They are not limited to one season, though. A glide bait can catch bass from late winter through fall — and even in winter under the right conditions — but the way you fish it should change with water temperature, fish position and activity level.

Why glide baits work

A glide bait is typically a large, single-jointed hard swimbait that moves in a wide side-to-side or S-shaped path. That wide movement is important. Instead of simply tracking a bait moving in a straight line, a bass often has to change direction as it follows a glide bait. Sudden turns, pauses and changes in cadence can then trigger a fish that has been following without committing.

Glide baits also have tremendous drawing power. Bass may move a surprising distance to inspect a large bait, particularly in clear water. That makes a glide bait useful even when it does not produce an immediate strike: followers can reveal where large fish live and how they are positioned.

That is why experienced swimbait anglers often treat a glide bait as both a lure and a fish-finding tool.

When to fish a glide bait by season

Late winter and early prespawn

Glide baits can work surprisingly early in the year, especially in clear water during warming trends. Bassmaster has documented anglers using them around bluff walls, channel swings, laydowns, points, ditches and other obvious structure where winter and prespawn fish stage.

This is usually not the time for a nonstop high-speed retrieve. Cold bass are often less willing to expend energy, so slower glides, pauses and deliberate direction changes tend to make more sense. A sunny day can actually help in very clear water because this is a visual presentation and bass have a better opportunity to track the bait.

Good early-season situations: clear water, warming afternoons, staging points, channel swings, steep banks and large isolated cover.

Prespawn

Prespawn is one of the most interesting windows for big glide baits because large females are moving toward spawning areas and often stage on predictable structure. Points, secondary points, flats adjacent to deeper water, channel swings and the first major cover outside spawning pockets are all logical targets.

The key is fish mood. Some prespawn bass will aggressively follow and eat a glide; others will track it without committing. If you are getting followers, experiment with a harder directional change, a pause, or a sudden burst of speed rather than immediately abandoning the bait.

Postspawn and early summer

This may be the most consistently reliable glide-bait window. After spawning, bass often begin feeding to recover lost body condition. At the same time, many fish are still shallow enough that a glide bait can be worked above or beside them where its profile is easy to see.

Early-summer glide-bait fishing is especially effective around docks, spawning pockets, shoals, points and shallow-to-deep transitions. Wired2Fish notes that clear-water fisheries can be especially productive because the bait can draw fish from farther away.

If bass are active, you can often fish the bait faster than you might expect. If fish follow but do not commit, slowing the bait or adding a pause can convert followers into bites.

Summer

Do not put the glide bait away just because bass move deeper. Summer fish often relate to points, ledges, brush, deep weed edges, docks and offshore structure. A slow-sinking or weighted glide bait can be used to reach deeper fish, while a standard glide can still draw suspended bass upward.

Summer is often less about covering random shoreline and more about making a high-quality presentation over a place where a big bass is likely to live. Large fish around an isolated laydown, dock corner, brushpile, grass edge or point may move a considerable distance to inspect a glide bait when water clarity is sufficient.

Fall

Fall can be excellent because bass increasingly relate to baitfish. As shad, bluegill and other forage move, bass may be scattered from the bank to open water. A glide bait gives you a large, highly visible presentation that can cover the upper and middle portions of the water column and imitate a substantial meal.

Major League Fishing and Bassmaster both describe fall as a period when bass can be mobile and forage-oriented. If you find concentrations of bait near points, flats, creek mouths, docks or channel edges, a glide bait is worth trying — particularly when larger bass are present.

Winter

Winter is the most conditional season. A glide bait can still catch fish, particularly in clear reservoirs, but it is usually not the first choice in very cold water. Fish are often less willing to chase, so a slower presentation and a bait that can stay in the strike zone become important.

Think of winter gliding as a targeted technique rather than a search-everywhere technique: make deliberate casts around high-confidence structure where you believe a quality fish is positioned.

Water clarity may be the biggest clue

If there is one environmental factor that consistently comes up with glide-bait fishing, it is visibility. These are highly visual lures. Clear water lets bass see the profile and movement from much farther away, which expands the bait’s effective strike zone.

MLF’s Cody Meyer has described his favorite glide-bait setup as clear water with a little wind, targeting weed flats and edges, points, laydowns, docks and other shade. Another tournament perspective cited by Wired2Fish notes that with roughly 3 to 4 feet of visibility, a large glide can attract bass from considerable distance.

That does not mean glide baits cannot work in stained water. They can. But as visibility falls, their biggest advantage — their ability to draw fish visually from a long distance — is reduced.

Wind is usually your friend

A light to moderate breeze is one of the best conditions for a glide bait. Wind breaks up the surface, can position baitfish and bass, and makes it harder for fish in clear water to inspect every detail of a lure.

It can also make large bass less cautious. On a perfectly calm, clear lake, fish may follow a glide bait all the way to the boat without committing. Add a little ripple and those same fish may react more aggressively.

That said, do not automatically abandon the bait on a bright, calm day. Bassmaster has documented successful winter glide-bait fishing under bright sun and only a light breeze because the increased visibility helped fish track the lure. The important distinction is that sun, wind and water clarity interact rather than operating as simple on/off switches.

Cloudy or sunny?

Both can work, but for different reasons.

