It's about time someone stepped up to the plate (literally) and produced quality bass-fishing collectibles. HeartLand Mint out of San Diego, Calif. is doing just that with its line of limited-production sculptures and plates -- and more is coming.

The sculptures are, in a word, awesome. The detail and quality in the sculpture itself is crisp and clear, and the same holds true for the painting -- no shoddy work here. Thankfully the bass are "anatomically correct," meaning they don't look like some kind of mutant combination of a bass, trout and walleye as so often happens with these types of things. That's probably because HeartLand VP Chris DiGino is a bass fisherman.

So far most of the products HeartLand produces are not about pro fishing, with one exception: the Jimmy Houston Hall of Fame collector's plate. This plate celebrates Houston's induction into the Professional Bass Fishing Hall of Fame, and shows him kissing what looks to be a 6-pound largemouth -- on the lips, of course. It's a great shot, and although we're not collectibles experts, the plate appears to be high quality with the proof number and date on the back.

Bobbleheads Anyone?

You might expect that as a fisherman and a fan, DiGino has more planned. And you'd be right. You know a sport has arrived when it has its own bobblehead dolls, and soon HeartLand (under its Creative Designs & Innovations division) will produced the first two professional fishing bobbleheads: of Jay Yelas and Kevin VanDam. We've gotten a sneak peak at them, and they're cool.

More sculpture and plates likewise are coming, as well as things like pocket watches and other collectible and gift items.

Notable

> The Jimmy Houston plate will soon be available in a very cool matted design that includes two signature Excalibur Spooks.

> Importantly, all HeartLand products are officially licensed and come with a certificate of authenticity.

To see all the products, click here to go to the non-Flash version of the HeartLand web site or call 800-476-9994.