Freshwater Fishing Tackle – Rods, Reels & Gear

The Rapala Mini Digital Scale is a the perfect compact and budget minded option for anyone looking at scales. It has a 25lb capacity and a tare feature giving you an accurate reading every time!

Quick and easy to use, it also features a 4 minute auto shut off so that you don't end up with a dead battery next time you reach for your scale.  

Measures: 3.5" tall 2.25" wide 1" wide (not including hook)

Penn Oil and Grease Combo Pack

1 oil and 1 grease

.5 oz each

KVD's Walk-the-Dog Weapon

The Strike King KVD Sexy Dawg is Kevin VanDam's signature walk-the-dog topwater — designed to be effortless to walk, far-casting, and absolutely explosive on the strike. A rhythmic twitch of the rod tip brings it to life, sending the nose gliding side to side in a tight, seductive action that bass simply can't ignore. Whether you're working it over grass, around docks, or across open flats, the Sexy Dawg covers water efficiently and triggers violent surface blowups.

Designed to Walk Itself

Most walking baits require precise rod technique to stay in rhythm. The Sexy Dawg was engineered by KVD to walk easily at any skill level — a simple, rhythmic twitch is all it takes to keep it gliding side to side. That accessibility makes it a go-to for anglers who want a walking bait that performs without a learning curve, and a tournament weapon for pros who can push it to its limits.

When Standard Walking Baits Fall Short

Many walking baits are either too hard to walk consistently or don't cast far enough to cover open water efficiently. The Sexy Dawg solves both problems — its far-casting design reaches fish holding at distance, and its effortless walk-the-dog action stays in the strike zone longer. When bass are spread out on open flats or chasing shad on the surface, the Sexy Dawg covers more water and gets more bites.

The Right Pick If...

• You want a walking bait that's easy to walk at any skill level
• You need a topwater that casts far and covers open water efficiently
• You're targeting largemouth or smallmouth bass feeding on the surface
• You want a KVD-designed, tournament-proven walking bait
• You fish over grass, around docks, or across open flats and points

Best Retrieve Techniques

• Walk the Dog: Rhythmic rod-tip twitches with a steady retrieve — the Sexy Dawg walks easily and stays in rhythm with minimal effort
• Pause and Walk: Walk 3–5 times, pause, then walk again — the pause often triggers strikes from following fish
• Slow Walk: Slower cadence for finicky fish or post-front conditions
• Fast Burn: Aggressive, rapid twitches to cover water quickly and trigger reaction strikes from aggressive fish

Best Conditions

• Calm to lightly choppy surface — the walking action is most visible in calmer water
• Low-light periods — early morning and late evening when bass are most active on top
• Post-spawn through fall when bass are chasing shad on the surface
• Open flats, points, and main lake structure where fish are feeding on top
• Over shallow grass, around docks, and across open water

Best For

• Species: Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Spotted Bass
• Techniques: Walk-the-Dog, Pause-and-Walk, Slow Walk, Fast Burn
• Conditions: Calm to choppy surface, low-light, post-spawn, open water, grass flats

Key Features

• Kevin VanDam (KVD) Signature Series design
• Effortless walk-the-dog action — easy for all skill levels
• Far-casting design — covers water fast and reaches distant fish
• Tight, seductive side-to-side glide triggers explosive surface strikes
• Full-size profile — ideal for big-bait topwater presentations
• 4 proven color patterns

Models & Colors

Tackle Express Tips

• Use Monofilament or Braid with a Mono Leader: Monofilament floats and keeps the Sexy Dawg riding high in the surface film. If you prefer braid for casting distance, add a 3–4 ft monofilament leader to keep the bait on top.
• Match Color to Conditions: Sexy Shad and Chartreuse Sexy Shad are go-to shad-imitating patterns for clear to lightly stained water. Bone is a classic low-light and overcast-day color. Green Gizzard Shad shines in fisheries with gizzard shad forage.
• Use a Loop Knot: A Rapala loop knot gives the Sexy Dawg maximum freedom of movement and enhances the walking action, especially at slower retrieve speeds.

