Build a specific list of terminal tackle for bass fishing

Question

FishGPT · Accepted Answer

**Terminal tackle for bass fishing: a practical, ready-to-go list**

Mid fall is a great time to dial in terminal gear. Cooler water means bass move around structure and are a bit pickier, so pairing the right weights and hooks with your plastics pays off. Here’s a solid, buildable list you can take to the lake today:

- **Weights & sinkers**
  - *Bullet weights*: 1/8 oz, 3/16 oz, 1/4 oz, 3/8 oz, 1/2 oz (tungsten preferable for compact rigs; lead is fine on budget). Use a bead to time action when using a skirted jig.
  - *Drop shot weights*: 1/8 oz to 3/8 oz (paired with light line for finesse bites).
  - *Split-shot weights*: sizes #1, #2; carry a few each to fine-tune depth quickly.
  - *Carolina rig weights*: 1/2 oz to 1 oz for deeper targets; pair with a swivel and bead.

- **Hooks**
  - *Worm hooks (EWG/offset)*: 3/0–4/0 for typical plastics.
  - *Straight-shank worm hooks*: 3/0–4/0 for Texas rigs.
  - *Jig hooks*: 3/0–4/0 to suit your jig heads.

- **Jig heads & rigs**
  - *Jig heads*: football head (1/4–3/4 oz) for deeper cover; finesse ballhead (1/16–1/8 oz) for shallow, clear water.
  - *Texas rig components*: 1/16–1/4 oz bullet weights with a robust 15–20 lb line and a 4/0 worm hook.

- **Terminals & small bits**
  - *Beads* (for timing and protection when using weights).
  - *Bead-free stops* for Carolina rigs.
  - *Snap swivels* (size #3–#6) for quick changes.

- **Kits (great starting point or backup)**
  - MadBite by KastKing Freshwater Terminal Tackle Kits (265 pieces) — a complete starter kit with rigging options: [Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DSZZHCGH?tag=tacklenet-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
  - Eagle Claw Terminal Tackle Kit — solid, budget-friendly option: [Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07TP7QWYQ?tag=tacklenet-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
  - TRUSCEND Easy Catch Swimmax (optional for swimbait-specific rigs): [Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07GP1DL4K?tag=tacklenet-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
  - MadBite RigHub Portable Tackle Storage Box (keep rigs organized): [Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FF436R92?tag=tacklenet-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)

- **Helpful videos to watch**
  - Bass Fishing 101: 5 Bass Fishing Rigs You NEED to KNOW!! — [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3BC2yguKhSM)
  - Terminal Tackle Choices — [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q_XpzMMjczM)

- *Quick tips for mid fall*
  - Water temps cool, bass transition to structure; fish deeper during the day and near edges at dawn/dusk.
  - When wind picks up or water is stained, upsize to 3/8–1/2 oz weights and use brighter plastics to improve visibility.
  - Use slower retrieves with a subtle jig or drop-shot when fishing clear water; pause and feel the bottom for the bite.

- *Practical rigging tips*:
  - Always have a few ready-to-go rigs built on a small line leader or easy-to-change rigs (Texas rig, dropshot, and a light Carolina rig).
  - Label and store rigs by weight/color in your MadBite/RigHub kit for faster changes on the water.

With this setup, you’ll be ready to punch through cover, finesse a bite in clear water, and adapt to changing mid fall conditions. Go give it a try and have fun catching those bass! 🎣💪

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