Clouds and wind can encourage bass to roam and make them less cautious, which often improves reaction bites. Bright sun can position fish tighter to shade, cover or structure and make them easier to target. In very clear water, sunlight also makes a glide bait easier for a bass to see from a distance.

On sunny days, focus on predictable ambush locations: dock shade, the edge of a laydown, a grass line, a point, a bluff transition or an isolated piece of cover. On cloudy days, be willing to cover more water because bass may roam farther from those objects.

The best places to throw a glide bait

Glide baits are most efficient when you put their drawing power in front of fish that have enough room to move toward the lure. Some of the best situations include:

• Points and secondary points — especially where shallow water falls quickly into deeper water.
• Weed edges and flats — a bass can rise out of vegetation or track the bait across open water.
• Docks — particularly outside corners, shade lines and the ends of docks near deeper water.
• Laydowns and isolated wood — make your first cast count and bring the bait past the highest-percentage portion of the cover.
• Bluff walls and channel swings — useful in winter and prespawn when bass stage near steep water.
• Shoals and drop-offs — fish can intercept the bait as it crosses the edge.
• Suspended fish — the large profile can call fish upward when visibility is good.

Use the fish’s reaction to tell you how to retrieve it

There is no single correct glide-bait retrieve. The best cadence is the one that makes the fish react.

If bass are active, begin with a steady retrieve and occasional directional changes. If fish follow but refuse to strike, try slowing down, pausing, or making the bait suddenly turn. If fish show no interest at all, sometimes speeding up is the answer.

A useful mindset is to treat every follower as information. Did the fish come from deep water? From a dock? From a grass edge? Did it lose interest when the bait slowed down or when it sped up? Glide-bait fishing can show you bass that you might never know were there.

When not to fish a glide bait

A glide bait is not automatically the right tool just because big bass live in the lake. There are times when another lure is more efficient.

Consider putting it down when the water is extremely muddy, when bass are buried so tightly in heavy cover that they cannot see or move to the lure, when fish are extremely inactive and unwilling to chase, or when you need to rapidly generate numbers of bites rather than target higher-quality fish.

Even then, a glide bait can still be useful as a scouting tool. A fish that follows without eating has still told you where it lives.

Our simple glide-bait decision checklist

Bottom line

If you are waiting for a single magic water temperature or calendar date before throwing a glide bait, you are probably waiting too long. The better question is whether the fish, forage, visibility and location make sense for a large visual presentation.

For many fisheries, the highest-confidence period runs from the prespawn through fall, with postspawn and early summer particularly strong. Clear water and a little wind are classic conditions, but glide baits can produce in a much wider range of situations when you adjust retrieve speed, depth and target selection.

And remember: a follow is not necessarily a failed cast. One of the biggest advantages of a glide bait is that it can make a big bass reveal itself.

Want to go deeper?

For more on bait selection, retrieves and targeting trophy largemouth, see our earlier guide: Mastering Glide Baits: A Guide to Hooking Trophy-Sized Largemouth Bass.

Sources and further reading

Major League Fishing — Meyer and Knight Break Down Glide Baits

Bassmaster — Land of Giants: Early Season Slaunches

Wired2Fish — Early Summer Glide Bait Fishing

Wired2Fish — Fishing Glide Baits and Bass Behavior

The post When to Fish a Glide Bait for Bass: Best Seasons, Conditions & Spots first appeared on Bass Fishing Facts.

The study, Estimating recruitment of Largemouth Bass to exceptional weights using angler-reported catches, was authored by Leandro E. Miranda, Frank Griffin, Natalie Goldstrohm, J. Wesley Neal and Thomas J. Lang. Researchers examined what happened after largemouth bass reached 3.6 kg — about 7.9 pounds — and looked for environmental and genetic factors associated with more fish reaching even heavier weight classes.

First: what does “recruitment” mean here?

This is important because the percentages can easily be misunderstood. The researchers were not following individual 7.9-pound bass and calculating each fish’s personal probability of becoming a 13-pounder. Instead, they developed a population-level index using the distribution of angler-reported catches at progressively heavier weights.

So the 2.5% figure should not be read as “an 8-pound bass has a 2.5% chance of becoming 13 pounds.” A better way to say it is that, across the fisheries represented in the data, the estimated recruitment from the 3.6-kg class to the 5.9-kg class averaged 2.5%.

Why the drop from 8 pounds to 13 pounds matters

A bass that has already reached roughly 8 pounds has cleared a lot of hurdles. It has survived predation, disease, angling pressure, environmental stress and years of seasonal changes while finding enough food to continue growing. The study suggests that moving from “big” to “exceptional” is another much narrower bottleneck.

The researchers reported an average recruitment estimate of about 20% after bass reached the 3.6-kg lunker threshold, but that varied widely among fisheries. When the weight classes were expanded, the estimated progression to about 9.9 pounds averaged 23.5%, while progression all the way to about 13 pounds averaged only 2.5%.

Florida Bass genetics stood out

One of the clearest positive relationships in the study was genetics. Recruitment to exceptional weights increased as the frequency of Florida Bass alleles increased in a population.

That finding fits the long-running use of Florida Bass genetics in trophy-bass management, particularly in Texas. It does not mean that genetics alone create giant bass. The researchers’ conclusion was essentially the opposite: exceptional size appears to require a balance of genetics, environment and survival.

