Pete Robbins, Bassmaster Magazine Journalist Profile

Articles

Four Bizz Baits for Mexico With Louis Monetti — Half Past First Cast

1 week ago | halfpastfirstcast.com | Pete Robbins

The Bizz Baits team hustles. They seem to be at every sport show, and they’re increasingly showing up in galleries of tournament winners’ baits, usurping the space usually reserved for the big boys. Former collegiate Bassmaster Classic qualifier Louis Monetti is a key cog in that effort, giving the lures a workout on the water and living on the road. We caught up with him at the 2025 Bassmaster Classic in Ft. Worth to get some recommendations on products we need to take south of the border.
Sign Up Now for Kurt Dove’s Pro Bass Camp — Half Past First Cast

1 week ago | halfpastfirstcast.com | Pete Robbins

Kurt Dove is one of the busiest and most diversified businessmen in the bass fishing industry, but I believe his best idea was his Pro Bass Camp. This year they’ll have sessions on Amistad, Toledo Bend and Oneida. If you want to attend, or you know a kid who needs to go, there still may be some spots left. Learn more through the following video:
The Critters Get Curiouser and Curiouser – My Favorite Taxidermy from 2025 Nashville SCI — Half Past First Cast

1 week ago | halfpastfirstcast.com | Pete Robbins

Over the past few years, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed cataloguing some of my favorite taxidermy and animal replicas from various Safari Club International events. I’m not necessarily looking for the biggest, baddest or most coveted species, but rather oddities that force me to stop. If you’re looking for conventional whitetails, moose and bears, I’m not your guy, but if you like the oddities, check out the following items that stood out to me in Nashville:
Clutch Colors for the Boss and Baby Boss — Half Past First Cast

1 week ago | halfpastfirstcast.com | Pete Robbins

No advertising. No big private equity dollars. No pros on the payroll…yet. All Clutch Swimbaits do is win. Their Boss has been one of the worst kept secrets on the Elite Series over the past couple of years. The second worst kept secret is their Darter. Now they’ve added a Baby Boss to the lineup. We caught up with mastermind Josh Pladies at the 2025 Bassmaster Classic to figure out a few “starter colors” to add to our collection.
Meet Mazurk — Half Past First Cast

2 weeks ago | halfpastfirstcast.com | Pete Robbins

When I first timidly entered the fishing industry, several people went out of their way to make me feel welcome and to push my career forward. John Mazurkiewicz was at the top of that class – not only did he not bigtime me, but he constantly found ways to help me out. I didn’t even need to ask. John is one of the people who is constantly looking to elevate the sport, giving freely of his time to committees and boards, always adding a constructive comment when appropriate.
Why You Need to Fish El Salto

2 weeks ago | wired2fish.com | Pete Robbins

Back in 2009, in anticipation of my 40th birthday, my wife set up a dream trip to Lake El Salto in Mexico. I’d peppered her with hints since we’d met six years earlier, but I was in disbelief that I’d finally be headed to the land of las lobinas grandes. Now, 15 years later, I think my 20 trips to that “once in a lifetime” destination speak for themselves, but I really believe that El Salto is a location that every serious angler needs to visit.
Do You Throw Perch Lipless Crankbaits? — Half Past First Cast

2 weeks ago | halfpastfirstcast.com | Pete Robbins

Despite the increased usage of forward-facing sonar, there’s a time in the spring where if you’re not throwing a “trap” you’re not going to be effective. A lipless crankbait is not only a great way to cover water and win tournaments, but it’s also a great way to introduce newcomers to the sport – and give them a chance of catching a giant. Obviously, there are some basic patterns that’ll never go out of style – like chrome with a blue back or classic Rayburn Red – along with regional favorites.
The Best Spinning Reels of 2025

2 weeks ago | fieldandstream.com | Pete Robbins |Stream's go-to guy

We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn moreSpinning reels were historically plagued by line twists and balky drag systems, but the wide range of open-faced reels on the market today leave those stereotypes in the dust. Even at a bargain price, you can get a multi-bearing precision tool capable of wearing down a rampaging gamefish. They also come in a wider range of sizes and price points than ever before.
Niagara Means Big Fish and Big Variety as Well as Big Falls — Half Past First Cast

2 weeks ago | halfpastfirstcast.com | Pete Robbins

If you want to chase big smallmouth, but also like a heavy dose of multispecies variety, you don’t need to fly into some remote Canadian location. In fact, one of the best places I’ve been for that experience is readily accessible – just an 8 hour drive or 1 hour direct flight from home here in Virginia. The Niagara Falls are certainly impressive, but it’s what swims downstream that makes me want to go back.
Marlin on Top — Half Past First Cast

2 weeks ago | halfpastfirstcast.com | Pete Robbins

We’re hoping that 2025 is the year of the marlin for Half Past First Cast – we need Hanna to catch her first one, and I wouldn’t mind adding a few myself. In order to get in the mood, I’ve been noodling around with some marlin hat designs. I’m expecting the November trip out of Cabo to be our best chance to really whack on ‘em, so I’ve leaned heavily on the striped marlin, but a blue or black would be absolutely fine. Let us know which one/s you prefer.