The panfish world is changing… and fast. From the explosive growth of forward-facing sonar to a new wave of precision-minded anglers, the way we fish for crappies, bluegills, and other panfish has evolved. And at the forefront of that evolution is a company that didn’t just follow the trend; they’re setting it.
Meet 1standard: A brand built by anglers, for anglers, with one mission – fish better.
Who’s Behind 1standard?
In a recent sit-down at Angling Buzz, Polish Pete caught up with longtime industry insider Bill Schoepke to dig into the story behind 1standard. With more than 30 years in retail and manufacturing, Bill isn’t just a product rep. He’s a true student of the game.
From his early days chasing muskies and bluegills with his grandfather in the Midwest to years spent immersed in bait development and sales at Gander Mountain, Bill has seen just about every bait trend come and go.
But when the chance came to build something from scratch, with total control over design, function, and innovation, he jumped at it.
“We didn’t want to be followers,” Bill said. “We wanted to be trendsetters — to build baits that solve real problems.”
And with help from bass pro and outdoor expert Jeremy Lawyer, the 1standard team started working in secret, testing, tweaking, and refining a bait lineup designed specifically for today’s more technical panfish anglers.
From Seasonal Success to Year-Round Fishing
For years, up in the north country, crappie fishing had a reputation as a spring-dominant sport for many anglers. It was all about bobbers, minnows, and shallow water during the spawn. If the fish weren’t shallow, most people moved on.
But that’s no longer the case.
With modern electronics like LiveScope, anglers can now track and target panfish in deep water, across seasons, and in challenging conditions.
1standard’s gear was built to match that precision, helping anglers stay efficient and effective from spring through winter.
“We asked: how do we catch ’em the other 8–9 months of the year?” said Bill. “That’s where 1standard started.”
Minnow1: The Soft Plastic That Started It All
The flagship bait in the 1standard lineup is the Minnow1, and it’s not just another crappie plastic.
Built with realistic detailing, a flattened tail section, and a balanced body, the Minnow1 isn’t about flash. It’s about control. Whether you’re tracking fish on forward-facing sonar or pendulum-casting through brush, this bait stays visible and responsive.
It also pairs perfectly with the Bait Jighead, designed around the Minnow1’s dimensions for a flush fit and better durability.
“You can cast it, pendulum it, or hover it, and it just holds its track,” Pete said. “Plus, fish absolutely choke it.”
Jig Heads with a Purpose
Most anglers choose jig heads like they choose socks… whatever’s in the drawer. But 1standard built a full jig head system tailored to different techniques and bait styles.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
Bait Jighead
- Flatter head for better sonar returns
- Extended wire keeper protects bait integrity
- Built to match the Minnow1 perfectly
- Available in lifelike colors with enlarged 3D eyes
Stacker Jig
- Designed for double rigs or inline setups
- Maintains horizontal bait presentation on both jigs
- Uses a sickle-style hook for better hook penetration
- Ideal for white bass, crappies, and river systems
Dock Shooter Jig
- Built for skipping and precision casting
- Features a screw-lock keeper that holds bait tight
- Great for skipping under docks, overhangs, or tight cover
- Doubles as a weed-edge jig when rigged vertically
Hair Jig
- Realistic minnow-profile head with a tucked eye
- Chrome fin adds flash and structure to the jig
- Custom marabou and Mylar skirt creates subtle movement
- Perfect for pressured fish or ultra-clear water
What’s Next for 1standard?
Though the Minnow1 and initial jig head lineup have already made waves, the team behind 1standard has much more in the pipeline.
“We’ve got multiple shapes, jig heads, and presentations coming,” Bill teased. “We’ve spent nearly two years on this to make sure every product we release really works.”
And with guys like Jeremy Lawyer involved in testing, and countless days on the water, you can bet what’s coming will be designed, tested, and angler-approved before it ever hits the shelves.
One standard: Fish better
In a crowded market full of gimmicks, 1standard is carving a space built on real performance and intentional design.
These aren’t just baits, they’re tools. Tools that give modern panfish anglers the confidence to fish smarter, faster, and more effectively in any season.
Whether you’re pitching docks, scanning brush piles, or vertical jigging deep timber, 1standard’s system gives you clarity, consistency, and confidence.
Because in the end, that’s what it’s all about: Fishing better.
