Great Lakes Finesse Welcomes Bassmaster Elite Series Pro Cooper Gallant to Its Team

Great Lakes Finesse is proud to announce the addition of Bassmaster Elite Series pro Cooper Gallant to its team. Recognized as one of the most talented anglers in professional bass fishing — and widely regarded as one of the best smallmouth anglers on the planet — Gallant brings proven success, relentless work ethic, and unmatched finesse expertise to the brand.

Since qualifying for the Bassmaster Elite Series, Gallant has not missed a Bassmaster Classic, consistently competing at the sport’s highest level, is also a Bassmaster Opens Champion and an FLW Canada Champion. Gallant has shown the ability to compete with anyone on nearly any body of water for any species of bass.

“Cooper is an amazing fit for Great Lakes Finesse,” said Dan Miguel, Global Brand Manager at Great Lakes Finesse. “Our philosophy is simple — do things the best we can, treat people the right way, and stay committed to innovation. Cooper lives those values on and off the water. We couldn’t be more pleased to welcome him publicly after all these years of supporting each other.”

Dion Hibdon, tournament legend dead at age 58.

Three generations of tournament angler.
Guido, Payden and Dion Hibdon.
(Photo: Brad Wiegmann) 

Dion Hibdon, age 58, has died after a short illness. The 1997 Bassmaster Classic Champion and 2000 FLW Cup winner, Dion come from a prestigious fishing family. His father, Guido Hibdon winner of the 1988 Bassmaster Classic, and famed grandfather who was a Ozark legend. 

More information here

Canada's Largest Outdoor Distributor Big Rock Sports Closed!

Canadian sporting goods distributor collapses amid group liquidity strain and US affiliate exposure

By Dina Kovacevic

(originally posted in Insolvency Insider Canada)

On December 5, 2025, BRS Canada Acquisition Inc. filed an assignment in bankruptcy under the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act. KSV Restructuring Inc. was appointed as Licensed Insolvency Trustee.

BRS Canada Acquisition Inc. was incorporated under the laws of British Columbia on April 28, 2011 and operated as a Canadian sporting goods distributor. The company was headquartered in Barrie, Ontario and, as of the assignment date, operated three leased distribution centres located in British Columbia, Manitoba, and Ontario. The company functioned as a Canadian subsidiary of Big Rock Sports, LLC, a US-based distributor of sporting and hunting firearms, fishing gear, and camping equipment.

Prior to the bankruptcy filing, the company retained SB360 Capital Partners, LLC to conduct a liquidation of inventory and to collect accounts receivable. Following the assignment, the trustee entered into a consulting and marketing services agreement with SB360 dated December 5, 2025 to continue asset realization activities that had already commenced.

Canadian Boaters Saddled with New Mandatory Fee

 

The Honourable Steven MacKinnon, Minister of Transport and Leader of the Government in the House of Commons, announced amendments to the Small Vessel Regulations that will modernize Canada's pleasure craft licensing program and database.

The Pleasure Craft Licence (PCL) is a unique identification number for recreational boats that have one or more engines whose combined power is at least 10 horsepower- similar to a car’s license plate. It allows emergency responders and law enforcement to quickly identify the owner of a boat, which improves response times in urgent situations and supports efforts to address unsafe or abandoned boats.

The following changes have taken effect as of December 31, 2025:

• new and renewed pleasure craft licences will only be valid for five years
• current lifetime licences will be gradually replaced with licences that must be renewed every five years.
• a $24 service fee will apply to issuing, renewing, transferring, or replacing a Pleasure Craft Licence. This fee will be updated annually for inflation
• licence holders must now update their information within 30 days of a change in their name or address, instead of the previous 90 days.

Quick facts

• All pleasure craft with one or more motors adding up to 10 hp (7.5 kW) or more must have a valid licence under the Small Vessel Regulations.

• The amendments will introduce a new five-year licence validity period and a $24 service fee for licence-related services.

• Applications for a Pleasure Craft Licence (PCL), payment of the new service fee, and requests for fee exemptions for those exercising section 35 treaty rights can be completed through Transport Canada’s website.

ZMan's New 3” Finesse Powerhouse

 

Ladson, SC- Fresh out of the mold and ready to fool even the most stubborn fresh and saltwater gamefish, the new 3” Scented Jerk ShadZ™ has officially arrived. This compact, forked-tail baitfish imitation is the newest, smallest addition to Z-Man’s popular Scented Jerk ShadZ family, offering a noticeably slimmed down profile versus the 3.5” version that has already earned a permanent place in anglers’ boats and tackle bags. The 3” model fishes beautifully on a Finesse EyeZ™ Jighead, Finesse ShroomZ™ Ned head, or nose-hooked on a dropshot rig.

A Proven Family Expanded

The Scented Jerk ShadZ lineup has long been a staple across countless species, from largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted bass in freshwater, to redfish, trout, and snook in saltwater. Z-Man Pro Jeff “Gussy” Gustafson says it best: “the Scented Jerk ShadZ line-up of baits has been at the top of my arsenal for years for bass fishing and other species as well. It’s been responsible for the two biggest wins of my career – a Bassmaster Elite Series win and the Bassmaster Classic!”

Mastering Spot Lock

 Boat control has always been one of the biggest challenges for anglers, especially when wind, waves, and current come into play. This is precisely why Minn Kota invented Spot-Lock GPS Anchor Technology.

Minn Kota Spot-Lock eliminates that hassle, allowing anglers to control their boat with ease and enjoy a more enjoyable fishing experience.

Happy New Years!

 

Wishing all of our loyal readers and you new ones, a wonderful 2026!!

Turtlebox Audio named Title Sponsor of Bassmaster Opens Tournament Series

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — B.A.S.S. officials are excited to announce that Turtlebox Audio, the rugged portable speaker company built for adventure, has signed on as the Title Sponsor of the Bassmaster Opens. The agreement pairs one of the fastest-growing brands in outdoor audio with one of the sport’s most competitive and widely followed tournament series.

 Turtlebox delivers the most durable, high-performance audio products built for the outdoors — on the water, in the mountains and beyond. The brand’s products are available nationwide through national and specialty retail partners, major online marketplaces, and owned brand channels. In addition to creating premium audio equipment, Turtlebox actively supports the outdoor community, from conservation causes to grassroots angling events — always encouraging people to get outside and explore.

 

The Turtlebox Bassmaster Opens serve as a critical proving ground for anglers aspiring to compete at the sport’s highest levels — the Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series and ultimately the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour. With eight tournaments across two divisions, the Opens offer a national stage for the next generation of professional bass anglers.

 

Battery Tender named Presenting Sponsor of the 2026 Turtlebox Bassmaster Opens

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — B.A.S.S. officials have announced that Battery Tender®, a global leader in battery chargers, maintainers and portable power solutions, has signed on as the presenting sponsor of the 2026 Turtlebox Bassmaster Opens Series, one of the sport’s most competitive and influential tournament trails.

The multievent partnership brings together two brands known for dependability and performance, strengthening support for the next generation of Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series pros while enhancing the tournament experience for anglers and fans nationwide.

“Bassmaster is the gold standard in the fishing world, and for a family-owned company with our own deep history, partnering with an organization that has defined the sport for decades is a major milestone,” said Michael Prelec Jr., CEO of Battery Tender. “It's an opportunity to align our brand with the very best in the industry and demonstrate our commitment to keeping anglers powered and ready for the future of sportfishing. We look forward to a successful collaboration that elevates the experience for fans and pros alike.”