After months on the road we’re finally back on Clearlake! Come along as we explore the lake, build patterns, and catch fish! Matt utilizes a buzzbait, frog, and toad to catch a fish in the grass on a hot Summer day. Many anglers avoid fishing in the heat but if you know where to look there are big fish to be caught!
Catching fish consistently in Summer requires an understanding of how and why they position. Shallow water bass love to be close to cover. A consistent food source is also key. In most lakes, if you can find baitfish and grass in the same area, you’re around bass. This morning Matt hit the water at first light. He already knew where to find grass but the baitfish remained a mystery. By getting out early he was able to quickly locate active birds searching for a meal.
It took time to get the first bite but the bird activity confirmed the presence of baitfish and ultimately the presence of bass. Whenever you’re on the water pay close attention to nature, it’s clues can really shorten your search time. Once Matt located fish he used a combination of baits to get consistent bites from bass that were positioned to ambush prey as it passed by the grass beds.
Below is a breakdown of the baits and equipment Matt used to catch his fish. We’ve included color recommendations for the various baits, the exact combos Matt was fishing with, and even a budget-minded alternative. The links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.
The Baits…
-Skirtless Buzzbait- Dirty Jigs Canterbury Pro Buzz 1/2 oz (Blue Glimmer): http://bit.ly/2cWI6if
Trailer- River2Sea D Walker Swimbait 120 (PB Red): http://bit.ly/2NwqBmz
-4 Blade Buzzbait- D&M Easy Roller Buzz (Night Stalker): https://bit.ly/2SCqcmj
-Frog- River2Sea Bully Wa 2: http://bit.ly/2axyR2a
Colors: Little Allen, TW Gill, Dirty White, Ghost
-Big Bite Baits Tour Toad: http://bit.ly/2NtAghc
Colors: Hematoma, Pearl Shine
Hook- Owner 6/0 Twist Lock Open Gap: http://bit.ly/2cYZ3rM
Matt’s Buzzbait Combo…
Rod- Dobyns Xtasy 7’5″ 5 Power (Heavy): http://bit.ly/36fIHCg
Reel- Shimano Curado 150 DC XG: http://bit.ly/2yHtsp4
Line- Power Pro Maxcuatro 65 lb Braid: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ
Matt’s Frog Combo…
Rod- Shimano Expride 7’3″ Extra Heavy: http://bit.ly/2nTq9FL
Reel- Shimano Curado 200K HG: http://bit.ly/2tHewEh
Line- Power Pro Maxcuatro 65 lb Braid: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ
Budget Buzzbait Combo…
Rod- Shimano Intenza 7’2″ Medium Heavy: http://bit.ly/2QADLTq
Reel- Shimano SLX DC XG: http://bit.ly/2LWzw2Q
Line- Power Pro 50 lb Braided Line: http://bit.ly/2aFg46b
Budget Frog Combo…
Rod- Dobyns Fury 736 (7’3″ Mag Heavy): http://bit.ly/2bGvlVV
Reel- Shimano SLX DC XG: http://bit.ly/2LWzw2Q
Line- Power Pro 65 lb Braided Line: http://bit.ly/2aFg46b
NEW Tactical Bassin Apparel…
TacticalBassin Reaper Hoodie: http://bit.ly/2TwBWs7
TacticalBassin Shadow Hoodie: http://bit.ly/2FVD9Rs
TacticalBassin Sun Shirt: http://bit.ly/2TvFMBD
TacticalBassin Hooded Sun Shirt: http://bit.ly/38cVi9G
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What we wear…
Sun Mask: http://bit.ly/2JcA8xi
Sun Shirt w/ Hood: http://bit.ly/38cVi9G
Light Fishing Pants: http://bit.ly/2foDx10
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Equipment We Recommend…
Minn Kota Ultrex Trolling Motor: http://bit.ly/2vFQypW
Humminbird Solix 15 Electronics: http://bit.ly/2Hazsej
Minn Kota Talons: http://bit.ly/2F0QBSP
Hot Foot Throttle Control: http://bit.ly/2ob4kgO
Loc-R-Bar Boat Security: http://bit.ly/2CMF1NP
Favorite Storage Box: http://bit.ly/2fvjcFB
Favorite Pliers: http://bit.ly/2tfxFvw
Favorite Split Ring Pliers: http://bit.ly/2fT4Qw0
Favorite Wire Cutters: http://bit.ly/2soB34k
Favorite life jacket: http://bit.ly/2odXXIP
Favorite sunglasses: http://bit.ly/2glE3eN
Hero8 Camera: http://bit.ly/37hVTX4
ElectroSamson Scale: http://bit.ly/2f7QgQ9
Frabill Net: http://bit.ly/2FNdnQr
Lure Retriever: http://bit.ly/2TLTJc6
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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!
#bassfishing #frogfishing #topwater
Can i use a skirted buzz bait with a trailer
Hey Matt,
I never fished clear lake and I hear about all the big bass the lake has. I have a 12 ft Jon boat I want to take out there. Where is the best place to launch in clear lake.
Thanks Mike.
Tim and Matt are the best on Youtube. They should have 360 MILLION subs.
Matt, you need a chest cam so we can see these blowups.
Love the Video Matt! I have learned so much from your channel. Can you recommend a few budget setups rod&reel that I can use for frogging and punching? I will eventually get a dedicated Punching setup, but want to just dabble with it for now – would a frog rod work? I am in Canada so we don't get all the variety you do in the U.S. that is why I ask for a few suggestions.
Since it is summer I assume that you will be doing another Punching video soon 🙂
Thanks for another awesome video. You do a great job teaching people how to catch more fish
why can’t i see the description with products anymore?
I was always told to wait like 3 seconds before setting the hook while using a frog should I still do that?
Yooo that miss to cast and catch was sooo sick 👊🙌
Champion boats miss them I've had 3 just got a used 21cc …..
Awesome videos.
Do you use any googan baits
I'm sure it was probably you I spoke with on Facebook about the little Allen bully wa I'm glad you're finally home and getting after those frog fish. It's just so fun words don't describe it.
We’re lucky to call Clearlake our hometown lake! It’s #1… literally!
Man, my great aunt had a house with an amazing covered deck on the water on Clear Lake when I was a kid. I used to never care about fishing from it and just wanted to go in the boat. The house is no longer in the family and now I wish I could go there and fish it daily.
Can't get a top water bite at home lake in San diego.low visability6-12 inches,no grass,mostly rocky reservoir.any suggestions??
Matt, you are one of the best bass anglers I have ever seen or watched!! I’ve been watching you for about 8 mos or so , I’m sure you covered this before but were you ever a tournament angler? I would love to see how you rank against the pros!!! I bet you would beat most of them!!
I love catching fish on top water baits.
What kind of frog is that, i havent had much luck with frogs but im excited to try them.
I can’t stop throwing a frog this summer. It’s just too damn good
What made you NOT pick the Teckel Sprinker frog?
1:44 fish jumps entirely out of the water behind you
Awesome, Was this after the tournament they just had there?
thats crazy i was just wondering if you guys ever made a buzz bait clip lol awesome lol
Great instruction and entertainment. Thanks!
I caught 2 5lbers on a bully wa little allen this evening. Love the River2sea Bully Wa
I’m trying to get into big Swimbait fishing to catch my new pb. I live in iowa and I was wondering if I should buy the trash fish or the osprey
awesome video bro like it…
Greetings From
Fish Locker India…❤🌹👍🌷