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.
Taku the Mad Scientist
One of Taku Ito’s keys to success in his brief Elite Series career has been his use of scents. He has a specific formula and timeline for maximizing the value of Nories Bite Powder and Bite Liquid on his soft plastics.
I Spy a Yellow Perch: Spybaits That Match What They’re Really Eating
When bass key on perch, silver spybaits fall flat. Discover the best yellow perch spybaits that trigger more bites in clear water conditions.
6 ICAST 2026 Bass Fishing Products I’m Putting to Work on the Potomac River
After ICAST 2026, these are the six new bass fishing products I'm putting to work on the tidal Potomac River for pressured bass, heavy grass, and changing conditions.
Simple Potomac River Soft Plastics Starter Set
New to bass fishing or the Potomac River? This proven soft plastics starter set covers the exact baits that consistently catch fish—from Senkos to Speed Worms. Skip the clutter and fish smarter with these confidence lures.
Two Academy Fishing Sun Hoodies That Keep Earning a Spot in My Boat
I tested Academy's Jacob Wheeler Tech Hoodie and Ventilated Hoodie from Panama tuna trips to long days of bass chasing. Here's why they've become two of my most-worn fishing sun shirts.
Mahi on the Menu: Using Mahi-Style Teasers to Tempt Billfish
Learn how mahi-inspired teasers and dredges trigger strikes from marlin and sailfish. Check out some of the varied options and join hosted fishing trips in Guatemala & Panama for the ultimate offshore adventure.
Top Buzz Toads for Big Bass: Pro Picks You Can Buy at Tackle Warehouse
Discover the top buzz toads and hooks pros use to catch big bass. Learn how to fish them, pick the right colors, and shop our favorite Tackle Warehouse picks for explosive topwater action.
Black Neon Flipping Baits: A 90s Staple That Still Wins Today
Black neon soft plastics helped legends like Denny Brauer win big—and they still shine today. Learn when to throw them and the best baits to buy now.
HPFC Hall of Fame: Charlie Brewer’s Slider Heads
In my earliest days of tournament fishing in the mid-1990s, my occasional success was often the result of using Charlie Brewer Slider Heads. It’s still incredibly deadly — and easy to use.
Bass Lures that Imitate Japan’s “Whitespotted Char”
Explore bass lures inspired by Japan’s Iwana (whitespotted char). A unique crossover of JDM tackle, trout forage, and bass fishing innovation.
Grundens Outfitted our Team with Tuna-Tough Hoodies in Panama
When Skeet Reese headlined our recent trip to Panama Grundens outfitted our group with their latest sun shirts. Our crew rocked their breathable Tough Sun Hoodies on the water – through heat, spray, a little bit of rain, and a whole lot of tuna blood.
Bringing Sexy Back – Glide Baits With Moves Like Jagger
The Glide Baits guys are usually ahead of the curve, and Sexy Shad brings something different to that category—a clean, high-contrast shad profile with just enough flash and chartreuse to trigger followers into committing. When you’re dealing with fish that track a bait for 10 yards before deciding, that matters.
Taku Ito’s Bluegill Neko Rig
Learn how Taku Ito rigs a Flip Gill for Neko fishing to imitate bluegill and trigger bigger bites. Watch the video and shop the exact gear he uses.
Wahoo-Pattern Lures: Offshore Colors That Attract the Ocean’s Apex Predators
In the depths, there are predators even larger and more fearsome than wahoo that eat these fearsome gamefish. I’m far from the first to appreciate that, and plenty of top tackle makers have introduced wahoo-inspired patterns into their lineups.
Off the Wall Megabass Jerkbait Colors
Generally, the pros I’ve spoken to break Megabass jerkbait colors down into three categories: translucent, matte and metallic, but if you look through the Megabass USA catalog, there are some outliers. If you want to stand out from the crowd consider some of these shades.
Reese Fishing Next 2 Swimbait Rod: Conquering Cubera Snapper
Skeet Reese came to Sport Fish Panama Island Lodge with an ulterior motive — to see if his signature swimbait rod could handle some salty critters. It passed with flying colors.
Make Dad Look Good on Father’s Day
If you’re still struggling with what to get dad for Father’s Day, take it from someone with a 56 year-old dad bod that there are plenty of great options. I’ve been testing plenty of new gear so far this spring, and there are certain items that I reach for again and again.
Ike’s Abu-Garcia Travel Rod – Two for the Price of One
Mike Iaconelli has been all over the world chasing a wide variety of fish and he’s also made urban fishing cool. Naturally, his efforts required a travel rod, and he’s built a set that provide a lot of bang for your buck.
A Clear Choice in Walk-the-Dog Topwaters
Catch more bass in calm, clear water with the best transparent topwater walking baits. Consider the Heddon Super Spook and numerous alternatives in different sizes, shapes and noise patterns.
Bryan Schmitt’s Three Core Hayabusa Hooks for Tournament Fishing
Maryland Elite Series pro Bryan Schmitt relies on Hayabusa hooks from Japan to keep bass buttoned up during tournaments. Here are three of his must-have options to try.

