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Tuesday, December 16, 2025
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Award-Winning Reel Gets Even Better

Brian Carter
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Award-Winning Reel Gets Even Better
Award-Winning Reel Gets Even Better
DAIWA’s enhanced Ballistic MQ LT is laden with features and technology for freshwater and saltwater applications.
FOOTHILL RANCH, CA (July 8, 2025) – The dictionary says ballistics [buh-lis-tiks] is the science that studies the motion of projectiles, particularly those launched from firearms, rockets, and other weapons.In the DAIWA-sphere, “Ballistic” is the resulting reel from the science that launches lures unimaginagle distance. And, the improved Ballistic MQ LT is the latest rendering of this award-winning freshwater/saltwater crossover reel. “This is the reel that’ll have you demanding more DAIWA in your boat and back of your truck,” exclaimed DAIWA Marketing Manager, Marc Mills. “It’s that first step into fishing a true premium class reel, yet the Ballistic MQ LT is priced like a midrange model.”Performance-wise, Mills first recognized the Ballistic MQ LT’s smooth and effortless reeling. “It’s all about DAIWA’s exclusive AIRDRIVE system. “The combination of the AIRDRIVE Rotor, Shaft, Spool, and Bail deliver an exceptionally lightweight, efficient, frictionless, and airy performance you’ll feel from the moment you draw back the bail for a cast, to retrieving a lure, and ultimately, fighting a fish.”Another standout feature of the freshwater/saltwater crossover Ballistic MQ LT is its monocoque (MQ) frame. “The single piece, MQ chassis offers several benefits,” said Mills. “The Ballistic MQ LT sports our ZAION V monocoque body, which is constructed of carbon fiber, making the reel remarkably lightweight, rigid, durable, and corrosion resistant. MQ also delivers 360-degrees of stability and improved waterproofing over reels with conventional, screw-in sideplates.”
The LT in Ballistic MQ LT stands for “Light Tough”. The abbreviation represents DAIWA’s minimalist technology that allows them to engineer a physically smaller reel but with increased strength. Despite the lesser overall size, when paired with MQ technology, the reel actually houses larger and more robust gearing, DAIWA’s TOUGH DIGIGEAR, to be accurate – more on that below.  “You have to hold the reel in your hand to really appreciate the comfortable compactness,” said Mills. “For example, a 3000-size Ballistic MQ LT feels better fitted and more manageable than a reel said to be the same size from other manufacturers. Then, open the bail and start spinning and you’ll be sold on the total technological package that goes into this special reel.”Cosmetically, the refreshed Ballistic MQ LT flashes a regal metallic blue and red blend. This, while a compressed EVA handle proffers a confident grip and natural feel. DAIWA’s Ballistic MQ LT is available in sizes 1000, 2000, 2500, 3000 and 4000, spanning the gamut from stream trout to panfish, to walleyes and bass, and inshore casting for snook and spotted seatrout…and everything in between.
Ballistic MQ LT FEATURES:ZAION V MONOCOQUE BODYDAIWA’s advanced, single component, carbon fiber ZAION V MONOCOQUE (MQ) Body is extremely lightweight, rigid, durable, and corrosion resistant. By removing the traditional screws used to attach sideplates, MQ maximizes internal space for larger diameter gears. These larger gears – DAIWA’s TOUGH DIGIGEAR – yield improved power, torque, and leverage.AIRDRIVE® RotorThe smart design lessens weight, provides even rotary balance and stress distribution, and reduces vibrations, all while maintaining strength. Delivers a more precisely balanced reel performance than competitors.AIRDRIVE® BailInnovative bail design features a hollow, tubular stainless steel bail that delivers maximum rigidity and strength with minimum weight. The smooth protrusion-free construction lets the line easily flow to the line roller for trouble free line control.AIRDRIVE® SPOOLOverall weight reduction is at the core of DAIWA’s progressive AIRDRIVE Spool. While lessening weight, the AIRDRIVE Spool also reduces friction to support the drag release.  AIRDRIVE® SHAFTThe AIRDRIVE SHAFT creates smooth, quiet rotation and provides anglers with enhanced torque and power. In addition, both ends of pinion gear are supported with bearings to transmit the crank power from the handle to the rotor with enhanced efficiency. By adding high quality collars to the main-shaft, rotational noise has been reduced significantly.
TOUGH DIGIGEARA7075 Aircraft Grade aluminum is forged into bigger gears with larger tooth patterns and perfectly meshed between an ultra-tough drive gear and pinion gears for optimized speed, torque, exactness, smoothness, and durability.ATD (Advanced Tournament Drag) TYPE-LThe ATD TYPE-L drag system works in tandem with the pull of a fish. The initial response of the drag has been significantly improved, especially when using lighter lines to reduce the load and enable a quicker catch and minimize stress on the fish.LONG CAST ABSThe friction caused by line contacting the spool edge during casting has been reduced. The two-stage spool edge shape is engineered for a smooth line release. The spool edge is designed for long casts with the maximum amount of line spooled. Casting distance is increased compared to models without the LONG CAST-ABS.MAGSEALED® ShaftUtilizes DAIWA’s patented treatment for keeping water, dust, and grit from encountering the reel’s inner components. MAGSEALED is a membrane of magnetic oil that creates a low-friction seal that delivers a smooth rotation and long lasting performance.BALL BEARING SYSTEMThe Ballistic MQ LT features a 2 CRBB (corrosion resistant ball bearings) 6BB (ball bearings) + 1 roller bearing system for supreme performance and protection. Unlike ordinary “corrosion resistant” bearings with an unprotected open race, DAIWA’s CRBB ball bearings are shielded to seal out sand, fine grit, salt crystals and other abrasives for even longer life. DAIWA’s CRBB ball bearings feature 12 times the corrosion resistance of traditionsal ball bearings.MSRP $239.99
For DAIWA’s latest color catalog and/or information on DAIWA dealers in your area, call DAIWA’s Customer Service Department at 562-375-6800 or e-mail inquiries to: [email protected]. The URL for DAIWA’s web site is daiwa.us





