What makes Always 80 and Sunny baits different?

Every bait is hand-painted and airbrushed in our shop — no two are identical. We work in custom species patterns (bluegill, rainbow trout, brown trout, gar, perch, shad), splatter and craw colorways, and one-of-a-kind designs across squarebill crankbaits, multi-jointed swimbaits, glide baits, jerkbaits, lipless crankbaits, deep crankbaits, stickbaits, and topwater poppers, walkers, and frogs.

Where are the fishing charters located?

Our charters operate out of Columbia, Illinois in Southern Illinois. We offer inshore, offshore, and sunset trips — every charter includes tackle, bait, and a Coast Guard certified captain.

What's included with an Angler Pro membership?

Angler Pro is $19.99/month and includes secret fishing spot access, monthly tackle breakdowns, priority charter booking, and everything in the free Explorer tier.

Do you ship custom baits nationally?

Yes — we ship custom baits, tackle, and apparel anywhere in the United States. Free shipping on orders over $100.

How are the custom baits priced?

Pricing reflects build complexity and size. Squarebill and lipless crankbaits start around $24-30, jerkbaits and topwaters $28-42, mid-size multi-jointed swimbaits $65-95, and large hand-painted glide baits $120-220+ for trophy-class builds.

2025 Year in Review: The Surprising Truth About What Made This Season Exceptional

2025 was a banner year for Always 80 and Sunny. From our custom bait innovations to expanded charter offerings and new retail partnerships, we've accomplished things I wasn't sure were possible when January rolled around. I want to thank every customer, charter guest, and local fishing community member who made this year incredible.

By The Numbers: We ran 65 guided fishing charters, connecting 340+ anglers with some truly exceptional days on the water. Our custom bait line expanded from 12 to 28 distinct products, and we've achieved distribution in seven retail locations beyond our flagship shop. The Always 80 and Sunny community on social media grew from 2,400 followers to over 8,500 engaged fishing enthusiasts.

Customer Highlights: This year we hosted fishing trips for families celebrating milestones, youngsters catching their first fish, and experienced anglers pursuing personal bests. One charter produced a 34-pound blue catfish that still has me smiling. We've sponsored three local youth fishing tournaments and donated equipment to three schools' outdoor education programs.

2026 Plans: We're expanding charter availability with an additional boat coming to the fleet. Our product line will include several new bait colors based on customer feedback. We're planning destination fishing trips to coastal locations, combining our Midwest roots with saltwater adventures. Most importantly, we're committed to maintaining the personal, authentic approach that makes Always 80 and Sunny different from big-box retail operations.