Alpha BassCast Ep 21 - There's a Reason Josh Pladies' Clutch Swimbaits win Bassmaster Elite Events.

Alpha BassCast Ep 21 - There's a Reason Josh Pladies' Clutch Swimbaits win Bassmaster Elite Events.

In this episode of **Alpha BassCast**, we sit down with **Josh Pladies**, founder of **Clutch Swimbaits**, to talk about the evolution of modern swimbaits and how advanced design is reshaping tournament fishing.Josh shares his journey from building **custom goose calls** to designing some of the most technically advanced **glide baits** in bass fishing. With a background in engineering, CAD design, and material science, Josh breaks down how modern bait manufacturing—from **ABS construction to 3D modeling**—is pushing swimbait performance further than ever.We dive into the art of **glide bait fishing**, including how to read fish behavior, select the right gear, and apply these baits effectively in **tournament situations**. If you want to understand what truly separates high-performance swimbaits from the rest, this episode is packed with insights.### 🎙 In this episode:* Josh Pladies’ journey into bait design and Clutch Swimbaits* The evolution of swimbait manufacturing and glide bait technology* Using **CAD and advanced materials** to improve bait performance* How glide baits are impacting **tournament fishing strategy*** Techniques for casting, retrieving, and reading fish mood* Choosing the right **swimbait rods and gear setups*** The story behind the **Mini Boss Glide Bait** and future innovationsJosh also shares lessons learned from years of experimentation, collaboration with anglers, and how paying attention to fish behavior can dramatically improve your success with glide baits.Whether you’re a **swimbait addict, tournament angler, or gear nerd**, this conversation dives deep into the craft and science behind some of the most exciting lures in bass fishing.👉 **Subscribe to Alpha BassCast** for more conversations with anglers, industry innovators, and the voices shaping West Coast bass fishing.---### 🔗 Guest LinksClutch Swimbaits – [https://clutchswimbaits.com/](https://clutchswimbaits.com/)Josh Pladies Instagram – [https://www.instagram.com/joshpladies/](https://www.instagram.com/joshpladies/)---### 🎯 Keywordsswimbaits, glide bait fishing, Josh Pladies, Clutch Swimbaits, tournament fishing, bait design, swimbait techniques, bass fishing swimbaits, glide bait rods, fishing gear review, CAD bait design, ABS swimbaits, bait manufacturing, fishing innovation, bass fishing techniques, reading fish behavior, swimbait fishing tips---

Alpha BassCast Ep 20 - The Truth About Making It Pro in Bass Fishing with Colby Pearson

The Truth About Making It Pro in Bass Fishing | Colby Pearson on Mindset, Industry Secrets & The Stair-Step Path to SuccessMost anglers think success comes from grinding harder or buying better gear. That’s not it.In this episode of the Alpha BassCast, we sit down with pro angler and industry insider Colby Pearson to unpack what really separates weekend warriors from top-tier competitors. This is an unfiltered look at the grind behind professional bass fishing—the mistakes, setbacks, sacrifices, and strategic moves that actually build a career.Colby breaks down the power of the “stair-step” approach—why skipping levels hurts you, why learning every lesson matters, and how embracing adversity accelerates long-term success. From boat mishaps and legal hurdles to sponsorship realities and brand partnerships, we cover the parts of the fishing industry most people never see.We also dive into:* The mindset required to go from novice to pro* Why perseverance beats shortcuts every time* The real role of mentorship in competitive fishing* Industry dynamics and how sponsorships really work* How forward-facing sonar is reshaping tournament strategy* The balance between tradition and technology* Staying motivated through boat failures, gear issues, and pressureColby, a sales rep for major brands like Rapala, VMC, and Fish Monkey, shares a rare dual perspective—both as a competitor and someone deeply embedded in the fishing industry. If you’ve ever wondered how the business side of bass fishing operates, this is the episode.Whether you’re chasing the pro dream, building your brand, or just obsessed with tournament bass fishing, this conversation will challenge how you think about growth, resilience, and long-term success.No excuses. Just execution.👉 Like, Comment, and Subscribe for more real conversations about West Coast and national-level bass fishing.---### 🎯 Keywordsbass fishing, tournament fishing, Colby Pearson, professional angler, fishing industry, Rapala, VMC hooks, Fish Monkey gloves, forward-facing sonar, FFS fishing, bass fishing mindset, becoming a pro angler, fishing sponsorships, tournament bass fishing, fishing mentorship, fishing business, competitive fishing strategy, fishing motivation, Alpha BassCast, fishing podcast

Alpha BassCast Ep 19 - 2026 BAM Schedule Review with Jason Crone

Join Boomer, Bryant, and Beau along with Jason Crone, the only Pro Angler from Montana, as they break down the upcoming Bass Angler Magazine Pro/Am and Pro Tour tournament schedules. From Lake Havasu to the new NW Swing, the guys dig into each event, and dive into some on-the-water decisions, preparation, travel grind, and the mental side of competing at a high level. Along the way, they trade stories, question strategy, and keep it real about the wins, the mistakes, and the pressure that comes with chasing points and paychecks.

Alpha BassCast Ep 18 - What if polygraphs aren't the problem?

Join Boomer, Bryant, and Beau as they dive into the complexities of the bass fishing world, discussing the challenges and controversies surrounding tournament rules and the impact of social media. From the intricacies of polygraph tests to the dynamics of sponsor exemptions, this episode offers a candid look at the sport's evolving landscape. Tune in for insightful conversations, personal anecdotes, and a touch of humor as they navigate the highs and lows of competitive fishing. Don't miss out on this engaging discussion that sheds light on the realities of being a professional angler. #bassfishing #TournamentTalk

Alpha BassCast Ep 17 - Billy Egan runs one of the GREATEST bass tournaments of all time.

Behind the Scenes with Billy Egan | The Won Bass US Open: Stories, Tournament Drama & Building a Stronger Fishing CommunityIn this episode of the Alpha BassCast, we sit down with **Billy Egan**, longtime tournament director and the face of Won Bass and the legendary US Open. Billy pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to run a major tournament series, sharing wild stories, tough lessons, and unforgettable moments from his decades in the sport.From cheating scandals and tournament day chaos to powerful insights on sportsmanship, fishing ethics, and how to grow the fishing community—this episode is packed with laughs, perspective, and real talk from one of the most respected names in bass fishing.🎤 Topics include:* The US Open: behind-the-scenes pressure & prestige* Memorable tournament fails and what they taught us* How to handle ethical dilemmas and rule-breaking* The importance of honesty, trust, and sportsmanship* What it takes to keep a tournament series thrivingWhether you're a tournament angler, a weekend warrior, or a fan of fishing culture, this episode is a must-listen.👉 Hit Like, Comment, and Subscribe to stay connected with Alpha BassCast. Available on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts!---🎯 Keywordsbass fishing, tournament, Billy Egan, US Open, One Bass, tournament director, fishing stories, fishing ethics, sportsmanship, tournament mistakes, fishing community, fishing drama, tournament fishing, angler stories, bass fishing podcast, fishing culture, fishing support