Bass Basics

Beginner’s Tacklebox: Matt Herren

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Bassmaster Elite Series veteran and Alabama resident Matt Herren is about to put together a list of baits he'd recommend for any beginning angler.
Photo: Thomas Allen - Bassmaster Elite Series veteran and Alabama resident Matt Herren is about to put together a list of baits he'd recommend for any beginning angler.
The first lure is a PH Custom squarebill.
Photo: Thomas Allen - The first lure is a PH Custom squarebill.
He likes bright colors when running cranks around wood.
Photo: Thomas Allen - He likes bright colors when running cranks around wood.
You've got to have a topwater lure or two. This is a prop-style bait in the shape of a baitfish. It's easy to run, exciting to catch fish on and it certainly keeps your attention.
Photo: Thomas Allen - You've got to have a topwater lure or two. This is a prop-style bait in the shape of a baitfish. It's easy to run, exciting to catch fish on and it certainly keeps your attention.
Into the box it goes.
Photo: Thomas Allen - Into the box it goes.
Of course a buzzbait needs to be included.
Photo: Thomas Allen - Of course a buzzbait needs to be included.
Like many other anglers today, he prefers a soft-plastic frog-type trailer.
Photo: Thomas Allen - Like many other anglers today, he prefers a soft-plastic frog-type trailer.
Another squarebill from PH Custom Lures. This one in a chartreuse/shad pattern.
Photo: Thomas Allen - Another squarebill from PH Custom Lures. This one in a chartreuse/shad pattern.
You just can't have too many cranks, he said.
Photo: Thomas Allen - You just can't have too many cranks, he said.
Herren is a spinnerbait fanatic for a lot of reasons, but for beginners it's a great bait to learn about and use.
Photo: Thomas Allen - Herren is a spinnerbait fanatic for a lot of reasons, but for beginners it's a great bait to learn about and use.
Into the box it goes.
Photo: Thomas Allen - Into the box it goes.
He adds a Reaction Innovations Pocket Rocket for a multitude of presentations, including Texas rig, wacky rig and more.
Photo: Thomas Allen - He adds a Reaction Innovations Pocket Rocket for a multitude of presentations, including Texas rig, wacky rig and more.
He keeps his soft plastics in the bag they came in.
Photo: Thomas Allen - He keeps his soft plastics in the bag they came in.
Herren digs through his extensive collection for something special ...
Photo: Thomas Allen - Herren digs through his extensive collection for something special ...
A Reaction Innovations Skinny Dipper, which is a perfect finesse presentation.
Photo: Thomas Allen - A Reaction Innovations Skinny Dipper, which is a perfect finesse presentation.
He also adds the legendary Sweet Beaver.
Photo: Thomas Allen - He also adds the legendary Sweet Beaver.
Both get placed in the box.
Photo: Thomas Allen - Both get placed in the box.
Now he's looking for something else that's special.
Photo: Thomas Allen - Now he's looking for something else that's special.
And it's an RI Flirt, another finessy soft plastic.
Photo: Thomas Allen - And it's an RI Flirt, another finessy soft plastic.
It has a valuable place in this box.
Photo: Thomas Allen - It has a valuable place in this box.
He's looking for another critical component or two but can't find it.
Photo: Thomas Allen - He's looking for another critical component or two but can't find it.
Then he recalls exactly where it is.
Photo: Thomas Allen - Then he recalls exactly where it is.
He heads out to his camper to his other stash.
Photo: Thomas Allen - He heads out to his camper to his other stash.
Photo: Thomas Allen - "I know it's in here somewhere ..."
Found them! Every angler fishing soft plastics needs a quality hook and weight.
Photo: Thomas Allen - Found them! Every angler fishing soft plastics needs a quality hook and weight.
He puts them into the box to finish up a very nice collection of baits.
Photo: Thomas Allen - He puts them into the box to finish up a very nice collection of baits.
Thanks, Matt!
Photo: Thomas Allen - Thanks, Matt!

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