The smaller pitboss is one of the most consistent bait's that I use... you've been killing it with the tips and the info to go along with it!! Appreciate that you teach and are willing to share it all to help us all to become better angler's, thanks Matt!!
I remember a study that was done years ago, that in a group of tiny, small, medium, and large crawdad's, the bass ate the 2in crawdads first before going on to the other sizes. Since then I have always went with the smaller size of everything when bass fishing, all year.
Only thing that is better than your videos (besides catching fish that's in a league all its own) is getting a new shipment of tackle. I used to watch alot of videos now I just watch yours. Thank you for keeping us regular Joe's in the loop.
Great job as always, your like going to the fish library. I have been learning so much, especially your retrieve videos. I have written down two to three pages so I can keep going over them.
Thanks Matt. All makes sense. I believe hanging claws, flappers and such make a difference. Bass will take a 6" worm before a 5" brush hog. When I just need a bite a trick worm style bait is my go too.
Those smaller pit boss plastics are great jig trailers out of the bag. No trimming required most times. I've gotten to where I like Pit Boss plastics almost as much as a stickbait. They're super versatile no matter what size I use.
Good evening Sir. This video really enlightened me today. I've been thinking about throwing the smaller pit boss up on Crab lake and some other clear water smallie fisheries by our place up north. This cements the idea. Thank you! Love your videos. They've helped me so much.
nice content! I use to fish the northern part of the lake champlain near the border US/CA where it's call riviere rochelieu , a smallmouth paradise and the size matters so much between spooked the fish or to gets they attention! I follow your content and each time I'm learning a lots even if its snowing here in Montreal, Canada! thanks you!
Awesome! I have a private pond here in NC I’m graciously allowed to fish and those larger baits have caught for me in winter months. Your content is so inspiring!
Love the videos, thanks! I was hoping that sometime you could give some advice on baits for a bank angler with a lot of drawing power. At a pond with only a few access points, you can’t really go to the fish, you have to entice them to your location.
Good info! I haven't had the opportunity to fish around the country but in Wisconsin, I've found huge success in fishing micro/smaller lures. Even during the summer time, I fish "normal size" lures. In body of waters where its not pressured, larger lures will draw out the big bites. However, that also draws the attention of pikes and musky.
Good stuff Matt. I use the Pit Boss Jr but haven't used it in the Winter yet. Would you tear off a couple of the appendages in the cold waters in the Winter so that the bait is less intimidating? Thanks
Great tips again Matt. We don't have grass in any lakes around here, would you suggest a heavier weight (faster fall) in clearer water and lighter weight in stained or muddy water?
Matt you always explain in your videos so well…. You just don’t say one or two things you keep going over things with examples and other extremely valuable information As the kids say… Appreciate you!
Spot on again! I think you're trying to make it tougher on me once ice out happens. I think smallies just want to tenderize their food first. I've seen them pin craws against the bottom whit their nose is if to kill it. The shells must be hell on the GI track.
Where would you throw that pit boss at Guntersville? Rock, grass, pads, rip rap? I have a big kayak tourney there in early March. Any insight would be appreciated.
I regularly fish the Red, and I didn’t know that it’s known for producing smaller fish 🤔…? That’s where I caught my PB Spotted bass 👀… I don’t know the weight but it was 17.5 inches long 👀…
@@MattStefanFishing I'll have to hook you up with some of my plastics! Bulldog Bully Punch Bug These two catch fish like it's going out of style. We will be starting production very soon. Nothing like it in the market.
The only bait line that I would Texas rig would be a brush hog and I always do better with the big ones than the small one all year long. I Texas rig more curl tail worms or culprits lizards and crawfish baits.
Out-did yourself on this one, Matt. Very useful and informative; thinking outside the box. Will help me be more discriminating when shopping for baits. No more impulse-buying.
Since you are talking about smaller baits how about the current craze of the BFS reels and rods. I still use spinning equipment when finesse fishing. What thoughts do you have about BFS equipment?
@@MattStefanFishing my only complaint about spinning is they create havoc in the rod locker. That's why I keep them separate and only use them when required by the technique. I just haven't purchased a BFS rig yet. I thought maybe you have used them and wondered if you liked it.
