Examples of our Best on Tour Newsletter

Pete Robbins takes over Best On Tour again! (Issue 361)

Issue #361- February 5, 2026

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BOT Trivia: Which angler was the first to win back-to-back Bassmaster Classics?

PRESENTED BY: Sunline

On December 31, 2025, I retired after 30 years of practicing law. During the last 22 or so years of that tenure, I was also a nearly full-time bass writer. Now, at long last, I get to live my “side hustle” all day, every day. I have mixed feelings about side hustles in general. I won’t get into that here. I’d rather focus on the fact that I’m exceptionally grateful for all that mine has enabled me to do and see: I’ve fished for Michigan smallmouths with KVD; I’ve gone to Alaskawith Keith Combs; multiple times I’ve been the closest person when the Bassmaster Classic winner caught the fish that clinched it; and I’ve fished many of the best waters in the country and across the world for a wide variety of species. Now I get to combine all of that. I’ll be following the Elite Series traveling circus, creating content every day, and working on a growing fishing travel business called Half Past First Cast with my wife Hanna.

Following The Elites

I’ll start off the season at Guntersville, where the Elites will commence their 2026 campaign without forward facing sonar. It’s one of my favorite lakes in the country. In fact, it’s kind of fitting because when I first met Hanna – a Chicago girl with no fishing experience – in 2003, I told her that my retirement plan was to move to Guntersville, fish every day, and she could work at the lakeside dog food factory. I’m surprised she stayed with me but I’m glad she did. Today she’d reject that idea for a different reason – she’d want to be out there chunking and winding a chatterbait and a trap with me. One of the ways that being on tour will help my writing portfolio is that it’ll enable me to get to know the new generation of anglers. Prior to “the split,” I’d estimate that three-quarters of the Elite pros knew me by sight. Now it’s probably closer to 20%. I want to really dive into their personalities and help build stars based on who they are, not necessarily just how good they are with a rod and reel. I want to tell stories that give fans a reason to care about the talented young guns. One of my favorite movies is “Almost Famous” and I keep using the line that my writing will become more meaningful once I get to “ride the bus with Stillwater.”

Missing Martin for Billfish

The Elite Series schedule didn’t come out until after we’d made some of our travel plans. Unfortunately, Lake Martin conflicts with a trip to Casa Vieja Lodge in Guatemala, where we’ll be hosting a group of 16 in mid-February.

We first visited Guatemala in 2020 as a “once-in-a-lifetime” trip with my parents to celebrate my 50th birthday. Those plans quickly got squashed as we’ve been back every year. It’s a place where you can have a blast whether you’re a tournament billfish angler or you’ve never been on the ocean. On our worst trip we caught 15 sailfish in three days. On our best, we caught 67. On that latter trip, my brother and some of his business school friends, none of whom had fished offshore before, released over 80 sailfish. It’s also a place you can take a spouse or child who doesn’t love to fish because it’s essentially a tropical resort experience – swim-up pool bar, air-conditioned diesel boats, Mercedes Sprinter vans, and so on. We’ve taken three couples where the wife didn’t fish, and once we forced them to take a turn on sailfish they never missed another round.

Marrying Up

As I wrote above, when Hanna and I first met she’d never fished before. That was a risk on my part – either that she’d hate the sport or that she’d resent all of the time that I invest in it. Fortunately, she took to it quickly and now gets excited to travel the world and experience new species and fisheries.

I recognize that we have a growing and vibrant group of passionate and talented female anglers, but there are still some impediments to them getting involved. That’s why I’m thrilled with the direction that Hanna’s efforts have gone – she loves testing the latest gear, interviewing bass pros’ wives, and most of all taking groups of women on bucket list adventures. If you’re a woman who wants to fish more but doesn’t know how to take the next step – or if you know someone who fits that description – reach out to her and let’s get you on a trip! I’m trying to convince her to lead an all-female excursion to Guatemala later this year. Or maybe Argentina for golden dorado. What’s holding you back?

The Ish Model

During a time when most pros fished one tour, perhaps just the Elite Series or FLW, Ish Monroe was the “iron man of fishing.” He fished everything that he could, sometimes multiple tours plus jackpotting various western events. I once asked him why he bit off so much: “I’m a tournament fisherman,” he said matter-of-factly. “My job is to fish tournaments.” In the past I’ve been asked by aspiring outdoor writers how to obtain the writing opportunities that I’ve enjoyed. “Write,” I tell them. “Every day. That’s your job as a writer.”

I don’t know if anyone still aspires to write for a living (or as a side hustle). I may be the last of the breed. Still, no matter what you want to do, you have to do it every day. Want to be a painter? Paint when you don’t feel like it. Dream of the NBA? Shovel off the court to shoot your 500 daily free throws. Content creation is a matter of repetition, building muscle memory and learning from mistakes. I now feel odd if I go a day without writing even a short blog.

PRESENTED BY: Gamakatsu

Three Weeks on Gilligan’s Island

A year after we first visited Guatemala, we were invited to fish for tuna at Sport Fish Panama Island Lodge. I expected it to be another “one-time” deal. We’ve been back four times. We are hosting a group of 20 there in late May which will include Bass Fishing Hall of Famer Skeet Reese and his wife Kim. Lodge owner Shane Jarvis generously donated a trip with Skeet to last fall’s Hall of Fame auction. I need to be on the island in June as well to host another trip, so I’ve elected just to stay there for a total of three weeks. That kind of flexibility is new to me – we’ve only taken one vacation of more than two weeks since our honeymoon in 2005. My goal is to get to the point where I’m too tired to reel in another yellowfin and sick and tired of sashimi and poke.

PRESENTED BY: Whatnot

Lightning Round

·      Elite Series stop I’m most excited to visit: St. Lawrence River

·      Quotation that guides me: “You can’t be a real country unless you have a beer and an airline. It helps if you have some kind of a football team, or some nuclear weapons, but at the very least you need a beer.” (George Carlin)

·      Elite pro (past) I’d like to travel with: Rick Clunn to Alaska

·      Elite pro (current) I’d like to travel with: Steve Kennedy to somewhere in the Amazon

·      My Death Row meal: Kung Pao chicken, Diet Dr Pepper, pumpkin pie

·      New Destinations for 2026: Argentina for golden dorado, California with Oliver and Riley Ngy

·      Favorite TV shows: The Sopranos, The Wire, The League, All in the Family

·      Favorite non-fishing athletes of my lifetime: Ron Guidry, Lawrence Taylor, Muggsy Bogues

·      One lure for the rest of my life: Green pumpkin Senko

PRESENTED BY: AFTCO

Not A Real Retirement

While I expect that I’ll never practice law again, my “retirement” is hardly an end to working. Much like KVD has done, or what I expect Ike will do starting next year, I expect that I’ll be every bit as busy going forward, just focusing on different goals. As someone who came from a non-fishing family, I am eternally grateful that I found fishing, or that fishing found me. It has provided a little bit of extra income, an amazing network of friends, and true purpose in life. It has strengthened my relationship with Hanna as we’ve built a business togetherand enabled me to see the world. If you’re reading this, then you probably understand much of that – I hope that each of you find your own way to have the sport benefit your life so fully.

*****************************

If you’d like to discuss travel options with us, or join us on a hosted trip, shoot us an email at fishmore@halfpastfirstcast.com.

More info:

·      Alaska

·      Guatemala

·      Panama

·      Argentina

·      Mexico

·      Louisiana

Best On Tour Breakdown Ep. 9

In this episode of The Best on Tour Breakdown, the crew dives into the latest buzz, banter, baits, and business shaping the bass fishing world. Highlights include Drew Gill becoming the youngest angler in MLF history to surpass $1 million in career earnings, a lively discussion about a controversial “illegal” Japanese bait hack, and a closer look at the Bill Lewis Big Gizz swimbait. The conversation also shifts to the business side with an interesting comparison of golf versus fishing, capped off with a fun bonus story about a bass catching a world-record bass in Bass Lake. It’s a fast-paced mix of news, gear talk, and insider perspective that you won’t want to miss. Check it out here.

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Issue #361

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Was the Coike’s origin story hiding in your cereal box? (Issue 360)

Issue #360- January 29, 2026

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BOT Trivia: Who is the title sponsor of the Bassmaster Elite Series?​

PRESENTED BY: Sunline

If You Build The Winning Roster, Do-it Molds Will Send You Everything To Build Your Baits!

Do-it Molds is inviting custom tackle fanatics and bass fishing fans alike to join the Do-It Molds Bassmaster Fantasy League – a little friendly competition that makes every tournament more fun to follow! Set your roster, make your picks, and compete against other B.A.S.S. Fans who live and breathe bass fishing. Here’s the kicker – they’re awarding a $500 Custom Tackle Giveaway to both the Drain the Lake winner and the Fantasy Fishing winner. Two competitions. Two winners. Same custom tackle grand prize.

If you already spend your time dialing in bait designs and following the pros, this one’s for you. Bragging rights included.

👉 Join the Do-It Molds Bassmaster Fantasy League today and start building toward the win.

