The next level Coike is already here. Don't get left behind! (Issue 363)

Issue #363- February 19, 2026

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BOT Trivia: Which fishery famously produced three Century Belts during an Elite Series event in 2013?

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PRESENTED BY: Sunline

Old Grubs And A New Tundra Win Hank Cherry Money At Guntersville

Watching Hank Cherry win the FXR Bassmaster Elite at Lake Guntersville with a few packs of old-school chartreuse grubs on a jighead was simply spectacular. Not to take away from the crop of prodigal young anglers and the innovative technology that has been dominating a large percentage of bass tournaments lately; but seeing a veteran like Cherry catch the biggest bag of the week with a lure that likely sat in your grandpa’s tacklebox enroute to winning the first non-forward-facing-sonar Elite Series tournament ever was ironically fitting. In the hallowed halls of bass fishing history, tournament lore will fondly remember Cherry’s throwback win on iconic Lake Guntersville.

“The pack of grubs I was using on Sunday is forever old… I’m talking like 20-years old,” Cherry said with a smile. “I ran out of the grubs I had been using earlier in the week and was down to a package I think I got out of big sale-bin at a tackle store back home with my dad years ago. We use those things (grubs) to catch more than bass, too. Flounder, redfish, and sea trout will smash that thing.” One of the best parts about fishing is it can be as complicated or as simple as you want it to be. High end bass boats, state of the art electronics, and fined-tuned equipment will help you catch more bass. But it’s nice to know you can wind a grub around shallow grass, the same way Cherry did when he was a kid, and still win at the highest level. In addition to his $100,000 first-place payout, Cherry was rewarded $4,000 from Toyota Bonus Bucks for being the highest finishing angler towing their boat with a 2022 or newer Toyota tow vehicle. Cherry is no stranger to Toyota’s renowned contingency program, the 2024 Tundra he’s currently towing his BassCat boat with is the seventh Toyota tow vehicle he’s purchased. Read more about Cherry’s performance here.

Application Window Open

True to its mission of celebrating, promoting and preserving the sport of bass fishing, the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame is once again committing $65,000 this year to students and conservation groups to assist in their research and enhancement of bass fishing. From college fisheries students to lake associations and bass clubs, folks who are working hard to improve bass fisheries should consider submitting an application to the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame as soon as possible to take advantage of this generous ongoing support offered by the Hall each year. The Arkansas Game and Fish Foundation is just one of several groups across North America to benefit recently by using a $5,000 grant from the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame to purchase Mossback® fish habit structures. “We are incredibly grateful to the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame for funding these habitat projects in Northwest Arkansas, which serve as a perfect example of how public-private partnerships ensure vital conservation work is accomplished while teaching the next generation of student enthusiasts how the work is done,” said Deke Whitbeck, President of the Arkansas Game and Fish Foundation. Longtime Tennessee B.A.S.S. Nation Conservation Director Jake Davis also reflects gratefulness to the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame for their generosity. “We purchased 125 MossBack® habitat systems and material to put together 170 reusable Christmas tree based, 20 ‘whalebone’ structures,” Davis said. “We could never help the lakes of Tennessee as much as we have over the past 9 or 10 years without the support of the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame.” Factoring in the 2026 awards, the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame expects its total contributions toward scholarships and conservation grants to exceed $160,000 over the past seven years. To learn more and to apply, visit https://www.bassfishinghof.com/community-impact.

Upcoming Bass Fishing Whatnot Shows

Thursday 2/19

11:01am Bizz Baits

11:40am 6th Sense

5pm Fishbonz Tackle

6pm Tackle Addict

Friday 2/20

9am Fishbonz Tackle

10am Gorilla Baits

7pm $1 Start Vintage Lures

Saturday 2/21

10am Gorilla Baits

12pm 6th Sense LIVE on Lake Conroe

All times are in Central.