I almost exclusively throw a small pit boss. My two favorite flipping baits are the 3” pit boss and a zoom speed craw. My thought process is. With these baits I get more bite. I like the numbers game. If I can keep putting fish in the boat i feel I’ll eventually catch some quality fish. It also helps me stay focused getting more bites than just getting 5 bites in a day.
Do you prefer to peg your weight or not pegging it when Texas rigging? Which method do you prefer? Or do you do both according to the thickness of the grass and other structures? Maybe do a video on this topic?
🍺I’m very blessed to have high end gear ( rods/reels). With that said I throw smaller sized baits than the majority of the anglers on EVERY technique there is. I do it because it works. If it’s a “mini”,”micro”,”compact”,” thin”, “Finesse” and or “junior”. I own it and use it often. For me small baits, small line, and small hooks = big fish and big fun.🤠
@@MattStefanFishing Gross scratched. Johnston 2nd, Lucas 35th , Ebare who I picked last week and he won is in 43rd. Greico couldn’t find anything but 2 lbers.
Do you follow the “smaller in spring” and “larger in summer” across all your bait choices? There’s a contrary theory that in the early spring the forage is the largest since all forage wintered over-no spawn/hatches yet. I’ve had good luck early with larger size baits, but Texas rig baits may be a bit different.
Small pit boss works good in the winter and early spring for me but as the water gets warmer them bluegills rip the appendages off the pit boss and that's when I switch to a speed craw
@@gregchilders7643 Bagged 3 using them today. Slowly dragging Texas rigged with a pegged weight and, of course the double hop/scoot. The double hop/scoot seemed to trigger them. Tough to stand there and drag a craw in 35 degree weather though!
@@robertbrost7777 good job,I bet you didn't feel the cold when you were hooked up,I'm like you as long as there is open water I'm going fishing ,ain't no sissy here!
In tourneys, use big lures unless there are only dinks. Do or die. In everyday or other contests such as number challenges, try to go small. Maybe that's the formula. Once you understand the concept, you can catch fish with spinners wherever or whatever. Sometimes the slightest change in size makes a big difference in either getting bit or no bites. From shore, the sizing is entirely different from boating. In this case, "discreet." I specialize in the number games. That's why pros like Randy won't do well against me from shore, but the contest is always first fish, big fish, and most fish payout each. And we specialize in all three. Walleye cheaters are eligible to compete. No problem. Just need 1 witness from opposing groups each or no turning off cameras, and time stamped photos with measurements. Tournament guys cheat, including with electronics. HCL has taken every steps to counter poker cheat. They have a name to live up to. If only fishing tourneys would have the same level of integrity. They've just hit another 41 pound bag. That's too many lead weights.
@Matt Stefan Fishing that's great. I thought I maybe had skin cancer on my face. Dermatologist said it was "rosacea". What's that? It's like adult acne!
It's just breaking yourself of the "well the BIGGER bait means BIG BITE" because a lot of times you won't even get a bite and should have thrown the smaller bait, ask me how I know 😒
You've been giving great small seminars lately not just fishing tips
I appreciate that!
Agree!
The smaller pitboss is one of the most consistent bait's that I use... you've been killing it with the tips and the info to go along with it!! Appreciate that you teach and are willing to share it all to help us all to become better angler's, thanks Matt!!
thanks!
Man you have been killin it lately with the juice … love the info on this one and confirms what I have been thinking about the smaller baits!!!
awesome! thanks!
I remember a study that was done years ago, that in a group of tiny, small, medium, and large crawdad's, the bass ate the 2in crawdads first before going on to the other sizes. Since then I have always went with the smaller size of everything when bass fishing, all year.
very cool!
Only thing that is better than your videos (besides catching fish that's in a league all its own) is getting a new shipment of tackle. I used to watch alot of videos now I just watch yours. Thank you for keeping us regular Joe's in the loop.
I appreciate that!
This is one of those channels where I hit the like before watching so I don't forget to.
Love it!