Toyota Expands Bonus Bucks Contingency Program For 2026

Toyota Motor North America is proud to announce the expansion of the popular Toyota Bonus Bucks contingency program, which will reward more anglers with bigger payouts during the 2026 tournament season. Toyota Bonus Bucks offers cash rewards to anglers who tow their boat with a 2022 or newer Toyota tow vehicle and compete in one of the over 600+ supported tournaments. Bonus Bucks will now contribute additional payouts to the top three highest-placing anglers in notable tournament series, including the Bassmaster Elite Series and the Major League Fishing (MLF) Bass Pro Tour. In addition to expanding the pool of anglers eligible for payouts at each event, Toyota is increasing payout amounts for anglers competing in Bassmaster Elite Series and MLF Bass Pro Tour competition. The highest placing eligible Toyota Bonus Bucks member will now receive a $4,000 payout in regular season Elite and BPT tournaments, up from $3,000 in previous years. Under the new structure, Toyota Bonus Bucks will provide payouts to the top three anglers in each of these prestigious tournament trails, rewarding more anglers with bigger payouts. Learn more details about the expanded program here.

Have We Discovered The Origins Of The Coike?

If you were a kid in the 80s, there’s a very real chance the original Hideup Coike showed up in your life long before it ever hit the water. I’m talking about the Wacky WallWalker, that sticky, octopus-shaped elastomer creature you’d peel off the wall, throw back up, and watch it walk its way down like it was alive. You probably found it as a surprise in a box of cereal, immediately stuck it to every surface in the house, and got yelled at for it. Fast forward a few decades, and here we are obsessing over a wildly effective, rubbery, pulsating bait that crawls, breathes, and flat out gets bit. Coincidence? Maybe. But deep down, I’m convinced the hottest bait in fishing right now is just the WallWalker finally living up to its true destiny!

Comparison: Thick Trick VS Thick Stick

Two new, thicker trick-worm style baits have just hit the market, and Real Deal Tackle breaks down what sets them apart and when to choose each one. From profile and plastic composition to action and sink rate, they cover the key differences between the Zoom Thick Trick Worm and the Z-Man FattyZ Thick Stickz. The video also walks through multiple rigging options to help anglers get the most out of these baits in different conditions. Check it out here.
PRESENTED BY: Gamakatsu

#WeAreCollegiateBass Podcast

On EP. 244 of the Rapala #WeAreCollegiateBass Podcast, host Kyle Curry is joined by Grace Olsen & Emmarie Bires from 4th ranked Wabash Valley College. On the previous episode, we talked with Jackson Roumbanis from Murray State College who recently traveled to South Africa to represent Team USA. Grace and Emmarie both made the trip to South Africa as well. Grace competed for Team USA and Emmarie captured digital content for social media. Tune in to hear them talk about this experience, as well as break down WVC’s season so far…as they are ranked 4th in the Bass Pro Shops School of the Year presented by Abu Garcia. Check it out here.
Fishing Chaos, a leading digital tournament management and angler engagement platform, and Bass Pro Shops, North America’s premier outdoor retailer and conservation company, today announced a strategic partnership aimed at elevating the fishing experience and supporting the growth of angler communities nationwide. As part of the partnership, Fishing Chaos will support Bass Pro Shops across a variety of live, in-person tournaments and nationwide online events. This announcement comes on the heels of Bass Pro’s announcement of an all new format for the 2026 U.S. Open Bowfishing Championship, a 24-hour competition with over $100,000 in cash & prizes on the line. Starting in 2026, Anglers will gain increased access to competitions, improved communication tools, and enhanced digital features such as live leaderboards, mobile updates, and real-time score tracking. “Partnering with Bass Pro Shops marks a defining moment for Fishing Chaos,” said John Calagaz, founder of Fishing Chaos. “The fishing industry is ready for a new era of innovation—one where data, connectivity, and real-time tools empower anglers, tournament directors, brands, and conservation efforts. Bass Pro Shops has a deep commitment to the outdoor community, and they are the ideal partner to help bring this vision to life and move technology forward across the sport.” The collaboration also introduces new advantages for Fishing Chaos partners, particularly brands with products available at Bass Pro Shops. As anglers participate in tournaments, log catches, join communities, and explore gear within the app, brands gain more opportunities to engage customers in an angling-centric environment that includes seasoned tournament anglers, recreational anglers, and beginners alike. By aligning event participation, community interaction, and gear exploration, the partnership creates a seamless experience for anglers to discover and engage with products they trust. “Competition is a core element of angling communities across the United States,” said Tom Brewbaker, President and CEO of Fishing Chaos. “This partnership strengthens the angling ecosystem by providing hundreds of thousands of anglers – across all experience levels – with more opportunities to compete and connect through events that support long-term community growth, while enhancing engagement opportunities for the brands that power the sport.” Many events hosted on the platform will continue to promote best practices related to catch-and-release and invasive species control. These efforts will also help deliver more meaningful catch data to key stakeholders, supporting conservation-minded decision-making. Fishing Chaos will also introduce a dedicated Bass Pro Shops gear experience within the platform, allowing anglers to browse curated fishing products that link directly to Bass Pro Shops’ online store. Active Fishing Chaos users—particularly those contributing catch data or gear insights—will have access to special catch log features and performance-based incentives throughout the year.

PRESENTED BY: Whatnot

Upcoming Bass Fishing Whatnot Shows

What is Whatnot?

Whatnot is a live-stream marketplace where anglers buy, sell, and auction gear in real time. Live shows, exclusive drops, and deals you won’t find at retail. Some shows are higher quality than others, here are some we think are good:

Today (Thurs, Jan 29):

10am: Gorilla Baits Click here to view

11am: Fishbonz Tackle Co Click here to view

11:40am: 6th Sense Click here to view

Times are in Central Time

PRESENTED BY: AFTCO

No Ordinary Joe

Roughly 37 years ago a boy named Joe cast a live crawfish he’d caught in a nearby canal into Long Beach, California’s El Dorado Park pond with his first ever baitcasting rod, a pistol grip model of course. A 5-pound largemouth tugged at his offering soon after, and ultimately grabbed his young soul in a manner that set forth a lifetime of highly admirable bass fishing success, including over $700,000 in tournament winnings the past 20 years, along with 8 prize boats, and a direct hand in selling around 5,000 boats to other anglers and recreationalists. Obviously, the boy was no ordinary Joe. Instead, the son of an avid angler named Joe Uribe Sr., is not only one of the top competitive anglers in the Western United States, but also regarded as one of the top fulltime boat salesmen in the United States the past 20 years. At age 46, Joe Uribe Jr. is beginning 2026 with what promises to be another year of positive vibes, helping others chase their dreams, selling dozens of boats, and yes, hauling not one but two 5-bass limits to the scales over 36-pounds recently at the WON Bass Winter Open on Clear Lake. “I love it all. From 10” swimbaits to punching vegetation or casting a squarebill shallow, but in that event, I knew after a couple days of practice the only way to win was with forward-facing sonar. So, I took everything out of my Vexus® except… Read more here.

We Need Your Feedback

Thank you to everyone who took a minute to fill out last week’s survey — we really appreciate the feedback. Based on your responses, we’ve made a few updates and would love a handful of additional submissions to help finalize the direction. It only takes about one minute to complete, and your input directly influences what we build next. Check it out here.

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Issue #360

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Tow vehicles by the numbers on the 2026 Bass Pro Tour (Issue 359)

Issue #359- January 22nd, 2026

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BOT Trivia: Which fishery was the site of the 2022 Bassmaster Elite Series event where Lee Livesay won with a four-day total of 113 pounds, 11 ounces?​

PRESENTED BY: Sunline

Dual Threat Season Is Underway

The Dual Threat Team Fishing Trail is kicking off its 2026 season this week on Lake Okeechobee, with teams gathering at Roland & Mary Ann Martins Marina & Resort in Clewiston, FL for the January 21–23 opener. This three-day event marks the first of six regular season stops where teams compete for points toward championship qualification, with the season moving on to other classic fisheries like the St. Johns River, Lake Eufaula, and Guntersville later in the year. The Lake Okeechobee stop sets the tone for the trail’s highly competitive season, drawing anglers eager to start strong on one of Florida’s most iconic bass lakes.

Hackney Links Up With Suzuki

Three-time Bassmaster Elite Series champion and the 2014 Toyota Bassmaster Angler of the Year Greg Hackney announced earlier this week that he will be running a Suzuki on the 2026 Elite Series. Hackney joins a list of anglers including Jacob Wheeler and Mark Davis who’ve made the move to Suzuki this season.

Hot Start Amid Cold Conditions For Mark Daniels Jr.

As the sun crested the ridges that surround Lake Guntersville and illuminated this iconic fishery on the second morning of competition at B&W Trailer Hitches Stage 1 Presented by MercuryMark Daniels Jr. was preparing to try and duplicate what he described as an excellent start to his eighth season on the Bass Pro Tour. Read more about MDJ’s hot start at Stage 1 of the Bass Pro Tour here.

Super Tuned Drop Shot

The Gamakatsu Super Tuned Drop Shot hook is designed for exceptional performance with a focus on precision and hookup ratios. Featuring Tournament Grade Wire and Nano Alpha finish, this hook boasts a G Lock point with a slightly upturned design to maximize hookup percentages. Its straight shank design ensures the hook rigs straight and stands out more prominently on the fishing line, enhancing presentation. Add this awesome new dropshot hook to your arsenal. Check out the full selection here.
PRESENTED BY: Gamakatsu

Brightwell And Rojas Join BTL

Dean Rojas and Kevin Brightwell of KGB Swimbaits join BTL to break down their new reel lineup designed specifically for swimbait and frogging applications. During the conversation, they dive into the design process, key features, and performance details that set these reels apart, while sharing insights on how they were built to handle heavy baits, thick cover, and high-stress situations. The discussion offers a behind-the-scenes look at how angler feedback and real-world testing shaped reels built for power, control, and reliability. Check it out here.

