Don't Make This TINY Mistake! (Bait Finesse Tricks For Fall Transition Bass Fishing)

Have you tried this trick to catch more bass during the Summer to Fall Transition? Downsizing your bait works! As water temperatures begin to cool, bass target juvenile baitfish for an easy meal. Don't get left behind on the easiest bite this season!
If you understand where this is happening and which baits to throw, the early Fall transition gets a lot easier! Most anglers fail to realize what's happening and get frustrated as they watch bass feed, while their lures get ignored. SIZE IS KEY! The smaller the bait, the better the match to what the bass are actually eating!
Below you'll find links to the exact baits and equipment we discussed in the video. We've included our favorite colors for each, as well as the specifics on our favorite bait finesse rod and reel combos in different price ranges.
KARASHI...
•Megabass Karashi: bit.ly/3LwMGS7
Colors: Kasumi Ito KS, HT Setsuki Chiayu
CRANKBAITS...
•Megabass Griffin MR-X BFS: bit.ly/47of55j
Colors: Mat Shad, GP Kawamatsu
•Megabass Griffin SR-X BFS: bit.ly/3qOyDj6
Colors: Mat Shad, MB Gizzard
•Shimano Macbeth Tiny 39F: bit.ly/45Pj3Dd
Colors: Ghost Shad, Sleeper Shad
BLADED BAITS...
•Dirty Jigs TacticalBassin Mini Underspin: bit.ly/3JOd8UY
Size: 1/8 oz
•Xzone 2.75" Swammer: bit.ly/2PogV0q
Colors: Electric Shad, Pro Blue Red Pearl
•Duo Realis Spinbait 70 (1/4 oz): bit.ly/3QE27YK
Colors: Ghost Minnow, Green Smelt, Ghost Wakasagi
•Duo Realis Heartbee 75SS: bit.ly/3WCAkNA
Colors: HM Oikawa, LG Wakasagi
TOPWATER...
•Megabass Dog X Jr Coayu BFS: bit.ly/475zcoD
Colors: Bahama Milk Pearl, Mat Shad
•Megabass Baby Pop X: bit.ly/3QgjPDY
Colors: MG Sexy Stream, Mat Shad
•Damiki Umpa 40 Popper: bit.ly/42XSQkD
Colors: Real Shad, Ghost Minnow, Mossy Shad
•Shimano BT Bait 99F: bit.ly/3YruSyo
Colors: Ghost Smelt, Gizzard Shad
•Jackall Piku Piku: bit.ly/399wl59
Colors: Glitter Secret Bait, Lively Wakasagi
JERKBAITS...
•Duo Realis Rozante 63SP: bit.ly/3EFMLOY
Colors: All Bait, Ghost Minnow
•Duo Realis Rozante 57MR: bit.ly/3YurtNa
Colors: Ghost Minnow, Ghost Wakasagi
•Megabass X 80 Jr BFS: bit.ly/3KFaLoz
Colors: GP Invisible Wakasagi, GG Shad
•Megabass Shading X R62: bit.ly/3LTQUlD
Colors: GG Tennessee Shad, LZ Wakasagi
BAIT FINESSE STORAGE...
•Buzbe Colony 15 Modular Storage: bit.ly/3sr7aVn
•Plano Edge 3700 Thin: bit.ly/2VX5eAL
MATT'S KARASHI COMBO...
Rod- Cashion Icon 7' Light: bit.ly/3mLIIes
Reel- Shimano Curado BFS: bit.ly/2QGRVF2
Line- Daiwa Hidden FC (7 lb): bit.ly/3ILKXH0
HIGH END BAIT FINESSE COMBO...
Rod- Megabass P5 6'3" Ultra Light Slow: bit.ly/2wVOSbY
Model: Pop X Stick
Reel- Shimano Aldebaran BFS: bit.ly/3ryXKpR
Line- Daiwa Hidden FC (7 lb): bit.ly/3ILKXH0
MID PRICED BAIT FINESSE COMBO...
Rod- Shimano Expride B 6'8" Light: bit.ly/2nTq9FL
Reel- Shimano Curado BFS: bit.ly/2QGRVF2
Line- Power Pro Super Slick V2 (10 lb) Braid: bit.ly/3vSwa6Z
BUDGET BAIT FINESSE COMBO...
Rod- Cashion Element 6'10" Med Light BF: bit.ly/48w69eC
Reel- Abu Garcia Revo X BFS: bit.ly/4flqwi3
Line- Daiwa Hidden FC (7 lb): bit.ly/3ILKXH0
HOOK UPGRADES...
•Owner ST-26 Treble Hooks: bit.ly/3URHlrP
Main Sizes: 8, 10, 14
•Owner Hyperwire Split Ring: bit.ly/2v8ArBX
Size: 1
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
Batteries- Dakota Lithium 135 AH: bit.ly/4b9HooR
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 Lure Retriever: bit.ly/2TLTJc6
Favorite Braid Cutters: bit.ly/35KSp3O
Favorite Hard Storage Box: bit.ly/2t3uHMR
Favorite Soft Tackle Storage: bit.ly/3TnKHl7
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!
#bassfishing #finesse #bfs

