Who Are the Current Googan Squad Members? The Ultimate Guide to Fishing's Biggest Creators
The sport of bass fishing underwent a massive cultural shift in the mid-2010s. What was once dominated by traditional television broadcasts and professional tournament trails suddenly found a younger, highly engaged audience on YouTube. At the absolute forefront of this digital revolution was a group of content creators known as the Googan Squad. From viral pond-hopping videos to launching one of the fastest-growing tackle brands in the world, this group redefined modern angling.
If you are trying to keep up with the team, identifying the current googan squad members and understanding their individual roles is essential. While the group has evolved, shifted focus, and expanded into massive commercial enterprises, the core members remain influential figures in the outdoor community. This comprehensive guide breaks down the current roster, their unique fishing styles, their massive business impact, and how they continue to shape the fishing industry. The Evolution of the Googan Squad: From YouTube Collabs to Industry Giants
The Googan Squad officially formed in 2016 as an informal alliance of independent YouTube fishers who realized they could achieve more together than apart. The term "Googan" was originally a derogatory slang term used by coastal anglers to describe uneducated, messy, or disrespectful fishermen. The squad flipped the term on its head, embracing it as a badge of honor for everyday anglers who love the sport, regardless of their skill level or pedigree.
What started as collaborative road trips and challenge videos quickly transformed into a merchandising powerhouse. The group launched Googan Baits, a tackle line characterized by hyper-functional designs, distinct saucy scents, and aggressive marketing. Today, the brand's products are stocked in major retail giants like Dick's Sporting Goods, Bass Pro Shops, and Academy Sports + Outdoors.
Despite their commercial success, the core identity of the Googan Squad is still rooted in their individual YouTube channels. Over the years, rumors of breakups and roster changes have frequently circulated. However, the foundational lineup remains united as shareholders, creators, and the public faces of the Googan brand. Meet the Current Googan Squad Members
Each member of the squad brings a distinct personality, filming style, and angling specialty to the group. This diversity is precisely why they appeal to such a broad demographic of outdoor enthusiasts.
Rob Terkla (LunkersTV)
Rob Terkla, known online as LunkersTV, is often viewed as the pragmatic, business-minded engine of the group. A former U.S. Army sniper, Terkla brought a disciplined, high-intensity approach to fishing content when he transitioned to YouTube. His military background heavily influences his content, which often features tactical planning, competitive challenges, and raw, unfiltered commentary.
On the water, Terkla is a power fisherman who excels at locating big bass in heavy cover. He is highly analytical, often explaining the science of water temperature, barometric pressure, and seasonal patterns to his viewers. Beyond fishing, his channel has expanded to cover military history, gaming, and automotive content, showcasing his multi-faceted personality.
Jon Barzacchini (Jon B.)
Jon Barzacchini, widely known as Jon B., is the creative filmmaker of the Googan Squad. While many fishing vloggers rely on simple point-and-shoot setups, Jon B. revolutionized the niche with cinematic b-roll, artistic editing, and highly immersive storytelling. His videos often feel more like travel documentaries than standard fishing tutorials.
Jon B.'s fishing style is highly adventurous. He is known for embarking on solo road trips across North America and international expeditions in search of exotic species. Whether fly fishing for trout in mountain streams or throwing big swimbaits for trophy bass in Texas, his passion for the raw experience of angling shines through in every upload.
Justin Rackley (LakeForkGuy)
Justin Rackley, or LakeForkGuy (LFG), is the educational backbone of the current googan squad members. Armed with a degree in fisheries biology and years of experience fishing the legendary Lake Fork in Texas, Rackley provides deep technical insights that help anglers improve their catch rates.
LFG's content took a deeply personal turn when he documented his battle with and recovery from a benign brain tumor. His resilience, transparency, and positive attitude during this period cemented his status as one of the most beloved figures in the fishing community. His videos blend expert instructional content, family life, and multi-species angling.
Andrew Flair (Fishing with Flair)
Hailing from Nebraska, Andrew Flair represents the heartland of American angling. Known for his high-energy delivery and catchphrase "BAM!", Flair's content focuses on farm ponds, muddy rivers, and multi-species action. He is just as comfortable catching channel catfish or invasive carp as he is targeting largemouth bass.
Flair has also successfully bridged the gap between fishing and hunting content. His channel frequently features waterfowl hunting, deer hunting, and land management projects. This rustic, down-to-earth appeal makes him incredibly relatable to rural and suburban outdoor enthusiasts alike.
