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Technology plays a pivotal role in an angler’s success in the ever-evolving world of professional bass fishing. Forward-facing and 360-degree sonar systems have revolutionized how anglers locate and catch fish, offering real-time imaging that provides a significant advantage on the water. 

However, as these advanced technologies have become more common, concerns about maintaining fair competition have emerged. To address this, Major League Fishing (MLF) has introduced new regulations for the 2025 season, including the implementation of a transducer lock box designed to enforce these rules.

Why MLF Introduced New Rules for Sonar Usage

The increasing reliance on advanced sonar technology in tournaments has sparked debates about fairness and the essence of angling skills. While these tools provide anglers with unprecedented insights beneath the surface, there’s a growing concern that they may overshadow traditional fishing techniques and create disparities among competitors. 

To strike a balance between embracing technological advancements and preserving the sport’s integrity, MLF announced updates to its 2025 rules, limiting the number of forward-facing and 360-degree sonar transducers allowed during competitions.

The New MLF Transducer Lock Box

To enforce these regulations, MLF has unveiled an innovative lock box, designed and manufactured by Precision Sonar. This device ensures compliance by temporarily disabling and securing any excess transducers on tournament boats. The lock box is user-friendly, featuring a high-visibility design and a straightforward locking mechanism for quick installation and removal. Securing the cable plugs of additional transducers prevents their use during competition, maintaining a level playing field for all participants.

How Anglers Can Comply with the New Rules

Anglers equipped with more than two forward-facing or 360-degree sonar transducers must adhere to the following steps to comply with MLF’s new regulations:

1. Disclosure: Inform the tournament director of their setup and the need for a lock box at or immediately following the pre-tournament meeting.
2. Obtaining the Lock Box: Acquire the lock box from MLF staff at the designated Precision Sonar Lock Station before the tournament begins.
3. Installation: Before boat launch, disconnect the excess transducers and secure the cable plugs using the provided lock box. This process is quick and ensures that only the permitted transducers are operational during the competition.
4. Post-Competition: After the day’s events, return to the Precision Sonar Lock Station to have the device unlocked by MLF staff.

MLF officials will oversee the use of the lock box throughout the tournament to ensure compliance. Non-compliance may result in penalties, disqualification, or other disciplinary actions as determined by the Tournament Director.

Impact of the Lock Box on Competition

The introduction of the transducer lock box is a significant step toward enhancing fair play in professional bass fishing. By limiting the number of advanced sonar devices, MLF aims to ensure that success in tournaments is determined by angling skills and strategy rather than technological advantages. This initiative seeks to preserve the traditional aspects of the sport while still allowing for the use of modern tools within regulated parameters.

Boyd Duckett, President and CEO of Major League Fishing, stated, “The new rules and lock box enforcement device reflect our commitment to fairness while embracing innovative sonar technologies as part of the sport.”

Final Thoughts: Looking Ahead with MLF’s New Rules

MLF’s proactive approach to regulating sonar technology demonstrates a commitment to maintaining the integrity of competitive angling. By introducing the transducer lock box, the organization encourages innovation while ensuring that no single angler gains an unfair advantage through technology. As the sport continues to evolve, further equipment regulations will likely be implemented to balance technological advancements with the core skills that define fishing.

Anglers and fans can refer to the official MLF Forward-Facing Sonar FAQ for more detailed information on MLF’s forward-facing sonar rules and the transducer lock box.

When it comes to professional bass fishing, prize money is more than just an incentive for top-tier performance—it’s a crucial part of an angler’s career sustainability. With the 2024 season wrapped up, both the Bass Pro Tour (BPT) and the Bassmaster Elite Series have final earnings reports for their top anglers. This comparison provides a deeper look at how the financial rewards stack up between these two premier tours, highlighting the biggest earners, payout structures, and emerging trends.

Understanding the Importance of Prize Earnings

For professional anglers, prize money isn’t just a reward for a good day on the water—it’s essential for covering expenses like travel, equipment, and lodging. Sponsorship deals, while important, often depend on high visibility and consistent tournament success. That’s why understanding how much anglers take home from each tour is crucial to grasping the financial dynamics of the sport.

The BPT and Elite Series represent the pinnacle of professional bass fishing, each offering significant prize pools but differing slightly in format and number of events. In 2024, the BPT ran 9 events, while the Elite Series hosted 10.

Top Earners of 2024

Bass Pro Tour (BPT)

Dustin Connell led the charge on the BPT circuit, raking in $495,143 across 9 events. His consistency and ability to finish near the top in multiple tournaments placed him well ahead of other competitors. Jacob Wheeler followed with $318,143, while Drew Gill rounded out the top three with $257,000.