Listen to EP. 243 of the Rapala #WeAreCollegiateBass Podcast

Listen here

Nitro, Ranger, and Triton Owners Earn Big in the Texas Team Trail

Read More Here

We Need Your Feedback

Best On Tour needs your feedback! We would greatly appreciate you taking a few minutes of your time to participate in this short survey that will help us create better resources for our subscribers. Get started here.
PRESENTED BY: AFTCO

Spool Up Right

If you fish a lot… like really fish, not just a couple weekends a month, then you know how fast line can disappear. Whether you’re re-spooling the night before a tournament or swapping out line after a day grinding through brush piles and rock, fluorocarbon isn’t cheap. That’s where bulk spools come in clutch. Not only do they save you money in the long run, but they also keep your rigs running smoothly, with fresh line ready when you need it most. Sunline has carved out a name for itself in the fishing world as a go-to for high-performance line, especially in the bass game. Their lineup of bulk spool fluorocarbon options is tailored for serious anglers who want quality, consistency, and value. If that sounds like you, keep reading! We’re breaking down each bulk option so you can choose the right one for your fishing style. Learn more about the advantages of purchasing line in bulk spools here.

What’s The Difference? | Silicone vs. Rubber Jigs

The material is your first hint, but how does it actually affect your fishing? Bryan New breaks down the key differences between silicone and rubber jigs, explaining how each material impacts action, profile, and performance in the water. From the subtle, consistent movement of silicone to the fuller flare and slower fall of rubber, Bryan shows how jig material can influence bites in different conditions. He also dives into when and where each shines—whether you’re targeting pressured fish, fishing cold water, or looking to trigger reaction strikes—giving anglers practical insight they can immediately apply on the water. Check it out here.

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Issue #359

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The definitive 2026 guide to Forward-Facing Sonar regulations (Issue 358)

Issue #358- January 15th, 2026

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BOT Trivia: Which legendary angler is credited with popularizing the modern spinnerbait in the 1960s?​

PRESENTED BY: Sunline

Start Saving With Do-It Molds

We all know the edge isn’t always about buying more – it’s about building smarter. The new Do-It Molds Catalog puts everything you need to make premium, tournament-ready tackle in one place – and the catalog 100% free. With Do-It Molds, you can pour high-quality jigs for around $2.50 each, customize every detail from colors and skirt combinations to hook styles and weights, and dial in baits that match your exact fishery, season, and bite. No compromises. No guessing. Just total control and real cost savings over store-bought tackle. One catalog. Every mold, component, and tool you need to build baits that compete at the highest level – without paying retail prices. Request your free catalog here and start fishing tackle made your way.

BOT Breakdown Is Now On OATV

Outdoor Action TV is excited to announce the addition of Best on Tour Breakdown, a behind-the-scenes bass fishing podcast, to its expanding lineup of premium outdoor podcasts. New episodes of Best on Tour Breakdown are available now on Outdoor Action TV. To listen to Best on Tour Breakdown,download the Outdoor Action TV mobile app on iOS or Android and find it under the Podcast section. Video episodes of the podcast will also be available on the app under the Fishing category, giving viewers the option to watch the conversations unfold. Both audio and video versions of Best on Tour Breakdown are also available to stream on the Outdoor Action TV website.

Classic Champ Dion Hibdon Passes

Dion Hibdon, the 1997 Bassmaster Classic champion, died on Monday, Jan. 12 at age 58 following a brief illness. He was part of the legendary Hibdon fishing family and is survived by his wife Amy, his sons Payden, Connor and Lawson, and siblings Dotty and Chuck. Hibdon followed in the footsteps of his father, Classic winner Guido Hibdon, and went on to build his own successful career—including capturing the 2000 FLW Cup—becoming one half of the only father-son duo to win the Bassmaster Classic. Learn more about Dion and his legendary career here.

6th Sense Plump Panorama

A beefed-up variation of the wildly popular 6th Sense Panorama, the 6th Sense Plump Panorama is a supremely realistic forage-fish imitation geared towards heavier-duty applications. Adorned with natural finishes and intricate scale patterns, the Plump Panorama features a thicker body composition that gives the bait added weight, increased water displacement, and enhanced durability better suited to heavy-gauge hooks. Representing a substantial meal to big bass and other predatory species, the Plump Panorama wiggles, kicks, and undulates with even the slightest movement of the rod tip. Whether flipping shallow cover or casting to deep structure, the Plump Panorama can be fished using a variety of methods, including Texas and Tokyo rigs, drop shots, and more. Additionally, the bait includes a subtle hook slot on one side for more streamlined and straightforward weedless rigging. Complete with glistening 3D eyes, the 6th Sense Plump Panorama is your ticket to a chunky limit. Check out the full selection here.
PRESENTED BY: Gamakatsu

Drew Benton’s 2026 Bass Boat is DIALED

Drew Benton’s 2026 bass boat setup is next-level. In this exclusive Cut Line breakdown, we take a deep dive into the new upgrades, electronics, rigging, and performance changes Drew Benton is running as he prepares for the 2026 Bassmaster Elite Series season. From cutting-edge marine electronics to efficiency, fishability, and tournament-ready rigging, every upgrade on this pro bass fishing boat has a purpose. This isn’t just a boat tour — it’s a full Elite Series–level breakdown of what one of the best anglers in the world trusts when money, points, and trophies are on the line. Check it out here.
Get ready, Texas Texas Team Trail (TXTT) anglers! The moment you’ve been waiting for has officially arrived! Registration for the 2026 Bass Pro Shops Texas Team Trail presented by Progressive is NOW OPEN, and this season is shaping up to be the most electrifying year in trail history. With stacked payouts, legendary partners, iconic fisheries, and new surprises on deck, the first step to being the Progressive Team of the Year starts today. Secure your spot and get ready to fish. Learn more here.

Ultimate Guide To Forward-Facing Sonar Rules For 2026 Bass Tournaments

Forward-Facing Sonar (FFS) has been the most talked-about technology in modern bass fishing. Over the past few seasons, live sonar has changed how anglers find, target, and catch fish, leading to record-setting performances, shifting tournament strategies, and sparking spirited debate across the sport.

For 2026, tournament organizations are drawing clearer lines as it pertains to FFS. Rather than fully embracing or eliminating the technology all together, most leagues have landed on measured limits designed to protect competitive balance, and bring traditional fishing skills back into the spotlight.

To keep it simple for our subscribers we’ve developed a straightforward breakdown of how Forward-Facing Sonar will be regulated across the biggest bass fishing tournaments in 2026, and what it means for anglers and fans alike. Check out the full guide here.

PRESENTED BY: AFTCO

Ellenson Crushes Clear Lake

Garrett Ellenson of Nine Mile Falls, Washington capped a consistent three-day performance by rallying on the final day to win the WON BASS Winter Open at Clear Lake. After sitting in second place through the first two days, Ellenson sealed the victory with a 32.53-pound final-day bag, finishing with a three-day total of 98.37 pounds. His win earned him a Ranger Z518 powered by a Mercury ProXS, along with $3,500 in cash including Big Bass honors. Ellenson relied on a 6-inch Z-Man Scented Jerk ShadZ in Smokey Shad on a 3/16-ounce Cipher Fishing tungsten head. He paired 18-lb Seaguar JDM PEX8 braid to an 8-foot, 10-lb Seaguar Tatsu fluorocarbon leader, matched with a Shimano Stradic spinning reel and a 7’6″ medium G. Loomis NRX+ 902 rod for maximum sensitivity and control. Read more about the event here.

Best On Tour Breakdown Episode 8

The Best on Tour Breakdown goes behind the scenes of bass fishing with a fast-paced mix of buzz, banter, baits, and business. This episode dives into the polygraph debate, breaks down B.A.S.S.’s updated no-info rule, spotlights the Berkley PowerBait Triple Minnow Rig Kit, and covers the launch of BeatDown Outdoors’ Zeroed In FFS Transducer Mount—plus a must-see bonus moment featuring an epic Hideup Coike dyeing fail.  Check out the 10:15 AM January 15th premier here.

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Issue #358

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Make your first cast of the new year with Best On Tour (Issue 357)

Issue #357- January 1st, 2026

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BOT Trivia: Which truck brand is the official vehicle sponsor of both MLF and B.A.S.S.?​

See the answer
PRESENTED BY: Sunline

Competing, Guiding, And Mentoring – Chase Carey’s Pursuit Of Fishing For A Living

When Chase Carey graduated from Emmanuel University with a degree in Sports Management last year he had one major goal in mind: find a way to fish for a living. Like many up-and-comers in this next generation of tournament anglers, Carey made a name for himself through college fishing. Under the leadership of a bass fishing legend, the late Pam Martin-Wells, or “Coach Pam” as Carey calls her, Chase and his partner Dylan Akins were crowned the Bassmaster College Series Team of the Year his senior year. Team of the Year was one of many accolades and accomplishments Carey compiled throughout his collegiate fishing career. Since graduating, Carey has gone on to compete in the gauntlet that is the Bassmaster Opens, with hopes of one-day qualifying for the Elite Series through the Open EQs. Along with fishing tournaments, Carey started a guiding business to help off-set tournament expenses. Check out more details on Chase’s journey here.