The surprising human-population finding

Perhaps the most interesting result for anglers was the relationship with people. The study found that recruitment to heavier weight classes was negatively correlated with human population density around the reservoir. In other words, fisheries surrounded by denser human populations tended to show lower recruitment of already-large bass into exceptional weight classes.

The study did not prove that any one human activity caused the difference. The researchers did not isolate fishing pressure, harvest, boat traffic, shoreline development or handling mortality and show that one of those variables was responsible.

However, the U.S. Geological Survey’s explanation of the work interprets the result as being consistent with lower mortality in reservoirs near smaller human populations. That makes intuitive sense: a remote fishery may expose a trophy bass to fewer total encounters and fewer human-related risks over the many years required to reach exceptional size.

What about chlorophyll-a?

The researchers also found a negative relationship between recruitment and chlorophyll-a concentration, which is commonly used as an indicator of algae abundance and the trophic — or productivity — state of a reservoir.

This does not mean that low-productivity lakes automatically grow the biggest bass. Bass still need adequate forage and productive habitat. The authors described the apparent requirement as a balance: enough productivity and food to support growth, but not an excessively high trophic state.

Several things were not strongly associated with exceptional recruitment

The USGS summary of the research notes that recruitment to lunker sizes was not strongly associated with several variables that anglers might expect to matter, including reservoir age, reservoir area or depth, stocking density, and length limits.

That does not mean those factors never matter for a bass fishery. It means they were not among the variables that showed a strong relationship with this particular measure of recruitment from already-large bass to exceptional weights.

Why angler data mattered

Truly large bass are difficult to study with traditional fisheries sampling because they are rare. USGS highlighted the scale of that problem in Texas: conventional electrofishing surveys can collect tens of thousands of bass while encountering only a tiny number of fish above 8 pounds. Angler-reported trophy catches create a much larger sample of the upper end of the size distribution.

That makes programs such as Texas’ ShareLunker database unusually valuable for questions specifically about giant bass. Angler data have their own biases, but they can reveal patterns that would be nearly impossible to study using standard sampling alone.

Our take: giant bass require three things to line up

The simplest way we would explain this study is that producing a truly exceptional largemouth appears to require three broad ingredients:

1. Growth potential. Florida Bass genetics were positively associated with exceptional recruitment.

2. The right environment. Reservoir productivity appears to need to land in a productive-but-not-excessive range.

3. Time and survival. A fish can have excellent genetics and abundant forage, but it still has to survive long enough to express that potential. The negative relationship with surrounding human population density may be one clue that survival becomes increasingly important at the upper end of the weight distribution.

That final point may be the most interesting of all. Growing an 8-pound bass is difficult. Turning that fish into a 13-pounder may require not only exceptional growth, but several additional years in which almost everything continues to go right.

Read the original research

The study was published October 7, 2025 in the North American Journal of Fisheries Management, Volume 45, Issue 6, pages 1001–1011.

USGS publication page: Estimating recruitment of Largemouth Bass to exceptional weights using angler-reported catches

USGS explanation: Texas Anglers Unite to Fill Knowledge Gaps on Black Bass

Journal article / DOI: 10.1093/najfmt/vqaf082

Bass Fishing Facts note: This article is an explanatory summary of the published research. Statements identified as our take or interpretation are intended to help anglers understand the findings and should not be confused with conclusions directly tested by the study.

The post How Many 8-Pound Bass Become 13-Pound Giants? What the Science Says first appeared on Bass Fishing Facts.

Amazon’s Prime Big Deal Days wraps up today, October 7, 2026, and there are some legitimate fishing discounts mixed in with the thousands of sale items. We went through current fishing-deal coverage and pulled out several options that make sense for bass anglers. Because Prime Day pricing can change quickly, we are listing the reported discount and linking you to Amazon to check the current price before ordering.

Plano Guide Series 4-By Rack System — reported 46% off

This large tackle-storage system holds four 3700-size utility boxes and includes additional top-access storage for tools and bulk items. It is a practical option for organizing a boat, garage or larger tackle collection.

Check current Prime Day price on Amazon

Lew’s Classic Pro Speed Spool SLP — reported 33% off

The Classic Pro Speed Spool SLP is a low-profile baitcaster with a 7.5:1 gear ratio, brass gearing and an externally adjustable braking system. It is a solid general-purpose bass reel for anglers who want a relatively inexpensive baitcasting setup.

Check current Prime Day price on Amazon

Abu Garcia Max SX Low Profile — reported 32% off

The Max SX has a 6.8:1 gear ratio and a 7+1 bearing system. That makes it versatile enough for Texas rigs, jigs and a variety of moving baits without getting into premium-reel pricing.

Check current Prime Day price on Amazon

Abu Garcia Max X Low Profile — reported 32% off

The Max X is the more entry-level option of the two Abu Garcia reels on this list. For someone learning baitcasting or looking for an inexpensive backup reel, the Prime Day discount makes it worth a look.

Check current Prime Day price on Amazon

Plano Angled Tackle System — reported 36% off

This compact tackle system presents three 3560-size utility boxes at an angle for easy access and includes additional storage under the lid. It makes sense for kayaks, smaller boats and grab-and-go tackle setups.

