Underwater Footage!! Best Creature Baits Compared!

We're headed back underwater with 7 of the most popular creature baits in bass fishing! If you've ever wondered how your lure really looks under water, this series is for you! Not all creatures are created equal, see the differences for yourself. We've rigged all the baits on a texas-rigged 1/4 oz tungsten weight with a 4/0 Offset worm hook to get a true comparison. Let's head underwater!
Texas-rigged creature baits are one of the most consistent lures in bass fishing. Every angler knows that when the bass get around cover, they can't resist a creature bait! Whether you prefer a shorter, more compact profile or a longer, slender profile, we're testing a variety of baits that will apply to you. As you watch these baits in the water focus on the details of how each bait swims and moves at various speeds so you can select the bait that will best meet your needs.
In general, we lean towards natural colors first and dark colors second. Some of our favorites are simple colors like Green Pumpkin Black Flake, Black and Blue, Junebug, and Watermelon Red. Don't get caught up with all of the colors, instead focus on choosing a natural color and a dark color that you have confidence in, and stick to one or two creatures that you feel have the best action. Below is a breakdown of the different baits we've included in the video in order of appearance.
Creature Baits...
-Zoom Brush Hog: bit.ly/2bnpCRx (Junebug)
-Strike King Game Hawg: bit.ly/2pfGxir (Watermelon Red)
-Keitech Crazy Flapper: bit.ly/2c3cXrp (Junebug)
-Reaction Innovations Man Bear Pig: bit.ly/2s51oIV (Tramp Stamp)
-Missile Baits D Stroyer: bit.ly/3248BXL (Super Bug)
-NetBait Mad Paca: bit.ly/2FNL9V5 (Junebug)
-Yamamoto Mermaid: bit.ly/2ODEorh (Smoke Purple Blue Watermelon)
Terminal Tackle...
-Tungsten 1/4 oz Worm Weight: bit.ly/2bo4NZf
-Owner 4/0 Worm Hook: bit.ly/2D9Pmj0
-Peg X Stopper: bit.ly/2bHjowk
Texas-Rig Combo...
Rod- G Loomis NRX 853C JWR: bit.ly/2hedqsq
Reel- Aldebaran MGL 50: bit.ly/2uQ4oH8
Line- 40 lb Power Pro Maxcuatro: bit.ly/2clBRiQ
Leader- 12 lb Sunline Assassin: bit.ly/2h4LNjm
Budget-Friendly Combo...
Rod- Shimano SLX 7'" Medium: bit.ly/2L3wppO
Reel- Shimano SLX 150 HG: bit.ly/2NfdOnk
Line- 40 lb Power Pro Maxcuatro: bit.ly/2clBRiQ
Leader- Maxima Ultragreen: bit.ly/2ae97J9
________________________________________________________________
Need Apparel? Tacticalbassin Gear is in stock! Get your hats, hoodies, and sunshirts by emailing [e-mail]
Sun Mask: bit.ly/2JcA8xi
Sun Shirt w/ Hood: bit.ly/2vgTOst
Light Fishing Pants: bit.ly/2foDx10
Reaper Hoodie (Hoodie with Warm Face Cover built in): bit.ly/2yRURSd
Horizon Sweater (Water resistant, great for layering): bit.ly/2gTC1oB
_________________________________________________________________
Equipment We Recommend...
Minn Kota Ultrex Trolling Motor: bit.ly/2vFQypW
Humminbird Solix 15 Electronics: bit.ly/2Hazsej
Minn Kota Talons: bit.ly/2F0QBSP
Hot Foot Throttle Control: bit.ly/2ob4kgO
Loc-R-Bar Boat Security: bit.ly/2CMF1NP
Favorite Storage Box: bit.ly/2fvjcFB
Favorite Pliers: bit.ly/2tfxFvw
Favorite Split Ring Pliers: bit.ly/2fT4Qw0
Favorite Wire Cutters: bit.ly/2soB34k
Favorite life jacket: bit.ly/2odXXIP
Favorite sunglasses: bit.ly/2glE3eN
Hero7 Camera: bit.ly/2RsLpjB
ElectroSamson Scale: bit.ly/2f7QgQ9
Frabill Net: bit.ly/2FNdnQr
Lure Retriever: 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!