FAQ

What size is the KVD Sexy Dawg?
This listing is for the full-size KVD Sexy Dawg. Strike King also makes the Sexy Dawg Jr. for situations where a smaller profile is needed — finicky fish, smaller forage, or spinning gear applications.

What rod and line setup works best?
A medium or medium-heavy 7'–7'4" casting rod with a 6:1–7:1 reel and 17–20 lb monofilament or 30–50 lb braid with a mono leader is ideal. The softer tip of a medium rod loads up on the cast and keeps the walking action smooth.

Is the Sexy Dawg good for beginners?
Yes — it's one of the easiest walking baits to fish. KVD specifically designed it to walk with a simple, rhythmic twitch rather than requiring the precise technique that some walking baits demand. If you're new to topwater fishing, the Sexy Dawg is a great starting point.

The Yamamoto 4" Double Tail Hula Grub is a middle size creature bait but still catches big largemouth bass.  This simple bait is tailored for finesse fishing in pressured waters but is effective at caching bass in any water. When bass fishing gets tough, this plastic paired with a football jig head, can make the difference and catch you lots of bass.

This bite-sized grub combines a Senko-style body for subtle undulation, a free-flowing skirt for lifelike pulsation, and twin curly tails that thump and flutter to mimic small forage like baitfish or insects.

Infused with salt for buoyancy and natural sink rate, it excels in clear or stained water, drawing strikes from finicky bass, smallmouth, or panfish. Available in 8 proven colors, it's a go-to for light tackle setups, delivering unmatched action without added weight.

Key Features:

• Versatile Design: Skirt adds vibration and realism; double tails kick vigorously on retrieve or hop; salt-loaded for weightless rigging.
• Finesse Focus: Compact profile imitates small prey; stays on hooks well during slow drags or deadsticking.
• Durable Formula: Yamamoto's proprietary soft plastic resists tears; floats subtly for bottom-hugging presentations.
• Proven Performance: Wins tournaments on Ned rigs or shakey heads; ideal for rivers, ponds, or deep structure.

The Power Pro Hi-Vis Yellow Braided Line is a high-performance "superline" designed for anglers who need maximum visibility and sensitivity. Constructed from ultra-strong Spectra fiber, it features Enhanced Body Technology (EBT) to create a rounder, smoother, and more sensitive line that handles similarly to monofilament.

The vibrant Hi-Vis Yellow color makes it the premier choice for strike detection and line tracking in any condition, while the near-zero stretch delivers the instant hook-setting power serious anglers demand. Available in a convenient 150 yard spool — perfect for topping off reels or lighter freshwater and inshore applications.

Key Features:

• High Visibility: The vibrant yellow color is ideal for strike detection and tracking your line in low-light conditions or moving water.
• Zero Stretch: Offers near-zero stretch for ultimate sensitivity, allowing you to feel the lightest nibbles and providing powerful hook-setting capability.
• Enhanced Body Technology (EBT): Power Pro's proprietary treatment creates a rounder, smoother, more sensitive line that behaves like monofilament but performs with the power of braid.
• Durability: Highly abrasion-resistant with virtually no reel memory — a workhorse for fishing around rocks, oyster beds, and heavy structure.
• Smooth Casting: Round profile reduces friction through rod guides for longer, quieter casts and fewer wind knots.
• Spectra Fiber Construction: Ultra-strong braided fibers deliver a high strength-to-diameter ratio for maximum line capacity.

Performance Advantages:

• Strike Detection: Hi-Vis Yellow for effortless line tracking above water
• Instant Hook Sets: Near-zero stretch sensitivity
• Monofilament Feel: EBT creates rounder, smoother profile
• High Strength-to-Diameter: More line capacity on your reel
• No Reel Memory: Abrasion-resistant workhorse construction
• Low-Light Performance: Hi-Vis Yellow for any condition
• Longer Casts: Round profile reduces guide friction

Ideal Applications:

• Bass fishing (heavy cover and structure)
• Walleye fishing
• Inshore saltwater fishing
• Trout fishing
• Surf fishing
• Vertical jigging
• Line-watching techniques

