These Minnow Lures Are Better Than Live Bait!

[@brandonfbomb_2327]

Tip for broke folks. If you have small boot tails, you can trim the sides of the boot to create tighter swimming action. When you do have money for tackle, definitely support Mr Stefan, but this might help tide you over. Thanks for the college of bass fishing knowledge Matt, tight lines!

[@MattStefanFishing]

yep i did a video on that tip

[@Thenatural56-iz5xb]

70's to 2000's we used finesse baits in California fished on a "Split Shot Rig" a rig that is rarely fished outside of the West Coast area.........2.34" to 3" Reapers.....Smoke, Salt and Pepper, Green Weine were the favorites back in the day.....6lbs. #3 to #5 Round Split Shot...#6 or #4 Worm Hook, pinch the shot about 18 to 24" above the hook................Cast out, fish it up hill or on flats........Deadly bait.........True Finesse fishing.............Not what they do today.......................

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks for sharing!

[@khuber4385]

Reaper madness!! True fish catchers!!

[@Jeeg_Quebec_CAN]

We have a company here that make a slender minnow style bait, similar to the easy shiner. It often outperforms fatter, rounder swimbaits this time of year! Gotta go see if the local tackle shop has those Berkley drip minnows though, seems to be an awesome dropshot bait as you mentionned... So helpful and inspiring to have you make those daily videos, keep it up Matt!! 👍

[@MattStefanFishing]

ill keep making them if you keep watching them!

[@georgemcdonald4559]

I use the megabass hazedong 3 inch shad with a yokashira screwhead jig

[@MattStefanFishing]

i like it

[@douglasspickler4925]

I agree those baits are realistic looking. In fact, the wife cut up some thinking they were anchovies and put them on a pizza. 😂

[@MattStefanFishing]

haha

[@edwardwicht5271]

Not soft plastic, but I’ve had a couple really good days fishing a MB X-70 jerkbait. It killed! Going to try the X-80bfs as well. (It’s even smaller.)

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks for sharing

[@ericwakeman6665]

There is a small scale manufacturer here in Michigan called Lake Effect Lures & I’ve had INSANE luck on their 3” Feisty Fry this season. Bass (S&L-M) walleye northern trout all have loved it. Caught an absolute BEAST of a resident brown on one (27”) in March.

[@MattStefanFishing]

ill check them out!

[@fishinfanaticstv]

Berkley gulp minnows work well too

[@MattStefanFishing]

Yep

[@BigSlootAdventures]

The Keitech Easy Shiner on the Cool Baits 1/4 oz underspin has been deadly in the shallows here on Clearlake CA this month. Slaying the littles and hooking the big’s

[@MattStefanFishing]

awesome!

[@joshtheflatearthjedi222]

Ive been killing with the keitech this fall

[@justonemorecast]

I just bought a pack of the tiny flukes in the baby bass color, they look great. I picked up some 2" power minnows too. I was using them for drop shotting and on a lead head under a slip bobber.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Good luck!

[@walterwest7457]

I like some of the Bobby Garland crappy lures in the larger 2 1/2 inch size. Color doesn’t seem to be a big deal, it’s more about fishing them slower around cover.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Me too!

[@WorldsOkayestBusDriver]

The berkely champ minnow has ruled this year. The dropshot has been key. The perch color with yellow tail has been King

[@MattStefanFishing]

It’s a good one

[@cpntexas_x]

Great video! Small minnows are the base of both salt and freshwater. I've caught 5lb speckled trout, 19 inch white bass ( double rigged 2 at a time), bass and crappie on the lunker city 2 1/2 minnow when everything else was to big. Dr. Fish soft plastic 3inch minnows on a scrounger head are also great, and roll on a straight retrieve, no tip wiggling required. Looks a lot like a fish arrow but with a forked tail.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Yep

[@TmarkHigg-br4kw]

Biggest smallie I ever caught was on Pickwick on the bluffs using a 1/6 crappie bucktail jighead. I saw a huge bait ball with 1 inch minnows. Smallies were running them on the bluff.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Awesome

[@reeltime1]

I'm using both the Megabass Hazedong and Lunkerhunt Swim Bento. Both are spot slayers here in Northern California.

[@MattStefanFishing]

they are good ones!

[@mcvideo8686]

The Castaic Baits Jerky J was pretty much a ffs minnow like 20 years ago and so realistic. It's one of the best drop shot baits , runner up Yamamoto shad shaped worm.

[@MattStefanFishing]

its a good one

[@BBRYNERFISHING]

Going to try some of these this weekend on drop shot and swim bait style. The Zman Slim Swimz is a great one too. Looking forward to any late fall/winter videos!

[@MattStefanFishing]

awesome!

