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Crankbait Line Secrets, Father’s Day Picks & AOY Heat Check (Issue 327)

Issue #327 – June 5, 2025

PRESENTED BY: Sunline

Schlapper Secures Power Pay

Pat Schlapper recently won his first Elite Series title at the MAXAM Tire Bassmaster Elite on the Sabine River in southeast Texas this, taking home an additional $4,000 bonus from Yamaha’s Power Pay contingency program. Check out more details about Schlapper’s victory and learn more about the Yamaha Power Pay contingency program here.

2025 Toyota Bonus Bucks Owners Tournament set for Lake Guntersville

Legendary Lake Guntersville will host the 14^th annual Toyota Bonus Bucks Owners Tournament for the first time this fall, on October 25-26, 2025. Located in northeast Alabama, in the heart of bass fishing country, Guntersville is hallowed ground for tournament anglers and has been home to bass fishing’s biggest events, like the Bassmaster Classic and Major League Fishing REDCREST. With its spectacular views, proximity for so many Bonus Bucks members, and fertile fish-filled waters, Lake Guntersville will serve as an excellent location for this amateur-only tournament celebrating all things Toyota and bass fishing. Check out more details here.

Create Your Tournament Edge

Do-it Molds Pro Pat Schlapper recently took home $100,000 on the Sabine River – and a homemade jig was a major key to his early success. When the bite was tough and the pressure was on, the Weedless Compact Finesse jig helped him fill a critical limit and build the momentum he needed to close out the win.

Now you can pour the same jig that helped seal the deal.

● Choose the hook you trust most, whether you prefer a light-wire finesse option for clear water or a heavier hook to stand up to thick cover and big fish.

● Customize your weedguard setup to match the cover you’re fishing — from sparse brush to gnarly laydowns — with the right length, stiffness, and angle.

● Match your paint job to your water, whether you’re painting natural craw patterns for pressured lakes or bold colors to stand out in stained conditions.

● Fine-tune your skirt style and trailer combo to dial in the action, profile, and color that will trigger the bite — no matter the season or situation.

From grassroots to the big stage, this is the kind of custom edge that wins tournaments. Now it’s your turn to make every detail count.

SPRO Skip Gap Football Shakey Head

A unique shakey head that played a key role in Paul Marks 2025 Elite Series win on Lake Hartwell, the SPRO Skip Gap Football Shakey Head is designed with a special bend that securely holds thin worms and soft plastics in place without the need for a bulky bait keeper. Perfect for skipping under docks and preventing your bait from sliding down the shank from hard impacts with the water, the Skip Gap Football Shakey Head is easy to rig, just thread on your bait like a normal Texas rig, and you are ready to fish. Featuring an angled hook point that allows the bait to stand up on the bottom, the Football Shakey Head utilizes this same hook angle to eliminate the need for hard hooksets, as you simply reel into the fish and let the razor-sharp NANO Alpha Gamakatsu hook do the work. Built to increase the lifespan of your finesse soft-plastics, the SPRO Skip Gap Football Shakey Head is the perfect option for anglers who want to navigate rocky bottoms with ease and land more bites from finicky fish. Check them out here.

PRESENTED BY: Gamakatsu

Get Dialed In On Shallow Cranking Line

Need a go-to line for shallow cranking? Hear what Elite Series pro John Crews has to say about his favorite pick! Whether you’re banging a squarebill off cover or burning a flat-side in skinny water, the right line makes all the difference—find out what John trusts when it counts here.

PRESENTED BY: Denali

Nick Hatfield

Photo Courtesy Major League Fishing

Major League Fishing angler Nick Hatfield’s sponsors include Greene County Express, Suzuki Marine, Phoenix Boats, Garmin, Power-Pole, Simms, Megabass, Immersed Outdoors, Boat Logix, and Hayabusa just to name a few.

Get The Inside Scoop

PRESENTED BY: AFTCO

Best Fishing Gifts For Father’s Day

For many families, finding a meaningful Father’s Day gift can feel like casting into deep water, uncertain, with no bites. But for those whose dads find joy on a boat, at the dock, or knee-deep in a wading stream, the path to a thoughtful gift is clearer: give him something that speaks to his time outdoors. This guide focuses on practical, high-quality fishing apparel from AFTCO—a brand long trusted by anglers for its technical performance and commitment to sustainable manufacturing. Each item here serves a clear purpose, designed to keep anglers comfortable, protected, and ready for the next cast. Check out the guide here.

Results from last week’s poll:

Our sponsors make this newsletter possible:

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Issue #327

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06/05/2025/by Jordan Babcock

Newsletters

Brandon Palaniuk Takes Over Best On Tour (Issue 326)

Issue #326

PRESENTED BY: Sunline

It Pays To Play

It’s no secret in the tournament fishing world that the Toyota Bonus Bucks program works and is one of the longest standing contingency programs I can think of. In fact, I won my first Bonus Bucks money 15 years ago after purchasing a ’08 Toyota Tundra from my local dealer and that program was a big part of that. We now have other programs such as Yamaha Power Pay that pays anglers at nearly every level of tournament fishing.

Teach ‘Em Young

My love for fishing and the outdoors started at a young age. A lot of those early memories came from my mother, so with two girls of my own now, it’s important to me to pass on that love of the outdoors. Although they are constantly exposed to the fishing industry it is also important to take a step back and keep it simple. Little things like casting off of the dock for an hour or just hanging out on the deck of my Skeeter makes more of an impression on them than we often realize. My hope is that they find the same passion and maybe someday they will carry the torch for the BassmastHER program.

Easing The Pain

This years Bassmaster Classic was the first one I had missed qualifying for and as the event got closer I could feel the weight of that weighing on me. As an Elite angler there is always work to be done so when I missed qualifying to compete in the Classic that opened the door for other opportunities. One of those opportunities was fishing in this years Progressive Celebrity Pro-Am presented by Yokohama Tire and my partner was “Heavy D” from the Diesel Brothers. Being a big fan of the Diesel Brothers, this eased the pain of missing the Classic and was another affirmation that everything happens for a reason. We had an incredible day on the water discussing family life, business, bassin, and to top it all off I caught a 10lb 12oz giant on an 8’’ Megabass Magdraft to finish 2nd in the event.

How Finesse Can You Go?

As we get further along into the season the fish begin to get more pressured and those same fish get wise to our old tactics. When it comes to these situations I’ve learned that you typically have the best success by pushing the boundaries of size or speed. This is exactly why the folks at Xzone Lures designed the Stealth Finesse Series where each bait is sub 3 inches with attention to the smallest details. I’ve tested these baits for a couple years now and seen several situations where downsizing even from a 3.25’’ bait to a 2.75’’ bait made the difference in cutting a check, making a top 10, or just catching a few more fish from an area. You can bet that I’ll be stocked up as the Elite Series heads north.

PRESENTED BY: Gamakatsu

Content Is King

Since 2017 I have filmed every major Bassmaster or MLF tournament I have competed in, and although its expensive and a lot of work, I can’t imagine it any other way now. Kyle Vandever has been with us since 2018 which means he has been filming more than half of my professional career. He’s helped me drive non-stop cross country when my first child was born, seen my win AOY, and seen me lose $100k by a dead fish penalty. You can see them all HERE!

PRESENTED BY: Denali

Brandon Palaniuk

Bassmaster Elite Series angler Brandon Palaniuk’s sponsors include Skeeter Boats, Yamaha Outboards, Toyota, Megabass, Xzone Lures, Alpha Angler Rods, Daiwa Reels, Simms, BKK Hooks,Yeti, Minn Kota, Humminbird, DD26, Leupold, PROcise Outdoors, Seaguar, Rod Glove, and Impulse Lithium just to name a few.

