New Year’s resolutions are dumb. I only say that because, in my 56 years, I have yet to see one through. I almost checked the box one year in college when I vowed to eat something off Taco Bell’s 59-cent menu every day for a month. If I’m being honest, that was more of a budgetary decision than trying to improve myself, and I discovered that my digestive constitution was not up to the task.
These days, I have traded resolutions for a little reflection and try to target improvements through immediate action. This eliminates the need for resolve and perseverance — two traits I obviously struggle with.
Ironically, this issue of Bassmaster mirrors my approach to a new year. We start by looking back at the techniques, baits and patterns that dominated the 2025 tournament scene. It’s always interesting to see which trends surfaced in the Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series, as well as the patterns that carried the kayak crowd. If you think pinging minnows was the only way to win a trophy last year, you are sorely mistaken. I’ll be knocking the cobwebs off my crankbait box as soon as temperatures get above too-cold-to-go (one of my immediate actions to target improvements for increasing the bass population in my livewell).
We also take a deeper look at what made Chris Johnston not only a two-time Progressive Bassmaster Angler of the Year, but what made him, well, Chris Johnston. The Canadian’s past certainly forged him into the fierce competitor he is today (his brother, Cory, takes the majority of that credit). And then there’s the Tucker Smith story. We get an exclusive look at how the Alabama phenom ran away with Dakota Lithium Bassmaster Rookie of the Year honors. If you don’t know this young pro yet, you soon will.
As for immediate action to improve the reader experience within these pages for 2026, we reeled in Curtis Niedermier as executive editor of B.A.S.S. Publications. Niedermier most recently worked with the Mercury Marine content team and previously served as editor-in-chief of FLW Bass Fishing magazine. The guy’s a fish head, a tremendous writer and editor, and he’s bringing a boatload of fresh ideas that we are eager to share with you.
On page 14 of the Jan./Feb. 2025 Bassmaster Magazine you’ll see one of them. Moving forward, we will be including a new department called Expedition Bass — a travel guide for anglers who crave adventure as much as bites. Sometimes we will feature international destinations worthy of your passport and hard-earned money. Other times, we will highlight little known domestic fisheries situated in hard-to-reach places. Regardless of the location, we hope you will be inspired to chase your passion for bass fishing in a memorable way.
Feel free to join me in culling resolutions this year (I won’t judge you for swinging by the Taco Bell drive-thru on your way to the ramp). Instead, pick a fishing goal and keep casting. That’s a self-improvement plan worthy of effort … and one we can all accomplish.