Three hours that will change pro bass fishing as we know it (Issue 362)

Issue #362- February 12, 2026

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BOT Trivia: Which crankbait maker became famous in the 1970s for baits carved from balsa wood with flat sides?

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PRESENTED BY: Sunline

Wes Logan Loads Boat With Yamaha Power Pay

Wes Logan bested 96 of his peers to finish fifth in the FXR Bassmaster® Elite on Lake Guntersville, earning an additional $2,500 of extra cash from the Yamaha Power Pay program for his efforts. The 32-year-old Alabama native has now fished three Elite Series tournaments on this iconic fishery, and he’s never finished lower than fifth. Logan’s quiet confidence and consistent results on Lake Guntersville mirror the efficiency and reliability of the Yamaha 250-horsepower V MAX SHO® on the back of his Falcon Boat. Yamaha’s renowned dependability was paramount for Logan this week, as extremely cold air and water temperatures were a major storyline throughout practice and competition for the Elite Series season opener. Read more about Logan’s season opening performance here.

Month of Victory: Score Big Savings on Victory Hooks

This month, Victory isn’t just about what you pour – it’s about what you save! Do-It Molds is running a Month of Victory promo on Victory Hooks, with up to 25% off across a wide range of hooks – including trebles, jig hooks, and bulk options that serious builders rely on. If you’re already into custom tackle, this one should hit close to home. Victory Hooks feature a V-Loc design that looks familiar for a reason – it’s built for strength, consistency, and clean hook alignment when pouring and tying. The kind of detail that matters when you’re building baits to fish hard. And when those hooks are up to 25% off? That’s not just a deal – that’s a chance to stock up and lower your cost per bait in a big way! Especially if you’re buying in bulk! Check out the Month of Victory deals on Victory Hooks at Do-It Molds – because winning on the water feels even better when you saved on the build!

Cox Ready To Measure Up At Martin

With light weights and fish measuring mishaps at the Elite Series opener on Guntersville in his rearview mirror, the always happy John Cox begins round two of the season at Lake Martin this week with nothing but positive vibes and numerous measuring accessories on board his aluminum Vexus®.

Q: First things first, did you make sure there’s a measuring board in your boat?

Cox: I borrowed one from a buddy at Guntersville. I hope he doesn’t want it back. (laughs) Plus, my buddies at Vexus gave me a hard time, and bought me a tape measure and one of those soft tapes that tailors and seamstress use.

Q: After a brutal Day 1 at Guntersville, you managed to catch nearly 18 pounds on Day 2. What was the difference?

Cox: It was like I got up on the wrong side of the bed last Thursday. Ice was freezing in my rod guides and reels, and I got spun out mentally fighting casting issues. Things thawed out on Friday, I went back to the same areas with the same lures and caught a decent limit.

Q: Let’s move on to Lake Martin. Do you have any history on that 100-year old reservoir?

Cox: A little bit. I fished it once when I was 18-years old and did terrible, but went back as an FLW angler and cashed a check.

Q: This is a forward-facing sonar event, and lots of 10-12-pound spotted bass limits are likely to be weighed-in, with a 14-pound limit generally being highly regarded. What will your approach be?

Cox: I’ll probably try to find a place to catch a limit, and then go hunt a bigger largemouth to separate myself from the pack.

Q: Will the spinnerbait and buzzbait be key for you at Martin?

Cox: I hope so. They’re both classic pre-spawn baits that allow me to cover a ton of water to keep up with the ‘scopers’ — and we’re facing a big warming trend that should also make them players.

Note: Five years ago, Cox won $100,000 at this time of year on Smith Lake, another well-known Alabama fishery full of spotted bass. Hopefully some of the similarities will translate to a magnificent week on Lake Martin for the lighthearted Florida pro.

Yamamoto Hinge Minnow

The Yamamoto Hinge Minnow is exactly what you expect from the most premium soft bait brand on earth. THE ultimate rolling minnow. A jointed, or “hinged” tail section allows the Hinge Minnow to roll, even on a straight retrieve which makes it easy for beginners and adds a constant fleeing action any time the bait is moving. Flanges run the length of the shoulders of the Hinge Minnow help slow the bait down, while its laminated top and bottom sections with independent weighting creates the perfect rate of roll. Available in 3.5″, 5″, 6″ and even 7″ sizes, the Hinge Minnow is a must-have in your arsenal and can be found in 10 winning Yamamoto colors. Keep rolling.

3.5″ – 7pk

5″ – 6pk

6″ – 5pk

7″ – 4pk

Check out the full selection here.

