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Mike McClelland has a few skeletons in his closet.
Actually, they might be in his garage or in his basement, but they’re definitely somewhere. An angler doesn’t reach three Elite Series wins without burying a few bodies.
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 Looks like our young friend from Lavonia, GA had a good day! Junior Angler Brad Rutherford caught this 10.8 lb beauty in "a little place in Georgia". Word is that he also caught an 8.2 there as well! Nice going Brad!
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Here's the latest installment from The Daily Crank. A slight color variation from the standard Chartreuse Shad, check it out - www.thedailycrank.com
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For all you BBZ and Bill Siemantel junkies, here's a great article about fishing with sonar. There's also great information for using ice jigs in open water vertical applications. Pictures included! A Wired2Fish highly recommended read! |
We've highlighted another one of our Wired2Fish readers - Dave Michalik from Anheuser Busch. It's a great piece...to read click here. If you have an interesting career and are truly Wired2Fish....let's us know - you could be one of our next People Who Fish!
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How do YOU wind down after a hard day at the office?Perhaps with a cold Budweiser or Bud Light. Or if you follow the trends, your libation of choice may be a Bud Light Lime.
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Thanks to everyone that enter these fine contests. Hope you are having as much fun as we are! We do appreciate the comments that we get with the entries and try very hard to answer each and every one. We even received an acceptance speech from one among this group - priceless!
The Spro Bronzeye Popper Contest winners are:
Tommy Hagler - Abilene, TX
Sary Chao - Lewisville, TX
Nathan Ezell - Toney, AL
Eric Christian - Deatsville, AL
Mark Boyd - Kimberly, WI
Richard Favire Jr. - Winfield Park, NJ
Andy Turner - Collierville, TN
Congratulations Winners!
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The Tru-Tungsten Tru-Life 4" Swimbait is shipping earlier than anticipated and will be available in Bass Pro Shops next week. This great little swimmer was designed by Ish Monroe and Matt Newman of the Tru-Tungsten pro staff.
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The dates and payout has been set for the 2009 FLW Stren Series. To read more about it click here. |
More new posts and colors are available from Lucky Craft. Check out today's blog to learn more. You can check them out by clicking here. |
Last week we ran a Next Generation Tackle Box article on the Sebile Crankster. Patrick Sebile, the lures creator, does a great job in a Tackle Warehouse video augmenting that review and gives an inside look at new Cranksters for 2009 as well. To watch the video click here. |
 FLW photo
A 1997 Wrangler National Federation Championship and 1998 Bassmaster Classic runner-up finish were fond memories for Alabama's Dalton Bobo. He talks about those days and what he is doing now on Wired Radio with Terry Brown. To listen click here. |
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The Professional Anglers Association announced details today regarding their 2009 Tournament payout schedule, rules and qualification process. Below is that info.
2009 PAA TOURNAMENT SERIES
January 15 - 17 Lake Toho, Kissimmee, FL
April 9 - 11 Neely Henry, Gadsden, AL
October 8 - 10 Toledo Bend, Hemphill, TX
October 16 – 18 TOYOTA TEXAS BASS CLASSIC WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
Lake Conroe – Montgomery, TX
Entry Fees Pro $1500.00 ($500.00 deposit)
Co-Angler $300.00 ($100.00 deposit)
2009 Registration Schedule
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November 20 - 25, 2008
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Priority Registration Open to all PAA Tour level members in good standing prior to November 12th, 2008 who are signing up for all three tournaments.
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December 1, 2008
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Registration Open to all Pro Anglers signing up for all three tournaments.
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December 1, 2008
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Registration Open to all Co-Anglers
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December 5, 2008
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Registration for individual PAA Tournament Series events open to ALL anglers.
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Registration begins at 9am Central Time on the designated days.
All entries will be accepted in order received, with the exception of Priority registration for Tour level members in good standing prior to November 12th, 2008.
All Pro Anglers are required to possess a current Advantage Level Membership or Tour Level Membership, which can be obtained during registration. If registering
for all THREE PAA Tournament Series Events on the PRO side, you must be a TOUR level member.
