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FOUR BITS! FOUR

TWO BITS! BITS! TWO

MOST POPULAR GAMEFISH POPULAR MOST

SPOTLIGHT ON AMERICA’S AMERICA’S ON SPOTLIGHT

BASSAPALOOZA!

GLOVES

MONKEY MONKEY

FISH

TEST: FIELD

GULSTAD

CHRIS CHRIS

WITH Q&A

SING | | 2020 March/April

REGISTER

MAKE THE THE MAKE

LURES CUSTOM

March/April | 2020 CONTENTS

18

Large swimbaits such as this Fish Arrow jointed swimbait have immediate DEPARTMENTS eye appeal thanks to sharp, detailed paint schemes.

FROM THE EDITORS THE TRAVELING ANGLER 7 Bass on the Brain 14 Think Outside the Box By Dave Maas — and Your Backyard — for Smart Travel THE CORNER OFFICE Solutions By Pete Robbins 8 Q&A with Chris Gulstad, PRADCO Fishing 12 By Kurt Beckstrom THE SWAG BAG 16 Review: Fish Monkey Gloves KAYAKS & CANOES By Dave Maas 12 Become a One-Stop Shop for Bass Anglers By Gary Garth CUSTOMER CONNECTIONS 54 The Influence of YouTube on Your Bottom Line 14 16 By Dave Maas

2

Cover photo: Andy Crawford | andycrawford.photography

FEATURES

B&T FEATURE

18 How Custom-Painted Lures Can Ring the Register Air-brushed creations from custom lure painters would surely be snubbed by art connoisseurs, 24 but anglers flock to tackle stores to buy their masterpieces. By John Neporadny Jr.

B&T FEATURE 24 Leveraging Team Spirit and Tournament Connections Extend your customer base with club, team and tournament outreach. By John Neporadny Jr.

B&T FEATURE 30 Bullet Weights Celebrates 30 34 50th Anniversary A simple but unique idea became the building block of one of the largest and most innovative sinker manufacturing companies in North America. By Dave Maas

B&T FEATURE 34 Lights, Camera . . . Profits? Can Cameras Add to Your Bottom Line? By Keith Jackson

GEAR ROUNDUP 46 40 All the Latest Gear

B&T FEATURE 46 The King of Crappies Mr. Crappie: How Wally Marshall Went From a Plumbing Career to the King of Slabs. By John Neporadny Jr.

NEW PRODUCTS 52 New Products in the Industry 52

www.baitandtacklebiz.com | March/April 2020 3 EDITORIAL Editor - Alan Clemons Senior Editor - Dave Maas Group Managing Editor - Hilary Dyer Copy Editor - Alex Headley Product Editor - Gordy Krahn Digital Editor - Mike Schoblaska ADVERTISING President/Publisher GVO - Derrick Nawrocki [email protected] Advertising Sales - Tim Krueger [email protected] Advertising Sales - Don Harris Tell us what you want! [email protected] Advertising Sales - Mike Kizzire [email protected] We hope you are enjoying Bait & Tackle Business magazine! Advertising Sales - Patrick Boyle [email protected] We are working hard to bring you valuable and informative content NATIONAL SALES REPRESENTATIVES from our stable of well-respected contributors and writers. Byers Media - Ken Byers & Toby Shaw [email protected] CREATIVE But we know you, the shop owners and business professionals, are our Art Director - Matt VanSkyhawk best resource to let us know of developing concerns in the industry along ADMINISTRATION Circulation - Nicole Maney with new or trending topics. You’re the boots on the ground, interacting [email protected]

with customers and building those relationships crucial to your success. BAIT & TACKLE BUSINESS™ is published six times a year in January/February, March/April, May/June, July/August, So let us know what you’d like to see in the upcoming issues of September/October, November/December by COLE Publishing, Inc. Published and owned by COLE Publishing, Inc., Bait & Tackle Business. Just email us or fill out our simple online form. 1720 Maple Lake Dam Rd., Three Lakes, WI 54562. All rights reserved. Contents may not be printed or otherwise reproduced without written permission of Whether it’s a story suggestion, praise or constructive criticism, COLE Publishing. Periodicals postage paid at Three Lakes, WI 54562 and at and additional mailing offices. COLE Publishing is not responsible for researching or investigating the accuracy of the contents of stories we want to hear from you! published in this magazine. Readers are advised that the use of the information contained within this magazine is with the understanding that it is at their own risk. COLE Publishing assumes no liability for this information or its use. COLE Publishing assumes no responsibility for unsolicited editorial, photography and art submissions. In addition, no Terms and Conditions agreements are We’ll continue to bring you the best, most informative recognized by COLE Publishing unless signed and returned by the Editor. SUBSCRIPTIONS: publication we can. Thank you! Free to qualifying retailers, wholesalers, manufacturers, and salespeople of fishing tackle, equipment and gear within the U.S. and Canada; $60 annually for all other U.S., Canada or Mexico subscribers; and $150 for two years to all other foreign countries. To subscribe, visit www.baitandtacklebiz.com/subscribe or call 800-257-7222. POSTMASTER: Email: [email protected] Send address changes to: Bait & Tackle Business™ Online form: P.O. Box 220 www.baitandtacklebiz.com/tell-us Three Lakes, WI 54562 CALL: 800-257-7222 - 715-546-3346 FAX: 715-546-3786 EMAIL: [email protected]. Please include both old and new addresses. ADVERTISING: Advertising inquiries should be emailed to: [email protected]. © Registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Copyright 2020 COLE Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission from the General Manager.

4 Colder than F Polar Bears Our coolers are durable, affordable and cold as a polar bear in the Arctic.

833-777-8443 | WWW.RUGIDGEAR.COM FROM THE EDITORS

Dave Maas Bait & Tackle Business Senior Editor

BASS ON THE BRAIN

s ice begins to melt in Can- Finesse bass tactics are fun, too. via email at editor@baitandtack- A ada and the northern parts I love watching my line twitch to lebiz.com. Maybe you have a good of the United States, and waters warm indicate a subtle strike as my light- story idea, or a sales staff dilemma? from coast to coast as spring weight jigworm slinks through deep Let us know how we can help you approaches, millions of anglers pre- cabbage. And after the hookset, it’s succeed. pare for another bass fishing season. hard not to giggle as the line races I’ve said it many times before: My to the surface and you know at any favorite fish to catch is a muskie, but second a bass will catapult toward Dave Maas, Senior Editor my favorite fish to pursue is a bass. the clouds. [email protected] The reason? Casting huge, This issue of Bait & Tackle Busi-

EDITORS hard-pulling muskie lures is a phys- ness is dedicated to America’s favor- ical and mental grind. A marathon. ite gamefish, the largemouth bass, Uphill. Sure, the finish line is sweet, but we’ll also cover lures and gear but the path getting there is almost for smallmouth and spotted bass, always brutal. too. It’s our goal to provide you with In contrast, casting for bass is a solid information that helps you stock thrill, even when the bite is slow. It the right lines, lures, rods, reels and brings a smile to my face just think- fishing accessories for your custom- ing about working a hollow-bodied ers, while also providing tips on how frog across the pads, skipping to better serve those anglers who soft-plastics under a dock, burning walk through your front door. The author spends much of his a vibrating jig around underwater As you turn the pages of this issue time during spring and summer wood, or pitchin’ a weedless jig into and visit www.baitandtacklebiz.com, targeting largemouth bass in a pocket. I invite you to provide us feedback his home state of Minnesota. FROM THE

www.baitandtacklebiz.com | March/April 2020 7 CORNEROFFICE

Chris Gulstad Pradco Fishing Q&A WITH CHRIS GULSTAD, PRADCO FISHING Story by: Kurt Beckstrom | Photos by: PRADCO

PRADCO Fishing Executive Director of Sales and Marketing Chris Gulstad explains the challenges and rewards of managing 20 iconic lure brands.

lure company in Fort Smith, and YUM. With so many legendary make sure it’s green and growing. Arkansas, that launched brands to manage, how do you stay BTB: What should tackle retailers Anearly 60 years ago with a on top of them all? know about PRADCO Fishing? single brand and a humble but Gulstad: It’s a bit like how I Gulstad: We are a true slice of incredibly successful minnow-body imagine John Walton must have felt Americana. We still manufacture and hardbait, now orchestrates the trying to manage his household on operate in the same building and manufacture, marketing and sales of the television classic “Walton’s location where the company first 20 iconic lure brands under the Mountain.” You love each and every produced the Rebel Minnow in 1962. PRADCO Fishing umbrella. Executive one in the house individually and All YUM soft plastics and Thill balsa Director of Sales and Marketing Chris separately, no matter their personality. floats are manufactured in Fort Smith. Gulstad, an 18-year veteran with the But, it’s a handful to watch over! It’s We also mold hardbaits here. But, it’s company, knows well the challenges much the same for our brands. Each much more than American faced and rewards gained in managing has a separate identity, equity and manufacturing — it’s our spirit and multiple brands. personality, and I love them all. culture that sets us apart. Bait & Tackle Business recently In terms of practicality, I learned There really is no secret to our spoke with Gulstad about that, and early on that each brand must have secret sauce. It’s the people; a big, other things. an internal champion or manager in happy work family. I cannot tell you BTB: PRADCO Fishing owns order to prosper. It’s a tad trite, but how many big shots, consultants and Arbogast, Bandit, Bobby Garland, either you’re green and growing or captains of industry have rolled Bomber, BOOYAH, Cotton Cordell, brown and dying. There is no through our place through the years Crappie Pro, Creek Chub, Gene Larew, in-between. This certainly applies to to exit with marvel. They universally Heddon, Lindy, Little Joe, Norman, our brands. Each brand must have remark about the strength of our Rebel, Smithwick, Thill, War Eagle someone putting energy into it to culture and collective can-do attitude.

8 CORNER OFFICE

And, we have fun! We get to That trip is a snippet of our core Gulstad: I believe there is a seismic manufacture and sell fishing tackle competitive advantage. All lures are shift occurring in our space. lures for a living! Don’t get me wrong, not created equal. A knock-off kicked Manufacturers and retailers alike it’s still a business. But it’s a business out the back door of a Chinese factory must adjust to new consumer where we sell fun for a living. Because won’t bring the same catch ratio as a behaviors. Most glaringly, in my mind, of this, we have a long-tenured work proven standard, no matter the brand. is that we can no longer trait our force, and have been celebrating our It’s just not the same as a legendary service level and performance against long-term employees with an ad original. Think Arbogast Jitterbug, peers. We must trait ourselves against campaign for the past two years. Our Hula Popper, Bandit 100, 200, 300, the service level of Amazon.com and latest feature, Barbara Christy, started Bomber Model As, Bobby Garland Netflix, as examples, because that is here in 1974. She is a paint technician. Baby Shad, Cotton Cordell Big O what our consumer is doing. It’s hard to imagine how many and Pencil Popper, Gene Larew Salt BTB: Please explain. fantastic fishing memories she’s Craw, Heddon Zara Spooks and Gulstad: OK, nobody in our created with her paint brush. Torpedoes, Lindy Rigs, Little Joe Red industry is going to be delivering BTB: Several of PRADCO Fishing’s Devil Spinners, Norman DD22, Rebel fishing lures to private homes with brands are historic; at least a couple Pop-R and Crawfish, Smithwick drones any time soon. However, we of them are more than 100 years old. Rogues, Thill Floats, War Eagle can meet the new standard of How do they compete in a fast-paced, Spinnerbaits, YUM Dingers … we expectation in terms of service. With new-is-better world? own so many iconic lures that simply solid customer service, we can be the Gulstad: I just got back from a catch more fish than other lures … experts anglers talk to at the retail fishing trip on the California Delta there’s a reason that chewed up and/or manufacturer level. My point with one of the most accomplished Bomber 7A stays prominent in a is that we need to able to match or anglers on that body of water. He fisherman’s tackle box. exceed the expertise and expediency knows I won’t use a competitor’s lure “New” may drive sales temporarily, consumers now demand. and pre-rigged a Heddon Super Spook but fish-catching lures, those with BTB: Can you comment on the and Bomber Model 7A for me, while special intrinsic value, drive sales diversity across all PRADCO Fishing’s he threw the kitchen sink including consistently. I’ve always felt a strong brands? the latest “hot” baits. I ended up having combination of those lures – ours and Gulstad: Each brand has a unique a fantastic day with two iconic lures. others – on the shelves is the best bet identity in terms of positioning and During the course of it, he waxed for a core assortment. product set. We did an extensive poetic about how great they were, BTB: What’s the biggest challenge consumer segmentation project that particularly his 7A that had the paint facing tackle manufacturers and helped align our brands to specific chewed off it. retailers today? consumer segments. Without giving

