Angler's Pro Tackle & Outdoors
The Super Bowl of Bass Fishing Is This Weekend: Bassmaster Classic Descends on Knoxville's Tennessee River, March 13–15
The biggest single event in competitive bass fishing hits Fort Loudoun and Tellico lakes this week — with the most favorable weight projections of any Knoxville Classic in history after Tennessee changed its smallmouth size limit from 18 to 15 inches.
Fifty-eight of the world's best bass anglers compete for a $300,000 first-place prize on the Tennessee River out of Knoxville Thursday through Sunday. The regulatory change unlocking smallmouth has local pro Sam Hanggi predicting 17 pounds per day to win — heavier than either previous Classic on these waters. Takeoffs are daily at Volunteer Landing at 7:45 a.m. ET; weigh-ins at the University of Tennessee's Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center are free to the public starting at 3:15 p.m. The Bassmaster Classic Outdoors Expo runs all three days at the Knoxville Convention Center with 200-plus exhibitors. Two Texans — Lee Livesay of Longview (his sixth Classic) and Dakota Ebare of Brookeland (his first) — are in the field. Live coverage streams free at Bassmaster.com.
Spring is arriving fast across the country — and so is the fishing pressure. The 2026 Bassmaster Classic opens Thursday on the Tennessee River with the heaviest weight forecast in Knoxville Classic history, while the Toyota ShareLunker program has now logged Legacy Class bass from over 10 Texas waterbodies in a single season. Turkey hunters from Mississippi to Texas get into the woods this week, and North Texas just got its first new state park in 25 years.
Fishing News & Reports
9 storiesShareLunker Season Crosses Double Digits: Lake Tyler and Lake Fork Both Log Legacy Class Bass
The 2026 Toyota ShareLunker season hit a milestone this week when Lake Tyler and legendary Lake Fork each produced Legacy Class (13+ lb) entries, pushing the total to 10 qualifying bass from 10 different Texas waterbodies in a single season. Jack York of Emory landed 13.45-pound ShareLunker 693 from Lake Tyler — his second overall Legacy entry. Lake Fork's 13.57-lb entry marks its first Legacy Class fish since 2021. The Legacy window remains open through March 31. Hotline: (903) 681-0550.
Texas White Bass Run Underway — Timely Rain Is the Wild Card for 2026
TPWD biologists say the 2026 white bass spawning run is firing in East Texas (Neches River, Kickapoo Creek above Lake Palestine) and on the Colorado River above Lake Buchanan — reconnected for the first time in years after the July 2025 rain event. North Central Texas reservoirs show above-average populations but need additional rainfall to trigger a good run. Prime DFW-area spots include Stewart Creek on Lake Lewisville (Frisco) and the Elm Fork above Ray Roberts. White bass limit: 25 fish, 10-inch minimum.
Giant Bags Expected at 2026 Classic: New 15-Inch Smallmouth Limit Unlocks the Tennessee River
Tennessee's 2025 decision to standardize all black bass at 15 inches — down from 18 inches for smallmouth — is widely expected to produce the heaviest Knoxville Classic weights on record. Anglers who previously avoided risking smallmouth limits on a fish-by-fish basis can now target them aggressively. Bryan Schmitt, Classic runner-up in 2023, says he wouldn't be surprised to see anglers bag 20 pounds of largemouth in a single day, and a winning mixed-bag strategy. The 2023 winning weight averaged 14.2 lbs/day; projections for 2026 run 17+.
Bassmaster Kayak Series Championship Runs Alongside Classic on Chickamauga and Nickajack, March 11–13
Qualifying anglers from the 2025 Newport Bassmaster Kayak Series presented by Native Watercraft converge on Chickamauga and Nickajack lakes in Chattanooga this week, March 11–13, for the series championship — held in conjunction with Classic weekend. The stretch is known for trophy-sized spring bass and a ripping prespawn bite. The 2026 kayak series regular season opens April 18–19 at Caddo Lake and Lake Bistineau near Shreveport, making that the obvious next stop for Texas kayak tournament anglers.
