Freshwater Fishing Tackle – Rods, Reels & Gear

Details, especially the fine ones, are often the difference between success and failure. Details like knowing when getting on top of the fish isn’t the deal and pulling off and casting a jig is. Luke Clausen is someone who pays attention to details. Details like a weight forward head design featuring a wire keeper to ensure a vertical fall, a 90 degree Gamakatsu O’Shaughnessy medium wire hook that sets with ease and keeps them pinned, and a custom 60 strand thin-cut skirt that nails the perfect balance between body and flare needed when stroking or casting a jig. Coupled with the Dirty Jigs Tackle paint and you have THE BEST casting and stroking jig that you can get your hands on. Details from the mind of Luke, developed by Dirty Jigs so that we can give you the very best; Dirty Jigs Luke Clausen Casting Jigs.

The Strike King Rage Bug is built around one of the most effective soft plastic concepts in bass fishing: subtle action at ultra-slow speeds. Rage Tail™ flanges generate a unique, pulsing movement that triggers bites when other baits get ignored — whether you're flipping into heavy cover, dragging it on a Carolina rig, or using it as a jig trailer to add life to your presentation. Engineered with hi-grade plastics and an exclusive tail design, every Rage Bug is purpose-built to perform. Also available in Magnum size for big-bait applications.

Key Features

• Rage Tail™ flanges — unique pulsing action that works at the slowest retrieve speeds
• Exclusive tail design — engineered for a specific purpose, not a generic shape
• Hi-grade plastics — superior action, durability, and feel
• Versatile presentation — flip, pitch, Carolina rig, or use as a jig trailer
• Available in standard (4") and Magnum sizes — 7 per pack (standard)
• 5 proven color patterns across both sizes

Specifications

The Lake Fork Live Magic Shad is the ultimate live action swimbait. The technically advanced design allows for a live action swimming motion of a live fleeing baitfish. Versatile with seven rigging options: Weightless, Texas Rig, Carolina Rig, Drop Shot Rig, Wacky Rig, Nail Rig, Jig Head Rig (See Mega-Weight Jigs).

The Magic Shad is an irresistible likeness of the real thing with its natural shad body and a unique spade-shaped tail that sets up a vibration when the lure is retrieved, or even on the fall. Rigging the Magic Shad is no trick with its special molded-in hook slot that allows for easy rigging of a jig head or worm hook. The concealed hook makes the lure virtually weedless for fishing heavy cover. The Magic Shad is garlic& salt impregnated which entices the fish to hold onto the lure longer for more hook sets.

3.5" 6 Per Pack

4.5" 4 Per Pack

Zappu`s Inchi Wacky tungsten jighead wacky started it all. The originator of this technique, Zappu perfected the jighead by dropping the tungsten ball down the shank. This allows the wacky rigged worm to roll back and forth as it falls creating an irresistible action. This model comes with or without a wire guard.

Quantity 3 per pack

The Deps Lil Rabbit Creature Bait was developed for catching big bass with a bulky flat design and compact body that creates unique vibration and a very lifelike look. The extra-thick body combined with an ultra-thin tail gives it great action with each movement of your rod tip, creating trembling vibrations that appeal to bass in a wide range of conditions.

The innovative rabbit tail imitates a wide range of baitfish and crustaceans, and many big bass love the natural look of the rabbit tail in ponds, rivers, and giant lakes. It's especially deadly in places where bass feed on bluegill, making it a go-to bait for targeting trophy fish. The bulky flat compact body with no unnecessary parts creates a silhouette that's easy to skip under docks, branches, and laydowns where big bass lurk.

The plastic material contains crustacean parts that fish eaters love, while the 20% salt ultra-soft material is strong and holds hooks well when fished alone or on the back of a jig. The extra-thick body and tip of the tail are the same thickness, but the tail itself is ultra-thin to give strong vibration and butterfly action when you move your rod. It reacts quickly to water currents and bottom changes, making it excellent for drift fishing and other methods that not everyone is trying.