The Right Tool For The Job

As water temps rise the bass, even though a warm water species, will be searching for cooler temps. The biggest bass in a system prefer cooler temps and this is why some of the biggest bass are often caught in winter or early spring. As temps rise there are three main ways to find cooler temps; moving water, deep water, or heavy cover. The heavy cover option is one of my favorites, but it requires the proper gear! When punching through heavy cover I usually start with a 1.5oz Xzone Tungsten, 3/0 BKK HD Flippin Hook with a Xzone MB Finesse Craw, 65lb Seaguar TactX braid, an Alpha Angler Mag-Hitter, and a Daiwa Tatula Elite P/F 8.1:1. This is a system I have full confidence that I’m prepared for battle.

PRESENTED BY: AFTCO

Teaching An Old Dog New Tricks

My time spent at home is always limited and I don’t get to spend as much time on the water with my family as I would like. This year I was able to spend a couple days on the water with my mother and step father while testing out the new Humminbird Mega Live 2. I’ve had mixed feelings on FFS, but this opened my eyes to how great it can be as a teaching tool. We were throwing Megabass Vision 110+1s which neither of them had ever done. Their learning curve was drastically shortened since they could see their jerk bait, how the fish responded and I could coach them through the process. They then took what they learned and caught fish without ML2 simply by matching the cadence they learned while watching.

Issue #326

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05/29/2025/by Jordan Babcock

Newsletters

AOY Drama, Power Shakey Trends & Rookie Heat (Issue 325)

Issue #325

PRESENTED BY: Sunline

TW Memorial Day Sale Happening Now

Enjoy 10% off almost everything sitewide this Memorial Day! Active-duty military and veterans receive an additional 10% off! Hurry, this offer ends 5/28 at 3 PM PT / 6 PM ET. Check out the sale here.

AFTCO Expands The Bass Bus Fleet

AFTCO is proud to announce the expansion of its Bass Bus fleet with the addition of a third Release Boat, further solidifying its commitment to fisheries conservation. This latest Bass Bus will be operated by the Skeeter Extreme Fishing League (XFL) and is scheduled to support five XFL events across Oklahoma in 2025. Designed to safely return bass to the lake following tournament weigh-ins, AFTCO’s Bass Release Boats help minimize fish stress and disperse them across broader areas—preventing fish from becoming overly concentrated in a single location. The newest addition features an exclusive AFTCO x Skeeter camo wrap, first unveiled at the 2025 Bassmaster Classic. Check out more details about the addition to the Bass Bus fleet here.

Finessin’em With A Man Card

We all know the effectiveness of a shakey head on a spinning rod—it’s been a fish catcher for both numbers and size across the country, in just about every type of water. That’s not changing anytime soon. Maybe that’s why so many anglers have been trying to adapt it into a more power-fishing style, looking to blend finesse and force. And here’s the good news—power fishing a shakey head flat-out works. In fact, it brings some serious advantages to the table.

Take boat docks, for example—whether permanent or floating. With a heavier shakey head, a beefier hook, stronger line, and a heavier rod, you’re set up to win all around. You also get a totally different bait profile and fall compared to something like a jig, which can make a big difference when fish are pressured or picky. Fishing hard spots, offshore structure, or ledges? A power shakey head lets you bomb long casts and still get a solid hookset. It’s also a killer option when you’re targeting bigger fish, dealing with stained water, or just want a slightly “finessier” look—without breaking out the spinning gear and going full finesse. Truth is, a lot of seasoned anglers are simply more comfortable with baitcasters, and this approach makes the transition easy. It lets you fish with confidence using gear you know and trust. As for my personal setup, I keep it simple and reliable: a 7’4” Denali Lithium Pro Jig Rod paired with an 8.3:1 BPS reel, spooled with 14–20lb Sunline Shooter. There are tons of great bait options out there, but my go-to is a Zoom Magnum Trick Worm rigged on a homemade stand-up jig head. When and where does this technique shine? Honestly, all over. It’s especially effective from the post-spawn period through late fall—but the opportunities are endless. If you haven’t given the power shakey head a shot, I highly recommend it. Add it to your arsenal—you just might find it checks all the boxes, including the one that reminds you you’re still swinging heavy on ’em when finesse is the name of the game.

An upsized version of the standard Saikoro Dice bait, the OSP Magnum 14mm Saikoro Dice Rubber Non-Salt Soft Bait delivers a larger attention-grabbing profile for anglers who are pursuing bigger bites with heavier tackle. Designed with a durable cube-shaped body, the numerous long, limber tentacles of the Magnum Non-Salt Saikoro Dice undulate and quiver with even the slightest current or rod tip movement, making the bait appear alive on even a do-nothing “deadsticking” retrieve. Made without the added weight of salt, the Magnum Non-Salt Saikoro Dice offers a slower sink rate, making it an especially productive bait for coaxing bass waiting to ambush prey in shallow water. Ideal for fishing weightless or on a drop shot or Carolina rig, the movement and profile of the OSP Magnum 14mm Saikoro Dice Rubber Non-Salt Soft Bait is something most pressured bass aren’t accustomed to. Check out the full selection here

PRESENTED BY: Gamakatsu

In this episode of SPROfiles, host and fellow pro angler Mike McClelland sits down with Bassmaster Elite Series standout John Crews—the mastermind behind the SPRO Little John Series. John shares the inspiration behind the bait, the timing of its creation, and the intricate design details that make the Little John the ultimate small-profile crankbait. Check out the video here.

PRESENTED BY: Denali

Pat Schlapper

Photo Courtesy Of Bassmaster

Bassmaster Elite Series angler Pat Schlapper’s sponsors include Scheels, BeatDown Outdoors, Big Bite Baits, Humminbird, Minn Kota, St. Croix Rods, Striker, Sunline, Skeeter, and Yamaha just to name a few.

Join The Industry

Outdoor Brand Team is offering a short-form video management internship for candidates with considerable experience using TikTok, Instagram and Facebook Reels, and YouTube Shorts. The role requires posting 2–3 times per week on a brand page, using a mix of supplied and self-generated content. A strong knowledge of crappie and bass fishing is preferred. This is a paid internship, with compensation commensurate with the candidate’s skill level. Experience with social media ad management is a bonus. The internship has the potential to lead to a full-time position. Apply for the internship here.

PRESENTED BY: AFTCO

Don’t Forget The Hands!

Anglers often focus on protecting their face, neck, and arms from the sun—but your hands are just as vulnerable. Constant exposure can lead to sunburn, premature aging, and long-term skin damage. The AFTCO Solago Sun Protection Fishing Gloves offer a simple solution, delivering UPF 50 protection from wrist to mid-finger where it’s needed most. What sets the Solago apart is its open palm and fingertip design, which preserves bite sensitivity and dexterity. The ultra-lightweight Sensi-Tech palm material lets you feel every vibration through your rod or reel—crucial for light tackle fishing in both fresh and saltwater. Comfortable, breathable, and designed for real anglers, the Solago gloves are gear you’ll actually want to wear. They protect without getting in the way, so you can fish longer and stay focused. If hand protection has been an afterthought, it’s time to rethink your setup—AFTCO’s Solago gloves make it easy to stay safe and stay sharp.

Issue #325

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05/29/2025/by Jordan Babcock

Newsletters

70% of the top 10 at the Lake Fork Elite Series used this type of bait (Issue 324)

Issue #324

BOT Trivia Question:

What company introduced the first forward-facing sonar for fishing?

Garmin, Lowrance, Humminbird, Raymarine?

See the answer at the bottom of the newsletter!

PRESENTED BY: Sunline

Jordan Lee Rods & Reels: Buy 1, Get 2 Free!

