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 Spring Fishing Trips: The Midwest Water Condition Forecast Nobody Shares

Spring is the perfect season for Midwest fishing road trips. Water temps are rising, fish are active, and the weather cooperates more often than in winter. Here are some of my favorite fishing destinations within a reasonable drive from Columbia, Illinois.

Northern Illinois Lakes: Forman Lake and Footmen Pond offer excellent walleye and crappie fishing through May. Water clarity is good, structure is productive, and crowds are manageable compared to summer. Four-hour drive but absolutely worth the road time.

Missouri River System: The Missouri River near the Kansas-Missouri border holds world-class catfish populations and surprisingly good walleye fishing. Spring timing coincides with spawning movements that concentrate fish. Expect 6-8 hour drives depending on which section you target, but legendary catfish fishing makes it worthwhile for a dedicated weekend or week.

Closer Options: Mississippi River backwaters offer excellent spring fishing just 3-4 hours south. Sloughs and backwater areas hold phenomenal crappie and walleye populations through May. Less glamorous than destination fishing, but incredibly productive and much more convenient.

Planning Considerations: Spring weather is unpredictable. Check forecasts before committing. Have backup options if weather threatens. Spring fishing on Midwest lakes often peaks during small temperature windows before fish scatter into summer patterns. Capitalize on these windows while they exist.

Guide Services: Consider booking local guides in unfamiliar areas. They know current conditions, recent patterns, and where fish are concentrated. A day of guided fishing often produces more success than several self-guided days on unfamiliar water.