Chris Gulstad, center, believes PRADCO’s Obviously, price and value long-tenured associates have pride in creating are the first and probably quality lures to help best-known aspect of what anglers have better makes our brand unique. You fishing experiences. can purchase Frogg Toggs raingear anywhere from $5.99 to $599.99.

www.baitandtacklebiz.com | March/April 2020 9 CORNEROFFICE CORNER OFFICE

Chris Gulstad and the team at PRADCO have added Gene Larew, Bobby Garland and Crappie Pro lures to an already diverse offering covering multiple species.

away trade secrets, an example is the the first to market, caught the fool the number is, I can say with aggressive nature of BOOYAH out of fish. Word of mouth quickly confidence that ICAST was far less compared to Arbogast. spread that this new glow technique than that. Our inclusion efforts need We also now have even greater was incredibly effective in low-light to be much more intentional than diversity in product type and conditions. they’ve been so far. geographic relevance, with local Bandit Generators, Walleye Deep BTB: Any thoughts on how to relevance for every area of North diving lures with glow-stick make that happen? America. Well, better said, the world. technology, are the next generation Gulstad: I have four females on Several of our products have in this bait category. The early results my staff who had little to no fishing international prominence, such as from anglers have been universally experience prior to PRADCO. All Bomber Long As for barramundi in positive. The lures are very effective four have developed into incredible Australia. on cloudy days and in muddy water performers for us. Fishing experience BTB: How do PRADCO Fishing’s where other lures aren’t as visible is not a requisite. The desire to be newest brands fit into the mix? to fish. great is. It’s been invaluable watching Gulstad: We’re very excited about We sold every Lindy Glow Spoon the perspective of new anglers learn our latest acquisition of Gene Larew, we could manufacture last year. Most and enjoy the sport. Anyone who Bobby Garland and Crappie Pro. Gene importantly, they sold off the shelf. wants to be great will dive into their Larew and Bobby Garland supplement We expect the same trend to occur job. In our profession, that means our bass soft plastics selection while this winter with the Glow Streak, as learning how to fish and how the Crappie Pro greatly strengthen our well as with the Generator next spring industry works. I am always coy about product portfolio and presence in the when more anglers are trolling open what we do, but in this case I’m being crappie segment. water again. transparent because it will help BTB: Which of PRADCO Fishing’s BTB: What was the most interesting advance our industry. The right person lure introductions or upgrades for take-away from the 2019 ICAST in is the right person. Fishing is not 2020 do you think will have the most Orlando? exclusive, it’s inclusive. The right significant impact on tackle retailers Gulstad: I attended the Outdoor person will own it and teach the and anglers? Retailer show in Denver just prior to “experts” along the journey of Gulstad: We’ve been pleased with going to ICAST. The lack of female discovery. the reception of Lindy’s Glow Spoon representation at ICAST was and Glow Streak. These two lures particularly striking after being at incorporate a glow stick inside a the Outdoor Retailer show. It’s just Kurt Beckstrom of Minnesota is a decorated polycarbonate plastic shell. an eyeball estimate, but my guess was freelance writer who enjoys fishing for The resulting effect is a glow lure with about a 40 percent female multiple species. Contact him at: the nuances of high-end color schemes. representation at the Outdoor Retailer [email protected]. Most importantly, the Glow Spoon, show. That’s just a guess, but whatever

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HRS Ad Full new specs.indd 2 11/26/19 12:03 PM KAYAKS CANOES

BECOME A ONE-STOP SHOP FOR BASS ANGLERS

Story by: Gary Garth | Photos by: John Deshauteurs

Fishing for bass from kayaks has exploded from coast to coast. Here’s how to capitalize by carrying the right products for your specific area.

ass fishermen are a curi- is simple: Be ready. sories,” he said. “And demo boats ous and varied bunch. “I suggest a retailer needs to be need to be set up so people can see Seek out high-quality B They’re dedicated, passion- a one-stop shop for all things kayak what the different accessories do.” equipment to sell to small- ate, opinionated, generous with related,” said Deshauteurs, a life- boat anglers, who must fishing tips and advice and surpris- long bass man and one of the fortu- Picky Anglers ingly competitive — all character- nate few who has turned his passion Bass anglers are detail oriented and maximize what little space istics that paddle sport retailers can into his profession as a professional often picky about their gear. It’s not they have in their fishing turn to their advantage. kayak angler and spokesman. a one-size-fits-all crowd. This indi- kayak or canoe. Once almost solely the domain Deshauteurs knows what he is talking vidualist angling mentality mani- of white males, the bass angler demo- about. His skill and professionalism fest itself in various forms. graphic is changing. In ever-increas- have helped him garner a raft of man- Retailers might be surprised to ing numbers, bass fishermen are ufacturer affiliations, including being learn, for example, that a paddle-pow- climbing into kayaks and canoes a member of various pro staffs, ered bass angler can be as picky about to pursue their favorite gamefish. including Jackson Kayak, Werner their paddle as about which casting This is good for the sport and good Paddles, Seaguar, Railblaza, Yak- reel to use for flipping a jig. Maybe for you. Gear, Power Pole and Raymarine. more so. Bass men and women can be He also meets, greets and hears “A very important factor is some of your most loyal and devoted from bass anglers across the to have a variety of paddles to customers. They will also be some country. choose from,” Deshauteurs said. of the most demanding. “I’m not saying every kayak “And not just the retailer’s favorite According to John Deshauteurs, retailer should try to be a Bass Pro brand of paddle, but a variety that the recipe to avoid customer stocking rods, reels, line and baits. best serves the consumer. Not every- conflict and keep sales strong But there needs to be space for acces- one is the same.”

12 KAYAKS & CANOES

Retailer inventory options are guys who have spent years blasting limited, of course. Even Bass Pro can’t around the lake at the wheel of a stock everything. The linchpin for 200-horsepower, tweaked-out bass retailers to attract and best serve the rig but are interested in a new type paddling (or peddling) bass customer of ride might never have held a kayak is to know their fishing area and stock paddle. In fact, most probably boats and accessories best suited for haven’t. those waters. “Retailers need also to consider This may sound like elementary that a lot of the bass fishermen might marketing, but it’s a key and core sales be new kayakers and who are inter- element that, when overlooked, is ested in the sport but starting from done so at the retailer’s peril. The for- the ground up,” Deshauteurs said. mula is simple: Knowledge (area An important accessory for bass knowledge and product knowledge) anglers will be a way to transport his equals sales. or her kayak. Traditional bass boats “Consider the area,” said Deshau- are trailered and nearly always sold teurs, who lives in Vancleave, as boat/trailer rigs. While a rack or on how they should fit. Make it part Mississippi, but fishes and visits kayak trailer might be seen as a lux- of the package. Kayak anglers often with anglers from the Great Lakes to ury item to the casual recreational “I just think it’s important to try the Gulf Coast and beyond. “What paddler, the bass fishing customer, to offer the complete package,” outfit their craft with a waters are your local anglers fishing? who will likely rig his fishing kayak Deshauteurs said. “Kayaks, accesso- smaller sonar unit, which Creeks? Ponds? Lakes? Coastal or with electronics and other angling ries, open forums, tournaments, you can add to your store’s tidal waters? Open ocean? Have a accessories, would more likely see it paddles, personal flotation devise offerings and promote variety of kayaks stocked based on as a necessity. Here, again, product selections and a trained, friendly, what your area offers.” knowledge will often fuel sales. knowledgeable staff is what makes during spring demo Bass anglers, including the pad- “When a consumer, particularly a great kayak retail shop. A one- days events. dling branch of the bass fishing fam- a fisherman, makes an investment in stop shop.” ily, are becoming more social media a kayak, there needs to be a way to For more information, visit savvy and regularly delve online. A safely transport it,” Deshauteurs said. www.pointclickfish.com to see vid- Facebook page search for “kayak bass “The retailer’s knowledge of roof racks, eos and articles about kayak fishing fishing” uncovered dozens of pages T-bone systems and trailers will be from John Deshauteurs. and related groups. Podcasts are the key to sales. When the consum- another under-tapped customer zon- ers make that invest- ing-in source. Retailer-sponsored ment and have the group pages, podcasts, video links option to have the John Deshauteurs and related social media outlets are retailer install their a productive and inexpensive avenue transportation system travels across the country to attract potential customers. as well, that gets con- with his kayaks from his sumers talking, bring- home in south Mississippi Meet and Greet ing in more business.” seeking new experiences. Deshauteurs agrees that social media A final item, which is an important marketing outreach Deshauteurs says tool and should be utilized. But he should be the easiest says the hottest online buzz can’t sale of all but often isn’t, really replace an old-style, hands-on is a personal flotation meet and greet because whenever device. Life jackets are bass anglers get together, they talk. available in a range of “I would suggest having a local sizes, colors and styles, tournament for the anglers to do a including inflatables. meet and greet,” he said. “This builds Properly fitted, they are Gary Garth of Kentucky is a freelance writer who enjoys relationships. It gets anglers talking, surprisingly comfort- fishing for multiple species and that is when the retailer needs to able. And they save while wading as well as be listening.” lives. Deshauteurs’s from boats, canoes and Not every experienced bass fish- advice: Stock a wide kayaks. Contact him at erman who walks into a kayak retailer selection of PFDs and [email protected]. is fully informed. Most aren’t. Bass have sales staff trained

www.baitandtacklebiz.com | March/April 2020 13 THE TRAVELINGANGLER

THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX – AND YOUR BACKYARD – FOR SMART TRAVEL SOLUTIONS

Story and photos by: Pete Robbins

By educating customers about non-native brands, you expand selection in your store with topnotch products designed to conquer specific travel hurdles.

n February 2019 I traveled to brands” of tackle storage (while quality and utility of their products. Pete Robbins, right, Mexico’s Lake Picachos with a competing against online retailers Just because a product is a group including Field & Stream as well), you may have no choice but category leader does not necessarily believes expanding I Editor Joe Cermele and renowned to stock those brands. But if you can mean it’s good for a particular your knowledge fly fishing photographer Tim add a Fishpond-type outlier to the purpose. For example, I have a bunch about potential Romano. They were shooting a video mix, that’s a point of distinction. Of of Bass Mafia utility boxes for fishing locations and for Joe’s “Hook Shots” series about course, you’ll have to educate your terminal tackle, and I love their fly fishing for bass. But it wasn’t their customers about the brand’s ruggedness and organizational experiences can help rods, reels or flies that caught my advantages, and you run the risk benefits. I thought they’d be great more customers and attention, it was Romano’s Fishpond of losing some cash if you make for my frequent fishing trips abroad. increase revenue. Thunderhead Submersible Duffel. poor buying decisions, but the In some respects, they are – you can I’m embarrassed to say that upside is huge. run over them with a car, so few despite spending hours combing The clearly-drawn lines of baggage handlers can do them any tackle retailers’ and manufacturers’ separation among different types of real harm. However, the suckers are websites, not only had I not heard angling gear is slowly eroding. HEAVY. When I’m limited to 30 or of this product before, but I’d never Simms, once huge primarily in the 40 pounds of luggage for a float plane, even heard of Fishpond. Sure, the world of trout and salmon, now sells I can’t justify a big portion of that company caters heavily to the fly heavily in the saltwater and bass to those boxes, no matter how fishing crowd, of which I am not an world. AFTCO, for decades a leader indestructible. I’ve learned a heavy- esteemed member, but there’s nothing almost exclusively in the salt, is duty Ziploc bag shut with duct tape about the duffel that won’t protect now a constant presence at bass does every bit as well for my tungsten my bass gear every bit as well as your tournament weigh-ins coast to coast. weights. That might be a lost sale to woolly buggers and tippet material. The only thing they needed to make you, but because soft plastics are If you are one of several bass- that move was some inertia, as well surprisingly heavy (and I can’t leave centric tackle stores in your region, as a tipping point when freshwater home without a variety), I take a new all of which sell traditional “bass multispecies anglers realized the bottle of Mend-It soft bait glue on