Feider’s New ‘Secret Agent’ Smallmouth Bait

Brian Carter
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Feider’s New ‘Secret Agent’ Smallmouth Bait
Feider’s New ‘Secret Agent’ Smallmouth Bait
Z-Man® Fishing pro Seth Feider reveals finesse Llama TubeZ™ system
“You can catch llamas. That’s a nice llama. You can go llamaing. Llama on. You can throw it anywhere in a sentence. That’s the gist of it. There’s no wrong place to put it.”
     – Seth Feider (via bassmaster.com), explaining Llama logic
Ladson, SC (July 3, 2025) – When Seth Feider talks bronze bass, everyone interested in hooking more smallmouths drops what they’re doing and tunes in to the language of the Llama. But when the dude with the lip strip and the spicy blonde mullet breaks out his newest “secret agent bait,” 5-pound smalljaws come to play for keeps.Feider (a.k.a. The Llama) recalls a recent stand-out bass bite, and a key discovery that turned the tide. “I’d been on Green Bay for a few days, and after getting bit pretty good on your typical 5-inch tubes, the bass just shut off,” notes the popular Z-Man pro and Bassmaster Elite Series star. “The bigger fish ignored all the standard stuff, but when I eventually tied on a little crappie-sized tube, every cruising bass I saw swam right over and ate it. First phone call I made was to Jose at Z-Man, begging him to create a finesse ElaZtech® tube and a matching jighead.”When prototype Llama TubeZ™ and Llama TubeZ™ jigheads finally arrived on Feider’s front porch, the baits went right to work. His next trip to the Great Lakes proved the new tube legit, countless football bass coming to the boat with a Llama TubeZ way down the hatch. “Do we really need another tube bait?” Feider asks, rhetorically.  “Nah. Not really. Plenty of cookie cutter 4- and 5-inch tubes out there already. But a micro tube? Made from buoyant, bulletproof ElaZtech®? That’s a different animal. And it this point, this little bait has 100-percent become my go-to bait for big smallmouths— Great Lakes or any other tough-bite scenario you can imagine.” 
Freshly juiced with Z-Man’s ElaZtech® superplastic, the new 2-inch Llama TubeZ™ (and Llama TubeZ™ Jighead) is already activating those selective bass Feider calls “cruisers”; the tube is also scoring suspended bass ‘scoped with forward-facing sonar. Unlike traditional tubes that tear apart after a handful of bites, Feider praises the Llama TubeZ’ 10X Tough ElaZtech composition, which keeps the same bait on the jighook for hours of bass action. The tiny tube’s cutting-edge material is naturally buoyant, too, for a critter-like tail-up posture on bottom and leisurely spiraling action on the drop—giving bass an extended opportunity to examine and eat. To stimulate extended bite retention, Llama TubeZ are salt impregnated. Rather than replicating the synthetic pencil shape of traditional tube baits, Feider suggested a slightly fatter midsection to give the Llama TubeZ distinctive curves that better match the anatomy of aquatic animals. The bait is noticeably softer than most tubes, too, offering a naturally squishy, sculpin/goby-like texture smallmouths love to chew.
To boost the bait’s multi-level action, Feider asked for elongated 1.25-inch tentacles which quiver freely and lively, thanks to the buoyant material. “The longer tentacles are key to creating the right spiraling action on the fall, which is aided by ElaZtech’s natural flotation, giving the bait a more relaxed drop, so bass have time to inspect and react,” explains the Llama, whose codename has become a battle cry for his cult of thousands. “Given its natural ‘critter’ silhouette, compact size and spiraling, darting action, they almost never reject it.“It’s just a superior bait in super clear water for finicky smallmouths, the tweaky ones. Especially in spring, the 2-inch Llama TubeZ perfectly matches young-of-the-year forage pursued by bass. But anytime the bite gets tough, the little bait presents fish with a nearly fishing-pressure proof offering. “Stuff like gobies, darters, sculpin and crayfish . . . these little critters operate by blending into the bottom, scooting from rock to rock,” Feider explains. “The deal with this little tube is to match the bottom, not give bass a good look at the bait, which ironically, provokes big smallmouths to eat it even more.
“On the freefall, this little tube glides and spirals perfectly—the exact action that fires smallmouths up,” he adds. “On bottom, the bait creeps and quivers among the rocks, nonstop. But because it’s ElaZtech, the tube slips right through the sharp terrain without ripping, and catches dozes of fish per bait, so I rarely need to stop fishing to re-rig.“A lot of us on tour have dreamed about a super soft, buoyant, crazy durable finesse tube made from ElaZtech for a long time. Once I got my hands on ‘em this season, everywhere I’ve encountered big smallmouths— gin-clear and hardcore pressured water, particularly in the Great Lakes— this tasty little tube has cracked the code. Fish it beside a traditional 4- or 5-inch tube—or any finesse bait— and find out for yourself.”Created to match the new 2-inch Z-Man Llama TubeZ, the teardrop-shaped Llama TubeZ Jighead features a vanadium steel VMC® 1/0 RedLine Series® hook, chosen by Feider for its stay-sharp talents around rocks and other hardcover. The Llama TubeZ Jighead is available in 1/16-, 1/8-, 3/16- and 1/4-ounce sizes, with weights imprinted on the jighead for easy ID (MSRP $4.99 per 3-pack). New Llama TubeZ are offered in 8 pro selected color patterns (MSRP $5.99 per 6-pack)—both products made in the USA. 





Looks Like Joggers, Performs Like Pro Gear — The Secret Weapon Under Every Fishing Bib!

