Getting back to seeing reel fishing instead of most anglers noodle-dicking around with fairywands starring at a scopeadope screen is what I’m excited about! Glad to see the BPT changing the format. It’ll be interesting to see the anglers that overtly rely on the scope in recent years actually having to fish! You can tell I’m not a fan at spotlighting, but I feel the BPT did the right thing by allowing it but limiting its use!👍🏻
I live in California and I have been following you for years. Mark you are the real deal, and not afraid to share with your followers, how you get down. The Delta is my favorite spot to fish. Keep doing what you do and best wishes for you in 2025.
So i heard you talk about old school bait that are worth money because they are not manufactured anymore. You should do a video/post those baits. Any why they are so important to have in your boat still to this date. That would be awesome just to hear the back stories to your experiences with those baits. Love the channel! Keep up the great work.
I'm so glad that you all will be getting back to real Bass fishing and not riding around on the boat playing a video game. I had stopped watching the tournaments because of it.
Mark I really enjoyed the offseason content. The end of January can not come soon enough. Lucky for me my mother moved to Tennessee last year Chattanooga so god willing I’ll be shaking your hand come may. Tight lines MDJ
I definitely feel that with considering that so much knowledge has come from ffs that things arent going to be a huge change. During practice youll find groups of fish and mark them. Instead of finding a couple groups youll find a lot more and bounce between them using sidescan and traditional sonar making sure the fish are still there. As long as the fish are there you fish them for x amount of time and if they arent biting youll bounce to another group. Using ffs in the later periods and running straight to the juice in the morning capitalizing on the early morning bite. Then securing your position with ffs later in the day when the bite slows down. Just my thoughts i dont feel as if everybody is going to change drastically the way they fish and the baits they use.
What’s funny is that these are all my favorite lures I fish all the time 😂 in order it’s Jigs, Spinnerbaits, “Traps, Squarebills, then Chatterbaits. These are also the most common in kayak tournaments. Plus Buzzbaits.
When I heard "Baits not used anymore" I was thinking of the Bill Lewis Echo. Very specific applications, but one of my favorite squarebills to throw. Good luck this season Mark!
First of all you got to find them frogs brother lol I’m with you I think the chatter bait is gonna rise to the top this year along with the spinner bait square bills, Texas rigs like you said for those deep water, hard spots, the old Carolina rig and of course the old school, Texas rig. I think we’re in store for a very exciting tournament schedule this year. Can’t wait. Best of luck to you, brother
Homie forgot how to flip a jig lol! You got this MDJ. On spinnerbait storage, I'm torn between 3 things. I've always used a binder and have a bunch (literally about 30 of them) of older Bass Pro spinnerbait binders that have 4 sections per sheet (I can fit about 5-7 baits in each section, so anywhere from 20-35 baits per sheet) and I bought a bunch of extra pages so I'm rocking about 10-12 pages per binder. The binders also have compartments on each of the main part of the binder that I keep blades, trailer hooks, swivels, etc. The other things I've started using, and like it too, are the Buzbe flats in the half large size and the Plano edge 3700 spinnerbait box. They're both great, but if I had to pick 1 it would probably be the binders but only because I can store components in them and familiarity with the system I've implemented for them. I also use the binders for just about all of my buzzbaits (except for double arm buzzbaits), chatterbaits and jigs. I've got them all broken by bait and within each bait style and size, put each type of bait in a small duffle and stow them in the starboard locker. So if a I want a swim jig, grab that duffle and in there grab the binder labeled whatever type and size of swim jig I want. It's been the most efficient method I've found so far.
I’m not one of the anti-FFS crowd but I do love the old school fishing and look forward to what the year holds. I’ll definitely be watching NPFL and seeing strategies the BPT guys use when fishing with and without FFS.
Finally got my boat bro!!! You may not remember me saying how much I disliked being a co angler. Now I just gotta fill up that rod locker, and tackle storage like you lol.
