Issue #291

PRESENTED BY: Sunline

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Exciting News From Do-It Molds

Do-it Molds is set to release two highly anticipated new molds, and they’re coming very soon! These new designs were first introduced at ICAST 2024, where they made a huge splash and generated plenty of excitement in the custom tackle community. The first is the Weedless Compact Jig Mold—a mold that’s mini but mighty. Despite its smaller size, this mold delivers impressive power and versatility, making it ideal for anglers looking for a compact jig with superior performance. Whether you’re fishing in heavy cover or need a more finesse approach, this jig mold offers both precision and durability. The second is the Hover Jig Mold, built with the new hover strolling technique in mind. This mold allows you to create hover-style jigs perfect for targeting suspended fish, taking full advantage of modern sonar technology. It’s a must-have for anglers serious about upping their game with FFS systems. Reserve a new Weedless Compact Jig Mold, or your own Hover Jig Mold at Do-it Molds today! Both molds will be available soon, and they’re already generating a lot of buzz. Keep an eye out—you won’t want to miss your chance to get your hands on these game-changing designs!

Big Bass Bash Returns To LOZ

The BaitWrx Big Bass Bash returns to Lake Of The Ozarks October 5-6 with over $325,000 worth of payouts up for grabs. Bassmaster EQ angler Mike McClelland has won his fair share of money on LOZ and has offered up a detailed breakdown on how he thinks this event could play out. Bass at Lake Of The Ozarks likely will be transitioning into their fall patterns during the event and will be looking for the baitfish to put on the feedbag.  Depending on which section of the lake you are planning on fishing will dictate the approach you might choose, and McClelland has an answer for every inch of Lake Of The Ozarks. “October at Lake Of The Ozarks can be a fun time to fish and catch a lot of numbers, but in this event anglers will need to tailor their techniques for those bigger bites. I believe the winning fish can come from anywhere on the lake, however if I was fishing this event I would be on the hunt for the big gizzard shad and the areas they are currently utilizing.” said McClelland.

McClelland breaks Lake Of The Ozarks down into 3 sections, all of which can be extremely productive.

Lower End = Expect there to be the cleanest water on the lake and this is definitely where some of the biggest bass tend to live. If you get some cloudy, windy conditions during the event this end of the lake could be a major player. Typically you aren’t going to get as many bites in this area from my experience, but they are usually the right ones.

Mid Lake Area (Hurricane Deck Bridge To The Toll Bridge) = Expect the water to definitely have more color in this area of the lake. The Grand Glaze arm has the majority of release fish from local tournaments and usually produces a better average. This section is probably as good of section of the lake as any other and offers a great variety of opportunities and cover.

Upper Section (Hurricane Deck Bridge And Up) =  This section is always the wildcard in my opinion. The water color should allow you to fish shallower than in any other section of the lake, and there is an abundance of cover to target. This area can be one of the better sections to target boat docks in the fall as well.

Baits and Techniques:

“In an event like the Big Bass Bash I am going to lean towards power fishing, however finesse tactics could play, especially if the conditions are tough.” McClelland continued. “Topwater offerings are certainly going to be on the deck when I fish LOZ in the fall. A few of my top choices would be a Big Bite Baits Tour Buzz Toad, SPRO Walking Haint, and some style of plopper bait all fished on Sunline 60lb AMZ braided line.” If the topwater bite isn’t the ticket then McClelland is leaning towards two particular baits to target the lower half of the water column. “I’m a big fan of the Gamakatsu Hybrid Swing Head in the fall. I will rig a Big Bite Baits Magnum Finesse Worm, Battle Bug or Kamakaze Craw on my Gamakatsu Hybrid Worm Hook and use this setup to target rock transition areas throughout the lake. Of course you can never go wrong with a jig on Lake Of The Ozarks, so you will definitely want a few different styles ready to go. I’ve been having success on the new SPRO CJ Swim Jig in shad and bream patterns, and would utilize that to target laydowns and boat docks in search of that bigger bite.” said McClelland. “Finally I would have a big SPRO Chad Shad swimbait tied on with 25lb Sunline Shooter. Grand Shad or Bone would be great colors in that bait depending on whether it was sunny or cloudy.” McClelland concluded.

Midwestern and Northeastern anglers have always leaned on the marabou jig for big bites in tough conditions, especially in cold or clear water where smallmouth are present. The Beast Coast Tungsten Compound Superfly has arrived to bring a new quality standard to this highly effective product. Backed by a razor-sharp BKK hook for lightning-fast hook penetration, each jig is hand-tied with genuine marabou in a variety of sizes and proven color patterns.

Built with a lead-free tungsten compound to boost sensitivity and create a compact profile, the Superfly Hair jig has the optimal head shape to slowly swim the water column or drag and pop slowly off bottom. Finished with matte black 3D, the Beast Coast Tungsten Compound Superfly Hair Jig includes a small wire bait keeper so anglers can rig tiny chunks of scented plastic for added weight, castability, and a fuller body when wet.   Check out the full selection here.

PRESENTED BY: Gamakatsu
Fall bass fishing is way more than just a quick, one-and-done deal—it’s a complex season with three distinct stages that can stretch over months. In this video, Ike is breaking down the ins and outs of early, middle, and late fall fishing, showing you how bass move, how to track them, and the best lures to use in each phase. Whether you’re up north or down south, this guide will help you unlock some of the best fishing days of your life. Don’t miss out on these tips to dominate the fall bite! Check out the full video here.
PRESENTED BY: Denali

Matt Herren

Photo Courtesy Of Bassmaster

Bassmaster Elite Series professional Matt Herren’s sponsors include Buck’s Island, Dirty Jigs Tackle, Gamma Fishing, Humminbird, Kistler, Minn Kota, Owner Hooks, Skeeter, Striker, Taddo Designs, and Yamaha just to name a few.

New Format For Opens, Elite Qualifier

B.A.S.S. has announced format enhancements for the 2025 St. Croix Bassmaster Opens presented by SEVIIN and Tackle Warehouse Bassmaster Elite Qualifiers series. Check out all of the details here.
PRESENTED BY: AFTCO

How To Fish Docks Like A Pro

Fishing boat docks is one of the most consistent patterns for catching bass across the country, and AFTCO Pro Team angler Jason Christie has an affinity for targeting the man-made structures whenever the opportunity presents itself. Docks are often the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow when fishing for bass. They create multiple ambush points, allowing for easy feeding opportunities. Each row of pilings and every corner offers a sneaky spot for bass to hide and ambush their prey. While the dock itself is cover, many also have multiple brush piles that homeowners and anglers have planted around them, making them one of the best places to target while bass fishing. Learn more about how Jason Christie likes to dissect docks by clicking here.

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Issue #291

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