14 THE TRAVELING ANGLER

just about every trip. Put some overhead compartment of the planes. guys, and the Florida Keys outfitter of that on your counter and I’ll At the recommendation of tuna- might consider the things they use grab some before my next trip to chasing friends from California, I in Montana. balance out your loss on the sale of later bought a tube from SKB. It’ll Indeed, one of the best pieces of utility boxes. hold seven or eight rods up to 7 feet fishing travel gear I’ve purchased is a I’ve learned that the solution to or so, and I’ve seen videos of pickup product whose manufacturer doesn’t traveling problems come from all trucks driving over them with no market explicitly to anglers. It’s the walks of angling life. I have four damage to the contents. SCOTTeVEST, a multi-pocket different styles of rod tubes that have Which rod tube is best? sleeveless garment that can transport gone overseas with me. The first is That’s the wrong question. The as much as a small suitcase without either a Plano Telescoping Rod Case right question is which one is the being cumbersome. If your luggage or a Flambeau Bazuka Pro, each of best for the trip I’m taking, given my weight is limited, my African outfitter which can hold more than a dozen travel needs and the limitations of told me, or you can’t bring a carry-on rods, including 8-footers, and each my transportation? at all, this will help you take it all case has to be checked. The next is If you want to be a happy traveling without violating the letter of the rules. the opposite end of the spectrum, angler, even one who chases a single I’ve never seen one for sale in a tackle the single travel rod tube that came species, it doesn’t pay to be a product shop, but perhaps I should have. with my G. Loomis travel rod. It’ll purist — and if you want to educate, hold two travel rods in a pinch, but benefit and profit from the non- Pete Robbins of Virginia is a freelance not comfortably, so I bought a multi- purist, you as a retailer need to be writer who is always seeking new rod 33-inch tube from fly fishing ready to go outside of your comfort fishing adventures. Contact him at company Sage. That one has been to zone. That means the shop in Kansas [email protected]. Africa and Alaska, both in the might have to look to the marlin

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www.baitandtacklebiz.com | March/April 2020 15 REVIEW: FISH MONKEY GLOVES

Story and Photos by: Dave Maas

The author tries Fish Monkey Gloves for the first time during a spring smallmouth roadtrip to South Dakota.

ish Monkey Gloves were website, and clicked on the link for On-the-Water Impressions introduced to the world the Pro 365 Guide Glove ($29.95), First, let me talk about sizing. As the F during the 2016 ICAST indus- this statement caught my eye. “The chart below shows, correct size is try trade show, and ever since see- new Pro 365 Glove from Fish Mon- determined by measuring around ing them at that event I’ve wanted key takes the best elements from our the widest part of your palm on your to try a pair. I finally stopped pro- best-selling Stubby and Half-Finger dominant hand. Fishing line works crastinating and made it happen Guide Gloves and adds a little more great for this task. My measurement during a spring smallmouth trip to padding and protection in critical is just under 9 inches, so I wear a size South Dakota. areas. This glove is perfect for those Large. You don’t want the gloves to I chose Fish Monkey Pro 365 professional captains and guides Guide Gloves (FM21). No, I’m not a that spend more time on the water fishing pro, and while I used to be a than off.” fishing guide, I’m not anymore. Fish Like I said, I’m not a professional Monkey offers a wide selection of captain or guide, but I do spend a gloves, everything from insulated considerable amount of time on the full-finger models to Kevlar-rein- water, often in less-than-ideal weather forced styles designed to protect off- conditions. The Pro 365s come in shore anglers from cuts while four color choices — Royal Blue, managing mono, wire and cable. Neon Green, Blue Water Camo and As I shopped Fish Monkey’s Tarpon — I chose Blue Water Camo.

16 be loose/baggy, and if they’re too small you’ll never get them on your hands (remember the O.J. trial?). Take the time to measure correctly. The glove’s four-way stretch allows you to pull them on without difficulty. Even before I made my first cast for smallmouth bass in South Dakota, I was impressed with the overall second-skin fit and feel. Confession: I’m tremendously fin- icky when it comes to glove fit/siz- ing. Yes, I’m that guy at the PGA Super Store who must try on two dozen size L left-hand golf gloves before I find the one that fits just right. The size L Pro 365s were snug but not too tight, and when I closed my hands I didn’t end up with a bunch of extra material in the palms. bass weighing 3 pounds or more nian gymnast Nadia Comaneci Picking up my spinning rod, I can really tear up the base of my earned it in 1976. In terms of design, immediately realized fishing with thumb, but I had no scars after catch- fit and function, I can’t think of any the gloves wouldn’t require me to ing numerous large and angry small- suggested improvements. do anything different in terms of mouths. FYI: My son and I had a Currently, Fish Monkey offers rod, reel and line handling. The great first day of fishing in South them in only four colors, but I glove material is thin and stretchy, Dakota; our biggest five smallies assume that number will grow in so there’s no concern with bulki- weighed 21 pounds 10 ounces. the future. The price of $29.95 seems ness or lack of feel. In fact, I never On a 5-star rating system, I give fair. My field test is only in its infancy thought about the gloves after mak- Fish Monkey Pro 365s a 4.5. Only stage, but these gloves appear to be ing a few casts in spite of being on one person, place or thing ever well made, and I expect them to last the water that first day in South deserved a perfect score, and Roma- several years. Dakota for 11 hours. Thinking back, I don’t think I removed the Pro 365s when I stopped to make sandwiches in the boat for lunch. One of several Top Features thick-bodied spring smallmouth bass While casting can be done with full-finger gloves, I definitely wanted caught by the author a design with exposed fingertips. and his son on a With the Pro 365s, I could easily roadtrip to South feel the line on my index finger when Dakota. Prior to release, using a spinning rod, as well as feather the spool with my thumb this fish weighed 4 while using a baitcaster. pounds 9 ounces on a Other glove features I like digital scale. The author include: non-slip silicon on palm wore fishing gloves for and base of fingers, breathable and quick-drying fabric, UPF 50+ sun the first time this day, protection, and finger “pulls” for and they kept his hands removing the gloves. warm and protected Best of all, the gloves protected from the sun, and the my hands from dreaded bass thumb, which for me manifests itself not tough fabric prevented on the pad of my right thumb, but the fish from tearing at the thumb base almost into my up his hands. palm. The sandpaper-like teeth of

www.baitandtacklebiz.com | March/April 2020 17 FEATURE

How CUSTOM PAINTED LURES Can Ring theREGISTER

18 Large swimbaits such as this Fish Arrow jointed swimbait have immediate appeal thanks to sharp, detailed paint schemes.

Story by: John Neporadny Jr. Photos by: John Neporadny Jr. and Alan Clemons

Air-brushed creations from custom lure painters would surely be snubbed by art connoisseurs, but anglers flock to tackle stores to buy their masterpieces.

ackle store owners know A wide variety of hard plastic lures that the work of air brush are customized by air brush painters T painters who spray lures is and sold at tackle shops throughout coveted by serious anglers, so they North America. Here are three stores carry custom-painted lures to increase selling custom-painted lures for bass, sales. Selling custom-painted lures walleye and muskie anglers. also gives the stores an advantage over the competition by providing a prod- Sportsman’s Factory Outlet uct unavailable in big box stores. Lovan has learned tournament bass The Sportsman’s Factory Outlet fishermen prefer lures in colors that in Springfield, Missouri, caters to the are unique, effective and limited in CUSTOM PAINTED LURES serious angler by selling bass lures availability. He also stocks the store painted by a local air brush artist. with custom-painted lures featur- “Our particular store has kind of ing an “Ozarks flair” for catching evolved over the last nine years as a bass from nearby lakes such as Table tournament angler’s shop,” said Jim Rock, Bull Shoals and Lake of the Lovan, the store’s manager. “We are Ozarks. “As a result, we try to offer known for having stuff a lot of peo- that to those guys who aren’t afraid ple in the area don’t have. It is kind to invest in a little bit more money REGISTER of a niche we have kind of carved out to get things they know might work,” for ourselves.” Lovan said.

www.baitandtacklebiz.com | March/April 2020 19 FEATURE

has evolved into something mutually beneficial. I offer his stuff through- out the store to help him out, and it has turned into an opportunity for our customers, and whatever is good for them I try to offer. It has worked out well for us, the customers, and for McGilvry.” Lovan notes the store also gets some traffic from McGilvry when he posts on his Facebook page that his lures are available at Sports- man’s Factory Outlet. The store sells most of McGilvry’s custom-painted lures on a consign- ment basis and compensates him at the end of the month. “We make a little bit from his lures, but not nearly as much as we probably should,” Lovan said. The store and McGilvry have a contractual agreement stating he is the exclusive air brush painter for Sportsman’s, and his lures are stocked in a special display case in the shop. Lovan suggests custom-painted customers looking for that tourna- lures require certain qualities to attract ment-winning bait. “It is just an addi- buyers. “The colors have to be appeal- tional item we use for incremental ing,” he said, “and with Rob’s stuff, sales,” he said. “It is not something he is really known not only for that, we make a ton of money on.” He but the finish he provides is better believes offering custom-painted lures than any manufactured item we offer also drives sales for other products when customers looking for that spe- cially painted bait visit and look around the store. The tackle shop also offers cus- guys aren’t afraid to tomers the opportunity to buy lures for McGilvry to paint. “They will buy invest a little bit more baits and then they will leave them The store sits in the region where with us to give to him,” Lovan said. money to get things Serious anglers Table Rock Lake guide Tim Hughes “Then he picks them up, paints them started the air brush painting craze and brings them back.” will patronize stores with custom colors on suspending With this service the customer they know might work. offering custom- stickbaits. Hughes created the Table can order the paint scheme they want painted lures because Rock shad color (purple back with on their lures. “From a percentage they believe the unique chartreuse sides), which has become basis, we actually come out a little bit a standard color offered by many sus- better that way than we do just offer- in the store. It holds up very, very paint jobs on these pending stickbait manufacturers. ing custom-painted lures,” Lovan well.” The store manager also stated baits catch more fish. Lovan’s store sells Fallcreek Lures, said. “It’s just another way to bring the obvious: Custom-painted lures the custom-painted bass lures created people into the store.” have to catch fish. by Rob McGilvry of Republic, Mis- As a tournament competitor him- The best-selling custom-painted souri. “He does a lot of stuff for the self, Lovan found out about McGil- lures depend on the season. During touring pros around the county that vry’s reputation for lure painting. “He winter and early spring, suspended you don’t hear about,” Lovan said. was painting lures for me before we stickbaits in custom colors are the Lovan claims the custom-painted ever brought them in the store,” Lovan best sellers for the store. Lovan ranks lures are just another option for his said. “It started as a friendship and the Spro Rk Crawlers and Storm Lures

