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East Tennessee Bassmaster Elite Series pro David Walker took some time to sit down with us and build a tackle box that he feels contains the right lure selection for the new and learning angler. The first step is to grab an individual tackle tray that can be modually stacked and stored. The Bass Mafia tray that Walker is holding is in a standard 37090 size that will fit in most boat tackle compartments and bag-style tackle boxes.
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He explains that his selections would likely vary from other pros across the country, but what he is about to disclose are lures he typically uses to break down a new lake. So, this inside information certainly applies to new anglers and veterans alike.
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His first selection are a pair of lipless crankbaits. Walker said you can fish these in almost any situation where grass and other vegetation is present. They are very versatile and cover water well, but he said to avoid wood because these lures like to get hung up in trees. That's what a squarebill crankbait is for. More to come on that.
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In general, it's a good idea to have at least two of every style of crankbait. Imagine if you start catching fish on one style and lose it to a failed knot or snag. Having a backup will keep the fish coming.
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Next is the squarebill. Walker said no tackle collection is complete without a squarebill assortment. The squared off edges of the bait's lip helps it deflect cover, wood especially. His LiveTarget BaitBall crank is ulta realistic and "really catches skeptical bass," he said.
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Having multiple colors and sizes on-hand should be the ultimate goal, but having one or two identical baits is a good start.
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Where Walker calls home, and to most anglers across the nation, crawfish are a common food for hungry bass. He likes to keep a selection of crankbaits that imitate crawfish for that very reason.
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Crawfish change colors as the year goes on, but his favorite all-around color is this one. It's good in clear water, stained water, deep or shallow. Note the eyes to the rear: Crawfish swim backwards, keeping their claws at the ready to battle approaching predators. So, this crank runs backwards. Kind of.
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No tackle collection is complete without jigs. Walker likes to keep quite a few on-hand, but natural colors like black and blue, green pumpkin and brown are among his favorite colors. These baits can be worked along bottom, swam around brush and worked over trees. They're versatile and productive.
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The smaller jig offers a more finesse-style presentation, which is ideal in pressured waters or when the bass don't seem to be overly aggressive.
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Any bass angler worth his salt keeps jigs easily accessible, a pair like this is a great start.
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The ol' stick worm. One of the most basic, yet most productive soft plastics known to man. It can be rigged wacky, Texas, Carolina, weightless, etc. etc. etc. Walker likes to rig it with a bullet weight to the front and make long casts near flooded timber. But, he said it takes mere seconds to rig it wacky and swim it over suspended baitfish or near shallow rock. It's just ultra versatile and uber effective.
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Keep a handful of these in assorted colors within arm's reach at all times!
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A similar piece of plastic can be rigged as such to take a finesse approach to the max. Known as the "Ned rig" this compact presentation will force even the most finicky of bass to eat. They almost can't help themselves. A 1/8- to 3/8-ounce standup jighead is all you need. Rig it with the hook exposed and flip it under docks or near rocks and hang on.
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It's a very simple system to rig, and even easier to use.
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For the most part, Walker prefers natural colors. But if the water is dingy, a brighter color like chartreuse can be pretty effective.
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Never go fishing without a trusty spinnerbait, Walker said. He explained that there are times when different colors and blade selections are important, but for the most part white, chartreuse and combinations of the two paired with double willow blades are a standard go-to.
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The lures are fairly weedless and boast a solid hook-up rate. Keep some on-hand. Always.
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While spinnerbaits have their place, Walker said he uses a Z-Man Chatterbait more often, and considers it one of his favorite lures of all time.
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He'll run a natural green pumpkin early in the season when bluegills are spawning, but when shad are the primary diet, you can't beat white.
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When talking spinnerbaits and chatterbaits, there are times when an angler should dress them up and add a trailer. Small swimbaits fit the bill here, not only because they add meat to a swimming offering, they can also be rigged independently with a jighead and straight retrieved for stubborn bass.
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Basically, he uses two types. A straight-tail style, almost like a fluke, is very productive.
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And, a paddletail is a bit bigger and more aggressive.
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Both serve multiple purposes and deserve a slot in the box.
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Of course hooks need to be included.
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The hook with offset line tie is ideal for Texas rigging worms, swimbaits among other options, but the straight-shank hook is a solid choice for punching grass mats with big salty creatures. Keeping a selection of both in the box is a must.
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Bullet-style nose weights are critical to nearly all soft-plastic fishing. Walker explained that lead is a solid option, but he almost exclusively used tungsten because of how well it helps him determine bottom type and contour.
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Walker keeps an extensive selection from 1/16 to 2 ounces, but for starters 3/16- up to 3/4-ounce will keep you covered.
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Walker said that building a collection of weights and hooks should start small, and know that you will get them hung up in structure like rocks and downed timber. However, as your collection grows and you begin to define your personal preferred style, you'll be able to build the collection to best suit your fishing personality.
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The shape of the weights allow the presentation to easily slide through grassy and woody cover. They're simple, but highly effective.
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GetYaSome!
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All of this can fit comfortably into a single tray.
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There's even room to add more if you like. But sometimes keeping it simple is the best bet. Anglers who have fished for a while typically build up quite a collection of tackle.
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But, you've got to start somewhere, and what David just showed us will get you started catching bass.
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Like we said earlier, this is very similar to what Walker would use to pre-fish a lake, or break down a new body of water entirely. Thanks for your time David!
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