Hooked Up: The Crankbait Hook Guide You Can’t Skip (Issue 351)

Issue #351- November 20, 2025

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BOT Trivia: What bait company is credited with producing the first deep-diving crankbait?

See the answer

PRESENTED BY: Sunline

Early Black Friday From Do-It

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!

Nominations Now Being Accepted For 2026

Fresh off an induction ceremony that celebrated three influential members of the bass fishing community, the Board of Directors of the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame has opened the nomination process for the next class of inductees.

Starting immediately, any interested person may nominate deserving individuals for consideration in the Hall. Nominees should have made a major impact on the world of bass fishing and brought honor and credit to the sport. Properly submitted nominations are accepted on a rolling basis, but in order to be considered for the Class of 2026, they must be completed in full by January 15, 2026. The initial list of nominees will be narrowed to an official ballot to be evaluated by our Selection Panel, which includes 30 members of the industry plus all living Hall of Famers. More information about the process can be found on the “Road to Induction” page of the Hall’s website.

Cortiana Receives Forrest L. Wood Sportsmanship and Community Leadership Award

Kyle Cortiana was honored with the Forrest L. Wood Sportsmanship and Community Leadership Award during the Toyota USA Series Championship on Grand Lake, recognizing his unwavering commitment to sportsmanship, community leadership, and ethical conduct. The award celebrates anglers who exemplify integrity, selflessness, and kindness—qualities Cortiana consistently displays. “I am so humbled and cannot express how much this award means to me,” he said. “Thank you to everyone who took the time to congratulate me and make me feel like more of a man than I really am. This is my favorite trophy of all time!” Cortiana finished the event in 60th place with a two day total of 21-2.

Strike King Spotlight Sonic Coat Split Minnow

Designed to be a hyper-realistic minnow imitation, the Strike King Spotlight Sonic Coat Split Minnow is enhanced with Spike It’s Sonic Coat Sonar Enhancement Technology to make it easier to see your bait on live sonar screens. Featuring an innovative split-tail design that tempts fish to bite in various environments and situations, the Split Minnow excels when paired with Damiki rigs, hover rigs, and strolling techniques for success with forward-facing sonar. Molded in multiple vibrant color patterns to tempt finicky fish, the Strike King Spotlight Sonic Coat Split Minnow ensures anglers can match the hatch in a variety of environments. Check out the full selection here.

PRESENTED BY: Gamakatsu

Selecting & Sizing Crankbait Hooks

Pro angler Mike McClelland breaks down one of the most overlooked details in crankbait fishing: choosing the right hooks. In this video, Mike dives into the specific factors he considers when selecting treble styles, wire sizes, and hook shapes for different crankbait applications. He also shares a simple but game-changing tip for making sure your hooks are perfectly sized to match the bait’s profile and action. Whether you’re fine-tuning performance or looking to land more fish, this is a must-watch for anyone serious about crankbait fishing.. 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)

IFA Sunshine Slam Showdown – Week 2 Winners: Read More

2026 National Walleye Tour Schedule: Read More

Watch “KEYS TO CONFIDENCE: Keeping Bass Fishing Simple”: Watch Now

PRESENTED BY: Denali

Break Your PB St Jude Fundraiser

If you’re only going to pick one event to hit after the St. Paul Ice Show… make it this one. You asked for it, and they delivered. On Saturday, December 6th, Tom Reid’s is officially reserved for an exclusive night of cold beers, big laughs, and priceless access to some of the biggest names in the fishing world—all while supporting an incredible cause: St. Jude. This is a must-attend, limited-entry event. Just 200 tickets will go live on Monday, November 10th at noon, and they will go fast. Tickets are $100 each, with every single dollar going directly to St. Jude. Get your tickets here.

PRESENTED BY: AFTCO

Copper State Sets Up Shop In Florida

Copperstate Tackle is officially open in Inverness, Florida—and this new expansion is built with one mission in mind: wall-to-wall tackle that’s all killer, no filler. It’s a straight-shooting shop stocked with the gear serious anglers actually use, from the must-have staples to the rare JDM gems you usually have to hunt for. Not close to Inverness? No problem. Their online store runs 24/7 with the exact same lineup, backed by fast, Florida-focused shipping. Order anywhere in the state and keep your day moving with same-day shipping and next-day delivery straight to your doorstep. No fluff. No gimmicks. Just the proven gear that earns a permanent spot in your boat. Check out their new website here.

The Ultimate Angler (+5B’s) Best on Tour Breakdown Ep. 4

In this Best on Tour Breakdown, we dive behind the scenes of the buzz, banter, baits, and business shaping the bass-fishing world. This episode kicks off with the latest buzz surrounding the Ultimate Angler Championship, followed by a lively debate on whether Josh Jones is truly pioneering a new wave of Oklahoma trophy-bass fishing. We spotlight the Berkley PowerBait MaxScent Flux Gill in our baits segment, then shift to big moves in the business world with the Omnia Fishing and Thorne Brothers partnership. To wrap things up, we tackle a bonus topic—how potential new tournament rules could ripple down the ladder. Check out the episode here.