Daiwa's improved CROSSFIRE LT spinning reels

 Vastly improved CROSSFIRE LT spinning reels and combos now feature core DAIWA technologies while maintaining attractive pricing

DAIWA introduced its inaugural CROSSFIRE reel in 2007, making a huge mark in affordable, entry-level reels. The CROSSFIRE line underwent a major redesign in 2017 with the launch of the CROSSFIRE LT (Light & Tough) series, which featured a lighter composite body, DAIWA’s signature DIGIGEAR™ gearing system, and improved drag performance.

And now, DAIWA raises its own bar with the 2025 CROSSFIRE LT Spinning Reel and Combo.

So, what’s the big deal about the improved CROSSFIRE LT? DAIWA has infused the value-priced reel with AIRDRIVE DESIGN and made it 20% lighter than previous models with its carbon light body, while enhancing durability.

The AIRDRIVE engineering concept centers on reducing weight, improving balance, and enhancing rotational efficiency across multiple reel components. It represents a fundamental rethinking of how the front section (rotor, spool, and bail) of a spinning reel should function, blending lighter materials, optimized geometry, and smoother mechanics, making it feel effortless to operate.

It’s equally shocking to find DAIWA’s famed TOUGH DIGIGEAR gearing system in a $35 reel. The advanced gear technology features larger, digitally designed and machine-cut gears, engineered for significantly increased strength, durability, and smooth rotation. TOUGH DIGIGEAR utilizes a high-precision cutting process and state-of-the-art materials to achieve extremely smooth gear mesh, higher torque transmission, and minimal resistance during reeling. 

 The Berkley PowerBait Chop Block and compatible Replacement Harness take soft-glide fishing to the next level, delivering wide glides and dynamic chopping action

Anglers looking for a soft glide with silent, subtle action and huge drawing power now have a new tool in their arsenal. The Berkley PowerBait Chop Block brings a wide, smooth glide paired with a hard-chopping finish, giving anglers dynamic control and lifelike action in every cast. Designed for a variety of applications, it also pairs seamlessly with the custom Fusion19 Replacement Harness for unmatched hook-up reliability. Building on the proven glide-bait techniques popularized by the Nessie, this new soft glide fills the gaps in profile and action. "The Chop Block delivers a soft glide with dynamic control, letting anglers confidently switch from smooth, sweeping glides to fast, erratic chopping action," said Nathan Ragsdale, Sr. Product Manager – Bass Bait. "It’s a versatile, easy-to-fish option that makes presenting a lifelike glide bait effortless." Continuing Berkley’s tradition of ongoing innovation and proven glide-bait techniques, the Chop Block gives anglers precise control over their presentation. Its mesh-reinforced joint maximizes lifelike movement while maintaining durability, and premium colors, brush-tail components, and optimized fall rate ensure the bait performs naturally through every cast and retrieve. KEY FEATURES: • Tall, broad profile mimics natural forage • Wide glide and chopping action for versatile retrieves • Custom stinger harness system • Integrated premium Fusion19 hooks • Mesh-reinforced joint for lifelike movement and durability • Optimized slow fall rate for natural descent Colors: Greenback, Burnt Bone, Chrome Gizzard, Hitch, Shad, Honey Pot, MF Shellcracker, MF Bluegill, MF Pumpkinseed, Raw (White), Golden Shiner, and Crappie MSRP: 6” - $15.99 | 8” $24.99 | 10” $29.99 Available: October 2025

Nick Trim goes wire-to-wire to win 2025 B.A.S.S. Nation Championship

Wisconsin's Nick Trim goes wire-to-wire to win the 2025 Mercury B.A.S.S. Nation Championship at Upper Mississippi River presented by Lowrance with a four-day total of 77 pounds. (Photo: Mark Cisneros/BASS)

 

BASS Press Release

LA CROSSE, Wis. — Nick Trim had high expectations coming into the 2025 Mercury B.A.S.S. Nation Championship at the Upper Mississippi River presented by Lowrance.

He lives, after all, in nearby Galesville, Wis., only a 20-mile drive from the La Crosse Municipal Harbor, site of tournament weigh-ins this week. He’s fished this stretch of the river a few thousand times in his 42 years and that’s given him insight here that few other anglers at any level can rival.  

And still, being favored to win on your home water is completely different than actually going out and doing it.