[@jbjohnson8609]

Keitech crazy flapper looked awesome!!

[@ianundercover6295]

Tactical bassin is the best informative freshwater channel, salt strong the best informative salt channel. Hands down

[@robertfudge710]

I like them both

[@vincentecabrera6728]

I absolutely love and think it’s hysterical the way you guys hold your hands when showing a cast or talking about bait actions!

[@mattquinlan4629]

Thanks Tim. Your hard work is sure appreciated!

[@WhiteTiger3933]

You guys do the best at underwater footage! I love these videos.

[@desynchonosisdragon9108]

Thanks guys for all the hard work to bring us this!

[@shortround889]

Love these underwater shots of the baits. It helps me figure out the best way to retrieve them, to get most action out of them. Keep them coming - Thank You!!! Always learning 👍🎣

[@anthonymunster3696]

Nice job Tim. Thanks for the awesome vid. Paying attention to all these different baits gives a much better idea of what works and what may not. I really liked how the Man Bear Pig looked. Looks like a craw fleeing or jumping. Going into the box! thanks.

[@anthonygeiss9130]

Love these videos! Best informative fishing channel. Period!

[@raymondpadilla65]

awesome video will be adding some of these to the arsenal netbait really impressed me 🎣

[@DCBronzies]

Just fished a brush hog with a tungsten for the first time last night and had a blast! Thanks for the comparison boys!

[@biggerfish123]

Another great vid, one of the things I learned watching this is how much louder tungsten seems to be dingin' off those rocks

[@daverice8304]

Really like the different types of retrieves used - great video!

[@TappadaraWest]

Thank you , Great footage !

[@CallahanHarry44]

Good stuff Tim! Crazy Flapper had more kick than most Ducks I've seen! Gotta get me some of them just to aerate my water if nothing else.

[@gallaxzycollidez]

I’ve been waiting for this kind of video 🤩

[@bobward7489]

As always guys, top shelf video and instruction/info. Beat fishing channel on KZbin thank you for all the effort that goes into what you do.

[@kennethdennis9335]

I like the destroyer and game hog!! Great video!! Love the underwater series. More please!!

[@tland498]

Fantastic vid 👍🏻

[@tedmccarthy1401]

Hands down winner is the Keitech Crazyflapper!!!🎣🎣🎣🎣🎣🎣 Also Thank you so much for the passion for our addiction!!!! Awesome footage Tim.

[@mortanna]

awesome video what i really liked was how colors really stand out underwater.

[@jasonbills9325]

Love the videos, you guys are my favorites. Have you guys ever tried a Tokyo rig. I think the crazy flapper would be awesome on it. Can’t wait for more content.

[@chadd5616]

The mermaid looks like gary yamamoto wasnt involved in the design. The cowboy displaces way more water with zero line twist, throw the cowboy in there next time guys. Great vid!

[@Kasper623]

ADA Homes completely agree with you

[@raidersc9066]

I was thinking the same thing..the mermaid didnt look good at all.

[@zarbana1]

I couldn’t agree more, the mermaid left me disappointed. It looks dead in the water at slow to medium retrieves.

[@chrisstockner3941]

Another awesome video, I would like to see an underwater video of the wobble or swing head. I’ve often wondered what it looks like . Most of the water I fish here in Virginia is stained for the most part. Thanks again for another informative video.

[@nathanbruns7053]

The Keitech, M.B.P. and D-Stroyer all looked amazing. Gonna need to get some of these in the arsenal.

[@jamesmeyer7034]

PLEASE go back through this video and share how or when you might fish some of these same baits and why. Best way and time to fish brush hog is . . . . . etc. Love the underwater videos. I have learned so much from this channel.

[@robertrodriguez4587]

Missle baits, and Paca’s stood out. All looked good.

[@OhMySack]

Agree! D stroyer and Crazy Flapper excelled. I fish the D stroyer regularly so this explains its success. That Mermaid really seems to coated in pure suck! Kinda surprising.

[@cherylgarcia3441]

Great idea work th Thanks

[@fishingwithelyon851]

The baits look great underwater. Thanks for sharing. This will help me out as I am ordering some for me soon as I am in Australia, this is not a very fished bait. Tight Lines mate.