Other notable earners included:

• Michael Neal – $252,500
• Zack Birge – $183,000
• Alton Jones Jr. – $177,000
• Skeet Reese – $168,000

Connell’s nearly half-million-dollar haul stands as a testament to both his skill and the lucrative nature of the BPT’s prize structure.

Bassmaster Elite Series

Over on the Elite Series, Justin Hamner topped the earnings list with $417,000 from 10 events. Cory Johnston closely trailed with $339,000, while Chris Johnston, a consistent performer on the tour, earned $257,500—a figure that matched Drew Gill’s earnings on the BPT.

Other significant earners on the Elite Series include:

• Trey McKinney – $257,000
• Jordan Lee – $236,000
• Patrick Walters – $204,000
• John Garrett – $190,000

The gap between first and tenth place was slightly smaller in the Elite Series compared to the BPT, reflecting a more evenly distributed prize pool among top performers.

Prize Pool Breakdown by Tournament

The BPT and Elite Series differ not just in earnings but in how the prize money is distributed.

• In the BPT, top prizes typically range around $100,000 for first place, but payouts drop off more steeply as you move down the leaderboard.
• The Elite Series maintains a similar top payout but features a more gradual decline in earnings across the board.

Notably, eliminating entry fees in the Elite Series starting in 2025 may further shift the balance of earnings. Without the burden of entry fees, anglers will have more financial breathing room, which could lead to larger fields and greater competition in the coming seasons.

Trends and Insights from 2024

Earnings Concentration

One clear trend from 2024 is the concentration of prize money at the very top. Dustin Connell, for example, earned nearly 56% more than the second-highest earner on the BPT, Jacob Wheeler. Similarly, in the Elite Series, Justin Hamner’s earnings were 23% higher than Cory Johnston’s.

Veterans vs. Newcomers

Another interesting takeaway is the mix of established veterans and rising stars in both tours’ top 10. On the BPT side, seasoned pros like Jacob Wheeler and Skeet Reese continued to perform well, while on the Elite Series, young anglers like Trey McKinney made headlines with breakout seasons.

Sponsorship Impact

Prize money only tells part of the story. Anglers with high finishes often command lucrative sponsorships, which can significantly boost their overall income. Given the visibility of anglers like Dustin Connell and Jacob Wheeler, their off-the-water earnings likely rival or exceed their tournament payouts.

What Does This Mean for Future Prospects?

The 2024 earnings comparison shows that while both the BPT and Elite Series offer competitive payouts, the landscape is shifting. The Elite Series’ decision to remove entry fees will likely attract a broader range of anglers, increasing the competitiveness of future seasons. Meanwhile, the BPT’s focus on reducing its field size to 65 anglers in 2025 aims to boost average earnings per competitor, making it more financially rewarding for those who qualify.

For aspiring anglers, the key takeaway is clear: consistency is crucial. Whether fishing in the BPT or Elite Series, the top earners are those who consistently finish near the top of the leaderboard. Financial planning, securing sponsorships, and focusing on skill development will be vital for long-term success in professional bass fishing.

For a deeper dive into the full 2024 earnings breakdown and other related statistics, check out the official websites of Major League Fishing and Bassmaster.

For anglers looking to elevate their finesse fishing game, the Horizon Head Jigs series offers a game-changing approach to mid-depth presentations. Designed with precision and backed by innovative technology, these jigs have quickly gained popularity among serious anglers who want to master the mid-strolling technique. Featuring top-of-the-line Gamakatsu jig hooks, advanced finishes, and models tailored for various conditions, Horizon Head Jigs provide versatility and reliability on the water.

In this article, we’ll explore the concept behind Horizon Head Jigs, break down their unique features, and highlight the benefits they bring to mid-strolling fishing.

The Concept Behind Horizon Head Jigs

The mid-strolling technique, which originated in Japan, has become a go-to finesse method for targeting suspended bass in clear water. Unlike traditional vertical jigging or bottom-bouncing techniques, mid-strolling involves presenting a bait at a consistent mid-level depth, mimicking baitfish that bass feed on in open water. This technique is particularly effective when bass are suspended and actively feeding away from cover.

The key to mid-strolling is maintaining a horizontal posture of the bait during the retrieve, which creates a natural, lifelike presentation. Standard jig heads often cause baits to nose-dive or sink unevenly, but Horizon Head Jigs solve this issue by being specifically designed to maintain balance and a perfectly horizontal orientation throughout the retrieve.

