Chasing redfish in Venice Louisiana is often best with a jighead and paddletail or grub under a popping cork, especially for bull reds

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.


No tackle shop on earth provides more specialized gear for bass than Tackle Warehouse. If you want it, they've got it in stock — whether it's a proven winner or the newest items on the market — and their service is exceptional.

Gear Pete Robbins Gear Pete Robbins

Japan’s Hottest New Soft Plastic Bass Lure

Japan’s latest and hottest new bass craze may have a scatalogical name, but it’s super effective. If you think the Senko is the greatest bait ever — and there’s a strong argument for that — see if this stubbier, heavier version gives it a run for its money.

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Gear Pete Robbins Gear Pete Robbins

Three New Scat-Like Substances at Tackle Warehouse

Since the Deps Cover Scat became a valued tool for US anglers, numerous manufacturers have introduced their own takes on the genre. This year at ICAST we saw several more, and they continue to squirt out intermittently. Here are a few that have attracted my attention in recent months.

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Gear Pete Robbins Gear Pete Robbins

Even MORE Scat-Style Soft Plastic Lures

The flood of scat-style baits started in the US by the introduction of the Deps Cover Scat continues at a fast pace. Clearly there’s demand and now there’s no excuse if you can’t find an option that works on your local fisheries. Check out a few more that were introduced at ICAST 2023.

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Gear Pete Robbins Gear Pete Robbins

More Japanese “Poop” Baits

One of the most-read, and most remarked-upon articles we’ve written was about JDM lures like the Deps Cover Scat and Valley Hill Heavy Poop. These stubby stick baits have become popular stateside. Yamamoto’s Yamatanuki has been flying off shelves. If you want something a little bit rarer, though, you might try one of these four.

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Gear Pete Robbins Gear Pete Robbins

Deps Cover Scat Alternative Colors

We’ve messed around with the Deps Cover Scat a fair amount. Most of our efforts have involved basic colors including black (with and without flake), various shades of green pumpkin and watermelon. If you’re looking to differentiate yourself from the crowd, consider checking out one of the following lesser-known options.

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