Alpha BassCast

Bass Cast 2.0: Winning, Teamwork, and the Bite Windows That MatterBass Cast is back with tournament stories, fishing strategy, and plenty of banter. Bryant Smith and Sonic Blam welcome Ty Manterola to talk about his recent wins, how he and Boomer found success as a team, and why anglers shouldn’t rely on forward-facing sonar alone.They break down the winding bite, fishing regions instead of isolated spots, and how to decide whether to stay with fish or move on. Ty also explains why bite windows can turn a slow stretch into a flurry of action—and how tournament pressure can make those windows even harder to predict.In this episodeTy’s emotional first win at Boardman—and the fish that sealed itHow Bryant adapted at Champlain without forward-facing sonarWhy vibrating jigs and other winding baits are still producingWhat made the Ty-and-Boomer team clickHow to fish the back of the boat and catch fish the angler on the screen might missWhy fishing a productive region can beat camping on one isolated spotReading bite windows, pressure, and when to commit or moveThe crew’s stories from St. Lawrence, Super 60 events, and a rough day on the waterChapters00:00 Bass Cast 2.0: a new season and a more structured show02:53 New reel talk: the Hyper Mag07:43 Tournament recaps and the road to Boardman08:29 Fishing Champlain without forward-facing sonar10:08 Why the chatterbait and winding bite still matter15:30 St. Lawrence’s huge smallmouth and record-setting weights18:35 Gear talk—and a memorable fish-handling mishap22:50 Ty recounts his first win and the pressure of closing it out28:45 How Ty and Boomer became a tournament team32:27 Dividing roles on the boat and catching bonus fish39:39 Trust, teamwork, and leaving ego at the dock45:24 Why Ty looks for productive regions, not just individual spots53:15 Approaching team events and changing tournament formats56:33 How Ty searches during Super 60 events60:33 What bite windows are—and why fish may suddenly turn on63:30 Pressure, timing, and knowing when to stay or go69:57 Bryant’s rough day on the water and the bilge-pump problem78:48 LiveScope, West Coast tournament fishing, and adapting your approach84:27 Hartwell, the BAM Classic, and what’s next91:00 The closing conversation and boat-for-sale banterTakeawaysKeep moving baits in the mix; forward-facing sonar hasn’t made traditional techniques obsolete.In team events, agree on roles and trust your partner’s approach.Look for a region with a healthy population of fish, not only one promising-looking spot.Fish may be present but unwilling to bite until a short feeding window opens.Learn to recognize unproductive water efficiently—and commit when you believe you’re around the right fish.KeywordsBass fishing, tournament fishing, Ty Manterola, Boardman, Champlain, St. Lawrence, Super 60, LiveScope, forward-facing sonar, chatterbait, vibrating jig, bite windows, team fishing

Most of the cast is back, trying to get you the goods while staying on the water. Check out this episode with Luke Johns, the BAM-Trail's male model and positive outlook leader! Is he a cheater? We're not sure, but nobody is THAT good. Check out the cast and make your own determination.Cast SUMMARY:In this engaging conversation, the hosts discuss the absence of their co-host Bo, introduce Luke Johns, a successful angler, and delve into various topics including financial responsibility in bass fishing, memorable fishing experiences, the impact of rumors in the fishing community, and the role of social media in the sport. Luke shares insights about his achievements, his approach to managing his earnings, and his new role as a sales rep in the fishing industry, highlighting the challenges and opportunities within the community. In this conversation, the speakers discuss various aspects of tournament fishing, including the importance of mental preparation, scheduling, and the impact of pre-practice on performance. They share personal experiences related to bait selection, equipment challenges, and the evolving dynamics of the fishing industry. The conversation emphasizes the significance of maintaining a positive mindset and gratitude for the sport, as well as the competitive nature of fishing. In this engaging conversation, the hosts and guest Luke discuss various aspects of fishing tournaments, including memorable experiences, the significance of family support, and the challenges faced in the fishing community. They delve into the recent controversies in bass fishing, emphasizing the importance of integrity and transparency within the sport. The discussion also touches on the growth of fishing on the West Coast and the need for unity among anglers to foster a thriving community.There's more where this came from, so give us a subscribe!!#alphabasscast #bassfishing #Lukejohns #jakeboomer #AlphaAngler #bassfishing #basspodcast

