| During the early morning hours, bass often move into shallow flats near deeper water, taking advantage of the low light and cooler temperatures. Flats with vegetation, isolated stumps, or rock cover provide ideal feeding zones during this brief window. Anglers can use soft plastics rigged weightless to glide across the surface and draw attention from aggressive feeders. A steady retrieve with occasional pauses or quick twitches can mimic vulnerable prey and trigger explosive surface strikes. It’s essential to fan cast in different directions to fully cover the area and locate active fish. Once the sun begins to rise, expect the bite to slow as bass retreat to nearby deeper areas or shaded cover. Staying mobile during this time can help you stay on top of fish that are actively feeding across a broad flat. Pay attention to subtle clues like surface disturbance or bird activity, which often indicate baitfish presence. If a particular section of the flat produces multiple strikes, work it more thoroughly before moving on. Soft plastics that mimic natural forage allow for longer, more convincing presentations without spooking fish in calm morning conditions. This is one of the most productive periods of the day, so capitalizing on it with efficient casting and strategic movement is key to landing more bass.Our Fresh HellaMite is designed to imitate a major aquatic food source, delivering a realistic profile of an insect larva that fish can’t resist. Each is scented for complete and total attraction underwater along with being made in the USA by real fishermen just like you. We’ve recently dropped a new HellaMite Pro Pack that is loaded with 60 total baits in all six proven colors, plus three Owner Block Head Ned Jigs and a handy storage bag. This kit has everything you need to stay rigged and ready year-round. Grab our newest Lil Bass, Hot Sauce, MidNight, Glow, 10w30 Synthetic, Slimer Green, and Barbie Pink HellaMite colors. We’ve also recently restocked our popular Smoke Purple HellaMite. The HellaMite’s solid body and hyperactive ribbed tail design produce a life-like quivering action with every twitch of the rod. Its unique flat underbelly detail enables this bait to be fished as a drop shot, Ned rig, neko rig, and even a small Carolina-rig, making it the ideal bait in any condition year-round. When the water is clear, the fish can see the bait and look like real food, causing strikes. Each cast becomes an opportunity for an exhilarating catch, thanks to its superior performance and versatility. |
| As morning progresses and light levels increase, bass tend to become less aggressive and are less likely to chase fast-moving presentations. This is the time to slow down and use weightless soft plastics to entice more finicky fish. Letting these baits flutter naturally and fall through the water column can provoke bites from bass holding just below the surface or along submerged vegetation. Working the bait slowly with short twitches and long pauses increases your chances of a subtle strike. This finesse approach becomes especially valuable when you’re still in productive areas but the action suddenly dies down. Patience and precision become your greatest tools during this transition period. It’s important to watch your line closely, as bites during this time are often soft and easy to miss. Downsizing your bait or switching to a more natural color can also make a big difference. If you’re fishing near cover, let the bait rest longer in key spots before moving it. Soft plastics that suspend or fall slowly are ideal for coaxing neutral bass into biting. This may not produce fast action, but it often rewards a more thoughtful approach.We use our Fresh Scorpion because it closely imitates a crawfish. Our newest 10w30 Synthetic, Slimer Green, and Barbie Pink Scorpion colors work wonders. The Scorpion is a revolutionary new look to soft plastics. Its intricate detailing and texture mimic the nuances of a real crawfish, making it hard for bass to resist. Of course, water clarity always plays a role in color selection but in any season, you can’t miss using colors such as Green Pumpkin Seed, Brown Bark, and the Magneto. This bait not only appears natural to fish but gives them something to become curious about. The Scorpion paired with a stand-up jig is deadly because the jig actually sits the bait upright in a defensive stance. The subtle color variations across the bait further enhance its appeal, mimicking the natural color shifts found in live prey. Each Fresh Scorpion has a unique and exclusive 3-axis tail design that is engineered like no other soft plastic bait. Our Scorpions are made by anglers from high-grade non-salt plastic to provide superior life-like action that triggers strikes! |
| Once the sun is fully up, bass commonly leave shallow feeding areas and stage along outer weed lines, deeper flats, or structure near creek channels. Fishing these areas effectively means using techniques that can reach and probe deeper water. Soft plastics rigged on a heavier weight can be used to target bass along bottom contours and vegetation edges. Focus on dragging or hopping the bait along drop-offs or the base of deeper points, mimicking prey that’s naturally moving or hiding. Ripping the bait free from light snag points can create reaction bites due to the sudden movement. This is a key time in the day when location and depth adjustments are just as important as lure selection. Using electronics or a depth finder can help you locate promising features like ledges or underwater humps. Bass often group up in these deeper areas, so once you find one, more are likely nearby. Maintain a slow presentation to thoroughly work the zone and draw out hesitant fish. Cloud cover or wind can occasionally pull bass slightly shallower, so