Updated December 14, 2021. Originally published November 28, 2016.

In-Fisherman Magazine

1 – Tackle Subscription/Magazine Subscription (~$15)

Monthly subscription boxes are all the rage these days and you can find many different options to meet your needs. Mystery Tackle Box and Lucky Tackle Box are two of the most popular – subscriptions start as low as $15/month and each website has the option to give the subscription as a gift. If magazines are more your style; In-Fisherman, Sport Fishing and Bassmaster are all great options.

Rapala Scissors

2 – Line Cutter Scissors (~$5)

While most anglers have a pair of pliers – not many have line cutter scissors. This little tool is extremely useful when re-tying knots. Fishing scissors allows the fisherman to accurately remove tags in a quick and efficient manner.

Largemouth Bass Art

3 – Fishing Art (~$10-$1000)

A fisherman loves all thing fishing – and that includes artwork. The world wide internet offers art items for a man-cave such as this awesome tin sign or a street-type sign. You can also find more refined office and home fishing artwork like this realistic painting of a bass vs dragonfly or this more abstract concept that includes very vivid colors. To make this holiday season a truly memorable experience try going for the original drawing or prints if for sale.

GoPro Camera

4 – Action Camera ($100+)

Sure you get to see all the great pictures of your favorite angler holding his new record fish and smiling but what if you could watch a short video clip which captured all the awesome hook-setting, heart pounding action that took place to land that record fish – an action camera like a GoPro can allow anglers to share their experience with you. Action cameras are often waterproof and can be mounted in many different ways for different angle shots.

Costa Sunglasses

5 – Sunglasses ($100+)

Polarized sunglasses can be a game changer on the water – allowing anglers to see into the water at greater depths and with greater clarity. Costa Del Mar is the primo brand name when it comes to fishing sunglasses and the cost of these sunglasses is totally worth it. You’ll soon be hearing stories about how he or she wouldn’t have caught a fish without them. Opt for glass for the best quality and a scratch resistant lens (also more expensive) or for plastic lenses if your angler is prone to dropping things (impact resistant).

Fishing Rain Gear

6 – Rain Gear ($30-$100)

Just because the weather is bad doesn’t mean the fishing is bad. Bass often are biting most as a storm front approaches. That can mean that anglers often get caught in the rain or simply just decide to fish in it. A good set of fishing rain gear can go a long way in making fisherman warm and dry in the midst of a downpour.

Hawg Trough

7 – Hawg Trough/Scale ($15-20)

Stop all those BIG FISH stories by gifting a Hawg Trough (fish length measuring device) or a fishing scale – that way you’ll know for sure when they say their fish was “this” big.

YETI Cooler

8 – Cooler ($250+)

Being on the water all day takes its toll – anglers can quickly become drained of fluids. Staying hydrated is key. Just like Costa is the name in sunglasses – YETI is the name in coolers. Yeti coolers fit snugly in the back of kayaks and provide no-skid surfaces when installed on boats. If a hard-body cooler shell is not preferred YETI also offers soft-sided cooler bag options.

Berkley Logo

9 – Fishing Stickers/Decals (~$5)

Fishing stickers are a cheap and easy gift to give to anglers. Brand names stickers are often placed on boats, kayaks, tackle boxes and vehicles. You can’t go wrong with brand name stickers from: Costa, Yeti, Abu Garcia, Gary Yamamto, Shimano, Rapala and Berkley. If brand names are their style – try going with classic bass fishing stickers and decals.

Largemouth Bass Picture Frame

10 – Bass Picture Frame (~$15)

This one is cheap, easy and sentimental. Step one: buy bass themed picture frame. Step two: print out photo of angler with their best catch. Step three: frame photo for excellent and personalized gift idea. To flip the script – you could print a out a photo of your biggest catch and autograph it to your “biggest fan” as a funny way to gift the frame.

Long-sleeved Fishing Shirt

11 – Fishing Clothing – hat, gloves, pants, shirt ($10-$40)

Yes, your favorite angler wears clothes when they fish – but do they wear fishing gear? Are they adequately protected from the sun? Or are they too cheap to spend money on fishing clothing and would rather save it all for baits? Now is your time to gift an item or two to give your favorite angler a better experience out on the water. Fishing is a huge sport and fishing product lines have been developed for hats, gloves, pants and shirts.