Features of the Horizon Head Jigs Series

The Horizon Head Jigs series offers a range of models, each designed to excel in specific situations. From open water to weedy environments, there’s a Horizon Head Jig for every scenario.

Horizon Head

The original Horizon Head model is crafted for open-water mid-strolling applications. Its balanced head design ensures that soft plastics maintain a flat, horizontal posture, making it ideal for suspending presentations. This model excels in clear water, where precise bait action is crucial for enticing finicky bass.

Horizon Head LG

The Horizon Head LG variant builds on the success of the original but offers a slightly longer hook shank for use with larger soft plastics. This makes it a great choice when targeting bigger fish or when using bulkier baits that require extra support. The LG model maintains the same horizontal balance as the original while offering improved hook exposure for better hookup ratios.

Horizon Head LG Weedless

For anglers fishing in grassy or weedy environments, the LG Weedless model comes equipped with a wire weed guard to reduce snags. This model retains the same horizontal presentation as the other jigs in the series but provides added versatility by allowing anglers to work around cover without getting hung up.

Nano Alpha Finish and TGW Hook Technology

All Horizon Head Jigs are coated with a Nano Alpha finish, a cutting-edge coating that enhances durability and reduces corrosion. This finish not only protects the jig head from wear and tear but also ensures that it maintains its appearance and function after repeated use in both freshwater and saltwater environments.

The jigs are paired with Gamakatsu’s TGW (Tournament Grade Wire) hooks, which are known for their exceptional sharpness and strength. The TGW hook technology ensures better penetration with less effort, improving hookup ratios and minimizing the chances of fish coming unhooked during the fight. The combination of the Nano Alpha finish and TGW hooks makes these jigs reliable and effective, even under the toughest conditions.

Application and Benefits

Maintaining a Horizontal Posture

One of the standout features of Horizon Head Jigs is their ability to keep soft plastics in a perfectly horizontal posture. This is critical for mid-strolling, as it mimics the natural swimming action of baitfish. When paired with soft plastics like flukes or small swimbaits, the jig glides smoothly through the water, maintaining its balance and creating an irresistible action for suspended bass.

This horizontal presentation also helps anglers cover more water effectively. By mid-strolling through open water or along drop-offs, anglers can target fish that might otherwise be difficult to reach with traditional jigging methods.

Improved Hookup Ratios

Thanks to the use of Gamakatsu’s TGW hooks, Horizon Head Jigs offer superior hooking performance. The ultra-sharp hooks penetrate quickly with minimal pressure, which is especially important when fishing with light lines and finesse setups. The TGW hooks are also designed to resist bending under pressure, ensuring they stay hooked once you hook a fish.

Corrosion Resistance

Whether you’re fishing in freshwater or brackish environments, the Nano Alpha finish provides excellent corrosion resistance. This is particularly beneficial for anglers who frequently fish in harsh conditions or who want to ensure their jigs remain in top shape after multiple outings.

Final Thoughts

The Horizon Head Jigs series is a must-have for anglers who want to master the mid-strolling technique and improve their finesse fishing game. With models tailored for open water, larger baits, and weedy environments, these jigs offer versatility and precision that few other jig heads can match. The combination of a balanced design, premium Gamakatsu TGW hooks, and a durable Nano Alpha finish ensures that these jigs are ready for any challenge.

Whether you’re targeting suspended smallmouth in clear northern lakes or working weedy flats for largemouth, Horizon Head Jigs will give you the edge you need. To learn more about these innovative jigs or to get your hands on them, visit Gamakatsu for additional details.

Bass anglers and bait enthusiasts, get ready! The highly anticipated new round of custom-painted baits from Greenfish Tackle is here, featuring exclusive SPRO RkCrawler colors designed to elevate your fishing game. This collaboration has garnered a loyal following for its innovative designs and striking aesthetics, and this latest release promises to be no different. With the introduction of two stunning new colors—BOT Blue and Red Wave—SPRO and Greenfish Tackle are giving anglers even more reasons to get excited.

Introducing the Custom-Painted Bait Series

History of the Collaboration with Greenfish Tackle

The partnership between Best On Tour and Greenfish Tackle began as a passion project aimed at bringing unique, hand-crafted designs to high-performance fishing baits. Greenfish Tackle, known for its craftsmanship and attention to detail, has long specialized in creating custom-painted baits that look great and perform exceptionally well on the water.

Since the beginning, the collaboration has resulted in several limited-edition releases, with each round selling out quickly due to high demand. Anglers love these baits for their premium finishes and exclusive patterns that give them an edge when targeting highly pressured fish. This latest round of custom-painted SPRO RkCrawlers continues the tradition, combining form and function in a way that appeals to serious anglers and collectors alike.

