Friday, July 31, 2026

ICAST 2026: Great Lakes Finesse Perfects Skirted Ned Head


Ned rigging demands slow presentations, at times with the bait left in place in a key location, so any offering’s stationary behavior becomes critical. Most finesse jigs fall onto a side when stopped, and this creates a major problem for natural appeal. Great Lakes Finesse excels at solving problems that hinder the performance of other finesse offerings, and they have done so again with the GLF Skirted Ned Head.

 

The innovative, easy-lift head design prevents the Skirted Ned Head from rolling on its side, with it instead standing upright with the trailer and fine-cut skirt wavering enticingly. Matched with a Snack Craw, Juicy Hellgrammite or other premium finesse plastic, the Skirted Ned Head is ideal for casting to boulders or other specific fish-holding targets and working the bottom slowly or even dead-sticking the bait to entice strikes from the finickiest of fish.

 

Wire-tied for durability, the fine-stand skirt is precisely trimmed to a dual-length finesse profile but left slightly long to allow for customization. Premium features of the Skirted Ned Head include powder-coat painting to prevent chipping, matte finishes to minimize glare, a wire keeper and a Gamakatsu 604 1/O hook.

 

The GLF Skirted Ned Head comes in 1/8- 3/16- and 1/4-ounce sizes and 10 carefully selected colors.

 

MSRP: $6.99

Tuesday, July 28, 2026

Five New Major League BPT Anglers Added to 2027 Season!

Points picture finally complete, five new faces headed to the Bass Pro Tour 

There was a lot of excitement to go ’round at weigh-in. Photo by Rob Matsuura
By Jodi White, Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit Press Release

With the final event of the regular season wrapped up, Shaw put a bow on his second 7 Brew Angler of the Year title, and Ryan Lachniet took home Rookie of the Year. As for the Bass Pro Tour berths, that went down to the wire.

In the end, after every fish was weighed on Day 3, Lachniet, Connor Jacob, Carter Nutt, Brody Campbell and Will Harkins earned invites to the big show. The five qualifiers all put together fantastic years, and each will bring exciting talent and personality to the BPT. Finishing eighth in the points, Lane was the first man out of the cut, though hopefully his winner trophy and $100,000 check will help him get over the miss.

 Top 10 in the standings

1. Banks Shaw – 1141 points – $252,100 season winnings
2. Ryan Lachniet – 1126 – $72,100
3. Drew Gill – 1096 – $146,600
4. Connor Jacob – 1087 – $64,300
5. Carter Nutt – 1075 – $147,000
6. Brody Campbell – 1073 – $75,600
7. Will Harkins – 1072 – $57,900
8. Cal Lane – 1058 – $159,600
9. Ethan Fields – 1054 – $62,000
10. Dylan Nutt – 1049 – $76,900

BPT invites in italics 

Complete standings


Monday, July 27, 2026

Zack Birge Wins 2026 MillerTech NPFL Stop Five on the St. Lawrence River!

Oklahoma pro adjusts on Championship Saturday to secure MillerTech NPFL Stop Five victory.


By 
Justin Brouillard, NPFL Press Release

Despite the lock schedule, despite the long runs, despite barge traffic, and despite watching the fish leave his primary areas, Zack Birge prevailed at the MillerTech NPFL Stop Five on the St. Lawrence River, hosted by the Town of Massena, New York. Going wire-to-wire against one of the strongest fields in professional bass fishing, the Oklahoma pro weighed a three-day total of 70-4 to claim his second NPFL victory of the 2026 season, and third national win.

Birge set the tone on Day One with 24-12 before backing it up with 22-1 on Friday to carry a 3-7 lead into Championship Saturday. But the shallow bladed jig pattern that had carried him through the opening rounds was beginning to fade as fish continued to move, forcing Birge to trust his instincts one final time.

