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! 🎣💪

Bass Fishing Questions

More Questions

Are there crawfish in Lake Washington?

Is there seaweed at Navarre Beach right now, making it hard to shark fish?

What are the fishing regulations around Hamilton, Ontario?

Where are good fishing spots near me?

What lure should I use to catch tarpon?

What fish other than bass would be active today at Indian Lake?

What bass fishing topic would you like to tackle today?

How to fish a Lunkerhunt prop fish?