Key Features:

• Bulky Flat Compact Body: Creates unique vibration and lifelike appearance
• Rabbit Tail Design: Imitates baitfish and crustaceans with natural movement
• Extra-Thick Body: Provides bulk while maintaining easy skipping ability
• Ultra-Thin Tail: Delivers strong vibration and butterfly action
• 20% Salt Content: Ultra-soft material with crustacean parts fish love
• Strong Hook Holding: Material holds hooks securely for solo or jig trailer use
• Quick Reaction: Responds to water currents and bottom changes
• Easy to Skip: Compact profile slips under docks and cover

Specifications:

• Type: Bulky flat creature bait with rabbit tail
• Material: 20% salt ultra-soft plastic with crustacean parts
• Target Species: Largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, spotted bass

Rigging Techniques:

• Jig Trailer: Add to flipping jig for enhanced action and profile
• Texas Rig: Weedless presentation for heavy cover
• Weightless: Natural fall around docks and laydowns
• Carolina Rig: Dragging presentation for deep structure
• Shaky Head: Finesse presentation for pressured fish

Retrieve Techniques:

• Rod Tip Movement: Sharp twitches create butterfly tail action
• Drift Fishing: Let current activate the tail naturally
• Skipping: Skip under docks and cover where big bass hide
• Slow Drag: Bottom contact showcases vibration and tail movement
• Lift-and-Drop: Vertical jigging motion triggers reaction strikes

Ideal Applications:

• Waters with bluegill populations
• Skipping under docks, branches, and laydowns
• Jig trailer for flipping heavy cover
• Drift fishing in current
• Targeting big bass in ponds, rivers, and lakes
• When bass are feeding on crustaceans or baitfish
• Finesse presentations for pressured fish

When you need a versatile creature bait that delivers unique vibration, natural rabbit tail action, and easy skipping ability for targeting big bass, the Deps Lil Rabbit is the choice of serious anglers.

Spro Power Combo Swivels give you a small, strong alternative to a bulky three-way swivel. Two swivels joined in one compact body create a free-turning, roughly 90-degree connection point without the extra metal and extra failure points of a traditional three-way.

Why a Standard Three-Way Can Let You Down

A traditional three-way swivel has more joints that can bind, and bulkier hardware that can spook line-shy fish or hang up in current. This combo design turns more freely under load since it's built from two true swivels rather than one rigid ring, so your dropper and main line move independently instead of twisting together.

Built to Hold Up

A black nickel plated brass body pairs with a stainless steel swivel eye, so you get corrosion resistance where it counts and smooth rotation that doesn't wear out after a few fish. Each pack comes with 6 swivels, enough to rig several rigs or restock a tackle box in one order.

The Right Pick If...

You tie a lot of hi-lo or dropper rigs for bottom fishing and want a connection point that won't twist your line or bulk up the rig. It also works anywhere you'd reach for a three-way swivel but want something smaller and smoother turning.

Best Techniques and Conditions

Built for bottom fishing rigs like hi-lo setups where a dropper line and main line need to move independently without tangling. Works well in current and deeper water where a swivel that turns freely helps prevent line twist from building up over a long soak.

Best For

• Hi-lo and dropper rigs for bottom fishing
• Freshwater and saltwater applications needing a compact three-way style connection
• Anglers targeting tuna and other species where heavier rated strength matters
• Rigs where a bulky three-way swivel would be overkill

Key Features

• Two-swivel combo design for smoother, freer turning than a standard three-way
• Black nickel plated brass body with a stainless steel swivel eye
• Four size combinations rated from 80 lb to 330 lb
• 6 per pack

Models & Specs

Tackle Express Tips

• Choose the 5x6 or 3x4 size for general bottom fishing and the 1x2 or 1/0x1 sizes when targeting tuna or other hard-pulling species.
• Attach your dropper leader to the smaller swivel and your main line to the larger one for the most natural presentation on a hi-lo rig.
• Compare with a Spro Three Way Swivel if your rig calls for a fixed connection point instead of two independently turning swivels.

