Joel Richardson is proudly sponsored by

As a Professional Angler and Guide, I have spent several years experimenting with a variety of brands, baits, rods, reels, etc.. I have learned through the years how important quality equipment is to the success of your career. Having quality equipment allows you to focus more on locating fish and their patterns and less on how to fix a problem. Quality equipment builds confidence, which leads to a productive practice, consistency in your goals and success in tournaments. The following equipment items give me the confidence that assists me to stay consistent in tournaments and in my guide service. I hope that you find them as rewarding as I have. If you have any questions about the products I use ask and I will do my best to answer them.

Leader in the fishing industry, largest supporter of fishing events nationwide. Ranger has been a sponsor of mine for several years now. It would be very difficult for me to pursue my dream without them. The 518 Comanche series is my favorite model because it offers a great hole shot and top end speed. It fishes better than any boat that I have ever seen in super shallow water.

I have been guiding for a lot of years now, and have taken as many pictures as most photographers. I always carry a camera in my boat because I am a strong supporter of catch and release. Fuji Film offers a waterproof camera that takes great pictures superb color and clarity. Best of all they recycle these cameras which is great for our environment. Fuji Film is a strong supporter of Fish, Photograph, and Release (FPR). So the next time you are in Wal-Mart look for the FPR logo when you are buying film or disposable cameras.

I have been bass fishing for over 15 years now and have used every brand of outboard on the market. For the last two years I have used Yamaha's new hpdi 200hp outboard and without a doubt this is the most reliable, user friendly outboard that I have ever used. This motor has excellent fuel efficiency and low oil consumption. Therefore, making it better for the environment with a great holeshot and top end power. I am now using my third Yamaha and the only thing I have ever had to do to one is add gas and oil.

I have been using Lowrance products ever since I started bass fishing over 15 years ago. Today, I have just as much faith in my new 1240 Bluewater Pro as I did back when I was using the box style flashers. For five years now I have been using Lowrance's Global Map (GPS) and without this I wouldn't have won my first FLW Tour event on Lake Okeechobee in 1999. These units are so simple to operate compared to some that I have seen. You might need a rocket scientist to help you figure others out!! These new GPS units are also equipped with the finest LCD charts that I have ever used with high resolution. I use these mainly when fishing water deeper than 25 ft..

I have been using this product now for about 5 years and without a doubt it is the best keel protector on the market. I find it to be very durable. I have been known to pull my boat on rocky shore lines, even the access ramp. Never a scratch, no peeling off around the edges. I am very impressed and satisfied using the Tech 5

On The Line Crankbaits

These crankbaits are made of premium balsa wood. They are the most consistent crankbaits I have ever used. Top quality components teamed up with the best hand-painting that I have ever seen. Then three coats of clear for protection. This crankbait is so balanced that I have not had to tune one yet and I know they haven't been tank tuned. These crankbaits are copies of crankbaits that are no longer in production like the old Killer B2, the original Tapp that was hand-carved in Tenn. that would cost you $30.00 + if you could find one. The old Killer B's sell for $20.00+ on e-bay. The action of the baits are like no other. They come through cover extremely well and the prices are not to costly considering other custom made crankbaits.

Bobcat's offers the largest selection on the east coast. If you can't find it here they don't make it. Bobby Whitlow and his staff are very friendly. They will go that extra mile to assist your needs. If you are ever in the Kerr Lake (Bugg's Island) area stop by. Not only are they up on the latest tackle they also know what most species of fish are doing and can make for a better day on the water.

Zoom soft plastics are the best bass catching baits that money can buy. I have been using Zoom baits since I started tournament fishing over 10 years ago. Since then more tournaments have been won on these baits than any other bar none. My personal favorites are the old stand by 6 inch lizard, brush hog, the fluke, 10 inch old monster worm, and their jig trailers. Zoom has a wide variety of colors to meet your needs no matter where you are fishing. I am proud to be associated with such an outstanding company. I have fished with and meet some of the folks at Zoom and can tell you first hand that they are fine people. They love to fish and are always looking for a better way to catch more fish through research and product development.