It’s on this year. I can’t wait. Mark let’s mix it up and get busy. It’s your year bro. Believe that. You can do it. You didn’t come in second place in that Bass Master Classic by luck. Let’s put our head down and put the smack down for 2025!
Can't go wrong with a chatter bait. I had a Bill Dance medium diver and I hit my TM and it busted the lip off. I cried after that because that bait wasn't being made any longer. I caught my only 8 pounder back in June of 96 in the Hootch. I have quite a few XD's as well after watching Keith Combs dominate on a lake he was on, but never caught anything on them, so they sit in my mancave. Hope you have a great season this year MDJ. Headed over the Wetumpka this week to check on a newer boat.
Nice video, however I think you need to revisit this video at the end of the season to see which of the baits really played and which did not and see how your guess was. Don't forget the frogs!!
Man I’m pumped for this season. Im old school west coast fisherman and have been holding out on this forward facing sonar. Im hoping you kill it this season.
I’m excited about this season, love seeing you guys preparing. That said, I think the sport in general will shrink in popularity this year. Likely shrink significantly over the next decade. Unfortunately the up and coming youth can’t afford the primary tool to bass fish at a high school level now. I think it will correct course, but it will take at least a decade. The six figure boats will cost everyone involved in the industry over time. Would love to hear your thoughts on this and how you think it will impact the future of bass fishing.
MDJ, You have a great game plan going into the season. Without FFS you will have to use " old school strategies". Top water mornings will be returning. It will be about finding the cover the bass like.
I'm excited to watch more the old school fishing since I don't have FFS .... I'm a shallow water fisherman. The Money Badger 6.25 is my go to would love to watch that be a winning crank for sure. My channel is full of those catches!!!
Hey MDJ I still have my bomber baits ,Got a few of those color Rat L Traps ,Jackhammers and slobber knocker but you are 100% right gotta have atleast 4 to 5 tied on plus those swim jigs but rapala shad rap r ,I watch all your videos just don’t beach that Ranger like the other one on tidal waters
I always enjoy your content. Sad to admit to you I just subscribed but i just don’t comment often really on anyone. I want to see you win a tour event on a senko, spinnerbait, and your choice of top water. If you can find your frogs we can start a go fund me cause you need them bad boyz. 😂.
I believe all the baits will play depending on the water that your on & time of year, it's going to be interesting to watch, but 5 baits that will probably play are top water, chatterbaits, swim jigs, traps & flipping baits! I could be wrong!😂
Mark the views about to be double what they were last year MLF will have no choice but to add the other period without scoop 2026 and beyond can’t wait to see your content and the rest of the house as well. Pulling for ya this year Big Dawg
Before I leave the house I have all shallow baits tied on, chatterbaits, spinnerbaits, jigs, 3 to 5 ft crankbaits, and will always have the freeloader and mooch minnow ready. I love shallow water fishing.
Dc crushed them on a spinner bait during red crest. But… he did leave them biting up there and came back the next day and won it on a minner! 😂 dude I enjoy watching y’all crush them on ffs! I just love fishing and love watching any type of fishing!
Side scan if you adjust right works just as well as forward facing .. I wonder if you put that on your trolling motor and turn it from side to side how deep and how far the fish are from your boat .
Personally, I think that the fishermen that know how to read side sonar really well will still be offshore catching the bigs. Besides a finesse minnow looking directly at them with FFS, it may be baits that have larger drawing power that get the bites in the quarters that don’t allow FFS.
Hey Mark enjoy all the videos you do. But as I watch this, can you tell us what kind of backup tackle you carry in your vehicle or do you buy on the road or do buy online & have shipped to your crib you staying for the next tournament site.
