Pete Robbins, Half Past First Cast Journalist Profile

Articles

Mandy Pascal: Behind the Scenes Bass Influencer — Half Past First Cast

6 days ago | halfpastfirstcast.com | Pete Robbins

You may not know Mandy Pascal, but you know her work. She’s omnipresent in BASS-world, working on the company’s magazines, coordinating tournament coverage, and making sure that all of the details are perfect. She’s been a huge help in my writing career, so when I saw her at Lake Hartwell I figured that the rest of you should get to know her as well. Here she is in her own words.
GSM Stocks the Pond With Texas Tilapia — Half Past First Cast

1 week ago | halfpastfirstcast.com | Pete Robbins

We’ve written extensively about some of the tilapia-patterned lures on the market – hard baits, soft baits and wired baits alike. People typically look to match the hatch in Mexico and want to know what’s available. One of the ones that’s worked best for us is the simple 5-inch Senko in Yamamoto’s “Tilapia Magic” pattern. But tilapia aren’t just in Mexico.
Four Moments that Reminded Me of Why We Keep Returning to Sport Fish Panama Island Lodge — Half Past First Cast

1 week ago | halfpastfirstcast.com | Pete Robbins

We just completed our fifth trip to Sport Fish Panama Island Lodge, a locale that we first visited in April 2021 as a “once in a lifetime” trip. Trip number six is already on the calendar. The fishing is consistently exceptional, but there are lots of places we still want to try, and our free time and money are limited. So why do we keep going back?
It’s Not Cinco De Mayo Without Guacamole — Half Past First Cast

1 week ago | halfpastfirstcast.com | Pete Robbins

We eat Mexican food every week, so we don’t need an excuse to saddle up to a bowl of guacamole. Even if it’s only a once-a-year treat for you, you probably didn’t know how many guac-themed fishing lures are out there. Several companies (particularly 13 Fishing and Bill Lewis Lures) dominate the guacamole lure market. Here are a few examples:
Brazil’s Tourist Visa Requirement is Finally in Effect Once Again — Half Past First Cast

1 week ago | halfpastfirstcast.com | Pete Robbins

It’s been quite a while since we first wrote about it, and the Brazilian government delayed it several times, but as of last month it is finally once again necessary for Americans (as well as Canadians and Australians) to have a visa to enter Brazil. That means if you’re going down any time soon, or planning a peacock bass fishing trip for later this year, don’t put it off too long. In fact, consider doing it now or setting a calendar reminder before you start restocking your braid and prop baits.
Melinda Mize Has a Schedule That Tires US Out — Half Past First Cast

1 week ago | halfpastfirstcast.com | Pete Robbins

We’ve watched Melinda Mize grow up in the fishing industry – the daughter of professional anglers Jimmy Mize and Lucy Mize – but now she’s making her own impression across multiple platforms. It’s no surprise that she’s raising her daughters to be fiercely independent and dedicated, with a subtle unnecessary nudge toward fishing. We caught up with her in the Bajío booth at the 2025 Bassmaster Classic to learn a little more about her.
What’s Going on in the World of Snakeheads? — Half Past First Cast

2 weeks ago | halfpastfirstcast.com | Pete Robbins

Here on the Potomac, snakeheads are here to stay. I find that they’ve become tougher to catch – at least when I’m targeting them – but I see some on just about every trip. Fortunately, as far as I can tell they haven’t harmed the bass population. Some of you love ‘em, some of you hate ‘em, and by the number of messages I get asking to visit and try to catch one, it seems that anglers all across the country are intrigued by old snakey.
Cantaloupes, Vice Presidents and Special Rogues with Mark Menendez — Half Past First Cast

2 weeks ago | halfpastfirstcast.com | Pete Robbins

Mark Menendez has certainly been on tour for a quite a while, but it’s not just longevity that sets him apart – it’s the signature wins and moments. Those include the once-largest bass caught in BASS competition, massive bags of smallmouths, and a yellow lab who led the Classic. I always enjoy catching up with Mark because he’s freely giving of his time with an eye on making the sport better.
Grayling Replicas for a Prime Spot on the Wall — Half Past First Cast

2 weeks ago | halfpastfirstcast.com | Pete Robbins

Despite being one of the most majestic and distinctive fish we’ve caught, I don’t feel like many people consider an Arctic Grayling as a prime candidate for the wall. When they visit places like Alaska and want to commemorate their catches, they err on side of larger and more storied species like king salmon, sockeyes or trophy rainbow trout. That’s a mistake, because grayling punch above their weight and stand out in a crowd.
Everything You Need to Know About Wisconsin with Pat Schlapper — Half Past First Cast

2 weeks ago | halfpastfirstcast.com | Pete Robbins

Pat Schlapper joined the Elite Series in 2021, one of an onslaught of Wisconsin pros who got added to the roster over the course of a handful of years. They’ve made their presence known with multiple wins and consistent Bassmaster Classic qualifications. Indeed, Pat has made four of last five championships. We caught up with him on Media Day in Ft. Worth to learn a little bit more about what makes him tick.