Finishing the event in second place, Florida pro John Cox steadily worked his way up the leaderboard all week, improving from ninth after Day One to fourth after Day Two before finishing runner-up with a three-day total of 65-12. A shallow-water expert, Cox spent the week targeting smallmouth he could see, rotating between roadbeds, flats, and other hard-bottom areas while picking off individual fish with finesse presentations. He weighed limits of 21-5, 21-1, and a final-day 23-6, earning his best finish of the 2026 season and providing a much-needed boost after a slow start to the year.

Wesley Gore rounded out the top three with a three-day total of 64-15, backing up a strong opening two days with a final-round limit of 21-9 to secure his best finish of the 2026 season. Kristopher Queen finished fourth with 64-7, while defending St. Lawrence River champion Drew Cook rounded out the top five with 61-14, putting together another consistent three-day performance.

Mike Quinlin claimed Phoenix Boats Big Bass honors with a 6-pound smallmouth on Day One, the largest bass weighed during the three-day event. Darrel Robertson earned the final check of the tournament, climbing to 38th place with a Championship Saturday limit of 19-15 to finish with 51-10. 

A special happy 80th birthday to legendary angler Rick Clunn. The Hall of Famer marked the occasion with another solid finish in New York, finishing 22nd with 56-10.

Birge’s Final Day Adjustment

Rather than force a bite that was disappearing, Birge leaned on a crankbait pattern on Showdown Saturday that had produced during practice, though not with the same quality as his bladed jig. The shallow pattern carried him to a tournament-best 25-5 on Day One and another solid 21-8 on Day Two, but by Saturday morning he knew those fish were beginning to move. Rather than chase a fading bite, Birge trusted the crankbait program he had kept in his back pocket all week, and it proved to be the right decision.

Cal Lane Wins 2026 Stop 6 Presented by VOSKER on the Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit Presented by MillerTech!

Cal Lane earned the win with three spectacular days on Lake Champlain.
Photo by Rob Matsuura.

By Jodi White,

Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit Press Release

PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. – Cal Lane spent most of the 2026 season coming about as close as possible to winning without actually winning – a theme for him in 2025 as well. On Sunday, that all went out the window. Lane put together one of the best tournaments ever witnessed on Lake Champlain to take down Stop 6 Presented by VOSKER in style and close the Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit Presented by MillerTech regular season with a bang.

Weighing more than 20 pounds every day of the event, Lane caught a three-day total of 65 pounds, 7 ounces, which broke the record for largest three-day catch at Lake Champlain in MLF/FLW history, eclipsing the 64-1 Kyle Cortiana caught in the 2024 Toyota Series event there. His 23-15 on Day 2 was the third-heaviest five-fish bag in Champlain history for MLF/FLW, and for his efforts, he took home $100,000 as well as a spot in REDCREST 2027, which happens to be in his home state.

Finishing second, Matt Becker weighed 63-16, and also fished a basically perfect Champlain event. Banks Shaw cracked nearly 22 pounds on the final day to move up to third and also ice down his second consecutive 7 Brew Anger of the Year title.

Exploration earns Lane the win

For a few years, the theme on Champlain has been LiveScope, LiveScope and more LiveScope; as open-water and smallmouth have yielded the majority of the multi-day wins on the lake. If there’s a secondary trend, it’s that tournaments can be won all over the lake, maybe more than has ever been possible. Lane proved that at Stop 6 with a perfectly executed combo of smallmouth and largemouth.

On the first day of practice, Lane stuck to the Inland Sea (a historically excellent area) and put up terrible results. His second practice day, fighting big wind and a bad prior day, he expanded.

TOP 10 BELOW

Wednesday, July 22, 2026

ICAST 2026 WINNER: BUZBE Basic Deep- Urchin Box


The hottest new bait style finally has a storage solution built for it. Featuring custom wire-post organizers, lock-in dividers that won’t shift, and BUZBE’s rugged waterproof construction, the Urchin Box keeps baits secure, protected, and ready to fish. 