20 The work of air brush painters are being sold by tackle shops to increase traffic at the stores.

Wiggle Warts crankbaits as the store’s ular bait that works fine. So they can said. “A lot of times, I supply baits to top sellers most of the time. McGil- sit on the shelf for a while.” them and then we can work out some Hard baits such as vry earned his reputation as an air Offering custom-painted lures sort of trade or whatever the case these crankbaits are the brush master for his work on Wiggle also moves product for Schaap because might be.” Warts, so his best-selling colors at the the air brush painters typically buy Local painters allow Schaap to easiest to customize store are his crawfish patterns. the baits from his store that they plan stock his store with lures painted in with paint schemes to The store has also sold many of to paint. “They usually don’t have whatever colors are hot for a partic- mimic baitfish or for McGilvry’s custom-painted crawfish their own tackle account, so they can’t ular season. The store also receives specific water clarity. imitator, the Roman Craw. “We get buy direct from whomever,” Schaap numerous special orders, such as the calls from all over the Midwest from people wanting them,” Lovan said. Clear H2O Tackle Custom-painted crankbaits for wall- eyes are best sellers for this retail store in Edwardsburg, Michigan, accord- ing to Clear H2O Tackle Owner Dar- rin Schaap. The store also sells salmon and steelhead lures painted by local air brush painters, and Schaap orders lures from manufacturers in special color schemes such as pink crank- baits for Lake Erie anglers. “Custom-painted lures are good moneymakers when they are sell- ing,” Schaap said. “The bad part is when they aren’t selling; you have to charge more for them because you paid someone to paint them, and if that color scheme isn’t popular, you are trying to get $5 more than a reg-

www.baitandtacklebiz.com | March/April 2020 21 FEATURE

brokering the deal,” Schaap said. custom paint jobs. Firetiger, perch “If the customer is doing that, he is and flashy scale patterns are the most probably a pretty good customer, popular color schemes on the cus- and I’m going to do him a solid. I’ll tom-painted baits sold by the store. let the painter make the money, and “We think of the custom colors on maybe I’ll get a couple of painted our own and come up with the paint baits out of it.” schemes, then give them to the painter Schaap mainly orders his cus- who goes from there,” Stewart said. tom-colored lures from two air brush The price for each custom-painted painters — a woman in Wisconsin lure is determined by the painter and and a man in Ohio — and occasion- the store. Stewart said the painter ally sells some specially-painted baits charges the store for his work, then from customers who have started air the store places a markup on the lure brush painting. to sell it. Some of the lures are stocked He also sells some lures with spe- on the shelves in original packaging, cial paint jobs from two lure manu- or hung loosely throughout the facturers in Michigan. “A lot of times store if the original packaging is I try to have those be pre-orders,” unavailable. Schaap said. “I know which new lures Although Stewart suggests his air are getting launched, and there are brush painters’ unique lures are not only going to be a few exclusive cus- big moneymakers, he does think the tom colors from some manufactur- lures drive sales for the store by bring- ers, so then I will take the plunge.” ing customers in, which is always regular customer who ordered 15 cus- good for business. Some mass tom-painted lures for a walleye tour- Rollie & Helen’s Musky Shop nament he was fishing at Devil’s Lake Touted as the “World’s Largest Musky production lures have in North Dakota. Shop” on its website, this Wisconsin custom appeal thanks Customers who own scratched-up store offers custom-colored lures from to easier painting or discontinued lures, or some lures air brush painters to give their patrons Rollie & Helen’s methods and demand in the wrong color scheme can get a better customer service and access to Musky Shop has an new lure finish by bringing them to product not available at big box stores. from anglers for realistic edge over big box stores Schaap, who will send them to his Owner Jim Stewart rates Rapala patterns. painters for a fresh look. “I usually Super Shads, Grandmas and Jakes as by offering custom- charge a small commission just for the store’s best-selling crankbaits in painted muskie lures.

22

FEATURE

Leveraging TEAM SPIRIT and Tournament Connections

Story by: Mike Pehanich | Photos by: Association of Collegiate Anglers

Extend your customer base with club, team and tournament outreach.

24 Here’s how three tackle retailers are nurturing their links to the angling community by extending these organizational connections.

Those Kids Are Our Future Jerry Cox began selling bait to anglers in eastern Tennessee in 1974. He built that business steadily before setting up Jerry’s Bait Shop at his current location in Rockwood in 1992. Cox views his support of local Sponsoring anglers fishing teams an investment, one that is one way to get your pays dividends now and, even more importantly, for generations to come. store’s name in front “We do support our fishing team of potential customers. out of Kingston, Tennessee,” Cox said Having a discount table with pride. Members of that Roane at the tournament County High School bass team receive percentage discounts off of all tackle weigh-in with the purchases. lake’s hottest lures “We also give extra help to some also generates buzz kids with sponsorship and tackle among buyers. discounts as they travel to tournaments state to state,” Cox said. “We help cover travel expenses.” Jerry’s Bait Shop is the often center of tournament activity on nearby Watts Bar Lake. “We support local Wildcat tournaments and BFL events,” Cox said. “The Morristown Marine tournament (at Watts Bar) draws 300 boats, and the event sets up at our t’s the best of times. It’s the angling community can feel like store. We provide complimentary worst of times. family to fishermen. Businesses drinks, pizza and coffee for tournament I Yes, with a nod to Charles buoyed by such connections survive anglers and allow the organizations Dickens, independent tackle dealers the toughest times. to set up and sign up here. When are living their own Tale of Two Cities But how can you extend your amid today’s tumultuous retail “family?” Building loyalty one backdrop. customer at a time is growth at a Looming big box monoliths can tortoise pace in today’s business make them feel small. Unseen environment. However, expanding online rivals put pressure on pricing your customer base with service and and bedazzle customers with their sales to other fishing families such range of product. Both are powerful as fishing clubs, tournament forces siphoning sales you can’t organizations and high school and Tournament Connections afford to lose. college bass teams can build Still, retailers that walk to the awareness, loyalty and community rhythms of local fishermen have a links with ripple effects that reach distinct advantage over industry anglers beyond. Goliaths. What’s more, such organizations have mechanisms of communication The Human Connection that can help you spread the word Tackle shops rooted with intimate on sales, product availability and connection to home waters and the special offers.

www.baitandtacklebiz.com | March/April 2020 25 FEATURE

weather is bad, our shop gives them Club Clout (WABTA) clubs, local high school Tournament a dry warm place off the water.” Mike Smith’s father, Dick, established teams, ice fishing teams and others “Any Wildcat who comes in and not just a family business but a in our area,” said Mike Smith. organizations require says he is holding a tournament gets Wisconsin institution when he Smith has no formal requirements anglers to wear jerseys four $25 gift cards to use at a drawing founded Dick Smith’s Live Bait & for clubs and teams, and his guidelines during competitions, after the event,” said Cox’s wife, Tackle in Delafield. The grinning face are loose and flexible. “Basically, if increasing exposure Donna. “We stay in contact with all painted on the barn-like storefront they support us on social media and the tournament heads and follow sets a tone of friendliness and “come persevere in the fishing ranks, we’ll for sponsors and them on social media as well.” on in” welcome. work with them,” he said. supporters while Cox’s bait shop hosts some “We sponsor organizations like Dick Smith’s Live Bait & Tackle maintaining a uniform tournaments directly and helps with Walleyes for Tomorrow, Wisconsin sits within a short radius of varied appearance. high school tournaments in Dayton Alliance of Bass Tournament Anglers multi-species waters that includes and Kingston. It handles registration fees for the Watts Bar Open at the store during the week, and serves refreshments during that event. Anglers wear High school bass team members tournament jerseys at take frequent advantage of the 10 percent discount the shop offers them. registration and rules Cox enjoys the satisfaction of helping meetings to show young anglers succeed and has pride in their fishing confidence he is grooming customers team or club, as well for years, even generations, to come. “It helps the store, sure,” he said. as showcase their “But those kids are our future. We sponsors’ names have to stay on top of our game to and logos. compete with the big box stores. This is one way we do it.”

26 Lake Michigan and an abundance of get to ‘pay it forward,’ helping them fertile lakes and streams in with deep discounts on tackle. And southeastern Wisconsin. The clubs when they wear our logo, our name and teams the shop works with range brand gets around.” as widely as the shop’s product The Parkers sometimes support offerings, which span bass and walleye tournaments outside the Lake Fork tackle, panfish gear, Lake Michigan area. Anne cites sponsorship of a trout and salmon tackle and more. recent Indiana Slab Masters crappie Support reaches beyond angler tournament. clubs and teams, too. Smith is proud The Parkers have added a “club” of the store’s work with the Pewaukee dimension all their own as well, chapter of Walleyes for Tomorrow, a playing off the lure-pack membership project-oriented organization model. Their Hooked Up Fishing committed to boosting walleye representing the store. “Everyone monthly subscription lure program populations in waters with suitable wants to be a pro staff member, so it provides a kit of lures, hooks and habitat projects underway. The store’s can be frustrating.” other tackle for a monthly fee. Select support has assisted with Pewaukee The return to the store is difficult lures are drawn from the Lake Fork Lake walleye stocking efforts. to measure, but the tackle shop does Trophy Lures catalog along with lures “Pewaukee Lake’s walleye get broad exposure through cascading from some of their other vendor population has definitely expanded,” posts on social media. partners. Smith said. Smith has instituted a store club Straight discounts are the norm membership program to boost for club affiliates. Members of fishing customer loyalty, too. “A $10 clubs such as the Okauchee Fishing discount card gives members 10 Club and local Walleyes Unlimited percent off bait and tackle chapter get 10 percent off bait and purchases,” Smith said. tackle purchases. Smith also supports a pro staff that includes both local Paying It Forward sticks and pros of national renown At Lake Fork Trophy Bait & Tackle such as Eric Haataja. in Emory, Texas, Ronnie and Anne “We have to be selective with the Parker run not only their tackle shop guys we choose to work with,” said on the trophy bass fishery of the same Smith, who offers pro staff members name, but a tackle-making arm 15 percent off on tackle and 25 percent offering hard baits, terminal tackle, off on live bait along with some fishing line and soft-plastic lures as complimentary clothing and hats well. Both businesses benefit from the reach and good will of team affiliation. Lake Fork’s double-digit bass draw anglers from across America and around the world. The Parkers’ companies maintain comparable “Each month we send members outreach, sponsoring high school and a hardbait, three full packs of plastic college bass fishing teams across the lures and Hayabusa hooks matched country. Its college connection to those lures,” Anne said. “We make includes bass teams at Penn State, our own lures on site, so we can give Purdue, Virginia Tech, Baylor, members much better value with our Oklahoma State University and more. kits. Other monthly membership “We will sponsor any high school programs can’t make the margins or college team if members will wear that we can.” our logo,” Anne said. “Working with School team sponsorships deliver teams is a very good connection. The particular satisfaction. Anne people we support are our future. We references two teens who posted a

www.baitandtacklebiz.com | March/April 2020 27 FEATURE

How to Locate Bass Teams and Clubs • Bass Resource (www.bassresource.com) provides an extensive online club catalog, offering a mix of Bassmaster (B.A.S.S. Nation) club affiliates, FLW (The Bass Federation/ TBF) club affiliates, and independent bass club links.

• B.A.S.S. Nation — The Bassmaster website ( www. bassmaster.com) is a convenient resource for contacting the state presidents of the B.A.S.S. Nation clubs. Many victory in national competition using Lake states host Team Series tournaments, high school events Fork swimbaits behind bladed jigs. and even Jr. Bassmaster events for young anglers. “Working with the teams has been a very positive experience, one that’s been well worth The Bass Federation (TBF) — Learn about the Federation’s our effort,” she said. “Fishing is expensive. We • know that. If we can help, we will. And if we can events, state presidents, latest news and more at its site get high school and college guys to use our product, (www.bassfederation.com). chances are good they will continue to use our products after they are out of school.”

28 Bright colors help tournament jerseys stand out, just as they do for your company logo. It’s all about eye appeal and getting people to notice.

www.baitandtacklebiz.com | March/April 2020 29 FEATURE

BULLET WEIGHTS Celebrates 50th Anniversary

Story by: Dave Maas | Photos by: Dave Maas and Bullet Weights

A simple but unique idea became the building block of one of the largest and most innovative sinker manufacturing companies in North America.

