As the New Year approaches and the 2025 fishing season rapidly comes to a close, I find myself thinking back. Did I make enough of an effort during peak season to satisfy the fishing itch over the long, New England winter? And what were some essential pieces of gear that I can’t do without come 2026?
Whether I was slinging shiners for largemouth at the local bog pond after ice out, trying to stay dry during the late spring arrival of striped bass, chasing topwater bluefish action in the summer, or enjoying the much-anticipated hardtail season, these were some of my go-to tackle and apparel items from 2025.
– Patrick Washburn, Graphic Design Manager
» Check out the rest of the OTW Staff’s Field Test Favorites from the 2025 Fishing Season
247 Lures Flipping Mullet
During the early spring, when striped bass first arrived in Buzzards Bay, I have two trays full of topwaters that help me search for and build the bite. But one lure has always been a must-have in pearl white and bunker patterns: the 24-7 Lures Flipping Mullet. Its lazy, side-to-side walking action never goes unnoticed. A salty local fisherman shared this “secret bait” with me many years ago, after I watched him out-fish me with a single lure on the same tides. Since then, it has become a mainstay in my spring topwater tackle tray. I always replace the rear treble hook with a dressed teaser for that “extra party in the back” look, which is easier on the fish and still produces plenty of action. The 1.25-ounce model is the perfect weight for launching this lure from the boat on light spinning gear.
Grundens Deck-Boss Ankle Boots
After years of destroying sneakers and work boots with salt, blood and fish slime, I invested in a pair of deck boots from a local tackle shop; but when those started to fail, I picked up a pair of Grundens Deck-Boss Ankle Boots and never looked back. As fishermen know best, having dry feet and support is the key to a successful (and comfortable) adventure regardless of the season. These boots are easy to slide on/off when I’m in a rush, and the slip-resistant grips prevent slips and falls on slick surfaces. Whether I’m out in the boat or leisurely casting down at the dock, I always make sure to swap out my daily office footwear for these moisture-wicking boots.
Columbia Glennaker Lake II Rain Jacket
This season, it felt like there was almost always rain and/or wind in the forecast with every opportunity I had to go fishing. To combat the gusty, brisk, wet conditions in the spring or fall, Columbia’s Glennaker Lake II Rain Jacket is my ideal top (outer) layer. Whether I’m searching for albies and bonito from shore or by boat, I always make sure to pack it for a little extra warmth and wind resistance. Staying warm and dry helps to keep me focused on fishing, so I don’t miss an opportunity when a surface feed appears.
Grundens Trident Pants
From shore to boat, Grundens Trident Pants were a game changer this albie season. Rather than sporting full bibs, I needed something more lightweight and breathable for the early morning shore ‘core fix before heading into the office, and these pants over delivered. They’re durable enough to chase down a bite along rugged beachfronts and jetties, and they boast the same water-wicking qualities as standard bibs. Plus, they’re easy to slip on and off, and they keep my phone dry so I can snap photos and keep an eye on the clock to avoid being late to the office.
Costa Sunglasses Tuna Alley Pro Frames
Growing up, I was never one to wear sunglasses out on the water and if I did, they were cheap gas station hand-me-downs from my family. It wasn’t until a few years back that I decided to splurge and invest in a pair of Costas. Since then, I have a small rotation of different sunglasses in the mix depending on the purpose. For most of my fishing needs, the polarized Tuna Alley Pro frames check all the boxes. They deliver style and performance to keep my eyes safe and vision clear, while eliminating glare and enhancing subsurface vision for sight casting topwater plugs when bass and blues are in shallow.
Shimano Stradic 4000XG
For a long time, I’ve done most of my fishing from a boat. These days though, I’m splitting my time between shore and boat. The reel that never lets me down and has become a majority holder in my rotation of fishing setups is the Shimano Stradic 4000XG. It’s the perfect light-tackle spinning reel from the backwaters to Buzzards Bay and can handle all of the inshore species I pursue. It’s got plenty of drag power to subdue larger stripers when they show up in the bay, and I never feel fatigued after long hours of continuously casting heavy topwaters or epoxy jigs because it balances well with most of my inshore spinning rods.
St. Croix Triumph Inshore Spinning Rod
Over the years, I’ve had multiple rods fail on me and that’s never a great feeling for any fisherman. Like fishing reels, many of today’s rods don heavy price tags when you’re in the market for a new setup. I was introduced to St. Croix Rods back in my intern days at On The Water and never looked back; they’ve become my preferred rod manufacturer. I may be a creature of habit, but when I find something performs and satisfies my needs over and over, it’s difficult to switch. The 7-foot Truimph Inshore is the rod I carry from boat to beach, along with my older 7-foot, medium-heavy fast action St. Croix Tidemaster. The Triumph Inshore’s carbon blank is strong, sensitive, light in hand, and sports a corrosion-resistant guide train to improve line lay and deliver smooth long-distance casts.
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