For professional anglers like Jeff “Gussy” Gustafson, tournament earnings aren’t just about finishing in the top spots. Smart financial planning plays a huge role in sustaining a career in competitive fishing. One of the best ways to boost income is through contingency programs, and Lund Boats’ Champion’s Club has become a game-changer for anglers looking to add extra cash to their tournament payouts.

This article explores how the Lund Boats Champion’s Club works, why it’s a valuable tool for anglers like Gustafson, and how it helps make tournament fishing more financially rewarding.

What is the Lund Boats Champion’s Club?

The Lund Boats Champion’s Club is a contingency program designed to reward anglers who fish from a Lund boat in select tournaments. It allows participants to earn additional payouts when they place in qualifying events, adding an extra layer of financial opportunity beyond standard tournament winnings.

For 2025, Lund has expanded the program significantly, covering roughly 100 tournaments across the U.S. and Canada. The payout structure is impressive—anglers who win a qualifying tournament while fishing from a Lund boat can take home up to $10,000 in contingency money. Even if a Lund angler doesn’t win, they can still earn a cash bonus for being the highest-finishing Lund owner in the event.

This program is particularly valuable for anglers who rely on every dollar to cover entry fees, travel expenses, and equipment costs.

How the Champion’s Club Works

Joining the Lund Boats Champion’s Club is straightforward. Here’s what anglers need to know:

• Membership Fee: The annual membership fee is just $100. This one-time payment makes anglers eligible for contingency payouts throughout the season.
• Tournament Eligibility: The program covers a wide range of events, from local grassroots tournaments to high-profile professional circuits.
• Payout Structure: If a registered Lund boat owner wins a qualifying tournament, they can earn up to $10,000 in additional earnings. If they don’t win but are the highest-finishing Lund angler, they can still collect a cash bonus.
• Extras: Members receive official Champion’s Club gear, including a hat and decals, to showcase their participation in the program.

Why Contingency Programs Matter for Pros Like Jeff Gustafson

Jeff Gustafson has built an impressive career with consistent finishes in top-tier tournaments, including his historic 2023 Bassmaster Classic win. While his BASS tournament earnings total over $871,000, financial success in professional fishing isn’t just about prize money—it’s about maximizing every possible revenue stream.

Contingency programs like Lund’s Champion’s Club are a prime example of how anglers can boost their earnings without needing to place first in every event. For someone like Gustafson, who competes in multiple tournaments each year, these extra payouts add up, covering costs and reducing the financial risk that comes with professional fishing.

Lund Boats and Its Commitment to Competitive Anglers

Lund Boats has long been a trusted brand in the fishing community, known for producing high-quality, tournament-ready boats. The Champion’s Club is a reflection of that commitment, giving back to the anglers who choose Lund as their boat of choice.

By expanding the program to include more tournaments and increasing potential payouts, Lund is making it even more appealing for tournament anglers to compete in their boats. This isn’t just good for the anglers—it’s also a smart move for the brand, reinforcing loyalty among competitive fishermen and showing that Lund supports their success.

Final Thoughts: A Smart Play for Competitive Anglers

For professional and amateur anglers alike, the Lund Boats Champion’s Club offers a simple and effective way to increase earnings. With a low entry cost and high potential payouts, it’s an easy decision for any Lund boat owner looking to make their tournament fishing more profitable.

Jeff Gustafson and other pros understand the importance of financial planning in professional fishing. Programs like this allow them to maximize their earnings, reduce risk, and focus on what they do best—catching big fish and competing at the highest level.

For anglers considering ways to stretch their income in the competitive world of bass fishing, signing up for the Lund Boats Champion’s Club is a no-brainer. Whether you’re fishing local events or chasing a Bassmaster Classic title like Gussy, every extra dollar helps, and this program is one of the best ways to get more out of every tournament.

 

The JC Elite MG Reel, designed in collaboration with Bassmaster Elite Series pro Jason Christie, is making waves in the angling community. This reel promises versatility and performance across various fishing techniques.

Overview of the JC Elite MG Reel

Crafted with a lightweight magnesium frame, the JC Elite MG Reel offers durability without compromising on weight. It features 11 ball bearings, ensuring smooth operation during casts and retrieves. The reel is available in four gear ratios—5.6:1, 6.6:1, 7.3:1, and 8.1:1—each with color-coded knobs (green, purple, red, and orange respectively) for easy identification.

Performance and Features

The JC Elite MG Reel is designed to cater to a wide range of fishing styles:

• Gear Ratios: The variety of gear ratios allows anglers to select the optimal speed for their specific technique, whether slow-rolling a spinnerbait or quickly retrieving a topwater lure.
• Drag System: This reel’s maximum drag setting is 20 pounds, providing ample stopping power for battling any size bass.
• Ergonomics: The carbon fiber handle and color-coded knobs enhance comfort and make it easy to switch between reels with different gear ratios.