[@ADKyakman]

I always know by the title when it’s gonna be Matt Allen bringing the info. Freaking Guru. Man is just right, time on water is the only way to acquire this kind of knowledge. Trust me, I know. Or atleast I’m learning. 12 years as a kayak angler.. I’m not on trolling motor, I have to pick places apart and work with what’s in front of me. I have zero electronics, I have a 2d very small garmin I use for depth and temperature and sure I get some bottom contour, but my time in the water, and the winter months where the rivers dried up in out there walking the places In catching fish spring thru fall- I know what’s under every cast I make. But it’s time on the water that have allowed me to almost always have success even if it’s just a single fish, which it rarely ever is… but time on the water - knowing there’s fish, and figuring out what they want when your ordinary go-to baits are not catching em- it’s incredible what you learn and what your eyes can be trained to see with time on the water

[@mrcamaro615]

I have been waiting on that karachi video for a while Matt. I just picked up five more karashis from Real Deal tackle yesterday would make perfect timing for that video 😅

[@andyd834]

Yea my dumb ass needs a karashi video too lol.

[@jeffhayungs5254]

Will definitely be on the lookout for the Karashi video

[@Minnecoldah1]

I know I would and I guess many others would enjoy a Karashi specific video - I read/hear so many amazing things about the Karashi, yet I have not enjoyed those results when I use it - watching the Tactical Bassin' teaching master's do a deep dive video on the Karashi would be great !

[@alltacklenoboat]

Super helpful, Matt, thank you - especially for the guidance around the treble hooks featured on these BFS lures. Thanks!

[@calebriemer8763]

So glad yall convinced me to go down the BFS rabbit hole. Been so much fun! Yes to a dedicated Karashi video. That was the first BFS lure I got and started crushing them on!

[@darkhorsefive0]

Picked up a Karashi to try back in July. Fished it for maybe the last 10 minutes of a trip and caught a nice bass on it. Haven’t been able to fish due to an injury since, but it will be the first thing I throw when I fish again soon.

[@theh2ohammer372]

Thanks for the videos. Just got my pb bass 15.5" Thank you for your transitional videos, here in Wisconsin that has already happened, and its been helpful to be prepared for it.

[@SeanShanahan9]

Thanks so much for getting me going on bfs,so much fun! I fish Oroville mainly and it's a ball with the spotted bass. I've started throwing the all my shad raps on it and having a great time. Thank you, Sean

[@rattz6374]

You’re always extremely thorough. Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us ❤

[@TeezleySPT]

Can’t wait for the Karashi video!

[@ADKyakman]

The karashi is sooooo much fun. Been SLAYING crappie and smallmouth on it. I was doing good with the largemouth after spawn, so much they were fighting over it multiple times. Since then them smallmouth have been all over it and so have crappie- which actually makes me super stoked cuz I love catching crappie, I dont catch many and I’ve always wanted to, this year I’ve caught more crappie than I have in my lifetime- on the karashi

[@Tbowie13]

I catch a bunch of crappie every winter slow rolling a Karashi where the "no see um" minnows sun themselves. Whenever you see that, tell tale crappie hitting just under the surface, try it out. Last year, I caught a ton of 14+ inch crappie using the Karashi and an X-Nanahan jerkbait. If you like crappie, try that X-Nanahan also. They work great on bfs gear, and I get a lot of walleye on that tiny jerkbait as well. Anyhow, hope you have a great year of fishin... tight lines!

[@Iascaire_tn]

I absolutely love the x-nanahan. Catch almost everything on it including trout and stripper.

[@1jimif]

I am loving BFS, thanks for another great video. Karashi video! I should be getting the White butterfly color ones I ordered tomorrow! I have one in HT ITO Wakasagi, but the limited White Butterfly 🦋 looks so good 😋 ....FishOn....Jim

[@Obsessed.Anglers]

Great stuff and definitely a fun new addition to my arsenal this year. You should check out the Jackall TN38. It's a killer little bfs lipless!

