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.
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.
Tackle Warehouse Buy ‘n Try – Late 2026
I’m ready to get back to bass fishing with a fresh start and some new lures from Tackle Warehouse. What do you think of my choices?
Bet It All On a Roll of the Pink Dice
The bass fishing world’s descent into a fuzzy dice trance has been one of the most surprising trends I can remember, but it shows no signs of slowing down. There are pink options, so if you’re like us and morning dawn worms or cotton candy spinnerbaits are part of your arsenal, consider these.
Island Optics Deliver for Sam Hanggi at Lake Murray
Bassmaster rookie Sam Hanggi of Tennessee broke through at Lake Murray. He finished 2nd and put on a virtuosic televised performance on this tricky herring-based fishery. Learn how his Island Optics sunglasses made that success possible.
New Tilapia-Colored Bass Lures for 2026
Ever since we started frequenting south Texas and Mexico, we’ve documented the growing list of lures meant to imitate tilapia – one of the most desirable forage species wherever they live. We thought we had the category well-covered, but here are new offerings.
Smoke Gets in Your Eyes – A Yamamoto Senko Primer
Smoke Senkos shine on clear water, smallmouth, and shad-based fisheries. Learn when Yamamoto smoke colors outperform green pumpkin and black/blue — and which ones to buy at Tackle Warehouse.
Six Month Review of My 2026 Chevrolet Suburban Z71 Diesel
After 10,000 miles of travel and towing, here’s a real-world 6-month review of the 2026 Chevy Suburban Z71 Diesel. MPG, towing performance, costs, and pros & cons from a Bassmaster Elite Series writer.
Which Soft Plastics Should You Use in Place of a Skirt on Buzzbaits?
I probably utilize a skirted skirt more than I should. Most of the cool kids have gone to using a toad on the back. There’s still a place for both but I need to start using plastics more. Here’s advice from the pros on which soft plastics they prefer.
Matching the Molt: Lures That Imitate Soft-Shell Crawfish
When fire craw fails, molting craw shines. Learn why soft-shell crawfish trigger bites—and the best Molting Craw jigs, plastics, and crankbaits to buy now.
South African Special Creatures and Craws
Whether you’re flipping Okeechobee, Guntersville, the Cal Delta or the most fertile dam in South Africa, these dark colored craws and creatures put big bass in the boat.
The Swimbait That Refuses to Die: Why Huddlestons Still Produce Giants
Learn how to fish the legendary Huddleston Deluxe swimbait for giant bass. Rigging, retrieves, best colors, gear recommendations, and where to buy.
Mustard Crankbaits: The Underrated Color That Gets Bit When Chartreuse Is a Bit Too Bright
Mustard crankbaits shine when chartreuse is too loud. Discover the best spicy, hot, and craw mustard diving plugs that get crushed on pressured lakes and post-front bass.
Is the Gan Craft Jointed Claw Magnum 230 the Best “Mainstream” Big Glide Bait?
Looking for a true big-fish glide bait? Our Gan Craft Jointed Claw Magnum 230 review covers colors, floating vs slow-sink models, gear tips and why serious bass anglers are buying it now.
Big Bite Baits – Tax Day Solutions
April 15th is a good day on my calendar, because it usually marks some of the best fishing in my region. Big Bite Baits had a little fun with the concept, producing a bunch of their products in a color called “1099” – which hopefully means that if you have them in the boat you’ll get paid.
Golden Dorado Fly Boxes: What to Bring to Argentina (Expert Lists Inside)
Planning your golden dorado fishing trip to Argentina? Discover curated fly lists, custom fly boxes, and gear decals to get prepared and excited for your adventure at Don Joaquin River Lodge.
River Gold: Mann’s Baby 1 Minus and Substitutes
Looking for Mann’s Baby 1 Minus substitutes? Discover the best shallow-running crankbaits for ultra-shallow water, including proven Potomac River favorites.
New & Better: Updated Lure Picks from Our Most Popular Tackle Lists
I love putting together lists of tackle that help anglers – whether it’s a particular color, size or category of lure. Just because you find one bubble gum colored swimbait doesn’t mean it’s the right one for you. That’s why I’m always looking for ways to update our past lists. Check out these newer items at Tackle Warehouse.
Vibrating Jigs That Are Pretty in Pink
Last year Lee Livesay gave up the magic of a pink Chatterbait with a matching bubble gum trailer. A year later there still aren’t that many vibrating jigs in that portion of the color palette, but there are a few. Here are five to consider as you build out your bladed jig box.