remain flexible and observe changing conditions. By staying tuned in to depth changes and bait behavior, you’ll be more likely to stay on fish.The new FreshBaitz Lizards deliver a realistic profile that excels in both power and finesse techniques. Act fast, we’ve recently just released new Hot Sauce, MidNight, Ghost, and 10w30 Synthetic Lizard designs! The unique forward-facing leg design creates drag that holds it in the strike zone longer or produces wild flapping action with every pull of the rod. Additionally, its slightly ribbed solid body and large head hold your hook in place and provide much better weedless performance making it the ideal bait to use in any condition. Water clarity always plays a super big role in color selection but in any season year-round, you can’t miss when using colors such as Watermelon Red, Black & Blue, or Green Pumpkin. Its flexible tail design ensures added movement, tempting even the most cautious fish. The superior 5.5-inch profile stretches to a whole 7 inches which is perfect for predatory fish including bass year round. Made from long-lasting durable high-grade non-salted plastic for total and maximum attention-grabbing action underwater. |
| Not all bass head to deep water as temperatures rise. Some stay shallow by holding tight to shade and cover. Look for areas with docks, submerged wood, or heavy weeds where bass feel protected and can ambush prey. Skipping soft plastics underneath docks or alongside boats can be an excellent way to reach hidden fish. When fishing matted vegetation, use lightweight plastics that can slide across or just beneath the surface, pausing in any small openings. Approach each piece of cover methodically, starting on the outside edges before working deeper in to avoid spooking fish. Shallow cover offers consistent ambush opportunities throughout the day, especially when overhead sun drives bass into these shaded sanctuaries. Pay attention to how bass are positioned relative to the cover. Some may suspend just under the surface, while others sit tight to the bottom. When bites are tough to detect, watch your line carefully for subtle movement or slack. A precise cast and quiet presentation can make all the difference in clear or pressured water. Don’t overlook small or isolated pieces of cover. These often hold aggressive fish that are easier to catch. If one shallow pattern isn’t working, rotate between skipping, pitching, and swimming your bait to trigger a response.Our Fresh Beetle delivers ultimate versatility in a soft plastic bait. Its slim yet wide body design and four claws are engineered to naturally glide and wobble as it moves through the water. This design ensures they remain enticingly active longer than conventional baits. Its unique texture also provides a realistic feel, making bass hold on longer once they bite. Water clarity plays a big role in color selection but year-round you can’t miss when using go-to colors such as Chocolate Mint, Ox Blood, or 10w30 Synthetic beetles. The hyper-active swimming claws are designed thin with long-lasting durable non-salt plastic to make them come alive with the slightest movement. The Fresh Beetle offers an enticing 4-inch profile and is scented for complete and total attraction! You can rig these Beetles as a Jig/ Chatter Trailer, Flippin/ Punching, Texas Rig, Swing Jig, and Carolina Rig. Making the beetle beyond perfect in any weather condition year-round! |
| When bass bury themselves in thick matted vegetation during the heat of the day, standard surface tactics often fall short. Punching involves using a compact, streamlined soft plastic bait paired with a heavy weight to break through the canopy. This lets you reach fish that are otherwise inaccessible, where the water is cooler and more oxygen-rich. Bass will strike just as the bait breaks through, or shortly after it settles on the bottom. Because visibility is low and feel is limited in these situations, it’s crucial to watch your line closely for signs of movement. Punching is a specialized technique, but when done correctly, it can yield some of the biggest and most aggressive bites of the day. Make sure your tackle is strong enough to handle the heavy vegetation and powerful hooksets required for this approach. Controlled pitches with quiet entries help minimize disturbance and keep the fish from spooking. Once the bait reaches bottom, give it a couple of subtle hops before retrieving and making another pitch. Target isolated holes in the mat or spots where vegetation is slightly thinner for higher punch-through success. This method may take some practice, but it’s one of the most effective ways to reach bass holding tight in heavy cover.Using a stick-styled worm is the most tried and true ways to catch fish. We have a variety of 5-inch Worms to choose from but we just added MidNight, Glow, and Ghost Worms! Our popular Watermelon Red Worms have been restocked as well. You can also experience our new wacky rigging kit while it’s ON SALE! The WACKY Pack offers our most popular colors and essential tools for wacky rigging. If you’re fast enough you might be able to grab the limited-release Pumpkin Spice Worm before it’s completely sold out along with some of our newest colors including the Brown Worm, Electric Chicken Worm, and Goby Wan Worm colors. The high-grade non-salt plastic they’re made from provides positive buoyancy and it even floats underwater! We also released new 6-inch Worms including Charmeleon, Rainbow TRT, Bone, Chocolate Mint, and Fire TGR — all available in 5 and 6-inch. We’ve also recently released new 8-count packs of worms available in Watermelon Red, Black & Blue, and Green Pumpkin. We also offer worms that have the unique ability to shift from one color to another. Scented for total attraction underwater. |