Trim shined under pressure, though, catching a total of 20 bass for a four-day weight of 77 pounds that earned him the win in this tournament that featured some 500 competitors from 48 states and seven foreign countries. Trim picked up a $50,000 cash prize, too, part of a total purse of more than $223,000 split among the top anglers this week, and he also won paid entry into the Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series in 2026.

Finally, as one of the Top 3 anglers in the Nation Championship, Trim locked up a berth in the 2026 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour when it’s held in Knoxville, Tenn., on the Tennessee River March 13-15.

It was a lot to process, both mentally and emotionally, Trim said, shortly after holding aloft the Bryan V. Kerchal Memorial Trophy, awarded annually to the victorious boater in this prestigious tournament. The trophy is named, of course, for the only angler in history to qualify for, and win, a Bassmaster Classic following a victory in the B.A.S.S. Nation Championship.

“Today is just super special,” Trim said. “I had friends on the water and a big crowd to support me. Doing it on my home water was amazing. It’s not all set in yet — the Elite Series, the Classic.  

Local favorite Nick Trim widens lead in 2025 B.A.S.S. Nation Championship

Wisconsin's Nick Trim maintains the lead on Day 2 of the 2025 Mercury B.A.S.S. Nation Championship at Upper Mississippi River presented by Lowrance with a total of 40 pounds. (Photo: Mark Cisneros/B.A.S.S.)

BASS Press Release

LA CROSSE, Wis. — After catching 21 pounds on Day 1 of the 2025 Mercury B.A.S.S. Nation Championship at Upper Mississippi River presented by Lowrance, local angling ace Nick Trim said he felt the tournament was his to lose.  

A day later, Trim said his confidence is even higher, which can’t be good news for those remaining in the championship field here in southwest Wisconsin.

Trim, a 42-year-old resident of Galesville, Wis., (about 20 miles from the weigh-in site at La Crosse Municipal Harbor) followed Wednesday’s 21-pound limit with five more largemouth bass weighing 19 pounds, giving him an even 40 pounds heading into the second half of the tournament.

“Everything went well again today,” Trim said. “I think I’ve been spending too much time in my starting areas, so I’m hoping to make some quicker decisions and move a little faster. I have a school that really hasn’t been messed with, and I’ve got one that’s had a lot of pressure from other guys. I think that second school can carry me through this tournament, and I’ll probably go look for some big brown fish, try to catch a smallmouth like the 6-pounder I caught yesterday. I lost one today that wasn’t quite as big, but it might have been 5 1/2 pounds.”

“That’s the plan,” he continued. “That and try not hit any wing dams.”

Clipping a wing dam with his boat was about the only thing that went awry for Trim on Thursday. He was atop the West Channel of the river and the collision took half the skeg from his boat and jammed it through the boat prop.

The boat yard was Trim’s first stop after leaving the stage on Day 2.

“I run (past) that wing dam probably 150 times a year (and no problems),” he said. “I didn’t hit it hard … but I just want to make sure everything is OK. I was on the way back in today. I can’t break down out here, obviously.”

2026 Bass Pro Tour roster announced

Reigning AOY and 10-time BPT winner Jacob Wheeler, three-time REDCREST Champion Dustin Connell and standout Jake Lawrence highlight 51-angler field competing for total season purse of more than $6 million

MLF Press Release

BENTON, Ky. – Major League Fishing announced today the roster of 51 pros who will compete on the 2026 Bass Pro Tour, the eighth season of professional bass fishing’s premier tournament circuit. Featuring the most exclusive and talented field of anglers in the world – from the veterans who built the Tour’s legacy to the rookies reshaping its future – the 2026 Bass Pro Tour is set to deliver the toughest competition and most rewarding payouts in professional bass fishing history.

Featuring a stacked lineup of champions, innovators and fan favorites – including Dustin Connell, Ott DeFoe, Alton Jones Jr., Wesley Strader and Jacob Wheeler – the 2026 Bass Pro Tour roster highlights anglers who have consistently raised the bar for performance and professionalism on the water. Wheeler, a four-time Angler of the Year, 10-time BPT winner and one of the most dominant competitors in modern bass fishing, returns to defend his legacy against the sport’s deepest talent pool to date.

A remarkable collection of REDCREST champions highlight the 2026 field, led by three-time winner Connell (2021, 2024, 2025), Edwin Evers (2019), Bobby Lane (2022) and Bryan Thrift (2023). Each has proven capable of thriving under pressure and performing when it matters most, adding another layer of excitement to the Tour’s eighth season.

