Catching Big Fish On Light Tackle! Tricks Of The Trade!

Targeting big fish with light line is incredible! When the drag is screaming and line is flying off the spool, the excitement is next level! It requires attention to detail, a whole lot of patience, and specialized tackle doesn't hurt, but its worth every second of preparation. Some anglers do it for the challenge, others do it out of necessity. Whether you're fishing smallmouth in the Great Lakes, largemouth in a highland reservoir, or saltwater species on the flats, these tips will help you prepare for your next light line battle!

Matt is targeting smallmouth because they have incredible strength for a freshwater fish. While this is by no means the most challenging fish to target with light tackle (compared to many saltwater species) it is an amazing fight and a very rewarding fish to catch. On this particular day he was faced with 20+ feet of visibility and very skittish fish. Thankfully the wind kicked up which helped offset the post frontal conditions that blew in part way through the day.

Below you'll find links to the exact baits and gear Matt was using in today's video. We've also included links to some excellent mid-priced and budget alternatives for battling big fish on light line. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

Ned Rig...
Bait- Savage Gear Ned Salamander: https://bit.ly/3rSNi8g
Color: Green Pumpkin Purple Copper
Hook- Swagger Tungsten Flanders 1/10th: http://bit.ly/2KcIB6M

Hair Jig...
Bait- Outkast Tackle Feider Fly 1/8 oz: http://bit.ly/2G7TBwj
Color: Black

Small Swimbait...
Bait- Keitech 2.8 Fat Swing Impact: http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v
Color: Electric Bluegill
Head- Dirty Jigs Guppy 1/8 oz: http://bit.ly/2nyUJRS

Tube...
Bait- Big Bite Salt Tube 3.5: https://bit.ly/2D7j6RX
Color: Pumpkin Pepper
Head- Blade Runner 1/8 oz Inhaler 2/0: https://bit.ly/2NX7nYr

Ned Rig/2.8 Keitech Combo...
Rod- G Loomis NRX+ 821S NRR: https://bit.ly/2RB0oJP
Reel- Shimano Twin Power FD 2500: https://bit.ly/3df3hX5
Line- Sunline SX1 12 lb Braid: http://bit.ly/2tn8EzQ
Leader- Sunline Super FC 6 lb: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

Hair Jig Combo...
Rod- Megabass P5 "Baby Plugging": https://bit.ly/31Pt839
Reel- Shimano Vanford 1000: https://bit.ly/2PDlKlB
Line- Sunline Super FC 5 lb: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

BFS Casting Combo...
Rod- Shimano Expride 7'2" Medium Light: http://bit.ly/2nTq9FL
Reel- Shimano Curado BFS: https://bit.ly/2QGRVF2
Line- Sunline Super FC 7 lb: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

Best "Bang For The Buck" Reels...
High End- Shimano Twin Power 2500: https://bit.ly/3df3hX5
Mid Range- Shimano Vanford 3000: https://bit.ly/2PDlKlB

Best "Bang For The Buck" Rods...
High End- G Loomis NRX+: https://bit.ly/3y0Ss5m
Mid Range- Shimano Expride A: http://bit.ly/2osaj3q
Budget- St. Croix Bass X: http://bit.ly/2r69Sj6

Favorite Braided Lines...
High End- Sufix 131: https://bit.ly/314VoyF
Mid Range- Sunline SX1: http://bit.ly/2tn8EzQ
All Around- Power Pro Maxcuatro: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

Favorite Leader Materials...
Heavy Application Fluoro- Sunline FC100: http://bit.ly/2O4UElB
Light Application Fluoro- Sunline Sniper FC: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju
Monofilament- Maxima Ultragreen: http://bit.ly/2ae97J9

Want TacticalBassin Gear?
We have a variety of apparel items and custom lure designs available! Everything from hats, to hoodies, to crankbaits! Its all available direct through Tackle Warehouse with fast shipping. See it here...

TacticalBassin Apparel and Lure Designs: http://bit.ly/38YpPIz
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Major Equipment We Use Daily...

Trolling Motor- Minn Kota Ultrex 112: http://bit.ly/2vFQypW
Electronics- Humminbird Solix 15: https://bit.ly/35HuPRY
Anchors- Minn Kota Talons: http://bit.ly/2F0QBSP
Net- Frabill Conservation PLD 2612: https://bit.ly/3kdZ3kA
Camera- GoPro Hero 9: http://bit.ly/2KQ0VEI

Favorite Tools and Gear…

Favorite Storage Box: https://bit.ly/3kngvEG
Favorite sunglasses: https://bit.ly/3cLH0kl
Favorite Pliers: http://bit.ly/2MpUBEr
Favorite life jacket: http://bit.ly/2odXXIP
Favorite Scale: http://bit.ly/2f7QgQ9
Favorite Lure Retriever: http://bit.ly/2TLTJc6
Favorite Braid Cutters: http://bit.ly/2NQ2jbH
Favorite Split Ring Pliers: http://bit.ly/2fT4Qw0
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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