Why It’s a Top Choice for Anglers

The JC Elite MG Reel stands out for its lightweight design, versatile gear options, and robust construction. Anglers appreciate the thoughtful design elements, such as the color-coded system that streamlines gear selection during fast-paced fishing sessions. The reel’s collaboration with Jason Christie ensures that it meets the demands of professional anglers, making it a reliable choice for those seeking performance on the water.

For more information or to purchase the JC Elite MG Reel, visit the official SPRO website.

The Storm Speed Trap is a lure designed to burn through the water while maintaining a hard-hitting, fish-attracting action. It’s a favorite among anglers who rely on speed, vibration, and sound to trigger reaction bites from aggressive bass. In this review, we’ll break down its key features, the best fishing situations to use it in, and why many top pros swear by it.

Why the Speed Trap Crankbait Stands Out

The Storm Speed Trap Crankbait is built for fast retrieves and excels at covering water quickly. Unlike bulkier crankbaits that may roll or lose their action at high speeds, the Speed Trap keeps a steady, erratic wobble that bass can’t resist. Here’s what makes it unique:

• Thin-Walled Body: The Speed Trap’s lightweight, thin-walled construction allows for aggressive swimming without excessive resistance. This means you can retrieve it quickly without feeling like you’re dragging a brick through the water.
• High-Impact Vibrations: The crankbait’s unique design produces a hard-hitting vibration, helping bass locate it in stained water or when fish are keyed in on movement.
• Loud Internal Rattles: The Speed Trap’s built-in rattles emit a sharp, attention-grabbing sound that can draw fish from a distance, making it ideal for reaction strikes.
• Diving Depth: Available in a 1/4 oz (8 ft) model, this lure is perfect for working both shallow flats and mid-range water columns.

Best Situations for Using the Storm Speed Trap

The Speed Trap is a power fishing crankbait, meaning it’s best used in situations where covering a lot of water and triggering reaction bites is the key to success. Here are some of the best scenarios to tie one on:

Fishing in Shallow Cover

The Speed Trap is a killer in shallow lakes, river systems, and reservoirs with wood, grass, or rock cover. It deflects well off submerged logs and riprap without easily snagging, making it an excellent choice when bass are holding tight to structure.

Pre-Spawn and Fall Feed-Up

During pre-spawn (late winter to early spring) and fall, bass are aggressively feeding, and their strike zones widen. This is the perfect time to burn a Speed Trap over flats, through stump fields, or along transition banks where bass are actively hunting baitfish.

Fishing Muddy or Stained Water

Because of its strong vibration and internal rattles, the Speed Trap performs exceptionally well in stained or muddy water conditions. When visibility is low, bass rely more on sound and movement to locate prey, making this crankbait an excellent choice.

When Bass Are Keyed in on Fast-Moving Baitfish

Some days, bass simply won’t chase slow-moving lures, and that’s when the Speed Trap shines. When baitfish are darting around in panic—especially before a cold front or in pressured waters—a fast retrieve with the Speed Trap can trick bass into striking out of instinct rather than hunger.

Final Verdict

If you’re looking for a high-speed, high-vibration crankbait that excels in stained water, shallow cover, and aggressive feeding periods, the Storm Speed Trap is a must-have in your tackle box. Its thin-walled design, loud rattles, and sharp action make it reliable when you need to generate reaction bites. Whether cranking over rocky flats, burning it through submerged timber, or deflecting off shallow cover, this lure consistently puts bass in the boat.

The Storm Speed Trap Crankbait is available through major tackle retailers and online stores. You can find a variety of color patterns to match the hatch and suit your local waters.

Understanding the intricacies of water movement is crucial for any angler aiming to improve their fishing. Factors like runoff and water flow significantly influence fish behavior, and adapting to these changes can make the difference between a fruitful day on the water and heading home empty-handed. Fortunately, tools like the Deep Dive App are designed to help anglers navigate these dynamic conditions effectively.

Understanding Water Movement and Fishing Success

Water movement plays a pivotal role in shaping fish behavior. Currents, for instance, can dictate where fish position themselves. Fish often congregate where the flow brings food while offering refuge from strong currents. Similarly, water temperature, influenced by movement and depth, affects fish metabolism and feeding patterns.

Runoff, resulting from rainfall or snowmelt, introduces additional variables. It can carry nutrients into water bodies, increasing food availability and attracting fish to certain areas. Conversely, excessive runoff can introduce pollutants or cause rapid water clarity and temperature changes, potentially driving fish away or altering their typical behavior.

