Happy bassin' New Year! Hey – ever think about replacing cuss words with "bassin'"? Try it! 😁 And the Bible says no cussin' allowed (no "coarse talk").

Hope your Christmas and New Year's was great, and also hope that you bass-feesh a lot more this year. I sure as heck am gonna! Guy down the street from me caught a 10-lber on our local lake – on a squarebill. Fishing down the dang bank! He showed me the pic – I can't stop thinking about it.

Anyhow, kicking off '26 with a few Qs with Dustin Connell and Easton Fothergill, who of course are your defending champeenship champs and who also did insane things last year – including winning those tourneys.

Gonna do a few new BB things this year too, hope you dig 'em.

Bless you and let's get rollin' like a Sakamata mang! 😁

Gitcha Blaster video fix here:

Q: Is there any tournament on any water Dustin can't win? A: No.

Q: Has he won more Redcrests than anyone else? A: Yep!

Q: Is he 1/2 of the well-known rock band AC/DC? A: No, they're Australian! 😆

Alright here's a few Qs with him:

1. Did you practice for any particular events this season like you did that time for Toledo Bend [in 2024]?

> "Yes I've been to Guntersville quite a good bit [site of the first BPT tourney, which starts next week]. I'd planned on being at Hartwell [the 2nd BPT tourney] this week but I have a fever. I might still go tomorrow...it's definitely on my list to go to.

> "I've realized this – now that I have my son, it is very hard is to just strike out like I used to...my priority is him. That's just where I'm at. I know there's a balance there between my business and fishing, but I can't...go like I used to.

> "I would go and pre-practice every tournament, I'd be going every week 3-4 times – I just can't go that much anymore because of him.

> "I'm proud of that because I've said this many times – him and my family are my #1 priority."

2. How do you like your chances at Table Rock [Redcrest]?

> "I really like 'em. The main reason is I love Table Rock. I've fished it probably 20 times, I've done well in tournaments there. I like the trifecta opportunity – spotted bass, smallmouth, largemouth....

> "I'm not a big fan of the time of year we're going...more than likely there'll be a lot of spawning fish so it's kinda hard to differentiate yourself. It'll come down to who has the best area with spawning bass and I don't really like that.

> "But I do love catching spotted bass and smallmouths when they're on beds – largemouths not as much. Spots and smallmouths are more aggressive fish. Largemouth are typically a lot more lethargic, it takes time to catch 'em on the bed and in this format we have, you can't just sit there and poke at those fish on a bed all day. You gotta catch 'em quick."

Followup: Does it really matter where Redcrest is? I mean, won't you win it anyway? 😁

> "You know what's funny about that? I was in the lead at Grand Lake [2022] with like 40 minutes left in the tournament...had that crazy ending with Bobby Lane and Luke Clausen. I was in the lead there for just a minute, and lost a fish that may have won the tournament for me. I ended up finishing 4th in that one.

> "To me Redcrest is the one you want to win. I know it sounds cliche to say that, but it pays the most money and that is the one that people remember. If I can win one a year, it's gonna be that one."

3. Will any new baits or techniques make an appearance for you this year?

> "...I'm gonna try to make it the year of the jerkbait. I really love throwing a jerkbait.

> "...there's so much pressure on these lakes now with FFS and whatnot, I think a jerkbait's gonna play real big at Guntersville, it'll play at Hartwell, it'll play at Redcrest – a jerkbait lines up pretty well throughout the season.

> "As far as new baits...I know all these other guys are throwing Coikies and all this other stuff – I try to keep it traditional man, the best I can."

So fuzzy baits will not be on your list this year?

> "I might have some tied on, but I'll be honest with you – I just haven't caught onto that craze yet man. I haven't. I've thrown those baits, but I haven't been that impressed with 'em, you know?

> "I just don't see it being a big big deal for me. I'm not saying I won't catch some doing that but...."

Yep Easton had a great rookie year. Won the Classic (after bombing the first 2), ended up 28th in the AOY points and 4th in ROY as part of an insanely good rookie class: 3 of the top 4 won a tournament. Here's a few Qs with him.

1. What's your plan for the first 2 events this year?

> "[Laughs] My plan is to catch some bass, unlike last year."

Follow-up: Does Montevallo have classes or tutoring in sandbagging? 😁

> "[Laughs] Montevallo doesn't but I guess my dad might."

Does your dad fish?

> "Oh yeah, he's the sole reason I got into it. He's diehard, just like I am."

He's a tournament guy?

> "He is. He was heavy into the walleye stuff when I was growing up, but I got him over to the good side as a child."

2. What did you work on in the offseason? [He spent it in AL.]

> "I worked on a couple different baits that I felt I wasn't as confident in as I should be. The main one was a 'Trap. That was the 1 bait I could think of that I didn't have 100% confidence in.

> "Obviously everyone knows it will also probably play at Guntersville so...."

3. What do you think about half and half with and without FFS?

> "...I really honestly don't care. This winter I made it a point to fish a lot without it, and make sure I'm comfortable without it.