ICAST 2026 WINNER: GARMIN USA Spy Pole Mount


Take command of your sonar with Spy Pole, the revolutionary motorized sonar control system that allows anglers to precisely and wirelessly steer LiveScope and GT360UHD transducers independently of their trolling motor. Stay locked on targets even while anchor-locked with Spy Lock technology or automatically sweep back and forth to find fish in SpyScan mode. SpyLink mode synchronizes Spy Pole with the speed and direction of the trolling motor to simplify sonar control when you stalk fish.

ICAST 2026 WINNER: AMERICIAN BAIT WORKS Synch Fishing Artisan Wake & Crank 130


The Synch Fishing Artisan Wake & Crank is a subsurface wake bait built from the vision and craftsmanship of in-house artist Andrew Gardner. Based on the popular Artisan Gill platform, the Wake & Crank features a three-piece body and added bill design. Premium components include BKK treble hooks, heavy-duty swiveling hook hangers, UV glow glass eyes and soft plastic fins and tails to give a lifelike profile. The Artisan Waking Crank is a true blend of handcrafted artistry and modern performance.

Tuesday, July 21, 2026

ICAST 2026 WINNER: ST. CROIX TRIUMPH FRESHWATER RODS

 


Combining premium materials & North-American manufacturing excellence, the reimagined & expanded TRIUMPH Freshwater series delivers St. Croix performance & quality at an appealing price. Including 29 models, TRIUMPH features proven SCII carbon fiber blanks strengthened with FRS tech, modernized stainless-steel guides, all-new contoured natural cork handles & a 5-year warranty. 2-piece models feature ART and proprietary Slim Ferrule Design for multi-piece convenience with 1-piece performance.

ICAST 2026 WINNER: GARMIN USA LiveScope 2HD


 LiveScope 2 HD gives anglers Garmin’s clearest live sonar yet, delivering unprecedented clarity, smoother images and simplified installation. Now with 20% greater resolution and improved image stitching, anglers can see real-time views of fish, bait and structure out to 125 feet with 50% more detail at closer ranges than the previous model. Plus, it features a new simplified setup that eliminates the need for a black box.

Monday, July 20, 2026

ICAST 2026 WINNER: Seaguar BRAWLr High-Performance Monofilament

 


Seaguar BRAWLr High-Performance Monofilament – Advanced Knot and Tensile Strength. Low Stretch with Enhanced Sensitivity. Engineered and manufactured by Seaguar, the inventor and innovator of premium fishing lines.

ICAST 2026 WINNER: Shimano Curado DC 150

 


Building on the Curado DC legacy, the Curado DC 150 adds updated IDC4 firmware for improved casting control. Shimano’s Digital Control system monitors speed 1,000 times per second to reduce backlash and boost distance. A rigid Hagane Body maintains alignment, while the MGL Spool III improves startup with lighter lures. Four IDC4 modes match line and conditions, and three gear ratios with Cross Carbon Drag deliver strong performance.

ICAST 2026 WINNER: ChatterBait® Elite EVO™ HD

 


The ChatterBait® Elite EVO™ HD is a 40% stronger, heavy‑duty upgrade of the best-selling bladed jig, built for big fish, heavy cover, and the moments when durability isn’t optional. A welded ring line tie, reinforced head-to-blade connection, and custom 5/0 super heavy‑duty nano‑coated hook give anglers the strength to horse giants from grass and boat flip kicker fish. A hybrid split‑grip/double‑wire keeper grips trailers securely. Finished with premium details and offered in 20 proven colors.

ICAST 2026 WINNER: CrushCity's CEO


CrushCity has done it again launching innovation in the craziest trend this industry has seen. Rapala has worked tirelessly with the R&D team to launch “The CEO” 21m built with Super TPE material that falls perfectly for its technique, with a weighted glass powder core. Multiple tapered legs create subtle action and twitching on the fall. CrushCity builds baits to win tournaments thanks to the Rapala Pro Staff and Product Development team. Seal the deal with the hottest asset in fishing.

