Founder's Story
What if every angler, new or veteran, could effortlessly discover the next breakthrough bait or transformative technique—without wasting time or money?”
This question inspired the creation of Bait Hunt, a platform designed to simplify and enhance the journey of finding new baits and techniques for bass anglers everywhere. Co-founders Matt Johnson and Sam Jones, both passionate anglers, recognized a common frustration: the overwhelming flood of options in the fishing world, coupled with unreliable reviews and marketing hype.
At Bait Hunt, we’ve made it our mission to cut through the noise. Our platform empowers bass anglers with community-curated recommendations, trusted insights, and the opportunity to explore innovative gear and strategies that elevate their fishing experience. Whether you’re seeking a fresh bait to land your personal best or the perfect technique to match your conditions, Bait Hunt is here to guide you on your next discovery.
The Founders' Journey
The Background of Matt Johnson: From Crafting Experiences to Creating Bait Hunt
For Matt Johnson, a career in design and a love for bass fishing converged in an unexpected way, shaping his journey as the Co-Founder and Chief Experience Officer of Bait Hunt. With over 20 years of UX design and building for the internet, Matt has worked for tech startups across the country. His expertise in crafting intuitive, user-focused platforms led him to launch his own agency in 2018, helping small businesses thrive in the digital world. He also lends his skills to an AI technology company based in Australia, staying at the forefront of innovation.
But beyond his professional life, bass fishing became something deeply personal. What started as an escape during challenging times grew into a passion that, as Matt puts it, “in some ways, saved me.” Over the years, fishing has become more than a hobby—it’s a lifestyle.
Sharing that passion with his two sons has made it even more meaningful. From teaching them the thrill of reeling in their first bass to creating unforgettable memories on the water, fishing has become a way to bond and pass down life lessons.
At Bait Hunt, Matt brings his design expertise and love for the sport together, ensuring every angler who visits the platform feels a sense of community, empowerment, and excitement for their next big catch. By crafting a user experience that mirrors the simplicity and joy of being on the water, Matt aims to make Bait Hunt a cornerstone for anglers looking to discover the best baits, techniques, and gear.
The Background of Sam Jones: From Creekside Beginnings to Building Bait Hunt
For Sam Jones, fishing has always been more than a hobby—it’s a way of life. Growing up in Indiana, Sam spent his childhood exploring the creeks near his home and camping with his family by lakes across the state. By the age of 14, his passion for bass fishing had evolved into a full-blown obsession.
Every Saturday morning, if he wasn’t casting a line, he was glued to the couch watching Bassmaster and other fishing shows, scribbling down notes and soaking up every bit of knowledge he could. Studying fishing techniques became his weekend ritual—sometimes at the expense of his actual schoolwork.
As an adult, Sam channeled that passion into over two decades of tournament fishing, competing from boats and kayaks alike. Along the way, he dove headfirst into every facet of the fishing industry. From working trade shows to creating content, hosting podcasts, and connecting with anglers across the nation, Sam built a reputation as a passionate and knowledgeable voice in the bass fishing community.
In 2019, Sam’s love for the sport and his knack for storytelling took on a new form when he launched his own digital marketing company. Focused on helping small businesses thrive in a constantly evolving digital landscape, he discovered another passion: building brands and amplifying their impact.
Now, as the Co-Founder and Chief Marketing Officer of Bait Hunt, Sam combines his lifelong love of fishing with his expertise in marketing and community building. His goal is to create a platform that not only helps anglers discover the best baits and techniques but also fosters a thriving community where shared knowledge leads to better experiences for everyone on the water.
Shared Passion: How Matt and Sam Bonded Over Their Love for Bass Fishing and the Outdoors
Matt and Sam’s paths first crossed while working together on client projects, where they quickly realized their shared passion for both entrepreneurship and the outdoors. Beyond business, it was their love for bass fishing that truly brought them together. As Sam’s experience in the fishing industry and Matt’s design expertise came to light, they discovered a mutual frustration with the lack of a trusted, community-driven platform for discovering effective baits and techniques. This shared challenge sparked the idea for Bait Hunt, a space where they could combine their skills to help anglers like themselves make more informed, confident choices on the water.