Great job as always, your like going to the fish library. I have been learning so much, especially your retrieve videos. I have written down two to three pages so I can keep going over them.
That is awesome!
I think you nailed this one , great video
Thanks 👍
Thanks Matt. All makes sense. I believe hanging claws, flappers and such make a difference. Bass will take a 6" worm before a 5" brush hog. When I just need a bite a trick worm style bait is my go too.
Right on!
Those smaller pit boss plastics are great jig trailers out of the bag. No trimming required most times. I've gotten to where I like Pit Boss plastics almost as much as a stickbait. They're super versatile no matter what size I use.
yes they are!
Great tips! I really like the smaller pit boss. You have given me some new ideas to try.
Glad I could help!
Good evening Sir. This video really enlightened me today. I've been thinking about throwing the smaller pit boss up on Crab lake and some other clear water smallie fisheries by our place up north. This cements the idea. Thank you! Love your videos. They've helped me so much.
Glad I could help
Another great video as usual. You are definitely one of the best guys out there. Always great info!
I appreciate that!
nice content!
I use to fish the northern part of the lake champlain near the border US/CA where it's call riviere rochelieu , a smallmouth paradise and the size matters so much between spooked the fish or to gets they attention!
I follow your content and each time I'm learning a lots even if its snowing here in Montreal, Canada!
thanks you!
great to hear!
Great video!!! Awesome tips!! Like the tip on using smaller baits for punching!! Makes Sense!!! Stay Safe & God Bless!!!
Thanks!
Great info Matt! Didn’t think about the bed fishing size. Makes sense
Glad it was helpful!
Awesome! I have a private pond here in NC I’m graciously allowed to fish and those larger baits have caught for me in winter months. Your content is so inspiring!
Very cool!
Nice video. Very helpful tips!
Thanks!
That color on the right in the thumbnail keeps catching my eye. 😍
Its Hanks favorite color!
@@MattStefanFishing 😁 Well, it's sexy for sure!
Love the videos, thanks! I was hoping that sometime you could give some advice on baits for a bank angler with a lot of drawing power. At a pond with only a few access points, you can’t really go to the fish, you have to entice them to your location.
I'm a bank angler also ,if you can use a saw to cut yourself openings ,I use a bow saw and a pole saw
might want to get a high end reel to make longer casts
Carolina rig and small top waters, and slow down?
Great tips Matt. Thanks for the video. 👍🎣
You bet!
My brother caught his PB. on a ned rigged craw maybe 2 1/2 inches. Tight lines Matt keep up the great work.
thanks for watching!
Great tips thank you I've caught a ton of bass flipping a small single tail grub
Good stuff!
Sssshhh....That 3" pit boss has been a favorite of mine as a T.R. or a jig trailer. LOL thanks Matt
its a good one!
Good info!
I haven't had the opportunity to fish around the country but in Wisconsin, I've found huge success in fishing micro/smaller lures. Even during the summer time, I fish "normal size" lures. In body of waters where its not pressured, larger lures will draw out the big bites. However, that also draws the attention of pikes and musky.
pike eat eaverything
Thanks for the advice
You bet
Good stuff Matt. I use the Pit Boss Jr but haven't used it in the Winter yet. Would you tear off a couple of the appendages in the cold waters in the Winter so that the bait is less intimidating? Thanks
i generally do not
Great tips again Matt. We don't have grass in any lakes around here, would you suggest a heavier weight (faster fall) in clearer water and lighter weight in stained or muddy water?
yes
Great tips on your video thanks and good fishing 🎣
Glad you enjoyed it
Awesome advice. I’ve had better days in the scorching days of summer on smaller baits.
For sure!
Matt you always explain in your videos so well…. You just don’t say one or two things you keep going over things with examples and other extremely valuable information
As the kids say…
Appreciate you!
I appreciate that!
The 3 inch Pit Boss in California color (green with red flake) is an absolute bass killer in clear spring fed rivers in the ozark region
nice!