> "On camera it seems like I Scope a lot, but in reality there's a lot of fish-catches where I go to the bank for a big one or something after I Scope up a limit. I've always incorporated non-Scope bites into my days.

> "I've always been really confident without Scope, but I've been taking it off my boat a lot this winter and made sure I'm fluent in breaking down lakes without it...just extra comfortable doing literally everything."

Follow-up: What is the most important piece of electronics on your boat that is not FFS?

> "Without a doubt it always has been side imaging – it's the most crucial part on the boat. If you said I had to pick side imaging or FFS on my boat, I'm taking off FFS.

> "I would say 80% of the time I'm using FFS, all it does is complement what I'm finding on my side imaging. Meaning it allows me to be more efficient on grass flats, rocks, stumps, gravel...all this stuff I'm able to find on my side imaging."

What about 360? Where does that fit?

> "With the FFS, I was able to fish so fast I didn't want to have to wait for the 360 to come around, but now without it [for half the events] 360 is going to be absolutely crucial – to be efficient, seeing your targets.

> "...combination of your heading sensor on your boat, being able to line up with your waypoints – the combination of that will still allow you to be pretty dang efficient without FFS if you choose to fish offshore."

Easton's electronics setup this year

1 Garmin and 1 Lowrance at the console plus this on the bow:

> FFS tourneys: 16" NBT screen (for Garmin LiveScope and more) + a Lowrance for mapping

> Non-FFS tourneys: Humminbird MEGA 360 + a Lowrance for mapping

He has space for 3 screens up front but will only be running 2 because of the square-inch limits. Here's a quick IG reel showing his setup.

28, 30, 25 – all good! 😁 Just messin'. Opens too. Used to be all lakes were off-limits when the schedule was announced.

Believe it happened because of the DQs and because a bunch of pros sent this to B.A.S.S. HQ:

Or not, I'm not sure hahaha! 😆

Here's a little more from a good Hack the Attack post on the Bassmasters:

> It's me against the fish, not me vs. Joe Blow. Call me quirky, but I like going to a lake and rolling around while trying to figure it out. I have great tools, from my boat to electronics, rods and reels and lures. I don't need someone to tell me where to make a cast. 

[You heard him – call him quirky! 😆]

> I get on the water and fish the moment. I don't want someone else's info in my head.

> ...I like starting practice without knowing where to fish. It eliminates pre-conceived notions....

> ...tournaments are seldom won the way locals think they will be won. ...I will run down the lake and not see a boat for miles, then come upon an area where 10 anglers are fishing. Apparently, the word was out that it was a good area, and sometimes it can be. 

> Not for me. I'll head back to that area where nobody was fishing and start looking. Admittedly, I don't like fishing around others. I like fishing in solitude.

> There's no question that a guy can get help, win a tournament and make a name for himself. But relying on help leads to a lot of peaks and valleys.

- Interesting question from the dad of a young man who catches 'em when other people don't – in the same boat.

Off and on I've wondered the same thing about "those people" who catch more or who seem to catch 'em without really trying, like folks who aren't necessarily into fishing.

Know anyone like that? I bet you do! Two I know are my daughter and some guy named Kevin...🤔😁

Also Chris Johnston apparently had 'em jump in the boat this year so maybe he's one of those too?

1. We lost David Schluter of St Croix

Co-owner as part of the Schluter family, passed unexpectedly last week at 61. Worked 35 years there and spearheaded a bunch of stuff, including materials. Bless you fishing brother.

Please pray for the Schluter family and friends. ✝️🙏

2. The 2 MLF BPT guys with the most top 10s and no wins...

...are Brent Ehrler (19) and Jeff Sprague (15).

3. Watch Jason Christie catch 'em on an A-rig (YT)

Good video – Jason is quietly kicking some tail on YT.

He's using a YUM Yumbrella Rig with no blades – not sure if that's a Flash Mob Jr with the blades removed or a Yumbrella Ultralight Rig with those YUM Scottsboro Swimbaits:

4. John "turkey" Hunter gets State Line Co clothing

5. Nick Trim gets Yo-Zuri

Nick, from WI, won the Nation Championship and thus gets into the Classic and the Elites. Sounds like he is fishing the Elites this year.

6. Mike McClelland-designed jig now on TW

It's an all-arounder, the Big Bite Baits McMoney Jig:

7. KVD and Zona will be at the Detroit Rock City fishing show

THIS WEEKEND. Schedule ^.

8. Beer is once again sponsoring fishing

D.G. Yuengling & Son, the oldest brewery in America, is sponsoring MLF. I'll be surprised if it's as much of a controversial deal as Busch at Bassmaster in the 2000s, but that was different – it was a mandatory patch that some anglers would not wear. Here's a real good post Jay Yelas wrote at the time if you're interested.

Also, Yuengling is now pronounced "young'n"...🤣

9. TX: First BFL of the season had 2 DQs

From an MLF post:

> Boater Cole Moore of Anacoco, LA caught...5 bass weighing 19 lbs 15 oz to win the MLF Phoenix BFL...on Sam Rayburn Reservoir.

