You simply cannot go bass fishing in Mexico without an ample supply of lizards. You may go several trips without fishing them, choosing other plastics, but when all else fails a big salamander is very hard to beat. I’ve been very happy with the Zoom version, but if you’re the type who “needs to show them something different,” there are plenty of other options.

In our continuing effort to bring you the latest news on the world of travel rods I consistently monitor the new product listings at Tackle Warehouse. Without much fanfare, they recently added two new ones – one casting, one spinning – from the upstart and rapidly-growing 6th Sense.

Headed to El Salto? Or Picachos? No matter which one you’re fishing, or when you’re going, there’s one crankbait that MUST be in your tackle bag: The Bomber Fat Free Shad in Citrus Shad.

After a few dark years in the early 2000s, the Chickahominy is consistently producing big bags and monster bass. April is one of the best time to chase the giants, and while there will of course be some local tournaments, this is the first year in a while with no FLW or Bassmaster Open to add extra pressure. Hunter Smith of Fishing Pro Tech told us what he throws in April.

Some people think that Carolina Rigging is boring, but it’s a great way to learn about your fishery and catch both numbers and big bass. Here are the basics of what you need and how to rig and fish it.

If you’ve amassed far more rods than you can use in a single day of fishing and you don’t have endless wall space for vertical storage, consider mounting hanging rod racks from the ceiling or rafters of your garage. Not only will this allow you to utilize what is generally wasted space, but it puts them in position to easily pick and choose exactly what you need for your next fishing trip.

Fishing trips and “unexpected equipment complications” seem to be joined at the hip. We put our gear through incredible stress, which occasionally results in failure, often at the worst possible times. The fishing industry is pretty good about learning from our mistakes and creating products to avoid or combat them in the future.

There are times when the old adage that “big bait = big fish” rings true — if you believe in that, Tackle Warehouse has a bunch of worms over 12 inches that may help you catch the largemouth bass of a lifetime.

I know that “screen time” is the best way to get better. with Livescope. I’m still working to consistently locate my bait and judge what the fish in front of me are doing. Not surprisingly, the creatives in the fishing and boating biz have developed some others. Here are a few you might consider.

After a brief hiatus in which life (and time on the water) seemed to repeatedly get in the way, our friend Tej Sawhney is taking on a limited number of custom paint jobs again. It’s something that’ll help him pass the brutal Pennsylvania winter, when he depends on the kindness of others to get him out on their jet boats to chase big smallmouths.

As we head toward the 2023 Bassmaster Classic in Knoxville, the 2019 iteration of the big event seems like a lifetime ago. Since then, we’ve gone through “the split,” COVID, and three more Classics. This time the derby will be a few weeks later in March, and we’ve had a relatively mild winter, but if you’re looking for early hints of what could happen, consider some of the following lure choices.

Four-time Bassmaster Classic winner Kevin VanDam is a master of spinnerbaiting for clear water smallmouths up north. Here’s a video where he describes his system for getting them hooked and keeping those spastic bronzebacks buttoned up.

For the most part, modern lure staples are better than their discontinued predecessors. They are better engineered, with better components. At the same time, there will always be past versions that are proven or perceived to be better – like the old school Wiggle Warts that command a handsome price. Here are a few that have come back or been improved upon in recent months.

One of the struggles of packing for any fishing trip where you’ll be flying to your destination is making sure that you have ample tackle. That’s why it’s often important to pack “utility players” like soft plastic craws. One other such set of multitaskers is the group of smallish (usually 4- to 5-inches) group of soft plastic swimbaits,

Obviously, certain soft plastics like Senkos, lizards and big worms are no brainers any time you’re heading South of the Border, but the heavy emphasis on those groups occasionally obscures another category that you MUST pack if you want to be efficient: soft plastic craws.

I technically don’t need to purchase another item of anything but I’m going on another Half Past First Cast adventure to Guatemala and of course I’ve added a few new retail therapy efforts to make the trip even more memorable.

The great thing about trolling for sailfish is that you can be as involved as you want. The captains and mates at Casa Vieja Lodge are happy to instruct you, and also to let you take control of the “bait and switch.” Alternatively, you can just reel in one sailfish after another. In all likelihood you’ll probably live somewhere in between those two extremes.

Tackle Warehouse has historically been diligent about stocking premium products, including a long list of multi-piece rods ideal for travelers at any budget. That has included sticks from Megabass. Recently they added the Megabass Valkyrie World Expedition travel rods – two spinning rods and six casting rods including several lengths and strengths that are otherwise hard to find in multi-piece tools.

We spend a lot of time picking out our clothing for fishing. Much of it serves distinct purposes. Whether it’s choosing a comfortable, breathable and dry rainsuit or shoes that won’t leave you with lower back pain, making the right choices can be critical to fishing success and health. Yet few of us give much thought to the skivvies we wear on the water.

The ultimate Hallmark holiday is fast approaching, and if you want to show the traveling angler in your life that you really care, chocolates, flowers or a new necktie won’t cut the mustard. You don’t need to spend a lot, but be sure to get them something that will be useful – that way they’ll associate YOU with great times on the water.