Friday, July 17, 2026

ICAST 2026: Bandit Delivers BIG with Small Crankbaits


Bigger isn’t always better. In fact, in many fishing situations, downsizing can provide huge benefits. Recognizing the critical role of finesse approaches and the consequential surge in Bait Finesse Systems (BFS) and spinning tackle for bass fishing, Bandit Lures has released two downsized, high-performance crankbaits – the Bandit 50 and 50D.

 

Light line and gear designed for smaller lures provide significant value for fishing creeks and ponds, for ultra-clear water, and for heavily pressured bass, along with various other species. Unfortunately, too many down-sized lures are less precisely engineered than traditional “bass lures” or get equipped with cheaper components. That’s where the 50 and 50D differ. Although measuring only 1 3/4 inches in length and weighing 3/16 ounce, these crankbaits have been precisely engineered and offer the same quality of components and construction as every Bandit crankbait.

 

The Bandit 50 and 50D may look somewhat familiar. They borrow heavily from Bandit Lures’ most popular bass crankbaits – the Bandit 100 and 200 – in terms of general shaping and lip design. The Bandit 50 has a short, squared-off bill to deflect cover and dives to around 4 feet. The Bandit 50D has a longer, rounded bill and digs a couple of feet deeper. Both have tight action for extra finesse.

 

A dozen colors for Bandit 50 and 50D include six Bandit crankbait favorites, and six new semi-translucent craw colors that were developed this year for the new Bandit 50 and 50D and the iconic 100, 200, and 300 Series.

 

MSRP: $7.99

ICAST 2026 WINNER: G-RATT URCHIN RIG


We wanted a rig that would satisfy all customers needs and give them all three options of hooks and several weight sizes to rig urchin style baits easily. With our urchin rig we have delivered that for you. If you need more hooks we sell replacement packs. This urchin rig should satisfy all your needs, and make rigging urchin style baits simple.

ICAST 2026" Millennium Introduces New Monitor Mounts for Modern Anglers

 


Millennium is proud to introduce its new line of Monitor Mounts, designed to improve the way anglers utilize marine electronics while on the water. While fish finders and marine monitors have long been a staple in modern angling, they often create a challenge: How to view and adjust electronics without having to set down a rod or interrupt the fishing process.


Available in both single and double configurations, Millennium Monitor Mounts are constructed of anodized aluminum, a material known for its durability and resistance to harsh marine environments. Each unit is built with heavy-duty stainless steel hardware to ensure monitors remain secure in rugged conditions.


Designed with versatility in mind, each mount features a telescoping riser that adjusts from 13 to 19 inches, allowing for optimal viewing height. The base swivels 180 degrees, while the mounting plate rotates 350 degrees, providing flexible viewing angles from nearly anywhere in the boat. A universal face plate design accommodates most brands and models of marine electronics currently on the market.


Both the single and double Monitor Mounts are available in silver and black and are backed by a 1-year warranty.


For more information regarding Millennium Marine products, visit https://millenniummarine.com/ or ICAST Booth #3820.




MILLENNIUM - Single Monitor Mount MM-003


FEATURES:

• Base Station of 180 degrees

• Telescopic Riser Adjust 13 – 19 Inches

• Riser Tilts 180 Degrees

• Mounts Base Fits Most Monitors

• Monitor Mount Adjust 350 degrees

• Constructed Of Anodized Aluminum With Stainless Steel Hardware

• Available In Silver Or Black

• 1-Year Warranty



Specifications: 

3.8 lbs.



MILLENNIUM - Double Monitor Mount MM-004


FEATURES:

• Base Station of 180 degrees

• Telescopic Riser Adjust 13 – 19 Inches

• Riser Tilts 180 Degrees

• Mounts Base Fits Most Monitors

• Monitor Mount Adjust 350 degrees

• Constructed Of Anodized Aluminum With Stainless Steel Hardware

• Available In Silver Or Black

• 1-Year Warranty


Specifications:

4.8 lbs.


