With a multitude of environmental factors at play, Yamaha pro Brandon Palaniuk managed to catch 95 pounds, 4 ounces in the 2025 Champion Power Equipment Bassmaster Elite at Lake Okeechobee enroute to winning his sixth coveted Elites Series trophy. On top of his win, Palaniuk earned an additional $4,000 check from the Yamaha Power Pay program for being the highest finishing angler running an eligible Yamaha motor. He has long been sold on the performance, dependability and fuel mileage of these outboards… the Power Pay bonus is the icing on the cake. Thankfully you don’t have to be a full-time pro like Palaniuk to benefit from your Yamaha. There are hundreds of collegiate, amateur and semi-pro tournament trails sanctioned by Power Pay. But you do have to make sure you are registered to be eligible. It’s free to register and anglers don’t have to place first in their tournament to cash in on the Power Pay money. To learn more, please visit https://yamahapowerpay.com/ Check out more details on Palaniuk’s 6th Elite Series victory here.
Two Iconic Brands Collaborate
For decades, pro anglers and fishing enthusiasts alike have trusted Skeeter Boats (since 1948) and AFTCO (since 1958) for top-tier performance and durability. Now, these two legendary brands have joined forces for an exciting new collaboration. Skeeter Boats and AFTCO are proud to introduce a premium collection of Skeeter-branded AFTCO apparel and hats, featuring an exclusive camo pattern. This limited-edition lineup—set to debut at the 2025 Bassmaster Classic—includes hats, tees, and outerwear, all designed with the iconic Skeeter logo woven into the custom camo. “The AFTCO Brand is synonymous with so many of our fisherman and Skeeter Owners alike. To be able to work with such an iconic apparel brand like AFTCO, is s great way to kickoff Classic week.” Chris Brown, Brand Marketing Manager of Skeeter Boats “Skeeter shares the same values as our brand when it comes to making products specifically for professional and enthusiast anglers and it’s great to partner with them on this collab,” AFTCO President, Casey Shedd
Bassmaster Honors Clunn
Following a historic 2024 season that marked his 500th Bassmaster event and celebrated a remarkable 50-year career, legendary angler Rick Clunn will be honored with the inaugural Rick Clunn Bassmaster Person of the Year Award at the 2025 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour. Established to recognize individuals who have made significant contributions to the sport of bass fishing — both on and off the water — the award celebrates those who exemplify integrity, character and a lasting impact on the fishing community. At 78 years old, Clunn has spent six decades defining professional angling while inspiring countless anglers to take to the water. In recognition of his unparalleled influence, the award will bear his name moving forward, with future recipients receiving the Rick Clunn Bassmaster Person of the Year plaque.
Clunn’s list of accolades is staggering:
16 B.A.S.S. career victories, including four Bassmaster Classic wins — two of them back-to-back.
A record-setting 32 Classic appearances over his career.
Voted by fans as the greatest professional bass angler of all time.
“Rick Clunn’s 2024 season featured two milestones that may never be repeated — 50 years of participation in B.A.S.S. events and 500 tournaments fished,” said B.A.S.S. CEO Chase Anderson. “He was there in the earliest days of professional fishing and has watched the sport evolve into the international sensation it is today. Through it all, Rick has remained a model of class and sportsmanship, earning the admiration of both his peers and the next generation of anglers. His milestones in 2024 made it an easy decision to name him the first Bassmaster Person of the Year.” Check out more details on Clunn’s honor here.