Available Sizes:

• 5lb, 8lb, 10lb, 15lb, 20lb, 30lb, 40lb, 50lb, 65lb — all in 150 yards / Hi-Vis Yellow

Technical Specifications:

When you need a braided fishing line with Hi-Vis Yellow color for maximum strike detection, Spectra fiber technology for high strength-to-diameter ratio, Enhanced Body Technology (EBT) for rounder and smoother profile, near-zero stretch for instant hook sets and maximum sensitivity, superior castability with reduced guide friction, and high abrasion resistance for heavy cover and structure, the Power Pro Hi-Vis Yellow Braided Line 150 yds is the choice of serious bass, walleye, trout, inshore saltwater, and line-watching technique anglers.

Note: 100% Genuine Spectra Fiber. Enhanced Body Technology (EBT). Near-zero stretch. Hi-Vis Yellow. High abrasion resistance. Available in 5lb-65lb / 150 yards. Perfect for bass, walleye, trout, inshore saltwater, and line-watching techniques.

Unlock the power of the Nichols DUH Spoon 3/4oz, an expertly crafted jigging lure designed to mimic injured baitfish with a fluttering fall and lifelike action. Ideal for forward-facing sonar (FFS) techniques, this spoon excels in both deep and shallow water, enticing bass, walleye, trout, stripers, and inshore species like redfish and snook.

Evolving from the classic Blade Runner design, the DUH Spoon blends proven performance with modern upgrades, offering superior hook-up ratios and durability. Perfect for vertical jigging around structure or targeting suspended fish, it reduces line twist and flashes like dying forage — making it a go-to for anglers chasing trophy catches.

Specifications

Benefits

• Enhanced Catch Rates: Lifelike action and flash trigger more strikes from wary fish.
• Versatile Use: Works for jigging, trolling, or FFS across freshwater and saltwater.
• Durable Design: Corrosion-resistant finishes and strong hooks ensure long-term use.
• Reduced Line Twist: SPRO ball-bearing swivel improves casting and retrieval.
• Customizable Options: Multiple colors match local baitfish patterns.
• Proven Performance: Evolved from a trusted design for reliable results.

Brent Ehrler calls the Gunfish 95 the perfect bait for schooling fish. It's a subtle bait — thin bodied, walking tight rather than wide — and that restraint is exactly why it gets bit when louder topwaters get followed and refused.

Short version: 4" walking topwater, 3/8 oz, floating, two trebles (#5, #6), no feather on the rear hook. The finesse end of the Gunfish family.

What NF Changes

NF is no feather — the standard 95 dresses the rear treble, this one leaves it bare. Without the feather the tail sits differently at rest, the walk is a touch freer, and there's no dressing to mat down and hold water after a few fish.

There's a second difference most people miss. Lucky Craft builds the 95NF with a tungsten resin tail weight system, where the standard 95 uses heavy metal. Same casting principle — mass in the tail for distance into wind — different material.

Why It Gets Bit

The 95 is thinner than most walking baits, but it walks as effortlessly as a classic Sammy. The cupped face adds a spitting action as the bait swings side to side, and a sound chamber inside makes a loud knocking noise that calls fish out of deep water.

Ehrler's own summary: it's a subtle bait that still creates a lot of commotion. Worked quickly it flicks water to each side and leaves a bubble trail behind it — three separate attractants on one retrieve.

Where It Earns Its Keep

• Schooling fish — the use case it was designed around.
• Clear water and pressured lakes, where a 115 is too much bait and a subtler profile is what gets eaten.
• Wind — the tail weight system was built for casting distance in exactly those conditions.
• Calling fish from depth without overwhelming them — the knocking chamber does the work the size doesn't.

How to Work It

Fast. Ehrler works it very quickly to get the walking and spitting going together. Rhythmic twitches into slack line — the bait needs slack to turn, and a tight line drives it straight.

Then pause. It floats, so it holds position when you stop it. After a blow-up and a miss, letting it sit beats snatching it away.

Which Gunfish?

Start here if you're deciding. The 95 is the size most people should own first — it fishes on tackle you already have and it's the one that gets bit on hard days.

