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.

Planning Your First Fishing Trip: The Beginner Mistake That Ruins Everything

Planning your first fishing trip can feel overwhelming. What gear do you need? Where do you go? What should you expect? Here's a practical breakdown that will help your first fishing experience be enjoyable and successful.

Gear Requirements: You don't need expensive equipment for your first trip. A basic spinning rod-and-reel combo ($50-100) works perfectly fine. Tackle box with essential items: jigs, soft plastics, hooks, weights, line. Quality polarized sunglasses for seeing fish in water. Sun protection-sunscreen and a hat. A small net to land fish. That covers the essentials.

Choosing Your First Location: Start with lakes known for abundant fish populations. Ask experienced local anglers where beginners have success. Always 80 and Sunny staff can recommend specific spots. Avoid highly pressured areas where fish are extremely wary. Look for smaller lakes rather than massive reservoirs-they're more manageable for beginners.

Realistic Expectations: Your first trip might not produce big fish or large quantities. That's okay. You're learning, and every outing teaches lessons that improve future fishing. Success is measured by enjoying the experience, learning something, and wanting to return. A few small fish and some time on the water is a successful first trip.

Time and Timing: Plan a 3-4 hour first trip during early morning (dawn to mid-morning) when fish are active. Don't overcommit-short trips that end on a high note are better than long marathons that end frustration. Early morning to mid-morning provides the best beginner success window.

Learning Curve: Go with an experienced angler if possible. They'll teach you fundamental skills that took others years to learn. Alternatively, consider a half-day guided charter with a professional. The instruction provided pays dividends for years of future fishing.