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.