Tackle shops are about far more than just buying gear. They’re places filled with knowledge, memories, relationships and value that go far beyond a price tag. From childhood visits with my dad and granddad, to bringing my own kids through those same doors today, this is why local tackle shops still matter

Some lures come and go from the box over the years. Others earn a permanent place. The Samson Shad Compact Mini has become one of my go-to bass lures for searching water — versatile, easy to work through the entire water column, and consistently effective across a wide range of marks.

If there’s one rod that just screams “right, we’re going long today”, it’s the Samson Longcast Expanse 12ft 15–60g.