New Skirt Material From Do-it Molds!

Tournament Anglers – you know the small details create the biggest advantages, and a jig’s skirt is one of the most important elements in bringing a bait to life – controlling movement, profile, fall rate, water displacement, and ultimately how confidently fish commit. Do-It Molds has expanded its skirting material lineup with premium options designed to help jig makers fine-tune action and durability while unlocking cleaner, faster, and more customizable builds. The newest additions offer real tournament benefits, including:

●      Fine Round Rubber Filament – ultra-thin strands that pulse and breathe for unmatched natural movement!

●      Fine Cut Silicone – half the thickness of a standard tab for subtle vibration and a silky live-water response!

●      KT Natural Series – lifelike forage-matched colorways built for pressured-fish confidence!

●      KT Pre-Banders – pre-tied tabs that streamline skirt building and speed up your process!

The right skirt materials allow anglers to build jigs with sharper action at rest, more natural flare on the fall, stronger durability through long tournament days, and full control over matching local forage or refining a pressured-fish profile – a quiet edge that doesn’t overpower the craft, but makes every build work smarter on the water.

Steering The Ship: Patterson’s Season Of Reset, Faith And Forward Motion

Anastasia Patterson learned this season that pressure carries weight.

The kind she puts on herself. The kind that comes from expectations. The kind that can quietly creep into every cast, every decision, every long drive down the highway to the next weigh-in. “You want yourself to do the best you can, and I put a ton of pressure on myself,” Patterson said. “Towards the end of the season, I was talking to a friend and fellow competitor, and he gave me some great advice. He told me to just be comfortable with myself and that hit me in a meaningful way.” For an angler still early in her career, comfort is not something that always comes easily. Patterson, a Team Toyota pro competing at some of the highest levels of bass fishing, spent much of the past year learning what it means to slow down, recalibrate and grow. Not just as an angler but as a woman navigating a demanding, male-dominated sport. Get more details on her story here.

Z-Man Swag LT Swimbait

Designed to bring some swag back to your swimbait fishing game, the Z-Man Swag LT Swimbait creates wide, hard-thumping swim action with an innovative wedge-shaped tail that remains stable at any retrieve speed. Featuring an innovative Over/Under Line-Through rigging harness, the Swag LT Swimbait allows for single top hook and belly hook rigging options so you’re always ready if the situation calls for dragging bottom or open water swimming. Each swimbait comes with a strong black-nickel top hook and a custom double-pronged hook that fits cleanly into the twin clip keeper on the belly.

Constructed using Z-Man’s famous 10X Tough ElaZtech plastic for enhanced durability, the high-floating plastic formula resists cuts, nicks, and tears to withstand the abuse of fish catches far longer than traditional soft plastic. Available in match-the-hatch colorways to mimic the forage in your local fishery, the Z-Man Swag LT Swimbait also includes an internal glass rattle to help fish locate it more easily in murky waters. Check out the full selection here.

PRESENTED BY: Gamakatsu

Chasing Big Bass In Snowy Japan

This show is all about breaking down Toshifumi Kikumoto’s high-energy, detail-driven fishing style and showing exactly how he approaches tough situations on the water. In this episode, he heads to Hiyoshi Dam in Kyoto, only to be met with brutal winter conditions and a lake that’s turned a silvery white. Check it out here.
B.A.S.S. officials are excited to announce that Turtlebox Audio, the rugged portable speaker company built for adventure, has signed on as the Title Sponsor of the Bassmaster Opens. The agreement pairs one of the fastest-growing brands in outdoor audio with one of the sport’s most competitive and widely followed tournament series. Learn more here.

PRESENTED BY: Denali

Horizon Head LG Weedless Light

Designed for precision and subtlety, the Horizon Head LG Weedless Light delivers a finesse-focused evolution of the original Horizon Head. It excels in mid-strolling and shallow water situations where a natural presentation is key. Built with Tournament Grade Wire, Nano Alpha construction, and an LG (Large Gap) hook, it maintains strength without sacrificing finesse. A titanium weed guard provides confident, weedless performance, making it an outstanding pre-spawn search tool when lighter weights and finesse plastics are the difference.

Available here.

PRESENTED BY: AFTCO

Best On Tour Announces New Partnership with Vexus Boats

Best On Tour has announced a new partnership with Vexus Boats, marking a collaboration built on more than traditional sponsorship. Through this partnership, Vexus will deliver real value to the BOT community with in-depth storytelling, behind-the-scenes content, and practical insights created specifically for dedicated bass anglers. As an educational and editorial partner within the Best on Tour newsletter, Vexus will bring readers closer to the people, places, and process behind modern, high-performance fishing boats.

“Look a layer or two beneath our best-in-the-business fiberglass and aluminum innovations, and I believe you’ll find a refreshing group of folks who simply love bass fishing,” said Alan “Guck” McGuckin of the Vexus marketing team. “When we’re not building premium-quality boats, many of us are on Bull Shoals, Grand Lake, Lake of the Ozarks, or wherever they’re biting best. We share the same passion as the Best On Tour crew to keep anglers informed about what’s really happening in the sport we all love. We look forward to telling many authentic stories together as our Flippin, Arkansas-based company becomes the official fishing boat partner of this fun and informative group.” The partnership reflects a shared commitment to authentic storytelling, education, and growing the sport through transparency and real-world experience—not just marketing. “Vexus isn’t just a boat company—they’re anglers first, and that shows,” said Best On Tour’s Dave Rush. “This partnership isn’t about ads. It’s about delivering real insight, real stories, and real value from people who live and breathe this sport every day.”

This Handmade Bait Is Expensive

From Episode 6 of The Best on Tour Breakdown, Dave and Jordan break down the role of big glide baits, focusing on the legendary Roman Made lineup. Dave pulls out an OG Roman Made Negotiator, a bait that helped define the glide bait category with its wide S-swim and oversized profile built to target trophy bass. Check it out here.
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Issue #357

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The Ultimate 2026 Pro Bass Fishing Schedule — All Tours, One Page (Issue 356)

Issue #356- December 25th, 2025

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BOT Trivia: What Alabama lake has hosted more B.A.S.S. events than any other?​​

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PRESENTED BY: Sunline

WON BASS 2026 Season Is Upon Us

The WON BASS 2026 season is set with five major events that span the year and showcase some of the West’s most iconic fisheries. The schedule kicks off with the new Winter Open at Clear Lake on January 8–10, followed by the Lake Shasta Open on February 19–21 and a return to Clear Lake for the Clear Lake Open on April 16–18. The action continues at the Lake Havasu Open on May 7–9 before culminating with the prestigious US Open at Lake Mohave on October 5–7. All events will run Thursday through Saturday, with the US Open serving as a special Monday–Wednesday championship format. Check out more details here.

Swindle On The Road To Recovery

The 2025 off-season has looked a little different for Team Toyota pro Gerald Swindle. Usually “G-man” and his wife LeAnn are focused on whitetail deer, what the direction is blowing, and which treestand they want to climb into during the break in tournament season throughout fall and winter. This year, the Swindle’s have been focused on rehab and recovery from knee replacement surgery. The 56-year-old Elite Series veteran and fan favorite scheduled to have both of his knees replaced this offseason. Swindle had his first knee surgery immediately following his duties as emcee for the annual Toyota Bonus Bucks Owners Tournament. Thankfully his first surgery was successful and smooth. Swindle has since been working hard to recover and get stronger. Read the full story on Swindle’s off-season maintenance here.

B.A.S.S. Announces Updated No Information RUles

B.A.S.S. has announced an update to its No-Information rule that will apply to the Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series, Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour, Nitro Bassmaster Elite Qualifiers presented by Bass Pro Shops (EQs) and the Turtlebox Bassmaster Opens in 2026. The new structure was developed in collaboration with the Association of Bass Professionals (ABP) — a panel of Elite Series anglers elected to represent the field — with the goal of preserving the integrity of tournament competition while giving anglers more freedom to enjoy the sport and discuss fishing outside of the primary competition window — the 28 day period where the water is off limits. Under the revised rule, the No-Information period begins as soon as the Elite Series schedule is announced — or when an angler becomes definitively aware of a tournament location. From that point forward, anglers may not purchase or exchange goods or services for information or waypoints. Get more details on this story here.

Frittside

Another take on a classic design, the Berkley® Frittside crankbait was developed with legendary crankbait angler David Fritts and features the same proven action that helped win him the Bassmaster Classic®. It delivers the subtle, tight wobble of a traditional balsa crankbait, paired with the durability and long-casting performance of a plastic body—making it a go-to option for tough bites. Designed to excel when fish are sluggish or heavily pressured, the Frittside shines in very cold or very hot water, especially in depths under 10 feet where a silent, finesse-style presentation can make all the difference. Check out the full selection here.
PRESENTED BY: Gamakatsu

Simple Jerkbait Weighting Trick You NEED To Know

In this quick pro tip video, Michael Neal breaks down a simple jerkbait weighting trick that can help you get your favorite jerkbait down to deeper depths, especially in cold water or offshore structure situations. Check it out here.

