i do that when im fishing through shallow cover or grass thats too thick to rip the bait out, once i feel it touch bottom or the actions stops, i let the spool open and the bait usually backs out and up from the grass or wood, because of the angle of the bill. it works really good in chunk rock where your crank might get snagged too, squarebills will almost always float themselves back and out of chunk rock. I get so many bites that way.
I use the longer pause when fishing river walleye with square bills, kinda like a jerk bait paise to give it time to rise. Sharp hooks too like you mentioned. Thank you for the great tips.
Great video, thank you! I've been using a very erradic retrieve trying to mimic a fleeing baitfish, which gets me bites, but now I will add in the pause and see if I can generate more bites. Thanks again!
I only use glass rods for cranks and mono the shock absorption when cranking is absolutely paramount! I use a spinnerbait style sweep return for my stop and go and the violence in the way they smash it when I start the sweep after I take up the slack when reeling back down is incredible. I only use 6-8lb for shallower cranks also mono helps make it rise better! Great tips thanks!
Excellent video Matt, thanks! I've always used blended crankbait rods and ten pound mono for cranking. I'll add in the longer pauses next week. I don't fish on the w/e, to many people.
@@MattStefanFishing lol 😆 not sure what guy would be a good fit for me. I fish. 10 feet max I useally fish ponds and sometimes creeks and some river fishing
Great points on tackle and line. I have tried several makes and models of rods over the years for square bill crankbaits. I have many that are good, but still not perfect. So, I am open to try some new ones.
Great video. Have been looking for a good rod choice for Square bills, (can you suggest other techniques this rod performs well? Like multi technique rod choices.). I'm older school. Like 10# mono or co-polymer for crank bait family. In the Ohio valley fishery so not worried about giants. Throwing the square bill for it's snag resistance and bumping and grinding. If it's too gnarly I don't up line test, I usually change techniques. Also point the rod at the bait so when I stop reeling, bait stops immediately, not the slower rod unloading stop. Your mileage may vary. Enjoy your content and the new Declassified channel. Recommending both to all my buddy's. Be well.
Thanks Matt. All good info. I have noticed a mod fast action in rod brand is not the same action in another brand. Sometimes not even close. Less expensive rods it really gets crazy. That being said I have a cheap fast action rod that acts like a fiberglass rod. It's actually a good chatterbait/crankbait rod. Buying rods online is a real crapshoot. I can see why you started making your own!
I know some people will laugh but my first baitcast rod I bought when learning to fish with a baitcast reel was a Berkley Cherrywood 6’6” medium rod. I have caught and landed 1-5 pound bass with it. I put new line guides and wrapped the handle and it is still my dedicated squarebill rod. I use 10-12lb fluoro as my line all the time. This combo I use is a workhorse.
I have a lot of trouble losing fish halfway to the boat on my medium heavy fast rods. I'm gonna set up my square bills on my old zebco rod that 6' medium moderate. Hopefully that helps!
I’m a believer in smaller diameter line for my crankbaits (and top water like PoP’R’s). I also use 10 lb. with a softer tipped rod. Heavier line with heavier rod I have ripped the baits out of their mouths. Good advise.
Great video. The on the water really helps, when weather allows. I know Berkley is your sponsor, do you prefer the SquareBull or KVD Squarebill? Magnum or standard size for fall/winter/spring?
You got it right out of my playbook didn't you. I've been preaching it for years. What most people don't know is - 6# won't break at 6lbs it will run up towards 7.5 to 8lbs. This how most companies insure it won't break prior to the test. Save the heavy lines for the heavy sticks. I use to carry spare spools with different test, now I just carry spare reels of different test. That and six or seven rods on the boat.
Its a big difference in technique if you compare usa and europe when fishing crankbait , i almost will say it HUGE DIFFERENCE! Here in Europe in my case sweden, is braid on a baitcaster or spinning reel and a FC leader is used by 95% of the angler. how can it be such difference?? I mean, Big perch, zander,pike,trouth you name it can not be that different than bass. I love your chanell , the best on youtube got damn:). And because of that i humble ask you to try it the swedish way. Try bass on this gear..A medium Light 6,6 rod, shimano curado 150 baitcaster and a 0.10 mm berkley x9 and a leader in fc or similar gear. I never had fish that shake of so.... its all about the rod:)
Close to giving up on cranck baits. Might just be me but never had a catch and lost confidence. Sad as for everyone else it seem like a stellar bait. Note don’t have Bass in SE and Perch might not like them as much?
