= PRO PICK
MISCELLANEOUS GEAR
UNLIKE BASEBALL , where you can play the game with literally two items – a stick and a ball – the game of catching bass usually requires a gear list that ’ s above and beyond a rod and reel . As you contemplate the fishing year ahead , here are several items that will improve your time on the water .
Grundens SeaKnit Boat Shoe
You probably don ’ t think too much about your shoes when you ’ re fishing , but you should . I ’ ve been wearing the Seaknit all year , and it ’ s hands down the best boat shoe I ’ ve ever worn . Just like most other people , I ’ ve always worn sneakers or court shoes or flip-flops when I ’ m fishing , but the SeaKnit has replaced all that . It ’ s incredibly comfortable and it ’ s a slip-on , so you can slip it on and off easy when you ’ re putting on or taking off rain gear . It has a non-slip sole which is obviously important , and it has way more heel stability than a regular running shoe . $ 109.99 at TW / grundens . com — Skeet Reese , MLF pro
Plano StowAll Utility Bag
I ’ m always looking for better ways to store things on my boat , and the new StowAll bags that Plano came out with in 2021 have solved a big problem for me – when you use volumes of soft plastics like I do and keep them in the packages they come in , it just takes up a lot of space . The StowAlls allow me to keep a lot of baits in one bag , and I can stuff it just about anywhere . It doesn ’ t need a specific compartment . $ 6.99 to $ 8.99 at TW / plano . com — Kevin VanDam , MLF pro
YETI Backpacks , Duffels and Luggage
With YETI , you know you ’ re getting rugged construction in a waterproof , durable , stylish package . Now , you can add YETI backpacks , duffels and soft suitcases to your repertoire to store and carry everything from everyday carry to long trips . YETI ’ s luggage lineup varies from 22-liter backpacks to 100-liter waterproof duffels and everything in between . $ 150 to $ 450 at TW / yeti . com — The Editors
ATG by Wrangler
ATG by Wrangler is a collection of everyday outdoor apparel that ’ ll keep you dry and comfortable in all conditions . Try the Men ’ s Mix Material Shirt , the Men ’ s Performance Sun Shirt or the Men ’ s Synthetic Utility Pants to complete your outdoor look . $ 39 to $ 49 / wrangler . com — The Editors
Luminox Leatherback Sea Turtle
The Leatherback Sea Turtle is a 39mm watch with a carbon compound case . The face is made with tempered scratch-resistant crystal and is water resistant up to 100 meters . Also comes with self-powered illumination to read time no matter how dark it is before those early-morning takeoffs . $ 295 / luminox . com — The Editors
Wiley X Kingpin
I always had trouble finding sunglasses that could fit my face , but then Wiley X came out with the Kingpin series and I found one that works perfectly . They ’ re my favorite sunglasses by far and with a variety of lenses for different light conditions . I can make out my targets that much easier . $ 140 / MajorLeagueFishing . com — Mark Daniels Jr ., MLF pro
TACKLE WAREHOUSE GIFT CARD
You can get anything from Tackle Warehouse . That ’ s where I get all my tackle , like a lot of people do . Their customer service is so freaking good . On Monday if I order my tackle , I know for a fact it ’ ll be there on Wednesday in time for the tournament on Thursday . Hands down the best out there Various prices at TW / tacklewarehouse . com — Dakota Ebare , MLF pro
68 MAJORLEAGUEFISHING . COM | DECEMBER-JANUARY 2022