn about from an in depth video.

[@tacticalbassin]

Coming soon!

[@victory10111hook]

Super cool to see a deck full of BFS!!!

[@midwestfischerman]

Hey Tim, Matt and you get back to Michigan a heck of a lot more than I do!!! You make me miss my original home state so much, but it sure is nice to "fish" northern Michigan vicariously through you guys.

[@Tbowie13]

I grew up on Lake Michigan and took it for granted until I moved south. Now, going back home, I understand why people traveled to visit our area. I thought spot fishing in deep water was a normal thing, as a naive kid. Then, with some travel, you quickly realize how rare gin clear water is!

[@tacticalbassin]

Growing up fishing on the west coast, fishing clear water was the norm. Since moving to TN finding clear water has been difficult but I enjoy it.

[@Tbowie13]

@tacticalbassin I hear that. I'm now split residence between NC and Arkansas. Arkansas has pretty clear water close to my place right next to Bull Shoals, NC, not so much...lol. NC home-lake is Norman. But I have fun on either. 🙂

[@brianwills4398]

Those are some very healthy looking fish.

[@kenmccarthyfishing]

Great video Tim,you can’t beat catching Big Smallmouth 🏆❤️

[@R-angler]

Lots of fish in that pod!! Love the clear water; reminds me of Georgian bay and Lake Ontario. Thanks for all the great videos, we enjoy watching your videos even without all the techniques/instructional guidance! Cheers and tight lines the rest of the season. Our season starts this upcoming weekend!🎉🎉🎉

[@tacticalbassin]

Thanks for watching!

[@peterhing3608]

Awesome smallmouth smash fest heaven! Love how you go through the rotation of different baits as the conditions changed. This is so key to keep them fired up once you find them. Great video!

[@tacticalbassin]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@peterhing3608]

The great lakes are very similar to our big land lock lake in Lake Simcoe here in Ontario. Gin clear water in the Spring to early summer and lots of rock with big 5 to 7 pound smallies. Haha. The season opens the 4th Saturday in June so will hopefully have a chance to use everything you showed us in this video. Thanks as always!

[@donaldferris1638]

First time I think I have heard you guys say “ABU GARCIA” on here lol

[@tacticalbassin]

I use to use the older Revos several years ago on Clear Lake. We are always trying different products, even if you never hear us mention them. They have some current rods and reels that we like and will be using more often.

[@telefunkenyou47]

@@tacticalbassinYep, I remember Tim using a Revo that was light weight and made me get a lighter reel for more sensitivity on my jig rod. It made a huge difference.

[@scottwieder7482]

Amazing day of fishing

[@darkhorsefive0]

BFS fishing is the most fun I’ve had in years! Caught a couple of 2.5 lb Bass on it so far and it was so much fun! Even the 1-1.5 lb ones are a blast to catch on it. I don’t go without throwing BFS anymore!

[@BigAlFishingAddiction]

So awesome!

[@raytubach8988]

I started watching this video laying down and the next thing I know it’s 2hours later. The sound of those waves against your hull put me right to sleep.. 🤣

[@eastcoastmz]

Great seeing how beautiful and clear Lake Michigan is. Your videos are amazing! Thank you for such enjoyment. I just fished your old stomping grounds, Clear Lake, CA, hit my pb on a dropshot. So fun!

[@tacticalbassin]

Awesome! Congratulations!! Clear Lake is a special place

[@Creativity_Is_Key]

Your phone notification from a message got me thinking it was my phone 😂😂😂

[@johnky100]

Spybait, ive never tried it. Will have to on my next smallie trip up nord

[@zekethefishgeek8690]

Oh goodness... all sizes of bass and crappie eat the dammit out of them. Each manufacturers bait acts differently too. Completely different sometimes.

[@dgroves85]

That looks like it was a blast! I live in Boise, Idaho where there’s a lot of great trout fisheries. I’m thinking about trying BFS for trout.

[@mikecamalier2653]

Great video Great information thank you. Bassmd

[@tacticalbassin]

Thanks for watching!

[@SeanShanahan9]

Someday, I'll drag my big Irish butt up there. That water looks so beautiful and the fish 😮, outstanding!

[@d9n1e6]

love the tips tim! i was wondering if u have any knowledge on rancho seco and how i can get on a bite there from the bank

[@vincentgelles3805]

Love the long videos! I could watch you guys for hours everyday. You guys drop such amazing information and I’m always learning every video, not to mention the bonus of getting to see some giant bass! About to finally buy my first bfs combo. If I could only have one rod what’s my best option? I’m mostly going to use it for small paddle tails sometimes on a guppy head but sometimes a weedless flashy swimmer. I’d also like to try it for pitching around little micro Texas rigs. Should I get the Expride or one of the Cashion rods?