The Vision Behind Bait Hunt
Bass anglers today face a unique set of challenges in an industry flooded with options, unreliable reviews, and an overwhelming amount of marketing noise. Everywhere you look, there’s a new bait being pitched by “Pro-Staffers” and influencers, often pushing products without offering real, unbiased insights. For many anglers, it feels like being sold to by used car salesmen, each claiming to have the next big thing that promises success on the water. Meanwhile, finding trustworthy recommendations and community-driven insights can be a daunting task.
That’s where Bait Hunt comes in.
At its core, Bait Hunt is designed to address these very frustrations. Matt and Sam saw an opportunity to create a platform that not only helps anglers discover innovative and effective baits and techniques but also fosters a community where knowledge-sharing is at the forefront. With an emphasis on honest, user-driven reviews and real-world experiences, Bait Hunt offers a space where anglers can trust the information they find.
Discovery is at the heart of Bait Hunt’s mission. In an industry cluttered with marketing gimmicks, the platform allows users to explore and discover baits and techniques that have been tried and tested by real anglers. Gone are the days of sifting through endless product pages with no clarity or guidance—Bait Hunt streamlines the process with curated recommendations and expert insights.
The Community aspect is a key differentiator for Bait Hunt. Anglers of all skill levels are encouraged to share their knowledge, exchange tips, and discuss what’s really working out on the water. This collaborative environment not only empowers individual anglers but also creates a collective intelligence that’s far more valuable than any influencer endorsement.
Finally, Trust is foundational to everything Bait Hunt stands for. The platform ensures that every piece of information shared, whether it’s a bait review, a fishing tip, or a gear recommendation, is grounded in honesty and accuracy. By cutting through the noise and focusing on what truly matters, Bait Hunt gives anglers the confidence they need to make the right choices for their fishing trips.
In a world of flashy ads and “quick-fix” solutions, Bait Hunt is here to redefine the bass fishing experience by giving the power back to the anglers—through discovery, community, and trust.
Core Values and Philosophy
At Bait Hunt, our core values are more than just guiding principles—they’re the foundation that shapes every decision we make, every feature we develop, and every interaction we have with the angling community. These values ensure that Bait Hunt remains a trusted, innovative, and engaging platform for bass anglers of all levels.
Community: Building Connections Among Anglers
At the heart of Bait Hunt is the belief that anglers are stronger when they come together. Fishing is more than a solitary activity; it’s about shared experiences, learning from one another, and supporting each other’s journey. By fostering a space where anglers can connect, share tips, and engage in discussions, Bait Hunt creates a vibrant, community-driven platform. Whether it’s swapping bait recommendations or discussing fishing techniques, we want every angler to feel like they’re part of something bigger—a supportive community that’s always there to help.
Trust: Delivering Reliable, Unbiased Insights
In a world filled with sales pitches and sponsored posts, trust is more important than ever. We’ve seen how frustrating it can be to sift through endless reviews and marketing claims, only to feel unsure of what’s truly worth your time. At Bait Hunt, we prioritize transparency and integrity in every piece of content we share. By relying on real feedback from anglers like you, we ensure that the insights provided are genuine, honest, and unbiased. We understand how important it is to trust the recommendations you receive, and we’re committed to being that trusted resource for every angler who turns to Bait Hunt.
Innovation: Constantly Seeking the Best Techniques and Tools
Bass fishing is an ever-evolving sport, with new techniques, baits, and gear emerging all the time. At Bait Hunt, we are driven by a passion for innovation. We’re constantly exploring the latest advancements in fishing technology, uncovering new techniques, and testing new baits to ensure that our community is always on the cutting edge. Our platform is designed to encourage discovery—whether you’re trying out a new technique or exploring a bait that could revolutionize your fishing game. We believe that innovation is the key to unlocking greater success on the water.
