Gear

3.6” JP Hammer Shad

The 3.6” JP Hammer Shad offers anglers a realistic shad/goby imitation plastic lure that works well with a wide variety of rigs and presentations.

How-To

Running a pattern

Bull Shoals Lake proved to be a pleasant surprise during the TroKar Quest last week, mainly because the lake is on an upswing due to recent high-water years and a bass population that has exploded.

Bull Shoals: A lesson learned

As frustrating as the TroKar Quest on Bull Shoals was for me, I learned some valuable lessons. I really thought I’d do a lot better but I got caught in the “pre-conceived notion” trap.

Heart-Land: Take care of our own

Branson, Mo., site of the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Central Open, is still recovering from last year's storms but they're definitely open for business.

Elites: Turning the corner on Day Two

Fishing in the Bassmaster Elite Series, you have to catch them good every single day to finish in the top. These guys are beyond good, and you cannot stumble.

Hawk eyes the Elite Series

Kevin Hawk, a California native who now lives in Guntersville, Ala., is working toward becoming a Bassmaster Elite Series pro.

Narrow miss fuels Bertrand’s dreams

Josh Bertrand finished second to Brent Chapman in a Fish-Off at the first Bass Pro Shops Central Open. In the face of that near miss, Bertrand has remained remarkably positive.

It’s why I fish

I’ve been asked a thousand times why I fish. I’ve never had a standard answer. My motives change from time to time. All that might have changed this past week, however.

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