Every Color Here Is a Limited Run

Lucky Craft lists the entire 95NF lineup under limited-run colors. When a colorway sells through it isn't automatically reproduced — if you find one that works on your water, buy the spare before you need it.

Fishing It Around Santa Clarita

The 95 is the Gunfish that shines when the lake has been beaten on all summer and fish stop committing to bigger baits. We publish Castaic Lake fishing reports with current conditions — worth reading before you decide it's a surface morning.

Recommended Gear

• Rod: medium power, moderate action, 6'8" to 7'2". A fast tip tears small trebles out on surface strikes.
• Line: braid to a fluorocarbon or mono leader. Straight mono works too and floats, which helps hold the nose up.
• Avoid heavy fluorocarbon straight through — it sinks and fights the float.

Pro Tips from the Tackle Express Crew

• Twitch into slack, not into tension. The one thing that separates people who can walk this bait from people who can't.
• Speed it up. The spit, the knock, and the bubble trail all show up at pace. Slow retrieves waste most of what this bait does.
• Wait to feel weight before setting. Setting on the splash pulls it out of the fish's mouth.
• Downsize before you change lures. When the 115 gets followed and refused, this is the bait you switch to — not a different category.

Common Mistakes

• Working it on a tight line. The bait needs slack to turn.
• Fishing it slow. Wrong tool for a dead-slow presentation.
• Too stiff a rod. #5 and #6 trebles pull out of fish on stiff blanks.
• Setting on sight. Wait for the weight.

Specifications

Specs confirmed against Lucky Craft's published Gunfish 95NF chart. Colors offered vary by production run — the selector above is the live list.

What's Included

One Lucky Craft Gunfish 95NF in the color selected, factory rigged with two trebles and no rear feather. No spare hooks or split rings included.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does NF stand for?
No feather. The standard Gunfish 95 has a dressed rear treble; this version leaves it bare. It also uses a tungsten resin tail weight rather than the standard 95's heavy metal.

How big is it?
4 inches (95mm) and 3/8 oz (12 grams).

How many hooks?
Two trebles — one #5 and one #6.

95NF or 115NF?
The 95 is subtler and the better choice in clear or pressured water. The 115 is everything exaggerated — louder, wider action, longer reach. If you're buying one Gunfish, buy the 95.

95NF or 95 H3?
Same size. The H3 carries a third treble for more hooking surface when fish are slashing and missing; the 95NF has two, which is cleaner around cover.

How fast should I fish it?
Quickly. The walking, the spitting, the knock, and the bubble trail all come alive at speed.

Does it float?
Yes. It holds position on the pause — and the pause after a missed strike is worth using.

Will these colors come back?
Lucky Craft lists the whole 95NF lineup as limited run, so not necessarily. Call the shop and we'll tell you what's inbound.

Related Gear

• Lucky Craft Gunfish 95 H3 — same size, three trebles.
• Lucky Craft Gunfish 115NF — the 4-1/2" no-feather version.
• Lucky Craft Gunfish 117 — 4-1/2" pencil popper, three trebles.
• Topwater Fishing Lures — poppers, walking baits, and stickbaits.

Buy It From People Who Fish It

We're on Soledad Canyon Road in Santa Clarita, twenty minutes from Castaic, and we fish these lakes ourselves. If you're buying your first Gunfish, this is the one we'd hand you. Call the shop or come in and we'll talk through which size your water wants.

The Hog Farmer 5 Wire 8 Blade Rig is perfect for simulating fleeing baitfish, with smooth nickel blades and heavy-gauge wire arms.

It can withstand the punishment of holding multiple large fish, thanks to the high-quality swivels and 80-lb safety swivel snaps on each arm.

The Eurotackle Z-Cranker 1.5" Micro Crankbait is considered as the most effective medium diving micro crankbaits on the market. Reaching up to 5 feet in depth, this high quality hard bait provides high flash and very strong yet stable wobble. After 2+ years of testing in the US the ultimate micro crankbait concept became a reality. With a weight of 1/8 oz the Z-Cranker will be a great option for your ultra light and light set up.