Texas Lakes in Full Pre-Spawn Mode: Bass, Crappie, and White Bass All Turning On
TPWD freshwater reports show bass pushing into pre-spawn patterns statewide as water temps hit the low-to-mid 60s. Caddo Lake is producing largemouth up to 12 lbs on timber with Texas-rigged Senkos. Lake Limestone's Navasota River arm is stacked with white bass on minnows, beetle spins, and rooster tails. Lake Fork crappie are loading up on brush piles. Lake Granbury bass are responding to red crankbaits on rocky points. The frog bite at Caddo is expected mid-March once temperatures stabilize.
TPWD Opens Matagorda Bay TX-14 to Oyster Harvest Beginning March 9
TPWD officially reopened the TX-14 area in Matagorda Bay to both commercial and recreational oyster harvest beginning 12:01 a.m. Monday, March 9. The area has been closed to harvest pending water quality clearance. Texas coast oyster season runs through April 30 for recreational anglers; daily bag limit is 2 gallons of oysters in the shell. Check TPWD for updated area status before heading out, as bay openings and closures can change quickly based on conditions.
Cape Cod Ice Fishing Closing Strong, Striped Bass Season Opening Across the Northeast
Cape Cod anglers are wrapping up a productive late-ice season with smallmouth bass, white perch, and trout on jigs and traps in 8–12 inches of ice — though warm temperatures are rapidly making ice conditions unsafe. Meanwhile, resident striped bass are already biting along the Jersey shore in the Hackensack, Raritan, and Toms rivers on bloodworms and soft plastics, signaling the arrival of the northeast striper season weeks earlier than normal. The coastal fishing transition is on.
Kentucky's New 2026–27 License Year Is Open; First-Time Buyer Sportsman's Package at $37
The 2026–27 Kentucky hunting and fishing license year began March 1. Fee structures remain unchanged from last year. Notably, Kentucky is offering a $37 first-time buyer Sportsman's License that bundles a resident hunting and fishing license, spring and fall turkey permits, trout permit, statewide deer permit, and state migratory bird/waterfowl permit — available to any resident who hasn't bought an annual license since 1996. Licenses are available at fw.ky.gov or through agent locations statewide.
Two East Texas Pros Represent the Lone Star State at the 2026 Bassmaster Classic
Lee Livesay of Longview brings his sixth Classic appearance to Knoxville after a 33rd-place AOY finish in 2025. Dakota Ebare of Brookeland earned his first Classic berth with a 43rd-place AOY finish. Both qualified via the Bassmaster Elite Series. Livesay's Tennessee River experience makes him a quiet contender; Ebare is a Classic rookie fishing one of the sport's most technical big-river venues for the first time. Full field of 58 anglers competes March 13–15.
Hunting & Wildlife
8 storiesTexas Turkey Season Opens March 14 in the South Zone — TPWD Projects Abundant 2–3 Year-Old Gobblers
Texas South Zone spring turkey season opens Saturday, March 14 through April 26. The North Zone follows March 28 through May 10. TPWD biologists project an excellent season based on strong production surveys in 2023, 2024, and 2025, with a statewide abundance of two and three-year-old gobblers. Drier conditions in the Rio Grande range may cause real hens to distract gobblers early. Mandatory harvest reporting within 24 hours is required via the Texas Hunt & Fish app — failure to report is a violation.
2026 Spring Turkey Season Now Open in the South: Mississippi Regular Season March 14, Florida March 21 North
The annual cascade of spring turkey seasons is underway. Mississippi's statewide regular season opens Saturday March 14 (moved up from the traditional March 15 because it falls on Sunday) and runs through May 3 — extended by state law when May 1 falls on a Friday. Mississippi biologists are calling for an excellent season backed by abundant acorn mast improving bird health and gobbling activity. Florida's regular season opened south of SR 70 on March 7; north of SR 70 opens March 21. Georgia opens March 28 on private lands.
Mississippi Adds Mandatory Turkey Stamps for 2026 — $10 Residents, $100 Non-Residents
Mississippi hunters face two significant changes this season: a new mandatory turkey stamp required on both public and private land (passed in the 2025 Legislature), and a season extended through May 3 when May 1 falls on Friday. Stamps cost $10 for residents and $100 for non-residents and are available at any license vendor. Non-residents cannot hunt public land before April 1 without a draw permit. The state biologist reports field sightings and camera reports are excellent heading into opening week.