[@BuckeyeBassMaster78]

"Amazing content as always,keep doing what y'all do,Fish On"

[@jaywilley5708]

I fish the karashi on the 7 foot Robyn's for the same reason the tip helps work the bait and Matt's right best bait to start with, it catches em

[@arielsetnomariv7675]

thanks for the hook size on the MB Karashi.

[@lpbass8369]

Cool one Matt ,thanks for the hook sizes.Love that x80 jr.You mentioned bank fishing at the end .That 2.75 swammer on a strike king bitsy jig is a great bank bait pond fishing after work is so much fun.And if you break off its like 3 bucks .

[@m14hh5]

small rapala xraps work great for me. Walleye, pike, and smallmouth all love it. Walleye were nearly ripping the rod out of my hand when they hit it.

[@TrashBassin]

For those who have been waiting fornthe Karashi to come back on Tackle warehouse, Ebay has been solid for me.

[@deebz22]

The hook up tackle just had them this past week

[@TeezleySPT]

@@TrashBassin hook up tackle is the go to

[@clintonbruning]

Just crushed on a north Texas lake on little crankbaits and a 2.5” glidebait today 🤘🏽

[@Tbowie13]

Im so glad I have a dedicated box full of Karashi's. Whenever you go on about them they end up sold out at numerous websites. At least it was that way when you started raving about them. That's why I griped so much about your reviews. 😂 BTW, you don't need to do a dedicated video! 😁 This is the one bait that Im happy its expensive. Alot of guys refuse to pay that price for a tiny bait, and the fact that you really need a bfs to fish it. You can use spinning, but it sucks.

[@garyplowman5838]

Thanks Matt for info and tips will have to pick up some of those Karashis don't have any of them but they look like a great finesse bait

[@508Fishin]

Just wanted to thank you and Tim for the videos. I’ve upped my game from catching 2 pounders to 5 pounders this season following your advice and not just throwing what I feel like throwing.. Where did you get those yellow containers for your hooks. The ones at my local tackle shop are expensive and a lot different.

[@toddpossum]

Thanks!

[@patsparks8731]

I love light fly rod angling (like 2-3wt for trout)….so BFS is the conventional Bass Angling equivalent. I’m diving down this hole as we speak!

[@Basstimestwo]

Megabass Triza Aello is the best Karashi rod IMO. Action is perfect for that bait and Karashi is one of the baits Ito-san designed the Aello for.

[@johndominguez7404]

I purchase a few karashi they are awsome. I found the same bait on temu a bigger size not by much and different colors they work well to and they make a small one That also works well too

[@QuarterOzzy]

I need a Karashi video!!!

[@romaloboda2280]

Thanks. About Piku Piku, maybe you have tried, but you can tie it not in the middle, but in front and use it like s-wave topwater.

[@ILLUMINATHAN79]

I would love a Karashi rabbit hole video! Do you guys ever throw the s-waver 120 this time of year? I don’t think i have ever heard you guys talk about the 120. Thanks for all the great info!

[@nathanWV94]

You might want to try the Rapala UL Rippin Rap too. I did really well last fall fishing around those schools of tiny bait fish with it.

[@Justin_Mooney11]

You guys are the best , I ❤ Rabbit Holes

[@tacticalbassin]

Ha! Thank you!!

[@Justin_Mooney11]

@@tacticalbassin seriously couldn’t be more on point with the timing every time we jus went out last night an smh ….. wish I’d of seen this first put it to you that way thanks for the upload bud

[@mattfleming86]

Also good to note for those of us that need to live more in the "mid grade" bait prices as much as possible, the Yo-zuri 3dr-x line of baits has been great for me. I LOVE the walking bait, the popper is great, and i'm about to buy a couple cranks. All products in this line seem to be geared towards finesse/bfs. They also have a baby inshore sub walk "3db inshore twitchbait" at 2 3/4" 1/4oz that I got in the mail yesterday that is sexy AF. I'm going to try it as-is this weekend but my long term plan is lighter gauge freshwater hooks and tie a dressed tail to see if I can make a "magnum finesse karashi" Either way the bait is sexy and I have ALWAYS had solid performance out of yo-zuri in the past.

[@gumslinger11]

Yozuri is so overlooked. I have several of those walking baits and poppers and catch lots of quality fish on them. They dont look or perform like cheap baits

[@mattfleming86]

@@gumslinger11 No. I got into yo zuri back in the early 2000s because of their pins minnow. Everything else I purchased after that was just solid. I like the newer prism baits. They are flashy but only from limited angles. I think TOO much chrome can drive fish off. But they come into something thats mostly clear and opaque then get that "flash" and it can be a good trigger for pickier fish. Price points are always solid too for what you get. Sharp hooks, durable plastic, good actions. Kind of a "working mans" megabass lol. I just wish they would make a few ABS swimbaits I know they would nail workable stuff that you could afford to throw in sketchy places.