Don’t miss out on our fantastic Buy 1, Get 2 Free Offer on Jordan Lee Rods and Reels! To redeem, simply add three qualifying Jordan Lee rods or three qualifying Jordan Lee reels to your cart, ensuring everything is part of the same order. Enjoy this unbelievable deal whether you need rods, reels, or fully maximize your savings and order both! There’s no better time to get equipped for summer! Check out the full selection here.

Gore Puts A Fork In Bonus Bucks

Seven just might be Wesley Gore’s lucky number on Lake Fork, as he has finished in the No. 7 spot both in 2024 and now the 2025 Bassmaster Elite Series event on the iconic fishery in northeast Texas. Gore’s seventh-place effort this past weekend was enough to earn him a $3,000 payday from Toyota Bonus Bucks, making an already good week even better. Gore employed a three-prong approach that focused on an early morning shad spawn, a mid-day pattern targeting offshore schools, and then ended competition days using forward-facing sonar to locate bedding bass in deep water that couldn’t be seen with the naked eye. Whether he was boat flipping 8-pound beasts in shallow water or picking Lake Fork bigguns off the bank, Gore proved having multiple productive patterns to be profitable this week. Check out more details about Gore’s impressive week at Lake Fork here.

The Frys Have It

As the spawn wraps up, fry guarders become prime targets. These aggressive male bass hang close to shallow cover, protecting their fry from predators. With Garmin LiveScope, anglers can spot the shimmering clouds of fry and the adult bass guarding them in real time. Look around docks, laydowns, or grass in 2–8 feet of water, and you’ll often see a lone fish hovering near a tight ball of movement. LiveScope takes the guesswork out—you’re not just fishing likely spots, you’re fishing exact targets. Cast past the fry and bring your bait into the zone. Watch how the fish reacts. If it flares or charges, you know it’s game on. Sometimes a subtle twitch is all it takes to trigger a bite. Targeting fry guarders with LiveScope turns a post-spawn grind into a precision game, where watching the bite happen is half the thrill.

An incredibly unique and highly-sought-after JDM finesse offering, the Hideup Coike 17mm Creature Bait is an urchin-style soft bait made from durable high-floating elastomer to withstand catching bass after bass. Slotting in just below the larger Coike Fullcast, the Coike 17mm is designed with a 17mm center ball and long tendrils that shimmy and quiver to tempt highly pressured fish to bite. Capable of being rigged in many different ways, including on a drop shot or jig head, the Coike 17mm can even be fished unweighted on its own for an out-of-the-ordinary surface presentation. No matter how it’s presented, if you want to show the local bass a bait they’ve likely never seen before, the Hideup Coike 17mm is a standout choice. Check out the full selection here

PRESENTED BY: Gamakatsu

The Hideup Coike is a versatile soft plastic that can be rigged in several effective ways depending on the situation. In this video, Bassmaster Elite Series pro Drew Cook will show you how to rig it properly to get the most out of its unique action and design. Whether you’re targeting bass in heavy cover or open water, the right rigging technique can make all the difference. Check out the video here.

PRESENTED BY: Denali

Zack Birge

Photo Courtesy Of Major League Fishing

Major League Fishing angler Zack Birge’s sponsors include Monster Marine Lithium, Yo-Zuri, Mercury Marine, Flambeau Outdoors, Power-Pole, Lowrance, Bass Cat Boats, Alpha Angler Rods, DD26, and Top This Outfitters just to name a few.

Big Bass On The Horizon

Built with the smallest possible head shape and increased weight on the hook shank, the Gamakatsu Nano Alpha Horizon Head LG Jighead achieves perfect horizontal balance even with bulky hover-strolling soft plastics. Armed with a razor-sharp 90-degree hook to ensure rapid hook penetration, the unique hook shape and light tournament-grade wire create a small entry angle to reliably penetrate the hard mouths of giant bass. Enhanced with Gamakatsu’s Nano Alpha technology, the innovative coating is twice as slick as traditional finishes for improved penetration and better hook-up ratios and offers 4x more corrosion resistance to reduce rust and ensure long-lasting performance. Offered in lightweight sizes that allow them to easily suspend in the water column, the Gamakatsu Nano Alpha Horizon Head LGJighead locks slender soft plastics firmly in place with a molded double-barbed bait keeper. Check out the full selection here.

PRESENTED BY: AFTCO

This State-Record Bass Won’t Make the Books Because Oregon Doesn’t Recognize It as a Game Fish

Bass fisherman Joshua Buller caught one of the heaviest black bass in Oregon history on April 27. Buller’s spotted bass weighed a little more than 9 pounds, just 2 pounds shy of the all-tackle world record that came from a California lake. But as things stand now, Buller’s fish won’t be certified as a state record because Oregon doesn’t recognize the spotted bass as a legitimate game fish species. Check out the full article here.

Issue #324

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05/15/2025/by Jordan Babcock

Newsletters

Which angler is making the most money on the Bass Pro Tour? (Issue 323)

Issue #323

BOT Trivia Question:

What fishery hosted the first-ever Bassmaster Classic?

Lake Guntersville, Lake Mead, Table Rock Lake, Kerr Reservoir?

See the answer at the bottom of the newsletter!

PRESENTED BY: Sunline

Save Big On The 13 Fishing Origin F1

Are you looking for a great deal on a baitcasting reel? Right now you can save over 40% on the 13 Fishing Origin F1 casting reel while supplies last at Tackle Warehouse! Check out the full selection here.

How Clean Is Your Battery Compartment?

When Elite Series pro Kyle Welcher gave us a tour of his new Ikon boat, one feature stood out to him above the rest—the impressively spacious rear compartment. For many anglers, the back of the boat can become a cramped, chaotic tangle of wiring, batteries, and pumps. But not on the Ikon. Welcher explained that on his rig, he has three 36V lithium batteries, a Power-Pole hydraulic pump, and even a G-Juice dispenser system that feeds directly into his livewells—all neatly installed on just one side of the rear compartment. “Everything fits clean and tight, with room to spare,” Kyle noted. “You don’t realize how much of a difference that makes until you’re not fighting for space every time you need to make a change or check something.” This kind of intelligent layout is a big deal for professional anglers who depend on every system running perfectly during long, demanding tournament days. It also shows how Ikon’s design team clearly listened to the needs of serious bass fishermen—prioritizing not just speed and performance, but also functional rigging and maintenance access. For Kyle, the clean rigging and ample space mean more confidence on the water—and one less thing to worry about.

Welcher Reacts

Have you ever wondered how a professional angler would react in real time to watching one of their most epic on the water moments? Check out Bassmaster Elite Series pro Kyle Welcher reliving this experience from his recent victory on the Pasquotank River here.

Your new ticket to explosive topwater action, the Buckeye Lures Buzzerk Single Bladed Buzzbait was crafted for elite performance with a precision-tuned clacker that generates a thunderous, irresistible clacking sound to lure in even the most elusive predators. Equipped with a razor-sharp Mustad UltraPoint hook, the Buzzerk Single Bladed Buzzbait ensures every strike results in a solid hookup, and with a palette of premium fish-catching colors you’ll trigger reaction strikes with a wide range of forage-matching patterns. Where innovation meets aggressive action, the Buckeye Lures Buzzerk Single Bladed Buzzbait creates a resounding surface disturbance that fish can’t resist, allowing you to dominate the waters in topwater fishing scenarios. Check out the full selection here

PRESENTED BY: Gamakatsu

If you’ve followed Bass Pro Tour professional Jeremy Lawyer’s career you know he loves to catch Crappie when he isn’t chasing down bass! If you are looking to catch more crappie no matter the season, Lawyer has the system you need. In his latest video, Jeremy breaks down his proven four-part crappie strategy that helps him stay on fish whether it’s springtime slabs or cold-weather bites. From locating schools with precision to dialing in the right presentation for each season, Jeremy shares practical, on-the-water advice that any angler can apply. Whether you’re fishing from a boat or the bank, this system simplifies the crappie game and boosts your success on the water. Want to see the exact gear and tackle Jeremy relies on? Visit www.1standardfishing.com to check out the products featured in the video and explore more exclusive tips and content.