Brian Carter
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Looks Like Joggers, Performs Like Pro Gear — The Secret Weapon Under Every Fishing Bib!
Casual Functionality
Whitewater Fishing’s new Luswea Jogger merges key fishing and boating features with performance and contemporary stylings
MUSKEGON, Mich. (July 7, 2025) – There’s a pair of pants for everything, especially when it comes to outdoor pursuits. Hiking and trekking give us specialized bottoms, as does climbing, running, and upland hunting. Fishing is finally coming around, too, and Whitewater Fishing is leading the way.For 2025, the design experts introduce the Luswea Jogger, an ingeniously conceived fishing pant that fuses supreme functionality with contemporary stylings.
“Looking at new opportunities to push boundaries, we wanted to offer a new solution to layering, performance, and trend,” said Whitewater Fishing Product Development Manager, Doug Veldhuizen. “The jogger style fits that mold. So, we developed a fabric to offer performance in wind protection, stretch fit, style, and comfort.”Always fabric-first, the baseline for Whitewater’s Luswea Jogger is a soft 100% polyester material with appreciable 4-way stretch. The sophisticated material follows your every movement, from kneeling on the boat deck to climbing the tower. The exterior is treated with DWR to shed light moisture, too.
Internally, the soft and smooth 252g fleece provides warmth – warm, but not too warm – that goes to Luswea Jogger’s dual use as a midlayer or standalone. As a midlayer, it’s the ideal complement to raingear in colder conditions. For example, the Luswea Jogger marries perfectly with Whitewater’s Great Lakes Pro Fishing Bib. Worn beneath, you benefit from the warmth the Luswea Jogger provides, while the bib serves as a comprehensive waterproof shell.Veldhuizen pointed out another key application. “The Luswea Jogger works exceptionally well underneath waders, given the importance of warmth and breathability wade-fishing or hunting in cold water. And after taking the waders off you can go to the bar or restaurant looking good!” 
100% polyester 4-way stretch shell
252g fleece with a smooth face and a brushed interior for comfort and warmth
As a standalone garment, the Luswea Jogger is a versatile fishing pant with enough of a warmth factor to provide comfort on chilly mornings and evenings. Completing the warmth equation, Whitewater included a windproof membrane to brace breezes while on the water. Ultimately, however, it’s Luswea Jogger’s tapered fit and complementary stylishness that makes it a standout. The tapered legs and elastic cuffs stay put under your bibs or boots, not creeping or bunching. Its styling emulates athletic bottoms in look, feel, and performance as well. 
Tapered legs with elastic in the heel cuff to prevent riding up under boots or bibs
An elastic waistband stitched within the fabric prevents bunching and yields the right amount of give. Its supplemental waistband drawcord can be worn inside or out. Like any respectable field pant, Whitewater’s Luswea Jogger is amply equipped with specialty pockets. The four pocket ensemble includes two front waist pockets for easy access under waders, one concealed back hip zippered storage pocket, and a back thigh drop-in phone pocket for easy access. 
Lusea Jogger FEATURES:100% polyester stretch 4 way252g fleece with a smooth face and a brushed interior for comfort and warmthDWR treated to repel moistureWindproof membrane for protection on the waterElastic waistband stitched within fabric prevents bunching while allowing a secure fitWaistband drawcord can be worn on the inside or out4 storage pockets: 2 front waist for easy access under waders, 1 concealed back hip zippered for secure storage, and 1 back thigh drop-in phone pocket for easy access·Tapered legs with elastic in the heel cuff keep them from riding up under boots or bibs31” inseam intended to sit just above the ankleSIZES: S – 3XLMSRP $99.99





Mad Scientist Tackle coats Ned Head Jigwith brilliant UV coatings to achieve maximum radiance

Brian Carter
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Mad Scientist Tackle coats Ned Head Jigwith brilliant UV coatings to achieve maximum radiance
Nuclear Ned
Mad Scientist Tackle coats Ned Head Jig with brilliant UV coatings to achieve maximum radiance
FINLAYSON, MN (July 7, 2025) – Bass fishing hasn’t been the same since legendary tackle-tinkerer and notorious fishing journal-keeper, Ned Kehde, introduced the world to the “Ned Rig.” Originally a truncated plastic worm affixed to Gopher jig head, the bait has evolved over the years and there are now myriad soft plastic shapes being fished on variations of that original jighead. Yes, hats off to the overall Midwest Finesse Fishing movement for this fish-catching alternative to big baits and power fishing. Hats off to Z-Man, too, for providing the Ned Rig with a buoyant plastic body, which is prerequisite to achieving that upright Neddyness when stationed on the bottom.  The second baseline for Ned effectiveness is employing a perfectly architected finesse jighead. The shape of its head needs to accommodate landing at different angles without rolling over – basically, a mushroom configuration. Moreover, a bonafide Ned jig must sport a fine and hazardously sharp hook with a reliable baitholder.  
NED HEAD (1/16-ounce/PINK Coating Black Basecoat)
NED HEAD (1/8-ounce/GREEN Coating Black Basecoat)
Sure, reputable Ned-style jigheads are widely available, but Mad Scientist Tackle has upped the ante with specially-coated jigs that are seen in any water clarity and by fish from afar. The company’s distinctive APEX Vision coatings replicate the reflection real minnows and other critters emit, a game-changer on pressured waters and for whoppers that have seen it all.Anglers can choose between six colors: red, blue, green, gold, pink, and natural for the highest possible visibility in the visible, UV and infrared light spectrums. Currently available in 1/16- and 1/8-ounce, the Mad Scientist Tackle Ned Head Jig is the perfect weaponry for swimming, gliding, shaking, hop and bounce, or drag and deadstick cadences—whether you’re pitching smallies or chasing largemouths—or any species, for that matter!“The Ned Rig is a fish-catching phenomenon, with more and more anglers fishing the jigging system all the time,” said Mad Scientist Tackle Sales Director and diehard angler, Patrick Kalmerton. “So, we knew we had to offer our APEX Vision coating in a super-sharp and well-built Ned Jig, too. It was a no-brainer.”“What you get from our jigs is added visibility in all water conditions,” continued Kalmerton. “Not only are these jigs great for the clear waters where Ned’s typically get fished, we’ve also opened the door for fishing them in more turbid waters with the availability of the jig in eye-popping APEX Vision coating colors like green, red, blue, gold, and pink—besides natural for all around use.”
Kalmerton concluded: “Whether you’re fishing a Ned worm, craw, or some variation, the Mad Scientist Ned Head is the perfect building block for a great day on the water. The angler testimonials have been positive—everything from farm pond largemouth bass to Great Lakes smallies—and even some walleye and inshore saltwater guys who’ve adapted the Ned into their program.” Ultimately, whether you’re a greenhorn or seasoned pro, the Mad Scientist Ned Head is a must-have for every tacklebox. Think a change in jig head color and coating can make a difference? From the remarkable results we keep hearing—yes, it can! 
GOLD/Black Basecoat
RED/Black Basecoat
BLUE/Black Basecoat
NATURAL/Black Basecoat
Ned Head FEATURES:Crucial mushroom-shaped head Versatile for any Ned jigging cadence or environmentExtra sharp high-carbon steel hook Perfect for blending with any Ned-friendly soft plastic baitAvailable in two sizes and six APEX Vision color coatings3 jigheads per packMSRP: $8.99
About APEX Vision Colors: Made For the Way Fish SeeAll Mad Scientist Tackle baits start off as either nude, pearl, or black base lures that are then customized through a multistage process whereby they end up in an APEX Vision coating, which radiate color in the visible, UV, and infrared spectrums, mimicking real baitfish scales and making it highly visible to predatory fish. Available colors include red, blue, green, gold, pink, natural, and cisco-colored, which is designed to mimic pelagic baitfish and radiates UV light farther than any of the company’s other coatings. And for some baits – like select topwaters and Ghost Shad – you can also choose the pattern in shadow or holographic scale application, finetuning the look.The novel coatings were developed to appeal to the way fish see, creating flashing iridescent colors in visible, UV, and infrared spectrums that attract fish from farther than ever.Here are recommendations for when to use each APEX Vision color: 
CHOOSE YOUR NED JIG COLOR
APEX +RED: Proven to entice reaction bites, Apex +RED imitates bleeding baitfish so perfectly that predatory fish can’t resist. It’s also the best choice for fishing in the green, algae blooms of late summer. 
APEX +BLUE: In stained to dark water, APEX +BLUE outperforms other colors. Thanks to the iridescent flash of the lure, fish see it in stained to murky water conditions with low light. 
APEX +GREEN: One of the best colors on any body of water, APEX +GREEN resembles young-of-the-year and other baitfish. It works best in spring and summer in clear and stained water. 
APEX +GOLD: Gold is a standard in every angler’s arsenal, but APEX +GOLD has brought fishing to a whole new level. It resembles a school of baitfish/minnows and is a great choice year ‘round in any water color. 
APEX +PINK: One of the most popular colors to attract predator fish from a distance. It works well in clear and stained water conditions. 
APEX +NATURAL: Resembles crayfish and gives off a more natural presentation, especially when fishing near rocks. It performs well in clear and stained water.





