Bassmaster launches new YouTube series

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Zaldaingerous, presented by Bassmaster, is a new YouTube series sponsored by Amazon featuring Chris and Trait Zaldain. Along with a transparent look into the Zaldain’s home life, hard-fought victories and heartbreaking defeats, the grind of the tournament season and exhilarating road trips, viewers will enjoy unprecedented insight into the outdoors, gear and fishing techniques. <a href=
Zaldaingerous, presented by Bassmaster, is a new YouTube series sponsored by Amazon featuring Chris and Trait Zaldain. Along with a transparent look into the Zaldain’s home life, hard-fought victories and heartbreaking defeats, the grind of the tournament season and exhilarating road trips, viewers will enjoy unprecedented insight into the outdoors, gear and fishing techniques. Watch the premiere show here.
Running July 13 through Dec. 14, each of the 12 bi-weekly episodes will be accompanied by a live YouTube chat hosted by Chris and Trait. Episodes will be available on Amazon Prime, and you can purchase the gear used in each show at the <a href=
Running July 13 through Dec. 14, each of the 12 bi-weekly episodes will be accompanied by a live YouTube chat hosted by Chris and Trait. Episodes will be available on Amazon Prime, and you can purchase the gear used in each show at the Trait & Chris Zaldain store on Amazon.
Native Californian Chris Zaldain and his wife Trait packed up for a weeklong road trip from their Texas home back to his roots. Destination: Lake Mohave, where the Zaldains have another home on the Colorado River, below Lake Mead. <p> <a href=
Native Californian Chris Zaldain and his wife Trait packed up for a weeklong road trip from their Texas home back to his roots. Destination: Lake Mohave, where the Zaldains have another home on the Colorado River, below Lake Mead.

Click here to visit the Trait & Chris Zaldain store on Amazon.

The desert is a special place for Chris. “It’s where I spent a lot of time growing up, learning about bass fishing, and I love coming back here.” So does Trait. “There’s just nothing like it anywhere else. The scenery, the fishing, all of it.” <p> <a href=
The desert is a special place for Chris. “It’s where I spent a lot of time growing up, learning about bass fishing, and I love coming back here.” So does Trait. “There’s just nothing like it anywhere else. The scenery, the fishing, all of it.”

Click here to visit the Trait & Chris Zaldain store on Amazon.

After a 17-hour drive across Interstate 40 through New Mexico and Arizona, the Zaldains arrived at their home. “We bought it to be close to some of the best desert bass fishing around.” Nearby is Mohave, a smallmouth bass paradise, and upstream is Lake Mead. Say no more about its reputation as a quality bass fishery. <p> <a href=
After a 17-hour drive across Interstate 40 through New Mexico and Arizona, the Zaldains arrived at their home. “We bought it to be close to some of the best desert bass fishing around.” Nearby is Mohave, a smallmouth bass paradise, and upstream is Lake Mead. Say no more about its reputation as a quality bass fishery.

Click here to visit the Trait & Chris Zaldain store on Amazon.

Nebo takes the lead as the Zaldains tour the neighborhood. Call it their happy place to unwind, take in the fresh desert air, and begin a special project. “We’ve been wanting to do this for a long, long time,” said Trait. <p> <a href=
Nebo takes the lead as the Zaldains tour the neighborhood. Call it their happy place to unwind, take in the fresh desert air, and begin a special project. “We’ve been wanting to do this for a long, long time,” said Trait.

Click here to visit the Trait & Chris Zaldain store on Amazon.

The Zaldains are here with videographer Mack Green to produce a YouTube series in collaboration with Bassmaster. They will share their passion for teaching the sport. Trait outlined the series like this. “We want to be totally transparent, spontaneous and unscripted. If we miss a fish or a plan doesn’t work, then so be it. We adjust. That’s all part of the sport.” Expect lots of underwater footage and aerials. Mack gets ready to launch the drone. <p> <a href=
The Zaldains are here with videographer Mack Green to produce a YouTube series in collaboration with Bassmaster. They will share their passion for teaching the sport. Trait outlined the series like this. “We want to be totally transparent, spontaneous and unscripted. If we miss a fish or a plan doesn’t work, then so be it. We adjust. That’s all part of the sport.” Expect lots of underwater footage and aerials. Mack gets ready to launch the drone.

Click here to visit the Trait & Chris Zaldain store on Amazon.

“What we want is for the viewer to feel like they are in the boat with us. Chris taught me about fishing for spawning smallmouth using a Ned rig. In the video he goes into detail on what it is, how to rig it, why to use it. We share that with the audience.” <p> <a href=
“What we want is for the viewer to feel like they are in the boat with us. Chris taught me about fishing for spawning smallmouth using a Ned rig. In the video he goes into detail on what it is, how to rig it, why to use it. We share that with the audience.”

Click here to visit the Trait & Chris Zaldain store on Amazon.