FAQ

How is this different from a three-way swivel?
It joins two true swivels instead of a single rigid ring, so each line turns independently and more freely than a standard three-way connection.

What size should I use for bottom fishing?
The 5x6 or 3x4 sizes cover most general bottom fishing rigs, while the heavier 1x2 and 1/0x1 sizes suit tuna and harder-pulling species.

How many come in a pack?
Each pack includes 6 combo swivels.

The Norman Middle N Crankbait through and through fish catcher, offers a bite-sized profile that is backed by a one of a kind acoustic and a wide wobbling action. Whether you’re targeting largemouth, smallmouth, or spotted bass, the Norman Middle N Crankbait is made using butyrate walls and a refined rattle system, which creates a universally appealing thud. 

Offered in a wide array of detailed paint jobs, the Norman Middle N Crankbait ensures that anglers have an effective color in all conditions, no matter the forage, water clarity, or time of year. Armed with two razor-sharp treble hooks, the Norman Middle N Crankbait delivers a combination of action, sound, and detail that has been putting bass in the livewell for decades.

Prepare your baits for battle with Mustad's new Tungsten TitanX Worm Weights. The increased density of tungsten allows for ultimate sensitivity making every bite easier to feel.

Combines the TitanX No-Chip finish for unmatched durability. Our new weights continue to prove Mustad's dominance in competitive and recreational bass fishing, giving anglers a variety of durable weights that are non-toxic, corrosion-resistant, and environmentally friendly with a durable, non-chip finish and engravings that denote the precise weight.

Made with tungsten, these weights are a proven alternative to lead weights.

• Durable, No-Chip TitanX Finish
• Insert Free, Polished Line hole
• Printed Weight for Easy Identification
• 97% Eco-Friendly Tungsten  

The Daiwa Legalis LT Spinning Reel is built on Daiwa’s LT (Light & Tough) Concept — a carbon-based composite body that is significantly lighter than conventional reel materials while maintaining the structural rigidity needed for a full day of fishing without fatigue. The ABS (Advanced Ballistic System) spool delivers longer, more accurate casts by optimizing line flow off the spool, while the Air Rotor and Air Bail — both carbon composite — reduce rotational inertia for a lighter, more responsive feel on the retrieve. Available in 8 sizes from LT 1000D to LT 6000D for freshwater applications from ultralight trout to heavier bass and inshore use. 

Key Features

• LT (Light & Tough) Carbon Composite Body — Body constructed from a carbon-based composite material that is much lighter than conventional aluminum or graphite reel bodies; greater strength-to-weight ratio reduces overall reel weight for reduced fatigue during extended casting and retrieves over a full day of fishing.
• ABS Spool (Advanced Ballistic System) — Spool geometry engineered to optimize line flow during the cast; reduces line coil memory and friction as line leaves the spool for longer, more accurate casts with both mono and braid; oversize spool design holds more line and allows more pressure to be applied to hooked gamefish.
• Air Rotor — Carbon composite rotor design reduces rotational inertia compared to conventional rotors; lighter rotor means faster line pickup and more responsive feel on the retrieve; Air Rotor construction maintains equivalent strength to conventional rotors at reduced weight.
• Air Bail — Carbon composite bail arm is lighter and stronger than conventional wire bail designs; reduced bail weight contributes to the overall LT weight reduction without sacrificing the durability needed for repeated bail opening and closing under fishing pressure.
• Machined Aluminum Handle — Machined aluminum handle provides a rigid, zero-flex connection between the angler and the reel; eliminates the handle wobble and flex of conventional handle attachment systems for a more direct, responsive feel on the retrieve.
• 5BB + 1RB Bearing System — 5 ball bearings plus 1 roller bearing (6 total) for smooth, reliable operation across the full retrieve range; bearing placement at key load points for long-term smooth performance in freshwater applications.