Check current Prime Day price on Amazon

Berkley FireLine Superline — reported 47% off

FireLine is a fused superline that is especially popular on spinning gear and finesse setups. The deal applies to a specific spool configuration, so make sure you check the pound-test and spool length before ordering.

Check current Prime Day price on Amazon

Piscifun Fishing Line Spooler — reported 35% off

A line spooler is not the most exciting piece of fishing equipment, but it is one of the more useful accessories for anglers who maintain several reels. This model is designed to let one person load spinning and baitcasting reels while keeping line tension under control.

Check current Prime Day price on Amazon

Costa Rincon Polarized Sunglasses — reported 25% off

Quality polarized glasses can make a real difference when sight fishing or trying to see grass, cover and fish below the surface. Costa’s Rincon is one of the more premium items in today’s sale. Lens color and lens material can change the price, so check the exact configuration.

Check current Prime Day price on Amazon

Bonus: Leatherman Charge+ TTi — reported 50% off

This is not fishing tackle, but a quality multi-tool is extremely useful in a boat, kayak or tackle bag. The Charge+ TTi includes pliers, wire cutters, scissors, screwdrivers and a premium blade, making it one of the better general-purpose gear discounts of the sale.

Check current Prime Day price on Amazon

More Prime Day fishing and boat deals worth checking

Plano 7771 Guide Series Tackle System — reported 34% off

This larger boat-style tackle system includes utility boxes, removable bait racks and bulk storage. It is a better fit than a small tackle bag for anglers who keep a lot of terminal tackle and hard baits organized in one place.

Check current Prime Day price on Amazon

Plano Hybrid Hip Tackle System — reported 19% off

A traditional hip-roof tackle box with removable drawers and quick-access top compartments. It is a practical bank-fishing or grab-and-go option for bass anglers who prefer one hard-sided box.

Check current Prime Day price on Amazon

Huk Rogue Wave Fishing Boots — reported 33% off

Deck boots are useful well beyond saltwater fishing. For bass anglers fishing from a boat or kayak in rain, mud or cold weather, a grippy waterproof boot can be one of those pieces of gear you end up using constantly.

Check current Prime Day price on Amazon

Simms Bugstopper Hoody — reported 15% off

A lightweight fishing hoody with sun protection and insect-repellent treatment is especially useful for long days on the water. This is one of the more directly fishing-specific apparel deals we found in the current October sale.

Check current Prime Day price on Amazon

Pelican Inflatable Paddle Board — reported about 44% off

Travel + Leisure currently flags a Pelican inflatable SUP as one of its best Amazon October Prime Day paddle-board deals. A stable inflatable board can also double as a minimalist fishing platform on calm water, although anglers should always check the board’s capacity and stability before rigging it for fishing.

Check current Prime Day price on Amazon

YETI Roadie 48 Wheeled Cooler — reported 24% off

A wheeled cooler is not bass tackle, but it is useful boat, tournament and road-trip gear. WIRED currently lists the Roadie 48 among its October Prime Day YETI deals, and YETI discounts are relatively uncommon.

Check current Prime Day price on Amazon

Streamlight ProTac 2.0 — reported roughly 50% off

This is a bright rechargeable handheld light rather than a fishing-specific product, but it makes sense for launching before daylight, loading a boat after dark, night fishing or keeping in a truck or tackle bag.

Check current Prime Day price on Amazon

More fishing lure deals we found today

These are live lure markdowns checked October 7, 2026. They are not all Amazon Prime-exclusive deals, so we are separating them from the Prime list above rather than labeling an unverified retailer discount as a Prime Day deal.

Berkley Frittside — select options on sale

Berkley currently lists select Frittside crankbaits at $5.99–$12.99, compared with a displayed regular range of $10.99–$12.99. Check Berkley’s current bait sale.

Berkley Hit Stick — select options on sale

Select Hit Stick jerkbait/minnow options are currently listed at $3.99–$11.99, compared with a displayed regular range of $7.99–$12.99. Check current Berkley pricing.

Berkley PowerBait Power Swimmer — select options on sale

Select Power Swimmer soft-plastic swimbaits are marked on sale, with current options shown from $2.99–$7.99. Pricing varies by size and color. See the current Berkley sale.

Rapala DT Dives-To crankbait — up to 40% off

Bass Pro Shops currently lists select Rapala DT crankbaits from $5.97–$10.99, compared with $9.99–$10.99, with savings advertised at up to 40% depending on the option. Check the Rapala DT sale.

Bass Assassin Vapor Split Tail Shad — 26% off

Academy currently shows the 5-inch Vapor Split Tail Shad at $3.97 versus $5.39, a 26% clearance discount. See Academy’s lure clearance.

Strike King Hardliner 35 Flatsided Crankbait — limited-time offer

FishUSA currently shows select Hardliner 35 colors/options from $9.34–$10.99 against a displayed $10.99 regular price, marked as a limited-time offer while supplies last. Check the current FishUSA offer.

Prime Big Deal Days ends today

This article is an archived snapshot of deals available on October 7, 2026; current prices and availability may differ. Prime Big Deal Days runs through October 7, and limited-time offers can disappear before the sale officially ends. Discounts above were reported in current October 7 deal coverage, but always verify the final price, selected size/model and Prime eligibility on Amazon before purchasing.

