412 Team

Get to know the talented anglers who represent 412 Bait Company and Scared Fishless Tackle! Our team is made up of passionate fishermen who live and breathe the sport, always pushing the limits to land that next big catch. Learn about their personal bests, favorite baits, and expert tips to help you elevate your fishing game. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a seasoned pro, our team is here to inspire and share their knowledge.

Ron "Pete" Cartwright
Pro Staff

Pete is a highly experienced and qualified guide with a decade of professional experience. He is registered with the state of Pennsylvania and is fully insured. Additionally, he is certified in First Aid and CPR, always ensuring the safety and well-being of his clients.

Pete, a dedicated angler who has devoted an impressive 41 years to fishing the picturesque Youghiogheny River. His extensive experience has allowed him to learn the intricacies of this beautiful waterway, mastering every rifle, eddy, and current seam from Connellsville to McKeesport. For the past 17 years, Pete has maintained an impressive average of 150 days spent on the water each year, which has significantly deepened his understanding of the river's unique characteristics and fishing opportunities.
In addition to his on the Youghiogheny, Pete also has a wealth of experience fishing the Allegheny River and its tributaries having pursued Smallmouth Bass for an impressive 37 years. He has explored the free-flowing section of the Allegheny from Kinzua to East Brady, uncovering the best spots for anglers seeking that elusive catch. A true year-round fisherman, Pete braves all seasons in his quest for the perfect fishing locations, showcasing his commitment and passion for the sport. His skills extend beyond just two rivers; he has wade-fished in over 42 rivers and streams throughout Pennsylvania, making him a seasoned expert in the art of catching smallmouth bass.

Smallies on the Yough LLC. is your destination for the ultimate smallmouth bass fishing experience. I pride myself on my ability to provide personalized attention to detail for each one of my clients. Whether you're a seasoned angler or a beginner, my goal is to provide an unforgettable trip that's both enjoyable and educational. With my expertise and passion for fishing, you'll learn valuable techniques and skills that will significantly enhance your fishing experience. Book a trip today and let's explore the beautiful Allegheny and Youghiogheny Rivers together!

WebsiteFacebookYouTube
Dain Provins
Pro Staff

Born and raised in Western Pa right on the Youghiogheny River, so fishing was an everyday thing from the time I was able to cast a line with my Grandfather. At that time, it was fishing for anything with anything that I could find under rocks to put on a hook. But, as with anything, that has dramatically changed through the years. I got into Kayak fishing in 2014 after a buddy gave me his un-used kayak and I haven’t looked back.

  • From Tournament Day Director for Kayak-Anglers of Western Pa and the Corporate Secretary in Kayak-Anglers, And on to President of Kayak-Anglers from 2022-2024
  • Everyone says that fishing the Events sounds Competitive, but being out there with your friends and enjoying what the Earth has given you and the time to relax, well, there is nothing better. I feel more comfortable in my Kayak than I feel anywhere else.
  • I feel honored to do what we do and being part of Amazing Teams is the GREATEST accomplishment for someone who doesn’t ask for anything else in life but to enjoy every day as it comes! The People that I have met along the way have not just become great friends, they are Family.
  • I just love to have Fun and help other anglers any chance I get. Kayak Fishing is a Great Passion for me.
  • Kayak Fishing has changed my Life, and I am better for it.
  • The best advise I can give, is keep it simple, read the water
  • Kayaks:Vibe Shearwater 125, Vibe Seaghost 110
  • Favorite 412/Scared Fishless Bait: 4.5 Illusion Free worm and the Phase IV Spinners
  • Personal Best Catch(s): 21.5" Largemouth, 21.5" Smallmouth
Chad Claypool
Pro Staff
Born and raised in Apollo, PA, I have been fishing all my life for multiple species with my grandfather, father and brother.  In 2016 I bought my 1st kayak(Vibe Skipjack 90) and started fishing the Kiski River.....that was the beginning of everything for me.  I found out about a local to western PA kayak tournament trail and joined.  Over the last 8 years I have graduated  to where I am now, in a Hobie PA 14 360, fishing multiple kayak trails.  During that time, I have met some great people and honed my skills through countless hours on the water.  Never afraid to share information and help a fellow angler.  If you see me on the water or at the ramp, feel free to engage with me, as I love to talk fishing and technique.
 
