No Idea What to Get the Angler in Your Life? Berkley’s Got You Covered.

 Great Gifts for the Angler 

This holiday season, Berkley is making it easy to shop for the anglers who are impossible to buy for. The Berkley Haul of Fame and Tool Kits are ready-to-go packages built to make any angler grin, from bait and tool-specific kits to clever drink sets for celebrating the day’s biggest catch. Packed with high-quality gear, practical tools, and a few playful extras, these kits take the guesswork out of gifting, letting gift givers easily cross names off their shopping list.

From essential tools to popular species-specific baits, Berkley has a kit for every type of angler. The Angler Essential Tool Kit and the Plier Kit provide must-have gear for day-to-day fishing. The Catch & Cook Fillet Kit makes prepping your catch a breeze. Topwater, Swimbait, Froggin’ and Crankbait Haul of Fame kits feature award-winning baits, while the Swigs for Bigs sets pair select lures with fun drinkware to celebrate your biggest catches.

Angler Essential Tool Kit – $49.99

• 50lb digital scale
• XCD scissors (stainless steel, ergonomic handles)
• 6” chrome-plated pliers

Angler Essential Plier Kit – $49.99

• 11” XCD pliers
• 6” XCD pliers
• XCD Superline cutters (braided/nylon line)

Catch & Cook Fillet Kit – $49.99

• 7” XCD fillet knife (stainless steel, semi-flex)
• Portable rubber fillet mat (textured for grip)
• Bonus maintenance kit: handheld sharpener + micro-fiber towel

Advanced Tech Meets Everyday Performance as Abu Garcia Expands the Max Series

 New Max reels and combos deliver Revo-inspired technology, refined design, and unmatched value across five performance tiers

“The Max Series represents a complete evolution of the Max lineup,” said Andrew Wheeler, Director of Brand and Product at Abu Garcia. “By bringing Revo-inspired technology into a more accessible platform, we’re giving every angler the chance to experience true Abu Garcia top-end performance at a competitive price point that fits their needs.” Max X Low Profile Reels and Combos

Delivering proven Abu Garcia performance at an incredible value, the Max X low profile reels feature a lightweight asymmetric body design, Duragear brass gear, and the dependable MagTrax braking system. The Power Disk Drag System offers up to 15 pounds of smooth drag, while a 90mm aluminum handle with co-molded soft touch knobs ensures comfort and control all day long. The Max X Combos feature rods with lightweight graphite composite construction and an EVA split grip design in a variety of sizes to meet the needs of every angler. ABU GARCIA MAX X KEY FEATURES: Max X LP Reel Specs • 5+1 bearing system • Lightweight A-Sym body design • Graphite frame and side plates • Duragear brass gear • 90mm aluminum handle • MagTrax braking system • Power Disk Drag – 15lb max drag • Co-molded soft touch knobs • Gear Ratio - 6.8:1 Max X LP Combo Specs • Lightweight graphite composite construction • High density EVA split grip handle • PVD coated one-piece guides for increased durability MSRP: $69.99 - Reel | $89.99 - Combo Available: October 2025

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.)