PRESENTED BY: Denali

Jake Lawrence

Photo Courtesy Of Major League Fishing

Major League Fishing angler Jake Lawrence’s sponsors include Phoenix Boats, Sportsman’s Warehouse, Bucca Brand, Bajio, Dobyn’s Rods, Bill Lewis, and Yamamoto Baits just to name a few.

Elevate Outdoors

Located in Sanford, North Carolina, Elevate Outdoors is a full-service dealership specializing in boating and outdoor recreation. Their mission is to deliver exceptional customer service, expert advice, and a carefully curated product selection that empowers customers to explore the outdoors and create lasting memories with family and friends. The dealership offers a wide range of new and pre-owned boats from trusted brands like Skeeter, Tahoe Pontoons, and Tidewater Boats. Whether you’re in the market for a high-performance fishing boat, a luxurious pontoon, or a family-friendly vessel, Elevate Outdoors provides both inventory variety and personalized guidance. Financing options are also available to help make ownership more accessible. Elevate Outdoors also features a fully stocked Tackle Pro Shop tailored to both beginner and experienced anglers. The shop includes a broad selection of rods, reels, lures, line, and essential accessories, along with expert staff ready to help match gear to any fishing condition. As an authorized dealer of Cashion Fishing Rods—renowned for their high-quality, American-made craftsmanship—Elevate Outdoors reinforces its commitment to premium fishing products. If your in the Sanford, NC area stop by and check them out!

PRESENTED BY: AFTCO

Matty Wong x OluKai: A Collaboration Rooted in Heritage and Built for the Water

When Elite Series pro Matty Wong hits the water, he’s not just chasing bass—he’s representing his roots. As the first angler from Hawaii to win the B.A.S.S. Nation National Championship, Matty’s journey has always been about more than fishing. That’s why his partnership with OluKai has been such a natural fit.

The collaboration started four years ago when OluKai backed Matty ahead of the national championship. They saw something special in a kid from Hawaii chasing a dream, and the relationship has only grown since. For the past two years, Matty’s been working closely with the brand to help develop the ‘Ahi—a versatile sneaker-boat shoe hybrid designed for anglers who live on their feet and on the water. Unlike working on tackle, which is all about action and performance, developing footwear gave Matty a chance to focus on comfort—something often overlooked in the fishing world. His feedback helped shape the final product, and OluKai listened, making real changes that led to a shoe that performs all day and still looks good off the boat. The ‘Ahi is available in multiple colorways and fills a unique niche in fishing footwear—stylish, functional, and rooted in island culture. It’s a shoe built for the grind, with a touch of aloha in every step.

Issue #323

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05/15/2025/by Jordan Babcock

Newsletters

87% of the top 10 at the Lake Hartwell Elite Series used this type of bait (Issue 322)

Issue #322

BOT Trivia Question:

Which lure company introduced the first soft plastic worm, revolutionizing bass fishing forever?

Berkley, Mann’s, Creme, Mister Twister?

See the answer at the bottom of the newsletter!

PRESENTED BY: Sunline

Marks Collects Added Payday With Yamaha Power Pay

Yamaha Pro Paul Marks won the fourth Bassmaster Elite Series of the season Sunday, April 27, on Lake Hartwell, leading the field with a four-day bass total of 68 pounds, 8 ounces. The victory marks the first blue trophy for the rookie from Cumming, Georgia. As part of the Yamaha Power Pay contingency program, which rewards anglers who own a Yamaha outboard purchased within the last 60 months, Marks earned an additional $4,000! To learn more about Mark’s victory and how you can take advantage of the Yamaha Power Pay contingency program check out this article.

On The Water With The Champ Paul Marks

The Best on Tour crew hit the water this week with none other than recent Bassmaster Elite Series Lake Hartwell champion, Paul Marks. As part of a media event packed with content creation, we had the chance to capture some incredible moments on the boat—and pick up a few bass fishing tips from the champ himself. Stay tuned for photos, videos, and insights gained from this event!

Herring Hack

When the Blueback Herring spawn kicks off, things can get chaotic in a hurry—and that’s exactly how I like it. This is one of my favorite times of the year because the bass are ultra-aggressive and hunting in packs. You’ve just got to match their pace and the forage. Whether they’re blowing up on the surface or stalking high in the water column, I’ve got a tight rotation of SPRO baits that help me stay on ’em from sunup to noon. If they’re actively schooling and busting on the surface, there’s one bait I’m tying on every single time: the SPRO Walking Haint 110 in Chrome. I use it 98% of the time in these situations—it’s loud, flashy, and moves just like a Blueback in full panic mode. I throw it on 35-pound Sunline AMZ PE braid with a high-speed ARK 8.1:1 reel, so I can burn it back at the speed of chaos. When those fish are feeding up top, they don’t want a lazy retrieve—they want something darting and fleeing. That Haint gives me the flash and walk I need to draw vicious strikes. Sometimes, they’re not busting. They’re just hanging high, suspending under the surface and chasing. That’s when I switch gears and go with the SPRO Sashimmy Swimmer 105. I like the 105 size because this time of year, the Bluebacks are a bit smaller. Matching that profile makes all the difference. I throw it on 16-pound Sunline FC Sniper with the same 8.1:1 gear ratio reel, and just burn it on a straight, fast retrieve. If they’re up there but not quite committing to topwater, this gets them to react without hesitation. Now if the fish get weird—or pressured—and won’t commit to either of the first two, I’ll go with a fluke-style bait rigged on a Gamakatsu EWG style hook. That’s where things get more nuanced. I mix up my retrieves—sometimes twitch it fast, sometimes let it glide and pause—just depending on how the fish are reacting that day. Still running it on 16-pound FC Sniper and the same 8.1:1 reel. It’s all about efficiency and staying in the zone when they’re cruising high but not showing themselves. Whether they’re smashing bait on the surface or just stalking underneath, understanding the behavior of Blueback-fed bass is the key. They’re fast. They’re aggressive. And if you’re not matching their pace with the right gear and presentations, you’re gonna get left behind. This rotation keeps me in the strike zone and gives me the flexibility to adjust on the fly. That’s the name of the game when the herring are spawning.

A Tackle Warehouse exclusive bait, the Strike King Andy Morgan Flipping Jig is specifically crafted with purpose-built features for probing dense, gnarly cover where big bass love to hide. Engineered to cleanly slip in and out of cover, each Andy Morgan Flipping Jig is built with a special head design, low-profile line tie, and a fiber weed guard that protects a sticky sharp Owner hook in a highly unique 4.5/0 size. Adorned with a silicone skirt for a bulky profile and tantalizing pulsing action with every angler input, the Andy Morgan Flipping Jig is available in several productive colors suited for waters ranging from clean to dirty. Able to withstand the demanding duties of flipping and pitching with heavy line, the Strike King Andy Morgan Flipping Jig also comes with a barbed bait keeper to securely hold your favorite soft plastic trailer. Check out the full selection here

PRESENTED BY: Gamakatsu

Did you miss out on watching the final day of the Bassmaster Elite Series on Lake Hartwell? Check out the Bassmaster LIVE highlights from Day 4 of the 2025 Whataburger Bassmaster Elite at Lake Hartwell in Anderson, SC. Watch it here

PRESENTED BY: Denali

Kyle Cortiana

Photo Courtesy Of Major League Fishing

Major League Fishing angler Kyle Cortiana’s sponsors include B&W Trailer Hitches, Bubba, Lowrance, Kistler, Trokar, Epoch Batteries, Lurenet, Frogg Toggs, Vexus, Yum, and Mercury just to name a few.