“I caught this smallmouth on a Ned-rigged PB&J colored Sukoshi Bug on a Trokar tungsten finesse jig head.” <p> <a href=
“I caught this smallmouth on a Ned-rigged PB&J colored Sukoshi Bug on a Trokar tungsten finesse jig head.”

Click here to visit the Trait & Chris Zaldain store on Amazon.

“One main reason we came out here is the capability to shoot underwater footage. The water is so clear.” Clear enough to see the Minn Kota Talons deployed down in the background.” <p> <a href=
“One main reason we came out here is the capability to shoot underwater footage. The water is so clear.” Clear enough to see the Minn Kota Talons deployed down in the background.”

Click here to visit the Trait & Chris Zaldain store on Amazon.

And clear enough to see bedding smallmouth in a backwater spawning bay. <p> <a href=
And clear enough to see bedding smallmouth in a backwater spawning bay.
Click here to visit the Trait & Chris Zaldain store on Amazon.

“Underwater footage brings a complete look to the fish catch. We want a catch to show the excitement that comes with fishing, from hookset to landing,” added Chris. <p> <a href=
“Underwater footage brings a complete look to the fish catch. We want a catch to show the excitement that comes with fishing, from hookset to landing,” added Chris.

Click here to visit the Trait & Chris Zaldain store on Amazon.

“These Lake Mohave smallmouth take flight into the dry desert air as quick as the hook is set.
“These Lake Mohave smallmouth take flight into the dry desert air as quick as the hook is set.”
Click here to visit the Trait & Chris Zaldain store on Amazon.
“Practicing catch, photo and release with this beautiful selfie smallie.” <p> <a href=
“Practicing catch, photo and release with this beautiful selfie smallie.”
Click here to visit the Trait & Chris Zaldain store on Amazon.
“This nice smallmouth vacuumed up a Trokar Tungsten Ned Head and Sukoshi Bug right off the rocky bottom.”<p> <a href=
“This nice smallmouth vacuumed up a Trokar Tungsten Ned Head and Sukoshi Bug right off the rocky bottom.”
Click here to visit the Trait & Chris Zaldain store on Amazon.

“Handling smallmouth is easiest when you cradle their bellies. It puts them in a calm state before releasing back into the water.”<p> <a href=
“Handling smallmouth is easiest when you cradle their bellies. It puts them in a calm state before releasing back into the water.”
Click here to visit the Trait & Chris Zaldain store on Amazon.

“Sight fishing for smallies along the Colorado River chain is special because you just can’t miss,” said Chris. “These bed fish standout like a grain of pepper in a heap of salt, thanks to the crystal-clear, snow-melted water draining from the Rocky Mountains.” <p> <a href=
“Sight fishing for smallies along the Colorado River chain is special because you just can’t miss,” said Chris. “These bed fish standout like a grain of pepper in a heap of salt, thanks to the crystal-clear, snow-melted water draining from the Rocky Mountains.”

Click here to visit the Trait & Chris Zaldain store on Amazon.

Photographer Mack takes a break and lands a smallmouth. <p> <a href=
Photographer Mack takes a break and lands a smallmouth.

Click here to visit the Trait & Chris Zaldain store on Amazon.

Chris caught this fat largemouth on 8-pound test and managed to land it from the thick tules in the background. Watch the episode to learn fishing tactics for largemouth and more. <p> <a href=
Chris caught this fat largemouth on 8-pound test and managed to land it from the thick tules in the background. Watch the episode to learn fishing tactics for largemouth and more.

Click here to visit the Trait & Chris Zaldain store on Amazon.

On a trip to Lake Mead the crew took a detour through Las Vegas. The normally bustling streets and sidewalks were empty. <p> <a href=
On a trip to Lake Mead the crew took a detour through Las Vegas. The normally bustling streets and sidewalks were empty.

Click here to visit the Trait & Chris Zaldain store on Amazon.

The lights were on but nobody was home on the famous Las Vegas Strip. <p> <a href=
The lights were on but nobody was home on the famous Las Vegas Strip.

Click here to visit the Trait & Chris Zaldain store on Amazon.

“We didn’t see anyone until a security guard came out of one of the casinos,” said Trait. “It was weird seeing it so quiet.” <p> <a href=
“We didn’t see anyone until a security guard came out of one of the casinos,” said Trait. “It was weird seeing it so quiet.”

Click here to visit the Trait & Chris Zaldain store on Amazon.

The Zaldain’s head to Lake Mead for a day on the famous bass fishery. <p> <a href=
The Zaldain’s head to Lake Mead for a day on the famous bass fishery.

Click here to visit the Trait & Chris Zaldain store on Amazon.

The lake, like the Las Vegas strip, was void of boat traffic. Mack flew the drone and captured the amazing beauty of the desert impoundment. <p> <a href=
The lake, like the Las Vegas strip, was void of boat traffic. Mack flew the drone and captured the amazing beauty of the desert impoundment.