Size Guide & Suffix Decoder

• D — Deep spool; holds more line than the standard spool for the same size designation; best when additional line capacity is needed for longer casts or deeper water applications.
• XH — Extra High gear ratio; fastest retrieve speed in the size; best for techniques requiring fast line recovery or burning presentations.
• C — Compact body; same internal components as the standard size but in a smaller, lighter body; best when a smaller physical reel size is preferred without sacrificing line capacity.

Available Sizes

Best For

• Trout & Ultralight Freshwater — LT 1000D and 2000D sizes deliver the lightweight, sensitive platform needed for trout and ultralight freshwater applications; carbon LT body and Air Rotor reduce overall weight for reduced fatigue during extended casting on streams and lakes.
• Bass Fishing — 2500D through 4000D-C sizes for bass across a range of techniques; ABS spool for longer casts on open water, machined aluminum handle for direct feel during hooksets and fights with large bass.
• Walleye & Multi-Species — 2000D through 3000D-C sizes for walleye and multi-species freshwater applications; LT body weight reduction reduces fatigue during long days of jigging and live bait presentations.
• Light Inshore Saltwater — 4000D-C through 6000D sizes for light inshore saltwater applications; carbon composite construction provides corrosion resistance in saltwater environments; ABS spool for longer casts on open flats and inshore structure.

The 3.5-inch Fat Gitzit Tubes is a classic, tournament proven bait. The Fat Gitzit actually has a narrower profile, and is a great choice any time the fishing gets tough. It has a natural fall in the water, and delivers an excellent crawfish imitation when dragged along the bottom. Available in several colors.

The Billfisher Krok Stainless Steel Snap Swivel is strong and small.  The design of the snap allows for a higher test in a smaller swivel.  The dramatic bend at the end of the snap makes it pull in line with the swivel more so it's less likely to bend out.  The steel used in the swivel is of the highest quality making it extremely strong.  You can trust these swivels, we do every time we tie one on.

Quantity: 3 per pack 500lb

The Boomerang Line Cutters are perfect for cutting mono or braid.  The XL has an extra long set of cutters for reaching into hard to reach places.  These cutters cut braid, mono and fluorocarbon with ease.  The blades are stainless steel so rusting is kept at bay and the retractable cord allows you to attach it to most anything so you don't loose it.  

The Big Snip is perfect for salt water applications or bigger line.  The whole snip is bigger and the teeth are made of thicker metal and bigger serrations to cut bigger line. As always, they both come with a retractable lanyard and ring.

Keep your favorite bait tied on without letting its hooks catch everything around it. The Stick Jacket Plug Jacket wraps around a rigged lure to help reduce snags on neighboring rods, gear, and vehicle interiors during storage and transport. Its clear plastic window lets you see which bait is ready to fish without opening the wrap.

Close the hook-and-loop edges around the lure, pack your outfit, and leave the retying for another day. Choose the Regular wrap for a more compact bait or the larger DD when the lure and hooks need extra room.

Keep Hooks Away from Neighboring Gear

A tied-on lure is convenient until exposed hooks catch a rod sleeve, loose line, or something in the car. Plug Jacket provides separate lure coverage so your ready-to-fish outfit is easier to handle between trips. The transparent panel also saves you from opening every wrap just to identify a bait.

This is a flexible lure wrap, not a rigid tackle box or a guarantee against hook injuries. Handle hooks carefully and make sure the wrap closes comfortably around the entire lure and its hooks.

Choose the Wrap That Closes Around Your Bait

Best for: transporting tied-on bass crankbaits, jerkbaits, topwater plugs, and appropriately sized swimbaits, plus freshwater or saltwater outfits with lures that fit inside the wrap. It is especially useful when carrying several rigged rods together in a car, boat, or RV. Remove the wrap before fishing; it protects your setup between sessions rather than changing the lure's action.