New Select Grade Bucktails

When it comes to building top-tier jigs, the quality of your materials makes all the difference. That’s why we’re fired up about the new line of carefully selected bucktails from Do-It Molds — handpicked to deliver the best average size, thickness, and performance for serious builders. These bucktails aren’t just bigger; they’re better, giving you the consistency and premium quality you need to build like a pro. Available in a wide range of must-have colors, every piece is offered in Select Grade, ensuring you get the clean fibers, strong natural taper, and vibrant look you want when it counts. Whether you’re tying for others or perfecting your personal stash, these bucktails are built to meet the highest standards on the water. Get the edge — and build your best yet.

PRESENTED BY: AFTCO

Make Your Frogs Last Longer With This Simple Tip

If you fish frogs in hot, humid places like South Louisiana, you know how quickly heat can take a toll on your gear—especially the rubber legs on your frogs. Bassmaster Elite Series pro Caleb Sumrall shared a simple trick that helps extend the life of his SPRO frog collection, and it’s something anyone can do. “I saw this trick a while back—can’t remember exactly who started it, —but it really works,” Sumrall says. “Down here, your tackle boxes get super hot, and the rubber on frogs starts to break down. Guys started putting unscented baby powder inside their sealed frog boxes. I’ve been doing it ever since.” The powder helps prevent the rubber from sticking together and deteriorating in the heat. Sumrall says he’s got frogs in his box that are over four years old and still in great shape. Just shake off the powder before fishing and you’re good to go. “It doesn’t affect the action or smell, and it keeps everything looking brand new. I’ve never lost a frog to heat damage since I started doing this,” he adds. It’s a low-cost, high-reward hack that keeps your topwater game strong all season long.” Sumrall concluded.

Issue #322

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05/07/2025/by Jordan Babcock

Newsletters

This is the first time cameras have been allowed inside this swimbait facility (Issue 321)

Issue #321

BOT Trivia Question:

What was the first fishing company to sponsor Kevin Van Dam?

Quantum, Strike King, Plano, Bass Pro?

See the answer at the bottom of the newsletter!

PRESENTED BY: Sunline

Combs Claims $1,500 with Yamaha Power Pay at Pasquotank

Bassmaster Elite Series pro Keith Combs didn’t leave the Pasquotank River with a trophy, but he did leave with a hard-earned $1,500 Yamaha Power Paycheck and a big reminder about trusting his instincts. Combs was the second highest finishing Power Pay angler behind Easton Fothergill for this event, highlighting the fact there are multiple opportunities to win through Yamaha’s popular contingency program. The Texas native leaned on simplicity, top-tier equipment and a traditional flipping bite to grind out a fifth-place finish that paid off. “I was in the right stretch, right where the winner, Kyle Welcher fished and I was fishing trees as well,” Combs said. “I wasn’t too dialed into what was going on and didn’t get a bunch of bites in practice. It looked awesome in that area, but it took fishing during the tournament to really see what the potential could be.” Check out more details about Combs’s event on the Pasquotank River here.

Skeet Reese Announces Retirement from Competitive Fishing

Skeet Reese, 2024 Bass Fishing Hall of Fame inductee, A founder of Major League Fishing, the 2007 Bassmaster Angler of the Year and 2009 Bassmaster Classic Champion announces his retirement from competitive fishing at the end of the 2025 MLF Bass Pro Tour season. While he is retiring from competition, he will remain actively involved in the industry. He plans to spend more time serving in an enhanced promotional capacity for his partners and to growing Reese Fishing, his new fishing rod brand. His more than 40-year career began in the Western Pro circuits such as WON Bass and West Coast Bass, then turned to the Bassmaster Western Invitationals, where he qualified for the Bassmaster Tour and the Bassmaster Elite Series. The announcement brings to a conclusion one of the most highly decorated competition careers in the history of professional bass fishing. He has competed in more than 300 professional events, claiming 12 career victories, 84 top 10 and 120 top 20 finishes. Appeared in 19 Bassmaster Classics, three Major League Fishing REDCREST championships, two Forrest Wood Cups and a Red Man All American. Altogether, Reese has posted more than $4 million in career earnings while casting. Learn more details about Reese’s announcement here.

In The Kitchen With New

If you’ve spent any time around serious blueback herring lake anglers, you’ve probably heard whispers about boiling Zoom Super Flukes. It might sound like a strange kitchen-meets-tacklebox ritual, but there’s a solid reason behind it — and it could give you a real edge on the water. Zoom Super Flukes are known for their fish-catching action, especially when fished weightless or on a light Texas rig. But like many soft plastics, they can get bent out of shape in the package. Whether it’s from being crammed in a tackle tray, jammed in a bag, or warped from heat, a kinked fluke doesn’t swim right — and bass notice. Boiling the Flukes for a few seconds (usually 10–15 seconds in water just off a boil) helps them return to their original, straight shape. Think of it like giving the bait a factory reset. After the quick dip, lay them flat on a paper towel or hang them by the tails to cool and dry. Once they set, you’ll have a straight, natural-looking bait that darts perfectly on every twitch. Elite Series pro Bryan New emphasizes the importance of bait presentation: “A straight Super Fluke is crucial for getting that erratic action bass can’t resist.” Some anglers take it a step further — boiling lets you experiment with slight modifications. Want to soften up your Fluke for colder water? A longer boil can make the plastic a bit more pliable, giving it more action with less effort. It might seem like a small tweak, but in bass fishing, the little things add up. Boiling your Zoom Super Flukes ensures you’re fishing them how they were meant to be fished — and that can be the difference between a follow and a bite.

Built with 90% of its weight positioned above the hook shank, the Treeshaker Austin Felix’s Dream Stroller Jig Head helps give your soft plastic swimbait the tantalizing rolling motion it needs to trigger bites from picky bass. Crafted on a razor-sharp 2/0 Gamakatsu hook, the Dream Stroller sports a unique heavy-duty welded ring that allows the jig head to freely rock up to 180 degrees back and forth, eliminating the restriction of a typical fixed line tie. Furthermore, the Dream Stroller is also equipped with a collar and barb combination bait keeper, ensuring your trailer stays firmly locked into place on every cast. Crafted with precision and available in several sizes, the Treeshaker Austin Felix’s Dream Stroller Jig Head is the ideal choice whether you’re strolling or simply blind casting a finesse swimbait. Check out the full selection here

PRESENTED BY: Gamakatsu

The KGB Swimbaits Story – This is the first time cameras have been inside the KGB Swimbait facilities in Arkansas. Host Mike McClelland sits down with KGB Swimbait owner, Kevin Brightwell to hear his story, how they build custom swimbaits for SPRO and the world. Check it out here

PRESENTED BY: Denali

Skeet Reese

Photo Courtesy Of Major League Fishing

Bass Pro Tour professional Skeet Reese’s sponsors include Reese Fishing, Ranger Boats, Lucky Craft, Bass Pro Shop, KastKing, Mercury, Lowrance, Grundéns, Power Pole, RELiON, and SeaGuide Rod Componentsjust to name a few.

Waypoint Angler Supply

Waypoint Angler Supply is a locally owned fishing tackle shop located at 4677 Shoreline Drive in Spring Park, Minnesota, near the shores of Lake Minnetonka. Founded by Ross Kellermeier, a former high school state champion angler, the store reflects his lifelong passion for fishing and commitment to serving the local angling community. The shop offers a diverse selection of fishing gear, including tournament-grade tackle, Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) lures, multi-species equipment, ice fishing gear, and electronics. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a beginner, Waypoint Angler Supply provides high-quality products to meet various fishing needs. Known for its knowledgeable and friendly staff, the store has become a trusted resource for fishing enthusiasts in the area. Customers appreciate the personalized service and the staff’s willingness to share tips and advice to enhance their fishing experiences.