30 oug Crumrine says Bul- Prior to Bullet Weights, anglers material into the machine. Fifty let Weights is “like the used a bass casting sinker — they pounds of weld held everything Left to right: Doug, D American dream,” a busi- cut the brass eyelet out to create a together — Larry’s original machine ness that started in a garage and is sliding sinker. But it was not an ideal still works! Larry and Joe Crumrine now worldwide. The company is cel- shape for bass fishing because it didn’t Still working full time at Hor- standing beside Larry’s ebrating its 50th anniversary this slide easily through thick weeds. nady, Larry built bass sinkers at night original machine for year, and to learn more about Bullet Working at Hornady Ammuni- and on weekends for sale in local stamping sinkers. Weights and its rise to prominence tion in Grand Island, Nebraska, bait and tackle shops. He also pro- in the angling community, we must during the late 1960s, Larry under- moted the new sinker vigorously start at the beginning. stood the aerodynamics of a bullet. through local and regional fishing BULLET WEIGHTS Half a century ago, Burden Sur- Because a pointed bullet passed tournaments. Called Bullet Weights plus Center in Lincoln, Nebraska, through the air so well, he predicted for obvious reasons, his sinker caught brought in fishing pros and guides a sinker with a similar shape would on quickly with diehard bass anglers. Celebrates 50th Anniversary such as Roland Martin for semi- pass through heavy cover cleanly. Larry hired a rep group in the early nars. The experts taught anglers Using a Hornady bullet as a sample, 1970s. Prior to that, his company how to catch bass using plastic he started building sliding sinkers relied on independent salesmen. worms and other artificial lures. shaped like bullets. Larry’s unique sinker design This was a time when the sport was eventually captured the attention of gaining in popularity, and many Humble Beginnings large fishing tackle distributors, and new bass-related products were being Larry built the original machine to as a result Bullet Weights gained a introduced. Doug’s father, Larry, stamp sinkers. He constructed it following from coast to coast. The an avid fisherman, often went to from items he could scavenge from first offerings from Bullet Weights these seminars to become a better local junkyards. The components consisted of sliding sinkers weigh- angler. As he sat in the crowd and included a 6-cylinder Chevy block ing 1/4 ounce and 1/2 ounce. Larry’s listened, the elder Crumrine was in order to use the cam system, and original designs featured a flat base; inspired to create a better sinker. rollers off a washing machine to pull today they’re concave. Constant evo-

www.baitandtacklebiz.com | March/April 2020 31 FEATURE

“I never thought competition was an obstacle,” Doug said. “In my opinion and that of my dad’s, our product was different, but others didn’t necessarily agree with us. They said, ‘All sinkers sink; what’s your price?’ I looked for ways to talk about how our product was differ- ent and better. It’s a tool and not a commodity to help catch fish.” This message still resonates today. Sustained Growth Under Larry and Doug’s leadership, the small company grew at a rapid pace, and Bullet Weights products were soon distributed both nation- ally and internationally. Doug was named president of Bullet Weights in 1985, and Larry was Chairman of the Board. Doug eventually bought the company from his father in 1998. In addition to offering lead, Bullet Weights demonstrated its innovation as a company by add- lution and improvement of prod- Alda, Nebraska, in 1973. ing Ultra Steel and Ultra Tin prod- Bass anglers across ucts at Bullet Weights has been a Larry’s wife, Lois, was the book- ucts to its line in 1995. These key factor in its steady and con- keeper, but also ran the machines products were offered to anglers as North America depend tinued growth. and processed orders. Both Larry an alternative to lead, but more on Bullet Weights In 1972, Bullet Weights received and Lois worked double-time for importantly as a line of sinkers that sinkers to help them a letter from Johnny Morris (founder a decade to sustain the company. had their own unique fishing per- catch more fish. of Bass Pro Shops), who was selling They had a few other employees, formance advantages. Some Ultra fishing products from his father’s but not many. There was always Steel products were also offered liquor store at the time. Morris had something to do in the evening to with patented PermaScent and Per- heard about the new sinkers and ensure production was ready for maColor features. wanted to sell them. the next day. Family and friends During the same year, Larry helped along the way, too. wrote a letter to fishing editor Homer Doug said, “We were very blessed Circle at Outdoor Life introducing with a lot of help. No one was trained his product. Bullet Weights also to do the jobs they ended up with, placed ads in fishing publications to and we didn’t know something promote its sinkers. couldn’t be done, so we tried it.” Doug started helping his father During the early stages of his at Bullet Weights while still in high company, Larry needed pounds of school. He worked part-time oper- lead, not tons, and he couldn’t afford ating machinery, fulfilling orders the material at market prices. Thank- and overseeing shipment of product fully, Joyce Hornady, founder of while production was still in the fam- Hornady Ammunition, sold Larry ily’s garage in Grand Island. With lead wire for his sinkers at a reduced business picking up and new prod- price. Having affordable and acces- ucts being developed and produced, sible material was instrumental in Larry moved Bullet Weights manu- helping Bullet Weights become com- facturing to an old bank building in petitive and successful.

32 to expand the product line. We continue to see lots of opportuni- Today, Bullet Weights is ties, especially with non-lead weights such as tungsten.” one of the largest sinker True To Its Roots manufacturers in the Looking back at a half century at Bullet Weights, the following three world and is reported to steps were keys to success for three generations of Crumrines: have the largest selection • Larry’s vision and mechanics of building a product that’s of fishing sinker products different. • Doug’s differentiation of prod- in the marketplace. uct via marketing and promotion. • Joe’s use of modern technol- ogy to make Bullet Weights a bet- ter and more efficient company in The rapid growth of new and old terms of customer service, etc. product lines led to the expansion Through 50 years of business, of a Bullet Weights manufacturing Bullet Weights has made customer From tiny drop and distribution facility in nearby service its top priority. “Our policy Loup City, Nebraska, in 1999. The is if a customer has a concern, there’s shot weights (above) headquarters remained in Alda and no negotiation,” Doug said. “We what we’ve been doing, and stay on to heavy sinkers for cat total employment of the company take care of it and sort it out later.” the path made by my grandfather fishing, Bullet Weights reached nearly 100. “As we celebrate our 50th anni- and father. Along the way, we will makes products to Bullet Weights became a versary, I feel very fortunate that always listen to our customers as third-generation company in 2004 Bullet Weights continues to grow,” well as pro anglers who bring ideas help anglers make the when Doug’s son (Larry’s grand- Joe said. “My job is to keep us on for new products or product most of their time son), Joe, was named president. Joe track for the future, to continue improvements.” on the water. started part-time employment with Bullet Weights in 1994 and eventu- ally was named director of market- ing after becoming a full-time employee in 1998. Today, Bullet Weights is one of the largest sinker manufacturers in the world and is reported to have the largest selection of fishing sinker products in the marketplace. Its products are distributed worldwide by major outdoor retailers, marine dealers, sporting goods stores and department stores. “Since Bullet Weights started 50 years ago, we have added new items every year,” said Bullet Weights President Joe Crumrine. “The purpose of each product remains the same: to help anglers catch fish. Even though we offer more than 3,000 different sinker types, sizes, shapes and colors, we are still looking for opportunities

www.baitandtacklebiz.com | March/April 2020 33 FEATURE LIGHTS, CAMERA... PROFITS?

Story by: Keith Jackson Photos by: Aqua-Vu, Garmin, GoPro, Latimer, Raymarine, Spydro

Inline cameras are designed to show the action of the lure and the fish’s response to it.

34 LIGHTS, CAMERA...

PROFITS? Can Cameras heck any of the social Videos also play a part in semi- Add to media sites and you’ll see nars at sports shows as well as talks Aqua-Vu’s C pictures, videos and proof to clubs or groups, wherever fisher- underwater that everyone is now showing off men gather to find out what’s hot. Your what they’re doing — sometimes Showing a video may seem a little camera system more than they should — and we’re like movie time in a high school is slowly making not just talking politicians looking health class, but it’s a great way to headway into the for their next date. script a presentation of necessary Bottom southern largemouth Perhaps fishermen are more guilty points in an orderly and logical than many as the trend in bass fish- manner. bass market. Line? ing circles is to record and stream As a result, cameras are playing or broadcast tournament action. a bigger part in the lives of many With the Bassmaster and Bass Pro fishermen. Tour circuits moving more into online video and live coverage, the average Should You Sell Cameras? angler’s urge to chronicle a trip is What does this mean for the retailer? understandable. Are cameras a stable category that That’s aided by the ease of post- will justify shelf space and staff ing videos on YouTube and other training? online channels. This can lead to the The camera category is broad; people who post becoming social there’s everything from point-of- media celebrities, another entice- view or action cameras that can ment for some to take up the cam- record what happens onboard (or in era. Eventually, if the videos gain a the water for wading fishermen) to wide enough audience, they may cameras that show you what species attract sponsors and even advertis- of fish is holding on the rock pile ers. One only has to look at sites like beneath the boat. There are also cam- Manitowoc Minute to see how online eras you can attach to your line that celebrity can turn into a career. will show fish attacking your lure,

www.baitandtacklebiz.com | March/April 2020 35 FEATURE

shops catering to those who kayak, bicycle, run, skateboard, ski and pursue what is now called “adven- ture sports.” That leaves room for tackle With the increase in shops. There also is a market for streaming video in bass accessories. “We don’t handle cameras at all,” fishing tournament said Jim Lovan, who runs the fac- coverage, more and more tory store for Lew’s Sportsman’s Fac- anglers are investing in tory Outlet in Springfield, Missouri. cameras for daily use. “I don’t want to be in direct compe- tition with retailers who carry Lew’s products. But I do special orders for folks who want accessories that they can’t find locally or online.” A selling point is not every action camera is GoPro. Numerous cam- eras can record video. Hunters’ game or trail cameras, a very popular cat- egory, can be used in some fishing situations. Marine cameras — not so much for action videography but for security and safety — are offered by companies like Raymarine and Garmin. Garmin also has an action camera that isn’t promoted heavily. Going Under? But that’s not all. Underwater cam- eras are popular. There are two basic versions. One is designed to fit on the fisherman’s line, recording the action of the bait or lure. The other is used to transmit what the camera sees as its lowered into the water. The latter is well established, especially and night vision cameras that in northern regions where ice fish- provide a safety heads-up for night- ing is popular. The inline version, Aqua-Vu’s time boating. however, seems to be struggling. underwater camera Trying to cover the all the bases Jeff Kemp, buyer for Reeds Sport- system is useful for can be confusing, but it all depends ing Goods in Walker, Minnesota, fishermen looking to upon your market. believes most fishermen are likely to The gold standard for most cam- shy away from the idea of clipping identify the fish on eras used to take video of fishing an expensive piece of equipment to their sonar screen. action is the GoPro. Because of their a line that can break during the fight popularity, GoPros are readily avail- or be cut on an obstruction or by a able at many mass merchants and fish. “That just seems cost prohibi- online retailers. But there still is a tive,” he said. case for stocking the cameras. Check Kemp makes a strong point. the company’s website and you’ll see While this type of camera does offer the variety of vendors that sell them. unique video, the chance of losing There aren’t many that carry fishing one is very real as proven by videos tackle; most vendors are specialty showing pike hitting the camera.