[@carteranderson8406]

Wow what an amazing shot

[@rodericknewfish]

The Crazy Flapper I've used as a search bait and a top water on barely submerged vegetation. Yamamoto Mermaid I use as a trailer, for some reason in the water I always think they look to have a turtle-like action, it may be because they glide a little. Love the underwater footage, you guys are the best.

[@militaryminedid2011]

The Zoom has nice movement and float, I like it.

[@JoseMartinez-dq4km]

Great video

[@trevorp438]

One of my favorite baits is actually a creature bait that’s not really talked about and it’s the culprit incredi-slim. I caught my pb on it and it catches a lot for me

[@mattalan6559]

Culprit makes good quality plastics all around. But I agree with you I’m surprised more people don’t use the incredicraw or slim. Great creature baits

[@FCPFishing]

Hard to beat the old Zoom Brush hog!

[@tommymckiddy7872]

The Brush Hog caught my biggest fish ever the other week, a 32lb 12oz blue cat. If you put it in front of a fish it will eat it.

[@smoovefishing]

I think it looked the best also

[@tryhardfishing7336]

i love flipping the baby brush hog

[@tommymckiddy7872]

@@tryhardfishing7336 That's what I'm tossing 99% of the time. I always have one rigged up.

[@danvird8649]

@@tommymckiddy7872 what color

[@richshackelford5793]

Thanks Tim

[@fber5591]

I mainly use the stiffer Yum Christie Critter and ManBearPig. I keep some Yamamoto Kreature baits in the tackle bag also.

[@chrisboyd1408]

It is surprising how loud the sinkers are when they hit bottom rocks. Great video, thanks for sharing this excellent footage

[@rubberbullets74]

Great video as usual! Can you make a craw trailer underwater comparison video?

[@zubertish]

Not sure but I believe the ZBH was rigged upside down? The two large wings weren't opening fully during retrieve. I got that tip from watching those guys over at Tacticalbassin. Thanks for all the cool footage...I know it's a LOT of work.

[@vinylpop]

Christopher Cable-Cheval This is Tactical. Or was that a joke?

[@zubertish]

@@vinylpop lol, a joke... because Matt did a tute on rigging plastics and expressed to test how each one looks as it gets dragged over your finger... to simulate how it looks in the water... before rigging... to get the most action. The first bait that Tim showed looked inverted... there...in lies the joke-rub...

[@califishing4991]

i think he did that so the brighter side was up so it was easier to see

[@yesdeere1376]

Man that kytech is crazy. I'm gonna have to try it.

[@PHFishingBiking]

😁👍👍 Good stuff they do look like creatures under water!

[@kellymason4190]

I would like to see more of these comparison videos. Gives me an idea of what I want to use.

[@joefish63]

They are all pretty similar in design and function...the Keitech Lazy Flapper gives abit more flutter at retrieve. MY favorite, which wasn't included here, is the Lunker City Ozmo. It is like the Keitech...it can be bounced or crawled like a jig, and it also gives great flutter when retrieved like a swimbait.

[@jholl7339]

Always look forward to the underwater vids. The 3 that didn't impress me at all were the Strike King, the Netbaits and the Yamamoto. The rest, to me, were good.

[@micahspilker9322]

Quit giving up my secrets 😏 Love the D Stroyer.

[@clifowen4300]

Great video! Have you guys ever tried the V&M Swamp Hog? Just wondering how it would stack up.

[@davec1004]

My go to is the Havoc Pit Boss best creature bait by far and I have used several in this list.

[@markjones4358]

Always been a huge fan of the crazy flapper...but that d-stroyer might be my next purchase. Yum Christie critter is productive also

[@chrisfisher3900]

I love these vids

[@Phillyfisherman]

Not only did we get to see some great visuals, but the sound that tungsten weight makes is way better than a lead thud.

[@rrrr635]

good video! Thanks. We're still waiting for the flood waters to recede.

[@colelakely6525]

I like the V&M J-Bug.

[@0017Bulldog]

Call me old-fashioned...but the Brush Hog (especially the Jr) is totally awesome. Very versatile and durable.

[@castaway6811]

Net bait is killing it in ya underwater vids

[@Boxerjake77]

D-Stroyer is my go to creature bait.