Flippin’ In Deep Grass for More Bass!

Brian Carter
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Flippin’ In Deep Grass for More Bass!
During the peak summer months, bass often retreat into deep aquatic vegetation to stay cool and access plentiful food. Grass such as hydrilla, milfoil, and coontail provides the perfect combination of shade, cover, and ambush opportunities. These thick grass beds hold fish consistently and are excellent areas to target for bigger bites. In warm water, bass become more predictable, often setting up on key structures within the vegetation. Anglers who learn to recognize and navigate deep weedlines can unlock some of the most productive summer fishing patterns. It’s a reliable strategy that produces fish when many shallow patterns begin to fade. Deep grass also acts as a thermal buffer, offering more stable temperatures that attract both bass and baitfish during heatwaves. The dense vegetation creates microhabitats with increased oxygen and forage activity. Many of the biggest bass spend most of their summer in these zones, especially during midday when shallower areas become too warm. Success often comes down to learning how bass use these areas throughout the day. By dialing in depth, presentation angle, and timing, anglers can consistently intercept quality fish in heavy summer grass.Our Fresh HellaMite is designed to imitate a major aquatic food source, delivering a realistic profile of an insect larva that fish can’t resist. Each is scented for complete and total attraction underwater along with being made in the USA by real fishermen just like you. We’ve recently dropped a new HellaMite Pro Pack that is loaded with 60 total baits in all six proven colors, plus three Owner Block Head Ned Jigs and a handy storage bag. This kit has everything you need to stay rigged and ready year-round. Grab our newest Lil Bass, Hot Sauce, MidNight, Glow, 10w30 Synthetic, Slimer Green, and Barbie Pink HellaMite colors. We’ve also recently restocked our popular Smoke Purple HellaMite. The HellaMite’s solid body and hyperactive ribbed tail design produce a life-like quivering action with every twitch of the rod. Its unique flat underbelly detail enables this bait to be fished as a drop shot, Ned rig, neko rig, and even a small Carolina-rig, making it the ideal bait in any condition year-round. When the water is clear, the fish can see the bait and look like real food, causing strikes. Each cast becomes an opportunity for an exhilarating catch, thanks to its superior performance and versatility.
Not all grass is equal when it comes to holding bass. The healthiest, greenest grass is the most productive because it generates oxygen through photosynthesis and attracts baitfish. Dead or decaying vegetation doesn’t support the same ecosystem and is less likely to hold active fish. On bright sunny days, oxygen levels rise in these areas, which often triggers increased feeding behavior. Bass tend to gravitate toward these zones not just for comfort, but also because the entire food chain thrives there. Paying close attention to the color and condition of grass can dramatically improve your success. Healthy grass also provides better visibility and ambush points for bass, allowing them to hunt more efficiently. The shade created by vibrant vegetation gives predators a tactical advantage, especially during midday hours. When scouting a lake, prioritize grass that stands tall, maintains color throughout, and feels firm to the touch. Avoid matted or brown patches, as these typically indicate oxygen-depleted zones. Knowing the difference between thriving and dying vegetation helps anglers narrow down productive water quickly and fish with more confidence.We use our Fresh Scorpion because it closely imitates a crawfish. Our newest 10w30 Synthetic, Slimer Green, and Barbie Pink Scorpion colors work wonders. The Scorpion is a revolutionary new look to soft plastics. Its intricate detailing and texture mimic the nuances of a real crawfish, making it hard for bass to resist. Of course, water clarity always plays a role in color selection but in any season, you can’t miss using colors such as Green Pumpkin Seed, Brown Bark, and the Magneto. This bait not only appears natural to fish but gives them something to become curious about. The Scorpion paired with a stand-up jig is deadly because the jig actually sits the bait upright in a defensive stance. The subtle color variations across the bait further enhance its appeal, mimicking the natural color shifts found in live prey. Each Fresh Scorpion has a unique and exclusive 3-axis tail design that is engineered like no other soft plastic bait. Our Scorpions are made by anglers from high-grade non-salt plastic to provide superior life-like action that triggers strikes!
Large grassbeds can seem overwhelming, but bass typically relate to specific high-percentage spots within them. Focus on the inside and outside edges of the weeds, especially where irregular features like points, pockets, or isolated clumps exist. These subtle changes often funnel baitfish and provide ideal ambush zones for bass. Straight edges can still produce, but irregular shapes tend to hold more fish. Deep submerged grass that isn’t visible from the surface can be especially productive and is often overlooked. Locating these hidden features requires a methodical approach and often rewards anglers with less-pressured fish. Bass often follow defined travel routes along these edges, using them as highways to move between feeding and resting zones. Small indentations or bends in the weedline may hold multiple fish, especially when paired with depth changes or harder bottom composition. Isolated clumps just outside the main grassline can be especially valuable when the main edge becomes pressured. Casting angles also matter, working a bait parallel to the edge rather than across it can keep your lure in the strike zone longer. The more precisely you can target these irregularities, the more consistent your results will become.The new FreshBaitz Lizards deliver a realistic profile that excels in both power and finesse techniques. Act fast, we’ve recently just released new Hot Sauce, MidNight, Ghost, and 10w30 Synthetic Lizard designs! The unique forward-facing leg design creates drag that holds it in the strike zone longer or produces wild flapping action with every pull of the rod. Additionally, its slightly ribbed solid body and large head hold your hook in place and provide much better weedless performance making it the ideal bait to use in any condition. Water clarity always plays a super big role in color selection but in any season year-round, you can’t miss when using colors such as Watermelon Red, Black & Blue, or Green Pumpkin. Its flexible tail design ensures added movement, tempting even the most cautious fish. The superior 5.5-inch profile stretches to a whole 7 inches which is perfect for predatory fish including bass year round. Made from long-lasting durable high-grade non-salted plastic for total and maximum attention-grabbing action underwater.
Modern sonar and GPS tools can help anglers unlock the full potential of deep grass fishing. Sonar allows you to detect structure beneath the surface like rock piles, humps, or bottom transitions, which are key areas where bass congregate. With a well-tuned unit, you can even spot fish holding in open pockets within the grass. GPS is invaluable for marking productive areas discreetly, especially in pressured waters. Instead of throwing a visible marker, you can quietly save the coordinates and return later without drawing attention. Dialing in your electronics helps you fish smarter and more efficiently in grass beds. Learning to spot differences in bottom hardness or vegetation density can reveal overlooked hotspots. A small ditch running through the grass or a hard patch amid soft mud can consistently reload with fish. Many of the most productive areas aren’t visible to the naked eye, which is why a disciplined approach to scanning is so critical. Take time before fishing to thoroughly graph likely zones, noting waypoints and potential cast angles. The more familiar you are with the underwater, the more confidently and precisely you can present your bait.Our Fresh Beetle delivers ultimate versatility in a soft plastic bait. Its slim yet wide body design and four claws are engineered to naturally glide and wobble as it moves through the water. This design ensures they remain enticingly active longer than conventional baits. Its unique texture also provides a realistic feel, making bass hold on longer once they bite. Water clarity plays a big role in color selection but year-round you can’t miss when using go-to colors such as Chocolate Mint, Ox Blood, or 10w30 Synthetic beetles. The hyper-active swimming claws are designed thin with long-lasting durable non-salt plastic to make them come alive with the slightest movement. The Fresh Beetle offers an enticing 4-inch profile and is scented for complete and total attraction! You can rig these Beetles as a Jig/ Chatter Trailer, Flippin/ Punching, Texas Rig, Swing Jig, and Carolina Rig. Making the beetle beyond perfect in any weather condition year-round!