Spot on again! I think you're trying to make it tougher on me once ice out happens. I think smallies just want to tenderize their food first. I've seen them pin craws against the bottom whit their nose is if to kill it. The shells must be hell on the GI track.
thanks for watching
That’s why I bring 4 inch worms over 6 inch worms.. great video and information.. thanks
Right on
New subscriber (your channel was recommended by Randy Blaukat). Love the content, glad I found you. On the water tutorials are the best. Thanks.
Awesome, thank you!
Where would you throw that pit boss at Guntersville? Rock, grass, pads, rip rap? I have a big kayak tourney there in early March. Any insight would be appreciated.
everywhere!
Helgramites are real good for smallmouth
yes they are
Thanks for the info! 👍
You bet!
I want to try the 3" for smallies here in Michigan on some of our rivers. What color do you like in the 3" for smallies?
give them a try!
Green pumpkin with purple. Smallies love that color hands down man.
I regularly fish the Red, and I didn’t know that it’s known for producing smaller fish 🤔…? That’s where I caught my PB Spotted bass 👀… I don’t know the weight but it was 17.5 inches long 👀…
Nice one!
Matt all I throw is 3" Texas Rig plastics!! They never fail, especially pitching in the pads, grass, or cat tails!!
nice!
@@MattStefanFishing I'll have to hook you up with some of my plastics!
Bulldog Bully
Punch Bug
These two catch fish like it's going out of style. We will be starting production very soon. Nothing like it in the market.
The only bait line that I would Texas rig would be a brush hog and I always do better with the big ones than the small one all year long. I Texas rig more curl tail worms or culprits lizards and crawfish baits.
@@davidcrump2348 do you have smallmouth because they usually prefer the smaller beavers and flipping baits until the hot summertime.
@@mikefromoh2925 yes there are smallmouth at Pickwick but they are more opt to bite carolina rig that a Texas rig
Smaller is better in this case. Thanks Matt
thanks for sharing!
Out-did yourself on this one, Matt. Very useful and informative; thinking outside the box. Will help me be more discriminating when shopping for baits. No more impulse-buying.
thank you!
Hi Matt: For the Power Boss Grub which size would work as a trailer for a 1/4 swim jig or 1/4 chatter bait? 3 inch or 4 inch?
Both but i prefer 4”
@@MattStefanFishing thanks Matt!👍
What size ewg hook for each size pit boss , I appreciate all your time and effort to help us novice anglers like myself
2/0 for 3" and 3/0 for 4" 4/0 for 5"
Since you are talking about smaller baits how about the current craze of the BFS reels and rods. I still use spinning equipment when finesse fishing. What thoughts do you have about BFS equipment?
i think its personal preference. do you prefer spinning or baitcasting
@@MattStefanFishing my only complaint about spinning is they create havoc in the rod locker. That's why I keep them separate and only use them when required by the technique. I just haven't purchased a BFS rig yet. I thought maybe you have used them and wondered if you liked it.
I almost exclusively throw a small pit boss. My two favorite flipping baits are the 3” pit boss and a zoom speed craw. My thought process is. With these baits I get more bite. I like the numbers game. If I can keep putting fish in the boat i feel I’ll eventually catch some quality fish. It also helps me stay focused getting more bites than just getting 5 bites in a day.
thanks for watching
Do you prefer to peg your weight or not pegging it when Texas rigging? Which method do you prefer? Or do you do both according to the thickness of the grass and other structures? Maybe do a video on this topic?
i prefer unpegged
🍺I’m very blessed to have high end gear ( rods/reels). With that said I throw smaller sized baits than the majority of the anglers on EVERY technique there is. I do it because it works. If it’s a “mini”,”micro”,”compact”,” thin”, “Finesse” and or “junior”. I own it and use it often. For me small baits, small line, and small hooks = big fish and big fun.🤠
🍺Greico, Lucas,Gross. Johnston and Ebare got bad boat draws.
i like your thinking
@@MattStefanFishing Gross scratched. Johnston 2nd, Lucas 35th , Ebare who I picked last week and he won is in 43rd. Greico couldn’t find anything but 2 lbers.
Would love to see you do laurel river lake in London Ky. It’s a tough lake.
you bet! ive got some done for it already!
