Which motor brand dominated the top 20 at the BPT on Kentucky Lake? (Issue 328)

Issue #328 – June 12, 2025

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BOT Trivia:

The first commercially successful lipless crankbait, the Bill Lewis Rat-L-Trap, was introduced in what decade?

See the answer

PRESENTED BY: Sunline

Get Dad A FREE Dry Bag

Make Dad feel extra special this Father’s Day with this awesome opportunity. Get a FREE Denali Rods dry bag with purchase of any non clearance rod! Simply add it to your cart at time of purchase. Limit 3 bags per customer. Promotion ends June 15th! Check it out here.

Marks Catches One On Que

When Bassmaster Elite Series pro Paul Marks sets out to show how to catch spotted bass on a shaky head, he doesn’t just talk about it—he delivers. Right on cue, he hooks up and lands one! Watch the full cast-to-catch moment and pick up some valuable tips in this video here.

Three’s Company

When it comes to targeting bass on blueback herring lakes, versatility and realism are key—and that’s exactly why Bassmaster Elite Series pro Bryan New keeps all three sizes of the SPRO Sashimmy Swimmer on deck. On lakes like Murray, Hartwell, and Clarks Hill, where bass often chase fast-moving, nomadic herring, matching the hatch is critical—but so is adapting to the conditions. New uses the 105, 125, and 140 size Sashimmy Swimmers to dial in the perfect presentation based on water clarity, forage size, and bass activity. On high-pressure days or when fish are feeding on smaller herring, the 105 model shines. The 125 is New’s go-to for all-around use, offering a lifelike profile and tight kick that mimics the natural movement of herring. When bass are keyed in on bigger bait—or when it’s time to trigger a reaction bite from bigger fish—the 140 size Sashimmy delivers a bolder target with a more aggressive presence. With its premium components, subtle shimmy, and range of sizes, the SPRO Sashimmy Swimmer helps Bryan New stay one step ahead of the bite, no matter how finicky the fish—or how fast the herring are running.

Megabass IXI Blowly Crankbait

The result of an epic collaboration between legends Yuki Ito and Katsutake Imae (“IXI”), the Megabass IXI Blowly Crankbait is meticulously designed and engineered to deliver a superior level of performance to the discerning crankbait angler. Crafted with a stout body, the Blowly Crankbait features a patented intake structure and flared gills to precisely direct water pressure for outstanding stability and an aggressive wobble from slow to blazing-fast retrieve speeds. Built without rattles, the Blowly Crankbait attracts predators with a powerful high-frequency vibration that can even surpass classic balsa cranks. With a diving depth range of approximately 1–2 feet, the Blowly Crankbait excels in the shallows but is also highly productive when fished over surface-oriented bass in deeper water. Armed with a pair of premium #6 treble hooks and finished with impressively detailed color schemes to fool the most educated fish, the Megabass IXI Blowly Crankbait helps you blaze past the competition. Check them out here.

PRESENTED BY: Gamakatsu

Fish The Way You Want

Dakota Ebare is a Bassmaster Elite Series rookie but he is no rookie. He is a former bullfighter that has 2 MLF wins and over a million dollars in earnings. He decided to risk it all and fish the Opens in a quest to qualify for the Bassmaster Elites and chase his Classic dream. This week Dakota joins the Mercer podcast for a very real and raw conversation about the state of the industry, chasing his dream, fishing the way you want and so much more. Check it out here.

PRESENTED BY: Denali

Jacob Wheeler

Photo Courtesy Major League Fishing

Major League Fishing angler 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.

Lowcountry Munitions

Lowcountry Munitions is a dual-purpose outfitter serving the outdoor community of Bonneau, South Carolina. As a trusted gunsmith and licensed firearms dealer, they offer a full range of firearms, ammunition, and gunsmithing services for hunters, sport shooters, and firearm enthusiasts. But what truly sets them apart is their equally strong focus on fishing. Lowcountry Munitions is also a well-stocked fishing tackle retailer, carrying a wide selection of rods, reels, lures, terminal tackle, and live bait. Their inventory is curated with the local angler in mind—featuring gear and tackle specifically suited for nearby waters like Lake Moultrie and the surrounding Lowcountry fisheries. Whether you’re tuning up your rifle before hunting season or grabbing the right soft plastics for a weekend bass trip, Lowcountry Munitions is your convenient, one-stop shop for outdoor adventure.