Tactical Bassin’s Latest Lure Design! The Tactical MINI Flex Rig! (How To Fish and Rig)

[@richardblake4777]

I swear, y'all could sell sand in the desert. Masterful job on a favorite lure category.

[@midwestfischerman]

This mini flex rig seems PERFECT for Great Lakes and Midwest fisheries! I will definitely be adding this one to my arsenal!!!

[@tacticalbassin]

Yeah buddy!! Thats exactly what we have in mind.

[@tonyboone3799]

@@tacticalbassin Blades or no blades for our northern clear water?

[@davidrumpel4933]

@@tonyboone3799 recommend no blades just because I’ve had much more success with them in the clear water

[@timothyclark7276]

Just ordered a Bladed Mini Flex from TW. I am excited to give this a try int he coming months.

[@mikegardiner3934]

lol crazy story about the flathead sucking down the whole rig!! Now that’s a durability test if ever was one. That’s amazing. Great vid guys!

[@rconner4053]

TW via your link last week is delivering mine today 🎉. Central TN bass here it comes.

[@tacticalbassin]

Awesome!! They've been eating it in East TN all week 😁

[@nelsonchiro]

Crushed two 3.5 lbers on the mini flex rig! I used spark shads on my 7'6H Expride!! So much fun!

[@jalop]

Looking forward to trying this out. Also Matt - because you and Tim have helped me so much over the last couple of years and you proved it here, I've tried to right the wrong mentioned at 2:04

[@tacticalbassin]

Just saw it. Brendan from Washington, you're awesome!! 👍🏼

[@DHW448]

Congratulations, guys. It looks like a winner. Another storage option is an 'O' ring from your dropshot box. Just put it over the tie end. And slip it down over the wires when in storage. Happy New Year guys.

[@tacticalbassin]

Thats a great idea! Thanks!

[@katiedolfman6496]

I've never used an A rig, only because they seemed so complicated to rig. This looks like something I can do! I'm in Michigan so March can't come soon enough!

[@tacticalbassin]

You can definitely do it 👍🏼 Hang in there!!

[@alfredliggins8510]

I moved to Grand Rapids 2 years ago

[@predwards8941]

Going to stop by Hawg Farmer this weekend and pick one up

[@nupespr92]

This is going to be my first time winter fishing for bass here in the Midwest. This mini flex is going to be a killer!! Going to Tackle Warehouse to order a bladed and a non-bladed one! Would you guys please do a video on follow-up baits - how and when to use them? And, maybe a buyers guide on clothing (including cold weather gear) and terminal tackle, etc.? Also, do either of you offer a guide service? I'd love to bring my son and hit the water with you. Thank for all your content. I just started bass fishing a few years ago and I've learned a ton just from watching your stuff. Keep 'em coming!

[@mitchbrumbeloe7079]

Already got several showing up at my door today!

[@donovansaunders1616]

I am so glad you guys made a downsized rig! I feel like it will match the baitfish on lake Neely Henry so much better!

[@trevorstephens8604]

Just ordered a mini from TW. Can't wait to give it a shot. Thanks for all you guys do!!

[@garybowers9605]

Here in Indiana were allowed three hooks and unlimited dummy baits. This is perfect! I'll be buying several. Thanks guys.

[@tacticalbassin]

Awesome! Thanks Gary. We hope you enjoy it!

[@noopsy2063]

Tim & Matt: Video or no video, one of these days, you guys should ask a random short angler if they would like to go fishing with you guys or one of you on your boat. That would absolutely make any shore angler’s day…even if they don’t watch KZbin. Have a good day guys.

[@tacticalbassin]

We've done it a few times 👍🏼 No video though, It's all about having fun.

[@davidgerdes1815]

Don’t forget random tall anglers too

[@kevinfoxx3080]

I have been slaying with your full size Flex rig! Looking forward to throwing this finesse style too!!

[@tacticalbassin]

Awesome!! Thanks Kevin!!

[@predwards8941]

What power rod do you throw it on. Is a rod that’s min rating 2oz too heavy? I have a big swimbait rod but I’m wondering if it’s too much

[@stevencochran4274]

Love the Matt Stephan guppy head !!

[@tacticalbassin]

The guppy is a great head! We've used them since before their inception and were very involved in that design with Dirty... its nice to finally have a rig they can be used on! 👍🏼

[@oldeschoolbob1022]

Thanks, guys. Congratulations on what looks like a great bait at a reasonable price. As a bank angler in a state filled with underwater "stuff", I don't throw A-rigs, but these look like great options for the boaters. Thanks!

