The Outdoor Gear We Recommend
We may have a little bit of a hoarding problem. Good gear need not be expensive, but it has to improve the experience in some way. Whether it’s the right rod, a certain bait, or the world’s best rainsuit, we’ll give unfiltered opinions on what we use and why we use it.
Jackall of Japan’s Pirarucu Commitment
It’s a long haul from Tokyo to Manaus, but the jet lag is worth it because lots of Japanese anglers make the journey to chase peacocks and other fierce jungle fish. It’s not surprising, therefore, that JDM manufacturers make gear specifically for and replicating Pirarucu.
Sip on This: Shallow Rootbeer Crankbaits
Root beer is more than just a favorite soft drink — it’s also a popular crankbait color which takes on quite a few shades and variations. Check them out on your favorite shallow divers.
Garage Finds – Toadally Awesome
Digging through old tackle led to rediscovering the best buzzing toad baits for bass. See which soft plastic versions still get crushed today and learn the proper terminal tackle to maximize hookups.
Lures to Imitate Japan’s Yamame, Also Known as “Cherry Trout”
Discover the best bass lures to imitate Japan’s Yamame (Cherry Trout). Shop varied JDM favorites and one US option at Tackle Warehouse for fishing success home and abroad.
The Full Range of Hematoma Bass Lures – Not Just Soft Plastics
Discover the best Hematoma-color bass lures—from Reaction Innovations classics to top imitators. See the must-have worms, jigs, swimbaits, and trailers on Tackle Warehouse.
In Praise of Hatchery Trout for Giant Bass
Hatchery trout lead to giant bass — but they may be spooky, so be sure to match the hatch with one of these glide baits or topwaters meant to perfectly imitate this special form of bass candy.
Big Bait Colors for Bass You Didn’t Know You Needed
Learn which underrated, unknown or unusual big bait colors make a difference when bass get picky. From glide baits to rats, here are new color patterns — all available at Tackle Warehouse.
Bad to the Elegy Bone
Elegy Bone — a mix of a translucent body, blue back, chartreuse belly and herringbone lines on the side — is a deadly jerkbait color. Megabass originated it, and now numerous other lure manufacturers have added it to their own lineups.
Megabass Magdraft Hacks
You can fish the ultra-popular Megabass Magdraft swimbait effectively straight out of the package, but if you want to maximize its deadlness, there are a variety of mods and hacks you can implement. Here are some of the best from the pros.
BONE Fishing World: Matching the Hatch for Globetrotting Anglers
Discover Bone Fishing World’s travel rods and exotic lure lineup—engineered for giant trevally, snakehead, arapaima, and other global gamefish. A must-read for globetrotting anglers.
Best of the Bass Pro Shops House Brand Bass Lures
Explore the top Bass Pro Shops house-brand bass lures—from Stik-O Worms to XPS swimbaits—and find affordable, high-performing tackle that boosts your success on the water.
Stop Losing Trophy Fish – The Strongest Split Rings for Traveling Anglers
As we pack to chase species like peacock bass and golden dorado we go through lots of 4X trebles. But super-strong hooks don’t do you much good if they’re not firmly attached to the lure. Indeed, powerful fish will about always find the weakest link – so upsizing hooks without swapping out your is risking disaster.
Will Bass Hit Topwater When It’s Really Cold?
Just because it’s winter doesn’t mean you need to put the topwater lures away — under the right conditions, they may prove to be your absolute best presentations, as the pros in these videos will prove.
Fishing Lures that Resemble Arapaima for the Bolivian Amazon
Discover the best arapaima fishing lures inspired by the legendary Amazon giant. Prepare for your trip to Cano Negro Lodge in Bolivia with our lure guide — in case they’re cannibals.
Fishing Apparel from Hunting Clothing Manufacturers
Discover the best fishing apparel made by hunting-focused brands. Field-tested shirts, pants, hats, vests, and sunglasses that boost comfort and performance on the water.
From Cocktails to Cleaning Fish: My Favorite Toadfish Gear (Plus a Discount Code)
Discover my favorite Toadfish gear from tumblers to filet knives. Spill-proof, durable, and conservation-friendly. Use code HALFPAST15 for a discount!
Who Let the Dogs Out? Fishing Gifts for the Head of the Household
Shopping for a fishing-obsessed household? These fishing-inspired dog gifts—from YETI bowls to Bass Pro toys and rugged outdoor dog gear—are perfect for the pup who runs the house.
More-Ning Dawn
I’ve been a fan of Roboworm’s original Morning Dawn color for over a decade, and previously wrote about the company’s multiple variations on that proven theme. Here are four new “morning” and “dawn” patterns for those of you who need something specific.
High End Gifts for Serious Bass Anglers
Discover the best high-end gifts for serious bass anglers. Premium rods, reels, glide baits, electronics & pro-grade gear they’ll truly appreciate.
A “Berry Good” Solution for Catching Pacu on Conventional Tackle
Learn how to target pacu at Don Joaquin River Lodge with dice baits, tackle tips, hook choices, leader setups, and line recommendations for your December 2026 Argentina fishing adventure.