36 There are ways around that, of course, Schmidt noted there are no chal- Defoe has an Aqua-Vu HD7i unit but they may not be practical for lenges in the ice markets, though. mounted on the bow of his bass boat, most fishermen. For ice fishermen, cameras show and uses it in three ways. First, he’ll Aqua-Vu makes underwater video what is exactly below the hole and drop the camera to check specific cameras and has been doing so for let the fisherman see his bait, the spots to identify the species of fish 22 years. These come in both self-con- fish, and how the fish reacts to the he sees on his sonar. Second, he tained units and “open-water” ver- way the bait or lure is moved. It is a attaches the camera to a pole and sions that run off the boat’s power no-brainer and better than televi- checks specific structure, looking at and can link to sonar units having sion for entertainment. the water under docks, for instance. The most popular video feeds. Kemp says most of his shop’s Third, Defoe uses an Aqua-Vu to action camera is the “There are challenges in getting sales are for cameras used during look at a general area by slowly troll- camera units into tackle retailers, winter. “While there seems to be ing (up to 2 mph, according to Defoe) GoPro. With most certainly,” said Cory Schmidt, who more people interested in using these to look for fish or specific areas he independent GoPro handles PR and marketing for cameras (Aqua-Vu and Marcum will return to fish. dealers targeting Aqua-Vu. units) during the open-water peri- “action-adventure” ods, the most popular use in by ice C’mon, Use the Demo Loop fishermen. If you want to sell more product, sports like dirt bikes “Fishing during winter is when using video is one great way to cap- or surfing, there is the water is at its clearest, and the ture a shopper’s attention. Whether opportunity for tackle cameras are growing in popularity it’s a bowhunter drawing on a buck, shops to fill the void. for ice fishing.” Kemp adds that usu- a bass angler hauling in a Gunters- ally the camera will be used in con- ville lunker or an ice fisherman Camera accessories junction with sonar. “But some people watching his camera screen, custom- — especially those are now using the cameras instead ers will stop to watch. oriented toward of sonar because they do such a good Setting up a special area or end boating or personal use job of showing not only fish, but also cap can be a stopping point to kick- the species of fish and the fish’s reac- start a sale. But that’s only if you take — offer an opportunity tion to the lure or bait.” advantage of the video. for retailers. “It is a challenge getting into the “One challenge we have is to get South and bass markets,” Schmidt store employees to turn on display said. “But we had a big hit when we units so that they can run the demo brought professional angler Ott Defoe loop,” Schmidt said. “The demo loop, to a meeting with Bass Pro Shops showing how the Aqua-Vu units work where he explained how he uses the and what they see, is a big home run,” Aqua-Vu for his fishing.” he added. Once anglers see the

www.baitandtacklebiz.com | March/April 2020 37 FEATURE

sion cameras available online. Siren Camera is bringing out a water- proof camera that attaches to the fishing line and will slide down to record the fish’s fight. Spyderco launched late last year. TactaCam, well established with the hunting and action sports community, makes a line of outdoor game cam- eras that could be adapted to use in a boat. Raymarine, in league with par- ent company Flir, has a host of cam- eras that include night-vision thermal cameras that link with com- puters to give boaters the ability to see landmarks and floating hazards in low-light situations. There are hand-held cameras that as well as fixed-mount cameras targeting the large-vessel markets. In fact, Amazon has a large number of cameras that are designed for fishing use, which is an indication of the category’s Raymarine offers a popularity. And that popularity comprehensive line of may turn out to be a profit center marine cameras. for tackle retailers.

Bass pro Brian Latimer Raymarine offers has been pursuing a career in bass night-vision cameras fishing for the past three years, and that increase boaters’ his YouTube channel has helped him ability to see hazards gain exposure, fans and sponsors. demonstration video, it’s a much rent stock is sold. Waterwolf cam- while underway. Of course, it helps that he won easier possibility to make a sale. eras, once distributed by Savage the 2019 FLW Tour Lake Seminole Marcum also has a line of under- Gear—which also was but is no tournament. Also, he and partner water cameras targeting the ice longer distributed by Okuma in market. Rapala has been distrib- the U.S.—apparently is online only Mark Daniels Jr. won the team gold uting the systems, but the collab- or through Amazon. medal in the 2019 Pan American Bass oration recently ended, according Fishing Championship on the Saint to Dan Quinn, field promotions What About Others? Lawrence River in Ontario, Canada, manager for Rapala. GoFish Cam is an in-line camera last autumn. Both wins received wide In fact, with the exception of that can be attached to the line and social media exposure. Aqua-Vu and GoPro, camera sys- is rated for depths to 500 feet. It As of early November 2019, tems for fishermen seem to be as records video and can live stream Latimer had posted nearly 400 vid- fluid as the water in which they to a mobile device once the cam- eos on YouTube and had more than fish. Marcum and Rapala split. ION era is on the surface. There also is 76,000 subscribers watching. That is no longer in business, according an app that lets the owner share equates to a lot of exposure for his to reports from former pro staff. content. But again, it’s available sponsors. And he did it all with his And Garmin, while not quitting through Amazon. the camera business, currently will There are startups, too. SiOnyx iPhone. only be offering support once cur- has its Aurora color-and-night-vi-

38 Sign-up for our E-Newsletter!

The new Spydro line of inline cameras are designed to mount Get great content delivered on a fisherman’s line and record the action of the lure and the directly to your inbox! fish that strike.

Many of the online videos by casual viewing lake maps and letting their anglers, and pros, are done with smart buddies and co-workers know about phones because of their ease of use that fish they just caught. and ability to download video content But your potential sales come with directly from the phone. (Latimer edits accessories for their phones: mounts, his videos.) clamps, selfie sticks and other items www.baitandtacklebiz.com/newsletter This undoubtedly limits potential that can help iPhone users take better camera sales, as many fishermen images and videos including some that already have smartphones, and use might mention your store. Don’t over- them for other things besides calling look this possibility. home — such as weather monitoring,

www.baitandtacklebiz.com | March/April 2020 39 GEARROUNDUP

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Learn about 1 | Moccasin Lures 2 | Mepps 3 | Jenko Fishing the latest BedHead Comet Combo Trapline Ripknocker Moccasin Lures BedHead’s standup The Mepps Comet Combo combines A long-time hip pocket secret of fishing tackle style head and rattle make it an the legendary Mepps in-line spin- grass flats fishermen in the Deep and gear your excellent choice for probing fish ner with the original Mister Twister South, the line-through method of customers beds during the spawn, when tack- Curly Tail Grub — perfect for hook- rigging a traditional trap serves ling dirty water, or anytime anglers ing up with everything from trophy two purposes. First, it helps the will be ask- need to draw more attention to largemouth bass and northern pike bait travel quickly through cover. ing about this their shaky-head presentation. The to panfish and crappies. The Comet Second, it keeps a fighting fish from year to have a BedHead is versatile and can be Combo’s blades spin close to the using the weight of the bait as lever- used with a multitude of plastics body, which allows the spinner to age to throw the hook. And that’s successful day from worms, to lizards, to craws easily work the shallow- to mid- why anglers will experience better on the water. and creatures. Other features depth areas on top of those tight hookup-to-catch ratios and unbeat- include a pivoting screw lock for spots above weeds and cover. The able ripping action through grass Anglers are always easier rigging, a Mustad 5/0 flat Curly Tail Grub is rigged on a Mis- and vegetation with the Trapline looking for an edge to help eye hook and durable paint finish. ter Twister Keeper Hook, so it’s Ripknocker from Jenko. It comes them find and catch more BedHeads are available in Green weedless when pitched into the packaged with one bait and a sticky 1 fish. Whether it’s for the Pumpkin and Black, in sizes ⁄4- pads and walked over logs, rocks sharp VMC treble hook on a split 3 boat or bank, or to help ounce and ⁄8-ounce. or any other submerged cover. ring in a wide assortment of them get more bites, hav- Available in two great bass-spe- colors. ing the hottest products MSRP: $5.79/two pack cific sizes. in stock is the best way to www.moccasinlures.com MSRP: $7.99 fuel your customers’ pas- MSRP: $7.10/No. 3; www.jenkofishing.com sion. Here are some of the $7.75/ No. 4 newest items that you www.mepps.com should consider.

By: Gordy Krahn GEAR ROUNDUP

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4 | American Tackle 5 | Thundermist Lure 6 | Z-Man 7 | Yakima Bait 8 | Advantage Company Company Chatterbait Freedom Pro Series Rooster Tail Jaw Breaker Bladed Jig Bushido Fluorocarbon Flexi-Jig CFL Yakima Bait has added attractive The Jaw Breaker Bladed Jig from Line The Flexi-Jig is the newest mem- Merging the patented Z-Man bladed tinsel and mylar to the original Advantage Bait Company features American Tackle’s Bushido 100 ber of Thundermist Lure Compa- jig and Freedom Tackle inter - hackle dressing Rooster Tail along a drop arm blade that knocks on percent pure Japanese fluorocar- ny’s “Perfect Series” line of tackle, changeable, swinging hook designs, with the addition of a pre-sharp- the jig head and vibrates hard as it bon line is the answer for anglers and its innovative design has taken the Chatterbait Freedom football ened treble hook and heavy-duty moves through the water, while who frequently fish in clear water. the common jig to a new level. Upon head bladed jig opens a world of split ring in its new Joe Thomas Pro emitting a holographic flash of light It’s a true flexible fluorocarbon line setting the hook, the jig head is able opportunity for anglers. Molded Signature Series Rooster Tail. The in all directions. The Jaw Breaker that casts effortlessly, has supe- to pivot up to 90 degrees, bringing from zinc for enhanced durability addition of the split ring enables is fitted with a 100 percent Silicone rior breaking strength, is abrasion the hook shank and fishing line and a unique sound profile, this anglers to land more hooked fish, 90 strand hubbed skirt that flairs resistant and virtually disappears in-line with each other. The result vibrating jig stays down even on especially large bass, because it and pulsates and comes equipped in all tints of water. It features thin is a solid, direct hook-set. When the fastest retrieves and makes provides a hinge point that helps with a No. 5 black nickel Mustad diameters that provide the perfect the Flexi-Jig is removed from the maximum bottom contact on slow prevent fish from throwing the lure. ultra-point hook. It will swim at a rigidity for both spinning and bait fish, the hook springs back into its dragging retrieves. Its foot - The Rooster Tail also casts farther very slow retrieve without stalling casting applications. And because normal position. The Flexi-Jig comes ball-shaped head provides maxi- than other lures of similar weight or burn through the grass for a the thin line increases sensitivity, with a wide-gap black nickel hook mum head-to-blade contact on the due to its compact profile — and reactionary strike. This is a great it improves the angler’s reaction and is available in a variety of col- retrieve and improved snag resis- longer casts means anglers can addition to the tackle box of anglers time to strikes. ors and sizes. Additionally, the Flexi- tance on rocky bottoms. The CFL cover more water and catch more looking for a bladed jig that is built Jig features a stainless steel wire is armed with a heavy-duty VMC fish. The Signature Series Rooster solid, runs true, vibrates hard with 1 3 MSRP: Starts at $21.99/ coil on the hook shank, to accom- flipping hook, custom trailer keeper Tail is offered in ⁄2- and ⁄4-ounce a distinct sound and attracts fish 6-pound, 110 yards modate and secure soft plastic or and spider cut skirt for enhanced sizes in 12 finishes. from greater distances. www.americantackle.us natural baits. fish-catching capability. MSRP: $4.99-$5.99 MSRP: $10.99 MSRP: $5.99 MSRP $9.99 www.yakimabait.com www.advantagebait.com www.thundermistlures.com www.zmanfishing.com

www.baitandtacklebiz.com | March/April 2020 41 GEARROUNDUP

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9 | Okuma 10 | ACME Tackle 11 | Abu Garcia 12 | Quantum 13 | Zebco Serrano Bass Rod Google Eye Swing Veracity Rods with 3M Smoke S3 PT Reel Roam Spinning Combo The Serrano bass rod was designed Football Jig Powerlux Technology While most of the fishing industry Anglers can take their adventures with the competitive angler in mind, The Google Eye Swing Football Jig Abu Garcia has unleashed its next focuses on smaller reels with tiny off the beaten path with the new built on a responsive and durable from ACME Tackle creates a deadly generation of high-performance spools, Quantum engineered a Roam spincast rod/reel combo 24-ton carbon blank and featuring combination of matching the hatch rods, the Veracity series. Complete larger 35.5mm spool and designed from Zebco. Featuring a variety of Okuma’s UFR-Ultimate Flex Rein- with sight and sound to trigger with premium carbon blanks fea- it to fit a very compact frame to bold color options, the Roam comes forcement tip technology. This pro- predatory strikes. Its Shockwave turing proprietary 3M Powerlux provide anglers plenty of line with an aluminum spool and a left/ cess blends unidirectional fiber Rattle System was designed to 300 resin, the new series of capacity, longer casts and more right interchangeable retrieve for over 24-ton carbon in the extended attract fish and trigger an aggres- eye-catching rods combines an inches of line pick-up with every a lightweight customizable design tip section of the rod to increase sive bite. Cast it, jig it, twitch it, rip ultra-light feel with the toughness turn of the handle. However, spool that’s versatile for all types of fish lifting strength and power by as it, or use a slow steady retrieve anglers want in a rod — on average size becomes somewhat irrelevant and well-suited for a variety of skill much as 400 percent without sac- along the bottom to match the mood 30 percent stronger than Veracity without a top-notch braking sys- levels. Three internal bearings lead rificing sensitivity so anglers can of the fish. The life-like rattling jig rods constructed without 3M Pow- tem, so Quantum developed a new to smoother, longer casts and feel even the lightest bites. Ser- head features a glass eye to reflect erlux resin — without sacrificing ACS 4.0 cast control that is lighter retrieves that result in catching rano rods feature Fuji K-Concept light and add an additional visual overall balance and sensitivity. and minimizes the amount of energy more fish in tangle-free fashion. guide frames to help reduce wind dimension and realism to the jig. Constructed of 40-ton carbon fibers it takes to get the spool spinning The reel features soft touch han- knots, Fuji FAZ-Light guide inserts Specially selected color patterns with Cork and EVA grip options and on a cast, along with additional dle knobs and thumb button and is for premium performance and com- grab the fish’s attention — and that its proprietary custom Fuji soft brakes that disengage around 5,000 pre-spooled with Zebco Cajun patibility with braided lines and a means more fish topside. touch reel seat makes for improved RPMs to maximize distance. The 10-pound line. The reel is matched Winn Grip and EVA rear split grip comfort. The 3M Powerlux 300 result is Quantum Fishing’s Smoke to a 6-foot medium-power fiber- handle designed for all-day cast- MSRP: $6.99 resin system evenly distributes SC PT — a reel for all occasions. glass rod featuring a tactile grip ing comfort. www.acmetackle.com nanoparticles between each car- technology for a firmer feel with bon fiber to enhance the rod’s per- MSRP: $179.95 each retrieve. MSRP: $119.99 formance and strength. www.quantumfishing.com www.okumafishingusa.com MSRP: $39.99 MSRP: $199.95 to $249.95 www.zebco.com www.abugarcia.com