Available exclusively at Tackle Warehouse, the Z-Man Chatterbait Elite Evo Mini Max features a compact profile and strong 3/0 BKK hook in a heavier gauge wire than the standard Mini Max, allowing it to easily be fished on typical full-size Chatterbait setups. Equipped with a premium Japanese Decoy Egg Snap line tie, the blade at the front is directly connected to the head for quick activation, allowing the Elite Evo Mini Max to begin its vibrating, shimmying, flashing movement from the first crank of the reel handle. Each skirt is precisely hand-tied with premium silicone to ensure plenty of action and visual appeal, while a wire bait keeper on the hook shank firmly secures your favorite soft-plastic trailer. A downsized bait priced to deliver exceptional value, the Z-Man Chatterbait Elite Evo Mini Max is perfect for anglers who are fishing pressured waters or trying to imitate smaller forage. Check out the full selection here
Many of the hottest bait trends in fishing have originated in Japan. TacticalBassin identified 5 new JDM (Japanese Domestic Market) trends that are making huge waves in both US and international bass fishing! Some you may have seen, some are likely to be brand new to you, but you don’t want to miss any of them! Historically the Japanese market has brought a lot of very refined techniques. They’ve also accounted for many of our current swimbait designs and concepts. Today we’re seeing huge waves in the “dice” and “appendage” category, as well as topwater, minnow baits, spinnerbaits, and more. These trends are catching fire in the US because they’re working, so today we’re making sure you’re aware of them. Check it out here
Major League Fishing professional Jacob Wheeler’s sponsors include Academy Sports + Outdoors, Rapala, iKon Boats, Duckett Fishing, Magellan Outdoors, Realtree Fishing, Mercury Motors, Wieda’s Marine, VMC, Sufix, and Bob’s Machine Shop just to name a few.
BassmastHER
BassmastHER, introduced by B.A.S.S., is a community-driven initiative empowering female anglers through free workshops, education, and networking. Designed to build confidence on and off the water, it covers fishing fundamentals, casting, boat handling, and industry opportunities while fostering lifelong friendships. Beyond skill-building, BassmastHER offers travel experiences, inspiration, and giveaways, all while working to grow the sport and introduce the next generation to bass fishing. Whether you’re new to the sport or a seasoned angler, this program provides the tools and support to elevate your fishing journey. Check out this awesome video on the dynamic new program here.
Classic Missile Madness- Shredders, Mustache Contest, Crazy Chrome, and More
Missile Baits is debuting the all-new Shredder and Shredder Jr. soft plastic baits and selling a custom run Crazy Chrome color of the Spunk Shad 3.5 and 4.5 at the 2025 Bassmaster Classic in Ft. Worth, Texas plus plenty of Missile madness in booth 2326. The Shredders are a cross between a hair jig and fuzzy dice, which is a design collaboration with Fish or Die Bait Company. There is nothing like the Shredders. Missile Baits is also conducting a $1,000 Mustache Contest in their booth at the Classic. Entrants will get a gift from Missile, the top 10 will each get $50 gift cards, and the winner, chosen later through social media, will receive $1,000. Hog Farmer Bait company will have their new and proven baits in the Missile booth as well. New exclusive apparel will be debuted at the Bassmaster Classic alongside a full array of Taddo Designs custom baits with a totally new 4.5” glide bait. “The Shredders are functional fuzzy dice. The 4” is going to be flipped a lot and the 2.5” is nasty on a drop shot but both can be used in so many ways. We will show the world the Shredders at the Classic, which will be a wild time with exclusive Crazy Chrome Spunk Shads, the mustache contest, Taddo baits, and the new merch,” says John Crews, Missile Baits owner and professional bass angler. Missile Baits will be taking entries into their $1,000 Mustache Contest at the John Crews/ Missile Baits booth (#2326). Each entrant will get a reward plus the top 10 will all get $50 Missile gift cards. The winner will be chosen from the top 10 on social media after the Classic and receive the $1,000 top prize. The Shredder and Shredder Jr. are a completely new type of soft plastic bait. (see underwater video: here) The design and concept are a collaboration effort between Missile Baits and Fish or Die Bait Company. The Shredders look like a hair jig but have an extension in the body for easy and versatile rigging options including Texas rig, drop shot, jig head, swing head, Carolina rig, and more. Both sizes will come in 8 colors and sell for a $6.99 retail price. The Shredders will ship to dealers all over by mid-April. New merch and exclusive colors are always fun to debut at the Bassmaster Classic expo. Be sure to stop by the Missile Baits booth to check out the Crazy Chrome colored Spunk Shads and the new t-shirt and hoodie designs. All are eye catching and memorable like the brand new Taddo 4.5” glide bait. You will have to see the merch to find out what they are. Missile will also be handing out simplified expo maps at the booth, so you do not miss any of the exciting vendors. Don’t miss all the fun this year in Ft. Worth at the Missile Baits booth, alongside Hog Farmer, Taddo Designs, and the rest of the vendors at the Bassmaster Classic..
BOT Trivia Answer:
What year did the Rebel Pop-R first hit the market?
1969
1976