Alex Peric (apbassing)
Alex Peric, known to his fans as AP, is the high-octane, chaotic energy of the squad. Based in the Midwest, Peric's content is defined by spontaneous pond-hopping adventures, urban fishing excursions, and an infectious enthusiasm for the sport. He is famous for his rapid-fire commentary and creative, sometimes unorthodox, fishing challenges.
Peric’s style is highly accessible to younger anglers who do not have access to expensive bass boats. He proves that you can catch massive fish from the bank of a local golf course pond or neighborhood creek. His passion is raw, loud, and incredibly engaging. Comparative Breakdown of the Googan Squad Members
To understand how these creators complement one another, it helps to analyze their channels, reach, and specific contributions to the Googan brand.
Member
YouTube Channel
Primary Fishing Specialty
Signature Googan Bait Design
Content Style
Rob Terkla
LunkersTV
Power Fishing & Bass Tactics
The Toad (Topwater Frog)
Tactical, analytical, high-stakes
Jon Barzacchini
Jon B.
Swimbait & Multi-Species Travel
The Scout (Jerkbait)
Cinematic, artistic, adventurous
Justin Rackley
LakeForkGuy
Deepwater Structure & Biology
The Recon (Worm)
Educational, family-friendly, technical
Andrew Flair
Fishing with Flair
Farm Ponds & Waterfowl
The Banger (Squarebill Crankbait)
High-energy, multi-species, rustic
Alex Peric
apbassing
Bank Fishing & Urban Angling
The Bandito Bug (Soft Plastic)
High-octane, comedic, urban
The Pros and Cons of the Googan Squad's Industry Influence
The rise of the Googan Squad has not been without controversy. Traditionalists in the fishing community have often clashed with the "Googan lifestyle." Understanding both sides of this cultural divide offers a balanced view of their legacy.
The Pros
Youth Engagement: The squad has done more to introduce Gen Z and Millennials to fishing than almost any traditional marketing campaign. They made fishing look cool, fast-paced, and highly accessible.
Conservation Advocacy: The members consistently advocate for catch-and-release practices, proper fish handling, and respecting local wildlife laws.
Product Innovation: Googan Baits forced legacy tackle companies to innovate. Their packaging, scent infusion (Slaunch Sauce), and user-friendly designs simplified bait selection for beginners.
The Cons
Crowded Fishing Spots: The popularity of "pond hopping" popularized by the squad has led to increased pressure on local, public waters, sometimes resulting in trespassing issues among younger fans.
Hype Culture: Some veteran anglers argue that the Googan brand prioritizes flashy marketing and merchandise over deep-rooted angling heritage.
How to Fish Like a Googan: A Beginner's Guide
If you want to adopt the fishing style popularized by the current googan squad members, you need to master the art of active, aggressive angling. The Googans rarely sit still on the water; they focus on covering ground and triggering reaction strikes.
Step 1: Gear Up with the Essentials
To fish their style, start with a versatile baitcasting or spinning setup. Focus on versatile lures that allow you to target multiple depths.
Soft Plastics: The Googan Baits Bandito Bug is arguably their most famous creation. Rig it Texas-style or as a jig trailer.
Moving Baits: Use a squarebill crankbait like the Googan Squad Banger to deflect off shallow rocks and wood.
Step 2: Master the "Power Fishing" Technique
Power fishing involves making rapid, precise casts to high-probability targets. Instead of waiting for the fish to come to you, you actively hunt them.
Target shallow cover such as laydowns, dock pilings, and weed edges.
Make quick, quiet pitches into the heart of the cover.
If you do not get a bite within the first few seconds of your retrieve, reel in and cast to the next target.
Step 3: Document and Learn
A massive part of the Googan philosophy is community. Document your catches, analyze what worked, and share your experiences with fellow anglers online to keep the community thriving. Frequently Asked Questions About the Googan Squad
Are all the original Googan Squad members still in the group?
Yes, the core five members (Rob, Jon, Justin, Andrew, and Alex) remain the active owners and faces of the Googan Squad. While their individual video collaborations are less frequent than in the early days due to family and individual business commitments, they are still fully united under the Googan brand.
Where is the Googan Squad headquarters located?
The Googan Squad and Googan Baits are headquartered in Texas. They operate a massive warehouse and office facility where they design products, shoot content, and manage their global distribution.
What is the Googan Squad's most popular bait?
The Bandito Bug is widely considered their flagship soft plastic bait. Its unique flange design produces an aggressive swimming action on the fall, making it highly effective for flipping, pitching, or rigging as a jig trailer.
Do the Googan Squad members fish in professional tournaments?
While some members have participated in local tournaments, charity events, and professional invitationals, their primary focus remains on content creation, product development, and brand building rather than full-time professional tournament trails like the Bassmaster Elite Series....