[@adamjarrell5153]

Don’t put the top two on. But put the others on. Helps with avoiding snags.

[@tnbassmaster]

That would be great for the Kayak fisherman because of the Casting and for beginners in the a rig game like me!

[@willperryman4559]

Matt & Tim, I am so glad I got both of your A-Rigs and 2 of each 💯🍀🎣🍀 I have 3 different rods to test my favorite including an Edge rod by Gary Loomis to go with my Shimano and GLoomis rods 🙌✊😎

[@wdh1068]

Just received my mini. Was gonna rig it today. Great timing for the video. I got the big tactical flex rig for Christmas from the kids and I too couldn’t use the snaps and the Matt Allen head. The paint on the head made the opening too small for the clip’s wire. I was able to break the paint off the line tie and work one on. Ended up just going the split ring route. Caught a nice Delta striper on that rig a day later - first ever a rig fish. Thanks for the videos!

[@tacticalbassin]

The paint! Of course! Yes indeed, that does shrink the size of the opening. It's not baked on there very thick, if you start to force it the paint will pop out of the way and allow it on. But you're better off with the rings anyway and it paid off when that striper bit 👍🏼

[@rodneychandler82]

Awsome Vid guy's. Just busy putting my shopping list together to import some goodies to use in South Africa and Zimbabwe . This is definatly something I'm going to be throwing 😁

[@prestonnormile9996]

Ooooo, this is gonna kill at the dams near me! Great job on this one, guys

[@rocketsurgeon1746]

Love to see an in depth video on how to fish it. Nice work guys

[@erikpeterson3577]

Okay, my Tackle Warehouse order for a mini flex rig is in!!!!!

[@plookngo67]

perfect for trolling on lead core line . walleye,trout, hybrid bass ect .

[@bassinbilliards6279]

You guys are great. I know exactly the review too since I'm a tackle junkie & read everything on TW.

[@JoseMartinez-dq4km]

Looks like sweet I love the regular flex

[@VinceNiergarth]

Great work guys!

[@tacticalbassin]

Thanks!

[@EasyModeFishing]

What’s the point of winter draw down? I see that dock 10’ out of the water

[@farrzmd3038]

Been waiting for a mini flex rig. I’m a bank angler and I’ve been tampering with A-rigs in that late fall to winter transition using 1/16th - 1/8th oz swim bait heads.

[@ptcscagu2878]

Can't wait to try the mini flex rig. Going to be killer in north east Tn

[@chriscardoza6164]

Great information on the A-rig! Disappointed that there wasn't a moment towards the end of the video to show how to fish the rig once you got it set up. Guess that is being saved for a separate video.

[@tacticalbassin]

Yes, we cover that in other videos. Did you happen to see Monday's video where we caught 40 lbs with it and Tim had an 11 lber? That video is a very good demonstration of how to fish them and is packed with knowledge.

[@johnbutler307]

Thanks guys for the new info. I will get one on order.

[@benholliday5526]

Got mine today. Planning to throw it this weekend. I got the mini with no blades since I fish nothing but highland reservoirs and I also fish from a kayak so smaller is better.

[@haroldbrett367]

As always, great video and a lot of useful information!!!

[@831BASSTACTICZ]

Just got my hands on the mini flex I accidently got the non bladed but it's okay I have the regular flex in the bladed so I'm set 🔥 💪 thanks Matt and Tim for another insane toy to the arsenal

[@guyb5333]

Great video! Well I'm back figure I'm going to fight this cancer and get out a few times this year . Just couldn't help myself to start watching and getting psyched about fishing the spring . I still may have to sell my boat. Got the TB Flex A-rig after your video few years ago got me catching nice 4 lb spots first time I used it. I'll pick my up your smaller size from TW. Thanks for all the information over the many years you guys are the best!

[@tacticalbassin]

Hang in there! We're so glad you're back and so sorry for what you're going through!! We've appreciated the support through the years and are happy to be here during your fight!

[@rconner4053]

Fight hard and not alone. Grab a nearby friend and head to the lake to teach, share and celebrate the blessings that every day still has. I’m near Nashville,TN and willing to meet a new friend if you’re in the area. No worries about a boat either. I have one if yours has to go.