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14 | 13 Fishing 15 | 13 Fishing 16 | BassReaper 17 | Zee Bait Co. 18 | Big Bite Baits Fate Black Casting Rod Inception Sport Z I-Sickle Bamboo Bomber Tour Swim Worm The Fate Black casting rod by 13 Casting Reel The BassReaper I-Sickle is designed Zee Bait’s Bamboo Bomber is made Big Bite Baits’ Tour Swim Worm — 1 1 Fishing is built with a keen sense The 13 Fishing Inception Sport Z for the finest in finesse fishing. At from a salt-free blend of phthal- available in 5 /2- and 7 ⁄2-inch ver- for even the most subtle strikes. casting reel is exceptionally dura- 5.7 inches in length, this refined- ate-free plastic that’s more than sions — is designed to swim Its Japanese 30-ton HTC 3 low resin ble and build to go the distance, style worm triggers the predatory two to three times more durable effortlessly through shallow grass blank construction provides with built-in technology such as strike instincts of all game fish. The than average industry baits, and when Texas-rigged. It features a hook-penetrating power with the second generation Japanese Hamai I-Sickle has two channels carved its long-lasting “Bass Syrup” cof- ringed body with a solid core to utmost sensitivity and its matte cut gearing and CZB spool-bearing along its diamond-shaped tail sec- fee-and-garlic scent attracts fish. allow for easy placement of any Evolve seamless reel seat and cus- which promotes exceptionally tion for added buoyancy, which The 5-inch Bambo Bomber is hook size. The worm can be fished tom-wrapped tangle-free guides smooth, extended casting. Its allows the bait to wiggle erratically designed to get through thick cover as a traditional paddle tail worm or with zirconium inserts relay every Arrowhead line guide increases while shaken in place. Though drop- where many traditional craw- or the tail can be broken apart on the minuscule vibration directly to the the fluidity of line release, while a shot was the technique in mind beaver-style baits get stuck or drag perforation to create a high-speed angler’s hand. Covered in a bold micro click cast control gives during the concept stage, this bait grass back to the boat but can be swimming action when retrieved radioactive green coloring, the Fate anglers the ability to make fine has done extremely well on a shaky used with a variety of different at any speed. The Tour Swim Worm Black casting rod comes complete adjustments and accommodate a head and Texas rig. Designed to techniques. It features a multi- is available in 12 Big Bite Bait with AAA Portuguese cork handles wide range of bait sizes and float, the I-Sickle doesn’t disap- jointed body for easy lure modifi- fish-catching colors. for smooth performance. Enjoy an weights. The 13 Fishing Inception point when anglers need a bite. cation as well as multiple 1 advanced blend of power and sen- Sport Z casting reel has a six-way Available in 14 colors. appendages that produce alluring MSRP: $3.99/5 ⁄2-inch eight- 1 sitivity without a hefty price tag in centrifugal braking system and a actions during the retrieve. Use pack, 7 ⁄2-inch six-pack the Fate Black casting rod. Backed beetle wing rapid access system MSRP $4.99/10-pack with Texas rig, shaky head or drop www.bigbitebaits.com by a one-year warranty. that allows anglers to adjust brakes www.bassreaperbaitco.com shot presentations for great results. on the fly. MSRP: $99.99 MSRP: $6.99/seven count www.13fishing.com MSRP: $150.00 www.zeebaitco.com www.13fishing.com

www.baitandtacklebiz.com | March/April 2020 43 GEARROUNDUP

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19 | Sunline 20 | Denali 21 | Arbogast 22 | Abu Garcia 23 | Berkley Dostrike FC AC723F Attax Hula Popper 2.0 Revo EXD Frittside Crankbait Sunline Dostrike FC is a 100 per- Mississippi River Rod You just can’t kill a classic. The Long casts can put a bait that much The Berkley Frittside crankbait cent fluorocarbon line that has all Anglers looking for a rod to start iconic Arbogast lure comes with farther from the fish-spooking boat, features the same proven action of the characteristics of other Sun- their Denali Attax Mississippi River whole new attitude in the Hula Pop- get a lure to run a bit deeper or give that won David Fritts the Bassmas- line FC line choices — higher abra- collection off need look no further per 2.0. Based on the classic shape a bait more time in the strike zone. ter Classic. Delivering balsa actions sion resistance, lower stretch than the AC723F. Unlike many parts of the original 1948 model, the Hula The new Abu Garcia Revo EXD reel with the durability and casting per- factor and greater sensitivity — of the country that require a heavy Popper 2.0 leads the fleet of Arbo- delivers these benefits in spades. formance of a plastic bait, the Fritt- but is designed specifically for use swim jig with a big hook, lighter gast baits into the future, with all Designed to provide anglers with side is a key bait for tough conditions with vibrating jigs. Sunline vibrat- swim jigs with a grub or swimbait new colors, hooks and feathers. maximum casting capabilities with when fish are sluggish or heavily ing jig specialist Brett Hite was trailer are best for fishing the open Like the popular G760 model, the any bait in their arsenal, the Abu pressured. Its classic flat side pro- instrumental in working with Sun- water, sand bars and eel grass on body is 2 inches long and weighs Garcia Revo EXD baitcasting reel file mimics a variety of prey spe- line to get the characteristics of the Mississippi River. This new swim 3/8-ounce, but the rubber skirt has delivers excellent casting distance. cies and creates the most flash of this line just right. Dostrike FC is jig rod was designed to produce been swapped out for a visually It has 11 high-performance bear- any Berkley crankbait. A balanced made to give vibrating jig fisher- long, accurate casts with light swim stunning rear-treble feather hook, ings, including two custom EXD weight design makes for improved men the perfect balance of stretch jigs while having the backbone to accentuating the Hula Popper’s bearings on the spool shaft, along tracking accuracy at higher speeds and strength to ensure maximum quickly set the hook on big small- movement on the water’s surface, with an extremely lightweight and the Frittside is designed to cast hooking ratio. It is made with mouth or largemouth bass. The creating a tail-like appearance. All machined EXD finesse spool that well, even with bait casting setups. repeating color sections of 12 AC723F is one of Denali’s best kept treble hooks have been upgraded provides low start up inertia, mak- It comes in 18 colors across three inches of green followed by 10-inch secrets — a versatile rod that can to ensure solid penetration, and ing it easier to cast lighter-weight sizes and has sticking power thanks sections of smoke coloring. be used with a variety of presen- newly added split rings allow for baits. to sharp Fusion19 hooks. Dostrike FC is available in 14-, 16-, tations and lures. full range of motion to improve 18- and 20-pound line size in 165- hook-up ratios. MSRP: $299.95 MSRP: $8.99 yard spools. MSRP: $119.99 www.abugarcia.com www.berkley-fishing.com www.denalirods.com MSRP: $7.99 MSRP: $33.99-$35.99 (800) 531-1201 www.sunlineamerica.com

44 25 28 | 1 Last Cast Lures Fast Blade Change 28 Bend Spinnerbaits 1 Last Cast Lures has announced the launch of its line of Spinnerbaits manufactured with an old-style “Fast Blade Change Bend” that has proven to be indestructible in regard to bass knocking the spinner blade off the bait. 1 Last Cast Lures says the indestructible Fast Blade Change Bend will enable anglers to change up their blade quickly when on the water — from a fast retrieval to a slow retrieval in seconds. I Last Cast Lures designs its products to have the most action in the water by siz- ing materials to the right weight and size head or hook, using top-quality materials in bright colors. 27 29 26 MSRP: $5.99/single blade; $6.99/double blade www.1lastcastlures.com

24 | Al’s Goldfish Lure 25 | Freedom Lures 26 | Felmlee Lures 27 | Bass Assassin 29 | Duckett Fishing Company Blade Bait Bass Starter Kit Lures SRi 2500 Spinning Reel Helgy Spoon Freedom Lure’s versatile Blade Bait Together for the first time in one Skunk Ape Creature Bait Built on a one-piece forged alumi- The Al’s Goldfish Helgy is a spoon is a three-in-one lure that can be convenient package, Felmlee Lures Created by soft plastic fishing lure num frame, the SRi 2500 spinning shaped like a hellgrammite, the used to catch more fish through all is offering the perfect combination pioneer Bass Assassin Lures, the reel from Duckett Fishing features aquatic larvae of the dobsonfly. four seasons. It features multiple of its top three bass catchers. The Skunk Ape is a next-level creature a carbon fiber rotor for weight When retrieved, the spoon’s odd ways to rig the hooks to match a Bass Starter Kit features pre-rigged bait designed to catch bigger fish, reduction, smoother retrieve and shape makes it flutter erratically, variety of presentations. The most lures including a 2-inch Stone Catty, faster. Its rigid construction and added durability. It has 10 preci - catching the attention of small- unique feature is the ability to rig 2-inch Minnow and Large Frog with vertical appendages create exten- sion anti-corrosion stainless steel mouth and largemouth bass, as the double hook on the top of the guard hooks to keep anglers out sive action in the water with a tail ball bearings and a proprietary well as other predatory freshwa- lure head and lock it into place on of the weeds and S3 Species Spe- that can be either left intact or split one-way clutch with instantaneous ter fish species such as trout, the custom design hook notch. cific Scents to attract bass and down the middle. Pitch it, flip it, put reaction mechanism. The SRi 2500’s salmon, walleye and panfish. The trigger more strikes. These it on the back of a bass jig, fish it in sealed carbon fiber drag system Helgy weighs -ounce, measures 1 MSRP: $9.99 ultra-realistic lures drift with the pads or grass — this versatile lure provides stable drag force and long inches long and performs well when www.freedomlures.com current using just enough weight will do it all. The Skunk Ape is avail- life and a high-quality line roller for cast, trolled or jigged. Made in the so they roll along the bottom. Bass able in 28 colors, ranging from solid added castability and retrieve. It USA. simply can’t seem to resist them. classics such as Junebug, Green has a carbon fiber drag knob for Pumpkin and Electric Blue to must- easy operation and a cold forged MSRP: $3.99 MSRP: $15.99 have tail colors such as Pumpkin- machined handle with EVA knob www.alsgoldfish.com www.felmleelures.com seed Chartreuse Tail, Junebug Pearl provides comfort and strength. Blue Tail and Hillbilly Special. MSRP: $149.00 MSRP: $4.75 www.duckettfishing.com www.bassassassin.com

www.baitandtacklebiz.com | March/April 2020 45 FEATURE

46 THE KING OFCRAPPIES Story by: John Neporadny Jr. | Photos by: Wally Marshall

How Wally Marshall went from a plumbing career to being known nationwide as Mr. Crappie.