TPWD Accepting Public Comment on Proposed 2026–27 Statewide Hunting & Migratory Game Bird Rules Through March 26
Texas hunters have until March 26 to comment on TPWD's proposed changes to the 2026–27 statewide hunting and migratory game bird proclamations. This is the public's direct line into the regulatory process — proposed changes to season structures, bag limits, and zone boundaries are all on the table. Comments can be submitted through the TPWD website. Hunters who want to weigh in on deer, turkey, waterfowl, and upland bird seasons should act before the deadline.
Missouri's CWD Overhaul — Eliminating Management Zones and Special Seasons — Is Now in Effect for 2026–27
Missouri's Department of Conservation has formally eliminated its CWD Management Zone structure, removed antler point restrictions statewide, and cancelled the special CWD firearms season — all effective for the 2026–27 license year. MDC concluded that targeted removal programs did not achieve population reduction goals. The decision is being watched nationally as a model for how states exit ineffective CWD containment policies. Missouri's spring turkey season runs April 20–May 10; youth turkey April 11–12. Standard CWD transport restrictions remain in force statewide.
HPAI Confirmed in All 50 States — Active Wild Bird Detections Continue Across the Country
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza remains confirmed in every state including active wild bird detections across the country. The virus continues to circulate through spring migration. TPWD recommends cleaning bird feeders every two weeks with a 1:9 bleach-to-water solution or discontinuing them entirely. Wear gloves when handling any wild birds. The virus has been documented in cats, foxes, and raccoons. Report sick or dead wild birds at (512) 389-4848 (Texas) or your state wildlife agency. Human transmission risk remains low.
Michigan Survey: Public Supports Hunting and Fishing Activities More Than It Trusts the People Who Do Them
A 2025 Michigan Wildlife Council survey found that Michigan non-hunters support hunting, trapping, and fishing in the abstract at rates higher than the national average — but paradoxically are less favorable toward the hunters and anglers themselves than they are toward the activities. The disconnect has implications for how wildlife agencies communicate with the general public and how hunters present themselves on public lands and in public spaces. Michigan remains one of the strongest hunting culture states in the country despite the underlying tension.
NWTF 2026 Spring Hunt Guide: Multiple States Report Two-Year-Old Gobbler Numbers Up From Strong 2024 Hatch
The National Wild Turkey Federation's 2026 Spring Hunt Guide reports cautious optimism across multiple states based on strong 2024 nest success. Ohio projects good numbers of two-year-old gobblers in most regions based on above-average poult indices. Georgia expects solid harvest driven by exceptional 2024 production in the Piedmont. Colorado's leftover spring turkey licenses for several units went on sale March 10, and its reissue list updates weekly. The southeastern cascade of opening dates — Mississippi, Florida, then Georgia and Alabama — runs through May.
On The Water — Boating, Paddling & Safety
8 storiesDeadliest Catch Deckhand Todd Meadows, 25, Father of Three, Dies After Falling Overboard in Bering Sea
Todd Meadows, deckhand on the F/V Aleutian Lady featured on Discovery's Deadliest Catch, fell overboard in the Bering Sea on Feb. 25 and was recovered unresponsive approximately ten minutes later. Despite resuscitation efforts, he died at sea. He was 25 and a father of three boys. Captain Rick Shelford called it "the most tragic day in the vessel's history." Discovery and the wider commercial fishing community have expressed condolences. A GoFundMe for his children has raised over $36,000.
Angler Without Life Jacket Drowns on Watts Bar Reservoir — Tennessee's First Boating Death of 2026
Steven Hayes, 65, of Sweetwater, Tennessee, fell overboard while fishing from the back of a small boat on Watts Bar Reservoir on Feb. 27. His boat partner heard a splash, threw floatation devices, and attempted to guide him to shallow water. First responders arrived to find Hayes unconscious in eight feet of water at 48°F; life-saving measures failed. He was not wearing a PFD. TWRA confirmed this as Tennessee's first boating fatality of 2026 — and a textbook preventable drowning.
