History often repeats itself. There were sinking prop baits similar to this in the '50s, but of course these are much more refined. Bellbottom jeans should be just around the corner!
The local lakes are heavily pressured, so I have to use gear the fish don't see day in and day out. I already had a few spy baits, but I picked up a few of the Berkley spys to try out. As a typical spy bait, they just might be my new favorite. Picked off 9 fish in a half hour just testing them out...on a med hvy rod and 17lb line. Then I discovered an alternative use for them... I overshot my intended target because they cast so far, and lifted my rod up and was buzzing it across the top to avoid a nasty clump of weeds...and a fish blew up on it. It looks like a tiny devil's horse and they were pounding it! It won't replace my normal top water lures, but it's a versatile bait that does double duty when swimming them around and now over spawning beds and other shallow water haunts.
On a different note, the Berkley version is on point in its action comparable to the originator. Respect for that. I'm not a fan of Berkley but they've come a long way.
Spybaits catch everything with fins in lake michigan in Chicago. I've had a lot of luck throwing the Duo Realis Alpha 72s on a 7 ft medium casting rod with 12 lb straight flouro. Make a bomber cast, count it down to the depth you want to fish, slow steady reel, and wait to get clobbered
This is a technique I see guys use for schooling bass but, unless you have electronics it's hard to use it for anything else. I don't know where they're suspended at or at what depth- you could just throw it blindly and hope for the best but I doubt you would have much luck. But it works great for schoolers- for sure, even when they're targeting tiny baitfish and are hard to get to hit a walking bait or anything like that- they'll still hit a spy bait.
I had no idea Berkley made one. I am going to have to pick up a few. I have had success with them in the cold water months bank fishing for green fish in Indiana. To me it makes sense that it would work well year round, especially with increased fishing pressure. Thanks for the great video Matt.
I’d love to see you make a video on a casting rod build start to finish with of course fast forward through the long drawn out parts, just to show what you need and just how cheap you can build your own good quality rod ! Maybe MudHole will sponsor it and you can give it away after you get so many views on it
Baby I am all about that bass bout that bass no trouble yeah good job by the way love your videos I do my own as well just a kid but been doing it for a bit 😊
Depends on the species. For largemouth I prefer overcast conditions but sunny for smallmouth. I tie directly to the bait as a snap can throw off the baits balance.
Thanks Matt - I have been very interested in this bait. How effective is this bait for schooling fish? Thanks again - and - have you recently done a video on your deep cranking system (rod, reel, line, lures,etc.) I would really enjoy your views. Thanks again for sharing these videos - very enjoyable!
There are very distinct advantages to the oringinal. Will later elaborate on that. As for what the company claims this thing is is "silent capture." They've banned me for disagreeing. How? The bait has props that make noises. I'll show you silent catching when I get on the scene with other lures. You'll see, but it has something to do with an entirely different setup bc my skills stransition from specie to specie. I am versatile and not a one trick bassing pony.
i like it on flat calm sunny days and use it in the same areas i would throw a jerkbait or small swimbait. It just seems to get fish to commit in tough conditions when other baits dont for some reason.
Matt, What is the longest rod you own and use regularly, and what do you use it for? Spybaiting to me seems to be a natural for a long moderate action rod with which you can cast the lure a country mile. I know you fished the shoreline in Chicago. I myself used to fish the shoreline in the fingerlakes of NY. We always used rods of at least 9' in length to bomb cast spoons and jigs. If I were on the St. Lawrence, I would be doing the same thing from a boat with the same type of long rod.
This is one of the baits that I have intended to work on. While you recommended a light 7.5 mod fast, would it still work well on a Glass Medium moderate/fast with perhaps less distance?
I haven't tried the spro yet. As for the lucky craft I am not a fan at all. Probably my least favorite of all the ones I have tried, which was surprising since I think lucky craft are generally good quality baits.