Thursday, July 16, 2026

ICAST 2026: TATULA MQ LT ELITE spinning series

DAIWA unleashes the TATULA MQ LT ELITE spinning series, maximizing a one-piece Monocoque framework and supreme AIRDRIVE architecture to dominate the Power Finesse and Finesse Custom landscapes


To bridge the gap between needs and results, DAIWA introduces the TATULA MQ LT ELITE spinning reel series. Engineered under the design mandate of “Tough, Solid & Light,” this series completely upgrades the “Power Finesse” and “Finesse Custom” techniques. By pairing a rigid, one-piece Monocoque (MQ) ZAION V frame with flagship-tier components, the TATULA MQ LT ELITE provides an unyielding, high-torque architecture that maintains perfect gear alignment under maximum load.

The true genius of the TATULA MQ LT ELITE lies in how it balances raw structural muscle with weightless rotational mechanics. By eliminating traditional multi-piece body constraints, DAIWA has unlocked unprecedented gear volume and torque capacity, ensuring that under maximum winding pressure, the internal components remain in permanent alignment. Simultaneously, the front end of the reel is optimized for absolute fluid physics, stripping away startup inertia so anglers can feel the exact vibration of a mid-strolling jig or detect the faintest deflection on a deep structure drift.

These are purpose-built, authoritative tools designed to own the Power Finesse and Finesse Custom categories.


The Anatomy of a Finesse Custom Tool: the 2500

The engineering behind the new 2500 FC (TTELMQFC2500-H) thrives at the extreme finesse end of the spectrum, solving a critical flaw in traditional ultra-light spinning gear: the casting limitations of a miniature spool. Standard 1000-size reels offer the featherweight handling finesse anglers crave, but the small spool diameters choke line flow, create severe coil memory, and kill casting distance.

ICAST 2026: BOOYAH Speed Walker Brings Flash Point Technology to the Top


The evolution of the Flash Point series takes BOOYAH to the top – literally. The BOOYAH Flash Point Speed Walker utilizes the Flash Point Jerkbait’s natural baitfish profile and signature embedded blade, but in a precision-engineered surface-walking lure that is built for speed and control and for triggering reaction strikes.

 

The Speed Walker’s shad/herring profile is exceptionally natural. The patent-pending Flash Point blade, embedded in the chin, delivers subtle flash as the bait walks to attract more fish and mimic small baitfish. The Speed Walker can be worked at very high speeds without blowing out – delivering a quick erratic walk. However, it also works extremely well with slow cadences to coax strikes.

 

Every detail of the Flash Point Speed Walker has been engineered to maximize effectiveness. Extra-thin side walls increase sound. Precisely balanced weighting allows for the long casts required to prompt surface strikes from the most finicky bass.

 

The Flash Point Speed Walker is available in 3-, 4- and 5-inch sizes, providing a fit for every situation, and in 10 pro-selected colors. It comes equipped with BKK Super Slide Trebles.

 

MSRP: $14.99

Wednesday, July 15, 2026

ICAST 2026: CrushCity's New Avatar Shad for Scoping

 


The all-new CrushCity™ Avatar Shad is a versatile soft swimbait engineered to deliver lifelike swimming action, exceptional durability and unmatched rigging versatility. Built from Super TPE floating material, the 4-inch Avatar Shad features a segmented body design that creates natural swimming action throughout the entire retrieve. Unlike traditional swimbaits that rely primarily on tail movement, the Avatar Shad’s entire body contributes to a realistic baitfish profile that appeals to bass and other freshwater predators. Designed to perform across multiple presentations, the Avatar Shad maintains its swimming action whether rigged on jig heads, weighted swimbait hooks or as a bladed jig trailer. Its dorsal fin structure and molded bill work together to stabilize the bait and activate its lifelike action regardless of how it’s rigged.