Alpha Basscast Episode 22 with Bryant Smith and Jake BoomerEpisode goes into the new bait craze, caused by the Hideup Coike which is taking over the fishing world. Follow Jake and Bryant as they describe how to assimilate new, crazy trends like the urchin into you fishing, especially tournament fishing. The boys also cover the art of slumpbusting which tends to catch every angler off-guard. It's easy to say there is an issue, but hard to pinpoint where or what it is. The boys dive into this topic, comically. This episode hooks listeners with the promise of unlocking overlooked habits that make a difference in fishing success. It taps into emotional curiosity—how confidence and mindset can change outcomes—paired with concrete stories and tactical insights aimed at fishing enthusiasts eager to improve. The casual, humor-laced tone makes it relatable and engaging, enticing more to hit play, stay tuned, and apply the tips.

In this episode of **Alpha BassCast**, we sit down with **Josh Pladies**, founder of **Clutch Swimbaits**, to talk about the evolution of modern swimbaits and how advanced design is reshaping tournament fishing.Josh shares his journey from building **custom goose calls** to designing some of the most technically advanced **glide baits** in bass fishing. With a background in engineering, CAD design, and material science, Josh breaks down how modern bait manufacturing—from **ABS construction to 3D modeling**—is pushing swimbait performance further than ever.We dive into the art of **glide bait fishing**, including how to read fish behavior, select the right gear, and apply these baits effectively in **tournament situations**. If you want to understand what truly separates high-performance swimbaits from the rest, this episode is packed with insights.### 🎙 In this episode:* Josh Pladies’ journey into bait design and Clutch Swimbaits* The evolution of swimbait manufacturing and glide bait technology* Using **CAD and advanced materials** to improve bait performance* How glide baits are impacting **tournament fishing strategy*** Techniques for casting, retrieving, and reading fish mood* Choosing the right **swimbait rods and gear setups*** The story behind the **Mini Boss Glide Bait** and future innovationsJosh also shares lessons learned from years of experimentation, collaboration with anglers, and how paying attention to fish behavior can dramatically improve your success with glide baits.Whether you’re a **swimbait addict, tournament angler, or gear nerd**, this conversation dives deep into the craft and science behind some of the most exciting lures in bass fishing.👉 **Subscribe to Alpha BassCast** for more conversations with anglers, industry innovators, and the voices shaping West Coast bass fishing.---### 🔗 Guest LinksClutch Swimbaits – [https://clutchswimbaits.com/](https://clutchswimbaits.com/)Josh Pladies Instagram – [https://www.instagram.com/joshpladies/](https://www.instagram.com/joshpladies/)---### 🎯 Keywordsswimbaits, glide bait fishing, Josh Pladies, Clutch Swimbaits, tournament fishing, bait design, swimbait techniques, bass fishing swimbaits, glide bait rods, fishing gear review, CAD bait design, ABS swimbaits, bait manufacturing, fishing innovation, bass fishing techniques, reading fish behavior, swimbait fishing tips---

The Truth About Making It Pro in Bass Fishing | Colby Pearson on Mindset, Industry Secrets & The Stair-Step Path to SuccessMost anglers think success comes from grinding harder or buying better gear. That’s not it.In this episode of the Alpha BassCast, we sit down with pro angler and industry insider Colby Pearson to unpack what really separates weekend warriors from top-tier competitors. This is an unfiltered look at the grind behind professional bass fishing—the mistakes, setbacks, sacrifices, and strategic moves that actually build a career.Colby breaks down the power of the “stair-step” approach—why skipping levels hurts you, why learning every lesson matters, and how embracing adversity accelerates long-term success. From boat mishaps and legal hurdles to sponsorship realities and brand partnerships, we cover the parts of the fishing industry most people never see.We also dive into:* The mindset required to go from novice to pro* Why perseverance beats shortcuts every time* The real role of mentorship in competitive fishing* Industry dynamics and how sponsorships really work* How forward-facing sonar is reshaping tournament strategy* The balance between tradition and technology* Staying motivated through boat failures, gear issues, and pressureColby, a sales rep for major brands like Rapala, VMC, and Fish Monkey, shares a rare dual perspective—both as a competitor and someone deeply embedded in the fishing industry. If you’ve ever wondered how the business side of bass fishing operates, this is the episode.Whether you’re chasing the pro dream, building your brand, or just obsessed with tournament bass fishing, this conversation will challenge how you think about growth, resilience, and long-term success.No excuses. Just execution.👉 Like, Comment, and Subscribe for more real conversations about West Coast and national-level bass fishing.---### 🎯 Keywordsbass fishing, tournament fishing, Colby Pearson, professional angler, fishing industry, Rapala, VMC hooks, Fish Monkey gloves, forward-facing sonar, FFS fishing, bass fishing mindset, becoming a pro angler, fishing sponsorships, tournament bass fishing, fishing mentorship, fishing business, competitive fishing strategy, fishing motivation, Alpha BassCast, fishing podcast