School Of The Year Standings

In this final article of a three-part series, the Association of Collegiate Anglers will review the Top 5 teams in the Bass Pro Shops School of the Year presented by Abu Garcia at this point in the season. Here are those teams:

1. Carson-Newman University (Pre-Season Rank: 2)

2. University of Montevallo (Pre-Season Rank: 1)

3. University of North Alabama (Pre-Season Rank: 3)

4. Wabash Valley College (Pre-Season Rank: 9)

5. Lander University (Pre-Season Rank: 11)

Each of the teams currently ranked in the Top 5 were selected inside of the Top 15 for the ACA’s annual Pre-Season Poll entering this campaign. All five teams also finished last season in the Top 15 for the final rankings of the Bass Pro Shops School of the Year presented by Abu Garcia. Two of these five teams have previously finished the year ranked number one: University of Montevallo (2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025), and University of North Alabama (2014, 2015). As it pertains to the 2025-26 season, three of these teams have secured victories across the three major college trails. Lander University anglers Andrew Blanton & Garrett Smith have won two events. They won the Bassmaster College Series Championship at Cherokee Lake, as well as the latest MLF College Series tournament at Lake Hartwell. Five-time title defending University of Montevallo has secured one major victory. Brody Robison & Peyton Sorrow won the MLF College Series event at Pickwick Lake.

Third ranked University of North Alabama won the second ACA event of the fall. Bryce DiMauro and Tripp Berlinsky took home the title for the AFTCO Collegiate Bass Open at Lake Dardanelle. Carson-Newman holds a lead of just under 2,500 points at the halfway mark in this season. The team from Jefferson, TN is pursuing its first-ever title as Bass Pro Shops School of the Year presented by Abu Garcia. Carson-Newman has finished the year ranked third for three straight seasons, and has been in the Top 10 to round out each of the last six years. Along with top-ranked Carson-Newman, both Lander University and Wabash Valley College are seeking their first titles this year. If UNA were to win it all, they would join Montevallo as the only two teams to have ever won the Bass Pro Shops School of the Year presented by Abu Garcia three or more times. View the current rankings here.

PRESENTED BY: Denali

Big Bait FC

Glide baits and swimbaits have seen increased popularity and now there is a choice in fluorocarbon made specifically for them. Big Bait FC was designed to make casting these big baits easier and ensuring when you do get that big strike that the fish ends up in your hands. This 100% fluorocarbon was designed with high tensile strength and abrasion resistance to tackle big fish in heavy cover. It is also manufactured with dynamic shock to avoid break offs when casting heavy baits. This dynamic shock also prevents break offs from aggressive strikes of trophy fish. The line has high surface slickness for improved casting.

Benefits/Features

  • Designed for casting glide baits and swimbaits
  • 100% fluorocarbon
  • Manufactured with dynamic shock to prevent break offs from casting heavy lures or aggressive bites
  • High tensile strength and abrasion resistance

Available in 165yd and 660yd spools. Sizes available are 20lb, 22lb and 25lb.

LB Test: 20, 22, 25

Spool Length: 165 YD, 660 YD

Available here.

PRESENTED BY: AFTCO

Complete Pro Bass Tournament Master Schedule

Best on Tour has streamlined the 2026 season by combining every pro and semi-pro level tournament into one clean, chronological master schedule. Instead of bouncing between multiple websites, anglers can now scroll through the entire season from start to finish, click any event, and jump directly to the official event page. You can bookmark the page for easy reference or quickly access individual schedules for specific tours including the MLF Bass Pro Tour, Bassmaster Elite Series, Pro Circuit, NPFL, Bassmaster Opens and EQs, Toyota Series, and WON BASS. Forward-facing sonar (FFS) rules are clearly noted by event, making it easy to see where it’s allowed — or not — across each circuit. Check it out here.

This Hook Setup Looks Crazy… Until It Works

From Episode 6 of The Best on Tour Breakdown, Jordan dives into the exact Butch Brown rig that produced the massive 11-pound bass you’ve seen sitting behind him throughout the series. Check it out here.

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Issue #356

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No more rumors: The final 2026 Elite Series field explained (Issue 355)

Issue #355- December 18th, 2025

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BOT Trivia: What company introduced the first widely used graphite casting rods?​​

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PRESENTED BY: Sunline

Pro Circuit Momentum Reaches A New Level Heading Into 2026

Major League Fishing announced today that the 2026 Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit Presented by MillerTech is officially full, with 150 professional anglers committed to all six stops for the upcoming season. The roster includes pros from 32 states that have collectively fished 10,450 MLF tournaments and amassed more than $30 million in tournament winnings from Major League Fishing alone. Nineteen pros hail from Tennessee, followed by Alabama with 17 and South Carolina with 15. The oldest competitor is veteran pro Nick Gainey of Charleston, South Carolina, at 81 while the youngest is 18-year-old Cason Sanchez of Flintville, Tennessee. Forty-nine pros are in their 20s, while 53 are veterans who have each fished 100 or more MLF tournaments. The field also includes eight current Bass Pro Tour anglers. Check out more details here.

Boats, ornaments, and beyond:

Lance Newton leads Vexus® with a servant’s heart

Nine summers ago, the son of a rural school superintendent walked into a 14-acre hay pasture full of ticks alongside Forrest L. Wood’s grandson, Keith Daffron, his longtime close friend, and together they began staking out boundaries for an ambitious dream to build their own state-of-the-art boat manufacturing facility in Flippin, Arkansas. Today, Lance Newton serves as V.P. of Operations for Vexus® Boats, working daily to lead nearly 200 dedicated teammates to build the highest quality fishing boats in the business, in a manner that is not only highly efficient, but also considerate of treating teammates with respect and appreciation throughout the process. “I can’t help but be proud of the fact we literally started Vexus from the ground up by pounding PVC stakes in the ground that summer day, and have turned it into one of the most respected fishing boat brands in the world, while working with friends and family,” says Newton, who grew up in nearby Viola, and earned a mechanical engineering degree from Arkansas Tech in 2002. As the ticks take a breather and the leaves disappear from the local Ozark Mountain landscape each autumn, Lance Newton’s heart for serving others takes on an additional focus as he creates the design for the company Christmas ornament, of which close to 500 will be laser cut by Precision Technologies in Ft. Smith, and sent to treasured friends of Vexus along with a card signed by numerous Vexus employees. “It’s something we’ve been doing since our first Christmas at Vexus for all of our employees, boat dealers, industry partners, and even the local community, like the folks down at Flippin City Hall,” smiles Newton. “Everybody seems to love getting one, so now it’s an expected and fun tradition,” he adds. This year’s design, shown in the accompanying photo, features a jumping largemouth with a Vexus logo where its eye is located. You can also see several of the ones Newton has designed in previous years in the photo. Look even closer, and you’ll note they’re resting on the original CAD-created blueprints he produced in 2017 to build the state-of-the-art factory. “We based the factory design on our long-term production goals. Our goal is not to build the most boats, but instead, to build the best boats, and with input from so many people with decades of boat building experience, we’ve definitely learned what not to do, and to make the next new model even better than the last,” says Newton, who loves to drag a football jig on Bull Shoals and pheasant hunt with treasured friends, when he’s not leading the charge at Vexus. “I think to be a great leader, you’ve got to be a great listener, as well as a great servant,” says Newton. “I’m here to make the lives of our employees and boat buying customers better through compassionate guidance. I believe that leads to us producing boats our customers are really proud to own.” Certainly, the premium quality boats being built by Newton and his team nearly a decade after he and Daffron waded through ticks with a dream is all the proof necessary he’s a man of his word. But if you need a little added confirmation, look no further than the branches of Christmas trees owned by longtime friends of Vexus, and you’ll see reflections of his kind heart and creative mechanical mind there too. To learn more about the quality fishing vessels he and his team build, please visit https://vexusboats.com/

B.A.S.S. Announces 2026 Bassmaster EQ Schedule

B.A.S.S. recently announced the 2026 Nitro Boats Bassmaster Elite Qualifiers presented by Bass Pro Shops (EQ) schedule, marking the second year of the postseason-style format designed to challenge the top anglers from the Bassmaster Opens. After a widely praised debut — one that produced 10 new Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series pros, including rising star Fisher Anaya and long-respected veteran Russ Lane — the EQs will return with a three-event run across some of the most intriguing fisheries in the country. Get more details on this story here.

Rapala DT 12

The latest addition to the proven lineup of DT series crankbaits, the Rapala DT12 Series Crankbaits are precisely engineered to quickly dive down to 12 feet and stay in the strike zone longer than any other crankbait on the market. Crafted with a premium balsawood construction, the Rapala DT12 Series Crankbaits feature carefully placed internal weights, a tapered fuselage, and a thin tail design to produce the ultimate fish-catching action. Fitted with an internal baritone rattle chamber that creates high-pitched rattling acoustics, the Rapala DT12 Series Crankbaits take attraction to new heights with premium finishes and 3D holographic or painted eyes. Armed with two size #4 razor-sharp VMC black nickel round-bend treble hooks, the Rapala DT12 Series Crankbaits are tank-tuned to swim perfectly straight out of the box with an ultra-thin, high-vibration, polycarbonate lip that dives rapidly to the desired depth. Check out the full selection here.
PRESENTED BY: Gamakatsu

Tackle Customization Gone Wrong

Ken Smith put a Hideup Coike to the test with a little customization experiment to see if he could make a good thing even better. Let’s just say it didn’t go exactly as planned! Check it out here.