[@tacticalbassin]

Those are both great options. The Cashion is a little more parabolic and works well for treble hook baits. For your techniques I think the Expride. I use the 72ml a ton even though its not actually a true BFS rod. You will love Bait Finesse!

[@michaeliversen5417]

I love your videos and was wanting to try an Expride rod so of course I’m going with the 6’10” ML and was wondering if there is anything else it is good at because I don’t have the storage to go with a rod for every technique

[@jonathanhiggins8277]

dude that rod fucks i throw chatters on it to and landed both contenders for best of the year on it round 6 pounds

[@licksers]

And the subscribers are crushing your iPhone! 😂

[@hmoobbeast8425]

All Fatty’s nice catch 🎉

[@chrisbrakie8190]

First...finally...1000 videos..

[@midwestfischerman]

🥇🏆👏🏻🎉🙌🏻🎣

[@midwestfischerman]

I remember how cool it felt the first time I beat @sunwukongmonkeyking5561 to be the first comment. Welcome to the medal podium!🥇👏🏻

[@zekethefishgeek8690]

Nuh uhhhh!!! I was... lol

[@hiphip808]

Could you still run the finesse swimbait setup with something like an SLX 70 or Curado 70 reel if you dont have a BFS reel? both are normally great reels to pair with the expride ML so i am Just curious on what the difference would be

[@Obsessed.Anglers]

Why not run 10lb bfs braid to 7lb leader to get more line on the bfs?

[@jesseboyden3119]

Is that dave mercer doing the intro? 😂

[@tacticalbassin]

Ill take that as a compliment lol 🤷‍♂️

[@jimwarden9617]

$550 for the Abu reel…ouch!

[@NeilGraham.I.M.F]

I would have liked to have seen what you seen on your graph to make you fish these spots. As a new boat owner. I have plenty of experience fishing out of boats with other people. But now having the ability to go out and grass around myself, I really want to learn how to find proper structure and what to look for

[@tacticalbassin]

I was actually looking with my eyeballs. The water was clear enough to see the rock transitions from sand.

[@NeilGraham.I.M.F]

@tacticalbassin gotcha. When I get the opportunity to go to erie, an hour and a half drive, i do the same if the water is calm enough. Thank you for the info Tim it means a lot did you take the time to get back to some of the comments

[@paulksicinski6181]

How did you decide to fish that spot with no obvious structure? Why did you use a jig and soft plastic over a crankbait or jerkbait?

[@jordannarlock7995]

No structure needed for smallies.

[@nicklaut25]

Have you tried the ark gravity bfs reel? I haven't seen any videos of you guys review it. I've watched all your recent videos of bfs gear reviews. Was just curious of your thoughts on it.

[@theoriginaltech019]

They haven't mentioned it but I preordered it and have had it for about 3 months. Go fishing about daily. Biggest on it so far was a 13lb carp. That reel is amazing. Cast any of my micro lures even when there is wind.

[@DonFinesseTV]

What are those things you keep around the base of your rod? Hook keepers?

[@scottkessler9602]

Are you just looking for rock transitions on the flats? Or are you actually seeing the cruising fish, and leading them with your casts?

[@camo_fisherman]

I would never have thought Lake Michigan would have any kind of clear water let alone 35 feet.

[@tacticalbassin]

Last year I was fishing off shore and I kid you not, I could see bottom in 57 feet WITHOUT polarized glasses 🤯

[@camo_fisherman]

@@tacticalbassin unbelievable

[@sayEDBTZ]

Believe it. The states that have Great Lakes on them are all in alliance with protecting these waters. 2 days ago I was sight fishing smallies in 20’ FOW from the shores of downtown Chicago. Our high taxes come with rewards sometimes lol

[@themannwithaplan]

Yes you can throw a BFS reel far... But let's be real here you aren't out casting a spin rod. They hold the world record casting distance in every weight category... BFS is just more fun.

[@jimmcculloch5825]

I thought you were using 131 braid on your BFS. Why did you go to Fluro?

[@tacticalbassin]

I use both. In clear water I was using fluoro just for the visibility aspect.

[@jimmcculloch5825]

@@tacticalbassin Thank.

[@ladder197]

How is the Diawa BFS reel?

[@GMAN_Fishin]

They had a review on it a little bit ago.

[@Daiwa_Is_King]

@@GMAN_Fishin it’s an amazing reel one of my favorites for all fineness applications

[@randallrandolph4977]

I don’t get the advantage of the BFS. Is spinning reals not cool?