PRESENTED BY: Gamakatsu

This Might Be The Coolest Bassmaster Event Ever

The first ever Tuesday Night LIVE is Headed to Table Rock! Elite Series competition is coming to a setting every tournament angler understands — the weeknight jackpot. On Tuesday, April 21, 2026, eight Elite Series pros will trade the big-stage atmosphere for a straightforward, team-format, 3-hour shootout during Tuesday Night LIVE on Table Rock. Built around the spirit of local weeknight tournaments, the event emphasizes relatability, efficiency, and on-the-water execution rather than spectacle. Four boats, eight anglers, two veteran hosts, and support from AFTCO, Beatdown Outdoors, Gamakatsu, SPRO, and Sunline all come together to make one of the most exciting and anticipated events in pro bass fishing in 2026! Check out this video breaking down this new event here.

Kayaks provide anglers with a great way to get outdoors and access various bodies of water. Careco has a long history kayak fishing, and working with companies like Hobie and Bass Pro Shops to promote kayak fishing items. On this episode of the Bass Pro Shops Fisherman’s Handbook, we take a look back at past kayak fishing adventures and highlight the new Garmin Force Current Kayak Trolling Motor. Over the years, host Wade Middleton and the Careco team have spent a lot of time out on the water fishing in kayaks. From the Devils River to lakes, and even the coast…our crew has embarked on many adventures in a kayak. Along with those fishing trips, Careco has also worked with Hobie on a variety of projects ranging from filming tournaments and shows, to field testing great products. To begin this show, we highlight Careco’s history with kayaks, as well as take a look back at an awesome trip to the Devils River from many years ago. Following that, we will take a look at the Garmin Force Current Kayak Trolling Motor. Garmin Marketing Manager Brandon Brinkman joins Wade and crew at Valley Lake Ranch. Garmin recently introduced the Force Current—a trolling motor that redefines kayak fishing with a first-of-its-kind hands-free wireless throttle and steering control system. This all-in-one solution allows anglers to navigate, troll and fight fish without ever setting the rod down. Delivering legendary Force performance, it features a brushless motor purpose-built for kayak anglers with full forward and reverse thrust that makes it easy to navigate in any direction, weave through tight timber, turn in a tight circle, sneak along shorelines or creep through weed beds while fishing. Watch “KAYAK BASS FISHING – A Look at Past Trips & Innovative New Gear” on the Fisherman’s Handbook YouTube Channel. Be sure and check your local listings for this episode as well on Pursuit Channel both on your TV and Streaming on Pursuit UP coming up soon as well.

You can also view this show and the complete library of Bass Pro Shops Fisherman’s Handbook episodes streaming for free on Outdoor Action TV . If you don’t have the Outdoor Action TV App on your phone or television, be sure and download it from the App store or search for it on your TV.

PRESENTED BY: Whatnot

The first event of 2026 for the Association of Collegiate Anglers on the Bass Pro Shops Collegiate Bass Fishing Series is the CrushCity Hartwell Slam presented by Sufix. This no-entry-fee, nationally televised tournament and streamed event featuring widespread coverage across digital platforms and more, will be contested at Lake Hartwell in Anderson, SC on March 28-29 and will feature numerous teams ranked in the Top 25 in the nation according to the Bass Pro Shops School of the Year standings presented by Abu Garcia.

Click here to register now.

PRESENTED BY: AFTCO

First Ever Tuesday Night LIVE Is Headed To Table Rock!

Elite Series competition is coming to a setting every tournament angler understands — the weeknight jackpot. On Tuesday, April 21, 2026, eight Elite Series pros will trade the big-stage atmosphere for a straightforward, team-format, 3-hour shootout during Tuesday Night LIVE on Table Rock. Built around the spirit of local weeknight tournaments, the event emphasizes relatability, efficiency, and on-the-water execution rather than spectacle.

Four boats, eight anglers, two veteran hosts, and support from AFTCO, Beatdown Outdoors, Gamakatsu, SPRO, and Sunline all come together to make one of the most exciting and anticipated events in pro bass fishing in 2026! Read more about this exciting new event here.

A Legendary Angler Returns! (+5B’s) | Best on Tour Breakdown Ep 10

In this episode of The Best on Tour Breakdown, the crew runs through the “5 B’s” of bass fishing. The Buzz centers around legendary angler Rick Clunn announcing his return to competitive fishing by joining the NPFL. The Banter segment dives into a lighthearted debate about personal best catches and which ones should truly count. For Baits, the conversation shifts to classic and collectible lures like vintage Bagley crankbaits and Wiggle Warts, along with how they still influence modern tackle. The Business portion takes an industry-level look at the rise and recent struggles of the Googan Squad brand. As a Bonus, they wrap up with a discussion on forward-facing sonar setups for the back deck, including mounting options and practical rigging ideas. Check it out here.