In addition to its retail offerings, Waypoint Angler Supply actively engages with the local fishing community by sponsoring events such as the Minnesota Bass Federation Team Trail. The store also hosts annual sales events, including Black Friday and Small Business Saturday promotions, providing customers with opportunities to purchase quality gear at discounted prices. For more information or to explore their product offerings, you can visit their website here.

PRESENTED BY: AFTCO

The Ultimate Guide To Springtime Fishing Gear

Spring bass fishing offers some of the most dynamic and rewarding angling opportunities of the year. As bass transition through pre-spawn, spawn, and post-spawn phases, understanding their behavior and equipping yourself with the right gear is crucial. This guide dives into essential tactics and highlights top-tier equipment from our partners to elevate your spring bass fishing experience. Check out our Ultimate Guide To Springtime Fishing Gear here.

Issue #321

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04/25/2025/by Jordan Babcock

Newsletters

97% of the top 10 at the Pasquotank River Elite Series used this type of bait (Issue 320)

Issue #320

BOT Trivia Question:

What is the heaviest total weight ever recorded in a four-day B.A.S.S. tournament?

118-12, 124-10, 132-8, or 138-4?

See the answer at the bottom of the newsletter!

PRESENTED BY: Sunline

Bid On Exclusive Items

The Bass Fishing Hall of Fame is kicking off the celebration of its 25th anniversary by hosting a silent auction this month in a continuing effort to support its mission of celebrating, promoting and preserving the sport of bass fishing. The 25th Anniversary Auction is online now and will run through April 29. Up for grabs are an assortment of unique fishing gear packages, one-of-a-kind paintings and autographed memorabilia. Additional items will be added throughout the duration of the auction. Check it out here..

Bertrand’s Tip For Tournament Efficiency: Pre-Rig Your Neko Worms

In tournament fishing, every second counts. Efficiency isn’t just helpful—it’s critical. That’s why Bass Pro Tour professional Josh Bertrand has learned to streamline as many processes as he can, especially when it comes to finesse techniques like the Neko rig. One of his favorite tricks is pre-rigging his Berkley Magnum Hit Worms. “I’ll take full packs and add the nail weights and o-rings ahead of time, so when the bite is on, I’m not wasting time rigging each bait from scratch. To stay organized, I use a Sharpie to write the weight size directly on the outside of the bag. It’s simple, but it makes a huge difference on game day. Whether I’m on a practice day or in the middle of a high-stakes derby, this small adjustment keeps me fishing instead of fumbling—and that can be the edge that puts more fish in the boat.” said Bertrand.

John Pearl Wins With Record Three Day Weight

Records have fallen at Clear Lake. Pro angler John Pearl from Upper Lake, Calif., one of the most well-known guides on Clear Lake and one of the most dangerous competitive anglers in the region has claimed victory in the 2025 WON Bass Clear Lake Open presented by Ranger Boats and Mercury, with a WON Bass Record 102.81 pounds for a three-day weight. Pearl took over the lead on day-two of the event with a total weight of 67.31 pounds and added 35.50 pounds on the final day. Check out the full details here.

A top-secret lure coming straight from Japan, the Geecrack Imo Kemushi Stick Worm was developed on Lake Biwa for tournament anglers and to provide a unique presentation that is deadly when dealing with highly pressured bass. Molded with a tapered body shape and silicone skirting throughout, it is made to be fished weightless on an EWG style hook, which creates a perfectly horizontal descent with a secondary quivering action thanks to the small silicone legs that extend from all sides. It is also heavily salted and made from Geecrack’s signature S.A.F. material that helps trigger more bites and make fish hold on longer so you have more time to set the hook. Offered in a selection of mouth-watering colors, the Geecrack Imo Kemushi Stick Worm will show the fish something different and put more fish in your livewell. Check out the full selection here

PRESENTED BY: Gamakatsu

Catch MORE Bass with the Neko Rig! (with Wade Middleton) – We join up with Wade Middleton as he walks us through Neko Rig fishing and tips to be more successful. It all starts with the Gamakatsu G-Finesse Cover Neko! Check it out here

PRESENTED BY: Denali

Kyle Welcher

Photo Courtesy Of Bassmaster

Bassmaster Elite Series professional Kyle Welcher’s sponsors include Crush City, Evolve Fishing, Fuji, Gamakatsu, Humminbird, Ikon Fishing, Mercury, Millertech, Minn Kota, Rapala, Striker, Sunline, T-H Marine, and Untamed Tackle just to name a few.

Fish With Flash

If you haven’t been fishing with Flash, you’ve been missing out. But now’s your chance to catch up – and catch more.

Do-It Molds just expanded the Flash Series Skirtslineup with all-new, must-have colors, giving every angler the power to instantly upgrade their store-bought or custom jigs.

Pre-banded and ready to fish, these skirts are packed with premium Flashabou™, giving you total control over the level of flash—keep it full or trim to your liking.

Perfect for:

● Swim Jigs

● Flipping Jigs

● Dragging Jigs

● Spinnerbaits

Whether you’re chasing bass or just want your jig to stand out in stained water, the new Flash Series Skirts deliver big-time appeal with zero hassle. Upgrade your jigs. Upgrade your results.

PRESENTED BY: AFTCO

Honoring a Legacy: The Ranger Man Tribute Boat

If you’ve spent any time around bass boats, chances are you’ve seen the iconic image: that bright red Ranger boat getting on plane in the ’70s — the “Ranger Man” shot that became a symbol of performance and pride. Fast forward to today, and that legendary image lives on in a brand-new way: the Ranger Man Tribute Boat. This boat isn’t just a nod to the past — it’s a full-blown salute. Built by a crew of seasoned Ranger employees, many with over 25 years of service, this boat represents more than 1,000 combined years of craftsmanship. Every inch of it was touched by hands that have helped shape Ranger’s legacy, and you can feel that dedication in the details. Visually, it’s a stunner. The boat pops under sunlight thanks to the use of an old-school, larger polyflake — the same style Ranger used back in the 1970s. It’s a sharp contrast to today’s finer flake used in modern builds, and that shimmer is impossible to ignore. The tribute doesn’t stop at the gel coat. The seats bring back vintage flair with armrests and period-correct vinyl, sourced and stitched by the team to match exactly what was used decades ago. Even the backrests feature subtle color accents you won’t find on a standard Ranger boat.

And then there’s the back deck — arguably the most meaningful part of the boat. It’s signed by every long-time Ranger employee with over 25 years of employment. The Ranger Man Tribute Boat is currently touring shows, including the Bassmaster Classic and Redcrest, and while its final destination is still undecided, one thing’s for sure: it’s a powerful reminder of Ranger’s roots — and the people who’ve made it what it is today.

Issue #320

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04/25/2025/by Jordan Babcock

Newsletters

DC gets number 3…Largest fishable decks at the Bassmaster Classic Expo (Issue 319)

Issue #319

BOT Trivia Question:

What fishery was the site of Dean Rojas’ record 45lb 2oz limit in a B.A.S.S. event?

Lake Toho, Sam Rayburn, Lake Guntersville, or Santee Cooper?

See the answer at the bottom of the newsletter!

PRESENTED BY: Sunline

Save Big At The Spring Blowout Sale

Save big on thousands of select items—rods, reels, tackle, and more. Prices on select items have been slashed by 35%, even on many that were already deeply discounted! Shop now for the best deals of the season. All items priced as marked. Sale ends Wednesday, 4.23.25 at 3pm PT / 6pm ET Check it out here.

