Which familiar faces are in the hunt for the NPFL AOY? (Issue 331)

Issue #331 – July, 32025

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BOT Trivia: What is the only lake in the US to be Bassmaster’s “Best Bass Lake” 2 years in a row?

See the answer

PRESENTED BY: Sunline

4th Of July Sale

This Independence Day, Tackle Warehouse is giving you more to celebrate. Get 20% off select brands and 10% off almost everything else. Now’s your chance to load up on the gear you need this summer. Shop the full selection here.

Missile Baits Hiring A Director of Sales

Missile Baits is searching for a Director of Sales to lead its charge into a new era of growth in the bass fishing industry. Known for innovative soft plastics like the D Bomb and Magic Worm, Missile Baits is bringing that same energy to the hunt for a driven, experienced sales leader ready to scale up the brand across the U.S. and beyond. This new Director of Sales will join the Missile team in Salem, Virginia, or remotely, and will take command of sales strategy, dealer relations, and expansion into new markets. The role includes building a nationwide network of accounts, supporting key launches (like the Freedom Flyer and Eye Roll), and repping the brand at flagship events like ICAST and the Bassmaster Classic. “Our lures are meant to stand out and perform. We need a Director of Sales who does the same,” says John Crews, Missile Baits founder and pro bass angler. “We’ve got top-notch baits, loyal anglers, and momentum. Now we’re looking for the right person to lead our sales strategy like it’s Day 1 of the Classic.”

Missile is seeking applicants who:

Have at least 5 years of sales leadership experience (ideally in the fishing or outdoor industry)
Know how to grow dealer networks and manage key accounts
Are passionate about bass fishing and have a sharp eye for market trends
Can lead a team, drive KPIs, and thrive in a fast-moving, hands-on environment

The new Director of Sales will play a vital role in product launches, retailer support, show planning, and growing the Missile footprint in both brick-and-mortar and online arenas. The role offers competitive pay, performance incentives, and the chance to be part of a tight-knit, fast-growing brand that lives and breathes bass fishing. Applications will be taken until July 23.

Think you’re the angler to land this big one?

Submit your resume and cover letter to jobs@missilebaits.com

Mental Reset Has Been Money For Justin Lucas

To excel in Bass Pro Tour competition, anglers must showcase a wide variety of skills, with nuances specific to the Bass Pro Tour format. You must be proficient with forward-facing sonar to capitalize on the single FFS period, and elite at catching them with traditional methods the other two periods. Pros must take their weights being zeroed into consideration and make their game plans accordingly. There is enough strategy and high pressure decision-making rolled into BPT competition to make a high stakes card-counter blush.

Watching Lucas fish freely through this proverbial gauntlet has been impressive. Lucas has showcased his versatility, catching them shallow and deep, power fishing and finesse, with old-school offshore tactics and new age FFS approaches. According to the Alabama pro, his results this season are a product of mindset more than mechanics. “Man, I am having a lot of fun fishing right now and truly enjoying what I do,” Lucas said. “I had this realization before we started this season that I am halfway through my career. I thought to myself, I can either be a grumpy old guy or I can just have fun and be thankful for being out here. And that’s been my mindset this year. Every day of practice, every day of the tournaments I am just enjoying being on the water.” This mental approach may sound simple, but it’s not always easy to find joy in your day job. This is Lucas’ 15th season as a professional angler and it would be easy for fishing to start to feel like “work” if he let it. Largely thanks in part to the steadfast support of his wife and two boys at home, Lucas has been able to keep his mind right and his results have proven it. Check out the full article here.

Teckel USA Kicknocker

Made using the same mold, materials, and factory as Hideki Maeda’s original design, the Teckel USA Kicknocker Walking Bait is in a league of its own in terms of raw attraction. Possessing a unique tonal footprint, the Teckel USA Kicknocker Walking Bait is built with two rattle chambers – one in the front and one in the rear. At the front the rattle chamber consists of small plastics BB’s that provide a subtle, yet erratic clambering as the bait sashays over the surface. In the back, the Teckel USA Kicknocker Walking Bait is fitted with a large, singular knocker that creates a steady, rhythmic thud, while extending casting distance and making the bait incredibly easy to walk. Crafted with fine attention to detail, the Teckel USA Kicknocker Walking Bait is offered in a number of naturalized colors and fitted with hyper-realistic eyes. Backed by a trio of razor-sharp trebles, the Teckel USA Kicknocker Walking Bait will undoubtedly become a fixture on your deck any time there’s a topwater bite. Check them out here.

PRESENTED BY: Gamakatsu

If You Throw Big Baits, You Need This Hook!

The Treble Round Bend Big Bait Special hook was designed specifically to battle with large freshwater game fish such as Pike, Muskie, and Salmon. These treble hooks are made with 3x strong wire and feature Nano Smooth Coat technology along with the exclusive Magic Eye for easy rigging. Available in sizes 1 – 5/0 for use on a wide range of hardbaits. The Treble Round Bend Big Bait Special hook is also a great choice as a replacement treble hook for larger glidebaits and swimbaits in bass fishing applications. Check it out this video giving a great rundown on this hook here.

PRESENTED BY: Denali

Ott Defoe

Photo Courtesy Major League Fishing

Major League Fishing angler Ott Defoe’s sponsors include Bass Pro Shops, Nitro Boats, Mercury, Mossy Oak, Rapala, Terminator, VMC, Railblaza, T-H Marine, Onyx/Arctic Shield, Aqua-Vu, Costa, Lithium Pros, and Superior Walls of East Tennessee/Warrior Precast just to name a few.

Shipping is FREE In July

Reel in the savings this July with Denali Rods—enjoy FREE shipping on every order placed. No minimums, no excuses, just premium rods delivered straight to your door—all month long. Use code JULY2025 at checkout to redeem. Check it out here.