Cabela’s Fishing Bag

12 – Fishing Bag (~$20)

Most anglers have a tackle box but not all have a fishing bag. A fishing bag is versatile and great for anglers on the move. Whether it’s fishing a local pond or getting down to your favorite spot – having a fishing bag makes it much easier for an angler to carry a rod and baits and still have a hand free.

Waterproof Case

13 – Waterproof Case ($15-$35)

Nobody wants to have their phone destroyed because of a rogue wave or an unintended swim. A waterproof case is a quick and easy way for fishermen to protect their valuables from the elements. Locking plastic cases have long been the norm but YETI has recently introduced a new soft-sided bag which has impressed many anglers.

Whistle

14 – Safety Items ($5+)

Safety while on the water is something to take very seriously. It is relatively cheap and easy to equip an angler with many safety tools such as: a whistle, air horn, compass and para-cord, flare gun, life jacket and more.

Fishing Chair

15 – Fishing Chair

Not everyone knows that there are specially made fishing chairs that anglers can not only when on the ice but also on banks or piers.

Chasebaits MUDBUG in package (click to enlarge)

The MUDBUG by Chasebaits draws on the latest technologies to create one of the most life-like craws on the market. The lure features a detailed but durable body, made of tough TPE material, and utilizes a wire weed guard to cover a razor sharp hook. To top things off – the MUDBUG craw’s jig lead weight has been molded into an “egg sack” that blends seamlessly with the body to create an ultra realistic profile.

The Chasebaits MUDBUG has:

• Floating Claws
• Molded Lead Weight
• Wire Weed Guard
• Vibration Leg Action
• Thumping Tail

The MUDBUG comes in two sizes: 2.75″ (.49oz, 3/0 hook) and 3.75″ (1.50oz – 5/0 hook)

The MUDBUG comes in 6 colors: Blue Night, Grape, Melon, Native, Pumpkin Seed, Rusty

Largemouth Bass Caught With MUDBUG by Chasebaits

How To Fish It: The MUDBUG can be fished in many different ways: dead stick (let sit on the bottom without reeling in) since the lure naturally lands in a defensive position, or slowly crawl it around the shallows and structure.

This lure is typically used for bass but could prove effective on the following species:
Freshwater: Small mouth Bass, Large mouth, Trout, Catfish, Panfish, Walleye, Bowfin
Saltwater: Redfish, Drum, Snook, Any saltwater species that feed on crustaceans

Price: $10.99 on TackleWarehouse

STORAGE TIP – MUST READ! – Via a @Chasebaits_USA instagram post, “We use TPE (or 10X) in a number of our products as it is an ultra-tough, super stretchy and durable material… The only drawback? Due to the unique chemical properties of the material, it can react and melt if stored touching non TPE plastics. Where possible, store your TPE lure in the original packaging. This is the safest option.
TPE can also react if stored directly in certain tackle boxes or containers, so keep an eye on your stored product for a reaction within 24 hours. REMEMBER: You can store TPE products together, but they must be kept separate from other Non TPE plastics.”

Is It Worth It? Mostly Yes, and a little No. For the yes, this lure is life-like, falls and acts like a crawfish in every way. The movement of the lure is incredible and a gentle tug gives the mudbug an alert defensive appearance that bass find interesting and drawn to. Fish attack this thing. The wire guard gets beat up a little after the first catch or two but the overall ruggedness of this lure was impressive. And for the no, well, this lure lasted 2 trips before being snagged and broken off – there goes $11.

VIDEO of Largmeouth Bass Attacking MUDBUG craw lure

All links accurate as of November 24, 2019. Originally published December 3, 2017. Please know that we may collect a share of the sales or other compensation from the links on this page.

#1. Bass Ceiling Fan/Light Chain

See a largemouth bass every single time you reach to turn on the light. See it swing in circles to the motion of your fan.

Buy on Amazon – $8.90

#2. Flying Remote Control Bass

Fly this bad boy all around your man-cave, heck, make it the whole house.