The 2026 roster also underscores MLF’s unmatched pathway for discovering and developing new talent. Returning after a breakout rookie season that saw five Top-10 finishes in his first eight events and a buzzer-beater win that narrowly edged out Wheeler, Jake Lawrence – the 2025 AOY runner-up to Wheeler – looks to build on an incredible debut that solidified him as one of the sport’s fastest-rising stars.

ANGLER LIST BELOW

Evan Kung and Evan Poroznik Win 2025 Simcoe Open Tournament presented by Bass Pro Shops and the Barrie Bassmasters!

Evan Kung and Evan Poroznik are all smiles! ( Photo: Barrie Bassmasters) 

Originally posted by Barrie Bassmasters (Facebook)

Congratulations to the 2025 Simcoe Open Tournament winners, Evan Kung & Evan Poroznik bringing in a 26.64 lbs. bag, earning them the $10,000! Evan Kung also won $1,000 for Big Fish, 6.91 lbs.

courtesy of G-Bay Fishing Co.

A HUGE thank you to our Title Sponsor, Bass Pro Shops for their continuous support and contribution to making tournaments like this a big success.

Here are the rest of the prize winners from today;

2nd Place: Joey Teofilo & Joey Di Cienzo 26.58 lbs.

3rd Place: Mat Holland & Patrick Campbell 26.35 lbs.

4th Place: Dallas Charters & Mike Correa 26.11 lbs.

5th Place: Oleg Lapidus & Steve Chiasson 24.88 lbs.

6th Place: Cal Climpson & Eric Santoro 24.03 lbs.

7th Place: Peter Botting & Alex Grimbos 23.98 lbs.

8th Place: Chris Vandermeer & Jeff Slute 23.88 lbs.

Small Bag: Matthew Randall & Carroll Randall 16.21 lbs.

Mystery Weight: Adam Ray & Frank Adamo 11.68 lbs.

DAIWA introduces the PROREX MQ LT

 DAIWA introduces premium spinning reel developed for cold water conditions: PROREX MQ LT

NEW FOR 2025 Go Google North America. Click images. Select a basic map and print it out. Grab a Sharpie and draw a lateral line across the center of the United States. DAIWA’s newest addition to the PROREX family, the 2025 PROREX MQ LT spinning reel, was created for anglers north of that line... Why? Because the Northeast, Midwest, Pacific Northwest and mountain states, as well as the whole of Canada, have genuine cold water periods, but never had a series of spinning reels catering specifically to frigid conditions.  “There are design elements you can implement to make a reel perform better in temperatures below the 50-degree mark,” said DAIWA Field Marketing Manager, Chris Martin. “We went with lower gear ratios, to ease that resistance,” said Martin. “When it’s cold, that grease thickens, with lower gear ratios, it takes less effort to rotate the handle. Plus, the lower gear ratio better accommodates cold weather fishing techniques.” (The 2000 size has a 5.1:1 gear ratio; 2500 size 6.2:1; and 3000 and 4000 size 5.2:1.)

Berkley Introduces Riveter Skirted and Toad Buzzbaits

 Here comes the buzz—two purpose-built topwater options engineered to deliver the perfect sound profile for explosive strikes.

COLUMBIA, S.C. (Oct. 9, 2025) – Berkley is expanding its core skirted bass bait lineup with the launch of the Berkley Riveter Buzzbait Series. Buzzbaits remain a go-to for covering water quickly and triggering reaction bites in shallow water, and Berkley’s new design combines a custom rivet and anodized blade with a proven wire form and upgraded componentry. The result: two versatile options—the Riveter Skirted and Riveter Toad—built from years of angler feedback and crafted with a premium, custom rivet that delivers the perfect squeak right out of the package. The Riveter Skirted model features a removable PowerBait skirt and an adjustable wire frame that allows anglers to customize the sound profile by bending the frame in for a more aggressive blade-to-head contact, or out for a squeak-only action. The Riveter Toad features a reinforced welded cross-wire frame, designed to eliminate flex and provide stability when skipping across the water, making it easier to achieve smooth, consistent skips. The design pairs perfectly with a soft plastic toad for optimal action. Key Features: • No break-in period needed: Custom serrated rivet and anodized blade that produces a loud, consistent squeak right out of the package. (Toad & Skirted) • Secured trailers: Flattened conical bait keepers lock trailers in place and resist roll-down, especially when skipping. (Toad & Skirted)

Happy Thanksgiving

 

Wishing all our valued Canadian viewers a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Billy Gilbert and Brad Brodnicki Win 2025 Canadian Tire Lake Erie Open!