Many anglers make the mistake of making long casts into grass, but shorter, controlled pitches lead to better results. Close-range presentations allow you to better control your bait, detect subtle bites, and improve hook-up ratios. It also lets you methodically work small openings or target-specific features like isolated clumps. Once you catch a fish, avoid moving on too quickly. Bass often school up in summer and multiple bites can come from the same area. Reworking a productive stretch thoroughly is often more effective than covering water too fast. If the bite slows, switch your presentation or return later. Fish often regroup in the same area. Precision fishing also helps reduce the chances of snagging in thick vegetation, which keeps your bait in the strike zone longer. When flipping into small holes or edges of cover, your presentation needs to land softly and drop naturally to avoid spooking nearby bass. Mastering quiet entries and vertical presentations will greatly increase your success in these conditions. It’s not just about finding fish, it’s about executing with accuracy and finesse. The best anglers don’t cover more water; they maximize every inch.Using a stick-styled worm is the most tried and true ways to catch fish. We have a variety of 5-inch Worms to choose from but we just added MidNight, Glow, and Ghost Worms! Our popular Watermelon Red Worms have been restocked as well. You can also experience our new wacky rigging kit while it’s ON SALE! The WACKY Pack offers our most popular colors and essential tools for wacky rigging. If you’re fast enough you might be able to grab the limited-release Pumpkin Spice Worm before it’s completely sold out along with some of our newest colors including the Brown Worm, Electric Chicken Worm, and Goby Wan Worm colors. The high-grade non-salt plastic they’re made from provides positive buoyancy and it even floats underwater! We also released new 6-inch Worms including Charmeleon, Rainbow TRT, Bone, Chocolate Mint, and Fire TGR — all available in 5 and 6-inch. We’ve also recently released new 8-count packs of worms available in Watermelon Red, Black & Blue, and Green Pumpkin. We also offer worms that have the unique ability to shift from one color to another. Scented for total attraction underwater.
Fishing heavy vegetation requires gear that can handle thick cover and big bass. Long rods with strong backbones are necessary to drive hooks and pull fish from dense grass. Line choice is also important, braided line excels in thick cover, while fluorocarbon can offer sensitivity and abrasion resistance in clearer water. Downsizing line may be beneficial when bites are tough or fishing pressure is high, but never at the expense of strength where it’s needed. The right setup allows you to maintain control throughout the fight, even in the nastiest cover. Matching your gear to the environment helps eliminate lost fish and maximizes your efficiency. It’s also important to balance your setup for comfort and accuracy, especially when making repeated short pitches into tight spots. A properly spooled reel with a smooth drag system can prevent break-offs when a bass makes a hard run through the grass. Rod sensitivity is key for detecting subtle bites, especially when fishing soft plastics like worms or insect larvae in heavy cover. Every part of your setup should work together to ensure solid hooksets and a clean fight to the boat. Investing time into dialing in your gear pays off when it counts most, on the hookset and during the battle.Our newest FreshBaitz Mandingo Trick Worm is the ultimate game-changer for anglers with a passion! Engineered for the angler who knows SIZE does matter, this lure is designed to attract only the BIGGEST bass with a penchant for the larger bait. The Mandingo Trick Worm boasts a solid 7-inch body enhanced with a hyperactive ribbed design, ensuring irresistible mouth-watering action for those trophy bass. Officially available in a vibrant array of 8 colors. Each worm is made from durable, high-grade Non-Salted plastic for lifelike action and unparalleled durability. Perfectly balanced for a variety of rigging options and scented for total and maximum attraction, the Mandingo Trick Worm promises year-round effectiveness in lakes, rivers, and streams. Whether you’re rigging it on a Shakey Head, Drop Shot, Texas Rig, or Carolina Rig, these worms are your ticket to landing the big ones. Proudly made in the USA by real anglers to help elevate your fishing experience and catch more bass year-round!
When fishing deep grass, starting with a jig-style presentation can trigger larger bass, but soft plastics can be equally effective with the right setup. Try different sizes and profiles to match the conditions. Heavier weights for wind and thicker grass, lighter setups for finesse situations. Adjust your trailer or bait type based on how active the fish are. Focus on matching the bait’s color to the water clarity and forage, keeping it natural and consistent. Staying flexible with your lure selection can make the difference between a slow day and a successful outing. It also helps to pay attention to how your bait moves through the grass, some baits slide through cleanly while others may get hung up more often. When that happens, switching to a slimmer profile can maintain your rhythm and reduce wasted time. Vary your retrieve to see what triggers strikes. A steady lift and drop works, while other times a quick hop or deadstick approach gets the bite. Don’t hesitate to rotate through a few different bait types in the same area to find the most productive option. The ability to adapt quickly based on fish mood or vegetation density is what separates consistent anglers from occasional success.We have a wide variety of terminal tackle to choose from, but we’ve recently released new Nako Tungsten Tear Drop Shot Weights, crafted from 97% eco-friendly tungsten for stealth, durability, and vibration, with easy-to-read size stamps and a crimped swivel for quick changes. The new Haymaker EWG Worm Hooks are also now available, featuring an extra-wide gap for various soft plastics, a Z-lock shoulder bend for secure bait placement, and an angled-up super needle point for fast, powerful hooksets. For creature-styled baits, a more popular choice to use is the Stand-Up Jig because it sits the bait up-right in a defensive stance! Mosquito Hooks work for dropshotting and perfectly accommodates a wide range of soft plastics. The popular All Purpose Hooks are built with an extra-wide gap and are made to accommodate a wide range of soft plastics. The Block Head Jig is perfect for ned rigging the HellaMite with its mushroom-style head that seamlessly matches a wide variety of soft plastics. The Offset Block Head Jig, offers the same mushroom-style head with a unique offset hook, making it a go-to for weedless Ned Rig applications. The Shakey Ultrahead can permanently secure baits by inserting the pin in the center and screwing the twist lock coil spring for perfect rigging every time! The Ultrahead Wacky Jig features precise weight positioning and hook orientation for the ultimate wacky presentations. For fast Texas rigging, we use the Bullet-Type Rig which has an attached weight saving you precious time when fishing cover. The 4x Jungle Flippin Hook is designed for big fish and the toughest conditions. The Range Roller Jig Head is crafted for precision with its high center axis design, perfect for hover-strolling and mid to bottom strolling with forward facing sonar, ensuring an enticing rolling action that triggers bites. We also just released Keep’em Fresh Bait Bags! These bags are the ultimate solution for anglers who need their gear to perform. Built like a tank, this bag is 20x stronger than regular zip bags and offers 100% waterproof protection with a rock-solid double zipper seal. Whether it’s for soft plastics, snacks, or your smartphone, this reusable and versatile bag keeps everything safe from water, mud, and grime. It’s lightweight yet spacious, it fits snugly in your tackle box or backpack, making it perfect for your next adventure.





