Swim jigs are a staple on the Mississippi river, but that's not the only place they dominate.  We'll take a look at swim jig rods that best suit this technique.  From a surprising best in class to an equally surprising failure from a top rod manufacturer.  

Bass tournament series and clubs have a responsibility to find, welcome and enhance our newer anglers. The days of waiting lists are over, it's time to uncover the secrets and help the next wave of angers compete.

Iowa’s Bass Anglers Take Center Stage

Iowa may not get the same spotlight as the southern powerhouses of bass fishing, but make no mistake — the Hawkeye State is home to some of the most dedicated and talented tournament anglers in the country.

From the eastern banks of the Big Muddy to the monster bass of northwest Iowa, the lake masters of the central region, and the Omaha clubs working the western border — Iowa’s waters are a hidden gem for serious competitors.

Now, Bass-Cafe is breaking new ground with the first-ever “Top Ten Anglers in Iowa” — a ranking built by the anglers, for the anglers. Like PFF does for football, our list combines performance data, local insight, and most importantly, the input of those who live it every weekend.

You fish. You compete. You know who’s best. Now it’s time to make your voice count.

Bass tournament series and clubs have a responsibility to find, welcome and enhance our newer anglers. The days of waiting lists are over, it's time to uncover the secrets and help the next wave of angers compete.

“Bass-Cafe is your go-to resource for tournament bass fishing in the Midwest and beyond. From clubs to series, we’ve been on the water and know what each has to offer. Our mission is simple: give anglers real information, practical advice, and a platform to grow.

We’re here to revive bass clubs, strengthen tournament communities, and welcome new anglers into the fold. No more guesswork—just honest talk, proven strategies, and a passion for the sport. If you’re ready to level up your fishing and be part of something bigger, this podcast is for you.”

Bass tournament series and clubs have a responsibility to find, welcome and enhance our newer anglers. The days of waiting lists are over, it's time to uncover the secrets and help the next wave of angers compete.

“In Iowa, bass tournament fishing takes you one of two ways: into Des Moines clubs like the Weekend Warriors, or onto the Mississippi River to face the legendary ‘River Rats.’ On this episode, we’re taking the fear out of fishing the big river—starting with Pool 10—and giving newer anglers the tools to get ahead of the curve.

If we want the grassroots foundation of bass fishing to survive, we need to share knowledge, encourage growth, and welcome the next generation. The waiting lists are gone. The secrets are out. It’s time to help new anglers compete—and keep our clubs and series alive.”

Bass tournament series and clubs have a responsibility to find, welcome and enhance our newer anglers. The days of waiting lists are over, it's time to uncover the secrets and help the next wave of angers compete.

Grassroots tournament fishing is struggling to survive, but it doesn't have to be this way.  From engaging new anglers, sharing how to find, join and fish bass tournaments, we can save the foundation of our sport.  We will strip away the unnecessary secrets, share the basics on how to get into into your first tournament, and be successful your first trip out.

Bass fishing needs new anglers and current anglers need to welcome and promote new people into the sport.  Nobody is too old, too young or to shy to get into the best sport in America, tournament bass fishing.  

Bass tournament series and clubs have a responsibility to find, welcome and enhance our newer anglers. The days of waiting lists are over, it's time to uncover the secrets and help the next wave of angers compete.