THE BUSINESS NEWS OF FISHING.
Issue #175
1. Stat of the Day
PRESENTED BY: Sunline
2. Money Matters
PRESENTED BY: Big Bite Baits
Neal's Hat Continues To Pay Dividends
Unless you've been living under a rock for the last year and a half you certainly noticed the run that Bass Pro Tour professional Michael Neal has been on. What you may not have realized was Neal's specific choice of  hat. During his epic 2021 season Neal wore the exact same AFTCO Waterborne Trucker hat, winning a Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit AOY and claiming a BPT title in the process. At the start of the 2022 season Neal considered switching out the weathered, battle proven AFTCO hat for a fresh new model. Upon further consideration Michael chose to stick with old faithful for the first event at Sam Rayburn, and see how it went. Neal went on to win the first TWPC event of the season wearing his lucky hat. At present time Neal has won a cool $575,980 wearing the exact same hat. Needless to say the hat will not be retired anytime soon! Get your own lucky hat here.
3. Behind the Scenes
Denali Puts A Spin On It
Denali is continuing their recent growth with the newly launched Fission Series of spining reels. The flagship Fission Pro allows an angler to step up in performance and still remain at affordable prices at checkout, with a $99.99 price tag. Featuring an aluminum body​, graphite side plates​, 14.3 max drag​, machined aluminum screw in handle​, and aluminum spool this reel is available in a 2000 and 3000 size. With three new models to choose from Denali has a spinning reel for every angler's needs and budget. Check out the full lineup here.
4. Anglers Tribune
With tournament trail seasons approaching their year end championships co-anglers are excited to potentially cash in on all of their hard work. What do you need to know to be the best co-angler to increase your success in tournaments? Maybe you just started fishing tournaments or have only fished with friends before. You signed up for boater, co-angler tournaments this year and want to know what to expect. This guide gives you all the suggestions to make sure your tournament day goes as well as possible.
These suggestions are important to ensure your day is a success as you are entering someone else’s boat, which can be the same as entering their house in some cases. The boater has spent a lot of money and time to acquire his boat and most certainly has strong feelings about it. Preparing and planning ahead with these tips in mind will make sure it goes well. These recommendations were compiled from hundreds of days on the water fishing with numerous different boaters. Learn more about being a better co-angler here.
5. Baits Not Being Talked About
Exclusively available at Tackle Warehouse, the Gambler Bacon Rind Creature Bait combines a number of bass-enticing features that come together like a match made in hog heaven. The very same bait that Davy Hite used to dominate the 1999 Bassmaster Classic, the Bacon Rind Bait is built around an aggressively ribbed body that grabs and displaces water yet slides through vegetative cover with ease. The body is dense enough to hold your favorite hook securely, while those same ribs can also assist in protecting your hook point from snagging grasses and weeds.
Extending from the main body section, the Gambler Bacon Rind Creature Bait employs a number of appendages designed to beckon to any fish’s predatory senses. The head-end of the creature bait sports a set of flapping wings that not only add action but also help the Bacon Rind to glide further into cover on the fall. As you work your way towards the tail of the bait anglers will surely be delighted with the pair of extremities that flutter and flail with every lift of the rod tip. Completed with an aggressive curly tail that provides heavy thumping and twirling commotion, the Gambler Bacon Rind Creature Bait is an incredibly versatile must-have addition to every soft bait arsenal. Check out the full lineup here.
6. What We're Watching & Listening To
PRESENTED BY: Gamakatsu
Are Pros Snagging Bass With Livescope?
Bassmaster Elite Series pro John Crews takes on a very controversial subject in his latest YouTube video. Are pros snagging bass with Livescope? Check it out here.
7. Jersey Watch
PRESENTED BY: Denali
Brandon Palaniuk
Photo Courtesy Bassmaster
Bassmaster Elite Series pro Brandon Palaniuk is currently leading the Progressive AOY standings. Palaniuk's sponsorship lineup includes Alpha Angler Rods, Angler Aid, Daiwa, DD26, Humminbird, Leupold, Midway USA, Minn Kota, Mossy Oak, Old Town, PROcise Outdoors, Rapala, Seaguar, Simms, Skeeter, The Rod Glove, VMC, X Zone Lures, and Yamaha just to name a few.
8. Recommendations
Ashmore Marine Trolling Motor Cable Keeper Kits
No more messy tape or zip ties, the Ashmore Marine Trolling Motor Cable Keeper Kit is the easiest and most effective way to secure and protect your transducer cable. Once installed, the Ashmore Marine Trolling Motor Cable Keeper Kit gives you piece-of-mind that your transducer cable will no longer have the ability to fall between your trolling motor and base, which could cause damage or cut your transducer cable in half. Each cable clip also has a unique cavity molded into it that is designed to carry a large dual cable and allow room for another single cable if needed for anglers who want to utilize multiple electronic accessories at the bow. A must-have for every bass boat, the Ashmore Marine Trolling Motor Cable Keeper Kit is the perfect way to keep your electronic cables protected and organized. Available for Garmin Force, Minn Kota Ultrex, and Lowrance Ghost. Check out the full lineup here.
9. Best for Last
PRESENTED BY: AFTCO
The Most Important Fishing And Boating Organization You’ve Never Heard Of
Ever heard of the Future Angler Foundation (FAF)? Some tackle and marine industry members have, but a surprising number can’t put their finger on exactly what this 501(c)(3) non-profit organization does. Fewer still realize the vital role it plays in growing recreational sportfishing and safe boating across the United States.
“This may be the most important recreational fishing and boating organization you haven’t heard about,” says the foundations co-founder and president, Patrick Neu. “The FAF was formed in 2012 by a small group of anglers dedicated to growing participation in angling and boating. For over a decade now, we have teamed with educators, individuals and fishing and boating organizations throughout the country to expose potential newcomers to our sports by educating on how to catch fish, boat safely, and to be conservationists.” Learn more about this great organization here.
How important is scent to you when it comes to soft plastics?
Very
Somewhat
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Issue #175
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