DETAILS BELOW

The 2027 Bass Pro Tour Schedule


Buckle up, Bass Pro Shops Bass Pro Tour anglers and fans: 2027 is setting up to be a memorable tournament year.

The 2027 Bass Pro Tour schedule will include multiple new stops for the circuit and some of the most highly regarded fisheries in the country as the world’s top pros compete in seven regular-season stops, plus Bass Pro Shops REDCREST 2027 and Kubota Heavy Hitters 2027.
Starting Jan. 14-17 at the St. Johns River in Florida and winding through Louisiana, Tennessee, Texas, Alabama, New York and Kentucky before culminating Aug. 5-8 at the Pasquotank River in North Carolina, the 2027 Bass Pro Tour roadmap covers legendary tournament destinations, dynamic river systems, proven big-bass fisheries and a dual-lake event in the Shreveport-Bossier region featuring Caddo Lake and Cross Lake.
In addition to the seven-event regular season – which includes the St. John’s, Caddo/Cross, Norris Lake, Toledo Bend, Lake Champlain, Pickwick Lake and the Pasquotank – Major League Fishing’s championship event will return to Alabama April 16-18 when REDCREST 2027 arrives at Logan Martin Lake. Also, the sport’s marquee big-bass event – Kubota Heavy Hitters 2027 – will be contested May 22-27 at Kentucky and Barkley Lakes in Kentucky.

Tuesday, July 14, 2026

Monday, July 13, 2026

ICAST 2026: Crush City's New CEO Urchin bait!


The all-new CrushCity™ The CEO is a purpose-built urchin bait system engineered to simplify one of bass fishing's fastest-growing techniques while delivering exceptional castability, durability and fish-catching performance.

Developed through more than a year of engineering, testing and refinement, The CEO combines a proprietary weighted glass powder core with premium Super TPE construction and Smart Injection Technology® to create the ideal balance of castability, buoyancy and a slow, controlled fall right out of the package. Designed around the CrushCity "Customs" philosophy, every detail of The CEO was built to eliminate the guesswork. Molded hook alignment dimples simplify rigging, an integrated center channel accepts optional nail weights for added customization, and the bait was purpose-built alongside the VMC® RedLine Series® Urchin Neko Hook to create a complete system that performs exactly as intended.
DETAILS AND PRICE BELOW

Friday, July 10, 2026

DAIWA and Ever Green deliver the ultimate JackHammer trailer stateside to maximize bladed jig performance

 


A premium bladed jig is only as lethal as the trailer behind it. Too often, basic soft plastics act like anchors, choking out high-frequency vibrations, muting the blade’s signature thump, and causing the entire rig to roll over and blow out at high speeds.

You need a trailer engineered to harmonize with the lure, not fight it.

Through its exclusive partnership with Ever Green International, DAIWA is officially bringing a masterfully tuned soft plastic methodology stateside in the form of the Bull Point Shad 4.5". Designed by elite angler Morizo Shimizu—the mastermind who knows the legendary JackHammer bladed jig better than anyone—this soft bait is built to unleash 120% of the jig's fish-catching power.


Inverted Triangle Architecture and Casting Dynamics

Many soft plastic trailers feature a uniform round or flat shape that drags through the water and kills a bladed jig's hunt. Ever Green’s Bull Point Shad turns that design flaw on its head. Designed with a specialized inverted triangle body, it packs critical bulk and weight into the front section of the bait.

Wednesday, July 8, 2026

Garmin's New LiveScope 2: LVS 42HD and LVS 44


See fish and lures near the boat in up to 50% more detail and 20% higher resolution with reduced sonar artifacts and smoother images compared to previous generations. Plus, bottom track out to 125 feet in freshwater.

https://www.garmin.com/p/1908376/