Hanna Robbins and Jennifer Combs with a cooler full of crappie from Lake Sam Rayburn

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

My Favorite Whopper Plopper and Choppo Colors

It came from the musky world, but the Whopper Plopper and its progeny have made bass fishing substantially more exciting. Discover the top Plopper and Berkley Choppo colors for bass—2025 tested picks and tips to improve your strike rate and lure selection.

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Gear Pete Robbins Gear Pete Robbins

Bird is the Word – Bass Lures that Look Ready to Fly Away

Yesterday I compiled a survey of anatomically-correct bird lures, some of which are readily available. If you’re not ready to take that leap of faith, but still think that lures that resemble birds could be effective, you’re in luck – plenty of mainstream manufacturers have tried to replicate avian snack foods.

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