I will have to dig mine out, I bought a couple after Van Dam dominated a final day with one and I couldn't buy a bite. It sounds like I was probably overworking the bait and to be honest I probably didn't give it a fair shake.
You are a big Berkeley power bait fan, have you tried the braided grass pig? Picked up a package today 5 inch green pumpkin watermelon look like a fish catcher to me let me know what you think
Hi Matt: Great video! I have questions about the rod you built for this application. What kind of reel seat do you prefer for this and other spinning rods. There is a dizzying assortment! Winndry handle all the way!!
Going through some of the vid-s i have saved i came up with a question about the spybait. Fishing my best smallie lake here in central Texas, Lake Belton, Its a deep ,rocky, stump and wood filled lake with no vegetation at all. Clay and rocky points but not much else. Water is normal fairly clear although this year its been really murky with algae blooms, and its now around 58-62 degrees. Any suggestions on where and when to throw my spybait?
thanks for the video. I have never fished a spybait before. I just picked one up from Tacklewarehouse, we'll see how it goes this year. off topic, where did you get that Berkley hoodie? nice looking! Can you provide a link? I googled it, but couldn't find that exact one.
I have used them over the years with mixed success. I think I have one Berkeley and one Smithwick that’s actually a top water prop bait. They’re different, but similar. Do you have a preferred time of year?
Anytime im fishing smallmouth its worth a try. But I prefer it in darker overcast conditions with some chop. But ive had it work in flat sunny conditions as well.
@@MattStefanFishing Dang. See I only like the G-fix duo. I think it wobbles on the retrieve better than the original and I can fish it deeper. Was hoping the spy 70 would be like that. May try to doctor one still.
When I first came to using Spybaits I did pick up a few Berkley ones and not knowing when to throw them to fish because I was so green, I threw it during the early spring instead of in the hot summer days and ended up catching myself a 1 lbs. 12 oz. rainbow trout on the perch or gill (can’t remember)
Matt, I just saw this video. I fish a deep clear lake in Pennsylvania in which I think spybaits should be the thing. So I always have one tied on but my success rate sucks. I believe I don't have the patience plus not sure how to count the bait down. I just installed Active Target but haven't had the chance to use it yet for the spybait. I appreciate any suggestions. Thanks.
@@MattStefanFishing I just watched the Neko rigging video. I am going to commit to trying the slow falling option and the spy bait for suspended summer fish. Thank you for being so generous with your knowledge. I truly appreciate it.
@@MattStefanFishing Matt, Thank you immensly. I am an early riser, usually 3-4 am, and I am always on the lookout for your videos. I truly enjoy watching them because not only they are very informative but your talk more about northern bass fishing than most other youtubers - although I am further north than you living in Ontario. While I am undoubtedly older than you, I truly admire how you decided to pursue you passion making an incredible career change.
HI Matt Threw a screw pointer first time ever yesterday. Could not even catch grass ! Lure swims at a 30° up angle or tail low. Sure looks stupid. Is this correct ? Look foward to evey show. My catch rate continues to improve, Many Thanks Pauley
@@MattStefanFishing Thanks for the reply Matt. I going to assume a spybait should swim about level. Give the pointers away & buy some berkleys. You made another sale ! Well done
@@pauleyplay I think most spybaits have a slight up ward swim just from the line holding the nose, but 30 degrees is a lot. You want them as parallel as possible. the thing i like most about the berkley spy is the wiggle on the fall.
Matt, Would you recommend the spy bait for a pond bank angler with 7' maximum depth for largemouth bass? Or is the suspending jerkbait a better option?
FYI: If you are using 6lb Berkley 100% fluro, that is the same diameter as 10lb Sunline Sniper.
That's what you call that old Rapala countdown
Thanks
No problem
I didn't realize "spy baits" were such a good lure. I've never tried them. But I will now! Thanks for sharing Matt!
You bet!