Overview of the New Exclusive Colors: BOT Blue and Red Wave

For this release, SPRO and Greenfish Tackle have introduced two bold new colors:

BOT Blue

This color pattern features a subtle blue underbelly with a red/brown back for an easy target. Designed for clear to slightly stained water, BOT Blue excels in mimicking crawfish during pre-spawn and post-spawn periods when bass are actively feeding. The belly of the bait also features a pale green area to provide additional contrast and realism.

Red Wave

Red Wave, on the other hand, is all about making a statement in murky or stained water. Its fiery red body, complemented by dark stripes, imitates crawfish during early spring—prime time for targeting aggressive bass. The darkened back provides contrast that helps it stand out in low-visibility conditions, making it ideal for dirty water or overcast days.

Both of these new patterns are meticulously painted, ensuring every bait meets the high-quality standard that Greenfish Tackle is known for. The attention to detail and unique designs make these baits not only effective but also highly collectible.

Features and Benefits of SPRO RkCrawler

Design Elements and Functionality

The SPRO RkCrawler is already a favorite among anglers for its incredible design and functionality. Developed by professional angler Mike McClelland, this crankbait is built for tough conditions where a lifelike crawfish imitation can trigger big bites.

Key design features include:

• Steep Diving Angle: This unique design helps the RkCrawler maintain bottom contact at depths of 9 to 14 feet, creating the kind of erratic action that bass find irresistible.
• Wide Wobble Action: The bait’s wide hunting action closely mimics the movement of a fleeing crawfish, making it perfect for rocky bottoms and areas where bass are feeding heavily on bottom-dwelling prey.
• Durable Bill Design: The strong, angled bill allows the bait to deflect off cover and rocks without losing action, increasing its longevity and making it ideal for fishing heavy structure.

Whether you’re fishing pre-spawn bass around rock ledges or working a deep point during post-spawn, the SPRO RkCrawler is designed to deliver consistent results. The new custom colors enhance its appeal by offering patterns that stand out in a variety of water conditions.

Target Fish Species and Conditions

The SPRO RkCrawler excels when targeting largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted bass—especially in rocky, shallow-to-mid-depth environments. Its natural crawfish profile makes it a go-to choice for:

• Pre-spawn bass fishing: When bass begin staging near rocky areas in preparation for the spawn, the RkCrawler’s lifelike crawfish action can trigger aggressive strikes.
• Cold-water conditions: Thanks to its wide wobble and ability to maintain bottom contact, it’s also highly effective during the late fall and early spring when water temperatures are lower.
• Stained to murky water: The bold new color patterns make the bait an excellent choice in waters with reduced visibility, helping bass zero in on the lure even in tough conditions.

Availability and Purchasing Details

If you’re eager to get your hands on these exclusive custom-painted SPRO RkCrawlers, don’t wait too long. As with previous collaborations, stock is limited, and these baits are expected to sell out quickly.

You can purchase them directly from Greenfish Tackle, both online and through select retail partners. Due to the limited nature of this release, once these baits are gone, they’re gone for good. Anglers and collectors alike are encouraged to act fast to secure their favorites before the fishing community snaps them up.

Final Thoughts

The latest round of custom-painted SPRO RkCrawlers from Greenfish Tackle is a testament to the growing demand for high-quality, unique fishing baits that combine top-tier performance with eye-catching designs. Whether you’re an angler looking to up your game on the water or a collector seeking exclusive baits, BOT Blue and Red Wave offer something special for everyone.

With SPRO’s trusted RkCrawler design and Greenfish Tackle’s unparalleled artistry, this collaboration is sure to be a hit among bass anglers. Don’t miss your chance to own a piece of this exclusive release—these baits are destined to become staples in tackle boxes and prized additions to collections alike.

Glide baits have surged in popularity among serious bass anglers, especially in conjunction with forward-facing sonar. This pairing is a lethal combination, allowing anglers to find fish in real time and coax them into biting with the mesmerizing action of glide baits. Elite Series pro Bryan New is a well-known advocate of this tactic, offering valuable insight into how to fine-tune your glide bait game for maximum success. This guide will explore the intricacies of glide baits, forward-facing sonar, and Bryan New’s proven techniques.

Understanding Glide Baits and Forward-Facing Sonar

What Are Glide Baits, and How Do They Work?