[@tommymckiddy7872]

Cool video. I really want to try that Crazy Flapper. What's your favorite size and colors for clear and stained/muddy water? Speaking of stained and muddy water, an underwater video I'd love to see is a color comparison in stained water, just to show which are more visible in those conditions.

[@jasondaniels209]

Tim. How is everything going over there with all the quakes? Hope you and yours are safe and well! Fish on!

[@dalecain1158]

The Keitech crazy legs was by far the winner. Those leg movements at any speed was awesome!

[@jasonpage5872]

I wonder if it's as soft as the swim baits. They get expensive in a hurry

[@dalecain1158]

Jason Page I don’t know! They sure look good though!

[@califishing4991]

next time maybe try to get the fall more but like always awesome content

[@TurcTrav]

I would have loved to see thoughts on the Googan Baits. Great video guys !!!

[@Fluffyguy958]

Travis Turcotte something tells me the are going to either do a full video on them or will not talk about them at all.

[@TurcTrav]

@@Fluffyguy958 Yea probably, I would just love to see what they actually think. I really trust their input and they will not hold back.

[@wv_bearded_basser252]

The bandito bugs and Mondo worms really work for me, but I feel the bandito bug is just a reimagining of the rage bug. To be honest I think the scent has alot to do with the success of them landing fish, that's my opinion anyways.

[@Gulb180]

WV_Bearded_Basser yeah they kinda stole the rage tail design. IMO tactical probably doesn’t care about googan because it’s just not at the level that they are at. It’s for high school kids and weekend warriors. In my experience the baits are aggressively average on fish catching and extremely fragile for the price. Most of their market comes from high school kids

[@wv_bearded_basser252]

@@Gulb180 yeah, they do come apart pretty easy, my all time time favorite is probably the Berkley chigger craw. I have used just about every style of craw or bug and that has been the only one to get me a bass just about every cast.

[@everthparedes5210]

More underwater baits!

[@rachaeldalton142]

I agree with Tim. I was most impressed with the incredible action of the Missile Baits D Stroyer with the Keitech Crazy Flapper coming in a close 2nd. Honorable mention goes to the Yamamoto Mermaid which showed some intriguing action on the straight retrieve. Great job, Tim! I love these underwater videos, but I can't believe there wasn't one fish coming to check out these creature baits! Was this filmed in a local lake?

[@juanvalencia807]

Awesome video but I would have liked to seen them waitles as well

[@westong1763]

Missile baits never fail💥💥🔥🔥🔥

[@Boxerjake77]

Weston G17 agreed!

[@l.o.r410]

They look nice. I’ve never used missile before though. How it work out for y’all?

[@micahspilker9322]

I catch tons of fish on the D Stroyer. My go to colors are GP3, California love and super bug.

[@l.o.r410]

micah spilker Man. I’m not sure about the looks but the ones I’ve seen. They’re very like oily looking color. Green purple etc.

[@westong1763]

L . O . R my favorite soft plastic brand because they’re constantly updating (making new baits, colors, etc.) those baits just work. Great scent, great action.

[@bassfishingfreak6602]

Missile baits rule!

[@johnblaha5692]

Great job guys by the way put out a bank fishing video

[@sigcustomlures4777]

Got my first Huddleston fish the other day

[@kriskuehn3852]

Thanks.. I liked Destroyer... Like to see Zman Creature bait Boar Hogz Thanks

[@chuckkaleel9105]

I would like to see a carolina rig underwater video to include these baits and some different styles of worms too please

[@riccardocarbo2479]

Everytime I listen to Matt, I'm always thinking.. "Where's my Bass notebook, gotta right that down!"

[@Cocos_outdoor_pursuit]

I’d like to see you guys add in some googan baits on these underwater vids to see how they compare to these other brands

[@BassmanTvfishing]

Is soda bay at Clearlake good for bass fishing? What is a good spot for bank fishing at Clearlake?