You KNOW you lowkey excited to get BACK to the oldies and the goodies. They all still chatch'em!! And u know it.. specially them square bills and chatter baits and just a good ole Texas rigs.. when all else fails a damn SEINKO gonna catch'em! more PB's been caught off a seinko, Carolina Rig, and a methylate worm than any ffs bait. And you can still use the itty bitty titty committee swimbait. Instead of casting at them looking at them, and just do the old tight lining, basically same technique.. when you see a brush pile on side scan, don't get scared, cast at'em and yank'em out! Stay safe this year OG.. ✌️👊💪
I think the top 5 baits that are going to be winners when you can't use your electronics are: Spinner bait w/swim bait trailer, Chatterbait, Jerk bait, wacky worm, and a frog. Those are the 5 I'd have tied on. A square bill would be my 6th.
Finesse and offshore will still be king in the 2 non scope periods. Neko, drop shot, ned, free rig, carolina, wacky, etc...I think you'll definitely see an uptick in deep cranks, scroungers, jigs, maybe swimbaits and spoons too. It'll be exciting to see what changes, but don't sleep on a jighead minnow without ffs!!
Okay, jig, chatterbait, etc. do you keep the plastic trailers on after you're done with them on the water or take them off before putting them back in the box? I know is NOT a player there but others?
Mark when will you practice at Conroe and where are you going to put in, I use Stow-A-Way ramp, I pay by the year and it’s a good and safe place to put in, hope to catch up with you….
Have a question Mark love watching yall guys all 4 of yall what do think would be the out come if the old school angles that got bump out due to front facing sonar where able to fish in 2025 with the different rules do you think they would do better because of the rules going back to just fishing hope you get you a win one this year so yall all can have one good luck boss man !!!!
I'm excited to see it be bass fishing again. Were technique and knowledge shine instead of staring at a screen with a minnow bait
I absolutely love that you are covering all of these “old school “ baits that should definitely play a role this year !!
Getting back to seeing reel fishing instead of most anglers noodle-dicking around with fairywands starring at a scopeadope screen is what I’m excited about! Glad to see the BPT changing the format. It’ll be interesting to see the anglers that overtly rely on the scope in recent years actually having to fish! You can tell I’m not a fan at spotlighting, but I feel the BPT did the right thing by allowing it but limiting its use!👍🏻
Real…
Yes. I think viewership will skyrocket because of this.
Noodle dicking…lol
Ah yes, Noodle Dicking … very, very situational.
Facts let's separate the men from the boys.
I’m so happy. Now I can fall back in love with the sport of Bass fishing.
Welcome back to real bass fishing, somewhat. I can tell that you're low-key kind of excited about it 😂 me too bruh!!!!!!!
I live in California and I have been following you for years. Mark you are the real deal, and not afraid to share with your followers, how you get down. The Delta is my favorite spot to fish. Keep doing what you do and best wishes for you in 2025.
Man as someone who lives up north I can't wait for the spring
MDJ i watched u for alot of years . As long as u have a wacky rig and jig .. your winning ...hands down no question .
When was the last time he had won……..🤣
So i heard you talk about old school bait that are worth money because they are not manufactured anymore. You should do a video/post those baits. Any why they are so important to have in your boat still to this date. That would be awesome just to hear the back stories to your experiences with those baits. Love the channel! Keep up the great work.
Totally agree. Why the old baits (I have them all) rather than something new? And, your story behind them.
Love that their will be a mix of techniques more than before. Should be fun to watch! Good look this season MDJ!
Good luck this year MDJ!!!!!! Will be cheering you on from Arkansas!!
I'm so glad that you all will be getting back to real Bass fishing and not riding around on the boat playing a video game. I had stopped watching the tournaments because of it.
Loved seeing this video Mark, it’s good to see old school baits making a run! Excited!!! 🎣
Great trip down memory lane. Good luck in the new season! Tight lines my friend!
Mark I really enjoyed the offseason content. The end of January can not come soon enough. Lucky for me my mother moved to Tennessee last year Chattanooga so god willing I’ll be shaking your hand come may. Tight lines MDJ
I really lost interest in watching tournament fishing last year. I am really excited to watch again this year. Wishing you the best of luck, Mark.