[@guyb5333]

@@tacticalbassin Thanks to both of you! You have given me inspiration to try new lures and techniques over the last 4 or 5 years. Can't wait to try the smaller a rig. I appreciate your support. If you pray keep me in your prayers. Thank you, Guy

[@guyb5333]

@@rconner4053 I appreciate your well wishes and offer to fish. Unfortunately I'm in Northeast NC. I don't know if I'll ever make it to Tennessee. Best wishes to you too sir.

[@tacticalbassin]

Guy, we sure do and we certainly will! You can beat this!

[@stevesigmund6243]

Here’s an awesome tip, throw a Neko rig o-ring over the head and leave it on. Then when you’re done slide it down over the wires to store.

[@AjLynn45thParallelFishing]

Nicely Done - Thanks for making this smaller but still stout rig. Been looking for one for a while. This looks like it. Plan to feed it to some fat Brown bass as soon as my casts stop bouncing ~ Stay Safe

[@420RyanBruce]

Looks good

[@tacticalbassin]

Thank you!

[@ericbosta7125]

Ever use Zman swimbaits? Seems like the elaztech material would be good for long lasting, but I know they float, not sure if that would be a factor

[@eddycountyfishingnm]

Good stuff!

[@johno7435]

Just added this to an order on Tackle Warehouse over the phone. Unfortunately they sent me the Hog Farmer Baits BFL Flex rig by mistake. I will just use this one for now and order your rig next time. I was killing the bass and especially large peacock bass last January on the yum umbrella rig so hopefully I can get more this year 😉

[@jfezatte517]

You really can't go wrong with anything made by Hog Farmer, Scott is the man! Pretty much the only difference in the BFL Flex Rig & the Tactical Flex is the number of dummy baits, it's a standard 5 arm Rig with 3 hooked baits & 2 dummy baits, where as the Tactical Flex has the 6th arm with a 3rd dummy bait. Not a HUGE difference but I'd definitely upgrade to the Tactical Flex or Tactical Mini when you can!

[@jfezatte517]

Just came home from work today to find my TW package on my porch with my TB Mini Flex Rig, I'm so excited for this thing! Gonna be throwing it with little 3.3"-3.8" Keitech FATs with a Guppy Head/Matt Allen head. I also grabbed a Hog Farmer Flex Rig with the new HD Live Blades just to throw the HD Live Blades on my full sized Tactical Flex Rig! The HD Live Blades are a size up from the blades on the Tactical Flex but they look too good not to try out! I now have a TW Umbrella Rig Bag fully stocked with Hog Farmer/Tactical Bassin rigs, there's so much heat in that bag I gotta handle it with gloves! 🔥🔥🤣

[@rvfishingyet]

Looks like a great bait and design! Kudos to you both. I think I will start looking for opportunities to work the mini from the bank and learn your bait/setup.

[@bassmedic]

I only keep 3 hooks on mine. I can use 5 in the state I live but I fish in Tennessee a lot and can only use 3 hooks. Just keeps it simple for when I got to another state. I also take the rung form a water bottle to keep my a rigs together on the rod when I'm store them.

[@CapnPink28]

Gotta get me one of these!!! ❤❤❤

[@haydenbarnett4491]

I’ve almost got everything made by TacticalBassin. Let’s add this to the arsenal 😅😂

[@kenmccarthyfishing]

This video like all the videos are AWESOME!!!❤

[@tacticalbassin]

Thank you Ken!!

[@larryllanes1166]

Thanks brothers! Good stuff, when y'all coming back to CL?

[@gustavotellez5358]

Got a mini flex ordered! Hoping to fish clear water, NY lakes from the shore. Any advice for setting up for shore fishing with your A-rig?

[@tacticalbassin]

Awesome! Main advice is stick with those (3) 1/8 oz heads and fish the rig higher in the water column. Lots of twitching as you pass cover. 👍🏼

[@bassingwithawesomejohnson3202]

Yes😊🎉

[@zaconarack5906]

I got the mini flex rig and the wires don’t really flex that much at all I’m wondering if I could be doing anything wrong and how to get them to flex

[@adampye6266]

On the bigger rig are you using braid or fluoro? What lb test for whichever one?

[@jerimiahtretin8308]

How do you recommend storage in a tackle box without bending the wires

[@timward3685]

Two questions about fishing A-Rig; Can you fish it on straight braid? Do you use a snap and swivel to attach the rig to your line to prevent line twist? Thanks Guys!

[@thomaslee4858]

Really want to try the mini flex rig but I live in Minnesota which the state don’t allow the a rig

[@MikeSagraves-si8eg]

Is there any issue using straight braid when using the mini flex rig?