[@donkimmel9375]

I read the specs on your signature hover rig rod on Mud Hole and see now the versatility of the rod and uses...Looking forward to building it...

[@MattStefanFishing]

i love it

[@garyplowman5838]

Matt they do look better than live bait so real looking. Great video bud 👍🏻

[@MattStefanFishing]

Yes they do

[@big.bass_5686]

3" Yum Sonar Minnow 3" Megabass Spark Shad 3" Megabass Hazedong Shad 3" Yamamoto Scope Shad

[@MattStefanFishing]

solid!

[@big.bass_5686]

@MattStefanFishing Yes sir, Berkley 3" Gulp Minnow also great when the fish "just aren't biting". BTW, great to have you on @picassolures Pro Staff! 👊

[@dwightrice7966]

Can't wait for the Drip Minnows to become available. I've had good success with the Deps Sakamoto Shad 2"

[@MattStefanFishing]

Love those

[@eckharttolle-nq7qu]

❤ LOOK at the Jackall Crosstail Shad it moves with the current ❤

[@MattStefanFishing]

Good call

[@StevenNaylor-l9s]

My favorite is Salmo slick shad.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks for sharing!

[@LoadtheBoatwithZach]

Good video. Love the ez shinners, will have to try the drip minnows. When I can't get bit I break out the gulp minnows. I hate using them because they are a bit messy and smell bad but I have caught fish from alaska to florida in fresh and salt on them.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Go for it

[@stefanbertasz4690]

I've got some Japanese minnows like this. They look real even in hand. One in particular has foil inside the body which creates a glimmer.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Very cool

[@rodneygreen9968]

Those baits look fantastic to use. I'm going to stock up. Great video Matt.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Glad you like them!

[@heinrichkellogg7563]

🍺Thanks Matt🤠.

[@MattStefanFishing]

you bet!

[@davidjacoboski4657]

Well done Matt

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks!

[@RickyCarter-ro8fr]

Not part of this video,but just ordered some Ozark Rig hooks , finally going to get to try them with some finess ( smaller) ɓaìts !!!!!

[@MattStefanFishing]

awesome! i hope you like them!

[@billsherk9198]

I’ve been using the Z man slim swimz 2.5” on a Keitech 1/16 oz. jig head for a few years now,all year long

[@MattStefanFishing]

awesome!

[@kgilliagorilla2761]

Those Keitech minnows are awesome too. I use a worm hook and rig them weed-less. 2” is my favorite.

[@billsherk9198]

@@kgilliagorilla2761 I like the Slim Swimz better because they last much longer. 1 bait can last 2 weeks or longer

[@frankgilroy3189]

Matt, brother the tackle room is outta control! I love it! Great vid thanks!

[@MattStefanFishing]

It sure is!

[@danielradebaugh9687]

They're great for trout too.

[@MattStefanFishing]

agreed!

[@jimmyjackson2361]

Love the hover rig! What size of line do you use?

[@MattStefanFishing]

i use everything from 6 lb to 15 lb depending on size of bait, water clarity and cover fishing

[@jbferris8074]

The Issei caramel shad 2.6” is my favorite by far. I fish it on a drop shot and also on a micro weighted offset hook. Hard to find in the states but if you find a pack or two I definitely recommend‘em.

[@MattStefanFishing]

ill check it out

[@ADKyakman]

Baby Z/too all ya need. Smallies, largies, drop shot , jaw dropper jig head, Cindy rig, Ned rig, $3.99 best minnow plastic ever made. I’ve had one on my 3/16oz jaw droppper and I’ve caught about 25-30 2.5lb-4lb+ Mohawk River smallmouth the past few weeks flipping laydowns w a Damiki rig and vertical jigging laydowns on my kayak. The jaw dropper needs to be talked about, it’s been a secret too long, the Duo Realis BR head is basically the same thing, you get that eratic side to side walk the dog “whinding” technique in any part of the water column, except the jaw dropper can stand up like a Ned, walk on the bottom, in any part of the column, great for vertical jigging probably the best to be honest.. and it’s never talked about hmm. 🤔.. yet it’s super hard to find 3/16 and 1/8 in stock… even tho they’re the best sizes and easiest to use you’d think they’d be in stock , not like anyone’s talking about it.. so it’s gotta be being kept very hush.. I’m killing it with them, others HAVE to be by now

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks for sharing!

[@pinhookfishingclub]

Great video! Xzone Hot Shot Minnow is absolutely deadly! Are you and Panger all set to do the Master Angler adventures?

[@MattStefanFishing]

ill check it out. thanks!

[@benjamintraxler9931]

The mega bass Hazedong Shad in the 3 inch size and my preferred color for clearwater/high pressure situations is called Moroko. Absolute killer bait. I have caught some absolute pigs on it.