We balanced it so it is slow floating and allows quick pauses without seeing the bait quickly come straight back up. Our new crankbait has a super-low center of gravity and will gives off the overwhelming flash and acrobatic bottom-contact action. This micro crankbait is a must when fishing for Crappie, Trout, Bluegill, Walleye, Panfish and Bass! You can fish it a lot of different way including casting or trolling. The Z-Cranker is offered in a variety of colors that including UV color patterns. Size: 1/8oz - 1.5" - 1 Pack

Berkley's SlobberKnocker Bladed Jigs are built to outperform any other bladed jig, the Berkley Slobberknocker combines innovative design and proven Berkley features in one fish catching package. Through exhaustive acoustic and vibrational studies, the Slobberknocker packs a punch where it matters most to fish.

The through head design features a durable dowel-eliminating blade break off. Additionally, the Slobberknocker excels at coming through vegetation and traversing wood or other forms of hard structure. Topped off with a hand tied PowerBait flavored skirt, Fusion19 hook, and intricate color options, we are raising the bar and delivering exactly what anglers need in a bladed jig.

Features: 

• Durable through head blade design
• Hard knocking sound
• Amplified rolling action
• Hand tied Powerbait silicone skirt
• Stout, needle point Fusion19 hook
• Talon-style keeper locks trailer in place
• Printed weight for easy identification and selection

The Spro Carbon Blade Tungsten Blade Bait is built with premium components that takes blade baits to the next level. Featuring a carbon fiber body and a molded tungsten weight, it provides a compact profile, which is deadly when trying to imitate small baitfish, as well as, extreme cast-ability so that anglers can cover water more efficiently.

The unique shape also produces an ultra strong vibration and aggressive hunting action that stimulates the lateral line of bass and triggers a predatory response to strike.

On the backside, this blade bait features three different connection points, this allows anglers to change the amount of vibration from ultra tight to a wide wobble depending on the mood of the fish. Finished with two premium Gamakatsu hooks and offered in a wide selection of baitfish color patterns, the Spro Carbon Blade Tungsten Blade Bait is perfect vertical jigging and casting.

Comes with 2 double hooks

Fish Monkey Task Fleece Fishing Gloves allow for superb dexterity while providing excellent warmth. They also create a shield against bone-chilling winds so you can fish comfortably in the most brutal conditions. 

Built for electronics use as well, the Fish Monkey Task Fleece Fishing Gloves feature a touch screen compatible index finger so that you never have to un-glove to use your smartphone or change settings on your fishfinder. The synthetic leather palm with non-slip silicone print also provides a superior grip, even in wet conditions. 

-Touch screen compatible index finger
-Taper fit
-Synthetic leather palm with non-slip silicone print
-Tec Fleece
-75% polyester, 25% PU

• STOPS RUST AND CORROSION with unique Polar Bonding and Fluid Thin Film Coating (FTFC) Technologies
• BREAKTHROUGH LUBRICANT sticks to metal like a magnet to resist displacement by friction or pressure. Lubricates under extreme loads and high temperatures.
• AMAZING PENETRANT & ANTI-SEIZE penetrates faster and further to break free rusted nuts, bolts and fittings within minutes
• SAFE ON ELECTRONICS displaces moisture and protects electronics with a self-healing high dielectric Fluid Thin Film Coating that won’t interfere with circuits
• ZERO VOC minimal environmental impact formula

CorrosionX is perfect for your rod and reel and keeps the saltwater from eating away at your equipment.  After fishing, simply spray the rod or reel down and wipe with a cloth.  

