Best Bassmaster Classic Releases for 2026

The 2026 Bassmaster Classic pitted some of the best Elite Series anglers against each other on the legendary Tennessee River in Knoxville, Tennessee, in what many consider the most important tournament of the year. Being crowned the Bassmaster Classic Champion is the dream of just about any professional bass angler, bringing with it fame, immense pride, and lucrative endorsements.

Off the water, the Bassmaster Classic Outdoors Expo once again provided tournament attendees with the chance to see and sample an immense variety of fishing and outdoor products ranging from brand-new releases to proven favorites. From the latest rods to the most innovative tackle-storage solutions, the Tackle Warehouse staff selected products in several prominent angling categories that stood out to us in their own unique ways. Come along and read about our picks from this year’s show!

Further improving on the immensely popular original Zodias lineup, the new Shimano Zodias B Casting and Spinning Rods deliver even higher levels of refinement for enhanced precision across a wide variety of applications. This new lineup is crafted upon high-modulus Hi Power X blanks fortified with reinforcing carbon wraps that result in finely tuned actions, a resistance to twisting, and improved overall strength. Zodiac B rods also feature a host of premium components that include Fuji Alconite guides, carbon-infused Ci4+ reel seats, EVA main grips, and lightweight, hollow carbon-monocoque butt sections to boost sensitivity.

Made for impressive casting performance and dependability, the Daiwa Tatula Elite and Elite Pitch/Flip Casting Reels come loaded with features that help you present your bait exactly where you need it. Every Tatula Elite Reel is constructed using a rigid aluminum frame and sideplate along with a precision A7075 aluminum spool, refined Magforce Z magnetic casting control system, factory-set Zero Adjuster spool tension, and a unique T-Wing levelwind. Standard Tatula Elite models are fitted with 90-millimeter handles and deeper spools for added versatility, while the specialized Flip/Pitch versions have longer 100-millimeter handles and shallow spools for close-quarters work.

The ultra-premium Shimano Vanquish Spinning Reels are meticulously engineered for uncompromising anglers seeking extreme refinement when fishing everything from light-line finesse techniques to reaction baits. Brimming with high-end Shimano technology, the reel’s features include a rigid HAGANE Body, reliable DuraCross Drag, MicroModule Gear II, Infinity Drive for less friction under load, and the slow oscillation of Infinity Loop for precise line lay. Vanquish Spinning Reels further enhance dependability and longevity through X Protect to keep water out of critical internal parts.

Measuring slightly over three inches and weighing nearly a half ounce, the Megabass Karashi 80 is longer and heavier than the standard Karashi to tempt bigger bites while using both spinning and casting tackle. Designed to sink slowly, the Karashi 80 darts and walks subsurface on a twitching retrieve, subtly rolls and wobbles while steadily reeling, and will even splash and leap on the surface by implementing a more erratic retrieve with a high rod tip. The Karashi 80 is adorned with fine body detailing, a wispy tinsel tail, and sticky-sharp treble hooks to round out one of the top baits for targeting bass with forward-facing sonar.

The perfect stocker-trout imitation for serious trophy chasers, the KGB Trout Glide Bait tempts lunker bass through incredible realism and action. Weighing 5.25 ounces and designed to sink slowly, the KGB Trout can be chopped, burned, or even straight retrieved to exhibit a wide, stable gliding motion that pulls in fish from great distances. The KGB Trout comes outfitted with rugged hardware, razor-sharp hooks, a rugged body joint, and intricate detailing from head to tail. Furthermore, a hand-cut brush tail adds to the natural profile and gives each bait a varied overall length between 9 and 9.5 inches. Although it wasn’t a new release at this year’s Bassmaster Classic, the KGB Trout Glide Bait is a fresh addition to Tackle Warehouse and remains a top pick for anglers seeking a fish of a lifetime.

Originally released by Berkley Japan, the Berkley MaxScent Power Wag Worm is now available in the United States market. Measuring 9 inches, the Wag Worm features a smooth body and comes infused with a healthy dose of tantalizing MaxScent attractant that draws in big bass. This versatile and productive crawler-style worm can be rigged several ways, including on shakeyheads or Texas, wacky, and Neko rigs. The Berkley Wag Worm is available in a selection of ultra-productive color schemes; be sure to grab a few packs of the TW-exclusive Mimizu color before they sell out!

The 6th Sense Rig Dots Soft Bait Keepers are made of durable and flexible material to provide a simple way of enhancing the presentations of your favorite soft plastics. Rig Dots are designed to easily slide onto your hook, keeping your bait or weight in the desired position for an optimal look on every cast. Perfect for many scenarios, Rig Dots are especially useful when skipping or fishing heavy cover.

The Gambler EZ Shaker Bladed Swim Jig is made with a special design that combines the attributes of a swim jig and vibrating jig to set itself apart from “average” swim jigs. Every EZ Shaker features a prerigged trailer enhanced with distinct body ribbing, a wire harness to keep it in place, and a unique metal tail that delivers flash, an accentuated swimming action, and a natural roll. The narrow head and weedguard let the EZ Shaker easily slip through grass, while the razor-sharp hook has the stoutness to haul big bass away from trouble.

Providing crisper resolution and wider views than ActiveTarget 2, the Lowrance ActiveTarget 2 XL Sonar Kit is the perfect upgrade for any pro-rigged bassboat. Each kit includes the new ActiveTarget 2 XL transducer that delivers a sweeping 180-degree view and can even be paired with a second transducer for an incredible 360-degree scan around the boat. The Active Target 2XL Sonar Kit allows anglers to switch between Forward XL and Down XL without adjusting the transducer, while switching to Scout XL is also made easy thanks to a special mount. The kit is compatible with Ghost, Ghost X, and Ultrex Quest trolling motors along with Lowrance Elite FS and HDS Pro, Live, and Carbon units.

Berkley GinClear Fluorocarbon Fishing Line is composed of 100% fluorocarbon specially developed for higher performance and easier handling than competing fluorocarbon lines. GinClear delivers several key advantages, including extreme knot strength, impressive abrasion resistance, and smaller diameters. The ultra-slick feel and reduced memory of GinClear also gives it improved castability, easier knot tying, and more uniform line lay on the spool of your favorite baitcasting or spinning reel. Perfect as a mainline or leader, GinClear is a great choice for pressured fish and clear water due to its extremely low visibility.

Supplying a convenient storage solution for any angler, the 6th Sense Travel Bait Bag is designed to securely house tackle and other essentials. The bag features water-resistant exterior construction to shield your prized possessions from the elements, a generous zip-top main compartment for bulkier items, and handy zippered side pockets for holding small accessories. Ensuring easy transportation, the exterior sports reinforced carry handles and a removable/adjustable shoulder strap.

Nories Bite Liquid Fish Attractant perfectly complements Nories Bite Powder to enhance softbaits by masking human odors and giving off a tantalizing scent that draws in lunker bass. Fortified with natural attractants and special amino acids, Bite Liquid deeply penetrates into the plastic for a slow release that won’t quickly wash away like average topical attractants. Used and popularized by Elite Series angler Taku Ito, the Nories Bite Liquid Fish Attractant is a must-have for any competitive or casual angler looking to gain an edge in challenging conditions.