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.
11 Wakasagi Topwaters To Cover Your Surface Needs
We recently had fun listing some of the key wakasagi jerkbaits. That led us to seek out some topwaters in that same hue — many of them are JDM products. You don’t need to have Wakasagi or Delta Smelt in your home waters to make them work, because they’re a near-universal baitfish imitator.
Bryan New Keeps His Tackle Tamed with Soft SPRO Storage
Bryan New is a “neat freak,” and like many of us he’s always looking for a better way to keep his tackle safe and accessible. Lately he’s leaned heavily on SPRO’s new soft tackle boxes, which come in a variety of shapes and sizes.
Why Wakasagi Jerkbaits?
Wakasagi is a popular jerkbait color, but most Americans probably don’t know what the word means. It’s actually a baitfish native to certain areas of Japan, as well as Korea and Russia. They’re also closely related to and closely resemble the Delta Smelt.
10 New Shades of Pink from ICAST 2025
Anglers must be buying pink lursbecause the manufacturers keep on producing more. This isn’t an exhaustive list of the ones introduced at the 2025 ICAST show in Orlando, but 10 of the ones that stood out to me most.
Swimbait Trends from ICAST 2025
Swimbaiting was historically an underground culture. Not everyone could get the hottest baits at any price. In fact, there were plenty of brands, baits and presentations that were strictly on the downlow. Here are signs from ICAST 2025 at how much more mainstream it has become.
Is it a Frog or a Zara Spook?
We’ve spent the last couple of decades trying to walk the dog with various frog style lures. Most of us can do it reasonably well. But what if you want a more elongated body? There are numerous options for that — take ‘em to the nearest grass bed.
Two Spinning Rods that Cover Most of Kyle Patrick’s Finesse Needs
While Kyle Patrick utilizes a wide range of techniques, he’s most associated with finesse tactics. Surprisingly, he only uses two different spinning rods for the vast majority of his light line techniques.
Introducing Stoneage Custom Rods
Stoneage Custom Rods are new JDM travel rods tested in the harsh environment of the Amazon on big peacock bass. Here’s designer Reo Kodera talking about what makes them special and purpose-driven.
Garage Finds – Forgotten Soft Plastic Craws
I got caught red handed looking for Pete’s ride or die – the single bait he said he would choose if he could only use one forever – THE CRAW. Listen to why he chose the craw and check out the oddball craws I came across.
New Lures in Some of Our Favorite Special Colors
We’ve had a fun time listing lures in distinctive color patterns. Whether it’s tilapia imitators or all things bubblegum, if you’ve searched for it there’s a decent chance we have, too. We try to stay up to date with all of the new items at Tackle Warehouse. Here are a few that help us update past columns – shop away!
Affordable Baitcasting Rods Under $100 That Actually Perform
Looking for a high-quality baitcasting rod without breaking the bank? Check out our expert-reviewed picks under $100 for beginners and seasoned anglers.
Tools of the Turkey Trade: Let’s Talk Turkey Calls
There are several different instruments to help make the sounds and calls necessary to fake out wary wild gobblers. I might not have shot a turkey my first time out but I did shoot Scott playing and explaining each of the five instruments.
It’s a Frog! It’s a Bird! You’re Both Right
Earlier this year, Ish Monroe won on the Cal Delta with a variety of lures, but two of the keys were a River2Sea Phat Mat Daddy Frog and River2Sea Whopper Plopper, both in “Yellow Head,” a black body with a yellow head. That pattern has also frequently been referred to as “Tweety” or “Canary.”
Six SPRO Frog Colors That Cracked Me Up
While searching through the SPRO frog lineup during a recent Tackle Warehouse sale, I came across some color options that I didn’t previously know. Whoever is designing them and naming them deserves some props – these six cracked me up.
Pat Schlapper’s La Crosse Sticks
Pat Schlapper has his sights set on another blue trophy as the tour heads to the Upper Mississippi River, launching out of the city of La Crosse. Here are a few St. Croix rods that’ll start every day on his front deck.
Five Nail Weights That Stand Out (But You Still Need to Push Them In)
Most nail weights look like exactly what their name describes, the shaft of a nail or screw, with or without a top part that sits outside the lure’s body. However, the tackle geeks will always find a way to build a better mousetrap. Here are five “nail weights” that aren’t like the rest.
Cliff Pirch Gets a Little Loco
I’ve previously listed some of my favorite Rico colors but now veteran Arizona pro offers up a few of his – including one new option that turns the category on its side.
Hair Jigs for Big Smallmouths
For years, many bassers figured little hair jigs were better left to walleye anglers and perch jerkers. Meanwhile, a group of northern smallmouth hammers used them quietly to win major events. If you’re curious about them, check out these videos from a bunch of top northern pros.
Bryan New Gives Up Taku’s Spybait Alternative
Until Taku Ito won a 2024 Elite Series event at Alabama’s Smith Lake, few of us had ever seen Norie’s Wrapping Minnow. It’sa fantastic spotted bass lure, especially when used with forward-facing sonar. Bryan New filled us in on what it’s all.
Garage Finds – Three Special Topwaters
Topwater fishing is all about explosive strikes and heart-pounding action. There’s nothing quite like watching a fish break the surface to hammer a lure. While my favorite is the Rico, I recently dug through the garage and found some other lures in Pete’s stash -- of course there is a story about each one.