Go Inside The BeatDown Facility

Take a look inside the BeatDown Outdoors operation with President Blake Price – Follow along with Blake as he takes us on a tour of every part of the Beatdown Outdoors facility. You will get a look how Beatdown produces premium mounts for your boat in the Sedalia, Missouri. Check out the video here.

Bill Taylor Chosen As Latest Recipient Of

Bass Fishing Hall Of Fame’s Meritorious Service Award

Whether behind the wheel of a UPS truck delivering packages or at the helm of the tournament operations team for FLW and Major League Fishing, Bill Taylor was as reliable as they come. A longtime tournament director and bass fishing advocate, Taylor, 77, was honored with the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame’s Meritorious Service Award at a Hall of Fame function Saturday, April 5 in Huntsville, Ala. He will be the eighth recipient of the MSA, which recognizes individuals and organizations deemed to have made significant contributions to the sport of bass fishing. “With the Hall’s mission being all about celebrating, promoting and preserving the sport of bass fishing, Bill Taylor hit all those marks during his career,” said Bass Fishing Hall of Fame Board president John Mazurkiewicz. “He was not only a successful tournament competitor, but he also became an integral part of the growth and success of FLW from its roots and later with Major League Fishing. Ask any tournament pros he interacted with over the years and their comments are nothing but glowing. His actions, fairness and problem-solving skills show exactly how important the role of a tournament director is in professional bass fishing.” Taylor began his fishing journey as a competitor in the first Operation Bass tournament in 1980. During his tournament career, he racked up more than $500,000 in winnings and more than a dozen victories, including the 1981 Ranger Classic Championship and the 1984 Kentucky Bass Association State Championship. His competitive success and deep understanding of the sport laid the foundation for his later contributions in tournament operations. In 1989, Taylor joined the staff of the Operation Bass Red Man Tournament Trail on a part-time basis, marking the start of a career in tournament operations that spanned five decades. When Operation Bass was rebranded as Fishing League Worldwide (FLW) in 1996, Taylor was a key member of the operations team for the inaugural FLW Tour. After retiring from a 30-year career at UPS in 2000, he assumed the role of FLW Tour Tournament Director, a position he held until 2019, making him the longest-serving director in FLW/MLF history. As Tournament Director of the FLW Tour, Taylor oversaw significant innovations that transformed professional bass fishing, including the introduction of sponsor-wrapped boats and jerseys, live-streamed tournament coverage, and a revamped pro/co-angler format. Known for always being the first at the launch ramp each morning and the last to leave each evening, Taylor’s tireless work ethic ensured the success of every event he directed. “To say Bill Taylor has made a significant contribution to bass fishing is an understatement,” said 2022 Hall of Fame inductee Kathy Fennel, Major League Fishing’s Executive Vice President and General Manager. “Bill embodies our sport. He is an incredible angler, fierce competitor, conservationist and mentor to many. As a long-time FLW Tournament Director, he upheld the sport’s highest standards on its biggest stages, enforcing rules with unmatched integrity. As Senior Director of Operations for FLW and Major League Fishing, his attention to detail ensured that every angler, sponsor and host was well cared for. Bill was also a recruiter. He worked tirelessly to help aspiring professionals get their start in a sport he loves with all his heart. Significant is not adequate to describe his contributions. They are second to none.” Taylor’s influence extended beyond tournaments. A passionate conservationist, he actively works to protect Kentucky Lake and testified before Congress on the impact of invasive Asian carp. His advocacy underscores his dedication to preserving natural resources for future generations. In 2020, Taylor transitioned to Major League Fishing (MLF) as Senior Director of Operations before retiring in 2021. Despite being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, Taylor has remained a source of inspiration, openly sharing his journey to raise awareness and participating in groundbreaking treatments.

Renowned as the ‘king of jerkbaits’ worldwide, the Megabass Vision 110 SR Jerkbait expands ITO vision engineering with a shallow-running diver that offers a wider scope of left-to-right darting action. By holding the rod upright, varying line slack, and applying short upward twitches, the Vision 110 SR creates a unique rise-up trajectory towards the surface of the water rolling and fluttering as the abdomen rotates side to side. Armed with custom Megabass out-barb hooks, the premium 1X strong wire is enhanced with a fluorine coating for superior penetration that ensures instant hook-ups from any direction in the toughest situations. Built to maximize your competitive angling potential, the Megabass Vision 110 SR Jerkbaits move into action as soon as you impart action to effectively trigger strikes even before the rings of water from your cast settle. Check out the full selection here

PRESENTED BY: Gamakatsu

Ever wonder which bass boat has the most fishable deck? Ken Smith got a chance at the Bassmaster Classic Expo to measure the “fishable” front deck space on a bunch of boats. This is the data you asked for, updated, and all in a single video. Check it out here

PRESENTED BY: Denali

Wesley Strader

Photo Courtesy Of Major League Fishing

Bass Pro Tour professional Wesley Strader’s sponsors include Sterling Site Construction, Ranger, Powell Rods, Mercury, Lew’s, Sunline, Zoom, Power-Pole, Lowrance, T-H Marine, Trokar, Epic Baits, Optima, and AFTCO just to name a few.

Hook’em Bait & Tackle

Hook’em Bait & Tackle is a small, independent fishing supply store located in Sumter, SC. Owned and operated by William Griffith, the shop was founded out of his genuine passion for fishing and the community of anglers who share that love. Located at 561 Bultman Drive #7, Hook’em offers a solid selection of fishing gear and supplies, with a reputation for friendly, knowledgeable service. The store is open Monday through Friday from 10 AM to 7 PM and Saturday from 10 AM to 5 PM, closed on Sundays. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or just getting started, Hook’em Bait & Tackle is a welcoming spot for all who enjoy life on the water.

PRESENTED BY: AFTCO

Autism Awareness Goes Local

John Crews and the bass fishing world are ready to show support for Autism Awareness month this April. This year will be highlighted by showcasing autism focused organizations that are based in the two towns hosting the two Bassmaster Elite Series events this month. Autism Awareness Month represents an excellent opportunity to promote autism awareness, autism acceptance, and to draw attention to the tens of thousands that deal autism every day. In addition, the BASS pros will have the opportunity to display autism puzzle decals on their boats and John Crews will auction off some special items later in April. Pro bass angler, John Crews, explains, “Each year we try to show a different angle of autism. This year is about where the work is done, locally. We contacted local organizations in Elizabeth City, NC and Anderson, SC. Each group will have a display in our weekend expo so people can learn about them and help support them through direct donations. Many people have no idea these places are right in their backyard, wherever you live!”

In Elizabeth City, North Carolina, Grassroots 252 is the nonprofit group that will display and educate people on how they help improve the lives of the special needs community. In Anderson, South Carolina, the Rainbow Gang is a nonprofit group that operates a free day program for adults with intellectual disabilities. That program is run by Anderson County, and they focus on evidence based recreational based therapy. Like in previous years, the BASS Elite anglers will have the opportunity to show their support for autism awareness by putting autism puzzle themed fish decals on their boats. Also, there will be numerous auction items on eBay later this month with all proceeds going to various autism charities. Lastly, anyone can get the autism puzzle themed fish decals with autism bracelets for $10 plus shipping at https://missilebaits.store/products/autism-awarness with all the proceeds going to Virginia Institute of Autism.

Issue #319

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04/10/2025/by Jordan Babcock

Newsletters

Tow vehicles by the numbers on the Bass Pro Tour (Issue 318)

Issue #318

BOT Trivia Question:

Who was the first ever Bassmaster Classic winner?

Ray Scott, Bobby Murray, Bill Dance, or Tom Mann?

See the answer at the bottom of the newsletter!