> Boaters Evan Howe and Ethan Howe, both of Keatchie, LA, were disqualified from the event. The disqualification stems from a protest alleging the anglers violated BFL Rule #10, which states, in part, that contestants may not use mobile communication devices to communicate with anyone about locating or catching fish on tournament waters during tournament hours.

> Evan Howe admitted to the violation upon speaking with the tournament director as part of MLF's investigation and turned over a text message exchange with Ethan Howe. The boaters are brothers, and Evan insists they were not familiar with the rule.

> As a result of Evan's disqualifications, boater Cole Moore moves up from 2nd to 1st....

> Rules governing the use of mobile communications devices during tournament hours are covered during the pre-tournament meeting at every BFL tournament.

10. Zona has some new Cuda tools

He said "Big Louie from the old neighborhood" helped him design the snips and shears...😬😁

Also check this good YT vid of Z fishing deep bluegill schools for big bass with a 3/4-oz football jig.

11. NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin got a Nitro Z20 XL

Said the Hot Foot was non-negotiable.

12. AR: The new Legacy Lunker trophy breeding program is on

Bring 'em your bigs AR peeps!

Meanwhile this is TX's 40th year doing ShareLunker – wow!

13. LA/TX: Purple crankbait caught this 11-09 at Toledo Bend

Not named, around brush – congrats to Gene Kidder:

Is it me or does that look like a loooong 11, that maybe could weigh 13+ in a month or so?

14. TW now has the Yamamoto Hinge Minnow in...

...3.5 and 5", in addition to 6" and 7":

15. Z-Man Scented Jerk ShadZ now comes in 3"

> ...offering a noticeably slimmed down profile versus the 3.5" version...fishes beautifully on a Finesse EyeZ Jighead, Finesse ShroomZ Ned Head, or nose-hooked on a dropshot rig.

Don't see the 3" on TW yet but it is on the Z-Man site.

16. LA: Lots of peeps want the Atchafalaya Basin restored

Good because they say lots of invasives + other stuff = tourney limits down by 5 lbs.

17. CA: Loveland Rez capacity heading down to 25%

Wow that sounds crazy low.

18. DC: Fishing info/regs for public waters will "soon" be digital

The MAPWaters Act was signed Dec 26. "Soon" because I have yet to see bureaucracies move fast!

19. Leadership change happening at Shimano North America

> Dave Pfeiffer will step down from his role on March 31, concluding an extraordinary 38-year career with the company. Pfeiffer will remain involved..a new role as vice chairman, executive advisor....

> Jason Livermore, currently senior VP...will assume the role of President on Apr 1.

Apr 1! So...maybe this is an April Fools deal? 🤔😁

20. CA: Salmon group blames gov'nor for salmon decline

> "...the disastrous water policies that have wiped out much of the Central Valley's salmon and other wildlife are now the policies of Gavin Newsom."

Updatin's

That 16+ yak fish caught near the end of last year was in Cali, and I believe 2-3 more DDs have been taken at that lake recently. Word is 559 Fresno Bait & Tackle knows what's up.

Also saw WON Bass posted this 15-12 mega-melon caught outta Clear Lake:

KVD fishes blade baits deep now but lipless cranks shallower

He fishes the lipless baits like a blade bait:

> My favorite retrieve is to yo-yo it on a semi-slack line – I let it flutter down because the Red Eye has an enticing shimmy as it falls. That's when 90 percent of strikes come. I use that slow, pull/stop retrieve all the way to the boat. It's a great tool for fishing shallow to midrange depths in the winter.

"If I keep fishing or an hour and don't catch anything, I'll start to feel lonely."

- For whatever reason that cracked me up, maybe because I get it – because I've fished many hours in NJ with zero to show for it. Anyhow, that's Morizo "Big Mama" Shimizu talkin' in a recent vid – or I guess it's YouTube translating him talking.

It was kinda a "day on the lake" deal. He was bank-beating with a small crankbait (not a squarebill), the Z-Man JackHammer Baby Jack and a little spinnerbait.

One more translated quote I thought was funny:

> It's shallow so maybe the elderly people can catch at least 1 fish.

What?? 🤣

Who's that guy on the left? Well Spencer Shuffield fished a team derb with his old man – I think his name is Don? Maybe John?? 🤣

Great to see him out there with what looks like a brand new Berkley Havoc sweatshirt! 😁💪 Dang Spencer get him some new swag my man! 🤣

Patriots of the Caribbean: Lee Bill Authorizes American Privateers to Seize Cartel Assets with President's Approval

Just a bill so far, so not law, but wow.

If you know any of your maritime history, eventually the British turned on their own privateers and called them pirates (eg, Capt Kidd), so fair warning.

But if this happens dang it could get crazy out there in the salt...and maybe eventually the Great Lakes, the St Lawrence, Falcon and Amistad??

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