Get it on Amazon – $24.99

#3. Bass Popper Toy

Angry that you couldn’t go fishing? Squeeze away at your very own largemouth bass shaped popper toy!

Get from Amazon – $9.99

#4. Hand Painted Bass Replica

Order this hand painted largemouth bass replica to remind yourself of the beauty of this fish you pursue – and to support someone who hand paints fish replicas.

Sold through Amazon – $21.99

#5. Toy Fishing Truck and Boat Combo

Guys will always want toy trucks – always – no matter the age. Nowadays, you can get a toy truck with a nice bass boat hitched behind. Bonus points if you are able to find the exact make and model vehicle your buddy drives – give it a shot, seriously.

On Amazon – $54.95

#6. Largemouth Bass Throw Pillow

Get an avid angler this largemouth bass throw pillow so they can rest their head on a comfy plush bass and dream of the record catches to come.

Buy with Amazon Prime – $12.71

#7. Largemouth Bass Weather Vein

Nothing screams, “I LOVE BASS!” to the neighborhood like a largemouth bass shaped weather vein on prominent display on your roof.

Purchase from Amazon – $31.95

#8. Largemouth Bass T-Shirt

Don’t even think about going to grab the newspaper or check the mail without a bass on your chest.

Found on Amazon – $13.99

#9. Largemouth Bass Wall Art

Tin signs, posters, original art….are all acceptable choices for your walls.

Many choices on Amazon – $24.99

#10. Largemouth Bass Salt and Pepper Shaker Holder

If there will be food served in your bass themed room then step up and get this salt and pepper shaker holder to complete the room.

Order on Amazon – $12.99

#11. Fishing Reel Trinket/Storage Box

Make storage cool! Also a great place to put all the leftover hooks and lures you’ve been meaning to clean.

Buy on Amazon – $39.95

#12. Fishing Themed Throw-Rug

Nothing ties a room together like a well placed bass themed rug.

Can be found on Amazon – $39.99

#13. Fishing organization

For the fisherman who would like to be organized but spends all his free time fishing. Tackle box decals make it super easy to grab-n-go! Extra points for personalization and waterproof stickers.

Order from Amazon – $28.70

#14. Fishing Journal/Log Book

Ok, there a ton of killer smartphone apps out there but there is something nostalgic about keeping track of your fishing trips on paper – you never have to worry about battery life.

Buy on Amazon – $11.95

#15. Fishing Magazine Subscription

There are several to choose from but only a few that are quality. In-Fisherman is quality BUT covers a multitude of fishing. Bassmaster or Field and Stream are a couple other obvious options.

Subscribe to the paper or kindle version via Amazon – $1.50 or $10

#16. Lure Display

This can be done in two ways – purchase the complete and likely better finished product from a professional at a much higher price. Or buy the supplies from a craft store like Hobby Lobby and make a pretty nice DIY lure display at a fraction of the price.

Get it on Amazon -$89.95

#17. Bass Shower Curtain

If the man-cave bass theme is not enough – set the tone for the bathroom with this awesome largemouth bass shower curtain.

Buy on Amazon – $16.99

#18. Bass slippers

Bass shirt, bass coffee cup, bass slippers. What’s next, bass shorts and socks?

Get them on Amazon – $22.88

#19. Bass Bottle Opener

Catch a bass while your catching a buzz…..responsibly.

Found on Amazon – $11.99

#20. Bass shaped candy or food

Lastly, every guy loves food – amirite – so why not bass or fished shaped chocolate candy or cookies. This mold will allow you to melt some Hershey’s bars into bass shape – as many times as you want. 