[@timallen08ify]

Tim and Matt, what reel gear ratio do you guys prefer to use when throwing an A-Rig?

[@grhodes3536]

Do you suggest the center bait is larger/longer than the bottom left and right?

[@chrisjackson6115]

Looks awesome have yall uses Dobyns newer 794.5 Arig rod

[@tacticalbassin]

You know, we haven't. We'll need to pick that one up and try it.

[@jv59]

Any tips on the best technique to free a snagged A-rig from the bottom whether it from rocks or wood?

[@tacticalbassin]

If its shallow enough to reach with this, that's the best option by far. Twist it around the whole rig and push it back out and you won't damage the arms. bit.ly/2TLTJc6

[@goflyhighrc]

Would a Expride medium heavy 7 foot work with the mini

[@camhester4251]

i use the easy shiner alone slow rolled on bottom and tear them up on a weighted 3/0 swim bait hook to get threw structure and trash

[@jeffhuber9133]

Hey Guy's, long time fan here. I was wondering if the mini flex may still play a role at Brownlee in idaho early March. Water is typically low to mid 40's.

[@rickyrodriguez9831]

I was wondering when y’all would make the mini flex, all I use is the 3 wire mini hog farmer so I don’t have to use dummy’s

[@kesterharding1819]

Can I use the Curado 300 instead of the 200? I'm considering the 300 and using it for my swimbaits with the 7'7" Expride rod. Trying to be cost-effective and throw more big baits. What do you all think?

[@camhester4251]

what if you dipped the tails of the hooked baits in chartrues garlic dye , would that be a good idea and keep the fish off of the dummy baits ?

[@tacticalbassin]

It can certainly work. We haven't seen the need for it where we fish but that's a very reasonable trick to try.

[@Grand-Massive]

Are A-rigs worth it if the regulations only allow 2 hooks to be used?

[@midwestfischerman]

IMO, yes, the school of paddletails on an A-Rig has much more drawing power than a single paddletail or a spinnerbait. You can set your rig up in a manner that will draw most, if not all, strikes to your farthest back center wire.

[@tacticalbassin]

They're absolutely worth it, it's all about drawing power

[@Grand-Massive]

@@tacticalbassin Alright I guess I need to get a couple then. Thank you for the response.

[@brianwills4398]

👍 for sure

[@andylam83]

Big fan of yours but I was wondering if you guys can make a video of it being used fishing ?

[@tacticalbassin]

We've actually made a couple dozen of them 👍🏼 Search any of our colder weather videos and you'll find it in use.

[@andylam83]

@@tacticalbassin thank you 😊 .. I'm sorry for assuming

[@gustavotellez5358]

Another question. Have you ever caught striper using an A-rig. If so, I would love to hear the details!

[@dray8084]

I have caught many rockfish at Watts Bar on rigs and now is the time.

[@patrickbrown6195]

Pumped for the mini flex. Just ordered 5. Question, I can only use two hooks in MA. I typically just cut the center wire out and use 1/8oz heads on the two bottom wires. Is just having 1 bait rigged in the center a better bet?

[@jamessmith-bf2bx]

Hey guys been looking at that expride 7’7” what other techniques is it good for? Appreciate all you do! Thanks.

[@FishYourHeartOut]

I'm having an issue on my rig where my dummy baits spin? using the gear listed.

[@tacticalbassin]

Your dummy baits cant spin unless you've attached them to arms with swivels. We don't have swivels on the dummy arms.

[@noahbeu1515]

With being only allowed 2 hooks would you leave the the bottom baits and leave out the middle one?

[@tacticalbassin]

Thats exactly right 👍🏼

[@noahbeu1515]

@@tacticalbassin thanks for responding

[@davidfeldman611]

Guys! Happy New Year! Is it possible to use pre rigged swimbaits on my A rig?

[@tonyboone3799]

Revisiting this video with the A-rigs on sale at TW. Once you get the baits and heads, it adds up. About $80! But finally going to pull the trigger on this. Dobyns fury 795sb should still be good for this? (Not too heavy?)

[@tacticalbassin]

You can throw it on a 795 but that's a lot more rod than you need. Any 7'2" - 7'6" Medium heavy or heavy rod will be just fine.

[@randybrodman3959]

The Owner spring will unscrew and fall off the loop while rigging.Had all 3 fall off while bending the wires out.

[@timothythompson6549]

Would the savage gear heavy swimbait rod be serviceable for the bigger A rig? I've used mine successfully for a few of the larger bass baits when I'm muskie fishing.