Salty Crew Bruce Tank

Men's Standard fit tank top

+ Screen printed front and back

+ 100% cotton

Our bestselling AFTCO SAMURAI Sun Hoodie! UPF 50 + The AFTCO Samurai long sleeve sun protection hoodie is the best fishing shirt to protect you from the harmful effects of the sun's UV rays. Previously named the AFTCO Samurai 2 Hood, our new and improved AFTCO Samurai hooded fishing shirt is a staple for many anglers.  This men’s long sleeve sun protection shirt features AFCOOL quick dry technology, moisture wicking material, and AFGUARD stain resistance. With a slightly more generous fit, including plenty of room in the neck and hood, you will hardly notice you are wearing a sun shirt with a hood. Most importantly, each hooded performance fishing shirt comes with AFBLOCK UPF 50 sun protection.   A number of colors feature a heathered look, offering fisherman a performance UPF hoodie that is stylish on and off the water

• 92% Polyester / 8% Spandex
• Antimicrobial treatment for odor control
• AFBLOCK UPF 50 sun protection
• AFCOOL quick dry, moisture wicking
• AFGUARD stain release
• Model is wearing size L. Height 6 ft. Weight 200 lbs.
• Active fit - Modern true to size fit 

The Eurotackle Z-Viber 1/16oz Lipless Crankbait are here! At 0.6" this mini lure weights 1/16oz just like the original Z-Viber! Thanks to a unique internal tungsten weight system, this bait will sink as fast as your average tungsten ice jig. This tiny bait is an innovation when it comes to micro crankbaits. You can use it vertical jigging, casting in open water, and while ice fishing. When jigged, the ultra light Z-Viber will provide tight vibrations going up and then into quick fall when going down. When retrieved it will produce a wide and unique wobbling action. 

The PENN Squall Low Profile Baitcasting Reels deliver legendary PENN durability in a compact, ergonomic design built for serious saltwater and freshwater anglers. Engineered with a full metal body and precision-machined brass gears, these reels provide the structural integrity and smooth performance needed to handle hard-fighting fish in demanding conditions.

At the core of the Squall LP is a robust 5+1 stainless steel bearing system that ensures smooth, corrosion-resistant operation cast after cast. The HT-100™ drag system delivers consistent stopping power, while the magnetic casting brake provides precise cast control to reduce backlash and improve accuracy. Line capacity rings on the aluminum spool make it easy to monitor remaining line during long fights.

Available in three sizes (200, 300, 400) with both standard and high-speed gear ratios, the Squall LP series offers versatility for everything from inshore casting to freshwater bass fishing. Left-hand retrieve models are available in standard gear ratios, giving anglers the flexibility to match their preferred fishing style.

Key Features:

• Full Metal Body: Provides maximum strength and precise gear alignment under heavy loads
• 5+1 Stainless Steel Bearing System: Ensures smooth, corrosion-resistant performance in saltwater and freshwater
• HT-100™ Drag System: Delivers powerful, consistent drag pressure for landing trophy fish
• Magnetic Casting Brake: Provides precise cast control and reduces backlash for improved accuracy
• Machined Brass Gears: Heavy-duty drivetrain built for power, smoothness, and long-term durability
• Line Capacity Rings: Visual indicators on spool help monitor remaining line during fights
• Instant Anti-Reverse: Eliminates rotor backplay for solid hooksets
• Aluminum Spool: Lightweight, durable construction with excellent line capacity
• Star Drag System: Smooth, precise drag adjustment for fighting fish

Whether you're targeting calico bass, white seabass, or freshwater species, the PENN Squall Low Profile Baitcasting Reels deliver the performance and reliability you need at an exceptional value.

Specifications

Line Capacity

The Strike King Mark Davis Jointed Structure Head takes the proven Cobra Head design of the Structure Jig and adds a critical upgrade: a free-swinging Z-bend black nickel hook that keeps your trailer moving even when you slow down. Crawl it across the bottom and you get constant contact, superb feel, and a weedless presentation that stays clean through cover. Chip-resistant powder coat paint means it holds up cast after cast. Sold 2 per pack.

Key Features

• Cobra Head design — same proven profile as the Strike King Structure Jig
• Free-swinging Z-bend black nickel hook — maximum bait movement on slow retrieves
• Constant bottom contact — superb feel and sensitivity on the crawl
• Weedless design — fishes clean through grass, rocks, and cover
• Chip-resistant powder coat paint — durable color that lasts
• Available in 3/8, 1/2, and 3/4 oz — sold 2 per pack

Specifications