New Section: Press Pass! Get insider fishing news before it hits the mainstream—right here in Best on Tour.

(Want to include your company’s press releases here? Reach out to info@bestontour.net)

ACA Mid-Season Rankings Review For College Fishing

With the fall semester drawing to an end, that also means we’ve reached the halfway point for the 2025-26 Bass Pro Shops School of the Year presented by Abu Garcia. College anglers from across the nation have competed in dozens of events, earning thousands of valuable points for their respective schools. As the final points earning tournaments of the fall have now concluded, the Association of Collegiate Anglers will review the current standings for college fishing’s only all-encompassing National Rankings system. Check out the full article here.

PRESENTED BY: Denali

Freedom Flyer Has Landed

Missile Baits, a leader in innovative soft-plastic lure design, is excited to announce that the highly anticipated Freedom Flyer 4.25 Minnow is officially here and now shipping to dealers across the globe.

Engineered for ultimate action and versatility, the Freedom Flyer 4.25 Minnow brings a new level of performance because of it being the easiest minnow to elicit the fish catching rolling action. The rear mounted side up-pitch elevators cause the easy rolling action. They are manufactured with a patented 3D printed mold cavity process that allows for the totally unique angles and details. “Anglers want a minnow that is easy to roll because that is the fish catching action,” said John Crews of Missile Baits. “The Freedom Flyer 4.25 is exactly that because of the up-pitch elevators in the rear. There is no other minnow out there like it.” The Freedom Flyer 4.25 Minnow is available in a wide array of proven fish-catching colors specially selected to match baitfish across all regions. Each bait is poured with Missile Baits’ premium soft-plastic formula, ensuring durability, action, and unmatched attention to detail.

Key Features of the Freedom Flyer™ 4.25 Minnow:

·       Realistic minnow profile with integrated up-pitch elevators on the rear

·       Designed for jig heads, Chatterbaits, weightless, and more

·       Packaged in a protective clam so all baits are perfect

·       Available in multiple proven fish catching colors

·       Made in the USA

Dealers around the world have already begun receiving shipments this week, and anglers can expect to find the new Freedom Flyer 4.25 Minnow on store shelves and online tackle shops immediately at www.missilebaits.store.

PRESENTED BY: AFTCO

2026 Elite Series Roster Updates

Who’s Out, Who’s In, and Why the Field Looks Different Heading Into 2026

The 2026 Bassmaster Elite Series field is officially set, and after weeks of speculation, we finally know which anglers were cut, which ones chose to leave on their own, and which new (and familiar) faces are joining the trail next season. In this detailed article we provide a full breakdown of cuts, departures, rookies, and returning former Elites—now confirmed. Check it out here.

You Only NEED These Two Baits This Winter!

Bryan New shares information about cold water cranking. This is the time of year that we all get to do it! Here are the baits to cover all scenarios you may encounter this fall and winter! Check it out here.
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Issue #355

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The soft plastic hack bass aren’t ready for (Issue 354)

Issue #354- December 11th, 2025

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BOT Trivia: Who was the first angler to win over $1 million in FLW Tour earnings?​​

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PRESENTED BY: Sunline

Extreme Outdoors Winter Seminar Bash

2025 Winter Seminar Bash Deals, Giveaways, & Discounts

Valid only December 13-14, 2025 | Exclusions apply. Promotions cannot be combined or duplicated and are not valid on already discounted items. See store for details.

Blanket 15% Off Entire Store

First 250 Registrations receive Door Prize Swag Bag

Aftco Up to 40% Off

Grundens up to 40% Off

Optic Nerve & Costa Sunglasses up to 30% Off

$15 Event T-Shirts

Spend $100+ Get Free Event T-Shirt

SPRO McSticks Buy 3 Get 1 Free

Spend $75+ in Spro get FREE Spro Dry Bag

Free Rod Glove with Rod Purchase

Free BKK Gift with purchases of BKK Hooks

Bubba purchases $50+ receive FREE Bubba Mini Shears

Lew’s Rods & Reels 25% Off

Denali Rod Purchase over $100 get FREE Denali Ryker Baitcasting Rod

Traeger FlatRock Raffle $5 per ticket or $20 for 5 tickets

Queen Tackle Gift Pack Drawing

Bubba Scale Drawings both days

Spend $75+ in Sunline Receive FREE Line Bag (while supplies last)

Sunline Model FC Buy 2 Get 1 Free

Sunline Super Fluorocarbon 200yd Buy 2 Get 1 Free

Sunline Super Fluorocarbon 660yd Buy 2 Get 1 Free

Sunline Assassin FC 225yd Buy 2 Get 1 Free

Sunline Assassin FC 660yd Buy 2 Get 1 Free

Get Zeroed In

BeatDown Outdoors proudly announces the launch of the Zeroed In™ FFS Transducer Mount, a groundbreaking zero-degree forward-facing sonar mount engineered specifically for the Garmin LiveScope™ 34. Designed for anglers who demand absolute precision and uncompromising durability, the Zeroed In Mount sets a new industry benchmark in sonar performance and reliability. Built for accuracy, built for strength, and built to win, this mount delivers rock-solid performance for serious anglers who rely on forward-facing sonar to compete at the highest level. When every degree matters, the Zeroed In FFS Transducer Mount provides true zero-degree alignment with unmatched accuracy through precise 5-degree increment adjustments that deliver the most accurate aim on the market. This eliminates guesswork and ensures crystal-clear sonar targeting every time the trolling motor hits the water. Crafted from heavy-duty all-aluminum and stainless-steel construction, the mount is built to withstand the toughest on-the-water conditions and deliver long-lasting performance season after season without flex, drift, or failure. The Zeroed In Mount is designed for speed and simplicity, allowing anglers to switch between Forward, Down, and Perspective modes in seconds without the use of tools. Laser-etched adjustment markings ensure guaranteed repeatability, giving anglers fast, confident transitions while maintaining exact alignment. Every detail of this mount reflects BeatDown Outdoors’ commitment to precision engineering and rugged reliability. “The Zeroed In FFS Transducer Mount is built for anglers who refuse to compromise,” said BeatDown Outdoors President Blake Price. “It delivers the durability, precision, and repeatability serious anglers demand—built tough, built right, and built to keep you zeroed in.” The Zeroed In™ FFS Transducer Mount is patent pending and is compatible exclusively with the Garmin LiveScope™ 34. It delivers the durability, precision, and repeatability that serious anglers demand—built tough, built right, and built to keep you zeroed in. Check out the new Zeroed In FFS Transducer Mount here.

Fallout From The Smith Lake Tragedy

The aftermath of the fatal boat crash earlier this year on Smith Lake continues to ripple through Alabama’s tournament fishing community, as several bass tournaments on the lake have recently been canceled. Tournament directors are citing increased liability concerns, while others are seeking clearer guidance on the laws and permitting requirements that govern competitive fishing events. The cancellations reflect a broader sense of uncertainty following the April incident during a bass tournament, when Major League Fishing angler Flint Davis collided with a striped bass charter boat, killing three anglers onboard. The tragedy has led to a wrongful death lawsuit against Major League Fishing, with Davis also named as a defendant. Separately, Davis has been indicted on manslaughter charges in a criminal case stemming from the crash. Get more details on this story here.

Yamamoto Uni

A lifelike urchin-style bait designed for maximum effectiveness, the Yamamoto Uni provides an outstanding alternative when bass have become conditioned to typical soft plastics. Made using a custom formula that enhances buoyancy and action, the Yamamoto Uni features a unique profile accented with bulbed appendages that readily shimmy, twitch, and quiver, even when the bait is sinking. Whether fishing shallow or deep, presenting the Yamamoto Uni on a drop shot or Neko rig is a surefire way to get the bass attention and coax some hefty bites. Check out the full selection here.
PRESENTED BY: Gamakatsu

Remembering Tron: A Champion On And Off The Water

Tron Foster was a three-time cancer survivor, a Boiling Springs High School graduate from outside Spartanburg, SC and a remarkably talented young bass fisherman whose strength and spirit left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him. After battling cancer since childhood with unwavering courage, Tron passed away on Nov. 29 at just 23 years old. In a heartfelt tribute, MLF pro Brian Latimer revisits several cherished fishing trips the two shared, honoring not just Tron’s love for the water, but the deep friendship they built along the way. The video serves as a powerful reminder that while Tron’s life was far too short, his impact, passion, and legacy will never be forgotten.Check it out here.

New Section: Press Pass! Get insider fishing news before it hits the mainstream—right here in Best on Tour.