Glide baits are a type of swimbait designed to mimic the natural swimming action of large baitfish. Unlike multi-jointed swimbaits that have a rapid, repetitive motion, glide baits feature a single-jointed body that produces a wide, sweeping side-to-side action. This slow, deliberate movement triggers strikes from big, often wary bass that are reluctant to hit faster-moving lures.

One of the key advantages of glide baits is their ability to stay in the strike zone longer. Because they glide in an exaggerated arc rather than a straight line, they present a tantalizing target that’s difficult for bass to resist. Pausing between retrieves allows the bait to suspend momentarily, mimicking a wounded fish—an irresistible signal to opportunistic predators.

Overview of Forward-Facing Sonar Technology

Forward-facing sonar (such as Garmin LiveScope, Lowrance ActiveTarget, and Humminbird MEGA Live) has transformed how anglers locate and target fish. Unlike traditional sonar that only shows what’s beneath the boat, forward-facing sonar offers a real-time view of what’s happening in front of you. This allows anglers to visually track individual fish and even watch how they react to a lure in real time.

When paired with a glide bait, forward-facing sonar helps anglers maintain the right presentation and depth, making it possible to adjust their approach on the fly. The ability to observe how fish are responding—whether they’re curious, neutral, or actively feeding—provides invaluable feedback for fine-tuning your technique.

Bryan New’s Techniques for Effective Glide Bait Use

Elite Series pro Bryan New has been vocal about his success using glide baits with forward-facing sonar, emphasizing precision and adaptability. Here’s a breakdown of his go-to tactics:

Using Cylinder-Style Drop Shot Weights

One of Bryan New’s signature techniques involves adding cylinder-style drop shot weights to his glide bait setup. These weights help him maintain precise depth control, especially when targeting suspended bass. By attaching a small, removable weight near the head of the glide bait, New ensures that the lure stays in the desired strike zone, whether he’s fishing over submerged structure or chasing open-water schools.

This approach is particularly useful in deeper water, where glide baits naturally tend to rise during the retrieve. The added weight counters this buoyancy, allowing for a more consistent presentation and reducing the likelihood of the bait drifting too high above the fish.

Modifications for Better Bait Depth Control

In addition to using weights, Bryan New also makes subtle modifications to his glide baits to improve their performance. For example, he may shave down the tail slightly to alter the bait’s glide distance or tweak the hook placement to fine-tune the lure’s balance.

These small changes can make a big difference, especially when dealing with finicky bass that follow but don’t commit. Adjusting the action to create a tighter or wider glide can trigger more aggressive strikes, particularly when fish are suspended and closely watching the bait’s movement.

Additional Tips for Mastering Glide Bait Fishing

Choosing the Right Bait

While there are countless glide baits on the market, Bryan New often relies on the SPRO KGB Chad Shad for its realistic profile and smooth gliding action. This bait stands out because of its lifelike design, which closely resembles large forage species like gizzard shad—a primary food source for big bass.

When selecting a glide bait, consider the forage base in your local waters. Match the size, color, and profile of the bait to what the bass are feeding on, whether it’s shad, bluegill, or even trout.

Adapting to Different Water Conditions

Water clarity plays a huge role in glide bait success. Glide baits are most effective in clear to moderately stained water, where their visual appeal can entice fish from a distance. In murkier water, opt for baits with added flash or a more pronounced side-to-side action to help bass locate them more easily.

Additionally, wind and current can influence the action of your glide bait. In windy conditions, it’s important to use slightly heavier gear or weights to maintain better control and prevent the bait from being pushed off course.

Final Tips from the Pros

One of the most important lessons Bryan New emphasizes is the value of experimentation. Every day on the water is different, and factors such as weather, water temperature, and bass behavior can all influence how glide baits perform. Don’t be afraid to make adjustments—whether it’s adding or removing weights, altering the retrieve speed, or even changing the bait entirely.

For those just starting out, Bryan recommends keeping things simple: start with a well-balanced glide bait, practice your retrieves, and learn to read your sonar. As you gain experience, you can begin experimenting with more advanced techniques like adding weights or customizing baits.

Conclusion

Using glide baits in conjunction with forward-facing sonar is a game-changing tactic that can help anglers target big bass with precision. Thanks to pros like Bryan New, we have a deeper understanding of how to fine-tune this approach for real-world success. Whether it’s adding cylinder-style weights, choosing the right glide bait, or adapting to varying conditions, mastering these techniques can elevate your fishing game to new heights.

With tools like forward-facing sonar offering unprecedented insight into fish behavior, glide bait fishing has become a truly interactive experience. So next time you’re on the water, give Bryan New’s techniques a try—you just might find yourself hooking into the fish of a lifetime.