Sources checked October 7, 2026: Outdoor Life’s current Prime Day fishing-deals coverage and Slickdeals’ current Plano tackle-system listing, Travel + Leisure’s October Prime Day paddle-board coverage, and WIRED’s current YETI Prime Day coverage.

The post Best Prime Day Fishing Deals for Bass Anglers – October 7, 2026 first appeared on Bass Fishing Facts.

Bill Evans holding his record largemouth bass he caught on August 8, 2016 – breaking an almost 40 year Washington record.

Updated October 13, 2026 – Originally posted October 2016

We have all heard of Manabu Kurita’s world record-tying 22-pound, 4-ounce bass caught at Lake Biwa in Japan on July 2, 2009 (see IGFA record details). And we have heard legends of George Perry’s 22-pound, 4-ounce bass caught at Montgomery Lake in Georgia on June 2, 1932. But what if you live in a state where the average weight of a bass caught is between 1-2 pounds? How do you know if your personal best stacks up to the record held within your own state?

Below is a list of all the current record holding largemouth bass from all 50 states. Use this state-by-state list to compare the biggest officially recognized largemouth bass across the country. For catches beyond state records, see our world-record largemouth bass guide and the story of Dottie, the legendary 25-pound bass.
Related record lists: smallmouth bass records from all 50 states · Texas Top 50 largemouth bass · Texas Top 50 smallmouth bass.

The post Record Holding Largemouth Bass From All 50 States first appeared on Bass Fishing Facts.

Related: For an example of unusually dark pigmentation across much of a fish, see our page on melanistic black largemouth bass.

That is a question that many anglers have asked themselves at least once or twice.

So what causes these dark blotches or spots on the skin of bass? Well, nobody really knows exactly but it’s called melanosis (melanin is a black pigment in the skin cells of fish) and the general consensus from longtime professional anglers and biologists is that it is from fish that have an increase in sun exposure and that often times it is a sign of a healthy bass in healthy waters. The spots could be caused by something that is genetic and the fish may be born with the splotches at birth. It could also be viral or related to environmental factors unique to that particular body of water.

Here are some ways people often try to describe these fish to others:

• Bass with oil spots
• Blotchy Bass
• Dalmatian largemouth bass
• Bass with black spots
• Camouflage bass

Is the bass infected?

No, the bass is not infected. When melanosis occurs it is just an increase in the melanin in the skin.

Can I get it?

No, the melanosis is not contractible from fish.

The post Why Do Some Bass Have Black Spots first appeared on Bass Fishing Facts.

Jordan Lee – 2017 Bassmaster Classic Champion – Sparks Flying After Win.

New to the event? Start with our guide to what the Bassmaster Classic is, then use the year-by-year table below to follow every champion.

Bassmaster Classic records and milestones

Most Classic championships: Rick Clunn and Kevin VanDam are tied with four wins each. Bassmaster’s historical analysis documents their title runs.

Back-to-back champions: Rick Clunn (1976–77), Kevin VanDam (2010–11), Jordan Lee (2017–18), and Hank Cherry (2020–21). B.A.S.S. confirmed Cherry’s milestone in 2021.

Record winning weight: Easton Fothergill’s 76 pounds, 15 ounces in 2025 was the highest winning total in Classic history at the time, according to Bassmaster. 2026 milestone: Dylan Nutt became only the second champion to qualify through B.A.S.S. Nation, joining Bryan Kerchal (1994). Read the official account.

Next championship: The 2027 Bassmaster Classic is scheduled for Lake Hartwell in Greenville, South Carolina; the next champion will be added after the event.

Explore the champions: The table now includes verified angler profiles, selected photos already in the Bass Fishing Facts media library, and social pages where a reliable account could be identified. “—” means no account was confirmed for that entry. For more historical winner photos, see Bassmaster’s official winners photo archive. Scroll the table sideways on smaller screens.

Bassmaster Classic champions, winning weights, boats, tournament locations, angler profiles and social links, 1971 to 2026.

Year	Classic champion	Winning weight (lb–oz)	Boat brand	Tournament water	Photo / profile	Social media
1971	Bobby Murray	43-11	N/A	Lake Mead, NV	—	—
1972	Don Butler	38-11	N/A	Percy Priest Reservoir, TN	—	—
1973	Rayo Breckenridge	52-8	N/A	Clarks Hill Lake, SC	—	—
1974	Tommy Martin	33-7	N/A	Wheeler Lake, AL	—	—
1975	Jack Hains	45-4	N/A	Currituck Sound, NC	—	—
1976	Rick Clunn	59-15	Ranger	Lake Guntersville, AL	—Profile ↗	—
1977	Rick Clunn	27-7	Glastron	Kissimmee Chain, FL	—Profile ↗	—
1978	Bobby Murray	37-9	N/A	Ross Barnett Reservoir, MS	—	—
1979	Hank Parker	31	N/A	Lake Texoma, TX	—	—
1980	Bo Dowden	54-10	N/A	St. Lawrence River, NY	—	—
1981	Stanley Mitchell	35-2	Ranger	Alabama River, AL	—	—
1982	Paul Elias	32-8	Ranger	Alabama River, AL	—	—
1983	Larry Nixon	18-1	Ranger	Ohio River, OH	—	—
1984	Rick Clunn	75-9	N/A	Arkansas River, AR	—Profile ↗	—
1985	Jack Chancellor	45	Ranger	Arkansas River, AR	—	—
1986	Charlie Reed	23-9	Ranger	Tennessee River, TN	—	—
1987	George Cochran	15-5	Ranger	Ohio River, OH	—	—
1988	Guido Hibdon	28-8	Ranger	James River, VA	—	—
1989	Hank Parker	31-6	Ranger	James River, VA	—	—
1990	Rick Clunn	34-5	Tracker	James River, VA	—Profile ↗	—
1991	Ken Cook	33-2	Javelin	Chesapeake Bay, MD	—	—
1992	Robert Hamilton, Jr	59-6	Ranger	Lake Logan Martin, AL	—	—
1993	David Fritts	48-6	Ranger	Lake Logan Martin, AL	—	—
1994	Bryan Kerchal	36-7	Ranger	High Rock Lake, NC	—	—
1995	Mark Davis	47-14	Basscat	High Rock Lake, NC	—	—
1996	George Cochran	31-14	Ranger	Lay Lake, AL	—	—
1997	Dion Hibdon	34-13	Ranger	Lake Logan Martin, AL	—	—
1998	Denny Brauer	46-3	Ranger	High Rock Lake, NC	—	—
1999	Davy Hite	55-10	Stratos	Louisiana Delta, LA	—	—
2000	Woo Daves	27-13	Nitro	Lake Michigan, IL	—	—
2001	Kevin VanDam	32-5	Nitro	Louisiana Delta, LA	Profile ↗	IG @kevinvandamfishing · Facebook
2002	Jay Yelas	45-13	Skeeter	Lay Lake, AL	—	—
2003	Michael Iaconelli	37-14	Ranger	Louisiana Delta, LA	Profile ↗	IG @mikeiaconelli · Facebook
2004	Takahiro Omori	39-2	Ranger	Lake Wylie, NC	—	—
2005	Kevin VanDam	12-15	Nitro	Three Rivers, PA	Profile ↗	IG @kevinvandamfishing · Facebook
2006	Luke Clausen	56-2	Ranger	Kissimmee Chain, FL	—	—
2007	Boyd Duckett	48-10	Triton	Lay Lake, AL	—	—
2008	Alton Jones	48-7	Skeeter	Lake Hartwell, SC	—	—
2009	Skeet Reese	54-13	Champion	Red River, LA	—	—
2010	Kevin VanDam	51-6	Nitro	Lay Lake, AL	Profile ↗	IG @kevinvandamfishing · Facebook
2011	Kevin VanDam	69-11	Nitro	Louisiana Delta, LA	Profile ↗	IG @kevinvandamfishing · Facebook
2012	Chris Lane	51-6	Legend	Red River, LA	—	—
2013	Cliff Pace	54-12	Skeeter	Grand Lake, OK	—	—
2014	Randy Howell	67-8	Triton	Lake Guntersville, AL	—	—
2015	Casey Ashley	50-1	Triton	Lake Hartwell, SC	—	—
2016	Edwin Evers	60-7	Nitro	Grand Lake, OK	—	—
2017	Jordan Lee	56-10	Legend	Lake Conroe, TX	Profile ↗	IG @jleefishing
2018	Jordan Lee	47-1	Ranger	Lake Hartwell, SC	Profile ↗	IG @jleefishing
2019	Ott Defoe	49-3	Nitro	Tennessee River, TN	Profile ↗	—
2020	Hank Cherry	65-5	BassCat	Lake Guntersville, AL	—Profile ↗	IG @hankcherryfishing
2021	Hank Cherry	50-15	BassCat	Ray Roberts, TX	—Profile ↗	IG @hankcherryfishing
2022	Jason Christie	54-00	Xpress	Lake Hartwell, SC	—Profile ↗	IG @christiefishing
2023	Jeff Gustafson	42-7	Lund	Tennessee River, TN	—Profile ↗	IG @gussyoutdoors · Facebook
2024	Justin Hamner	58-3	Falcon	Grand Lake O the Cherokees, Tulsa, OK	—Profile ↗	IG @justinhamnerfishing
2025	Easton Fothergill	76-15	Skeeter	Lake Ray Roberts, Fort Worth, TX	—Profile ↗	IG @eastonfothergillfish
2026	Dylan Nutt	66-13	Caymas	Tennessee River, Knoxville, TN	—Profile ↗	IG @dylan.nutt

The post List of Bassmaster Classic Champions first appeared on Bass Fishing Facts.

The post The Evolution of Bass Boat Motors: A Comparative Analysis of 2-Stroke, 4-Stroke, and Electric Outboard Motors first appeared on Bass Fishing Facts.

33 practical fishing gifts and gear ideas for bass anglers

Originally published November 23, 2019. Reviewed October 2026 to remove stale pricing, improve product-link transparency and update the page for current search and accessibility standards. Product availability can change.

Looking for more ideas? See our bass fishing man-cave ideas or our guide to the best bass lures.

1.Fishing Line – Removing old line and re-spooling with fresh fishing line is relatively cheap, can be done in a matter of minutes, and could be the difference between landing that lunker or breaking on off at the boat.  