[@rickmcguirk5252]

Thoughts on replacement hook for the rear karashi feathered treble? Thanks!

[@youtubzkoz]

Get a cheap vice and flashabou and thread with a tying tool. 40$ or less and you can tie them on just about everything. Takes 5 minutes even as a novice.

[@brandonsmith606]

Funny I was throwing a world pop up dirt shallow and they wouldn't hit I but I threw a btc-50 in the same spot and they were hitting on top as soon as it hit the water, crazy! It was such a blast

[@christopherascherl2411]

Caught 4 on a 2.75" swammer in electric shad on a weedless underspin and 2 more on a 3" largo shad after the swammer got ripped up. I had my wife rigged up with the same except I didn't have a blade for her and she didn't have a bite, I think that is what made all the difference.

[@2005mleal]

I wish I could find some Karashis in those colors!

[@theoriginaltech019]

For future reference, Umpa 40 - Size 14 Shimano Macbeth 39 - Size 10 Rapala Ultra Light Popper/Crank - Size 12 Megabass Karashi - Size 10 Baby Pop X - Size 8 in front Size 10 in back Dog X Jr - Size 8 X80 - Size 8 Bfs Cranks - Size 10 Owner ST-26 Treble Hooks

[@CDSilverado]

I do love that Karashi. I had put the smallest little split shot on my line to get the line to sink. No giants but lots of fun!

[@colorado_koolaid2625]

How far up the line do you put the split shot ?

[@CDSilverado]

@@colorado_koolaid2625 2 feet

[@CDSilverado]

​@@colorado_koolaid2625Tiny tiny split shot about 2 feet up the line.

[@youtubzkoz]

What split ring pliers do you use for the tiny split rings? I got texas tackle orange handle ones but they're still a little bit big and stretch the rings out more than I would like/difficult to use for the small stuff.

[@robvallance1719]

Piku piku. Great lure. My first cast, Largemouth killed it

[@calebriemer8763]

The Shimano Macbeth Crank crushed for me in my local ponds this summer

[@biggrigg1026]

This time of the year I go old school and tie on the rooster tails in various sizes.

[@kingviking5359]

Maybe it’s because I’m in New England but fall September especially is my favorite time of year to fish the big bass feed hard

[@supfoo3638]

🤫 keep that piku our little secret 🤫 Been crushing em on that freak of a bait for about one full year now Another great BFS combo is the shimano curado glass rod 6’8” light with a shimano SLX 70 reel.

[@drummertroyg]

Matt, can you take a screenshot of all of those lures/hook sizes and post it on the next BFS video please !! I can’t make it out

[@MrSkyguy75]

Hey matt I have the same karshi setup you have any suggestions of other baits to throw on that setup?? Thanks!

[@amlee9567]

Matt, it is early fall in SW Michigan now. I see schools for alewives every morning and dusk in huge pods. Water temps are 78 and falling. What's the best tactic? Underspin has not worked yet.

[@timbantham]

Can you elaborate on what it means to remove magnets from the Aldebaran? Do you mean dialing the magnetic control down or actually removing magnets?

[@barry4fish]

Thanks for this, I agree to go small just like you stated. But, you are forgetting about the insects. Lots of grasshoppers and crickets are maturing in late summer, flying, mating, hanging out in trees and shrubs bordering the water, and this often fixates the fish on topwater food. I have found that topwater lures have saved me during late summer and fall. Lots of fishing days logged when you just can’t get a strike on anything but topwater baits. And, there’s lots of times when they prefer something smaller, for example the tiny torpedo or the smallest pop-R. So, don’t forget, it’s not just the small fish in the water, it’s the top dinner table as well. And, when smaller is better, a fly rod will often out fish the other techniques because so many of our flies (both on top and underneath) are small.

[@justindelafuente769]

What’s the best way to remove magnets from 22 Aldebaran they seem to be glued in?

[@raytubach8988]

Hi Matt 👋🏻 I have enough spinning gear that I have resisted the BFS world but you are making a very compelling case for it 😁 Would you consider the Okashira Screwhead to be a player in this category? With either a Hazedong or Spark Shad?