All Co-Anglers are required to possess a current PAA General Membership available during registration.
Tour level Membership $400
Advantage level Membership $150
General level Membership $50
*PAA Membership can be obtained at www.fishpaa.com
- Tournament Series Events open to ALL anglers
- All 2009 Tournament Series Events - No information 30 days prior to the first official practice day
- No off limits prior to the tournament competitions, with the exception of the TTBC World Championship. TTBC World Championship waters will go off limits September 1st, 2009, with the exception of October 1st - 3rd, in which anglers can be on Lake Conroe.
- Top 40 Pro Anglers will advance to the TTBC from the PAA Tournament Series Point List
- Top 20 anglers from the 2009 PAA Tour Level Points Structure list will qualify for the 2009 TTBC World Championship. (All 2009 Events will be included in the PAA Tour level Points Structure list except FLW Series West Clear Lake). Double qualifiers will work off the 2009 PAA Tournament Series Points List.
- No-Entry Fee TTBC World Championship - $500,000 Payout
- 2009 TTBC Winner automatically exempt into the 2010 TTBC
- Top 100 pros in the 2009 PAA Tournament Series Points List will have priority entry for the 2010 PAA Tournament Season
- Pro/Co-Angler format for all 2009 PAA Tournament Series events (excluding 2009 TTBC World Championship)
- Full field will consist of 150 Pro participants and 150 Co-Angler participants for the 2009 PAA Tournament Series events
- 2009 PAA Tournament Series Events will consist of a $235,000 Total Pro Purse Per Event & $70,500 Total Co-Angler Purse Per Event (based on a full field of 150 Pro participants and 150 Co-Angler participants per event).
- 3 Day Cumulative Weight format
- Day 1 & 2 - Full Field
- Day 3 - Top 50 Compete (based on full field)
- Optional $1000 Calcutta Side Pot for Pros Only - 100% Payback, Balance due at Balance Deadline Date (details to follow)
- All PAA Tournament Series events will be televised
Toyota Texas Bass Classic World Championship
No Entry Fee
$500,000
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Place
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Amount
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1st
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$200,000
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2nd
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50,000
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3rd
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20,000
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4th
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15,000
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5th
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13,500
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6th
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12,000
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7th
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10,750
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8th
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10,500
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9th
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10,250
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10th
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10,000
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11th
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7,500
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12th
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6,500
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13th
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6,000
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14th
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5,500
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15th
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5,000
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16th
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4,500
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17th – 25th
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4,000
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26th – 40th
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3,000
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41st – 44th
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2,000
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45th – 60th
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1,500
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TOTAL
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$500,000
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2009 Tournament Series Events Payout
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PRO
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Co-Angler
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1st
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$40,000 Boat + $10,000 Cash
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1st
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$25,000 Boat
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2nd
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25,000 Boat
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2nd
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10,000 Boat
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3rd
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11,000
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3rd
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10,000 Boat
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4th
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10,000
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4th
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2,000
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5th
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9,000
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5th
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1,500
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6th
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8,000
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6th
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1,400
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7th
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7,500
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7th
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1,300
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8th
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7,250
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8th
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1,200
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9th
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7,000
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9th
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1,100
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10th
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6,750
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10th – 12th
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1,000
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11th
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5,500
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13th
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900
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12th
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4,500
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14th
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800
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13th
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3,500
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15th
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700
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14th – 19th
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3,000
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16th
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600
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20th – 24th
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2,500
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17th
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600
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25th
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2,400
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18th
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600
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26th
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2,300
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19th
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600
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27th
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2,200
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20th
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600
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28th
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2,100
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21st – 24th
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500
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29th – 40th
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2,000
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25th – 39th
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300
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41st – 50th
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1,500
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40th – 50th
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150
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Big Bass
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$1,500 ($500/day)
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Big Bass
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$450 ($150/day)
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TOTAL
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$235,000*
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TOTAL
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$70,500*
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*Based on full field of 150 Pro Participants and 150 Co-Anglers Participants in each event.
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BASS AOY runner up Todd Faircloth and FLW angler Jim Moynagh have resigned for 2009 with Minnesota's All Terrain Tackle. All-Terrain builds premier quality jigs and plastics.