Tyson Alvanos weighed in 5 bass at 24.00 lbs, taking 1st place at CATT Lake Murray!

Brian Carter
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Tyson Alvanos weighed in 5 bass at 24.00 lbs, taking 1st place at CATT Lake Murray!

We will have a Fall schedule out soon! Stay tuned!

Tyson Alvanos weighed in 5 bass at 24.00 lbs, taking 1st place at Lake Murray!

TeamBFWeightWinnings
Tyson Alvanos5.5324.00$450.00
Ben Williams – Alex Loolee0.0018.98
Winston Husband0.0015.88
Zack Douglas – Andre Morrison0.004.47
Braylon Parker and Clay Parker0.001.18
Mark  – Rhett Richardson0.000.00





Austin Hughes & Holden Northcutt weighed in 5 bass at 29.25 lbs wining CATT Phantom Outdoors Open Roanoke River

Brian Carter
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Austin Hughes & Holden Northcutt weighed in 5 bass at 29.25 lbs wining CATT Phantom Outdoors Open Roanoke River

We have a HUGE announcement coming soon that will impact our Eastern Trails tremendously in North Carolina! Stay tuned!

Austin Hughes – Holden Northcutt weighed in 5 bass at 29.25 lbs with a 7.25 lb kicker, good enough for the win and a check for $3,040.00!

Matt Greschak – Jason Tripp 2nd with another big bag! 20.78 lbs!

Jordan Tilton 3rd with 17.34 lbs!