Experience: Focusing on Making Every Outing Memorable
Fishing isn’t just about the catch—it’s about the entire experience. From the anticipation of the cast to the thrill of the bite, every moment spent on the water matters. At Bait Hunt, we aim to enhance that experience for every angler, whether you’re out on a weekend trip or chasing after that tournament-winning fish. We believe that the best fishing experiences come from not just using the right gear, but from learning new techniques, connecting with fellow anglers, and creating memories that last a lifetime. Bait Hunt is here to help make every outing one to remember.
Growth: Encouraging Continuous Learning for Anglers of All Levels
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, there’s always something new to learn in bass fishing. At Bait Hunt, we are committed to promoting growth—both for our platform and for the anglers who use it. We provide valuable resources, tips, and recommendations to help you improve your skills, discover new strategies, and continue evolving as an angler. Through community discussions, expert insights, and shared experiences, we foster an environment where learning never stops, and anglers can constantly grow, no matter their skill level.
The Launch of Bait Hunt
As Bait Hunt officially launches, we’re thrilled to introduce a platform that not only helps you discover baits and techniques but empowers you to engage with the fishing community in new and meaningful ways. Our goal is simple: to make every fishing trip more successful, enjoyable, and memorable. Here’s a preview of some of the exciting features that will soon be at your fingertips:
Search Tools for Discovering Baits and Presentations
Finding the right bait can be overwhelming with so many options out there. With Bait Hunt, you’ll be able to search through a wide variety of baits and presentations based on factors like water conditions, fishing techniques, and seasonal trends. Our dynamic search tools make it easy to discover the best gear tailored to your specific needs, whether you’re fishing a new lake or going for a big tournament.
Vote on Baits and Share Your Favorites
Bait Hunt takes the guesswork out of bait selection by allowing you to vote on your favorite baits. As a member of the Bait Hunt community, you can rate and review the baits you’ve used, helping others make informed decisions. The more votes a bait gets, the higher it ranks, offering a true community-driven guide to the most effective options available. You can also submit baits you’ve discovered to share with others, making Bait Hunt a constantly evolving resource.
Reviews and Community Insights
What truly sets Bait Hunt apart is our emphasis on real-world, unbiased reviews. Our platform allows anglers to share firsthand experiences, offering valuable insights into how different baits and techniques perform in various conditions. By relying on reviews from fellow anglers instead of sponsored endorsements, you’ll have access to trustworthy, community-driven content that helps you make confident choices.
Educational Content to Improve Angler Success
Bait Hunt is more than just a place to find the right gear—it’s also a hub for learning. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, our educational content is designed to help you improve your fishing skills. From technique breakdowns to in-depth tutorials on bait presentation, you’ll find valuable resources to help you make the most of every outing.
The Future of Bait Hunt
The journey is just beginning, and we couldn’t be more excited about what’s to come. As we continue to grow, Bait Hunt will expand its content, features, and community engagement, bringing even more value to anglers everywhere. We’re working on partnerships with innovative bait manufacturers, industry experts and passionate anglers to ensure that our platform remains at the forefront of bass fishing innovation.
Our commitment is clear: we’ll keep evolving to deliver the best possible fishing experience for our users, providing the tools and insights you need to succeed on the water.
Closing Thoughts
Matt:
“We’re incredibly grateful to be on this journey with you. This platform is built for anglers, by anglers, and it’s the support from the community that truly makes Bait Hunt special. We couldn’t do this without your passion, insights, and enthusiasm. The future of bass fishing is brighter than ever, and we’re so excited for you to be a part of this movement.”
Sam:
“From day one, this has been about creating something that truly benefits anglers and gives you the tools you need to succeed. We’ve built this platform to evolve with you, the community. Now, it’s time for you to help shape what’s next. Join us, share your experiences, vote on your favorite baits, and let’s make every cast count.”
Both:
“Thank you for your support and for being part of something bigger than just fishing—it’s a community of passionate anglers coming together to shape the future. Head over to BaitHunt.com today, sign up, and get ready to join the movement. We’re just getting started!”