Buy on Amazon – $14.99

Best of Category – Boating Accessories – Garmin USA
Product: Force Trolling Motor
Price: $3,199.99

Best of Category – Boats and Watercraft – Hobie
Product: Mirage ProAngler 14 with 360 Drive Technology
Price: $4,799

Best of Category – Eyewear – Costa Del Mar, Inc.
Product: WaterWoman
Price: $128.68

Best of Category – Footwear – Frogg Toggs
Product: Skipper
Price: Available Spring 2020

Best of Category – Giftware – 13 Fishing 
Product: Fillet Table Beverage Management System
Price: Could Not Locate

Best of Category – Lifestyle Apparel – AFTCO/American Fishing Tackle Company

Product: Yurei Air-O-Mesh Performance Shirt
Price: $55 – Available January 2020

Best of Category – Technical Apparel – Cold Weather – Simms Fishing Products
Product: M’s G4Z® Stockingfoot Wader
Price: $849.95

Best of Category – Technical Apparel – Warm Weather – AFTCO/American Fishing Tackle Company
Product: Overboard Submersible Shorts
Price: $99 – Available January 2020

Best of Category – Ice Fishing – Johnson Outdoors Marine Electronics, Inc.
Product: Ice Helix 7 Chirp GPS G3N All-Season
Price: $795.50

Best of Category – Cooler and Bait/Storage – Plano Synergy

Product: Frabill Magnum Bait Station 30
Price: $173.68

Best of Category – Cutlery, Hand Pliers or Tools – Bubba
Product: 110V Electric Fillet Knife
Price: $111.02

Best of Category – Electronics – Johnson Outdoors Marine Electronics, Inc.
Product: MEGA 360 Imaging
Price: $1,199.99 – Available Soon

Best of Category – Fly Fishing Accessory – Simms Fishing Products
Product: Dry Creek® Z Sling Pack
Price: $199.97

Best of Category – Fishing Accessory – American Tackle Company
Product: MW20 Finesse Set
Price: Not Listed

Best of Category – Fishing Line – PowerPro
Product: Moon Shine Braid
Price: $20.99 – $43.99

Best of Category – Kids’ Tackle – Anything Possible Brands
Product: The Bumblebee by ProFISHiency
Price: Could Not Locate

Best of Category – Tackle Management – Plano Synergy
Product: Plano EDGE
Price: Multiple Sizes – $22.54+

Best of Category – Terminal Tackle – Rapala
Product: VMC Bladed Hybrid Treble Short
Price: $5.99

Best of Category – Freshwater Soft Lure – Lunkerhunt
Product: Phantom Spider
Price: $9.49

Best of Category – Saltwater Soft Lure – LIVETARGET
Product: Slow-Roll Shiner
Price: $9.99

Best of Category – Freshwater Hard Lure – LIVETARGET
Product: Erratic Shiner
Price: $9.99

Best of Category – Saltwater Hard Lure – LIVETARGET
Product: Flutter Sardine
Price: $9.99

Best of Category – Freshwater Reel – Shimano
Product: SLX DC Baitcasting Reels
Price: $189.99

Best of Category – Saltwater Reel – Shimano
Product: Stradic FL Spinning Reel
Price: $199.98 – $239.93

Best of Category – Fly Reel – SEiGLER Reels
Product: SF (Small Fly)
Price: $750

Best of Category – Freshwater Rod – St. Croix of Park Falls
Product: Mojo Bass Glass MGC72HM Rip N’ Chatter Rod
Price: $160

Best of Category – Saltwater Rod – St. Croix of Park Falls
Product: Avid Surf VSS80MMF
Price: $260

Best of Category – Fly Fishing Rod – St. Croix of Park Falls
Product: Imperial Salt IS908.4
Price: From $340

Best of Category – Rod & Reel Combo – Lew’s Fishing 
Product: Lew’s Mach Smash Baitcast Combo
Price: $129.99

For years anglers have been bringing along cameras to document their catch. With the introduction of HD action cameras like the GoPro, fishermen were able to capture underwater video footage of bass spawning, schooling, eating, swimming, etc. Now, quality drones with extended range and HD video capabilities are available to consumers at a relatively cheap price. Anglers can now document their time on the water from above and at angles never used before.

“A drone allows anglers to get a birds eye view in real-time.”

One of the older DJI Phantom 3 Standard drones was used to shoot the video below. Even though the video is not HD and slightly choppy – as you can see, the Phantom Drone has great range and wind resisting capabilities. If able, splurge and get a drone with a high-definition (HD) camera.

BUT ARE THEY WORTH IT?

If you purchase a quality camera drone here is what you can expect:

Drone Captures Fishing Video Above Boat.

