BFHOF Has Awarded Scholarships Under Its Fishery Management Scholarship Program
For the third consecutive year, the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame (BFHOF) has awarded scholarships under its Fishery Management Scholarship Program. This program aims to provide financial support and encouragement to high school and college bass anglers pursuing careers in fields that will directly contribute to healthy fisheries, essential access, and clean rivers, lakes and reservoirs, consistent with the BFHOF’s mission.
The eight selected applicants will each receive $2,500 to pursue their studies. The recipients include:
Reagan Davis — Carleton University
Cole Hofstadt — Bemidji State University
Noah Lieberman — Missouri State University
Colby Munrow — Arkansas Tech University
Kate Norrid — Auburn University
Garrett Page — South Georgia State College
Riley Schuldt — University of Wisconsin, Stevens Point
Alexa Wasankari — Clemson University
“The response to this program continues to be exceptional,” said incoming BFHOF Board President Bruce Stanton. “We have a dedicated Conservation/Education Committee, led by Board Member and BFHOF inductee Gene Gilliland, and they gave great care in choosing the recipients. Based on the results achieved by previous years’ grantees, and their long-term career goals, we know that our supporters made a difference that aligns perfectly with the Hall’s mission of celebrating, promoting, and preserving bass fishing. Healthy fisheries are a prerequisite for a healthy sport.”
The awardees consist of high school seniors committed to enrolling in a four-year college or university program, as well as undergraduate and graduate students currently enrolled in a four-year college, university, or accredited graduate program with a declared or planned major in biology, aquatic ecology, fisheries, marine science, or a closely related natural resources field.
The Simple Joy Of Fishing: KVD’s Grassroots Gospel
Kevin VanDam, a Team Toyota pro and hands-down the greatest bass angler to ever cast a lure, has a trophy case that’d make anyone jealous: four Bassmaster Classic trophies, seven Angler of the Year titles and a legacy that’s etched in the annals of fishing history. But don’t let the shine fool you – beneath the high-tech gear and TV spotlight, VanDam’s heart beats for the same gritty, dirt-under-the-nails fishing that hooked him as a kid. In a world cluttered with gadgets and YouTube tutorials, he’s preaching a back-to-basics truth that fishing’s soul lies in its simplicity, the raw thrill of the bite and the quiet moments that make you forget the world. Check out the full story here.
In tournament bass fishing, every cast counts. There’s no room for distractions when you’re trying to make the most of every moment on the water. Success often comes down to how well you manage your time, your focus, and your choices from sunrise to weigh-in. I’ve spent my career chasing bass across the country, from cold fronts in upstate New York to sweltering heat down in Okeechobee. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: staying comfortable keeps you sharp. When the mental and physical toll of the day kicks in, what you’re wearing matters just as much as what’s tied on your line. That’s why I trust AFTCO fishing apparel to help me stay cool, dry, and dialed in, no matter what the weather throws at me. Learn more about how Patrick Walters stays cool, dry, and focused here.
Missile Jigs Eye Roll Jig Head
Uniquely designed to amplify the action of soft-plastic minnows, the Missile Jigs Eye Roll Jig Head is perfectly tuned for the popular techniques of hover and mid-strolling. Engineered with a lead ball head molded with a high center of gravity, the Eye Roll Jig Head features a welded ring line tie to further enhance the seductive rocking action of your soft-plastic minnow bait with every twitch of the rod tip. Built on a precision VMC jig hook for effortless hook sets, the Eye Roll Jig Head also comes armed with an aggressive double bait keeper that firmly grabs and holds your bait cast after cast. Adorned with large attention-grabbing eyes, the Missile Jigs Eye Roll Jig Head makes an ideal offering for bass fishing with forward-facing sonar. Check them out here.
How Going To Japan Helped Me Become A Better Angler
Bassmaster Elite Series pro Kyle Welcher traveled to Japan to visit the Sunline factory and tour tackle stores. Find out what he learned and how it helped him become a better angler. Check out the video here.
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.
New Pro-Tec Powder Paint Drop
CS Coatings and Do‑It Molds have teamed up once again to bring custom bait makers two fresh paint options to your toolkit – right as the season heats up. These new hues are the perfect way to refresh your color lineup, whether you’re building bluegill imitators, finesse jigs, or standout trailer combos. Now’s the time to take inventory of your paint stash – stock up on the full collection so you’re ready the moment these new colors hit the virtual shelves – and do it fast, because they’ll move quick.
Two new color builds for different bites:
● Okeechobee Craw – A light blue base layered with teal, dark blue, and black flake. Designed for Florida strains and black-and-blue fans across the country, it’s a confidence color in tough conditions.
● Electric Gill – A punchy bluegill pattern built for bass guys that take advantage of those deep summer bluegill beds. With bold contrast and flash, it shines in muddy reservoirs and excels when mimicking bluegill.
Why It Matters:
● Engineered by CS Coatings for hard finish, superior gloss, one‑coat coverage, and zero primer needed.
● Over 100 pigment options already available, now plus two exclusive new tones!
● Efficient, durable, and ideal for pro-grade custom jigs or multi-hue bait builds.
So if you’re a custom tackle maker, check your current stock! Or if these paints get you excited about painting up some raw lead heads, mark your calendar! Inside sources tell us these will be going live August 11th!
Private Equity Gutted Surf Brands — Is Fishing Next?
Living in Southern California, I’ve watched passion-driven surf brands like Quiksilver, Volcom, Billabong, Hurley, and RVCA collapse under the weight of private equity deals, complicated licensing agreements, and Chapter 11 filings. Less and less of their product can be found in core surf stores. Instead, it’s often now sold at Costco, JC Penny’s, and off-price channels that have nothing to do with surfing. The powerhouse surf brands I grew up on are losing relevancy at a striking rate. While there are several reasons for that, Private Equity has certainly played a role in their current stage of demise. The recent bankruptcy of Liberated Brands, the discreet parent company formerly behind many of the most well-known surf brands, is just the latest chapter in an all too familiar story. Customer service lines at these brands are far too often silent, blown-out seam taping on wetsuits go unrepaired, and overall product quality has fallen. While new companies have stepped in to pick up the licenses for these brands, much of the damage is already done. What began as aspirations for growth spiraled into a cycle of overexpansion, debt loads, declining purpose, and a lack of authenticity. The surf industry that once defined youth and counterculture became the paper pushers they initially sprung up to rebel against. Thankfully, there is a new wave of surf brands. Not coincidentally, many are founder, independently, or family led. While that should give anyone who loves surfing hope, the lessons for the fishing industry are clear—and hit close to home. Check out the full article from Casey Shedd, President of AFTCO here
https://bestontour.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Best-On-Tour-Logo-1920-minified.png8141920Jordan Babcockhttps://bestontour.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Best-On-Tour-Logo-1920-minified-300x127.pngJordan Babcock2025-08-08 06:49:192025-08-08 06:49:19Beat the Heat! How to stay cool, dry, and dialed in this summer (Issue 336)
