Beaver Tail for Panfish? Powell Says it Works

Details

Published: 11 February 2026

By Louie Stout

If you’re not getting panfish to bite your traditional ice fishing baits, think outside the box.

That’s what Chuck Powell has done and feels he’s stumbled onto a lure additive that gets him a few more bites.

Well, he didn’t exactly stumble onto it. He read once about ice anglers who were doing well by adding a piece of beaver tail to their jigs instead of more traditional larvae bait.

It was a perfect fit since Powell is an avid trapper with several beavers stored in his freezer being prepared for market.

Read more …

After A Top Finish in Bassmaster, Bo Brims with Confidence

Details

Published: 06 February 2026

Sportsman Spotlight

Hometown: Edwardsburg, Mich.
Occupation: Full time bass pro
Favorite fish species and biggest: Smallmouth, 6-15
Favorite Michiana lake: Christiana Lake, where I grew up
Hobbies when not fishing: Golf
If you only had one lure and why: swim jig, because its so versatile in all depths and cover.
Best tip to give a new Michiana angler: Go get waders and wade down christiana creek or st. joe river (safely) and go fish. Understand why fish set up in places they are. That will teach you a lot.

Sponsors: Rec-Pro, Mod Bug Trailers, Bish’s RV, D&R Sports Center, VanDam Warehouse, Str8 Up Mounts, Garmin Electronics, Ranger Boats, Miller Tech Batteries, Whitewater Clothing, Gama Fishing Line, Shimano and G. Loomis rods and reels, Weigh Safe Hitches, and Christianson Industries.

By Louie Stout

Michiana has become spawning grounds for topflight professional bass fishermen.

The late Don Rank who was one of the first to make a Bassmaster Classic from this area. Then there was Kevin VanDam and Jonathon VanDam.

We can’t overlook Ron Nelson, who has chosen a different path with Major League Fishing where he has built a reputation as one of the top anglers in that circle of pros.

Could Bo Thomas be the next?

He’s certainly on the right path, competing in the brutal, highly competitive Bassmaster Elite Qualifier events that provide a route to fishing the Bassmaster Elites and a Bassmaster Classic berth.

Last week, Thomas finished third in the 2026 opener, the Turtlebox Bassmaster Open at the Kissimmee Chain in Florida. Coincidentally, Jon VanDam also finished fourth in the event.

Read more …