Canadian Tire Lake Erie Open, Press Release

On Saturday October 11th 100 Teams comprised of 200 anglers blasted off from Chippawa, ON in search of the biggest 5 fish limit of bass they could find. Yet another day where forecasts were all over and conditions were very tough to predict. Lake Erie was left Open and anglers that went for it were met with waves that Lake Erie is known for and some rain mixed in. However, the rain forecasted seemed to just miss the area giving some reprieve from the waves.

Even though the lake was a bit “nasty” there are always teams that can locate and catch a big bag of bass, and this year was once again exceptional setting new records across the board!! A total of 305 were fish brough to the scales and the average bass weighed in was 3.89lbs. As the weigh in started it seemed that the weights would be down, with a number of teams pulling out early and not weighing in. However, this would not hold up long as at total of 31 bags over 20 lbs were brought in, and an incredible 11 bags over 23 lbs! Again, the anglers took good care of their fish, and we had only 3 dead fish (98.4% live release) and all others went back into the river healthy and ready to be caught again.

When the dust settled – The now TWO TIME CHAMPIONS Billy Gilbert and Brad Brodnicki topped the scales with a new tournament record bag of 28.96lbs! This mega bag, came with a total of $18,750 in cash and prizes – which consisted of $10,000 cash for first, $7100 cash for pay to play (side pot), $1000 Canadian Tire Gift Card, and the Tactical Fishing Big Bag award (2 Rods/Reels of 650 Value)!! Congratulations for HUGE win in a talented field of anglers setting the new weight and Money RECORDS! In second place (with a weight that would have won any other of the previous 11 tournaments) the team of Larry Mazur and Joe Fonzi had 27.63lbs and The Abu Garcia Big Bass #2 at 6.55lbs. They were rewarded with a total of $7050 in cash & prizes! Rounding out the top 3 – Tyler Manthey / Andrew Wengender had 25.69lbs for a total of $4150 in cash & prizes.

Top 20 Below

Best Freshwater Soft Lure award at ICAST 2025, the Z-Man® SWAG™ LT

 

Ladson, SC – The wait is over, folks – exhale, unclench your fists, and grab your favorite swimbait rod. After taking home the Best Freshwater Soft Lure award at ICAST 2025, the Z-Man® SWAG™ LT has swaggered its way in stock, ready to change the way anglers fish harnessed swimbaits. Z-Man's product development team and pro staff had a laundry list of lofty goals when setting out to design the SWAG LT: expand the retrieve speed window, maximize hookup and landing ratios, and boost overall durability and lifelike realism. “What we ended up with didn’t just meet those goals,” remarks Z-Man Product Manager Richard Dunham. “It exceeded them across the board.”

The motor driving the SWAG LT and enabling its remarkably consistent performance is its proprietary tail design. A hybrid of wedge tail and T-tail designs, the industry-first SWAG tail delivers consistent, wide-swinging swimming action whether burned or slow-rolled, and even on the fall.  “The first time we saw it in the water, we were blown away and knew we were onto something special,” says Dunham. “This tail design provides unmatched stability across a wide range of speeds, and the wide, natural swimming action is incredible.”

Rig It Your Way

At the core of the SWAG LT is Z-Man’s optimized Over/Under Line-Through Harness, which lets anglers choose between a dorsal-mounted sickle style single hook or a custom belly-mounted double hook, both designed for maximum hookset efficiency.  Rigged either way, when a fish strikes, the lure slides up the line, preventing it from being used as leverage to throw the hook.

Jacob Wheeler Joins Suzuki Marine USA Team

 

It's official, Jacob Wheeler and Suzuki Marine USA have joined forces. 

Laker Howell Wins 2025 Nitro Boats Bassmaster Elite Qualifier at Wheeler Lake presented by Bass Pro Shops.

Howell's double Classic qualification secures Classic spot for  Kyle Norsetter

David A. Brown, BASS PRESS Release

DECATUR, Ala. — For a guy who finished first, the number two came up a lot in Laker Howell’s victory story.

After three days of competition, the pro from Guntersville, Ala., tallied 65 pounds, 11 ounces and won the Nitro Boats Bassmaster Elite Qualifier at Wheeler Lake presented by Bass Pro Shops.