The Regular measures 6 in × 3.5 in, while DD measures 8 in × 4.5 in. These are wrap dimensions, not maximum lure lengths. Account for bait thickness, diving bills, and hook spread, leaving enough room for the edges to fasten without forcing them.

Small Details That Make Packing Easier

• Wraps around a lure that is already tied onto your outfit.
• Clear plastic window keeps the bait visible.
• Hook-and-loop edges secure the wrap around the lure.
• Regular and larger DD options accommodate different bait profiles.
• One lure wrap per pack.

Regular or DD at a Glance

Cover the Rod and Lure Separately

A lure wrap complements a rod sleeve rather than replacing it. Pair it with a correctly sized Stick Jacket Casting for casting outfits or Stick Jacket Spinning for spinning setups. Keep the lure outside the sleeve's mesh and use Plug Jacket for separate hook coverage.

Tackle Express Tips

• Choose by the whole bait profile, including hooks and diving bill. If the edges will not close easily, use a larger wrap instead of forcing the closure.
• Secure the lure at the rod's hook keeper before wrapping it, keeping hooks away from guides and sleeve mesh.
• Use the clear window to identify your setup before unpacking, then remove the wrap completely before making a cast.

Before You Wrap Your Lure

Can I leave the lure tied on?
Yes. Plug Jacket is designed to wrap around a lure that is already tied onto your rod setup.

How do I choose Regular versus DD?
Regular measures 6 in × 3.5 in; DD measures 8 in × 4.5 in. Choose the wrap that accommodates the lure, bill, and hooks while allowing the edges to close comfortably.

Can I see the bait without opening the wrap?
Yes. The clear plastic window lets you identify the lure inside.

Does this cover my rod or reel?
No. It covers the lure. Use a separate rod sleeve and reel cover for those parts of the outfit.

Choose your size at Tackle Express and keep your next rigged outfit easier to pack.

The Gamakatsu Feathered Treble Hooks enhance any lure they’re matched to. Add one of our Feathered Trebles to the back of any topwater bait and watch you lure come to life. Beautifully hand tied on our premium Round Bend treble.

Quantity 2 per pack

WR-White and Red

WW-White and White

The Zoom Finesse Worm 4.25" is a compact, slim-profile soft plastic worm purpose-built for finesse presentations in clear water, post-frontal conditions, and high-pressure situations where subtle action is the key to getting bites. The straight-tail profile produces a gentle, natural quiver with the slightest movement — on a shaky head, drop shot, or wacky rig, the tail quivers and shimmies with minimal rod input, presenting a realistic worm profile that finicky bass can’t resist. Made from Zoom’s soft, salty plastic that bass hold on to longer. 20 per pack in 7 colors.

Key Features

• Compact 4.25" Finesse Profile — The 4.25" length is sized for finesse applications where a smaller worm profile is needed to match the hatch or trigger strikes from bass that are ignoring larger presentations; compact enough for light wire finesse hooks, small shaky head jig heads, and drop shot rigs without sacrificing the natural worm action that makes finesse presentations effective.
• Straight-Tail — Subtle Quivering Action — The straight tail produces a gentle, natural quiver with the slightest rod movement or current; the action is most pronounced on a shaky head (where the tail quivers on the shake), drop shot (where the tail shimmies on the fall and at rest), and wacky rig (where both ends flutter on the fall); the subtle action is most effective in clear water and post-frontal conditions when bass are inspecting baits closely and rejecting anything with unnatural movement.
• Salty Zoom Plastic — Natural Feel, Longer Hold — Made from Zoom’s soft, salt-impregnated plastic; the salt taste triggers a natural hold response that keeps bass on the bait longer, giving you more time to detect the subtle bites that finesse presentations produce; the soft plastic also compresses naturally on the hookset for better hook penetration on light wire finesse hooks.
• Versatile Finesse Rig Compatibility — Effective on shaky heads, drop shots, wacky rigs, finesse Texas rigs, and light Carolina rigs; the slim profile threads easily onto light wire hooks and small jig heads used in finesse applications.
• 20 Per Pack — 7 Colors — Twenty worms per pack across 7 colors.