Man Drowns at California Marina Launch Ramp After Vessel Capsizes — Discovery Bay, March 4
A watercraft overturned at the Marina Launch Ramp in Discovery Bay, California on the afternoon of March 4. Two occupants swam to a nearby dock. A third — who could not swim and was not wearing a life jacket — went under and was not recovered for two hours. Name not yet released. The Contra Costa County Sheriff's Marine Patrol is investigating. Three separate fatal water incidents in eight days across three states underscore the urgent need for PFD compliance before spring boat traffic surges.
Florida's 2024 Boating Stats Released: Record Deaths Despite Fewer Boats — Operator Education the Gap
FWC data shows Florida recorded a record number of boating deaths in 2024 despite having 5,858 fewer registered vessels than in 2023 — 26 more accidents and 22 more deaths year-over-year. The consistent finding: up to three-quarters of operators in fatal accidents had never taken a boating safety course, yet 80% had over 100 hours of experience. You don't learn safe boating just by going boating. Pre-season is the time to take a safety course before peak spring traffic. The USCG conducts a National Recreational Boating Safety Survey in 2026.
Newport Bassmaster Kayak Series Championship on Chickamauga & Nickajack This Week, March 11–13
The 2026 Newport Bassmaster Kayak Series presented by Native Watercraft holds its championship event March 11–13 on Chickamauga and Nickajack lakes in Chattanooga — timed alongside Classic week on the adjacent Tennessee River. The series regular season spans six fisheries through August, with the next event April 18–19 at Caddo Lake and Lake Bistineau near Shreveport. The Bassmaster Kayak Series is one of the fastest-growing tournament trails in the country and is free to enter at the club level through B.A.S.S. Nation.
Spring Boating Season Pre-Launch Checklist: What to Do This Week Before Your First Trip
Three fatal boating incidents in the first nine days of March are a reminder that pre-season prep saves lives. Before your first launch: check PFD inventory and fit for every person aboard, test running lights and bilge pump, verify fire extinguisher pressure and flare expiration dates, and know your specific water's rules of the road. BWI carries the same legal weight as DWI in every state. For kayak and canoe anglers: wear your PFD, not just carry it. Cold water kills in minutes — 48°F water allows an average adult less than 30 minutes of functional movement.
2026 Kayak Angler Industry Awards: Crescent Smallie Wins for Portability and Remote-Water Access
The 2026 Kayak Angler Industry Awards — voted by over 17,500 industry participants — recognized Crescent's Smallie kayak as a standout for combining lightweight portability with full fishing functionality. The Smallie targets anglers who want hand-carry access to remote water that larger rigs can't reach, while still supporting motor-ready platforms and serious electronics. For Texas anglers chasing bass in East Texas bayous, backcountry Hill Country access points, or off-grid river systems, it's the right tool when a 14-foot rig is the wrong answer.
NRS Ninja Pro PFD Gets Limited-Edition Whale Foundation Artwork — Proceeds Support Grand Canyon River Guides
NRS partnered with the Whale Foundation to release a limited-edition version of its Ninja Pro Guide PFD — GearJunkie's current No. 1-ranked PFD — with artwork by Grand Canyon river guide and artist Summer Doss. The vest is a compact Type V rescue-grade design co-developed by professional whitewater guides. Purchases support the Whale Foundation's mental health programs for Grand Canyon river guides. Priced at $270. For kayak anglers who spend serious time on moving water, it's the right safety investment at a real-world price.
Camping & Outdoor Gear
8 storiesPalo Pinto Mountains State Park Opens March 1 — First New North Texas State Park in 25 Years
North Texas finally has a new state park. Palo Pinto Mountains State Park — 4,871 acres of former ranch land 75 miles west of Fort Worth near Strawn — soft-opened March 1 for day use and overnight camping. The park features 16 miles of multiuse trails, the 68-acre Tucker Lake (fishing, kayaking, swimming), juniper-covered hillsides, and Cross Timbers grasslands. Spring wildflowers and migratory birds including the endangered golden-cheeked warbler are expected throughout March and April. Reserve day passes ($7 per person 13+) in advance at tpwd.texas.gov — the park is already hitting capacity on weekends.