Pros:

• Stunning Aerial Footage
• Real-time Birds Eye View
• New Video Angle For Documenting Fishing Trips
• Easy To Fly
• Ability to Add-On Items (cameras, gimbals, etc.)

Cons:

• Short Batter Life (20 minutes on average)
• Can Be Easily Damaged
• Expensive To Repair

Conclusion

Yes, a drone is most definitely worth it if an entry level price point of $400-500 is in your spending range. The company DJI is the largest commercial drone seller in North America and not only make quality products but constantly update their software to back them up.

When considering the purchase of a drone my priorities would be to first get off-shore and on the water before spending on a drone. You can find a nice kayak or even a jon boat for the same amount as most drones.

Lucky Tackle Box (LTB) and Mystery Tackle Box (MTB) side-by-side comparison.

Two of the most popular bass fishing monthly subscription boxes are Lucky Tackle Box (LTB) and the

Mystery Tackle Box (MTB). Both currently offer an entry level subscription package for $14.99/month, or cheaper if you subscribe for multiple months at once.

Both MTB and LTB typically accept a variety of promotional codes (even old ones) that allow you get a box for $5 including free shipping. You can simply cancel the subscription after the month and get the bait box for just 5 bucks. I found the following promotion codes on the web: For $10 off Mystery Tackle Box try: TRYMTB. For $10 off Lucky Tackle Box try: SAVE10

This video compares the July 2017 bass fishing gear (normal $14.99 membership) box shipment from each company: Lucky Tackle Box (LTB) and Mystery Tackle Box (MTB). The estimated retail value for LTB was $44.75 while the retail value of MTB was $24.83. The Lucky Tackle Box focused on topwater baits while the Mystery Tackle Box contained drop shot baits with the added frog.

Package of Gary Yamamoto 5-inch Senko Worms © BassFishingFacts.com

December 21, 1976 – Gary Yamamoto and family arrive in Page, Arizona where they have purchased a campground to run. Once in the U.S., Gary quickly picked up competitive bass fishing. Looking to create an edge over his competitors and with a desire for more lifelike lures not commercially available, Gary set out find suppliers so that he could create his own custom lures. After each batch was made Gary would often have extras – so many in fact that he needed to sell the oversupply. In 1983, seven years after arriving in the U.S., the Gary Yamamoto Custom Baits company was created. Gary’s love for fishing drove him to create high quality soft-plastic fishing lures that are still popular and deadly effective to this day. Gary Yamamoto Custom Baits ships over 2.5 million baits world-wide each year.

About the Senko

Texas-Rigged Senko Worm on 3/0 EWG Offset Hook © BassFishingFacts.com

Gary Yamamoto designed the Senko in the early 90’s and was one of the only stick baits on the market at the time. Many if not all other lure companies now ofter their own version of the Senko, but none are able to quite replicate the effectiveness of the original.

Senko Rigging

Senko worms can be rigged to fish in many different ways: weightless, wacky style, and Texas-rigged are the most popular but anglers also fish them Carolina-rigged, and even on jigs or shakey heads.

Senko Size Selection

The Senko is now offered in 3-inch, 4-inch, 5-inch, 6-inch, and 7-inch sizes, along with a Slim Senko, Thin Senko, Pro Senko, and Swim Senko.

Of all the available options the 5-inch version is the most popular and widely-available. Most anglers recommend a watermelon, green-pumpkin, or Junebug color.

Senko Color Selection

The Senko is offered in over 110 different color and glitter combinations. They offer any color an angler can think of from cream white to chartreuse to color combinations they have give names like Houdini, Baby Bass, PB&J, and Watermelon Slice.

Senko Fishing Tactics

Largemouth Bass Caught with a Texas Rigged Senko © BassFishingFacts.com

Once you have rigged your Senko you’ll want to cast towards the shore and any changes in structure that you see. Cast towards low hanging branches, stumps or rocks visible from the surface. You’ll typically want to the worm to land 3-5 feet from the shore – this means you’ll be casting to pretty shallow water (5-8 feet). If fishing from land, remember that is it is not necessary to cast as far out and as deep as possible, many times casting to either side along the bank can yield success.