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The Toyota Texas Bass Classic and the Professional Anglers Association have combined efforts even further for 2009 to create a 3 date series and a end- of-the- year championship for professional bass anglers. To read more click here. |
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 Tackle Warehouse now has all of the new 2009 Spro products in stock. That includes the Bill Siemantel BBZ1-4" Swimbait, the Dean Rojas Signature Series Bronzeye Popper, the John Crews Little John and Little John MD and the new McStick stick bait designed by Elite Series pro Mike McClelland. Supplies are limited so get your orders in soon. Click here to go to Tackle Warehouse. |
 Strike King photo
Texas pro James Niggemeyer doesn't like to use the "S" word....SLUMP that is! He is working hard to overcome a lackluster 2nd campaign on the Elites. To listen click here. |
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Michigan pro Kim Stricker talks about fishing the FLW Tour, sponsor obligations and filming his television show with his son Danny today on Wired Radio with Terry Brown. To listen click here.
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Below is a release received from Mercury Marine regarding the organizational changes for Mercury Marine. Rather than paraphrasing this release we included it in its entirety for Wired Readers.
Mercury Marine Competitive Angling Media Statement
FOND DU LAC, Wis., Nov. 17, 2008 –
Mercury Marine last week announced a revised organizational structure designed to streamline its operations and be more focused on servicing customers and further advancing its position in the global marine marketplace.
Under this new organizational structure, Mike Shedivy has been named Vice President – Marketing. His new responsibilities include overseeing Mercury’s competitive angling program, advertising, marketing communications and business development.
“In these challenging economic times, Mercury Marine appreciates and continues to support its dedicated staff of professional anglers and tournament organizations,” Shedivy said. “Competitive angling has been an integral part of our company in the past and will remain so in the future. We look forward to the continued success of these valued partnerships.”
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The 2009 Bassmaster Classic, scheduled for the Red River February 20-22, has its final field is now set. Below are those that have qualified.