Man I just stumbled upon this channel and I appreciate all the knowledge. Keep it up thanks!
Awesome, thank you!
History often repeats itself. There were sinking prop baits similar to this in the '50s, but of course these are much more refined. Bellbottom jeans should be just around the corner!
haha! ill pass on the bell bottoms
Good info. I’ve been fishing it all wrong . Thanks
Glad to help
I have watched a couple of your videos so far, and really like them..!! Thank you for taking the time to share this information.
Glad you like them!
Great tutorial on spybaiting. Terrific information on where to fish it and how to fish it.
Glad you enjoyed it
Yep, good bait. Thanks for the info.
No problem 👍
The local lakes are heavily pressured, so I have to use gear the fish don't see day in and day out. I already had a few spy baits, but I picked up a few of the Berkley spys to try out. As a typical spy bait, they just might be my new favorite. Picked off 9 fish in a half hour just testing them out...on a med hvy rod and 17lb line.
Then I discovered an alternative use for them... I overshot my intended target because they cast so far, and lifted my rod up and was buzzing it across the top to avoid a nasty clump of weeds...and a fish blew up on it. It looks like a tiny devil's horse and they were pounding it!
It won't replace my normal top water lures, but it's a versatile bait that does double duty when swimming them around and now over spawning beds and other shallow water haunts.
That’s great info and something I will have to try! I love the Berkley Spy! Thanks for sharing!
On a different note, the Berkley version is on point in its action comparable to the originator. Respect for that. I'm not a fan of Berkley but they've come a long way.
Yep
Spybaits catch everything with fins in lake michigan in Chicago. I've had a lot of luck throwing the Duo Realis Alpha 72s on a 7 ft medium casting rod with 12 lb straight flouro. Make a bomber cast, count it down to the depth you want to fish, slow steady reel, and wait to get clobbered
thanks for sharing!
Thanks Matt !
No problem!
Great content Matt, I need to start using the spy bait more often! Keep up the great work!! 🤙🏽💪🏽🔥
Appreciate it!
Thank you for Queen blade to make a chatter bait I order 4 packs of them . Keep up the pointers on guide baits an spy bait tips .
Glad to help
Thanks Matt 👍
You bet!
Nice i love spy baits
thanks
I'm a subscriber!
And I like reels🙋♂️😎
Nice!
This is a technique I see guys use for schooling bass but, unless you have electronics it's hard to use it for anything else. I don't know where they're suspended at or at what depth- you could just throw it blindly and hope for the best but I doubt you would have much luck. But it works great for schoolers- for sure, even when they're targeting tiny baitfish and are hard to get to hit a walking bait or anything like that- they'll still hit a spy bait.
yes sir!
I had no idea Berkley made one. I am going to have to pick up a few. I have had success with them in the cold water months bank fishing for green fish in Indiana. To me it makes sense that it would work well year round, especially with increased fishing pressure. Thanks for the great video Matt.
Thanks for watching! The Berkley spy is fantastic!
Hello just wondering if you could give me some ideas for spring time fishing in super clear water in northern Michigan for smallmouth bass
I VE seen all your videos , love them all! Keep em coming please ! I never win anything I’d love to win something from you!
Awesome! Thanks for watching!
I’d love to see you make a video on a casting rod build start to finish with of course fast forward through the long drawn out parts, just to show what you need and just how cheap you can build your own good quality rod ! Maybe MudHole will sponsor it and you can give it away after you get so many views on it
Working on it now!
Baby I am all about that bass bout that bass no trouble yeah good job by the way love your videos I do my own as well just a kid but been doing it for a bit 😊
Thanks!
Thanks Matt never used one might have to check it out from Ohio.
You should!
Appreciate it
What about limited use of live scope at some events to level playing field for those , that are unable to buy all those units starting out !
I think electronics should be capped in some manner. im just not sure how to do it. maybe all the anglers can only have all of the same devices.
