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
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.
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.
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.