2009 Bassmaster Classic Contenders
1. Casey Ashley Donalds, S.C.
2. Kim Bain-Moore Alabaster, Ala.
3. Ken Baumgardner Monongahela, Pa.
4. Michael Burns Plano, Texas
5. Brent Chapman Lake Quivira, Kan.
6. Rick Clunn Ava, Mo.
7. Mark Davis Mt. Ida, Ark.
8. Boyd Duckett Demopolis, Ala.
9. Jay Evans Corvallis, Mont.
10. Edwin Evers Talala, Okla.
11. Todd Faircloth Jasper, Texas
12. Terry Fitzpatrick Waukon, Iowa
13. Jami Fralick Martin, S.D.
14. Shaw Grigsby Gainesville, Fla.
15. Greg Hackney Gonzales, La.
16. Matt Herren Trussville, Ala.
17. Kenyon Hill Norman, Okla.
18. Davy Hite Ninety Six, S.C.
19. Randy Howell Springville, Ala.
20. Timmy Horton Muscle Shoals, Ala.
21. Bryan Hudgins Orange Park, Fla.
22. Michael Iaconelli Runnemede, N.J.
23. Alton Jones Waco, Texas
24. Kelly Jordon Mineola, Texas
25. Steve Kennedy Auburn, Ala.
26. Kotaro Kiriyama Moody, Ala.
27. Gary Klein Weatherford, Texas
28. Bobby Lane Lakeland, Fla.
29. Bill Lowen North Bend, Ohio
30. Aaron Martens Leeds, Ala.
31. Mike McClelland Bella Vista, Ark.
32. Ish Monroe Hughson, Calif.
33. Rick Morris Virginia Beach, Va.
34. Scott Parker Londonberry, N.H.
35. Waine Pittman Villa Rica, Ga.
36. Greg Pugh Cullman, Ala.
37. Skeet Reese Auburn, Calif.
38. Dean Rojas Lake Havasu, Ariz.
39. Scott Rook Little Rock, Ark.
40. Fred Roumbanis Bixby, Okla.
41. Bryan Schmidt Olney, Texas
42. Bernie Schultz Gainesville, Fla.
43. Terry Scroggins San Mateo, Fla.
44. Brian Snowden Reeds Spring, Mo.
45. Peter Thliveros St. Augustine, Fla.
46. Kevin VanDam Kalamazoo, Mich.
47. Byron Velvick Del Rio, Texas
48. Dustin Wilks Rocky Mount, N.C.
49. David Williams Maiden, N.C.
50. Kevin Wirth Crestwood, Ky.
51. Dave Wolak Wake Forest, N.C.
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Rick Grover's Anglers Marine of Anaheim, California is hosting their 22nd Annual Bass-A-Thon this upcoming weekend November 22/23. Mike McClelland, Michael Bennett, Mark Zona, Kevin VanDam and Gerald Swindle will be in attendance along with some of the best new products in bass fishing. You can learn more by clicking here.
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Veteran Indiana angler and factory rep Greg Mangus talks about what makes fishermen from his neck of the woods so good. He also talks about some new baits from Poor Boys and C-Flash. To listen click here.
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In a move lauded by the sportfishing industry, last week PacifiCorp, an energy provider in the northwestern United States, agreed to remove four dams on California’s Klamath River that will open more than 300 miles of habitat for the Klamath’s salmon and steelhead populations and eliminate water quality problems caused by the dams’ reservoirs.
The Klamath River was once the nation’s third-largest salmon producer. In August 2006, the American Sportfishing Association and 11 other conservation groups requested that PacifiCorp remove the dams. This initiative was sparked by the application filed by PacifiCorp for renewal of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission permits for the dams. The last time the permits were renewed occurred long before most environmental laws were enacted.
The Agreement in Principle, released Nov. 13, is intended to guide the development of a final settlement agreement in June 2009, which includes provisions to remove PacifiCorp’s four main dams in 2020, a century after the first dam was constructed.
“We are very pleased with PacifiCorp’s agreement to remove the dams from the Klamath River,” said ASA Vice President Gordon Robertson. “This historic agreement will allow for salmon and steelhead populations to once again prosper benefiting fishing communities that depend on healthy fish populations as well as recreational anglers.”
Robertson further said, “In a February 2007 meeting with PacifiCorp’s President Bill Furman, ASA and other conservation community leaders were impressed with the forthright and open manner of Mr. Furman as well as his commitment to work with us to find a solution. President Bush, Secretary of the Interior Kempthorne and California and Oregon along with Mr. Furman are to be commended for staying focused and forging this historic agreement.”
PacifiCorp's four dams produce a nominal amount of power, which can be replaced using alternate methods. A study by the California Energy Commission and the Department of the Interior found that removing the dams and replacing their power would save PacifiCorp customers up to $285 million over 30 years. PacifiCorp also agreed to provide as much as $200 million dollars to cover the cost of removal and to help restore the Klamath River.
According to the initial agreement, PacifiCorp will transfer control of the dams to the federal government, although an independent third-party will be identified to actually remove the dams.
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Fish Harder Co's has sweetened the Denny Brauer Tru-Tungsten Shirt Contest by adding an autographed/embroidered Tru-Tungsten hat to the deal. These great looking hats are signed by Elite Series angler Marty Stone are stylish, low profile, good looking pro-staff hats that will make a great addition to your fishing wardrobe or a keepsake for your wall.
Each month we will be giving away an autograph shirt and hat leading up the Classic. That means 4 great shirts from different TT pro's plus 4 autographed hats from Marty Stone are available. An Ultimate Fish Harder Winner will be chosen at the Classic for a tackle package from all the great Fish Harder Co's.
Be sure to answer the questions.
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No matter where you are in life, it often seems that the grass is greener somewhere else. Many of even the most avid fishermen would sometimes rather want to be circling the infield grass at Talladega or Darlington. For racing fans and drivers, sometimes the preferred grass is the kind you find at Guntersville, Champlain and the Potomac.
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Thanks for all the entries for the XTools Marine Kit contest! We have selected the winner..........................Gene Guthrie from Wichita Falls, TX! Congratulations Gene! You're XTools Kit is on the way!