The Impact of Rain and Runoff

Rain and subsequent runoff can have both beneficial and adverse effects on fishing. On the positive side, runoff can wash various food sources into rivers and lakes, including insects, microorganisms, and organic debris, creating feeding opportunities among fish. For example, during spring runoff, fish often capitalize on the abundance of food carried into the waterways.

However, heavy rainfall can also increase turbidity, making waters murky. While some fish species may feel more secure and feed aggressively in such conditions, others might become less active due to reduced visibility or changes in water chemistry. Additionally, rapid influxes of cold runoff can lower water temperatures, potentially slowing fish metabolism and reducing feeding activity.

How the Deep Dive App Helps Anglers Adapt

In the face of these ever-changing conditions, the Deep Dive App emerges as a valuable tool for anglers. Designed to provide real-time data, the app offers insights into various environmental factors that influence fish behavior.

One of the standout features of the Deep Dive App is its Streamflow tool, which provides real-time data on water movement across key fisheries. This feature helps anglers track current flow rates, discharge levels, and how water moves through a system, giving them a crucial edge in predicting fish positioning and activity.

Moreover, the app provides insights into lake levels, discharge rates, and weather forecasts, enabling anglers to make informed decisions based on current and anticipated water movements. By analyzing this data, users can adjust their strategies to align with fish behavior patterns influenced by changing currents, runoff, and water clarity.

Whether targeting bass positioning on a river system or adjusting presentations in fluctuating conditions, the Streamflow tool ensures anglers stay ahead of the game.

Best Practices for Fishing in Changing Conditions

Adapting to fluctuating water conditions requires knowledge, flexibility, and the right tools. Here are some best practices to consider:

• Monitor Weather and Water Conditions: Stay updated on weather forecasts and be aware of recent rainfall or snowmelt events that could affect water levels and clarity.
• Understand Fish Behavior: Recognize how different species respond to water movement and temperature changes. For instance, some fish may move to shallower areas during increased flow to feed, while others might seek deeper, calmer waters.
• Adjust Your Tactics: To attract fish in murky water, use lures with more vibration or brighter colors. Conversely, more natural and subtle presentations might be effective in clear conditions.
• Leverage Technology. Tools like the Deep Dive App allow you to access real-time data on water conditions, helping you make informed decisions about them.

By understanding the nuances of water movement and adapting their strategies, anglers can enhance their success rates, even in unpredictable environmental changes. Embracing both traditional knowledge and modern technology ensures a well-rounded approach to fishing in dynamic conditions.

The recent St. Croix Bassmaster Open at Clarks Hill Reservoir showcased anglers’ skills and highlighted the effectiveness of a specific style of bait that played a crucial role in the success of many top finishers. An impressive 76% of the top 10 anglers used FF minnow-style soft baits, emphasizing their importance in competitive bass fishing.

Clark’s Hill Bassmaster Open Overview

The Bassmaster Open at Clarks Hill Reservoir, held in late January 2025, presented anglers with challenging conditions, including frigid temperatures and a winter storm that shortened the two-day event. Despite these hurdles, the tournament witnessed remarkable performances, with several anglers bringing in substantial bags. Notably, Chase Clarke emerged victorious with a two-day total of 47 pounds, 7 ounces, securing his first Bassmaster Open win.

The Bait That Dominated: What Made It Stand Out?

A significant observation from the tournament was the prevalent use of minnow-style soft baits among the top finishers. These baits, designed to mimic the movement of baitfish, proved effective to the bass in Clarks Hill Reservoir. Their lifelike action and versatility in various fishing conditions made them a go-to choice for many competitors.

Anglers used minnow-style baits in various ways to maximize their effectiveness. For example, winner Chase Clarke used a Greenfish Tackle Bad Little Shad jighead paired with a fluke-style bait, adjusting the jighead weight between 3/16-ounce and 3/8-ounce depending on the depth. He targeted bass in ditches and brush piles, focusing on areas where blueback herring were present.

Similarly, other top finishers like Lucas Lindsay and Carter Cunningham relied on fluke-style baits rigged on jigheads to entice bass. Lindsay used a Z-Man Scented Jerk ShadZ and a Rapala CrushCity Mooch Minnow, while Cunningham opted for a Strike King Z Too and the same Rapala bait, adjusting jighead weights to match fishing conditions.

Insights from the Top Finishers

The success of these anglers can be credited to their use of minnow-style baits in response to the bass’s behavior and environmental conditions. By imitating the natural prey of the bass and adjusting their techniques according to water depth and temperature, they effectively enticed larger bites. This strategy highlights the significance of understanding fish behavior and adapting bait presentations with advances in technology.