| When summer heat drives bass to deeper water, targeting structure like rock piles, ledges, or humps becomes essential. Use soft plastic imitations that can be rigged to crawl along the bottom and imitate natural forage. The key is to make contact with the structure, allowing your bait to deflect, bump, or pause near changes in bottom composition. Bass in these zones are often more stable and predictable, making this a great strategy for mid-day fishing. Vary your retrieve from slow drags to short hops to see what triggers a bite. Deep water may seem intimidating, but it often holds more consistent action once you dial in the depth and presentation. Pay attention to your sonar or depth finder to locate subtle depth changes and isolated structure that can concentrate fish. In clearer lakes, bass may suspend slightly above the structure, so adjust your bait accordingly to stay within the strike zone. Wind and current can also play a role, positioning bass on the down-current side of humps or ledges. Don’t be afraid to return to productive deep spots multiple times a day, especially if baitfish are present. By focusing on these key areas, you can turn slow periods into steady success.Our newest FreshBaitz Mandingo Trick Worm is the ultimate game-changer for anglers with a passion! Engineered for the angler who knows SIZE does matter, this lure is designed to attract only the BIGGEST bass with a penchant for the larger bait. The Mandingo Trick Worm boasts a solid 7-inch body enhanced with a hyperactive ribbed design, ensuring irresistible mouth-watering action for those trophy bass. Officially available in a vibrant array of 8 colors. Each worm is made from durable, high-grade Non-Salted plastic for lifelike action and unparalleled durability. Perfectly balanced for a variety of rigging options and scented for total and maximum attraction, the Mandingo Trick Worm promises year-round effectiveness in lakes, rivers, and streams. Whether you’re rigging it on a Shakey Head, Drop Shot, Texas Rig, or Carolina Rig, these worms are your ticket to landing the big ones. Proudly made in the USA by real anglers to help elevate your fishing experience and catch more bass year-round! |
| Finesse fishing is an effective solution when bass are suspended, inactive, or under heavy pressure. Rigging small soft plastics on drop shot or split shot setups allows for subtle, controlled movement. These rigs shine when used around specific features like isolated rock piles, deep points, or subtle bottom contours. Unlike power techniques, finesse rigs give bass time to inspect and react to the bait without overwhelming them. Despite their subtle nature, these rigs can be worked relatively quickly to cover water efficiently. The goal is to match the mood of the fish. When they won’t chase, you meet them halfway with something small and precise. Vary your leader length or weight size depending on depth, current, and water clarity to fine-tune presentation. Let the bait sit longer in high-percentage spots, especially when fish are barely reacting. Finesse techniques are especially effective in pressured waters where fish have seen more aggressive approaches. Keeping your gear light and sensitive helps detect those subtle bites that heavier tackle might miss. Mastering finesse rigs can turn tough conditions into consistent catches. Even on days when the bite feels impossible, this strategy can outperform flashier methods.We have a wide variety of terminal tackle to choose from, but we’ve released new Nako Tungsten Tear Drop Shot Weights, crafted from 97% eco-friendly tungsten for stealth, durability, and vibration, with easy-to-read size stamps and a crimped swivel for quick changes. Owner Mosquito Hooks work for dropshotting and perfectly accommodates a wide range of soft plastics. The new Haymaker EWG Worm Hooks are also now available, featuring an extra-wide gap for various soft plastics, a Z-lock shoulder bend for secure bait placement, and an angled-up super needle point for fast, powerful hooksets. The popular All Purpose Hooks are built with an extra-wide gap and are made to accommodate a wide range of soft plastics. For creature-styled baits, a more popular choice to use is the Stand-Up Jig because it sits the bait up-right in a defensive stance! The Block Head Jig is perfect for ned rigging the HellaMite with its mushroom-style head that seamlessly matches a wide variety of soft plastics. The Offset Block Head Jig, offers the same mushroom-style head with a unique offset hook, making it a go-to for weedless Ned Rig applications. The Shakey Ultrahead can permanently secure baits by inserting the pin in the center and screwing the twist lock coil spring for perfect rigging every time! The Ultrahead Wacky Jig features precise weight positioning and hook orientation for the ultimate wacky presentations. For fast Texas rigging, we use the Bullet-Type Rig which has an attached weight saving you precious time when fishing cover. The 4x Jungle Flippin Hook is designed for big fish and the toughest conditions. The Range Roller Jig Head is crafted for precision with its high center axis design, perfect for hover-strolling and mid to bottom strolling with forward facing sonar, ensuring an enticing rolling action that triggers bites. We also just released Keep’em Fresh Bait Bags! These bags are the ultimate solution for anglers who need their gear to perform. Built like a tank, this bag is 20x stronger than regular zip bags and offers 100% waterproof protection with a rock-solid double zipper seal. Whether it’s for soft plastics, snacks, or your smartphone, this reusable and versatile bag keeps everything safe from water, mud, and grime. It’s lightweight yet spacious, it fits snugly in your tackle box or backpack, making it perfect for your next adventure. |