[@MattStefanFishing]

its a good one!

[@abelabner]

Love the twitchtail minnow!!!!!

[@MattStefanFishing]

Me too

[@kusland6786]

3’ Zman jerkshadz both jighead & hoover rigging

[@MattStefanFishing]

awesome!

[@Glock-1]

Hey Matt I have a question, why is it that when you fish in lakes or ponds that have no shad but I’m sure there are minnows but mostly just bluegills, you can throw a white or white and chartreuse spinnerbait or swim jig and still catch bass? And the same with glide baits.

[@MattStefanFishing]

all fish have white on them

[@frankfarris6485]

Thank you. Good information 👍

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks!

[@mattkeats9616]

Xzone stealth invader saved a day for me on dropshot when they wouldn’t eat anything else

[@MattStefanFishing]

Sounds good

[@BillaBong1]

heck yea! thanks for this content. gotta go ge me some for collections

[@MattStefanFishing]

You should!

[@secretbassrigs]

DANG THAT'S GOOD PATTERNING! "It's the way of the future-r-r-r-r-r.....!"

[@MattStefanFishing]

yep

[@huckfin1100]

Nothing beats a live minnow and they are way to easy to catch , free bait !

[@MattStefanFishing]

Haha

[@chaliepucker9631]

What size hover rig do you use when throwing these baits?

[@MattStefanFishing]

1/16 oz size 1 hook

[@stevesmith7164]

Good video Matt 🤛

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks 👍

[@geneussery8968]

Mega bass Hazedong Shad is killer

[@MattStefanFishing]

Yep

[@wiseupfixit7552]

I've caught all kinds of fish on crappie jigs that imitate minnows, crappie,catfish,largemouth,hybrids,bream. If it's in there it will get caught for sure.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Awesome

[@L2Zho]

Can you do another fall and winter baits video

[@MattStefanFishing]

you bet

[@rooterdaddy6889]

3" Megabass Hazedong!

[@MattStefanFishing]

good one!

[@victorsimonsen921]

there are small hard bait minnows out there thanks for sharing

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks for watching!

[@RexReelin]

Check out the line of Flash J's by Fish Arrow. Variety of sizes and super realistic.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Will do

[@Shaqoneil81-ci7dr]

Do you also offer a “members only” jacket?

[@MattStefanFishing]

no but that would be cool

[@itllkeal]

Thqnks Matt

[@MattStefanFishing]

you bet!

[@davidgerdes1815]

Check out the Fish Arrow Flash J Split Tail Shad!

[@MattStefanFishing]

i will thanks!

[@TmarkHigg-br4kw]

That bait looks great. The tail is constantly moving while your doing the video

[@MattStefanFishing]

It does!

[@ZZ430T56]

You can't beat the Berkley Gulp Minnow on a light jig or drop shot

[@MattStefanFishing]

winner!

[@keithgyulveszi163]

Great! Now TW is gonna get another $100 from me 😂 That Berkley looks like a fish catching machine.

[@MattStefanFishing]

it is!

[@jessiepayne737]

I just picked up the Banjo minnow. Anyone use these.

[@MattStefanFishing]

i used to use the old ones a lot!

[@davidbrown-55]

I need some drip minnows. Who has them? Don’t forget about the gulp minnow, it’s dangerous.

[@MattStefanFishing]

tackle warehouse! link in the video!

[@yaoundehoward7744]

3.0 drift minnow

[@MattStefanFishing]

good one!

[@secretbassrigs]

basstiix flashtrix on a light Ozark rig is better

[@MattStefanFishing]

ill give that a try!

[@secretbassrigs]

@@MattStefanFishing also try using the bigger ones for line throughs on bigger baits. gonna try to make a video if I don't forget lol!

[@davidbrown-55]

Gonzo! Nothing in stock

[@MattStefanFishing]

Dang

[@treehunter1]

No way I’m spending $10 on a bag of berkley plastics

[@MattStefanFishing]

your missing out

[@tphvictims5101]

Whatever happened to small curly tail grubs ? Have they stopped working on this planet ?

[@MattStefanFishing]

They work great

[@williamknight5142]

👍👍👍👍👍

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks for watching

[@tommysch9]

🤘

[@MattStefanFishing]

tanks for watching

[@Radican1]

I’m pretty sure I saw on your arch nemesis’s channel Todd Castledine that he doesn’t subscribe to the idea of “match the hatch”. Let me get this straight. By believing in matching the hatch are you saying he’s stupid?

[@MattStefanFishing]

hahaha

[@Radican1]

@ 😂😂

[@beeskizzy7276]

Ned rig zoom baits brother

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks for sharing