Join Boomer, Bryant, and Beau along with Jason Crone, the only Pro Angler from Montana, as they break down the upcoming Bass Angler Magazine Pro/Am and Pro Tour tournament schedules. From Lake Havasu to the new NW Swing, the guys dig into each event, and dive into some on-the-water decisions, preparation, travel grind, and the mental side of competing at a high level. Along the way, they trade stories, question strategy, and keep it real about the wins, the mistakes, and the pressure that comes with chasing points and paychecks.

Join Boomer, Bryant, and Beau as they dive into the complexities of the bass fishing world, discussing the challenges and controversies surrounding tournament rules and the impact of social media. From the intricacies of polygraph tests to the dynamics of sponsor exemptions, this episode offers a candid look at the sport's evolving landscape. Tune in for insightful conversations, personal anecdotes, and a touch of humor as they navigate the highs and lows of competitive fishing. Don't miss out on this engaging discussion that sheds light on the realities of being a professional angler. #bassfishing #TournamentTalk

Behind the Scenes with Billy Egan | The Won Bass US Open: Stories, Tournament Drama & Building a Stronger Fishing CommunityIn this episode of the Alpha BassCast, we sit down with **Billy Egan**, longtime tournament director and the face of Won Bass and the legendary US Open. Billy pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to run a major tournament series, sharing wild stories, tough lessons, and unforgettable moments from his decades in the sport.From cheating scandals and tournament day chaos to powerful insights on sportsmanship, fishing ethics, and how to grow the fishing community—this episode is packed with laughs, perspective, and real talk from one of the most respected names in bass fishing.🎤 Topics include:* The US Open: behind-the-scenes pressure & prestige* Memorable tournament fails and what they taught us* How to handle ethical dilemmas and rule-breaking* The importance of honesty, trust, and sportsmanship* What it takes to keep a tournament series thrivingWhether you're a tournament angler, a weekend warrior, or a fan of fishing culture, this episode is a must-listen.👉 Hit Like, Comment, and Subscribe to stay connected with Alpha BassCast. Available on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts!---🎯 Keywordsbass fishing, tournament, Billy Egan, US Open, One Bass, tournament director, fishing stories, fishing ethics, sportsmanship, tournament mistakes, fishing community, fishing drama, tournament fishing, angler stories, bass fishing podcast, fishing culture, fishing support

In this engaging episode, join Jake Boomer, Bryant Smith, and Beau Raymond Fletcher as they dive into the world of bass fishing and social media. Special guest Clint "Cleetus" Bartlett, the cameraman and social content creator for Yamaha and Alpha Angler, shares his journey from a college graduate to a key player in the fishing industry. He offers insights on building relationships, the power of storytelling, and the impact of social media on the sport.

Whether you're an angler or a social media enthusiast, this episode is packed with valuable lessons and entertaining anecdotes. Tune in for a deep dive into the intersection of passion, technology, and the great outdoors.

Keywords: Bass Fishing, Social Media, Storytelling, Yamaha, Alpha Angler, Clint Bartlett, Cleetus, Fishing Industry, Relationships, Technology

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Cameron Black isn’t just the best salmon guide in the country—he’ll outfish you in a bass derby too.

In this episode of the Alpha BassCast, we sit down with Cameron Black—owner of Gone Catchin’ Guide Service and a driving force behind Addicted Fishing. We talk about his transition from chasing salmon to competing in bass, his time fishing in Florida, and the role of smallmouth in salmon fisheries. Cameron shares insights on fisheries management, salmon and seal populations, and the competitive edge needed to win.

Follow Cameron: [gonecatchin.com](https://gonecatchin.com) | [addicted.fishing](https://addicted.fishing)