The Starting Spot: Expert Spybait Fishing Tips, 2025 Bassmaster HS All-State Team, and Invasive Smallmouth?

In this edition of The Starting Spot:

-Tactical Bassin’s Matt Allen can’t believe how overlooked the incredibly effective spybait is in 2025. Do you fish it? Do you know anyone who fishes it? Allen provides everything you need to know to put this bait to work for you.

-The 33-student Bassmaster All-State High School fishing team has been named. Competitors were awarded these coveted team spots based on bass tournament competition results, academic achievements and a demonstration of achievement and leadership in conservation and community service.

-Obviously, I love smallmouth bass and it’s difficult for me to picture a lake where I wouldn’t like them to live. But I can also understand proper lake management when it’s based on sound scientific data. In Colorado, a lake that is supposed to be a brook tout and lake trout water is struggling because smallmouth are so competitive.

The Most Overlooked Bait Of 2025! (You Should Try This Spybait Again)

by Matt Allen

From a video on Tactical Bassin’s YouTube channel: Spybaits are one of the most underrated lures in bass fishing! Their ability to catch big fish in both clear and stained water is remarkable. There aren't many baits that are this good, that go unnoticed by the majority of anglers. From fan casting flats, to ledge fishing, to targeting schooling fish, the spy bait should have a place in your box.

Top Student Athletes Named To The 2025 Bassmaster High School All-State Fishing Team

by The Fishing Wire

According to an article on TheFishingWire.com: Thirty-three of the top high school anglers from across the country have been named to the 2025 Bassmaster High School All-State Fishing Team.

$10,000 Prize for Removing “Invasive” Smallmouth Bass From Southwest Colorado’s Ridgway Reservoir

by Bob McNally

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

You Might Also Like These Bass Fishing Stories: