Tow vehicles by the numbers on the 2026 Bass Pro Tour (Issue 359)

Issue #359- January 22nd, 2026

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BOT Trivia: Which fishery was the site of the 2022 Bassmaster Elite Series event where Lee Livesay won with a four-day total of 113 pounds, 11 ounces?

See the answer

PRESENTED BY: Sunline

Dual Threat Season Is Underway

The Dual Threat Team Fishing Trail is kicking off its 2026 season this week on Lake Okeechobee, with teams gathering at Roland & Mary Ann Martins Marina & Resort in Clewiston, FL for the January 21–23 opener. This three-day event marks the first of six regular season stops where teams compete for points toward championship qualification, with the season moving on to other classic fisheries like the St. Johns River, Lake Eufaula, and Guntersville later in the year. The Lake Okeechobee stop sets the tone for the trail’s highly competitive season, drawing anglers eager to start strong on one of Florida’s most iconic bass lakes.

Hackney Links Up With Suzuki

Three-time Bassmaster Elite Series champion and the 2014 Toyota Bassmaster Angler of the Year Greg Hackney announced earlier this week that he will be running a Suzuki on the 2026 Elite Series. Hackney joins a list of anglers including Jacob Wheeler and Mark Davis who’ve made the move to Suzuki this season.

Hot Start Amid Cold Conditions For Mark Daniels Jr.

As the sun crested the ridges that surround Lake Guntersville and illuminated this iconic fishery on the second morning of competition at B&W Trailer Hitches Stage 1 Presented by Mercury, Mark Daniels Jr. was preparing to try and duplicate what he described as an excellent start to his eighth season on the Bass Pro Tour. Read more about MDJ’s hot start at Stage 1 of the Bass Pro Tour here.

Super Tuned Drop Shot

The Gamakatsu Super Tuned Drop Shot hook is designed for exceptional performance with a focus on precision and hookup ratios. Featuring Tournament Grade Wire and Nano Alpha finish, this hook boasts a G Lock point with a slightly upturned design to maximize hookup percentages. Its straight shank design ensures the hook rigs straight and stands out more prominently on the fishing line, enhancing presentation. Add this awesome new dropshot hook to your arsenal. Check out the full selection here.

PRESENTED BY: Gamakatsu

Brightwell And Rojas Join BTL

Dean Rojas and Kevin Brightwell of KGB Swimbaits join BTL to break down their new reel lineup designed specifically for swimbait and frogging applications. During the conversation, they dive into the design process, key features, and performance details that set these reels apart, while sharing insights on how they were built to handle heavy baits, thick cover, and high-stress situations. The discussion offers a behind-the-scenes look at how angler feedback and real-world testing shaped reels built for power, control, and reliability. Check it out here.

Listen to EP. 243 of the Rapala #WeAreCollegiateBass Podcast

Listen here

Nitro, Ranger, and Triton Owners Earn Big in the Texas Team Trail

Read More Here

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PRESENTED BY: AFTCO

Spool Up Right

If you fish a lot… like really fish, not just a couple weekends a month, then you know how fast line can disappear. Whether you’re re-spooling the night before a tournament or swapping out line after a day grinding through brush piles and rock, fluorocarbon isn’t cheap. That’s where bulk spools come in clutch. Not only do they save you money in the long run, but they also keep your rigs running smoothly, with fresh line ready when you need it most. Sunline has carved out a name for itself in the fishing world as a go-to for high-performance line, especially in the bass game. Their lineup of bulk spool fluorocarbon options is tailored for serious anglers who want quality, consistency, and value. If that sounds like you, keep reading! We’re breaking down each bulk option so you can choose the right one for your fishing style. Learn more about the advantages of purchasing line in bulk spools here.

What’s The Difference? | Silicone vs. Rubber Jigs

The material is your first hint, but how does it actually affect your fishing? Bryan New breaks down the key differences between silicone and rubber jigs, explaining how each material impacts action, profile, and performance in the water. From the subtle, consistent movement of silicone to the fuller flare and slower fall of rubber, Bryan shows how jig material can influence bites in different conditions. He also dives into when and where each shines—whether you’re targeting pressured fish, fishing cold water, or looking to trigger reaction strikes—giving anglers practical insight they can immediately apply on the water. Check it out here.

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Issue #359

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