Do you follow the “smaller in spring” and “larger in summer” across all your bait choices? There’s a contrary theory that in the early spring the forage is the largest since all forage wintered over-no spawn/hatches yet. I’ve had good luck early with larger size baits, but Texas rig baits may be a bit different.
not really. i choose based on current conditions!
Appreciate the content Matt, if you had to fish Dale Hollow today, water temp 45, water clarity 12 feet and greater what would you try first?
jerkbait
@@MattStefanFishing yes sir, thanks!
Small pit boss works good in the winter and early spring for me but as the water gets warmer them bluegills rip the appendages off the pit boss and that's when I switch to a speed craw
thanks for sharing!
Wow never thought of that will have to try. Thanks! Do you prefer the speed craw or ultravibe speed craw?
@@mikefromoh2925 ultrevibe speed craw
@@gregchilders7643 Bagged 3 using them today. Slowly dragging Texas rigged with a pegged weight and, of course the double hop/scoot. The double hop/scoot seemed to trigger them. Tough to stand there and drag a craw in 35 degree weather though!
@@robertbrost7777 good job,I bet you didn't feel the cold when you were hooked up,I'm like you as long as there is open water I'm going fishing ,ain't no sissy here!
last spring i found the bedding bass did not like the 4" pit boss on guntersville
really ?!?!
@@MattStefanFishing could not get them to bite them but they destroyed the wacky rig.
Excellent
thanks for watching
I like them on chatterbaits. I put them on up and down not side ways though. To make it look more like a fish swimming
they are good
Are you talking flipping and punching only or all Texas rigging?
most texas rigging
Smaller texas rigs and compact jigs kill here in Ontario 🔥
nice!
I catch a whole lot more with a 3" chigger craw than a 4" chigger craw in very low visibility Lake Abiquiu here in NM Jim
thanks for sharing!
Off the topic of flip’n, but In referencing to small baits for smallmouth … OSP dice, bastards can’t resist em. Big bites too
they are good!
When I buy any type of Texas rig baits I always get a 3 inch and a 4 inch. That way I'm covered for any situation.
sounds good
I’m from Ohio. 3 inchers match the smaller fish here much better. I just hope I’m not missing those opportunities to use the bigger baits!
stick with what you have confidence
In tourneys, use big lures unless there are only dinks. Do or die. In everyday or other contests such as number challenges, try to go small. Maybe that's the formula.
Once you understand the concept, you can catch fish with spinners wherever or whatever. Sometimes the slightest change in size makes a big difference in either getting bit or no bites. From shore, the sizing is entirely different from boating. In this case, "discreet."
I specialize in the number games. That's why pros like Randy won't do well against me from shore, but the contest is always first fish, big fish, and most fish payout each. And we specialize in all three. Walleye cheaters are eligible to compete. No problem. Just need 1 witness from opposing groups each or no turning off cameras, and time stamped photos with measurements. Tournament guys cheat, including with electronics. HCL has taken every steps to counter poker cheat. They have a name to live up to. If only fishing tourneys would have the same level of integrity. They've just hit another 41 pound bag. That's too many lead weights.
thanks for ssharing
👍👍👍👍👍
thanks for watching!
I have wished for a 3.5 inch PB for so long..ugh
that would be a good one
Glad to hear those 3 inches are better sometimes, need to show this to my wife😂😂😂😂😂
haha
There are small beavers and big beavers
yep!
1
nice!
Preston Clark and Terry Scroggins made a ton of cash flipping smaller baits before it was known
nice!
@Matt Stefan Fishing is looking at how much a stock's dividend pays important or should I just be more concerned with fiscal growth?
👍👍👍
thanks for watching!
How is your noggin doing?
doing good!
@Matt Stefan Fishing that's great. I thought I maybe had skin cancer on my face. Dermatologist said it was "rosacea". What's that? It's like adult acne!
It's just breaking yourself of the "well the BIGGER bait means BIG BITE" because a lot of times you won't even get a bite and should have thrown the smaller bait, ask me how I know 😒
thanks for watching!
This video reminds me….I have to go have a conversation with my wife….thanks again Matt !
haha!