Overview
BASS ANGLER MAGAZINE - BAM - Helping You Catch More Bass Since 1992!
2026 Spring Issue - Bass Angler Magazine brings together tournament coverage, practical fishing knowledge, seasonal strategies, and angler profiles from some of the sport's most respected contributors. As bass fishing transitions into one of the most productive times of the year, this issue focuses on helping anglers improve their skills while highlighting the latest action across the BAM Tournament Trail.
Tournament Trail Coverage - Recaps from major BAM events, including the Super 60 Championship at Clear Lake, the Delta Super 60, and the Shasta Pro-Am. Readers will also find features on the BAM Super 60 Pro Angler of the Year, the BAM Pro-Am Pro Angler of the Year, and the BAM Pro-Am Co-Angler of the Year. Additional tournament insights include Dave Ruckdeschel's look at staying mentally tough with Ryan Hall and Steve Wayne's guide to succeeding as a co-angler.
Techniques & Instructional Content - Peter Anderson explains the keys to a perfect pitch and offers practical advice for using forward-facing sonar in shallow water. Dave Ruckdeschel breaks down Southern California finesse tactics with pro Tom Leedom, while Steve Wayne examines why glide baits continue to produce trophy bass. Rob Bryant adds additional strategies with a dependable "When in Doubt – Try This" approach for tough fishing conditions.
Seasonal Strategies - Take center stage as Glenn Walker explains why topwater fishing often begins earlier than many anglers expect. Rob Bryant's conversation with James Elam explores balancing life, family, and competitive fishing as seasons change.
Gear and Foundational Fishing Knowledge - Andrea Ciarrocchi's guide to building an effective $35 fishing kit, Glenn Walker's top ten terminal tackle essentials, and Derek Stewart's insights into how bass position around current and structure.
Rounding out the 2026 Bass Angler Magazine Spring issue are profiles of Mark Menendez and Scott Martin, along with Ron Thuleen's reflection on the moments that shape a lifetime passion for fishing.
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2025 Winter Issue - Packed with proven tactics, tournament insights, and guidance to help you catch fish when conditions are at their toughest, the Winter Issue of Bass Angler Magazine gives every angler the tools to stay sharp all season. Whether you're chasing trophies, dialing in winter presentations, or keeping your boat and equipment ready for the next bite window, this issue is your cold-season playbook for catching more bass!
Tournament Trail Coverage - Go inside the wins, patterns, and decisions that defined BAM's biggest events. Learn how top anglers claimed AOY titles, broke down Almanor, unlocked the Columbia River, produced at Potholes, won big money, and built paths toward becoming a pro.
Winter & Cold-Water Tactics - Get detailed instructions on catching bass in cold water across the country. Articles feature wintering on the California Delta, fast techniques with Nick Cloutier, why January explodes in Florida, fishing the shad die-off, clear-water strategies, and proven winter systems from Brandon Cobb and more.
Technique-Specific Mastery - Sharpen the skills that matter most this season: jerkbaits, hair jigs, finesse approaches, oddball lures, tiny-bait situations, and the core fundamentals every angler should revisit.
Kayak Fishing Highlights - Breakdowns from the Delta Kayak scene and the BAM Kayak Championship at Trinity show exactly how top paddlers figured out the winter bite.
Gear, Boat Care & Winter Prep - Stay organized and efficient with winter gear tips, cold-weather clothing insights, end-of-season maintenance, and the latest tools, tech, and tackle that matter right now.
The 2025 Winter Issue delivers tournament knowledge, seasonal tactics, technical instruction, and gear expertise—all designed to help you catch more bass in the coldest months of the year. If you want to stay ahead this winter, this is your issue.
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2025 Fall Issue - Packed with expert tips, tournament coverage, seasonal tactics, and product insights to help you catch more bass this season, the BAM Fall 2025 issue has everything you need, whether you're gearing up for summer tournaments, looking for the latest gear recommendations, or refining your seasonal fishing techniques.
Tournament Recaps and Pro Spotlights - Deep dives into the hottest events of the season:
- Desperate Measures with Jeff Gustafson
- Don Pedro BAM Super 60 Pro Tour
- Scholastic Delta Event
- Mohave BAM Super 60 Pro Tour
- Delta Pro Am Highlights
- Surviving the Road with Jake Lawrence
- I Won the Tournament – Karl Okerman
Seasonal Tactics That Deliver - Dial in your summer approach:
- Topwater Techniques for Fall Smallmouth
- Chasing Surface Schoolies with Sam Lashlee
- Upsizing Your Fall Bass
- The Transition Through the Fall Bass
- Fall to Winter Transition with Mark Menendez
- Chasing Late Fall Giants
- Fishing Chocolate with Bill Lowen
Technique Tips from the Pros - Learn from the best with in-depth looks at specialized tactics:
- Bass in the Brush with Stephen Browning
- Rod Dynamics with Randall Tharp
- Don't Forget the Lizard
- Going Lipless with Matt Steffan
- Adding a Swimbait to the Mix
Kayak Fishing Adventures - Paddle into productive waters with tips and stories from the kayak scene:
- Thermalito Kayak
- Don Pedro Kayak
Gear Up with Confidence - Get the most out of your time on the water with curated gear insights and tackle picks:
- Tools, Tech and Tackle
- I Like Big Baits But…
- Get Tough or…
From finesse presentations to giant bait tactics, we cover what works and when to use it.