Check current price on Amazon

2. Head Lamp – Having a head lamp is a basic essential for all anglers. Whether searching for the right lure in the morning dawn or packing up right a dusk after a long day on the water – having a head lamp to pop on is a great convenience and frees up your hands. Don’t forger that people can and do fish at night.  

Check current price on Amazon

3. Pliers – This simple tool makes such a difference on the water. From cutting line to crushing barbs to removing hooks from fishes mouths, pliers a versatile tool that is essential for every fisherman to have.  

Check current price on Amazon

4. Rod Sleeves – Carrying around multiple rods almost requires rod sleeves, not just for the general protection that the sleeves provide, but to also ensure there is no criss-crossing and accidental damage to your poles.  

Check current price on Amazon

5. Reel Bag – A reel bag is good for storage, travel, and for the fisherman who works with his reels often. This promising review on Amazon says it all, “Movable pockets, secure, lightweight, no complaints.“  

Check current price on Amazon

6. Fish Book or Magazine Subscription – Legitimate magazines still do exist. You can choose from digital or print versions. They are easily gifted via Amazon too!  

Check current price on Amazon

7. Filet Knife – Many anglers practice the Catch-Photo-Release (CPR) method, especially with largemouth. Catfish however, are quite tasty and easy to catch. Having a good, sharp knife around is never a bad idea.  

Check current price on Amazon

8. Tackle Organization – Getting a premium tackle storage box can be quite helpful. Not only are there several compartments to store all sorts of gear – from hard baits, to soft plastics, to extra fishing line – but most come with a flat bottom and sturdy handle for easy portability.  

Check current price on Amazon

9. Polarized Sunglasses – A quality pair of sunglasses can make a big difference on the water. Less eye strain combined with the ability to “see” further into the water makes having a pair of polarized glasses a fishing must. Sunglasses lenses are typically made of plastic or glass and come in a variety of different colors – each color is best suited for specific weather conditions. You can easily find a quality pair of polarized sunglasses for these current options on Amazon.  

Check current price on Amazon

10. Tournament Identifier Cull Kit – Whether it’s a friendly fishing match between buddies or the real-deal money tournament – using a cull-kit is an easy way to keep track of multiple fish in a live well.  

Check current price on Amazon

11. Rod Rack – Storage and organization is just as important at home as it is on the go. Consider an on-the-ground circular rod rack or a wall rod rack or both!  

Check current price on Amazon

12. Latest and greatest from ICAST – While ICAST has lots and lots of 2019 winner from different categories – this year’s freshwater soft plastic lure winner is the Phantom Spider by Lunkerhunt.

Check current price on Amazon

13. Hawg Trough – A scale is not the only way to get stats on a fish. Many anglers – especially kayak fishermen – now use Hawg Trough’s. A Hawg Trough is essentially a glorified plastic ruler. Pro tip: darken the measurement lines with a sharpie for easier fish length determination. Darkening the measurement lines if often required for tournaments and helps get accurate measurements from pictures.  

Check current price on Amazon

14. Scale – Having a nice scale on hand is always great to truly know how much that “huge” fish weighed. Many anglers will use a strong lip-grip tool in conjunction with the scale so that their is less potential to harm to the fish.  

Check current price on Amazon

15. Glasses Retainer – Using a glasses retainer ensures that you know where your glasses are at all times – around your neck or on your face. Retainers also make it a breeze to constantly take your glasses on and off. Expensive pairs of glasses deserve retainers so that they don’t get stepped on, get flung off, or fall overboard.  

Check current price on Amazon

16. Hat – Spending the day in the sun can be brutal on your skin. A moisture-wicking UV-protecting wide brim hat can offer a great amount of head and face cover.  

Check current price on Amazon

17. Fishing Gloves – Have the hat? Have a long sleeve shirt? Pants? While fishermen typically cover all other areas of their body, their hands and fingers are typically the last thought on their mind, and are often overlooked and left exposed to the elements. However, the area should not be ignored and should either be protected well with sunscreen or specially made fishing gloves.  

Check current price on Amazon

18. In-Ground Rod Holder – Fishing is supposed to be a relaxing hobby. What better way to take that to the max but with a in the ground rod holder. Just shove it in to the ground, cast out your bait, and keep an eye on your rod.  

Check current price on Amazon

19. Fishing Seat – See above re: relaxing fishing. A portable chair with back support that can also hold items sounds like the swiss army knife of chairs. Holds up to 250 pounds!  

Check current price on Amazon

20. Hard Baits – New lures to test and try or that become a favorite are always worth getting. You can also never have enough. Pick the color and size that best suits your location the fish you typically see.  

Check current price on Amazon

21. Soft Plastics – These are hands down the most popular lure or method of largemouth bass fishing. Soft plastics come in all shapes, sizes, colors, and scents. A classic soft plastic that many beginner anglers use is the 5 inch worm in watermelon with black flake.  

Check current price on Amazon

22. Bait Bucket with Aerator – Bait won’t keep with an aerator at the very least. Some will do this with just any ole bucket – which is fine and cheaper. The specially made bait bucket provides an easy access lid for bait that can jump or crawl out.  

Check current price on Amazon

23. Rod Cleaning or Repair Kit – Rods get dirty. Rods get broken. Having a cleaning or repair kit can help extend the life and maximize the value of your favorite rods. One can also get satisfaction from restoring something that was once broken back to working condition.  

