The Starting Spot: Balancing Bassmaster and Family, Mat Punching Tips, and Fuzzy Bait Rigs

In this edition of The Starting Spot:

-Bassmaster Elite pro Brandon Palaniuk has long been a fan favorite for his fishing skills but also for his approachable nature and positive outlook. This thoughtful article takes a look behind the scenes as he discusses his search for balance between his top-level fishing career and his loving young family.

-Late summer is the time of year when aquatic growth is at its maximum density creating thick mats of floating vegetation—a safe, comfortable canopy of cover for prowling bass to hunt beneath. With heavy gear and a few pointers, you can punch these bass right where they live.

-If you saw any coverage of new lures from ICAST this summer, you know fuzzy baits for bass are all the rage. But do you know the best way to rig these new twitchy-legged lures?

Brandon Palaniuk: Family And Fishing

by Dynamic Sponsorships

In a story on Bassmaster.com: The dawn breaks over the lake, a thin veil of mist hanging low over the water and Brandon Palaniuk is already out there, his Skeeter boat slicing through the quiet. His mind and eyes are steady, constantly scanning on the search for fish but his heart is elsewhere—back at the camper, where his two daughters, 3 and almost 2 years old, are likely stirring, their soft voices filling the air with the kind of chaos that makes him smile.

Break on Through: Punch Mats for Great Dog-Days Bass Fishing

by Ken Duke

Top 5 Ways to Rig Fuzzy Baits

by Shaye Baker

Thanks for starting your day with Fishing On SI. Lines in!

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