Don't forget...we still have 2 contests in play right now so hurry and get your entries in now!
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Strike King's Rage Tail line-up was the bomb in 2008 and the Next Generation of these products are killer as well. Take a look at the new video from Strike King and Tackle Warehouse on the Space Monkey, Rage Lizard, Annaconda and more by clicking here.
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Mercury Marine is offering a new 5 year warranty on qualified motors through April 15, 2009. To learn more click here. |
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The Spro Bronzeye Pop won the December Bassmaster Magazine Editors Pick for the top new lure of 2009. This new narrow-bodied popping frog adds a whole new dimension to frog fishing and Dean Rojas has already won a Elite Series Tournament on it. The Sebile Magic Swimmer and the Mystic Tackleworks Biopulse were runners up.
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Lucky Craft Lures now has an official daily blog produced by Cox Marketing that gives the latest from the world of Lucky Craft Lures. Product info, videos, photos, new product announcements, news and Lucky Craft pro staff tips are all available. To read the blog click here.
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BASS Federation Nation National Champ Bryan Schmidt talks on Wired Radio with Terry Brown about winning the top prize and realizing his dream of fishing the Bassmaster Classic in February of 2009. To listen click here.
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California's Jared Lintner is at home with a flipping stick in his hand. He knows how to punch vegetation and loves the new Jackall Cover Craw for that technique. To read how he does it click here.
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Like just about every other bass fishing media outlet, we here at Wired2Fish.com have been trumpeting the Jackall Cover Craw as a “glide bait.” That’s how we were told to use it – rigged backwards and weightless so it would swim away from you – and we’ve whacked a green fish or two with this unconventional presentation.
But just when we started to get comfortable with this atypical bait, it takes a bass pro to hit us upside the head with the old “KISS” maxim – “Keep it simple, stupid".
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Ranger Boats today unveiled a new, easy to navigate website for its customers and prospective boat buyers.
"Having a strong web presence in this day and age is vital for reaching your current and future customers,” said Ranger Boats President Randy Hopper. “People do a lot of research and have a lot of questions before they buy a boat – and the web is a great tool for that. Our new site offers visitors even more information on individual boat features and construction processes in a format that’s fresh and easy to use.”
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Emory, Texas based Lake Fork Trophy Lures has joined Wired2Fish as a partner/advertiser. Lake Fork is long noted for premier quality plastic products including the new Hyper Freak, Hyper Worm and the Live Magic Shad Swimbait. They are also introducing a new line that is a fluorocarbon hybrid. Watch for it!
Based on the banks of fabled Lake Fork, Lake Fork Trophy Lures builds baits by fishermen for fisherman. To learn more about Lake Fork Trophy Lures click here. |
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Strike King Director of Marketing Chris Brown talks about their new lineup for 2009 and his job with the pro's and grassroots anglers. To listen click here.
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FLW Outdoors today announced their 2009 FLW Series Tournament dates and locations.
Below are the BP Eastern and National Guard Western FLW Series Dates by location.
BP Eastern Series
January 28-31 Lake Okeechobee Clewiston, FL
April 1-4 Eufaula Eufaula, AL
August 12-15 Dardanelle Russellville, AR
September 16-19 Clarks Hill Appling, GA
National Guard Western Series
March 25-28 Lake Havasu Havasu City, AZ
June 24-27 Columbia River Umatilla, OR
Sept 23-26 Cal Delta Oakley, CA
October 21-24 Clear Lake Kelseyville, CA
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World Fishing Network (WFN) will begin airing of the PAA Corporate Cup Event presented by Optima Batteries, which was held in Florence, Alabama on Pickwick Lake in October. The Corporate Cup was a unique format tournament for top-level touring anglers. This event placed the pro’s in a team format and pairs the pro teams with amateur partners. Two pro’s and their respective amateurs work together as a team to gather the biggest weight of the tournament. Amateurs include some of the areas accomplished business leaders and fishing industry supporters, as well as a few celebrities that traveled to Pickwick in order to take part in the event.
