For most anglers, fishing is about patience, passion, and that fleeting moment when the line tightens and the water comes alive. For Joe Pawlak, it’s also been a lifelong pursuit of innovation one that began in the quiet streams of Upstate New York and led to the creation of Q8 Super Baits, one of the most advanced fishing lures on the market today.

In the world of fishing, the line between hobby and passion is often thin especially for anglers who take pride in crafting their own tackle. Few companies understand that mindset better than Epic Bait Molds, a brand built by fishermen for fishermen. Founded by a small team of lure makers who wanted better tools for their own craft, Epic started with a simple goal: to design molds that offered the same precision and quality as those used by big name bait manufacturers, but at a price and scale accessible to everyday anglers. What began as a small operation quickly grew into one of the most respected names in custom lure making, thanks to their commitment to craftsmanship, innovation, and community.

In Charleston, outdoor culture runs deep. From early morning hunts to lazy afternoons on the water, the Lowcountry lifestyle is built around nature, good company, and a cold drink at the end of the day. That same spirit is what fuels Beer Deer, a company that’s turned the idea of a trophy mount into something uniquely fun, creative, and unmistakably Southern.

Every seasoned angler knows that success on the water comes down to details the right presentation, the right color, and the right action. Built by anglers for anglers, this Canadian company has earned a reputation for creating baits that combine lifelike action with tournament level performance. Whether you’re casting into a Lowcountry pond, working a Carolina rig through brackish creeks, or flipping docks on the Stono, X Zone delivers the realism and versatility to get the job done.

There’s no worse way to start a day on the water than struggling to drag a heavy kayak across a sandy launch or rocky trail. Every paddler knows that feeling the awkward shuffle, the uneven load, the frustration before the adventure even begins. Fortunately, RailBlaza has changed that narrative entirely with the C-Tug Kayak and Canoe Cart, a rugged, innovative, and thoughtfully engineered piece of gear that’s quickly become the gold standard for kayakers everywhere.

Charleston’s anglers know that when it comes to fishing, preparation and patience go hand in hand. The right bait can make or break a day on the water, especially when tides, wind, and current are constantly shifting. In recent years, one product has quietly transformed how Lowcountry fishermen approach their rigs, Fishbites. Born from science but built for simplicity, Fishbites are a clean, effective alternative to traditional bait, and they’ve proven themselves from the beaches of Folly to the backwaters of the Wando. We put Fishbites to the test in Charleston waters and we were surprised at the wide variety of fish we were able to catch. 

Every angler knows that quiet anticipation before sunrise with the fog lifting, the cast landing just right, and the feeling that this might be the one. But sometimes the fish have other plans. The water looks perfect, your favorite lure’s doing its dance, and still… nothing. Every fisherman has been there. Every fisherman has been skunked.

That frustration is what inspired Neverskunk, a brand built around turning tough days into stories worth telling. Their lures are made to provoke strikes when the bite is slow, built for anglers who refuse to give up when the fish won’t cooperate.

When the air cools and the tides slow, fall in the Lowcountry calls for layers that move with you. From early dock mornings getting out onto the water to slow porch nights hanging out with family and friends. Marsh Wear’s new fall collection captures that rhythm perfectly, offering a lineup that feels rugged, refined, and unmistakably coastal.

For anglers, the pursuit of bass is more than a pastime it becomes a way of life. It’s the early mornings on calm water, the anticipation before a strike, and the satisfaction of finding the perfect lure. That same sense of discovery is what MonsterBass delivers with its monthly subscription boxes. Each one is packed with carefully selected baits, gear, and pro tips all of which are tailored to your local region and season.

Few tackle companies have had the impact on inshore fishing that Z-Man has over the last decade. Their baits are built from proprietary ElaZtech material, known for being ten times tougher than traditional soft plastics, yet supple enough to mimic the natural movement of prey. This combination means anglers spend more time fishing and less time re-rigging. Add in color patterns that balance realism with flash, and it’s easy to see why so many inshore anglers swear by them. We put a handful of proven Z-Man baits and jigheads to the test, and here’s how they stack up when targeting trout, redfish, flounder, and even sheepshead.