Some bass fishing enthusiasts are willing to spend up to $1,000 a day in search of the ultimate catch: a trophy-sized largemouth bass. Ryan Krogh explores the unique subculture of anglers, who pursue these elusive fish in private lakes across Texas. The piece delves into the passion, obsession, and considerable financial investment that drive these weekend warriors.
Some lures can cost as much as a rod and reel. A single swimbait from North Carolina’s Tater Hog Custom Fishing Lures, the gold standard for many big-bass anglers, can set you back almost $300. A glide bait—a hard plastic bait that swims in a realistic manner—from a popular Texas line, 3:16 Lures, based in Emory (a town near Lake Fork), sells for $280. When I asked Addington how much he’s spent on lures, he demurred. “What’s the opposite of exaggerate?” he asked, laughing. “Because that’s what I need to do.” After a few seconds of mental math, he responded more honestly. “To tell you the truth, I’m not sure I want to know.”