Bait:  you will never find me on the water without a 412 Tube or Yoda...these baits flat out catch fish.  Colors vary depending on condition (must always have a variety).  I highly recommend having different sizes and colors of each.  Someone once said to me......Everything Eats a Tube!!!!
 
PB:  Smallmouth 21.50 Allegheny River
        Largemouth 22.25" Lake Wilhelm
Jake Horne
Pro Staff

My name is Jake, and fishing has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. Growing up fishing Lake Erie and its tributaries with my dad, I developed a deep love for the sport. Over the years, I discovered a passion for bass fishing, and it wasn’t long before I fell in love with kayak fishing. For the past 15 years, I’ve enjoyed the freedom and versatility that a kayak provides, allowing me to reach hidden, untouched spots as well as fishing the big water of the Lake Erie!

There’s nothing quite like the thrill of catching big smallmouth bass in Lake Erie or while exploring rivers. And fishing lakes to test new techniques for largemouth. My personal best largemouth just edges out my PB smallmouth by a quarter of an inch at 21.75 inches—a catch I’ll never forget.

When it comes to gear, my go-to bait is the 3/8-ounce Phase IV in Chartreuse Shad.Through trial and error, I’ve learned that choosing the right trailer makes all the difference. To fish deeper, I rely on a Free Minnow or a Fry Daddy. For mid-range depth, the 412 Grub or 3.5 Yoda is my choice, while the 4.5 Ripple Runner or 4.5 Yoda is ideal for keeping the bait higher in the water column.

Fishing is more than just a sport for me—it’s a way of life and something I can’t wait to share with my two sons. Teaching them the techniques and a love of being on the water will be just as rewarding as landing that next big bass.

Rich Frollini
Pro Staff

I was born and raised in Pittsburgh, where I was introduced to fishing by my grandfather at the age of three. Chasing anything from bluegill to bass to sharks, I've been “hooked” on fishing for pretty much my entire life. During my younger days, I used to walk down the street to beat the banks of the Allegheny River and also took weekend trips with my uncle to Lake Erie.  

I have been a member of Kayak-Anglers since 2017, and will be taking the role of club president to start the 2025 season. KA is where I was introduced to Don Corbett and 412 Bait Company’s spinnerbaits and soft plastics. My favorite 412 baits are the Phase IV spinnerbait in Dreamsicle and the Free Minnow in Illusion. I'm looking forward to trying out a few new baits in the near future. 
So far, my personal bests are a 20.25” Smallmouth (PhaseIV Spinnerbait) from the Susquehanna River and a 21” Largemouth (5” Free Minnow) that I caught on Shawnee Lake.  Funny thing about those two fish… They were both caught while pre-fishing the day before a Kayak Anglers tournament.
Anyone who has fished with me knows that I love to throw a bladed jig (chatterbait) a lot, and that’s where the 3.5” Free Minnow comes in as a trailer. It’s the perfect length, and the tapering tail allows the bladed jig to create the action. I see too many people throwing a paddle tail on these baits, where the water resistance of the paddle tail reduces or even eliminates the much desired “hunting” action that those baits are designed to have.
I have been a member of Kayak-Anglers since 2017, and will be taking the role of club president to start the 2025 season. KA is where I was introduced to Don Corbett and 412 Bait Company’s spinnerbaits ands soft plastics. My favorite 412 baits are the Phase IV spinnerbait in Dreamsicle and the Free Minnow in Illusion. I'm looking forward to trying out a few new baits in he near future. 
So far, my personal bests are a 20.25” Smallmouth (PhaseIV Spinnerbait) from the Susquehanna River and a 21” Largemouth (5” Free Minnow) that I caught on Shawnee Lake.  Funny thing about those two fish… They were both caught while pre-fishing the day before a Kayak Anglers tournament.
Anyone who has fished with me knows that I love to throw a bladed jig (chatterbait) a lot, and that’s where the 3.5” Free Minnow comes in as a trailer. It’s the perfect length, and the tapering tail allows the bladed jig to create the action. I see too many people throwing a paddle tail on these baits, where the water resistance of the paddle tail reduces or even eliminates the much desired “hunting” action that those baits are designed to have.
InstagramFacebook