Available in print and digital editions, the Fall 2025 issue of BAM is your complete fall fishing guide. Get ready to make this your most successful fall season yet.
2025 Summer Issue - Packed with expert tips, tournament coverage, seasonal tactics, and product insights to help you catch more bass this season, the BAM Summer 2025 issue has everything you need, whether you're gearing up for summer tournaments, looking for the latest gear recommendations, or refining your seasonal fishing techniques.
Tournament Recaps and Pro Spotlights - Deep dives into the hottest events of the season:
• Shasta Showdown delivers big bags and even bigger stories
• Collegiate Clash on Shasta reveals which rising stars came out on top
• Young Guns Show Out at Don Pedro highlights future pros on the rise
• Don Pedro Domination breaks down the BAM Pro-Am action
• How Ken Mah Crushed the Field, a breakdown of his winning strategy
Seasonal Tactics That Deliver - Dial in your summer approach:
• Staging bass in key areas as water temps rise
• Fishing through vegetation with precision techniques
• Power-fishing shallow banks for reaction strikes
• Triggering bites during the shad spawn
• Adjusting for post-front and dog-day conditions
Gear Up with Confidence - Curated gear insights and tackle picks:
• The top hardbaits for summer success
• Essential tools for serious anglers
• Can't-miss topwater lures and how to fish them
• Pro tips from Bernie Schultz to increase your strike ratio
Destination Breakdowns and Hidden Hotspots - Must-visit destinations from coast to coast:
• Johnny Creek's untapped bass potential
• Must-fish waters in New Jersey
• Leech Lake's smallmouth playbook
• Florida's underrated Teneroc fishery
• Clear Lake's kayak opportunities
• Surprising success fishing from a Sea-Doo
Real Angler Stories and Practical Advice - Inspiring stories and useful how-to content:
• One angler's journey from garage dreams to tournament reality
• Feeding frenzy tips to keep bass active through summer
• How to catch fish in the rain and tough conditions
• Quick techniques that help any angler catch more now
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Previous Feedback
Comments: Just grabbed a copy of this magazine and was blown away by the vegetation article
From: Bill: Tampa, FL 3/31/15
Comments: Bass Angler Magazine is one of the best angling magazines on the market, and definitely the top Bass specific magazine. Articles are timely, exceptionally written, and contains some of the best supporting articles around. Regardless of your angling ability, BAM will help you catch more fish
From: Daniel: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Comments: I love bass fishing and I get ALL the magazines. Most of them, while still great, have a lot of repeat information from year to year. Bass Angler Magazine is more than: use this bait, that rod and this line. It's the how and why, the stuff you didn't even know you needed to know. I've learned about sunscreen, what fish really see, how to practice for a tournament or even be a better co-angler. The magazine is thick with content and thin with ads. Since I first set my eyes upon BAM, I could see it was a different magazine. I happen upon an issue one day and read it from cover to cover. The next day I subscribed for two years. As I write this I am preparing my renewal for another two.
From: Jim: Trafford, PA
Comments: Excellent magazine-one of the best if not The Best.--Okay it IS the Best.
From: Robert: Warren, MI
Comments: I have been reading magazines about bass fishing for 30 years and Bass Angler Magazine is the best I have read hands down!
From: Scott: Portland, Oregon
Comments: Great magazine! Always full of interesting articles and product reviews. Great job BAM!
From: Jim: Ontario, Canada
Comments: Two thumbs up! This is one of the best bass fishing magazines out there. Lots of west coast info. Money well spent, high quality, you will not be disappointed.
From: Luke: Turlock, CA
Comments: Very deatailed articles and absolutely one of the most informative mags I have read.
From: Warren: Dallas, GA
Comments: This is great magazine for the serious bass angler. The content is current, relevant, and well presented. I never miss it.
From: Bill: Oshawa
Comments: I personally have read just about every bass magazine on the market, and this one is head and shoulders above the rest! Very good information, and not to much advertisements. I keep all my back issues to reference when im struggling on the water. Just get one in your hands and read it and i promise you will find valuable information in it, and never let an issue pass you by!
Comments: Best magazine out there! Tons of articles, and straight to the point. No filler needed. Every issue has something for everyone. Just wish it came more than 4 times a year. Buy one issue and you'll be hooked!
From: Jay: Toronto, Ohio
Comments: I have bought every single magazine out there over the past 15 years and have subscribed to some. To be totally honest, I have cancelled all and no longer recieve them because in my opinion there is no better publication around. Informative to no degree with great photo's and love the fact your not reading every page and seeing an advertisement for this and that. I need good, up close valued info to become a better angler and bottom line this is the magazine. It's highly recommended by top pro's of the sport and that's all I need to share it everywhere I can from Maine to Florida. I would recommend it to every gas station, convienence store, grocery store and tackle shop around.
From: Dale: Haverhill, MA
Comments: This is the best Magazine out there for the Bass angler. It's not another 60 page advertisement for Normark/Pure Fishing/Quantum. It's actual science/experiences/unbaised articles with great photos, that I find myself going back to again and again. Quality production as well! I have some older issues with over 2 years of "bathroom" duty and still holding up. A great resource to keep around!
From: Weber: Northern Vermont, USA
Comments: Without a doubt the best bass fishing magazines you can buy. The articles are true and pure, not fluff for sponsors like other magazines out there. Loaded with articles and indepth insight into all aspects of the sport. The one magazine I look forward to getting when it comes in!!!!
From: Brian: Cary, NC