I love throwing a square bill. I run them in the river a lot, bouncing them off of every single rock possible. It’s so erratic, and the smallies can’t stand it. A white Cotton Cordel big O is one of my go to lures, or a googan square banger in ghost gill. The lips break easily on the banger, but man that colour crushes smallies like no tomorrow. Side note, can we get a new boat tour???? 😅
Tried the 12 pound fluro and it was like a rubber band. Lost way to many. Use a St Croix Legend Glass with 15 pound braid and you'll catch everything. The 15 pound braid is super thin, perhaps the same as 10 fluro?
Noticed you use pretty long rods. Is that because you are standing on a bass boat and a tall guy, or is that the optimal length for what you do? I do kayak fishing so I stand at water level and average height.
I fish tidal river current here in Fredericton New Brunswick Canada. I have a Quantum smoke rod with micro line guides, 2 Quantum smoke S3 baitcaster with 7.3:1. With Sufix siege mono 10lbs and 14lbs line. I used white to red square bill without any luck. Should I use a slower reel for river current
@@MattStefanFishing thank you. I will keep using the Quantum smoke S3. I used a Daiwa baitcaster with 6.9:1 three years ago before I got the Quantum 7.3:1
@@kevinbeaudean704 Thank you. I used 10lbs on my main reel for square bill, jerkbait and spinnerbaits. 14lbs on my other reel with the same gear ratio for my softbaits. I used Sufix siege mono. Its one tuff line. In August I was using 14lbs with a worm on 2/0 EWG hook, I had a snag at the pillars base of the bridge, I snapped the hook using the Sufix siege mono 14lbs. I have never snapped a EWG ever
You guys stop and go with a squarebill?? I dont, i reel that thing at 9000 mph beatn and banging into every rock in the lake. Drag that thing hard into rocks and only stop if it gets hung into a rock or tree to shake it off or let it float out. Ive broken i dont even know how many squarebill bills. But i cover a lot of water and catch a lot of fish on them. I use daiwa med composite rebellion rod and 12lb usually. The same rod i throw dt’s on. I really didnt know using a stop n go retreive was a thing. I’ll have to try it more. Instead of hitting into rocks hard and keeping on cranking as it deflects, I’ll try stopping it sometimes. Great vid!!
your recomending a lot of good things for guys that have boats and money to buy all that expensive gear but not the guy who fishes in a kyak or jon boat and does not haver the money to buy a $200 rod
Just caught a 5lber while watching this video from the dock. Really appreciate you putting the info out there to help the weekenders!
AWESOME!
I agree totally with letting your baits rise! I really like doing that with a jerkbait as well!
i do that when im fishing through shallow cover or grass thats too thick to rip the bait out, once i feel it touch bottom or the actions stops, i let the spool open and the bait usually backs out and up from the grass or wood, because of the angle of the bill. it works really good in chunk rock where your crank might get snagged too, squarebills will almost always float themselves back and out of chunk rock. I get so many bites that way.
me too!
Thank you for the info and Fish the Moment for leading me to you!
thanks for the support!
Great video! Line size can make all the difference. Especially with cranks and ripbaits.
Very true!
I have always loved 15# but lately I have had some solid success with 8 and 10# as well. Great stuff Matt
Good stuff!
I use the longer pause when fishing river walleye with square bills, kinda like a jerk bait paise to give it time to rise. Sharp hooks too like you mentioned. Thank you for the great tips.
Nice!
A lot of pieces to the puzzle. You have opened my eyes to the different rods for different techniques! Thanks Matt good one 👍👍
Glad it was helpful!
Great video, thank you! I've been using a very erradic retrieve trying to mimic a fleeing baitfish, which gets me bites, but now I will add in the pause and see if I can generate more bites. Thanks again!
Glad it was helpful!
Great video & awesome tips!!! Stay Safe & God Bless!!
thanks! you too!
I only use glass rods for cranks and mono the shock absorption when cranking is absolutely paramount! I use a spinnerbait style sweep return for my stop and go and the violence in the way they smash it when I start the sweep after I take up the slack when reeling back down is incredible. I only use 6-8lb for shallower cranks also mono helps make it rise better! Great tips thanks!
awesome! thanks for sharing with us!
Awesome content on this Matt, I totally agree with you on that rod, I built one last winter and it performs flawlessly!!!
Totally agree!
Excellent video Matt, thanks! I've always used blended crankbait rods and ten pound mono for cranking. I'll add in the longer pauses next week. I don't fish on the w/e, to many people.
Give it a try!
4th tip, always check the hook points before throwing the lure and IMMEDIATELY AFTER having 1 get off.
thanks for watching
Thanks for the tips, and thanks for the picture when I saw you a week ago!
Haha! You bet! Good luck on the river!
Been trying to find the right squarebill rod for some time. Tried a bunch. This might need to be my first rod build. Thanks
you can do it!
The Lews KVD crankbait rods are really good for the price point
Thank you Matt
thanks for watching!
As always , valuable informations, thank you 🙏🏻 Matt !
Glad you enjoyed it!
I'll have to sign up for that 1 on 1. I agree with you that it's easier than commenting on every comment on UA-cam
haha! Im commenting right now!
@@MattStefanFishing lol 😆 not sure what guy would be a good fit for me. I fish. 10 feet max I useally fish ponds and sometimes creeks and some river fishing
Great points on tackle and line. I have tried several makes and models of rods over the years for square bill crankbaits. I have many that are good, but still not perfect. So, I am open to try some new ones.
I use a glass casting medium moderate action. It’s a great rod for cranks.
give these a try!
Great info. Thank you for sharing 👍
My pleasure!
Thanks for the tips.
No problem!
Thanks for the tips !
you bet!
Extra good stuff .Rigging up
Right on
Great video. Have been looking for a good rod choice for Square bills, (can you suggest other techniques this rod performs well? Like multi technique rod choices.). I'm older school. Like 10# mono or co-polymer for crank bait family. In the Ohio valley fishery so not worried about giants. Throwing the square bill for it's snag resistance and bumping and grinding. If it's too gnarly I don't up line test, I usually change techniques. Also point the rod at the bait so when I stop reeling, bait stops immediately, not the slower rod unloading stop. Your mileage may vary. Enjoy your content and the new Declassified channel. Recommending both to all my buddy's. Be well.
awesome thank you! it works well for chatterbaits and swimbaits!
Thanks Matt. All good info. I have noticed a mod fast action in rod brand is not the same action in another brand. Sometimes not even close. Less expensive rods it really gets crazy. That being said I have a cheap fast action rod that acts like a fiberglass rod. It's actually a good chatterbait/crankbait rod. Buying rods online is a real crapshoot. I can see why you started making your own!
agreed we need a standardized rod chart
I know some people will laugh but my first baitcast rod I bought when learning to fish with a baitcast reel was a Berkley Cherrywood 6’6” medium rod. I have caught and landed 1-5 pound bass with it. I put new line guides and wrapped the handle and it is still my dedicated squarebill rod. I use 10-12lb fluoro as my line all the time. This combo I use is a workhorse.
sounds great!
I have a lot of trouble losing fish halfway to the boat on my medium heavy fast rods. I'm gonna set up my square bills on my old zebco rod that 6' medium moderate. Hopefully that helps!
i bet it does!
I’m a believer in smaller diameter line for my crankbaits (and top water like PoP’R’s). I also use 10 lb. with a softer tipped rod. Heavier line with heavier rod I have ripped the baits out of their mouths. Good advise.
me too!
Great video. The on the water really helps, when weather allows. I know Berkley is your sponsor, do you prefer the SquareBull or KVD Squarebill? Magnum or standard size for fall/winter/spring?
i like both. they both catch a lot of fish! the squarebull is growing quickly on me, but the KVD is a staple
@@MattStefanFishing Thanks !
You got it right out of my playbook didn't you. I've been preaching it for years. What most people don't know is - 6# won't break at 6lbs it will run up towards 7.5 to 8lbs. This how most companies insure it won't break prior to the test. Save the heavy lines for the heavy sticks. I use to carry spare spools with different test, now I just carry spare reels of different test. That and six or seven rods on the boat.
haha! you bet!
That's really good juice....I have a dozen squarebills but rarely used them in the past. Maybe time to dust them off....
dust'em off!
Its a big difference in technique if you compare usa and europe when fishing crankbait , i almost will say it HUGE DIFFERENCE! Here in Europe in my case sweden, is braid on a baitcaster or spinning reel and a FC leader is used by 95% of the angler. how can it be such difference?? I mean, Big perch, zander,pike,trouth you name it can not be that different than bass. I love your chanell , the best on youtube got damn:). And because of that i humble ask you to try it the swedish way. Try bass on this gear..A medium Light 6,6 rod, shimano curado 150 baitcaster and a 0.10 mm berkley x9 and a leader in fc or similar gear. I never had fish that shake of so.... its all about the rod:)
thanks so much for the support!