Color Selection Guide

Best For

• Shaky Head — Primary Finesse Application — Thread on a 1/8–3/16 oz shaky head jig head and work slowly along the bottom with subtle shakes; the tail quivers on each shake and the buoyancy causes the tail to float up off the bottom in a natural, upright position; most effective in clear water on rocky points, ledges, and hard bottom areas where bass are holding tight.
• Drop Shot — Nose-hook or wacky-hook the Finesse Worm on a drop shot rig and suspend it above the bottom in the strike zone; the tail shimmies naturally on the fall and at rest with minimal rod input; most effective for suspended bass and bass holding tight to vertical structure (dock pilings, bridge columns, steep bluffs).
• Wacky Rig — Hook through the middle on a wacky rig hook for a slow, fluttering fall; both ends quiver and flutter on the descent, triggering strikes from bass at all depths; most effective on a slow drop from the surface to the bottom in clear water around docks and shallow cover.
• Clear Water & Post-Frontal Conditions — The Finesse Worm’s subtle action is most effective when bass are finicky — in clear water where they can inspect the bait closely, and in post-frontal conditions when aggressive action turns fish off; downsize to the Finesse Worm when the Trick Worm or larger presentations are getting follows but no bites.

The Core Tackle Wacky Shot Hook is designed to enhance the movement of your favorite soft plastic. The strategic placement of weight increases the fall rate, elevating vibration levels and enticing finicky fish to bite. Additionally, a custom-made hitchhiker secures the wacky worm in place, allowing for extra hook gap and increased hooking percentage, while keeping the wacky worm securely locked under the hook itself. With the Core Tackle Wacky Shot, you no longer need any O-rings, tubing, or other special wacky rig hooking equipment.

•  Made in the USA
• No more need for O-rings or other Wacky Rig tools
• Custom oversized Hitchhiker to secure soft plastics in place
• Weight placement allows for deeper presentation of Wacky rig techniques, with a natural wacky rig fall

The G-Ratt Baits Poppa Pete Swimbaits are a silent slow sinking glide bait weighing 5 Ounces and 10 inches in length equipped with heavy-duty hardware, size 2/0 hooks, and rotating hangers. The tails are easily replaceable. Papa Pete has a nice wide glide on slow reel cranks and then can be fished fast for an erratic baitfish action and sinks extremely slow in a level position.

This is a very unique glide bait. You can slow retrieve it for a nice gliding action. You can swoop the rod tip for the bait to glide to one side and pause and swoop again to bring it back to the other side. A favorite retrieve is reel cranking it to make a very fast darting action back and forth like a fleeing baitfish. You can do little twitches of the rod with just the tip of the rod while reeling and the baits head will rock left to right which will imitate a swimming baitfish.

The bait can also be “waked” on a slow retrieve when brought to the surface. It has a beautiful tight subtle rolling wake which we’ve found effective early mornings and late evenings. Our new weighting system adds a realistic rattling sound. This bait has a slow sinking ratio of 1 foot in 2-3 seconds.

Poppa Pete:

• Length: 10in
• Weight: 4.5oz

Ima Glide Fluke 125 Floating

Designed by professional angler and Fisheries Biologist Michael Murphy, the new Ima Glide Fluke is a two-segmented bait that offers a new twist in the hard bait category.

The Glide Fluke can walk, glide and swim. Made with realistic 3D eyes and a grooved head design for better lure action.

The floating version works well when fished as a wake bait. The sinking model quivers as it falls and the possibilities of fishing the bait are endless.