Chasing redfish in Venice Louisiana is often best with a jighead and paddletail or grub under a popping cork, especially for bull reds

The Outdoor Gear We Recommend

We may have a little bit of a hoarding problem. Good gear need not be expensive, but it has to improve the experience in some way. Whether it’s the right rod, a certain bait, or the world’s best rainsuit, we’ll give unfiltered opinions on what we use and why we use it.


No tackle shop on earth provides more specialized gear for bass than Tackle Warehouse. If you want it, they've got it in stock — whether it's a proven winner or the newest items on the market — and their service is exceptional.

Gear Pete Robbins Gear Pete Robbins

Three “Warriors” for Big El Salto Bass

Hanna and I keep a healthy stash of tackle at Lake El Salto. It gets subsidized and replenished on every trip, but certain staple lures never leave – and by “staple,” I mean not just the particular models, but specific baits that have caught hundreds of bass apiece. Here are three of my long-time favorites.

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Gear Pete Robbins Gear Pete Robbins

Which Rods Should You Bring to El Salto?

I understand that some of you are picky about your rods. Maybe you’re loyal to a particular brand. Nothing I can say will dissuade you from bringing your own rods south of the border. If I told you that your own rods were categorically unnecessary, I’d be a hypocrite since I have 20 of them down there. If you decide to tote your own, bring some all-purpose models, but also consider which techniques are most likely to benefit from specialized actions or models.

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