(Want to include your company’s press releases here? Reach out to info@bestontour.net)

Sunshine Slam Showdown Champions Are Crowned  – Read More

Association of Collegiate Anglers’ 2025 Gift Guide – Read More

PRESENTED BY: Denali

Clear H2O Tackle

In what has become the must stop tackle shop for anglers fishing in southwest Michigan and northern Indiana waters and beyond, Steven Szymczak and Michael Savage announce their new ownership of ClearH2O Tackle in Edwardsburg, Mich. Started by Darrin Schaap in 2011 to tap into the evolving internet buying interest of fishing tackle, and then opening a storefront at its current location on Christiana Lake Road that summer, Szymczak was one of his first store associates and brings a wealth of experience to take ClearH2O to the next level. Szymczak notes their customers won’t notice many differences in the shop’s operation in the short term. “We’ll continue our focus to have the right tackle for the diverse fishing opportunities in our area – be it bass and walleye, trout and panfish, and salmon and steelhead in both rivers and the Great Lakes, and the when-needed customer service from a store staff that brings a ton of experience and expert advice,” said Szymczak. “We’ve launched a new website with products for both freshwater and saltwater fishing for anglers outside of area, where our longer terms goals are to expand that product offering along with making our online shopping operation an easy, fun experience.” “It is the right time for me to step back and watch Steven and Michael’s passion for the shop to not only enable them to expand the business, but to make it even better with the skills they bring,” said Schaap. “After all these years that include many 70-plus hour work weeks that I won’t miss, I do plan on staying involved to help out Steven and Michael when and how they may need me.” Among the loyal customer base it’s attracted over the past decade-plus, ClearH2O Tackle is known for offering all the key brands in the fishing tackle world and their higher-end products, including Megabass, Daiwa, Okuma, 13 Fishing, St. Croix, Shimano, G. Loomis, Fenwick, Abu Garcia and more on the rod and reel side, along with fishing line from Seaguar, Sunline, Trilene, PowerPro, J-Braid and Sufix, and boat electronics from Garmin, Humminbird, Lowrance and Power-Pole. The shop also offers sought after lures from brands including Depps, Z-Man, Rapala and Strike King, offers a special focus on trolling gear, and over the next few months, it’s ice fishing time and they have a wide assortment of gear available for that as well. Coming up, ClearH2O will again have its traditional ice-fishing sales event on Dec. 12-13. For more information on the tackle shop and special events, visit www.clearh2otackle.com or stop by the store at 69037 Christiana Lake Road just north off of U.S. 12 in Edwardsburg, Mich.

PRESENTED BY: AFTCO

NPFL 2026 Roster

The 2026 NPFL season will feature a record-high field of 130 anglers — the largest in the league’s six-year history. The roster includes a mix of seasoned professionals, crossover veterans, and more than a dozen rookies who’ll be fishing at the top level for the first time. Competitors are slated to take on a six-event schedule that begins in March at Florida’s Harris Chain of Lakes and wraps up in September at Lake George, New York. According to league leadership, NPFL is still open to adding a few more anglers before the 2026 field is locked, underscoring a commitment to expand its reach while maintaining competitive and personal standards. Check out more details on the stacked 2026 field here.

Japanese Bass Tournaments! (+5B’s) | Best on Tour Breakdown Ep. 5

This episode of the Best on Tour Breakdown dives into the global buzz of massive bass tournament catches in Japan, breaks down fan reactions to the BOT Awards Catch of the Year, spotlights the SPRO KGB Lil Guy and a proven setup, and explores how professional tournaments positively impact host cities—then wraps with a bonus look inside some absolutely insane Japanese tackle shops. Check it out here.

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Issue #354

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One simple hack that’s about to change how you fish (Issue 353)

Issue #353- December 4th, 2025

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BOT Trivia: Which company owns Bait Fuel, Netbait, Scum Frog, and other brands?​

See the answer
PRESENTED BY: Sunline

Real Deal Is Hiring

If you are interested in a full time position at Real Deal Tackle, send a resume to careers@realdealtackle.com. Here is the job description for the open position.

Retail Sales Manager – Real Deal Tackle

Position Type: Full-Time (40 hours per week)

Schedule: Weekdays and Weekends

Location: Dayton, TN

Overview:

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Retail Sales Manager to oversee both our in-store and online fishing retail operations. The ideal candidate is passionate about the fishing industry, excels in customer service, and is skilled at managing sales, inventory, and vendor relationships. This role combines hands-on retail leadership with digital sales management, requiring strong communication and organizational abilities.

Key Responsibilities:

– Lead and manage daily retail operations for both physical store and online sales platforms.

– Provide exceptional customer service in person, via email, and through online messaging channels.

– Maintain and update inventory across in-store and web-based systems, ensuring accurate stock levels and product listings.

– Coordinate with sales representatives, vendors, and key accounts to support ongoing business relationships.

– Represent the company at 2–3 trade shows annually, assisting with setup, sales, and customer engagement.

– Utilize basic computer programs (e.g., Microsoft Excel, POS systems, inventory software) to track sales, monitor performance, and support operational needs.

– Support marketing and promotional initiatives to drive traffic and increase sales.

– Help train and guide retail staff as needed.

Qualifications:

– Experience in retail sales management or a related customer-facing role.

– Knowledge of fishing products and the fishing industry preferred.

– Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.

– Comfortable working weekends and a flexible weekly schedule.

– Proficiency with basic computer software, especially Microsoft Excel.

– Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks.

– Professional, dependable, and customer-focused.

Compensation:

– Full-time salaried position (40 hours per week).

– Salary based on experience and industry knowledge.

Toyota Owners BassmastHER Workshop At Lake Guntersville

Lady anglers had the opportunity to cast a line and learn from members of Team Toyota at the most recent BassmastHER Workshop at Lake Guntersville. Bringing together an incredible community of women for a day filled with empowerment, education, and hands-on fishing fun, this was one spectacular event. From rod reviews to boat tips, this experience was designed for every woman who loves bass fishing—or wanted to learn. Check out some video highlights of the event here.

Martin Reinstated For 2026 BFL All-American Following Disclosures

Boater Aspen Martin of White, Georgia, has been reinstated for the 2026 Bass Fishing League (BFL) All-American championship following new disclosures after he was disqualified from the Lake Murray Regional held Oct. 10-11. Martin and boater Matt O’Connell of Brooks, Georgia, were disqualified from the tournament following a protest alleging the anglers violated BFL Rule No. 10, which states, in part, that contestants may not use mobile communication devices to communicate with anyone about locating or catching fish on tournament waters during tournament hours. As part of MLF’s investigation of the protest, both anglers were asked to take a polygraph, at MLF’s expense, as prescribed by tournament rules. Martin cooperated with the investigation and took the polygraph as requested. The results of the polygraph indicated deception (untruthful) responses to the relevant questions asked during the exam, resulting in Martin’s disqualification. After failing the initial polygraph, Martin turned over text messages from O’Connell showing that O’Connell had requested information about catching fish on tournament waters during tournament hours at the Lake Murray Regional. The messages also show that Martin did not provide the requested information. Based on the disclosure, Martin was granted a second polygraph, at his expense, that considered the text exchange in which information was requested, but none was provided. No deception was indicated in the second polygraph that was administered by an independent examiner mutually agreed upon by MLF and Martin. As such, Martin will be allowed to compete in the 2026 All-American and his $8,530 in winnings from the regional will be restored. He will, however, receive a fine of $500 for failing to report O’Connell’s violation. Get more details on this story here.

G-Ratt Steve Kennedy Signature Glide Baits

Designed in collaboration with legendary swimbait angler Steve Kennedy, the G-Ratt Steve Kennedy Signature Glide Baits feature professional-grade specifications to perform at the highest level of tournament bass fishing. Built to suspend naturally in the water column on the pause, if a slow rise is desired, anglers can fine-tune the sink rate by swapping out the split rings with braided line hook hangers, downsizing treble hooks, or adjusting the size of their fishing line. Equipped with rotating hook hangers and sticky-sharp BKK treble hooks for high-percentage hook-up ratios, each glide bait includes a lifelike tail with tight tolerances that can also be replaced if desired. Available in a variety of Steve’s favorite forage patterns, the G-Ratt Steve Kennedy Signature Glide Baits showcase a lively body with sculpted gill plates and 3D realistic eyes for a natural appearance in the water. Check out the full selection here.
PRESENTED BY: Gamakatsu

And The Winner Is

The premiere of the 2025 Best On Tour Awards brought the bass-fishing community together to crown the year’s standout moments — the top catches, the breakout stars, and all the moments that defined bass fishing in 2025. Check it out here.

New Section: Press Pass! Get insider fishing news before it hits the mainstream—right here in Best on Tour.

(Want to include your company’s press releases here? Reach out to info@bestontour.net)

Top Pros Provide Tips for Fishing Success

The sport of bass fishing, including baits, techniques, and products, is constantly evolving. This evolution continues to provide anglers with insight, information, and items that will help them to catch more fish. On this episode of the Bass Pro Shops Fisherman’s Handbook, top touring pros, as well as industry representatives, show us new products, innovative techniques, and more that will help you to catch more fish. The show starts with Jason Christie reviewing the Garmin Force Pro Trolling Motor and Justin Hamner debuting the LiveScope XR System. Each of these products provide anglers with an immense amount of resources to better attack the waters they’re fishing.

Next, we take a look at products from Nories and SPRO. Whether you’re looking to add some attractant to your baits or catch fish on a variety of different lures, these two brands have products that will help you to do just that!