I Think the key in square bills is, (my opinion). The correct rod, replace hooks, add a 2nd split ring on back hook. Thanks Matt
Good call!
Close to giving up on cranck baits. Might just be me but never had a catch and lost confidence. Sad as for everyone else it seem like a stellar bait. Note don’t have Bass in SE and Perch might not like them as much?
dont give up!
Wait till u get a strike on one. You'll be hooked. Hopefully the fish will be too.
@@MattStefanFishing Just bought ”Jabber Jaw” 13 Fishing, last try….
I love throwing a square bill. I run them in the river a lot, bouncing them off of every single rock possible. It’s so erratic, and the smallies can’t stand it. A white Cotton Cordel big O is one of my go to lures, or a googan square banger in ghost gill. The lips break easily on the banger, but man that colour crushes smallies like no tomorrow.
Side note, can we get a new boat tour???? 😅
big O is a good one! You will when I get it...its getting rigged!
@@MattStefanFishing Can’t wait. 🙏
Berkley Fluoroshield works great.
Good to know!
Funny, I was just fishing a squarebill, yesterday, thought about the pauses, and JUST started putting in longer pauses.
nice!
Some guys will use braid to a leaders. Your stop and go retrieve is a lot crisper with the low stretch of braid.
Thanks for sharing
Tried the 12 pound fluro and it was like a rubber band. Lost way to many. Use a St Croix Legend Glass with 15 pound braid and you'll catch everything. The 15 pound braid is super thin, perhaps the same as 10 fluro?
stick with what works for you
Matt other than the pause in the retrieve do you typically speed up the retrieve during the fall?
sometimes!
What are you a politician! Yes or no man. I do speed up in fall but I'm no pro or politician.
Noticed you use pretty long rods. Is that because you are standing on a bass boat and a tall guy, or is that the optimal length for what you do? I do kayak fishing so I stand at water level and average height.
im 6'4" and like to be able to make long casts with my cranks.
What length rod do you recommend 7ft or 7ft 2
I use a 7'6"
I fish tidal river current here in Fredericton New Brunswick Canada. I have a Quantum smoke rod with micro line guides, 2 Quantum smoke S3 baitcaster with 7.3:1. With Sufix siege mono 10lbs and 14lbs line. I used white to red square bill without any luck. Should I use a slower reel for river current
i dont think so
@@MattStefanFishing thank you. I will keep using the Quantum smoke S3. I used a Daiwa baitcaster with 6.9:1 three years ago before I got the Quantum 7.3:1
There's not that much difference between a 6.9 and a 7.3 there both good squarebill reels.
@@kevinbeaudean704 Thank you. I used 10lbs on my main reel for square bill, jerkbait and spinnerbaits. 14lbs on my other reel with the same gear ratio for my softbaits. I used Sufix siege mono. Its one tuff line. In August I was using 14lbs with a worm on 2/0 EWG hook, I had a snag at the pillars base of the bridge, I snapped the hook using the Sufix siege mono 14lbs. I have never snapped a EWG ever
You guys stop and go with a squarebill?? I dont, i reel that thing at 9000 mph beatn and banging into every rock in the lake. Drag that thing hard into rocks and only stop if it gets hung into a rock or tree to shake it off or let it float out. Ive broken i dont even know how many squarebill bills. But i cover a lot of water and catch a lot of fish on them. I use daiwa med composite rebellion rod and 12lb usually. The same rod i throw dt’s on. I really didnt know using a stop n go retreive was a thing. I’ll have to try it more. Instead of hitting into rocks hard and keeping on cranking as it deflects, I’ll try stopping it sometimes.
Great vid!!
Stick with what you have confidence in!
👍👍👍👍👍
thanks for watching!
your recomending a lot of good things for guys that have boats and money to buy all that expensive gear but not the guy who fishes in a kyak or jon boat and does not haver the money to buy a $200 rod
im just recommneding products i like
pay man comment
thanks!
FIRST!!!🎉🎆🥇
Nice!
I throw my crankbaits on a spinning rod
Smaller cranks are a blast on spinning gear, but 1.5s and bigger would feel weird to me.
stick with what works for you!