Click here to visit the Trait & Chris Zaldain store on Amazon.

Watch the shows and you will see footage like this, above and below the surface of the lake. <p> <a href=
Watch the shows and you will see footage like this, above and below the surface of the lake.

Click here to visit the Trait & Chris Zaldain store on Amazon.

Technically, the white ring around Lake Mead is made of minerals deposited on the rock walls when the lake's water level was higher. But in reality, the ring-line signifies much more than that; it symbolizes a lake in the midst of more than 15 years of drought. <p> <a href=
Technically, the white ring around Lake Mead is made of minerals deposited on the rock walls when the lake’s water level was higher. But in reality, the ring-line signifies much more than that; it symbolizes a lake in the midst of more than 15 years of drought.

Click here to visit the Trait & Chris Zaldain store on Amazon.

The water inflow into the Colorado River has been below average for 13 out of the past 16 years, with average water inflow since 2000 just 79% of the previous 30-year average. The period 2000-2015 had the lowest water availability of any 16-year period in the last 60 years. <p> <a href=
The water inflow into the Colorado River has been below average for 13 out of the past 16 years, with average water inflow since 2000 just 79% of the previous 30-year average. The period 2000-2015 had the lowest water availability of any 16-year period in the last 60 years.

Click here to visit the Trait & Chris Zaldain store on Amazon.

“I have a lot of time on this lake,” said Chris. He fished the likes of the U.S. Open and many other regional events during his early days of tournament fishing throughout California and elsewhere. <p> <a href=
“I have a lot of time on this lake,” said Chris. He fished the likes of the U.S. Open and many other regional events during his early days of tournament fishing throughout California and elsewhere.

Click here to visit the Trait & Chris Zaldain store on Amazon.

“Some of my best memories occurred here on this lake.” Like always, Nebo is along for the ride on this trip. <p> <a href=
“Some of my best memories occurred here on this lake.” Like always, Nebo is along for the ride on this trip.

Click here to visit the Trait & Chris Zaldain store on Amazon.

Mack captures a cool shot of the lake as the Zaldain’s idle to a promising fishing spot. <p> <a href=
Mack captures a cool shot of the lake as the Zaldain’s idle to a promising fishing spot.

Click here to visit the Trait & Chris Zaldain store on Amazon.

“We want viewers to see the lake from above, below and from our vantage point,” said Chris.<p> <a href=
“We want viewers to see the lake from above, below and from our vantage point,” said Chris.
Click here to visit the Trait & Chris Zaldain store on Amazon.
Chris boat flips a smallmouth, as Trait continues to look for fish cruising fish.<p> <a href=
Chris boat flips a smallmouth, as Trait continues to look for fish cruising fish.
Click here to visit the Trait & Chris Zaldain store on Amazon.

Everyone gets in on the flurry in this action-packed YouTube series. In this shot, Mack flies the drone, Chris shoots video b-roll and Trait ties into a Lake Mead largemouth. <p> <a href=
Everyone gets in on the flurry in this action-packed YouTube series. In this shot, Mack flies the drone, Chris shoots video b-roll and Trait ties into a Lake Mead largemouth.

Click here to visit the Trait & Chris Zaldain store on Amazon.

Teamwork rolls through from hook set to landing. “Mack was flying the drone when we saw the bed,” said Trait. “I hooked up with the fish almost immediately, so Chris grabbed the camera to film it. I lost the fish but saw one cruising while rerigging, tossed at it and hooked back up again. I think it was the same fish.” <p> <a href=
Teamwork rolls through from hook set to landing. “Mack was flying the drone when we saw the bed,” said Trait. “I hooked up with the fish almost immediately, so Chris grabbed the camera to film it. I lost the fish but saw one cruising while rerigging, tossed at it and hooked back up again. I think it was the same fish.”

Click here to visit the Trait & Chris Zaldain store on Amazon.

It was a memorable week for the Zaldain’s in the desert. Lake Mead and all its vast area, and the backwaters of the Colorado River flowing into Lake Mohave all provided the setting for getting away from it all. <p> <a href=
It was a memorable week for the Zaldain’s in the desert. Lake Mead and all its vast area, and the backwaters of the Colorado River flowing into Lake Mohave all provided the setting for getting away from it all.

Click here to visit the Trait & Chris Zaldain store on Amazon.

“We accomplished everything we wanted to do,” said Trait. That included logging many hours of video for the new YouTube series. <p> <a href=
“We accomplished everything we wanted to do,” said Trait. That included logging many hours of video for the new YouTube series.

Click here to visit the Trait & Chris Zaldain store on Amazon.

It’s a wrap. Now it’s time to take the long drive back to north Texas and put together the footage for the desert series. <p> <a href=
It’s a wrap. Now it’s time to take the long drive back to north Texas and put together the footage for the desert series.

Click here to visit the Trait & Chris Zaldain store on Amazon.