Hanna Robbins and Jennifer Combs with a cooler full of crappie from Lake Sam Rayburn

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.

Pete Robbins Pete Robbins

Three Must-Have Lures for the Tidal James and Chickahominy Rivers

Tidal rivers in general and the James in particular often befuddle anglers used to lakes. Not only do the water level swings create navigational issues, but you can be on the best spot at the worst tide and think that it is barren. Fortunately, my friend Lin Bell, owner of Toano, Virginia's Fishing Pro Tech, knows what the bass on these waters chew over other options.

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