HIDEUP Coike Fish

American anglers are quickly adopting the original Coike, and for good reason, it flat out catches fish. But if you’re still only throwing the standard version, you’re already behind the curve. The Hideup Coike Fish is quietly becoming the next evolution of finesse fishing, and the anglers who understand it are gaining a serious edge. What makes it different? It’s not just another soft plastic. The Elastomer L version enhances buoyancy, durability, and most importantly micro-movement. Built with dozens of miniature fish-shaped elastomer strands, this bait doesn’t just sit there. It breathes. It pulses. It quivers with the slightest current or rod twitch, perfectly imitating a compact bait ball in a way traditional creature baits simply can’t replicate. This bait excels in high pressure scenarios where realism is critical. On a weightless rig, light jig head, drop shot, or free rig, it hovers and responds to the smallest movement. This style of bait has quietly been a cornerstone for some of the top young anglers on tour, but now the cat is out of the bag after the extensive coverage it received during the recent Bassmaster Elite Series event on Lake Martin. If you’re serious about staying ahead of the game, this is the next step.

Check out the full selection here.

PRESENTED BY: Gamakatsu

Catch MORE Fish With ANY Lure Using THIS Modification

Bassmaster Elite Series veteran Mike McClelland introduces the all‑new Gamakatsu One‑Touch Blade System — a simple, innovative, highly versatile way to add flash, vibration, and triggering power to almost any bait. In this video, Mike breaks down how the One‑Touch design lets anglers clip a blade on or off in seconds, giving you the freedom to instantly adjust your presentation based on water clarity, forage, or fish mood. From finesse plastics to power‑fishing staples, this system opens the door to endless customization and on‑the‑fly experimentation. Whether you’re trying to stand out in pressured water or give your favorite bait a fresh twist, the One‑Touch Blade System might be the next big thing in bass fishing innovation. Check out the full video here.

TXTT Toledo Bend Opener Preview with Justin Cooper: Read More

2026 NWT Pro Registration Opens February 16th: Read More

PRESENTED BY: Whatnot

Save Your Transom

The BeatDown Outdoors Transom Saver is built to protect one of the most critical components of your boat, the transom and outboard during trailering. Engineered for maximum strength and stability, this heavy-duty support system eliminates engine bounce, vibration, and stress while you’re on the road. Designed with serious anglers in mind, it delivers universal compatibility and rock solid performance you can count on mile after mile. Unlike generic transom savers, the BeatDown Outdoors Transom Saver is specifically designed for boats equipped with dual trim rams, providing a secure, balanced fit across a wide range of modern outboards. Its rugged construction keeps your motor locked in place, reducing wear on steering systems, trim components, and the transom itself. Whether you’re hauling across town or across the country, this is the protection your investment deserves. Compatible with leading outboard brands including Mercury, Yamaha, Honda, Suzuki, and Tohatsu, the BeatDown Outdoors Transom Saver offers true versatility without sacrificing strength. It’s easy to install, simple to use, and built to handle the demands of tournament level travel. Protect your boat. Protect your motor. Protect your investment. Learn more here.

PRESENTED BY: AFTCO

What Is Bassmaster Tuesday Night Live?

Bassmaster Tuesday Night LIVE is the first-ever Bassmaster Tuesday night tournament, taking place April 21, 2026 on Table Rock Lake. Eight Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series pros will compete in a three-hour, team-format shootout from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. CT, launching from Mill Creek Boat Ramp in Kimberling City, Missouri. The event features fan-voted pairings, a traditional boat-ramp weigh-in, limited commercial interruptions, and a $5000 cash prize, streamed live across Bassmaster platforms. Read more here.

Chatterbait Trailer Masterclass In 5 Minutes

Bet you didn’t know all these bladed jig trailer tips! Best on Tour’s resident tackle junkie and Elite Series pro bass angler Bryan New spills the JUICE.

Tackle mentioned in this video:

Jackhammer, Original Chatterbai t, D Bomb, Super Fluke, Skinny Dipper, Cover Jumper, Flip Gill

Check it out here.

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