This new format displays new excitement in competitive fishing. PAA President, Tim Horton says, “I’m looking forward to seeing the footage of the Corporate Cup presented by Optima Batteries. There were some great anglers in the finals and there were a lot of fish caught. I’m anxious to see the techniques they used”.
The first show will air Thursday November 13 at 8 pm ET.
Here is the remaining schedule for other airings:
Thu., Nov. 13
8:00 pm ET
Fri., Nov. 14
2:00 am ET
Fri., Nov. 14
8:00 am ET
Fri., Nov. 14
2:00 pm ET
Sunday Nov. 16
10:00 am ET
Sunday November 16
10:00 pm ET
On WFN HD
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Thu., Nov. 13
8:00 pm ET
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Fri., Nov. 14
4:00 am ET
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Fri., Nov. 14
12:00 pm ET
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Sun., Nov. 16
10:00 am ET
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Sun., Nov. 16
10:00 pm ET
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We received a nice Veteran's Day note from Elite Series angler and PAA President Tim Horton that we wanted to pass along. Thanks for sharing with us Tim.
I had the honor to fish with Brent Calender of the USMC yesterday in the wounded warriors benefit tournament in Decatur Alabama. I want to take a minute to tell you a story that is fitting for this day. It is the story of Brent and the day he was injured in combat in Iraq. Brent and two other members of his unit were responding to a call of enemy fire in a suspected enemy area. Brent was manning the gun on top of the hummer that his unit was in. A Sniper shot Brent and the bullet pierced his bullet proof vest and hit a lung and his spine. As he layed over the gun unable to move the vehicle they were in ran over a bomb in the road, the explosion killed the other two members of the crew and threw him 15 feet from the vehicle. As he layed there unable to move his legs he was shot two more times. The enemy thought he was dead, and was the only reason they quit shooting. He said as he was struggling to remain alive when he went into cardiac arrest and blacked out. He awoke in a hospital to be told he would never walk again. Four months later he regained strength in his legs and can now walk with a cane.
For 5 hours yesterday I heard the most unbelievable stories of courage and honor from one of this countries TRUE heroes. By the end of the day as I was telling Brent how much appreciation I had for all he had done for our country he said, "Tim, I was simply doing my job"
As I went to bed last night and thought about his statement " I was just doing my job", I thought about our freedoms to enjoy the outdoors and all we do in this country. Brent and I finished 2nd in the tournament. He could not quit talking about how great it was to be fishing, what a beautiful day it was, and how much he appreciated the opportunity. I even caught a double which he thought was the coolest thing.
Brent and all the other Veterans of this great country are the reason we have these opportunities, isnt it ironic that he was thanking me for the opportunity that all of the past and present men and women of our armed forces have given us.
Tim Horton
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Today, Veterans Day, is a very special day. Take time to say a prayer for those who are in the military defending our freedoms. We indeed are blessed to have the hard working, dedicated and patriotic men and women who are making sacrifices in our behalf. God Bless the USA.
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BASS Elite Series pro Denny Brauer has joined Ardent Outdoors pro staff. He joins Alton Jones and Pete Ponds on their staff. Today Denny talks to Terry Brown on Wired Radio about their products and his excitement about joining the Missouri based company. To listen click here.
To read the press release announcing his signing click here.
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 Yamaha Marine and Skeeter Boats has increased their sponsorship to include the Federation Nation. To read the release click here.
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Nania, Schultz repeat as champions
JUNCTION CITY, Kansas - It was a day of repeat championships for BASS' youth competitors last weekend in the Junior Bassmaster World Championship and the Bassmaster CastingKids Championship.
Joey Nania of Liberty Lake, Wash., claimed a second JWC title, this time in the 15-18-year-old age group at Geary County State Lake. While that was occurring, Jonny Schultz of Maumelle, Ark., defended his Bassmaster CastingKids Championship at Junction City High School.
Twelve JWC anglers qualified for the championship event, two from each of the six Federation Nation divisions. The 12 junior competitors are split into two age groups, 11-14 and 15-18. All JWC contenders will receive academic college scholarship awards, with the top angler in each age division receiving a $5,000 scholarship.