REI Drops Spring 2026 Gear Collection: Flash Shade Hoodie, Flash Pants Lead Lightweight Outdoor Line
REI Co-op released its spring 2026 collections on March 5, headlined by the REI Flash Shade Hoodie ($69.95) — an ultralight UPF50+ performance sun hoodie at 110 g/m² that undercuts the weight of REI's own Sahara Shade by 40 grams and includes a hood ponytail port. The Flash Pants and Shorts complete a fast-and-light hiking kit for anglers, turkey hunters, and paddlers who want UV protection without bulk. The co-op's spring lineup also updated the Co-op Cycles ADV 2.1 gravel bike ($1,499) with a simplified 1x10 drivetrain.
Outdoor Market Alliance Winter Show: BearVault Teases Major New Bear Canister, EXPED Ultra 6.5R Impresses
Denver's OMA winter gear show produced several standouts this week. BearVault teased a forthcoming product described as a "leap forward" in bear canister technology — details coming in late March. EXPED's rereleased Ultra range of sleeping pads earns strong reviews, with the mummy-shaped Ultra 6.5R (rated best warmth-to-weight of any all-season pad) scoring better than NeoAir, Tensor, and Zoom at similar weights. La Sportiva debuted its first mountaineering pack, the Granite, in ALUULA fabric. FlipFuel's fuel canister transfer device addresses the universal half-empty-canister problem for backcountry camp cooks.
Orvis Unveils Its Most Rugged Big-Game Fly Reel; GSI 2-Can Stack Hits Spring Outdoor Retail
Orvis — consistently rated among the top fly fishing rod brands — announced what it calls its "most rugged and reliable big-game reel ever," targeting anglers chasing large saltwater species and trophy freshwater fish. No price or spec sheet was released at press time. Meanwhile, GSI Outdoors relaunched the 2-Can Stack camp cooking system through spring outdoor retailers. For anglers running float trips or kayak camping on Texas rivers, the GSI Pinnacle Camper Cook Set remains one of the best ultralight shore-lunch systems under $60 — new colors rolling out this spring.
Best New Ultralight Gear 2026: Gossamer Gear Murmur 36, Mountain Hardwear Alakazam Lead the Spring Lineup
The ultralight backpacking market is releasing compelling 2026 products ahead of spring. Gossamer Gear's Murmur 36 frameless pack weighs just over 5 ounces for 36 liters of capacity — designed for thru-hikers and experienced pack hunters who know how to move fast and light. Mountain Hardwear's Alakazam is one of the first mainstream packs built with ALUULA Graflyte fabric, a mono-polymer that outperforms Dyneema in durability and heat bonding. For turkey hunters and kayak-campers going deep into roadless country, the pack weight-to-capacity equation just got better.
BioLite FirePit+ SmartGrill and RinseKit PRO HyperHeater 2.0 Lead Spring Camp Gear Lists
The 2026 BioLite FirePit+ update adds a SmartGrill attachment and Bluetooth airflow control for smokeless fire management — making it part fire pit, part grill, part USB power station. It's the camp cook's answer to fire restriction rules at crowded campgrounds. The RinseKit PRO HyperHeater 2.0 continues gaining traction among anglers and hunters who want pressurized hot water at camp to rinse waders, clean fish, or decontaminate gear from CWD zones. Both products are in wide national distribution at outdoor retailers this spring.
Big Agnes Pitchpine VST 1.5 and Gossamer Gear Murmur 36 Headline KOA's Best New Camping Gear for 2026
Big Agnes' Pitchpine VST 1.5 tent earns attention for its sub-two-pound weight and unique exterior-pole asymmetrical design with improved condensation management. The VST hybrid baffle sleeping bag construction uses moisture-resistant technology that keeps down functional in damp spring conditions — a significant upgrade for hunters and anglers camping in variable early-spring weather across Texas and the Southeast. Gossamer Gear's Murmur 36 frameless pack rounds out a 2026 lineup aimed squarely at fast-and-light field users.
Palo Pinto Mountains Features Tucker Lake Fishing, 16 Miles of Trails, and Accessible ADA Amenities
Palo Pinto Mountains State Park's Tucker Lake (68 acres, no motorboats) has a kayak/canoe launch, fishing pier, and fish cleaning station — all ADA accessible. The park loans all-terrain wheelchairs for non-accessible trails. Multiuse trails range from family-friendly day hikes to challenging backcountry routes with long views over the Palo Pinto range. Camping reservations are in high demand through spring break — book early at tpwd.texas.gov or call (512) 389-8900. Day use: $7/person 13 and older. The park is open daily 8 a.m.–10 p.m.