“I feel like a weight has been lifted off my back, because this morning when I got up, I was so nervous, I literally woke up (nauseous),” Howell said. “The whole day, I was just a cat trying to catch a bass. But right now, I can’t even describe how incredible this is.”

By the numbers, Howell caught 21-6 on Day 1 and placed second to Matt Adams. In the second round, Howell caught 25-4 — the event’s heaviest bag — and moved ahead of Adams by 4 ounces. Championship Saturday saw the 6-foot-5 pro stood tall with a final limit of 19-1.

His winning margin — 2 ounces.

Continuing the numerical theme, Howell has won two of the last three tournaments he’s fished. In mid-August, he won the St. Croix Bassmaster Open at Leech Lake presented by SEVIIN.

Finally, Howell’s family has claimed two wins at this Tennessee River impoundment. In 1998, Laker Howell’s father, Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series angler Randy Howell won his first major event at Wheeler Lake.

And if the story wasn’t already good enough, Randy Howell was 24 when he won his Wheeler Lake trophy. His son’s age — 24.

“That’s why this tournament is so special to me,” the younger Howell said. “I literally watched that video during practice with my roommate. I said, ‘Wouldn’t it be crazy if I won this tournament.’”

All week, Howell committed to a section of the Decatur Flats about 2 miles from takeoff. He focused on a saddle with shell bottom between two bars near the river channel.

Scott Hamrick Wins 2025 NPFL Championship on Lake Hartwell

Scott Hamrick rallies on the final day to take the Championship on Lake Hartwell.

Justin Brouillard | Photos by Tanner & Travis Lyons

The most consistent angler over three days at the 2025 NPFL Championship on Lake Hartwell, hosted by Visit Anderson, was Scott Hamrick. He opened with a 14‑10 bag on day one, followed by 15‑3 on day two, and closed strong with his biggest bag of the week on Showdown Sunday, weighing 15‑15, anchored by a 6‑1 largemouth.

His three-day total weight of 45‑12 secured the Championship victory, earning him a $100,000 payday, a berth into next year’s Championship event, and the coveted NPFL shield.

Rallying to second after day two with 16‑12, to go with his day one weight of 14‑4, Tennessee angler Michael Stout did enough on the final day, catching 14‑10 to finish the Championship in second place with a three-day total of 45‑10. In third, Georgia pro Will Harkins, a pre-tournament favorite, also finished with 45‑10.

Moving into fifth place, 2024 Progressive Angler of the Year winner Kyle Welcher caught the biggest bag, and biggest bass of the event, making up for a tough day two. His 6-11 lunker anchored his 19-14 rally bag, moving him several spots on the final day.

Hamrick Flips the Switch

Living in North Carolina, Scott Hamrick is a bit familiar with Lake Hartwell. When he arrived for practice this week, he had a hunch he would be fishing shallow and picking apart cover, but he did not know it would unfold the way it did.

“I knew what the plan was going to be before I got here,” he said. “I knew the weather was coming and that it would help the bite in the creeks, where I focused my time. I had a decent practice, but you’re not really fishing anything, so I was not sure what the potential was going to be.”

TOP 10 BELOW

Chad Poteat: First Honoree in NPFL- Circle of Honor

An extraordinary moment with an extraordinary man at the Championship Banquet.

Story by Ken Duke; photos by Tanner & Travis Lyons 

Occasionally, people are extraordinary.

Through grit, determination, perseverance, resilience, and sheer force of will, they find a way to prevail under circumstances that would crush most of us.

In 2025, NPFL professional angler Chad Poteat, 52, of Mount Airy, North Carolina showed the world that he is one of those extraordinary people. Early this year, Poteat was diagnosed with an aggressive form of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (“ALS” or “Lou Gehrig’s disease”). It’s a progressive neurodegenerative disease affecting neurons in the brain and spinal cord. These neurons control voluntary muscles, like the ones that enable us to walk, talk, swallow, and breathe. With ALS, they gradually weaken, atrophy, and lose their ability to function. Over time, paralysis develops, but cognitive abilities usually remain intact.

It’s a cruel, relentless disease that takes an inevitable toll. That toll has been magnified in the case of Chad Poteat in 2025. In August, his 21-year-old daughter passed away. His 96-year-old mother died less than a month later.

To withstand such loss—even in great health—is a challenge. To do it with a debilitating disease seems unthinkable.

Poteat and his wife Alaine did it.