Let’s be honest, there’s a sea of bass fishing gear available designed to snag shoppers passing by, much of it with flashy colors, specks of glitter, and promises of landing your personal best. With all that flash and supposed ingenuity, there comes a time you have to accept the fact that some of it is utterly useless.
We’ve done the dirty work of sorting through the muck to create a lineup of bass fishing gear that will actually land you a lunker that’s sure to make your most skilled angler friends green with envy.
Berkley Froggin' Haul of Fame Kit
There’s nothing better than the explosive action of a largemouth. After giving the Berkley Froggin’ Haul of Fame Kit, you’ll be clearing a space in your tackle box for more in no time. This kit includes two Standard and two Berkley Swamp Lord Popping Hollow-Body Frogs, each sealed tight to stay afloat and rigged with Fusion19 hooks.
Whether you’re working thick pads or open water, these frogs prove to be quite tempting and hard for a hungry largemouth to deny. Toss in a Plano Edge 3700 box to keep it all organized, and you’ve got yourself quite the setup!
Gerber Fish Kit
The Gerber Gear Fish Kit includes the Hemoplier, a hybrid hemostat and plier tool with six different functions, including a knot-tying tool, eyelet clearing spike, micro-serrated line cutter, barb pinching flats, hook sharpening file, and hook notch.
The Defender tether keeps his gear secure and within reach by way of a carabiner designed for intuitive control with tension relief. Rounding out the kit is the Controller Folding Fillet Knife, equipped with a 6-inch stainless steel blade and HydroTread grip that remains secure in your hand even in slippery conditions. This kit ensures that you are ready for whatever your fishing trip throws your way.
Rapala PXR Jowler
The PXR Jowler from Rapala is a 5-inch, 15/16-ounce lure with an attention-grabbing design. The cupped mouth of this lure produces a hard-cutting splash-and-walk action upon retrieval, creating maximum surface disturbance to entice aggressive bass. Its durable plastic body houses a dual-frequency knocker, generating enticing sounds that draw in fish while at the same time furthering casting distance.
Equipped with three razor-sharp VMC RedLine Series treble hooks and a feather-dressed rear hook, the Jowler provides solid hooksets while mimicking the subtle movements of an injured bait fish.
Abu Garcia Max Pro Spinning Combo
The Abu Garcia Max Pro Spinning Combo is sure to be a hit, whether at the local fishing pond or the wide-open river. The lightweight rod is constructed from graphite, giving him just the right mix of strength and sensitivity to feel even the most timid of bites.
Adding even more value to this package is a smooth 7+1 stainless steel bearing reel and Abu Garcia’s reliable Carbon Matrix drag system. The machined aluminum spool and Rocket Line Management System make casting a breeze, making nasty knots and the dreaded birds nests a thing of the past. Whether you’re chasing bass or just enjoying a quiet morning on the water, this combo is sure to please.
HUK Rogue Wave Shoes
If you’re the type of person who doesn't let less-than-ideal conditions get in the way of a good day fishing, the HUK Rogue Wave Shoes are just what you needs. These slip-ons are fully waterproof and made with a rubber and neoprene upper. This means you’ll be able to keep your concentration on catching fish instead of keeping your shoes dry.
The Grip-X outsole provides a solid footing in the boat, on the shore, and anywhere else you may find yourself searching for schools of fish. To top it all off, these shoes also have a cushioned footbed, providing all-day comfort. They’re an essential wardrobe piece for anyone who spends more time outdoors than in.
Skwala Sol Tactical Hoody
The Skwala Sol Defense Hoody is another practical wardrobe solution that will keep you comfortable and protected while outdoors. This hoodie is made from a breathable, high-stretch knit fabric, which provides 50+ UPF sun protection. It’s also treated with Permethrin, which will repel biting insects for up to 40 washes.
The hood provides maximum head and neck coverage, and thumb loops keep sleeves extended, protecting his hands from both the sun and pesky bugs. A dump pocket provides easy access to essentials or even a snack or two. Whether casting lines under the blazing sun or navigating mosquito-laden trails, this hoody will keep you cool and comfortable the entire day.