Recipes of the Week
4 recipesBeer-Battered White Bass Tacos with Chipotle Crema
White bass are running Texas rivers right now — here's what to do with the ones you keep.
Chipotle Crema: ½ cup sour cream · 1 chipotle in adobo (minced) · juice of 1 lime · pinch of salt
Toppings: shredded cabbage · sliced radishes · fresh cilantro · lime wedges
- Whisk chipotle crema ingredients. Refrigerate 20 minutes.
- Mix flour, baking powder, and spices. Whisk in cold beer until batter is thin and smooth — consistency of heavy cream.
- Heat 2 inches of oil to 375°F in a cast iron skillet or Dutch oven.
- Pat fillets dry, cut into strips, dip in batter, and fry 3–4 minutes per side until deep golden brown. Work in batches — don't crowd the oil.
- Drain on a wire rack, not paper towels. Serve immediately in warm corn tortillas with crema, cabbage, radish, and cilantro.
Works equally well with crappie, perch, or drum. The cold beer in the batter is the difference between a crisp shell and a soggy one.
Smoked Turkey Breast with Brown Sugar Rub and Apple Butter Glaze
Turkey season opens this week across the South — when you put one on the ground, smoke the breast low and slow.
- Mix brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, pepper, onion powder, salt, and cayenne. Coat the turkey breast entirely with the rub. Let rest uncovered in the fridge 4 hours or overnight.
- Set smoker or indirect grill to 250°F. Use apple or pecan wood.
- Smoke until internal temp hits 145°F — approximately 2.5 to 3.5 hours depending on breast size. Wild turkey is lean; going over 160°F means dry meat.
- Melt butter with apple butter and vinegar in a small saucepan. Glaze the breast at 145°F, then return to smoker until it hits 155°F with a set glaze.
- Pull at 155°F and tent with foil for 10 minutes. Carve against the grain.
Wild turkey breast is lean and tight-grained. Don't rush it. The brown sugar rub forms a bark and keeps moisture locked in better than just salt and pepper.
Smash Burgers with Caramelized Onion and Pepper Jack on a Camp Griddle
The flat-top smash burger is the move at every bass tournament camp, spring turkey camp, and tailgate. Simple execution, high payoff.
- Heat flat-top griddle or cast iron over medium-high. Add butter and onions with a pinch of salt. Cook 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until onions are dark brown and soft. Push to side of griddle.
- Form beef into loosely packed 3-oz balls — do not compress them into patties ahead of time.
- Place a ball on the hot griddle, press flat hard with a spatula (or burger press) until very thin. Season immediately with salt and pepper. Cook 2 minutes until crust forms and edges turn gray.
- Flip once. Add pepper jack immediately. Let cheese melt 45 seconds.
- Toast buns on the griddle in the beef fat. Build: bun · mustard · pickles · onions · double smash patty · hot sauce mayo · top bun.
The smash only works with high-fat beef and a very hot surface. Don't be shy with the press — you want a thin, lacy edge. Two thin smashed patties per sandwich beats one thick one every time.
Dutch Oven Wild Turkey and Sausage Gumbo
Opening day turkey camp needs a real meal. This gumbo stretches one bird to feed a crew and tastes better the next morning.
- Make the roux: Heat oil in Dutch oven over medium heat. Add flour and stir continuously for 25–35 minutes until the roux is dark brown — the color of dark chocolate. Don't stop stirring or it burns. This is the only part that requires attention.
- Add onion, celery, and bell pepper to the roux. Stir and cook 5 minutes until softened. Add garlic, cook 1 minute more.
- Add turkey chunks and sausage. Stir to coat in roux.
- Pour in broth, add Cajun seasoning, bay leaves, and thyme. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook 1.5–2 hours until turkey is tender and falling apart.
- Taste, adjust salt. Pull bay leaves. Serve over rice with green onions.
A dark roux is the whole game in gumbo. If yours looks like peanut butter, keep going. You need chocolate or nothing. This works over a propane burner, a campfire, or a camp stove — medium-low heat either way.