Great tips! Two questions. What weather conditions are best for this, and do you tie directly to the lure or us a small snap? Thanks!
Depends on the species. For largemouth I prefer overcast conditions but sunny for smallmouth. I tie directly to the bait as a snap can throw off the baits balance.
@@MattStefanFishing Thanks Matt!
OH It shines during the summer for largemouth. Just have to know. Most don’t
Awesome
Good stuff
Appreciate it
Thanks Matt - I have been very interested in this bait. How effective is this bait for schooling fish? Thanks again - and - have you recently done a video on your deep cranking system (rod, reel, line, lures,etc.) I would really enjoy your views. Thanks again for sharing these videos - very enjoyable!
Its a phenomenal bait for schoolers! I haven't done a deep cranking set up but Ill add it to my video list! Thanks for the suggestion!
There are very distinct advantages to the oringinal. Will later elaborate on that. As for what the company claims this thing is is "silent capture." They've banned me for disagreeing. How? The bait has props that make noises. I'll show you silent catching when I get on the scene with other lures. You'll see, but it has something to do with an entirely different setup bc my skills stransition from specie to specie. I am versatile and not a one trick bassing pony.
Thanks for sharing
curious on the when and why you pick it up over other things
i like it on flat calm sunny days and use it in the same areas i would throw a jerkbait or small swimbait. It just seems to get fish to commit in tough conditions when other baits dont for some reason.
@@MattStefanFishing thanks!
Matt, What is the longest rod you own and use regularly, and what do you use it for? Spybaiting to me seems to be a natural for a long moderate action rod with which you can cast the lure a country mile. I know you fished the shoreline in Chicago. I myself used to fish the shoreline in the fingerlakes of NY. We always used rods of at least 9' in length to bomb cast spoons and jigs. If I were on the St. Lawrence, I would be doing the same thing from a boat with the same type of long rod.
9ft musky rods
This is one of the baits that I have intended to work on. While you recommended a light 7.5 mod fast, would it still work well on a Glass Medium moderate/fast with perhaps less distance?
yep
Awesome info. What do you think of the Spro and Lucky Craft spy baits?
I haven't tried the spro yet. As for the lucky craft I am not a fan at all. Probably my least favorite of all the ones I have tried, which was surprising since I think lucky craft are generally good quality baits.
I will have to dig mine out, I bought a couple after Van Dam dominated a final day with one and I couldn't buy a bite. It sounds like I was probably overworking the bait and to be honest I probably didn't give it a fair shake.
Slow straight retrieve! That’s all you need to do
@@MattStefanFishing thanks, I will give it another shot.
Do you like the Devils Horse? I really like the floating style
i do like prop topwaters!
Do you know if devils horse still makes the slightly smaller "Dancer"?
You are a big Berkeley power bait fan, have you tried the braided grass pig? Picked up a package today 5 inch green pumpkin watermelon look like a fish catcher to me let me know what you think
I havent tried it yet, so please let me know what you think!
Hi Matt: Great video! I have questions about the rod you built for this application. What kind of reel seat do you prefer for this and other spinning rods. There is a dizzying assortment! Winndry handle all the way!!
these are the two i like
www.mudhole.com/CRB-EXS-Exposed-Spinning-Reel-Seat
www.mudhole.com/DPSD-Deluxe-Graphite-Spinning-Reel-Seat
@@MattStefanFishing thanks!!
Going through some of the vid-s i have saved i came up with a question about the spybait. Fishing my best smallie lake here in central Texas, Lake Belton, Its a deep ,rocky, stump and wood filled lake with no vegetation at all. Clay and rocky points but not much else. Water is normal fairly clear although this year its been really murky with algae blooms, and its now around 58-62 degrees. Any suggestions on where and when to throw my spybait?
on any flats/ flat points with rock transitions in cleat water.