I definitely feel that with considering that so much knowledge has come from ffs that things arent going to be a huge change. During practice youll find groups of fish and mark them. Instead of finding a couple groups youll find a lot more and bounce between them using sidescan and traditional sonar making sure the fish are still there. As long as the fish are there you fish them for x amount of time and if they arent biting youll bounce to another group. Using ffs in the later periods and running straight to the juice in the morning capitalizing on the early morning bite. Then securing your position with ffs later in the day when the bite slows down. Just my thoughts i dont feel as if everybody is going to change drastically the way they fish and the baits they use.
What’s funny is that these are all my favorite lures I fish all the time 😂 in order it’s Jigs, Spinnerbaits, “Traps, Squarebills, then Chatterbaits.
These are also the most common in kayak tournaments. Plus Buzzbaits.
When I heard "Baits not used anymore" I was thinking of the Bill Lewis Echo. Very specific applications, but one of my favorite squarebills to throw. Good luck this season Mark!
I have to say this is getting me excited again!
Good luck this year Mark! If you don't find your frogs that's bad luck. 😉
Great video Mark. Looking forward to the new season.
#BackToTheBasics mark this will bring real bass fishing back testing those intuitions!
First of all you got to find them frogs brother lol
I’m with you I think the chatter bait is gonna rise to the top this year along with the spinner bait square bills, Texas rigs like you said for those deep water, hard spots, the old Carolina rig and of course the old school, Texas rig. I think we’re in store for a very exciting tournament schedule this year. Can’t wait.
Best of luck to you, brother
Homie forgot how to flip a jig lol! You got this MDJ. On spinnerbait storage, I'm torn between 3 things. I've always used a binder and have a bunch (literally about 30 of them) of older Bass Pro spinnerbait binders that have 4 sections per sheet (I can fit about 5-7 baits in each section, so anywhere from 20-35 baits per sheet) and I bought a bunch of extra pages so I'm rocking about 10-12 pages per binder. The binders also have compartments on each of the main part of the binder that I keep blades, trailer hooks, swivels, etc. The other things I've started using, and like it too, are the Buzbe flats in the half large size and the Plano edge 3700 spinnerbait box. They're both great, but if I had to pick 1 it would probably be the binders but only because I can store components in them and familiarity with the system I've implemented for them. I also use the binders for just about all of my buzzbaits (except for double arm buzzbaits), chatterbaits and jigs. I've got them all broken by bait and within each bait style and size, put each type of bait in a small duffle and stow them in the starboard locker. So if a I want a swim jig, grab that duffle and in there grab the binder labeled whatever type and size of swim jig I want. It's been the most efficient method I've found so far.
I’m not one of the anti-FFS crowd but I do love the old school fishing and look forward to what the year holds. I’ll definitely be watching NPFL and seeing strategies the BPT guys use when fishing with and without FFS.
Finally got my boat bro!!! You may not remember me saying how much I disliked being a co angler. Now I just gotta fill up that rod locker, and tackle storage like you lol.
This is your year big dawg
Great recovery after the realization that the frogs weren't there lol. I thought the video was over for a sec
I still catch most of my fish on a Texas rig worm/creature bait or Shaky head worm.
Really love your videos big fan always rooting for you in tournaments 😊
Im happy about the changes. Definitely will be more interesting to watch too me.
MDJ…..my fellow Bama Coosa River spot chaser, glad to see you jump in the NPFL’s
Good luck in 25’ Hammer, go get em
It’s on this year. I can’t wait. Mark let’s mix it up and get busy. It’s your year bro. Believe that. You can do it. You didn’t come in second place in that Bass Master Classic by luck. Let’s put our head down and put the smack down for 2025!
Can't go wrong with a chatter bait. I had a Bill Dance medium diver and I hit my TM and it busted the lip off. I cried after that because that bait wasn't being made any longer. I caught my only 8 pounder back in June of 96 in the Hootch. I have quite a few XD's as well after watching Keith Combs dominate on a lake he was on, but never caught anything on them, so they sit in my mancave. Hope you have a great season this year MDJ. Headed over the Wetumpka this week to check on a newer boat.