Fishing line, and the presentations you’re using go hand in hand. Sunline has a wide array of fishing lines, with each one serving a specific purpose in an angler’s arsenal. Professional angler Kyle Welcher talks about the fluorocarbon fishing lines he uses when flipping. Following that, Wes Logan demonstrates how to set up a punch rig. To round out the show, we highlight various products from Gamakatsu. From feathered treble hooks to many different tools that you should have in your boat, Gamakatsu products help anglers to achieve their goals. Watch “Top Pros Provide Tips for Fishing Success” on the Fisherman’s Handbook YouTube Channel. Be sure and check your local listings for this episode as well on Pursuit Channel both on your TV and Streaming on Pursuit UP coming up soon as well. You can also view this show and the complete library of Bass Pro Shops Fisherman’s Handbook episodes streaming for free on Outdoor Action TV. If you don’t have the Outdoor Action TV App on your phone or television, be sure and download it from the App store or search for it on your TV. You can shop the gear you need for your next fishing adventure at basspro.com. Lastly, be sure and follow the Bass Pro Shops Fisherman’s Handbook on social media.

PRESENTED BY: Denali

The Ripper Swimbait Mold

If there’s one bait shape you’ll find tied on from local tournaments all the way up to the big leagues, it’s a paddle-tail swimbait – and Do-It’s Ripper Mold delivers one of the most proven, fish-catching profiles on the market.

This mold has built a reputation for being ridiculously versatile: fish it on a jighead, A-rig, swim jig, bladed jig, or finesse it on a light ball head.

Why It’s a “Tour-Level” Choice:

●     Tournament-trusted profile that flat-out catches em’

●     Incredible tail action at slow, medium, or burning retrieves

●     Ribbed body for added vibration and better plastic flex

●     Easy to pour, even for newer bait makers

●     Available in 2”- 6” variety of sizes

●     ES XL Mold allows you to pour 8 at one time

For anglers pouring at home or gearing up for next season, the Ripper is one of those molds you just have in the lineup. Check them out at Do-itmolds.com

PRESENTED BY: AFTCO

The Ultimate Holiday Giveaway Is Here!

Missile Baits has teamed up with SEVIIN Reels, Cashion Rods, and Sunline to bring you one massive holiday giveaway—packed with top-tier gear every angler will love.

From December 1–December 5, you can enter to win a single grand prize bundle featuring products from all four brands!

🎁 GRAND PRIZE INCLUDES

Gear from:

• Missile Baits – 2 of the New Bait Bundles

• SEVIIN Reels – 2 high-performance reels, a GXC ($235 retail) and a GXS ($205 retail)

• Cashion Rods – 2 American made ICON rods built ($235 retail each)

• Sunline – Sniper Fluorocarbon, Almight braid, and Fluorocarbon Leader to fill your reels

This is the complete package for any angler looking to upgrade their arsenal for the year ahead.

📅 Giveaway Dates

Entry Period: December 1–December 5

Winner Announced: December 7th

🚀 How to Enter

  1. Follow Missile Baits, SEVIIN Reels, Cashion Rods, and Sunline on Facebook or Instagram.
  2. Like the official giveaway post.
  3. Tag a fishing buddy in the comments.

That’s it. One winner. One epic prize pack!

👉 Enter Here: https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1ABuEET5nY/ or https://www.instagram.com/missile_baits/#

Good luck, and happy holidays from Missile Baits, SEVIIN Reels, Cashion Rods & Sunline!

What IS This SECRET Japanese Bait Hack?

You’ve NEVER seen a fishing hack like this before! Take this old school bait and incorporate this hack to up your fishing game over the next few months. You can’t knock it till you try it. Check it out here.

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Issue #353

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Best On Tour: Black Friday Edition (Issue 352)

Issue #352- November 27, 2025

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BOT Trivia: Which fishery hosted the 2015 Bassmaster Elite Series event where Aaron Martens won fishing the “blackbird pattern?”​

See the answer
PRESENTED BY: Sunline
It’s almost showtime. The BOT Awards Presentation Show premieres Wednesday, Dec 3 at 7pm Central / 8pm Eastern on our YouTube channel. Find out who took home the hardware and relive the moments that defined bass fishing in 2025. Mark your calendar, set a reminder, and have the popcorn ready. You don’t want to miss the premiere! Check it out here.

Black Friday Deals From Sunline

Get fully geared up this Black Friday with unbeatable deals on Sunline’s most trusted lines. Save over 40% on premium fluorocarbon lines, 20% on the Expert Braid Tester Kit featuring Sunline’s top braids, and score a FREE zip storage bag with the Leader Tester Kit. Whether you’re prepping for fall finesse, spring tournaments, or dialing in the perfect leader setup for spinning and casting gear, these limited time offers deliver elite performance at incredible value. Stock up while supplies last—once they’re gone, they’re gone. Shop this deal here.

Black Friday Deals From BeatDown Outdoors

The Black Friday Event You Wait All Year For

The deals are double and triple stacked, the savings are real, and the Beatdown Outdoors gear is ready!

Breakaway Jr Transducer Pole – Intro Pricing: $299.99 (Save $100!)

Free Pole Pro Pointer 1.00 with any Transducer Pole purchase

Tiered Rewards:

• Spend $200+ → 10% Gift Card

• Spend $300+→ Free Graph Knobs

• Spend $400+→ 10% Gift Card + Free Graph Knobs

• Spend $750+→ 20% Gift Card

• Spend $1,000+→ 25% Gift Card

  • PLUS: Get a FREE Kickstand with any Flex Double Stack or Flex HD Double Stack.

***Customers must add the Graph Knobs, Pro Pointer or the Kickstand to the cart to receive the free item***

Shop these deals here.

Black Friday Deals From SPRO

SPRO’s Black Friday Sale is still going strong—and they’ve added even more deals to keep things fresh. Now’s the time to stock up for the holiday season with deep discounts on some truly epic gear. From crankbaits and shad baits built for covering water fast, to Aruku-style lipless baits that bring rattle, flash, and cold-water appeal, the lineup is stacked. You’ll also find topwater frogs and heavy cover, plus jigs and terminal tackle to fine-tune your presentation from shallow to deep. Featuring SPRO and select SPRO brand partners like Sea Falcon, Marfix, and Nories, these limited-time savings won’t last long. The sale runs through 12/1/25. Shop these deals here.

Black Friday Deals From Denali

Save big during the Denali Fishing holiday sale. Take 30% off all rods and reels on their website excluding clearance items. Simply use code BFS2025 at checkout and you are in business! Shop this deal here.
PRESENTED BY: Gamakatsu

BTL The Black Friday Preview Show

The annual tradition continues as we join Bass Talk Live to break down some of the best Black Friday deals happening this holiday season! Check out the episode here.

New Section: Press Pass! Get insider fishing news before it hits the mainstream—right here in Best on Tour.

(Want to include your company’s press releases here? Reach out to info@bestontour.net)

Black Friday is officially bait season, and Do‑It Molds is offering some of the best deals of the year for lure makers and tinkerers alike. From starter kits to premium molds, this is the perfect time to stock up and save.

Top Black Friday Deals

●     Soft plastic starter kits — 10% off

CNC molds — 20–30% off

Flash-series and pre-banded skirts — 30% off

●     BOGO Free on 3D Eyes, Split-It Skirts, and Paint Markers

●     Spend $200+ and get $20 in gift certificates, $500+ gets $50 back

Selected jig molds come with free matching hooks

This is the perfect time to stock up on molds, kits, and customization tools. Discounts on starter kits and paints lower the barrier to entry for anyone looking to try bait making, while CNC molds, skirts, and BOGO offers make it easy to upgrade or expand your setup without overspending. Plus, free gift certificates and included hooks add extra value to every order.

Head to  Do-It Molds to see the full offering of Black Friday deals and snag your favorites before they’re gone!

PRESENTED BY: Denali

Great Gift Ideas From AFTCO

Struggling to find the perfect gift for the angler on your list? Look no further than AFTCO’s Gifts Built for the Water, featuring their must-have Freshwater Gift Box. Simply choose your preferred hat and t-shirt, and AFTCO handles the rest with a premium lineup that includes a freshwater-themed AFTCO hat & tee, multitool, sun mask, Holiday Sticker Sheet, and a floating keychain—everything they’ll need for days on the water. Whether you’re shopping for a seasoned pro or a weekend warrior, this bundle is guaranteed to impress. Be sure to visit AFTCO’s website too, where you’ll find incredible Black Friday deals to make this holiday season even better. Shop AFTCO Black Friday deals here.

PRESENTED BY: AFTCO

Black Friday Deals From Gamakatsu

For a limited time, save 50% on all Gamakatsu EDC knives—precision-built knives designed for everyday reliability, on-the-water utility, and anything the day throws your way. Whether you need a compact blade for quick cuts or a rugged workhorse, this Black Friday deal delivers premium performance at an unbeatable price. And that’s not all. When your order reaches $50 or more, you’ll score a FREE Gamakatsu hat while supplies last—perfect for the boat, the bank, or everyday wear.Shop these deals here.

ULTIMATE Vintage Lure Collection! 3 Lures You’ve Never Seen!

Most hardcore fisherman keep some vintage or sentimental lures around. Bryan New has a good mixture of all of it. Here’s a few different baits Bryan keeps on display in his tackle room! You may be shocked at some! Check out the episode here.

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Issue #352

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