[@seizedcarcass8440]

The zoom brush hog will probably alway be a must have creature bait for me. Always have some in my tackle bag! Edit: I’ve come to the conclusion the missile baits D-stroyer is way better. That rubbed body allows the baits to last a lot longer especially with an EWG

[@desmondsimons6664]

Hi Team Tacticalbassin, I love your videos. I live in France and your videos help me a lot to catch bass at home, because we do not have all your techniques to catch this fish. I would like to buy an NRX or a Conquest to fish Bass seriously, do you have models to advise me? (It is for fishing with jigs 10/14 gr maximum and T-Rigs). Thank you in advance, keep it great

[@TheKodiakWay]

D-stroyer on a belly weighted hook has been a go to for a solid year now.

[@colescribner34]

You should go to broken bow lake and do a video on how to catch those bass cause I will be taking a trip there soon and I’m young and have no clue what to use there

[@LovinGodandmusic]

And can you do an underwater video with and without bobberstops to "show" why you do or don't use them, and explain why? Thanks guys

[@davidkrumme7168]

What's a good crawfish plastic?

[@rrrr635]

My "creature-bait" of choice is the Gene Larew HooDaddyjr.

[@hiz99]

Why the SLX in medium instead of MH? Do they run on the heavier side?

[@castaway6811]

Could you show these on Carolina rigs please?

[@sonofafisherman743]

I couldn’t believe how much noise that bullet wait made was that lead or something else ? I sure like these type videos great job 👍

[@newenglandbass]

Son of a fisherman tungsten. Also all weights tend to make a clicking noise on hard surfaces. Some people believe that it even helps attract fish but I’m not sure.

[@sonofafisherman743]

New England Bass ok cool thanks👍🏻

[@dylanself1185]

Do a more updated in depth punching video. When to put other baits down and go hit the grass and mats. Guntersville this past week was super hot, hardly no current, grass EVERYWHERE. Have a friend that punches and caught his PB 9 3/4lbs punching and just wanting to learn how to target where and how to punch

[@monti409]

Those are some noisy lead weight's as it hit the rocky floor, you would tend to frighten the game fish away there should be a rubber covering or jacket over these lead weights to dull the sound. Noise does tend to travel further underwater then on land, as a scuba diver i have watched game fish near their quarries and the slightest noise would tend to spook them. Great vid. Thx

[@aziz1397]

Is it only for fresh water?

[@nathanellis914]

You heard em! The creature bait needs to have " Big Testicles "!

[@brianrobinson9979]

I'm gonna have to call a tie for #1 between the D-Stroyer and the Crazy Flapper. Would like to see these redone on a Shakey head. I think standing them up and having their appendages off the bottom flowing in the waters natural movement would work better for the others that didn't seem to have as much action.

[@johanvanderwath9109]

Hi, I think the zoom hog was rigged the wrong way round. Not sure

[@BrownBaitCo]

have you tried googan baits yet?

[@Mr_Man_7803]

Just caught an 8 pounder on a junebug baby brush hog yesterday

[@timprall5417]

Im going to say for finesse, the Zoom all the way. I think there were better slower and swimming but not best of both worlds. The Kietech Is like under water frog fishing! I think the reaction innovation swam the best and I think the Missile bait might be the best slow presentation. We are talking finesse right?

[@KemDog]

Havoc Pit Boss.... That is all.

[@Ryan-jx4vh]

KemDog By far the best and it isn’t close.

[@KemDog]

Ryan no question. If you know.... you know

[@josephpadillawooky]

A great video thank you guys. I just recently came back to bass fishing after a more then ten year hiatus and your guys channel has helped me get back into the swing of thing more then anything else...i do have a question, iv been hearing alot about googan squad soft plastic baits and alot reviews come from them or you tubers that have some kind of tie to them, i was wondering if you guys plan on reviewing these baits.

[@joefish63]

Check out the Lunker City Ozmo!

[@slonefactor]

Why no berkley Power Hawg?

[@brokeafishing9963]

I always like the underwater videos, it's nice to be able to see what baits do what when you're fishing them... Now it's time to go broke, thanks guys!

[@joycereed4971]

Love this video! Very instructional and helpful. It would be even better if you also had a camera recording your movements with the rod and reel so that we can see how you handle rod effects the movement of the bait. Maybe insert a small window in the lower corner of the video so we can see the bait and your movements simultaneously.

[@KTMitchell1953]

I think any of them would catch bass in either green pumpkin or watermelon with just a dab of chartreuse on the curl tips. 👌🏻