100% MDJ, Good luck this year!
Great video Mark 🎉🎉🎉
Good with the ones you designed ❤
YUM dinger with a 3/16 oz weight! From Texas to the Great Lakes, better have it tied on!
Nice video, however I think you need to revisit this video at the end of the season to see which of the baits really played and which did not and see how your guess was. Don't forget the frogs!!
Fun episode for sure
Had the blade coffins but went back to a smaller aluminum boat and swapped to the bud bags for spinners and jigs to save space.
Good luck this season Mark
Love it man. Hit that top water and dude find them frogs lol.
Man I’m pumped for this season. Im old school west coast fisherman and have been holding out on this forward facing sonar. Im hoping you kill it this season.
I agree about the spinnerbaits being a player next season. Super versatile, very efficient, and just an absolute all time fish catcher.
A Plano Velcro folder for spinnerbaits is best I found. It’s going to be an interesting year for sure!
I’m excited about this season, love seeing you guys preparing. That said, I think the sport in general will shrink in popularity this year. Likely shrink significantly over the next decade. Unfortunately the up and coming youth can’t afford the primary tool to bass fish at a high school level now. I think it will correct course, but it will take at least a decade. The six figure boats will cost everyone involved in the industry over time. Would love to hear your thoughts on this and how you think it will impact the future of bass fishing.
MDJ,
You have a great game plan going into the season. Without FFS you will have to use " old school strategies". Top water mornings will be returning. It will be about finding the cover the bass like.
I'm excited to watch more the old school fishing since I don't have FFS .... I'm a shallow water fisherman. The Money Badger 6.25 is my go to would love to watch that be a winning crank for sure. My channel is full of those catches!!!
LFG!!!! It’s definitely going to be interesting!!!
Hey MDJ I still have my bomber baits ,Got a few of those color Rat L Traps ,Jackhammers and slobber knocker but you are 100% right gotta have atleast 4 to 5 tied on plus those swim jigs but rapala shad rap r ,I watch all your videos just don’t beach that Ranger like the other one on tidal waters
Hey Mark! Just a heads up… been smashing on that local lake where we met you and your dad. He still talking Mark Daniels 😂 preciate ya man!
Ditch those spy baits so you have room for the “Kermit” rig 🐸 👊🏽
I always enjoy your content. Sad to admit to you I just subscribed but i just don’t comment often really on anyone. I want to see you win a tour event on a senko, spinnerbait, and your choice of top water. If you can find your frogs we can start a go fund me cause you need them bad boyz. 😂.
I believe all the baits will play depending on the water that your on & time of year, it's going to be interesting to watch, but 5 baits that will probably play are top water, chatterbaits, swim jigs, traps & flipping baits! I could be wrong!😂
Mark the views about to be double what they were last year MLF will have no choice but to add the other period without scoop 2026 and beyond can’t wait to see your content and the rest of the house as well. Pulling for ya this year Big Dawg
You got it all covered 😊
Top water and drop shot for a river with a good current. Tight lines
Throw out a... YEE TA DEE!! in the next vid. Been watching some old school from the Delta 👍🏼
Hell yeah. Punching the Delta with Obedie Williams. Dooooop!
I would love to see O and MDJ fishing the Delta together again.
Before I leave the house I have all shallow baits tied on, chatterbaits, spinnerbaits, jigs, 3 to 5 ft crankbaits, and will always have the freeloader and mooch minnow ready. I love shallow water fishing.
How do you fish the freeloader in shallow water?
It’ll definitely be a Crankbait and jig for sure!!
Real fishing
There’s always a trap bite. I carry 3 boxes in my boat😂
Love them walking baits
It will weed out the gamers and the real professionals will rise
So @ 2:32 in the video, what bait is that in the top right hand of the tackle box? The one that's like an orange, translucent crayfish?
OZARK CRAW- SB684
Best bait for me last year was torpedo and zoom finesse worm in smokin green
You forgot the Blade baits brother …
Hopefully I’ll see you on Lake Conroe in a couple weeks 🤘
You aren't wrong, I see a lot of these baits coming back.
