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.

The One Mistake Parents Make That Ruins Kids' Fishing Experiences (And How to Fix It)

Fishing with kids is one of the greatest joys fishing offers, but it requires a different mindset than adult fishing. Kids get bored quickly, need constant engagement, and lose interest rapidly if they're not catching fish. Here's how to set up successful kids' fishing trips.

Set Realistic Time Expectations: A successful kids' fishing trip is often 2-3 hours, not 8 hours. Plan accordingly. Morning or evening short sessions often work better than full days. Kids' attention spans improve as they age, but expecting a 7-year-old to stay focused for more than a few hours is unrealistic. Multiple short sessions throughout a weekend often work better than one long day.

Guarantee Action: Fish where you know fish are abundant. Don't experiment or search during kids' trips. Head to your most productive spots where you can reliably produce fish. Nothing kills a child's interest like sitting without action for an hour. Consistent catches keep enthusiasm high and create positive associations with fishing.

Keep Tackle Simple: Spinning reels are better than baitcasters for kids because they're more forgiving. Simple rod-and-reel combos that don't require constant adjustment are better than high-maintenance setups. Let kids focus on fishing, not equipment problems. Our kids' combo packages are specifically designed for young anglers with appropriately sized grips and balanced weight.

Bring Entertainment Backups: Even on the best trips, lulls happen. Pack snacks, bring cards or games, and be prepared to shift to other activities if fishing slows. This isn't failure-it's realistic. A trip that includes some fishing, some snacking, and some other activity is often more successful than a trip focused solely on catching fish.

Celebrate Small Wins: A 6-inch bluegill is a massive achievement for a 5-year-old. Celebrate it accordingly. Take pictures, explain what the fish is, and create a memory around that catch. These early positive experiences build anglers for life.