hey call him Mr. Crappie Copley noted that most of the crap- and rigs. “He has been good to work for good reason. pie products offered by Strike King with,” Bullet Weights President Joe T His sponsors believe and Lew’s were ideas proposed by Crumrine said of Marshall. “Wally Wally Marshall deserves the Mr. Marshall. is the hardest working guy I know Crappie title because he works harder TTI-Blakemore also sponsors out there. He is 24/7 and always than any other pro angler to pro- Marshall and has co-brands of Mr. thinking of new things. Every time mote crappie fishing. Crappie hooks and Roadrunners fea- I talk to him, he is out traveling “I have always called Wally the turing Mr. Crappie Crappie Thun- somewhere. I don’t know if he ever hardest working man in show busi- ders and Slabalicious baits. “It’s been spends any time at home.” ness because he is always out pro- a good relationship,” TTI-Blakemore Marshall’s passion for crappie moting,” said Mark Copley, Strike President Wes Campbell said. “Wally fishing started in high school when Wally Marshall’s King/Lew’s marketing relationship is a heck of a promoter. Wally works the Texas teen caught the panfish on Mr. Crappie products manager. “There are times we ask his butt off. I have two brands that rubber band lines at night. Marshall offer everything you him if he can be at a certain event, have never failed any major retailer played baseball in high school and need to catch and which he always does. Honestly I or independent dealer, and those are briefly in college until he realized he kind of feel he is promoting 365 days Team Catfish and Mr. Crappie.” would never become a major league clean crappies. out of the year.” Campbell also credits Marshall catcher. He left college, became a Copley has noticed a definite with increasing sales of his compa- plumber’s helper and eventually got increase in sales of crappie products ny’s products. “With Tru-Turn Hooks a job for the Garland (Texas) School since Strike King and Lew’s started and all of our other hooks, Mr. Crap- District where he worked as a mas- sponsoring Marshall. “From when pie is a big part of it and it is grow- ter plumber and plumbing superin- we got into crappies to when Wally ing,” Campbell said. “Ninety percent tendent for the next 17 years. came on, sales have been 10 times of all the major retailers carry Mr. Marshall was introduced to com- more than whatever we had done in Crappie Hooks.” petitive fishing in 1997 when he heard crappies,” Copley said. “It’s definitely Marshall is also sponsored by about a crappie tournament coming worthwhile and definitely fun and Bullet Weights, which carries an to Cedar Creek Lake in East Texas. great to be a part of it with Wally.” assortment of Mr. Crappie weights He invited a fellow worker from the

www.baitandtacklebiz.com | March/April 2020 47 FEATURE

Crappie pro Wally Marshall has designed lures for the popular crappie tactic of school district to fish the tourna- ucts rather than a title for him. The to work one day and told the school ment with him, and they ended up first product he labeled was Mr. Crap- superintendent and his workers he dock shooting. winning the event despite having pie fishing line in 1998, which was was quitting that day. never fished the lake before. Mar- sold exclusively at Bass Pro Shops. “That big rock fell off of my shoul- shall recalls winning the tournament Marshall also designed Mr. Crappie der,” Marshall said. by wade fishing because he had never rods, reels, lures, hooks, floats and fished in a boat. almost everything else needed to Road to Success After winning the tournament, catch or clean a crappie. Since then, Marshall has won the Blakemore Lure Company became By 2002, Marshall realized he 2003 Crappie Classic National Cham- Marshall’s first major sponsor in would be unable to pursue his fish- pionship, 2010 Crappiemasters Tru- 1997 when Blakemore owner Joe ing career as a plumber, so he went man Lake tournament, and is a Hall asked Marshall if he could get his company’s products mentioned in newspaper articles. Marshall then became friends with the outdoor writers at the Dal- las and Fort Worth newspapers, which spawned the idea for Mr. Crap- His sponsors pie. “When I was doing all the mag- azine and newspaper articles they consider Wally Marshall called me everything from the Crap- the hardest-working pie Guru to the King of Crappie to promoter in the crappie this, that and the other,” Marshall fishing industry. said. He liked the Mr. Crappie title, so he called Joe Hall and told Hall he was thinking about trademark- ing Mr. Crappie. Hall told Marshall if he didn’t trademark it, Hall would. The Texas pro intended to use the Mr. Crappie label for future prod-

48 32-time Crappie Classic qualifier. He was inducted into the North American Crappie Anglers Hall of Fame in 2002 and the “Legends of the Outdoors” Hall of Fame in 2008. Throughout his professional career, Marshall has done promo- tional work at trade shows, distrib- utor shows, sports shows and in-store promotional events for Academy Sports & Outdoors, Scheels, Bass Pro Shops and big box stores. He has also held seminars for independent tackle stores such as Grizzly Jigs in Missouri and other independent stores in Texas. His crappie fishing seminars are usually 45-minute Pow- erPoint presentations. Marshall estimates he makes about 30 to 35 promotional appear- ances every year. When he attends a promotional event, Marshall never sits back in a booth and waits for the crowd to come to him. “I like to mingle with the crowd and show them my product,” he said. “You’ve got to understand how to ring the Knowing that kids are the future bell. You have to make the needle of fishing, Marshall has donated his move. The stores are paying you to time taking the Buckner’s orphan- be there and of course their deal is age kids fishing and fulfilled special they want to sell the products of requests to take out kids with spe- yours that are in the stores. So I am cial needs for a day of fishing. He’s there to promote Mr. Crappie prod- also been involved with numerous ucts and also make that needle move tournaments across the country that and ring those cash registers.” emphasize taking kids fishing. The legendary angler believes Springs tourism department, Mar- Showcasing Crappies crappie fishing is so popular because shall put together the first Crappie Crappie fans flocked it’s a more affordable pastime for Marshall took promoting crappie Expo and Mr. Crappie Invitational to Wally Marshall’s first many families. “I have always known fishing to the next level by hosting in 2019 at Lake Hamilton. crappie fishing as a family sport,” the 2019 Crappie Expo. The idea for The Mr. Crappie Invitational Crappie Expo held in Marshall said. “A lot of families a crappie showcase event came to drew 88 teams and featured a Hot Springs, Arkansas. can’t go out and get that $80,000 Marshall about three years ago. Jack $100,000 cash payout with $40,000 bass boat, but they can get a $20,000 Wells, the owner of B’n’M Poles, awarded to the winning team. Mar- boat or even cheaper and do some encouraged Marshall, telling him it shall touted the Crappie Expo as “the crappie fishing. Crappies are great was a great idea and a good fit for largest crappie store under one roof.” for table fare, and you can catch the industry. “That just gave me some He disclosed the Expo drew more more of those fish.” firepower to where I really wanted than 21 national sponsors and 115 For the past 10 years, Marshall to do it,” Marshall said. exhibitors, with 113 of the exhibi- has hosted the Big Crappie Classic, A year and a half later, Marshall’s tors displaying or selling crappie one of the largest family fishing tour- idea gained traction when Steve Arri- products. Other Expo highlights naments in the country. The event son, CEO of the Advertising and included the “world’s largest crap- brings families together to fish in a Promotion Commission of the City pie fry” that fed approximately 8,000 tournament atmosphere with kids of Hot Springs, Arkansas, asked Mar- people and featured performances and parents weighing their catches shall if he might consider holding a by a host of country music singers. and spending quality time together crappie event at Lake Hamilton. “It was a grand slam,” he said. in the outdoors. Working with Arrison and the Hot “It wasn’t just a little Punch-and-

www.baitandtacklebiz.com | March/April 2020 49 FEATURE

Judy Texas Leaguer.” The Expo was also a success for exhibitors such as Grizzly Jigs Com- pany. “We sold a lot of product,” Grizzly Jigs Owner Louie Mansfield Strike King offers a said. He noted his top selling items multitude of crappie at the Expo were Millennium Boat lures created by Seats, Engel Coolers and lots of soft-plastic baits. Wally Marshall. Marshall disclosed the Expo also drew suitors from Mississippi, Lou- isiana and Tennessee inquiring about hosting the event in the future. He suggested the Expo could rotate to a new location every year depend- ing on which venue shows the most Tony and Mike interest in hosting it. Sheppard topped a Whether he’s designing a new product for the Mr. Crappie line or field of 88 teams to win thinking of a new fishing event, Wally the first $100,000 Mr. Marshall works overtime to promote Crappie Invitational. crappie fishing.

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www.baitandtacklebiz.com | March/April 2020 53 CUSTOMER NNECTIONS THE INFLUENCE OF The Cicada craze lasted several months, and no matter how many YOUTUBE ON YOUR we ordered, it was difficult to keep them in stock. BOTTOM LINE YouTube Influence While print titles still influence sales, there’s no doubt the greatest driver behind customer demand today is and links in the description below Story by: Photo by: Dave Maas | Tactical Bassin’ the internet, and specifically fishing this video for more info.” content published on YouTube. When a consumer uses one of If you don’t regularly watch fishing content on If the YouTube freshwater fish- these links to purchase a lure from YouTube, then chances are good you’re losing ing series names below mean noth- Tackle Warehouse, the YouTube host sales by not stocking the hottest lures. ing to you, then in my opinion you’re is paid what amounts to a finder’s missing the boat when it comes to fee. Most hosts are upfront about the stocking the right tackle. Series are arrangement and explain that pur- listed in order of current YouTube chases made through the provided n the early 1990s I worked for subscribers at time of writing. Num- links enable him or her to make a Thorne Bros. Custom Rod & ber of videos on the channel also living and continue providing con- I Tackle in Minnesota. As a fan shown. Note: This list represents only tent on YouTube. The host also makes of In-Fisherman TV and magazine, shows on my radar. money from commercials placed by I saw firsthand the influence that Al YouTube. Lindner and his staff had on sales • Flair (1.52M; 1,069 videos) within our store. • LunkersTV (1.47M; 937 videos) Ways to Win Example: I remember the craze • 1Rod1ReelFishing (1.29M; Even though consumers might first for a new lure called a Reef Runner 485 videos) learn about a specific lure by what Cicada during the winter of 1990/1991. • Jon B. (1.23M; 1,020 videos) they see on YouTube, the fact remains In-Fisherman’s Doug Stange wrote • LakeForkGuy (828K; 808 videos) many of these anglers like to see and about the lure’s effectiveness on pan- • apbassing (778K; 728 videos) touch a lure before buying it. In addi- fish and perch through the ice, and • Googan Squad (602K; tion, if you’ve done a good job build- his influence drove demand. 267 videos) ing relationships with your customers I convinced Thorne Bros. own- • Scott Martin (478K; 675 videos) (see my Customer Connections col- ers that we needed to stock Cicadas. • Flukemaster (336K; 635 videos) umn in the Jan/Feb 2020 issue), then The store buyer ordered three sizes • Tactical Bassin’ (276K; they’ll likely give you the first crack of Cicadas and five colors in each 762 videos) to make the sale. size, so in preparation I put 15 empty All of this hinges, of course, on pegs on an endcap. In total, the buyer Follow the Money whether your store stocks the lures ordered 60 Cicadas. When In-Fisherman writes about they’ve seen showcased on YouTube. When the Cicada shipment tackle, they don’t recommend spe- Unlike the 1991 Cicada Craze, cus- Each week the hosts arrived a week later, customers were cific retailers, but the relationship tomers today don’t have to wait for of Tactical Bassin’ grabbing lures out of my hands as I today between YouTube content pro- you to get specific lures in stock. provide YouTube attempted to place them on pegs. I ducers and online retailers is much With a touch on their smartphone, had to stop labeling and hanging more cloudy. anglers can have lures delivered to viewers with highly Cicadas to ring people through the Fact: Many personalities you see their doorstep. detailed information till, and as I did so, new customers driving interest with their YouTube The vehicle driving consumer about the hottest bass were grabbing Cicadas out of the content receive compensation for demand in fishing has changed over lures and tactics. small shipping box and matching up sending consumers to online retail- time, but you can still boost your Thorne Bros. product labels to their ers such as Tackle Warehouse. During bottom line by staying current on picks and then getting in line at the almost every episode the host says those lures and techniques high- counter. One word: Insane. something like “check out the lures lighted daily on YouTube.

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