Plano Weekend Tackle Bag
Organization is a must, and the Plano Weekend Series Tackle Bag is a must-have piece of gear that combines practicality with durability. This tackle bag features a molded waterproof base, ensuring his gear stays dry whether he's fishing from a boat or the shore.
A roomy main compartment holds up to four 3700-size StowAway boxes, with two included to get him started. Multiple zippered pockets and die-cut tool sleeves provide essential storage for all of your accessories. Lastly, the adjustable shoulder strap makes for easy transport to and from the water.
Bubba Smart Fish Scale Lite
For anyone who loves to tell fish tales but also wants proof that they are out-fishing their buddies, the Bubba Smart Fish Scale Lite brings both precision and practicality to your time on the water. This compact, water-resistant scale has a 60-pound capacity and is accurate to within ±0.3%, ensuring that every catch is measured with confidence.
The full-color LCD screen is easy to read, even with the sun shining bright, and the non-slip grip makes it easy to handle in all conditions. For even more features, you can pair the scale with the Bubba app, keeping track of fish weights, species, weather conditions, and GPS locations of your favorite fishing spots.
RTIC 52 Quart Wheeled Cooler
The RTIC 52 quart Ultra-Light Wheeled Cooler is the kind of gift that’ll see year-round use, whether on the water or at a family BBQ. This cooler can hold up to 78 cans or even a bounty of fish, keeps ice frozen for days, and rolls nice and smooth with its durable, puncture-proof, all-terrain wheels.
What’s even better is that it is 30% lighter than most hard-sided coolers its size, so you don’t have to risk throwing out your back lifting it into the back of a truck. This model is available in a variety of colors, with personalization available. Additional accessories are available, such as a freezable divider or even a basket insert for dry goods.
Grey’s Fishing Cruise Fly Combo
Have you always talked about wanting to learn how to fly fish but haven’t made the leap? The Grey’s Cruise Fly Combo is the perfect gateway rod. This thoughtfully crafted 4-piece, medium-fast action setup includes a machine-finished large arbor reel, smooth disc drag, and floating weight-forward line.
All of this and more means you can go from unpackaging it to the riverbank in no time. Whether chasing bluegill in a local pond or trout in a mountain stream, this combo will make you look and feel like a seasoned fly fisherman, even with little to no experience on the water.
Bonus Editor's Pick: New Optima Orangetop Lithium Batteries
Few things will sink your day on the water faster than a weak battery. Fortunately, Optima Batteries, long trusted for rugged reliability and performance, has just unleashed a new set of heavy-hitters designed for serious anglers.
The ORANGETOP Q31M-DC150 and Q31M-DP120 are the latest lithium powerhouses in Optima's growing line of premium battery solutions. These aren’t your run-of-the-mill power packs. With cutting-edge features, smart connectivity, and rugged durability, these batteries are purpose-built for those who demand more from their bass fishing gear.
Both of the new ORANGETOP models boast extreme resistance to vibration, dust, and water: a must-have for any marine or off-grid application. Whether you're slamming across open water or navigating a dusty mountain trail to get to those backcountry fishing spots, these batteries are engineered to take a beating and keep delivering.
Both models feature Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to check your state of charge, health status, temperature, and more — right from your phone. Plus, they’re NMEA 2000 compatible, meaning you can monitor real-time battery data directly on your marine display screens.
This deep-cycle beast delivers 150Ah of capacity, making it a perfect match for high-draw marine electronics and trolling motors. Long days on the water are no problem at all.
Type: Deep Cycle
Capacity: 150Ah
Application: Trolling motors, RV house batteries
Cold Charging: Down to -20°F (with integrated heating)
Bluetooth & NMEA 2000: Yes
A true dual-purpose battery with 1,200A of cranking power and 120Ah deep-cycle capacity. Ideal for powering your boat’s engine and running onboard accessories all day long.
Both models feature QUAD terminals for flexible mounting and simplified installs, and each is backed by Optima’s advanced Battery Management System (BMS), which continuously monitors and balances cells for maximum longevity and performance.
Type: Dual-Purpose (Starting + Deep Cycle)
Capacity: 120Ah
Cranking Amps: 1,200A
Application: Marine engine start + accessory power
Bluetooth & NMEA 2000: Yes
—H&B Staff
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