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.

Based on years of experience, I can tell you that no matter how many hours you spend organizing your tackle prior to your trip to Anglers Inn El Salto or Picachos, by the second day everything is likely to be a mess. Here’s how we minimize on-the-water inefficiency.

Hanna and I get asked about the best swimbaits for big Mexican bass all the time, and while we can give some generalized answers, we’ve long been in search of a true expert to advise us. We found that person in Chad Meenan, one of the handful of gringos who fishes South of the Border more than we do.

The Gan Craft Jointed Claw. It’s a JDM product that like the Bull Shads can be had (in some sizes) for less than $100. The Jointed Claw is available in a wide variety of colors domestically, as well as some that are harder-to-find. Now they’ve introduced two Tackle Warehouse exclusive patterns for the US market – Brilliant Trout and Gorgeous Shad.

Valentine’s Day is an important opportunity to show someone that you really love them. Below are some red baits, accessories and apparel that are time-tested. Any angler who receive these gifts would feel extra special.

Now that I’ve owned 7 high-performance bass boats, ordering 5 of them new from Bass Cat, I feel that I have a pretty good idea of what I want out of the gate. Nevertheless, there are always a few add-ons that I either can’t get from them, or that I realize I want/need after the delivery date. Here are 3 such items that I’ve paid retail for since taking delivery of my Puma STS.

My brother and my two nieces were kind enough to stop off at the Sansui tackle shop during their stay in Tokyo — and they brought me home a “care package.” Check out what’s inside.

My El Salto personal best came on a Strike King 10XD. That’s my first call in the 20 foot zone but there are other options out there. Since I published my first blog on the topic a while back, additional manufacturers have seen the value in entering this market. Here are a handful more that reportedly dive to or beyond the 20 foot range on a long cast using the right tackle.

Any competent angler could have a fantastic trip to Anglers Inn with the provided rods. Additionally, traveling with a rod tube is a major pain in the ass. Don’t do it unless you’re prepared to be hassled and disappointed. I’m in a position where if a few get messed up I’ll be unhappy, but it won’t change my life. That means it’s time to restock my toolbox down there. I’ll be flying to Mexico with a rod tube for the first time since 2016. Here are the sticks I’m bringing.

Insects can merely be an annoyance while you’re fishing, but they can also be harmful or even life-threatening. This article contains ways to prevent bug bites and to minimize discomfort and health issues from any that get through to you.

I have a lot of Shimano rods and reels because I’ve found them to be of high-quality right out of the box and exceptionally durable over the long haul. While I do own one travel rod from G.Loomis, which exists under the Shimano brands umbrella, I don’t have any with an actual “Shimano” decal on them. That’s likely because their three- and four-piece selections in the U.S. market are limited. Their Japanese lineup, on the other hand, is absolutely LOADED with multi-piece options.

I’m just about certain that the first largemouth bass I ever caught on an artificial lure came on the Original Rapala Floating Minnow, probably a size 5 or 7. I still throw a lot of their products, like the DT Series, and of course the Shad Rap, but until I saw them in a Brazilian tackle shop I had no idea that Rapala made rods, too.

Whereas once upon a time we had to wait for ICAST or the Bassmaster Classic to be the sole launch point for new bass fishing gear, now it’s virtually a year-round process. That’s great for a tackle junkie like me, because it means that any time Tackle Warehouse has a sale I have something new I want to order. As we enter 2023, here are four that I have my eyes on.

At Sport Fish Panama Island Lodge it’s hard to settle on a one-size-fits-all boating solution. That’s because the captains may start of the day trolling for marlin on the Hannibal Bank, then popping for tuna, and close out the afternoon pulling baits for inshore species. Same body of water, very different techniques. Owner Shane Jarvis has added a 33’ Freeman named the “Fat Cat” to the fleet.