[@kwowwandryan]

I’m not Matt but yes that’s a great combo for bfs or just bass in general Tennessee Shad and Shio Kosho are 2 of my favorite colors

[@bobbybaker5304]

Matt, do you still use the Dobyns BFS rods? I have the 701C and can throw pretty much anything with great success. They also don’t break the bank. Curado BFS reel as well.

[@tacticalbassin]

Yes, I have two. However, I don't have the 701 🤔

[@BrodieBassin]

The 701 is supposed to be the do it all in their bfs line. I'm sure you already know that though

[@ILLUMINATHAN79]

The 740c is sweet. Really helps casting these BFS baits a little further. If you can find one in stock. I got the 701 & 740, love them both.

[@073286]

You guys ever been to South holston or Watauga lake in northeast TN?

[@cbachfishing3937]

What size hook do you use to upgrade the karashi? Will a size 8 change the action?

[@bruuuce78]

Do you tend to tie direct or use a snap? If so, what snap and size?

[@tacticalbassin]

We typically tie direct, snaps add a lot of weight and can alter the action of these tiny baits.

[@andybales7318]

I'm still a believer, big baits= Big fish most times

[@BPinney]

I don't know what my issue with the Kirachi is. My kid and I joke around that when nothing is biting, might as well throw the Kirachi as nothing ever bites it either. I'm even throwing it on the same rod. Have had plenty of fish look at it, just never gotten bit with it. Plenty of other good luck with lots of other BFS baits.

[@GypsyBassHoles]

Matt, love your content! I see your uploading several times per week as well. Any tips to be successful on KZbin for a new channel looking to highlight bass fishing? Thank you!

[@martinmilton2880]

Question is ...... what split ring pliers can get into a size 1 split ring? I'm having problems getting size 1 off !!!!

[@andyd834]

Quick question. I picked up a spool of that suffix131 for bfs and I do feel I get better casting distance. Thinking about plugging the line in for my frogging. Does anyone here run that line for frogging and if so how do you like it?

[@FishingwithTarzan]

So I actually will real it down and drag cranks alot of time with a spinning rod you guys ever do that? I learned it from bassmaster guy but tried it and I honestly can get a crank though some gunk it's crazy I do it with my power set up and my finesse set up

[@jamesbarron1202]

Matt what do y’all do with all your trebles you change out? If you trash them have you ever thought of doing a pile of hooks giveaway for your subscribers? I use all my crappy lure hooks I change out for catfishing. They swallow hooks quite often if your using multiple rods at a time. I don’t waste good hooks on smaller punch bait cats. Punch bait usually catches more cats but usually smaller. The winner could pay shipping. If I was walking the green mile my last meal wish would include fried blue cat.

[@lennyjohnson1585]

I'm struggling to understand these color chart patterns. All I know is clear baits for clear lake and white, black or blue for stained water. But I've notice a little bit of pink works really well on the clear lakes with jerkbait around these parts

[@bgeezus3955]

You should try out the ark gravity bfs much better than the abu and comes close to reels over 200 price range

[@tacticalbassin]

We own the Ark, unfortunately our experience hasn't been the same.

[@robertwagner4375]

I hope they start making the X80 in a MR.

[@tressbassin]

These bot comments are atrocious.

[@tacticalbassin]

It's miserable! We battle them every morning... sorry they got to you before we got to them 🤦‍♂️

[@FishingWithChris_Tv]

@@tacticalbassinappoint trusted commenters as moderators if you haven’t already. I didn’t know it was a option til several months ago lol

[@Ardeact]

That's the state of youtube rn. Completely incompetence

[@eagleclaw1179]

@@Ardeact try making any kind of comments about anything. The government doesn’t want you to say literally they just get deleted.

[@Canttish1983]

@@ArdeactI think they are in on it myself.

[@darkhorsefive0]

DO. THE. KARASHI. VIDEO!!!!!

[@bluegrassbodybuildingfitne406]

Finding a karashi in stock is difficult lol

[@chuckjohnson7016]

Does not matter, sometimes I can not find a left hand version. I had to buy a righty version from Bass Pro Shop. I hate it.

[@andyd834]

Hey yall I need a budget bfs rod for cranking. Ok maybe not budget but sub megabass prices.

[@NattyState]

Dobyns BFS is a great all arounder

[@andyd834]

@@NattyState any particular model? Or do they just have one bfs rod?

[@midwestfischerman]

​​@andyd834 The BFS line is called the Dobyns Sierra Ultra Finesse Casting Rods. They cost $189.99.

[@BrodieBassin]

701 is the best all rounder

[@BrodieBassin]

Or the cashion 7' light is made for cranbaits and top waters

[@JustInfoYang]

First