The best part of fishing a Senko is that you don’t have to do anything for it to work. After you cast count slowly to 5 in your head before doing ANYTHING! All the while making sure to keep an eye on your line for any movement to be ready to set the hook – many times bass will attack and take the bait as it falls when first cast. If you don’t have any bites after 5 seconds reel a couple of time and pop up the rod tip. This brings the worm back closer to the surface of the water and then allows it to slowly fall again. Work in the reel in this way (reel and pop) 3-5 more times before reeling in the bait and casting out again.

Gary Yamamoto Custom Baits Zako Sample Pack

The Zako was launched by Gary Yamamoto Custom Baits in 2017 and was designed by professional angler Brett Hite. This bait mimics bluegill and shad with a more rounded belly and is typically fished as a swimbait trailer or by flipping. The small accordion-like tail closely resembles baitfish and improves hookset ratios by folding in on itself. While fishing with the lure before it was named, Brett often referred to it as, “my little fish” – “Zako” means “little fish” in Japanese and hence how the name was born.

The Gary Yamamoto crew gave out some new product samples during the 2017 Bassmaster Classic in Houston, Texas. Anglers and fans also had the opportunity to meet and take a selfie with the legend (Gary) himself.

Zako Rigging
The Zako is described as the perfect swimbait trailer for a vibrating jig (aka chatterbait). The second most popular way to rig the Zako (and one that is quickly gaining momentum) is simply Texas-rigging it for flipping.

Gary Yamamoto Custom Baits Zako Soft Plastic Lure

Zako Size Selection

Only available in the 4 inch length.

Zenko Color Selection

The Zako is offered in 15 different color/glitter combinations: Black w/blue flake (021), Pumpkin Pepper (297), Chartreuse Shad (909), Electric Shad (973), Rainbow Shad (992), Cream White (036), Disco Green (375), Green Pumpkin/Lemon laminate (929), Green Pumpkin/White laminate (981), Sight Flash (993), Tennessee Shad (994), 021/297 laminate (991), Watermelon w/copper/Orange w/red laminate (956), Watermelon/Lemon laminate (906), and Fading Watermelon Pepper (194J)

These classic lures are obviously no longer in production and because of that are in limited supply. Vintage bass lures can range in value from a few dollars up to hundreds and even thousands for the very rare. Below we pictured and identified some common vintage lures from some of the major lure companies including Heddon, Shakespeare and South Bend.

CALIFORNIA

Mac Weakley in California.

More of the World Record Top 25 biggest largemouth bass of all-time have come from California than any other state (or place in the world.) California boasts 20 out of the Top 25 records.

Some of the record producing Californian lakes are: Castaic Lake, Lake Dixon and the Miramar Reservoir. Many of the lakes in California are stocked with rainbow trout which offer bass a great high protein diet -mix that with a year round growing climate and you have a recipe for world-record largemouth.

FLORIDA

Ever heard of the Florida strain of largemouth bass? Known for their accelerated growth rate and aggressiveness – Florida largemouth can easily push 15 pounds. Not only is it possible to catch a fish of a lifetime, it is possible to catch several quality bass on each outing in many Florida lakes. Head over to Lake Tohopekaliga or “Big Fish Lake” the next time you are in the great Sunshine State.

TEXAS

In the great Lone State state of Texas anglers can find an abundance of trophy largemouth lakes. East Texas lakes such as Caddo, Fork and South Texas lakes like Choke Canyon and Falcon are all known for producing great double digit fish. The state of Texas’ parks and wildlife department has down a great job of stocking lakes and promoting quality largemouth bass genes with their sharelunker program sponsored by Toyota.

MISSISSIPPI

Just like in Texas, the state of Mississippi has implemented a great fisheries management structure that has begun to produce very large bass. More and more fish in the 14 to 16 pound range have been reported in recent years. Some of the best locations in Mississippi to target monster bass are: Davis Lake, Neshoba Lake, Natchez State Park Lake and Calling Panther Lake.

GEORGIA

There is no way to leave Georgia off the list since the largest bass of all time was caught on Montgomery Lake by George Perry in 1932. Places like Lake Thurmond, Lake Seminole and Lake Savannah can easily produce tournament stringers (5 weighed fish) of 25 pounds or more.