TeamBFWeightWinnings
Austin Hughes – Holden Northcutt7.2129.25$3,050.00
Matt Greschak – Jason Tripp0.0020.78$1,550.00
Jordan Tilton6.1017.34$600.00
Mike May – Scooter Lilley0.0016.39
Larry Thomas – Wayne Harris0.0016.13
Jody Richardson – John Parrish0.0014.57
Jim Dick – Greg Dick0.0014.48
Walt Goff – Phillip Gibson0.0013.49
Sammy Barrow – Thomas Craft0.0012.86
Tanner Beamon – Travis Mewborn0.0011.53
Eli Sawyer – Edmond McMillian0.0011.50
Eugene Foushee – Franky Jordan0.009.35
Adam Richardson – Bentley Richardson0.009.24
Mike Whitehurst – Robin Bowen0.008.97
Brandon Johnson – Wilson Johnson0.008.95
Ronnie Casey0.003.43
Dean Jones – Jason Pittman0.000.00
Jason White – Marcus Thomas0.000.00





Hobie Eyewear Set to Attend ICAST 2025 with Hull Float Sunglasses and Bold Sustainability Mission

Brian Carter
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0
Hobie Eyewear Set to Attend ICAST 2025 with Hull Float Sunglasses and Bold Sustainability Mission

Oceanside, CA (July 6, 2025) – Hobie® Eyewear is proud to announce its return to ICAST, the world’s largest sportfishing trade show, where the brand’s innovative Hull Float sunglasses will take center stage in the New Product Showcase. As a leader in performance eyewear for anglers and water enthusiasts, Hobie® Eyewear continues to raise the bar by pairing bold design with purpose-driven sustainability.

Attendees can visit Booth #1216 to explore Hobie® Eyewear’s full lineup and get an up-close look at Hull Float, the brand’s most ambitious sustainability effort to date. Engineered with frames made from 100% upcycled Hobie® kayak scrap plastic and bio-based polarized lenses derived from castor oil, Hull Float represents a powerful fusion of eco-conscious innovation and high-performance function. Designed to float if dropped overboard and cut through glare with crystal clarity, this game-changing style is purpose-built for life on the water.

Hull Float by Hobie® Eyewear is a must-see in the New Product Showcase at ICAST this year.

The brand will kick off the show on Tuesday during On the Water Day, where attendees can test-drive Hull Float on Hobie® kayaks and snap a selfie with “Hobart”, Hobie® Eyewear’s larger-than-life inflatable duck mascot.

On Wednesday at 10 AM, Hobie® Eyewear will host a press conference at Press Conference Room S220 A in the Orange County Convention Center to share more about its long-term sustainability goals. Joining the brand will be pro anglers Carl Jocumsen and Kristine Fischer, both of whom are actively involved in Hobie® Eyewear’s conservation work. The event will spotlight how upcycled Hobie® kayak plastic is transformed into Hull Float frames, the brand’s partnership with the FishAmerica Foundation, and their ongoing support of lake cleanups alongside Jocumsen’s #WorldWideLakeCleanup initiative.

Pro Anglers Carl Jocumsen and Kristine Fischer wearing the new Hull Float sunglasses by Hobie® Eyewear.

“Hull Float began as an ambitious, out-of-the-box idea that once seemed unattainable,” said Dylan Coates, Marketing Manager for Hobie® Eyewear. “Today, it stands as a testament to what’s possible when innovation meets environmental responsibility.”

Hobie® Eyewear’s presence at ICAST will also include two major social events. On Wednesday night, the brand will sponsor an exclusive after-party for the upcoming television series Mission Fishing. On Thursday from 4–6 PM, Hobie® Eyewear will host an in-booth Happy Hour, giving attendees a chance to unwind and connect over drinks and giveaways.

Whether you’re an angler, retailer, or industry media, Hobie® Eyewear invites you to experience how performance, style, and sustainability come together—on the water and beyond.

To meet with the Hobie® Eyewear sales team at the show, schedule an appointment HERE or email [email protected]

Check out Hobie® Eyewear’s exclusive ICAST 2025 Show Special HERE.





Seventh Season of Major League Fishing Bass Pro Tour Set to Premiere Saturday on Discovery

Brian Carter
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Seventh Season of Major League Fishing Bass Pro Tour Set to Premiere Saturday on Discovery

REDCREST 2025 to kick off seventh season of MLF Bass Pro Tour on Discovery, new episodes premiere at 7 a.m. ET every Saturday through mid-November

BENTON, Ky. (July 3, 2025) – The seventh season of the Major League Fishing (MLF) Bass Pro Tour is set to premiere this Saturday, July 5, at 7 a.m. ET with a two-hour episode on Discovery.

The 2025 MLF Bass Pro Tour features a field of the top professional anglers in the world competing across seven regular-season tournaments around the country, fishing for millions of dollars and valuable points to qualify for the annual General Tire Heavy Hitters all-star event and REDCREST 2026, the Bass Pro Tour championship.

The first two-hour episode of Major League Fishing premiering Saturday will feature the Knockout Round from REDCREST 2025 Presented by MillerTech at Lake Guntersville, the Bass Pro Tour Championship. Each week a new episode will premiere on Discovery Channel, through mid-November.

The complete air schedule for the 2025 Bass Pro Tour on Discovery Channel is:

– July 5        Bass Pro Shops REDCREST 2025 at Lake Guntersville Presented by MillerTech Knockout Round
– July 12      Bass Pro Shops REDCREST 2025 at Lake Guntersville Presented by MillerTech Championship Round
– July 19      B&W Trailer Hitches Heavy Hitters at Smith Mountain Lake Presented by Bass Pro Shops, Qualifying Round Group A – Day 1
– July 26      NO EPISODE – DISCOVERY SHARK WEEK
– Aug. 2       B&W Trailer Hitches Heavy Hitters at Smith Mountain Lake Presented by Bass Pro Shops, Qualifying Round Group B – Day 1
– Aug. 9       B&W Trailer Hitches Heavy Hitters at Smith Mountain Lake Presented by Bass Pro Shops, Qualifying Round Group A – Day 2
– Aug. 16     B&W Trailer Hitches Heavy Hitters at Smith Mountain Lake Presented by Bass Pro Shops, Qualifying Round Group B – Day 2
– Aug. 23     B&W Trailer Hitches Heavy Hitters at Smith Mountain Lake Presented by Bass Pro Shops, Knockout Round
– Aug. 30     B&W Trailer Hitches Heavy Hitters at Smith Mountain Lake Presented by Bass Pro Shops, Championship Round
– Sept. 6       B&W Trailer Hitches Stage 1 at Lake Conroe Presented by Power-Pole Knockout Round
– Sept. 13     B&W Trailer Hitches Stage 1 at Lake Conroe Presented by Power-Pole Championship Round
– Sept. 20     Suzuki Marine Stage 2 at Harris Chain of Lakes Presented by YETI Knockout Round
– Sept. 27     Suzuki Marine Stage 2 at Harris Chain of Lakes Presented by YETI Championship Round
– Oct. 4         PowerStop Brakes Stage 3 at Lake Murray Presented by Strike King Knockout Round
– Oct. 5         PowerStop Brakes Stage 3 at Lake Murray Presented by Strike King Championship Round
– Oct. 11       O’Reilly Auto Parts Stage 4 at Chickamauga & Nickajack Lakes Presented by OPTIMA Batteries Knockout Round
– Oct. 18       O’Reilly Auto Parts Stage 4 at Chickamauga & Nickajack Lakes Presented by OPTIMA Batteries Championship Round
– Oct. 25       Lowrance Stage 5 at Kentucky Lake Presented by Mercury Knockout Round
– Nov. 1        Lowrance Stage 5 at Kentucky Lake Presented by Mercury Championship Round
– Nov. 8        Zenni Stage 6 at Potomac River Presented by Athletic Brewing Company Championship Round
– Nov. 15      Stage 7 at Saginaw Bay & River Championship Round

