The bass fishing industry is bigger than ever. Tournament circuits draw national attention, YouTube creators push products daily, and the biggest tackle manufacturers dominate the shelves at major retailers. On the surface, it might seem like capitalism has swallowed the sport whole. But beneath the glossy marketing and mass-produced lures lies a truth every angler should remember: small bait companies are still the heartbeat of innovation, passion, and authenticity in bass fishing. We need to all remember this as anglers.
Innovation Comes From the Garage, Not the Boardroom
The best ideas in bass fishing rarely come from corporate board meetings—they’re born on the water. Many small bait companies start because a local angler tinkered with a mold, color, or design that solved a problem no major brand had addressed. Techniques like the Ned rig, custom jigs, and region-specific soft plastics all trace their roots back to smaller makers who dared to experiment. These companies drive creativity because they answer to the fish, not to shareholders.
Preserving Local Flavor and Tradition
Bass fishing is deeply regional. What works on the Kissimmee chain of lakes doesn’t always work on northern smallmouth fisheries, and small companies fill those gaps. Local bait makers know the seasonal quirks, forage, and water clarity of their home waters. Their lures reflect that understanding in ways that mass-market baits can’t. Supporting these businesses keeps regional fishing culture alive and ensures that the sport doesn’t flatten into a one-size-fits-all product line.
Building Community, Not Just Profits
Big tackle brands focus on sales volume. Small companies, on the other hand, often build personal connections with their customers. They answer questions directly, sponsor grassroots tournaments, and give back to the fishing community in ways large corporations rarely do. Buying from them isn’t just about getting a lure—it’s about supporting a person, a family, and often a fellow angler who shares the same love for the sport.
Capitalism Needs Balance in Fishing
There’s no denying that capitalism has fueled bass fishing’s growth. Without big companies, we wouldn’t have advanced electronics, durable rods, or mass availability of staple baits. But unchecked capitalism risks creating a homogenized, profit-driven industry where angler choice and innovation shrink. Small bait companies are the counterbalance, ensuring anglers still have access to unique, handcrafted, and specialized tools that keep the sport diverse and exciting.
The Angler’s Role in Preserving the Future
At the end of the day, anglers control the market. Every purchase is a vote for the future of bass fishing. By mixing big-brand staples with custom jigs from a garage-based maker or plastics from a regional company, anglers help keep small businesses alive. That diversity ensures the sport doesn’t just become another industry swallowed whole by corporate interests—it stays rooted in creativity, community, and passion.
A Spotlight for the Underdogs
Call me biased, but Dark Horse Tackle continues to lead the forefront of putting these handcrafted baits that are formed from blood sweat and tears instead of an assembly line machine directly into the hands of anglers. Here they are given the exposure they deserve and may never get just sitting on a crowded retail shelf. It’s not only a platform that helps these small businesses survive but also ensures anglers continue discovering innovative, high-high quality baits they may otherwise fly under the radar.
By: Joe Brown AKA American Vet Fishing