The Wyoming Game and Fish Department, led by deputy chief of fisheries Dave Zafft, urges anglers to adjust catch-and-release practices during hot summer months when water temperatures exceed 70 degrees, as trout cannot survive prolonged exposure to such conditions.
Idaho Fish and Game's Angler Incentive Program rewards anglers and spearfishers for catching lake trout and walleye on Lake Pend Oreille. Tagged walleye are worth $1,000 each, while every lake trout head earns $15. The program, funded by the Clark Fork Settlement Agreement through Avista, helps manage the lake's fisheries and protect kokanee populations.
Timothy Hicks of Post Falls set a new Idaho catch-and-release record by landing a 49.75-inch Northern pike on Lake Pend Oreille on June 13, surpassing Scott Blahnik's previous 2020 record by 3/4 of an inch.
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Region 6's "Kids to Fish" program provides free fishing rod and tackle checkout at 40 locations across northeast Montana's Hi-Line. The initiative, managed by education technician Isayara Valverde and Region 6 comm-ed manager Marc Kloker, aims to increase fishing opportunities for youth and families.
Yamamoto has launched the Uni Max, a 24mm urchin-style fishing bait featuring a TPE formula designed for superior water displacement and big bites. Yamamoto pro Jake Lawrence praises the bait's movement and durability, noting it performs well with various hook styles and remains in an outstretched position during action.
Bucca Brand, under GSM Outdoors, has unveiled the El Toro, a 1.5 oz, 7" jerkbait designed to target large bass. According to Jack Dice, Product Development Manager at GSM Fishing, the lure combines erratic darting action with unprecedented size. The El Toro is available in six colors this winter at retailers and on Baits.com.
Big Bite Baits introduces the Orbix, a 19mm urchin-style bait featuring TPE material for durability and natural pulsing action. Pro angler Sam Hanggi highlights its versatility for shallow cover fishing and longevity. Available in six colors this fall at retailers and Baits.com.
Buckeye Lures has unveiled the Flow Hair Jig, featuring premium hand-tied hair with flowing feathers designed for pressured fish. Available in four sizes and six colors with a razor-sharp black nickel hook, the jig is now available at retailers and Baits.com.
Northland Tackle introduced the Forage Fleck, a new ice fishing lure designed to imitate natural forage with realistic ABS finish and a single rear blade. Available in three sizes and ten colors, the lure triggers reaction strikes from panfish and will be available this Fall at retailers and Baits.com.
The Arizona Game and Fish Department partnered with Trout Unlimited to host Arizona Fish Camp, a seven-day summer program for youth ages 13-17 near the Mogollon Rim. Participants learned fly fishing fundamentals, visited the Tonto Creek Fish Hatchery with manager Bryce Sisson, and met the Arizona Game and Fish Commission to foster the next generation of anglers and conservationists.
Buckeye Lures has launched the Propwash, an innovative topwater spinnerbait featuring an oversized blade designed to raise bass from depths. According to GSM Fishing Senior VP Crispin Powley, the lure produces a unique sound and is adaptable to various retrieves and cover types. The Propwash will be available this Fall at retailers and on Baits.com.
Bill Lewis has launched the Spit Stik, a hybrid topwater lure combining popper and walking bait qualities. The 4.3" lure features unique side slits for distinctive water-spitting action and is available in six colors at retailers and Baits.com this fall.
Frog Factory has launched the Ploppit, a new soft plastic frog lure featuring a plopping tail that creates surface bubbles for bass fishing. Designed by pro Fred Roumbanis, the 4" weedless lure is available in six colors and can be rigged multiple ways for shallow water fishing.
Yamamoto introduces the Uni HD, a high-definition version of its original Uni lure featuring a new HD TPE formula that creates more rigid tentacles and enhanced water displacement. The lure is available in 10 proven colors and is particularly effective in stained water and heavy cover.
Bonehead Tackle has launched the Swim Stick, an upgraded version of its Slim Stick design featuring a paddle tail for natural swimming action. The 2-inch swimbait is available in 16 colors and comes 16 per pack, launching this Fall at retailers and Baits.com.
Northland Tackle and legendary ice angler Brian Brosdahl have created the Tungsten Bling Jig, featuring integrated kicker blades for flash and vibration. Available in three sizes and eight colors, the jig targets crappie, bluegill, and perch and will be available this fall at retailers and Baits.com.
SteelShad introduced the Flutter-Slide, a new spoon featuring a unique line-through design that allows the bait to slide freely during fights, improving hook retention. Pro angler Jake Lawrence endorses the innovation, which will be available this winter at retailers and Baits.com in four colors.
Big Bite Baits has launched the 3.5" Velo Craw, a versatile soft plastic available in six colors. Pro angler Mike McClelland endorses it as an ideal trailer for the McMoney, LS football jig, and swim jig, as well as effective on Carolina rigs.
Big Bite Baits introduced the Rollerama XT, a 5" minnow featuring durable TPE material designed to reduce ripping during hard casts. Pro angler Drew Gill highlights the lure's proven profile and slightly slower roll action, available this Fall in six colors at retailers and Baits.com.
Northland Tackle, part of GSM Outdoors, introduces three Hardwater Hub House models for ice anglers this season. Available in insulated and non-insulated 300 sizes and a 600 size, the hub houses offer quick setup and comfort for 2-6 people. Products are available at retailers and Baits.com.