For the first time in my 14 years as a professional bass angler, I did not attend ICAST — the fishing industry’s amazing trade show. I just returned from South Africa with Trait and our cameraman, Charles. We were there for three weeks and had an absolute blast bass fishing and hunting.
While in Africa, I checked out the new baits and tackle being introduced at ICAST, as many other bass fanatics do, via computer. Throughout the week of ICAST, I viewed many new product videos taken at the show that were posted on social media.
One big thing stood out: Most of the lure releases for 2025 seemed to revolve around fishing with forward-facing sonar. As I sipped my morning coffee in Africa, I watched countless videos of finesse dice baits and finesse minnow baits and couldn’t help but think about what ICAST 2025 would look like without the invention of forward-facing technology.
I’ve had to adopt forward-facing sonar to stay competitive, as have many other veteran pros. I don’t recall anything that has impacted fishing and the fishing industry as much as this sonar evolution. Where will we be five years from now?
Will the bass we’re targeting with forward-facing sonar and finesse baits today become conditioned to it as they have with the Alabama rig? My guess is it will continue to be effective for a much longer period.
I had to chuckle when I watched ICAST videos of “older” pros who are known for power fishing promoting 1/2-inch fuzzy baits. This goes to show that if you don’t stay on top of the latest bass fishing trends, you’ll be left behind.
With so many new finesse options available, I have no choice but to employ some of these baits when I’m fishing with forward-facing sonar. But as a shallow-water power fisherman, I will continue to throw big swimbaits, big crankbaits and jigs. With everyone fishing out deep, at some point, there should be more bass in shallow water for me to catch, right?
I missed the opportunity to get together with my many friends and fellow competitors at ICAST. Although I couldn’t put my hands on all the new baits and fishing tackle, I was able to stay up to date, just as most bass fans do, thanks to social media platforms. Kyle Jessie and all the other guys and gals who produce Bassmaster.com kept it fun and informative.
South Africa
We stayed at a hunting lodge that’s only 10 miles away from one of the best bass lakes in Africa. The fishing there and in other lakes in the region is world class. We also hunted for plains game. Trait is especially proud of her beautiful impala.
We ate or sampled some of the game we shot every night. Beef and chicken were also served, but wild meat was the mainstay. Plains game tastes very similar to beef.
We also did a little predator control hunting for ranchers who have a problem with the Serval cat. This feline is between the size of an American bobcat and a mountain lion. The pelt from the one I shot will make a nice bathroom rug.