[@ratbird3290]

So you can fish this on a Heavy F rated to 1.5oz? Like a frog rod in a pinch? Ty.

[@tacticalbassin]

Yes 👍🏼

[@ratbird3290]

Thank you Matt, Tim and family as always. Hope you had a nice holidays and greetings from south-central VT (formerly MA)! 🎉

[@highdefinition3529]

Do you use 3/0s on the mini?

[@RonnieRobinsonOutdoors]

Thanks Guys for all the great videos. I was looking for a Rod that I could throw the a-rig and small swimbaits like 6in magdrafts and river to sea s waver 168. I was looking at shimano slx swimbait 7' 3 MH ( what's your thoughts) . I am also fishing from kayak if that makes a difference

[@stevesigmund6243]

When I don’t run a swivel on my dummies, they won’t track right. So I add a Swivel, what am I doing wrong?

[@kesterharding1819]

I broke my 7'7 expride and will buy it again during black friday. Can I use the tequila baccarac rod for this application or my 7'3" expride frog rod?

[@tacticalbassin]

Between those two, I'd lean toward the tequila baccarac to get you through 👍🏼

[@kesterharding1819]

@@tacticalbassin thank you. I appreciate you replying.

[@Twangtown7]

Are the blade sizes smaller on the mini?

[@brandonsmith606]

Awesome and the first thing I thought was, I don't have to have a huge rod for it I have a 7'6 MH waiting in the wings that will be perfect

[@tacticalbassin]

Yes, exactly! It's so much easier!!

[@brandonsmith606]

@@tacticalbassin now if only the ice would melt 🤣🤣🤣

[@tacticalbassin]

Ha! Hang in there!!

[@jonorech]

Thanks guys! Learned to use A Rigs from you both. Engineering question. If the wires are same gauge as full-size rig, but are shorter, would that reduce the flexibility on the mini?

[@tacticalbassin]

Thanks Jon! You're absolutely right, the result is slightly stiffer than the full size flex but still has great overall movement. The issue is one size down in wire to achieve maximum flex also brings the potential for breakage because it's still geared up to be pulled on as hard as the full size. This wire size is the perfect balance of movement and strength.

[@jonorech]

@@tacticalbassin thanks, guys. Sounds like you struck a good balance! Looking forward to trying it out here on the TN river!

[@miguelordonez3533]

Were is this place

[@gerryhazelton9569]

Tried to get one back order 😢

[@deebz22]

I have suggested it b4 but im sure my comment got lost amongst the crowd. But have u guys given thought to a (micro) bfs flex/umbrella rig. I made a DIY version of my own that can hold trout magnets. But its not "professional"

[@tacticalbassin]

😉 Ask that again this Winter

[@mjc1535]

How much does the mini rig weigh out of the package?

[@brianrobinson9979]

Do you typically use the same color scheme baits for all arms? Does it matter?

[@tacticalbassin]

We typically use baits that are fairly similar. IE you don't want bright dummies with natural main baits or they may target the dummies. You always want your main baits to be the standouts but we still like them to be similar.

[@brianrobinson9979]

@@tacticalbassin so if you bought 3 packs of Keitechs in say 3.3, 3.8, and 4.3 would you just grab the same color for each size?

[@tacticalbassin]

Yes, you can do all same color. I personally like to throw Electric Shad.

[@brianrobinson9979]

@@tacticalbassin you guys have seemed to have fallen in love with that color since you landed in Tennessee 😅👍

[@randybrodman3959]

Use a wacky o ring to pull the wires in. Then pull your sleeve over.

[@tucsonarizonarealestate]

my state is a 2 hook state. do you make a 2 hook rig?

[@tacticalbassin]

Simply clip the center wire. That leaves 2 hooked baits low in the back and 3 dummies above.

[@KyleSeledic]

Have you tried or do you have thoughts on any of the zman elaztech swimbait for an a-rig? It would seem they would check the durability box you mentioned

[@fishinfrenzy2544]

Do it all the time works great on smallmouth

[@KyleSeledic]

@@fishinfrenzy2544 Thanks for the feedback!

[@brianwills4398]

That catfish was a monster..

[@tacticalbassin]

Ha! That thing surprised me!!

[@CarsynKeepFishing]

What is the weight of the rig by itself?

[@gregc2621]

Like a flash mob jr. Should be money

[@tacticalbassin]

Even smaller but not so small that you give up strength 👍🏼 See the comment above yours for exact dimensions if you're interested.