Check current price on Amazon

24. Fishing Grips – Most grips slide easily over the existing handles and simply add a pop of color while providing extra grip and comfort.  

Check current price on Amazon

25. Fishing Box Subscription – Getting a box of new and curated fishing items delivered to your door each month is exciting. Getting its a gift is even better. The most popular websites, Lucky Tackle Box and Mystery Tackle Box, both make it easy to gift multi-month subscriptions. Always check around on the internet for a discount count code before purchasing at full-price.  

Get it from Lucky Tackle Box or Mystery Tackle Box

26. Fishing DVD’s – When the wifi is down or when you are at the far and away lake house – it’s nice to have the physical DVD to pop in and watch some great fishing actions while also getting some tips and tricks to employ the next time you are out.  

Check current price on Amazon

27. Neck Guard – Covering up your neck can be easy, stylish, and cheap – it also can protect you from the sun!  

Check current price on Amazon

28. Storage – kayak rack in garage – Getting your kayak inside your garage is one thing – getting up on the wall is another. It’ll make a world of difference once you have your kayak(s) up on the wall and off the ground. Check out this link for a how-to on kayak wall hanging.  

Get a 4-pack from Amazon for Check current price on Amazon

29. Bobber with Light – This product is actually a light that goes underwater to attract fish – which is kind of cooler than a light-up bobber anyway. Both are cool and should be considered if you’ll be fishing with kids or at night.  

Check current price on Amazon

30. Line Cutter Ring – This ingenious invention hit the market several years ago and is now available to the mass market at an affordable price. Wearing the ring makes retying and cutting line a breeze.  

Check current price on Amazon

31. Camera to Record Record Catches – Having a camera on board or around that’s in a waterproof casing that floats just feels safer than using your phone. Top end cameras like the GoPro offer better quality videos too.  

Check current price on Amazon

32. Fishing Scent – Adding a little fishing scent to your lures is an easy way to differentiate your lure attractants while on the water. Don’t be afraid to put this on soft or hard baits.  

Check current price on Amazon

33. Knife – Finally on this list is a knife. A simple knife is one of the most convenient and handy tools to have in life in general. Having a knife on your person can make up for a lot of things in a jam – it’s a good idea to have one.  

Check current price on Amazon

The post Bass Fishing Gift Guide: 33 Gifts Every Angler Will Use first appeared on Bass Fishing Facts.

Chad Shad Glide Bait

1. Choosing the Right Glide Bait: Selecting the appropriate glide bait is crucial for success. Opt for larger-sized baits that closely resemble the forage found in the water body you’re fishing. Consider the color patterns and finishes that imitate the prevalent baitfish species. Additionally, ensure that the bait has a smooth gliding action and good buoyancy to entice big bass.
2. Understanding the Retrieve: The retrieve is the key to triggering strikes from trophy largemouth bass. Start by casting the glide bait near potential holding areas such as weed edges, submerged structures, or drop-offs. Allow the bait to sink to the desired depth before initiating your retrieve. Once you start retrieving, impart a side-to-side gliding motion by manipulating the rod tip. This action should mimic an injured or fleeing baitfish, enticing the bass to strike.
3. Timing and Patience: Patience is crucial when fishing with glide baits. Allow the bait to work its magic by giving it enough time to glide through the water column. Largemouth bass are known for their ambush instincts, so it’s essential to give them an opportunity to observe and strike the bait. Vary the speed and cadence of your retrieve to determine the most effective presentation for the day.
4. Focus on Key Locations: To increase your chances of connecting with trophy bass, focus on high-percentage areas. Look for cover such as submerged vegetation, laydowns, rocks, or any structure that offers hiding spots for big bass. Glide baits excel in open water and can be worked around these areas to provoke a reaction from lurking giants.
5. Pay Attention to Seasonal Patterns: Understanding seasonal patterns is vital for successful glide bait fishing. In warmer months, bass are often more active and willing to chase down fast-moving prey. Speed up your retrieve and cover a larger area to trigger reaction strikes. In colder months or during the pre-spawn and post-spawn periods, slow down your retrieve and allow the bait to stay in the strike zone longer, tempting the bass to strike. For a season-by-season breakdown, see When to Fish a Glide Bait for Bass.
6. Experiment with Retrieves and Depths: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different retrieves and depths to figure out what the bass prefer on a particular day. Glide baits can be retrieved at different speeds, including slow, medium, or even fast. Additionally, try adjusting the depth by altering the length of your pause during the retrieve or by using sinking or suspending glide baits.

Fishing glide baits for trophy-sized largemouth bass is an exhilarating and rewarding endeavor. By selecting the right bait, mastering the retrieve, and understanding the key factors that influence bass behavior, you can greatly increase your chances of hooking into a true lunker. Remember to stay patient, adapt to seasonal patterns, and experiment with different techniques to unlock the full potential of glide bait fishing. So, gear up, hit the water, and get ready to tangle with those monstrous largemouth bass!

The post Mastering Glide Baits: A Guide to Hooking Trophy-Sized Largemouth Bass first appeared on Bass Fishing Facts.

The post Top Advances in Fishing Technology Over the Last 50 Years first appeared on Bass Fishing Facts.