PRESENTED BY: Sunline

Easton (BEASTon) Banks Bonus Bucks

In less than one year’s time, Easton Fothergill went from representing the Bassmaster College Series in the 2024 Classic, to the summit of professional bass fishing. Winning the 2025 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour in record-breaking fashion on Lake Ray Roberts. Not only was it nearly unbelievable to see a 22-year-old phenom from Minnesota break the Classic weight record held by none other than the legend KVD; it can’t be overstated how important and inspiring Easton’s victory will be for the next generation of anglers who aspire to make it to the professional level. Check out more details on Fothergill’s victory and on how you can cash-in on Toyota Bonus Bucks rewards like the new Classic champion here.

MLF Communications Team Ready For REDCREST

The Major League Fishing (MLF) communications team has been working tirelessly in preparation for REDCREST 2025, where the top 50 MLF anglers from 2024 – including the Top 40 anglers from the 2024 Bass Pro Tour – are competing for the prestigious REDCREST Championship and the $300,000 top prize. The tournament takes place April 3-6 on Lake Guntersville in Huntsville, Alabama and the league has pulled out all the stops, ensuring the event will be one of the most exciting and well-covered tournaments in the league’s history. In addition to the endemic media outreach that began in December, MLF kicked off their local media outreach efforts in February with a press tour in Huntsville, Alabama, visiting key outlets throughout the region to generate buzz and excitement for the event. During the tour, MLF’s communications team arranged multiple in-studio appearances and newspaper interviews for the competing pro anglers, sharing key event details, pitching storylines and spotlighting the talent that is competing in REDCREST 2025. For the last several weeks leading up to the event, the team has been working with endemic and local media to roll out local television segments – including an MLF-style Fish Off with the local CBS affiliate, multiple podcast and radio appearances and engaging articles featuring REDCREST 2025 competitors. “One of the key focuses of our outreach this year has been to highlight our diverse pool of anglers who are vying for the prestigious title,” said Joe Opager, Sr. Director of Communications for MLF. “Our entire team has been focused on sharing in-depth profiles of the competitors, showcasing their unique journeys and the adversity they have faced to get to this point and REDCREST 2025.” By focusing on innovation, unparalleled access to the tournament action and engaging the local community, MLF aims to continue to elevate REDCREST into a can’t miss event for anglers, media and fans alike. “MLF is excited to further enhance the angler, media and fan experience at REDCREST this year,” said Charity Muehlenweg, MLF Sr. Manager of Communications. “Through our carefully planned media events and access to in-depth, real-time coverage of the competition, we’ve worked hard to ensure an enjoyable experience for everyone involved, with a renewed focus on telling the story of REDCREST.”

Fans can tune in online at MajorLeagueFishing.com Thursday – Sunday, April 3-6, to watch all the action live.

Chasing A True Dinosaur

March 15th may just be another day for a lot of anglers, but in the Missouri region where I live it’s almost considered a guaranteed day off work being that’s the opening day of “SpoonBill Snagging Season”!! For years the thought was to start at 12:01 am in the dark in order to get them right outta the gate before they get caught or educated by all the anglers. Growing older I’ve realized that’s not actually necessary but for many it’s still an awesome tradition! Although, spoonbill have known to be caught occasionally on live bait, trout lines, and a rare crappie jig here and there they’re mainly target by a snagging technique where utilizing a 5/0-12/0 treble hook tied similarly to a drop shot set up with the weight tied below ranging from 3oz.-16oz.

Casting from the bank or trolled behind a boat jerking regularly in hopes of snagging one is how I remember get started. Since then the sport has had some evolutions with technology making it easier for more anglers of all ages to partake! Maybe say, 15 yrs. ago the first real “game changing” product to come along making catch rates climb and effort tremendously lessened was a trolling disc called a “dipsy diver” which took the place of the sinker below the hook. Imagine a large crankbait bill the size of a softball and the line tie is how it’s attached. With large saltwater style rods in heavy rod holders the DD at fast trolling speeds allows your hooks to dive at depths where the spoonbill are swimming with no extra effort by the angler in order to hook one and the amount of water that could be covered over traditional snagging was noncomparable! The very most recent “Game Changer” to come along has definitely been utilizing “Live Scope and Heavy Bass Equipment” to actually snag a spoonbill in real time on a screen! With only being a daily 2 fish limit you can actually kinda shop around and look for a fish that trips your trigger and then attempt to snag it! I’ve been fortunate enough to get to partake in this process and it’s definitely not as easy as it sounds but very doable with some practice….. one thing that definitely stood out to me on the conservation side of this sport is how you can just pass on the younger fish allowing them to go on about and do their business right on up the river but truly target a mature fish that needs to be harvested. Unlike the other two techniques that it’s just settle whatever size fish you snag into. Enjoying everyone and from a guy that’s done all 3 techniques to catch spoonbill ranging from 10” long to weights hard for one man to hold up alone for a picture. I love the fact that more people of all ages/abilities are taking advantage of the new techniques that fit for them and are getting to experience the excitement of actually catching a true “Dinosaur”!

Let’s face it….. Sometimes you just want to catch something that REALLY pulls back!

Adorned in a custom juvenile trout color scheme, the TW Chop Shop x RiosFishes G-Ratt Glide Baits are the result of an exclusive collaboration with talented California bait painter, RiosFishes. Meticulously hand-finished and available in very limited quantities, each bait showcases realistic, beautiful parr marks and other intricate details that make the TW G-Ratt Glide truly special, highly desirable, and wildly productive. Based out of Elk Grove, California, Lawrence Rios (@riosfishes) is a self-taught bait painter and avid bass and striper fisherman on the California Delta and local reservoirs. Lawrence started airbrushing back in 2019 to create his own custom colorways that were unavailable on store shelves. In 2021, his passion and expertise progressed into a business when he linked up with Garrett Dixon, owner of G-Ratt baits, where he provided template patterns and custom one-off colorways for their brand and the general public. Featuring two body segments, the TW G-Ratt Glide sports a soft, custom-molded replaceable tail section along with sticky sharp 3X trebles mounted on rotating hook hangers to help keep fish securely pinned during intense battles. Available in the eight-inch “Sneaky Pete” size, the TW G-Ratt Glide is engineered with precise weighting that allows it to swim from slow to fast speeds while providing an audible internal knocking sound that alerts nearby predators. Able to be worked several ways, the TW Chop Shop x RiosFishes G-Ratt Glide Baits can be slowly reeled to produce a smooth gliding action, twitched to make the bait dart and pause from side to side, waked just under the surface, and more. Check out the full selection here

PRESENTED BY: Gamakatsu

Ever wonder why bass crush moving baits like spinnerbaits and crankbaits some days, but will only eat finesse baits like wacky worms and drop shots when the bite is tough? One research study about largemouth bass vision goes into what do largemouth bass see and helps answer this question, based on the biology of largemouth bass vision. In this video, Tom Redington reviews the findings of this groundbreaking study about largemouth bass sight and help you use it to catch more fish. And make sure you stick around for the most important finding, how bass see lures that swim vs lures that drop, because it could be the biggest factor between catching a fish or not. Check it out here

PRESENTED BY: Denali

Dustin Connell

Photo Courtesy Of Major League Fishing

Bass Pro Tour professional Dustin Connell’s sponsors include Rapala, Ranger Boats, Bass Pro Shops, Huk Fishing, Mercury Marine, Lowrance, Seaguar, Miller Tech, and Sea Clear Power just to name a few.

ALMIGHT Now Available In 600yd Spools

Sunline excited to announce the expansion of the Sunline ALMIGHT product line with the addition of 600yd spool sizes! The new 600yd spools provide more line for extended use, making them perfect for anglers who are prepping multiple reels or embarking on longer trips where extra line is a must. Experience the same trusted performance of Sunline ALMIGHT in a convenient, value-packed size. Available in the popular pink color only. Ready to spool up? Check them out here.