The full television schedule can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.

Proud sponsors of the 2025 MLF Bass Pro Tour include: 7Brew Coffee, Abu Garcia, Athletic Brewing, Bass Force, B&W Trailer Hitches, Bass Pro Shops, Berkley, BUBBA, E3 Sport Apparel, Fishing Clash, Grizzly, Lowrance, Mercury, MillerTech, Mossy Oak Fishing, NITRO, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Power-Pole, Ranger Boats, Rapala, Star brite, Suzuki Marine, Toyota and Zenni.

For complete details and updated information on Major League Fishing and the Bass Pro Tour, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow MLF’s social media outlets at Facebook , X, Instagram and  YouTube .





Why RLVNT’s Outlander Is the Go-To Sunglass Frame for Both Men and Women Outdoors

Brian Carter
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Why RLVNT’s Outlander Is the Go-To Sunglass Frame for Both Men and Women Outdoors
Universal Appeal
Top-selling frame is big with both male and female boaters and anglers seeking best-in-class performance and no-nonsense timeless style
FINLAYSON, MN (July 2, 2025) – Of their 14 frame styles, there’s just something that appeals to both men and women in the RLVNT Outlander frame. Wide yet sleek, the Outlander simply looks good on any face. Hence, it’s top-selling status. 
RLVNT Outlander (Shiny Wine Frame/Rose Gold Mirror)
The Outlander features an ultra-wide lens design, maximizing your field of view and providing extensive coverage, which is particularly beneficial for activities like fishing and boating.“The Outlander just has a classic look,” said RLVNT Sales Director, Pat Kalmerton. “It’s kind of square with wide lenses, yet minimalistic and sporting sleek arms. It’s that frame that fits boaters and anglers who might be on the fence about other frame styles. Add that it comes in a shiny burgundy frame, and you appeal to a lot of women who want something with a little more zing—not just another pair of black, brown, or camo frames with green or blue mirrors. The burgundy frame Outlander also mixes well with our unique mirrors like Red, Rose, and Sunfire.”Kalmerton added: “At the end of the day, the Outlander is gender neutral, classic and timeless. You can wear them at the dock, out on the town, down at the beach, or in the boat fishing.”But these sunglasses—like the rest of the RLVNT line-up—offer a lot more than fashion alone.
“Rather than the weight of glass or the scratch-prone properties of polycarbonate, our lenses are manufactured of Trivex, which is both lightweight and shatterproof, and features the same clarity as the human eye. That spells not only performance but longevity,” concluded Kalmerton. The Outlander is available in three frame colors: gradient brown, matte black, and shiny burgundy. Lens options include Brown Lens, Grey Lens, and RLVNT’s proprietary Chameleon Tech, which adapts to changing light conditions. A wide range of lens coatings are also available, such as Blue Mirror, Bronze Mirror, Concealment, Green Mirror, Red Mirror, Rose Gold Mirror, Smoke Mirror, and Sunfire Mirror, each tailored for specific environments and lighting conditions.Add UV 400 and blue light blocking, backside anti-reflectivity, and light-adapting Chameleon technology with ScreenVu™ for reading digital devices like smartphones, watches, and fish-finders, and you start to see that RLVNT does indeed give outdoor enthusiasts an edge. 
RLVNT Outlander (Black Matte Frame/Blue Mirror)
RLVNT Outlander (Brown Frame/Sunfire Mirror)
How do you pick the best OUTLANDER version for your situation and use? First, you need to choose your base lens color, which can be Brown for enhancing warm colors in low light, cloudy or shady environments. Grey, which is great for bright sunshine and reducing brightness without affecting the color balance. And the third option is the company’s most popular—the Chameleon, which actually adapts to available light for all-day adventures and features ScreenVu™ for representing digital device screens crisp and clear. Second, it’s time to pick the mirror style that meets your adventure. OUTLANDER is currently available in eight distinct mirrored versions: 
RED MIRRORFeatures: Lowers reds and enhances greens and blues.Best Use Case: Fishing in high iron or muddy waters.
GREEN MIRRORFeatures: Lowers greens and enhances reds and browns.Best Use Case: Fishing in heavy greenery. 
ROSE GOLD MIRRORFeatures: Lowers reds and oranges and enhances blues and greens.Best Use Case: Fishing in any environment. 
BLUE MIRRORFeatures: Lowers blues and enhances reds, golds, and browns.Best Use Case: Coastal fishing. 
BRONZE MIRRORFeatures: Maximum glare reduction.Best Use Case: Bright reflections, snowy conditions.
SMOKE MIRRORFeatures: Maximum glare reduction for sensitive eyes.Best Use Case: Bright reflections and conditions.
SUNFIRE MIRRORFeatures: Lowers reds, yellows, and oranges and enhances blues, violets, and greens.Best Use Case: Fishing in brown or red environments.
CONCEALMENTFeatures: Prevents UV reflection from all angles.Best Use Case: Turkey, deer and waterfowl hunting.





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