Can’t wait to see this season go down.
Texas rig , flipping jig , spinning bait, crank bait good luck
Best of luck in 2025 Mark, can’t wait to see the vlogs.
Dc crushed them on a spinner bait during red crest. But… he did leave them biting up there and came back the next day and won it on a minner! 😂 dude I enjoy watching y’all crush them on ffs! I just love fishing and love watching any type of fishing!
Man I miss the ole school fishing
Buzz be make awesome spinner bait bags. Less space used in the boat and waterproof.
Top water box gonna play for sure!
Side scan if you adjust right works just as well as forward facing .. I wonder if you put that on your trolling motor and turn it from side to side how deep and how far the fish are from your boat .
Personally, I think that the fishermen that know how to read side sonar really well will still be offshore catching the bigs. Besides a finesse minnow looking directly at them with FFS, it may be baits that have larger drawing power that get the bites in the quarters that don’t allow FFS.
You got the big bro,
Hey Mark enjoy all the videos you do. But as I watch this, can you tell us what kind of backup tackle you carry in your vehicle or do you buy on the road or do buy online & have shipped to your crib you staying for the next tournament site.
Them deep divers are definitely coming back
Chatter bait and deep diving crank will play big time.
You KNOW you lowkey excited to get BACK to the oldies and the goodies. They all still chatch'em!! And u know it.. specially them square bills and chatter baits and just a good ole Texas rigs.. when all else fails a damn SEINKO gonna catch'em! more PB's been caught off a seinko, Carolina Rig, and a methylate worm than any ffs bait. And you can still use the itty bitty titty committee swimbait. Instead of casting at them looking at them, and just do the old tight lining, basically same technique.. when you see a brush pile on side scan, don't get scared, cast at'em and yank'em out! Stay safe this year OG.. ✌️👊💪
I think the top 5 baits that are going to be winners when you can't use your electronics are: Spinner bait w/swim bait trailer, Chatterbait, Jerk bait, wacky worm, and a frog. Those are the 5 I'd have tied on. A square bill would be my 6th.
I think you need to consider the swim jig especially on Kentucky Lake.
Finesse and offshore will still be king in the 2 non scope periods. Neko, drop shot, ned, free rig, carolina, wacky, etc...I think you'll definitely see an uptick in deep cranks, scroungers, jigs, maybe swimbaits and spoons too. It'll be exciting to see what changes, but don't sleep on a jighead minnow without ffs!!
Chunking a big crankbait…winching it down…and then it loads up with a big? That’s hard to beat.
Okay, jig, chatterbait, etc. do you keep the plastic trailers on after you're done with them on the water or take them off before putting them back in the box? I know is NOT a player there but others?
I don’t have FFS, I will be keeping my eye on the trends for sure
Swing head jigs…cover a lot of water and catches them!
Worried for Mark and Adrian regarding making the "fishing the BPT in 2026" cut. Hope you both have a solid season - getting paid will help
Spot remover / shakeyhead with Zoom trick worm!
1st year Inam trying to learn offshore fishing. NOBODY throws a deep diving crank at my lake, really hoping I can learn how to fish deep structure.
Once people go back to how fishing got started, it will become enjoyable again, and you'll see why it became such a passion to begin with..
Mark is use a Spinnerbait everytime i go out plus Chatterbait & Square bill. Good luck
“Scope us to sleep” lol
Mark when will you practice at Conroe and where are you going to put in, I use Stow-A-Way ramp, I pay by the year and it’s a good and safe place to put in, hope to catch up with you….
Have a question Mark love watching yall guys all 4 of yall what do think would be the out come if the old school angles that got bump out due to front facing sonar where able to fish in 2025 with the different rules do you think they would do better because of the rules going back to just fishing hope you get you a win one this year so yall all can have one good luck boss man !!!!
Jigs, spinners and maybe a glide bait
That looks like all the tackle I carry and use all the time. Never used a FFS.