@@MattStefanFishing Thanks, really do appreciate all the knowledge you give us Matt!!!
thanks for the video. I have never fished a spybait before. I just picked one up from Tacklewarehouse, we'll see how it goes this year.
off topic, where did you get that Berkley hoodie? nice looking! Can you provide a link? I googled it, but couldn't find that exact one.
berkley mailed it to me
I have used them over the years with mixed success. I think I have one Berkeley and one Smithwick that’s actually a top water prop bait. They’re different, but similar. Do you have a preferred time of year?
I think prespawn is the best, but it truly is a year round bait
Hey Matt, when would you throw the all black spybait?
Anytime im fishing smallmouth its worth a try. But I prefer it in darker overcast conditions with some chop. But ive had it work in flat sunny conditions as well.
@@MattStefanFishing thanks man.. That helps
Is the Berkley Spy 70 or 70 slow sink comparable to the sink rate of the original duo spinbait 80?
spy 70 IMO
@@MattStefanFishing Dang. See I only like the G-fix duo. I think it wobbles on the retrieve better than the original and I can fish it deeper. Was hoping the spy 70 would be like that. May try to doctor one still.
When I first came to using Spybaits I did pick up a few Berkley ones and not knowing when to throw them to fish because I was so green, I threw it during the early spring instead of in the hot summer days and ended up catching myself a 1 lbs. 12 oz. rainbow trout on the perch or gill (can’t remember)
I love catching some unexpected trout!
What is that fish in the entro a grinnel..
there's a largemouth and a smallmouth in the intro
Matt, I just saw this video. I fish a deep clear lake in Pennsylvania in which I think spybaits should be the thing. So I always have one tied on but my success rate sucks. I believe I don't have the patience plus not sure how to count the bait down. I just installed Active Target but haven't had the chance to use it yet for the spybait. I appreciate any suggestions. Thanks.
SLOW SLOW SLOW. I also recommend very clear water clarity. It seems like I get a lot more bites in 15ft visibility than I do in 8ft visibility
@@MattStefanFishing thanks. Take care.
Would you use in Summer months to target suspended fish?
Yep. its underutilized in the summer
@@MattStefanFishing I just watched the Neko rigging video. I am going to commit to trying the slow falling option and the spy bait for suspended summer fish.
Thank you for being so generous with your knowledge. I truly appreciate it.
Are the rod actions and lengths similar to what you would use for
Hair jigs?
Yep
Matt, good morning. How do we know if we won one of your giveaways? Thank you.
I will contact you though RUclips or other social media. So far I haven't had any trouble getting in touch with the winners.
@@MattStefanFishing Matt, Thank you immensly. I am an early riser, usually 3-4 am, and I am always on the lookout for your videos. I truly enjoy watching them because not only they are very informative but your talk more about northern bass fishing than most other youtubers - although I am further north than you living in Ontario. While I am undoubtedly older than you, I truly admire how you decided to pursue you passion making an incredible career change.
@@donaldalbert4773 thanks! I’m so happy i made that career change!
HI Matt Threw a screw pointer first time ever yesterday. Could not even catch grass ! Lure swims at a 30° up angle or tail low. Sure looks stupid. Is this correct ? Look foward to evey show. My catch rate continues to improve, Many Thanks
Pauley
Im not a fan of the screw pointer. The two spybaits i like are the berkley and the duo realis.
@@MattStefanFishing Thanks for the reply Matt. I going to assume a spybait should swim about level. Give the pointers away & buy some berkleys. You made another sale ! Well done
@@pauleyplay I think most spybaits have a slight up ward swim just from the line holding the nose, but 30 degrees is a lot. You want them as parallel as possible. the thing i like most about the berkley spy is the wiggle on the fall.
Matt, Would you recommend the spy bait for a pond bank angler with 7' maximum depth for largemouth bass? Or is the suspending jerkbait a better option?
i prefer the jerkbait
@@MattStefanFishing Thanks for your reply
U making ur own rod ?
yep