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Fall 2026
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PUBLISHER Wayne Wasulko
CONTENT EDITOR Jody Only
ART DIRECTOR Mike Margineanu (m-Graphix)
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS/ PHOTOGRAPHERS/ VIDEOGRAPHERS Tyler Brinks, Mike Gorman, John Liechty, John Myers, Jody Only, Scott Petersen, Pete Robbins, and Glenn Walker
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PUBLISHER Wayne Wasulko (916) 782-9540 wayneg@westernbass.com
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FIRST CAST
by Wayne Wasulko
Hi All,
There is something about fall in the West that feels like a reset with some of the best fishing of the year still ahead of us.
West Coast fisheries have already given us plenty to talk about. Clear Lake continues to remind everyone why it belongs in the conversation as one of the best bass fisheries in the country. Double-digit bass have shown themselves throughout the year, and tournament anglers have pushed five-fish limits beyond the 40-pound mark. One winning BBT Golden Mussel bag tipped the scales at an incredible 45.16 pounds.
In fact, good water conditions across many of our western fisheries have helped set the stage for some incredible fishing, and we’ve watched big fish continue to show themselves well into late summer like the one on our cover.
Now we get to see what fall brings with an El Niño pattern strengthening in the Pacific. NOAA is forecasting a greater than 90 percent chance of a very strong event through fall and winter. What that ultimately means for precipitation in the West remains to be seen, but after several years in which water levels have been one of the biggest topics in Western fishing, we’ll certainly be watching.
Last month’s 2026 ICAST gave us plenty to look forward to with several of our sponsors leaving Orlando with some serious hardware. G-Ratt’s new Urchin Rig earned Best Terminal Tackle honors, while Rapala’s CrushCity The CEO took Best Freshwater Soft Lure and its Imposter won the saltwater category. Daiwa doubled up as well, with BG LT taking Best Saltwater Reel and Best Braided Fishing Line with J-Braid Grand X8 Ocean Splash.
Now comes the part where we are getting that new gear onto the store shelves and ultimately out on the water. Watch for new releases coming soon to our title sponsor Fisherman’s Warehouse and as always, please support the sponsors that make this magazine and the WesternBass site available to you.
Tight Lines,Wayne
mailto:wayneg@westernbass.com