Two fish clinch it
Nania, who won the 2005 title in the 11-14 age group, brought two fish to the scales totaling 4 pounds, 1 ounce, for the title. He had three bites, with the first falling short of the 15-inch legal length by a quarter-inch.
The final two were caught in shallow water on a Spro Little John crankbait in crawdad color. The last largemouth was caught about 10 minutes before the end of the day, weighing 2-1, and that was large enough to win the Purolator Big Bass of the tournament to earn an additional $1,000 in scholarships.
"This feels good to win and has been a long dry spell," Nania said. "This was my fifth Junior World Championships. I really worked hard for this tournament."
Nania, 17, and his father drove 1,500 miles from Washington to practice and identify key spots for Saturday's tournament. The early practice paid off as Nania also won a fully rigged Triton/Mercury Alliance sponsored boat package.
"The water has dropped like 5 degrees since I first started fishing Tuesday," Nania said. "It was better fishing earlier this week. In practice I found a couple of crankbait fish. With the cold front they closed their mouths so I decided to trick them into biting the crankbait, just something to fly by them."
In the 11-14 age division of the JWC, the six-angler field battled cold and windy conditions, unable to bring any legal catches to the scales. The six contestants will equally divide $11,000 in scholarships, with each angler earning just over $1,800.
In the 11-14 age division of the JWC, the six-angler field battled cold and windy conditions, unable to bring any legal catches to the scales. The six contestants will equally divide $11,000 in scholarships, with each angler earning just over $1,800.
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Daiwa donates to FishAmerica Foundation
The FishAmerica Foundation was presented with a $10,000 donation from the Daiwa Corporation during the 2008 Sportfishing Summit in Denver.
Terry Pedersen, Daiwa's Vice President of Sales, presented the check to FishAmerica's Executive Director Johanna Laderman and American Sportfishing Association President and CEO Mike Nussman during ASA's annual business meeting held Oct. 28 - 30. FishAmerica is ASA's fisheries conservation and research foundation.
"FishAmerica is proud to be the recipient of Daiwa's generous gift," Laderman said. "It is gifts from companies such as Daiwa that have contributed to our many successes over the past 25 years and our ability to restore and improve fisheries across the United States."
FishAmerica is celebrating its 25th anniversary. Since 1983, the foundation has invested more than $10 million in 1,000 projects in the United States and Canada. FishAmerica's family fishing program was launched to create, enhance and restore fishing opportunities within easy reach of suburban and urban families - "within a short bicycle ride of every child."
Since 2000, the foundation has awarded more than $135,000 to fund community-based family fishing projects across the United States. The grants were matched with more than $376,000 in cash and in-kind donations by the local community - a nearly three to one return on the foundation's investment.
For more information on the FishAmerica Foundation visit www.fishamerica.org
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ShareLunker seeking volunteers
The Budweiser ShareLunker program is looking for people willing to help care for big largemouth bass anglers donate to the program.
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department fisheries biologist David Campbell will travel anywhere in the state to retrieve a big fish, with the goal of having the fish receiving care within 12 hours of being caught. However, Texas is a big state, and sometimes more than one lunker at a time is waiting to be picked up.
"What we have now is a new program in which we work with local fishing businesses and tackle shops to make recommendations for making their holding of ShareLunkers more efficient to help the fish survive," said Randy Myers, TPWD district fisheries biologist whose territory includes two of the hottest bass lakes in Texas, Falcon and Amistad.
Robert's Fish n' Tackle in Zapata is one of the first businesses to be certified by TPWD as an official ShareLunker holding site.
Zapata, on Lake Falcon, is a 10-hour drive from Athens.
Owners Robert and Norma Amaya will be on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week during the Budweiser ShareLunker season to receive lunkers and place them in a holding tank until Campbell or another TPWD employee arrives to pick them up.
"We're happy to help Texas Parks and Wildlife," Robert said. "I think the ShareLunker program is a great program. I've fished this lake for 40 years, and the fishing has always gotten better since TPWD started this program. We want the public to know that my wife or I will be here at 7 o'clock in the morning, or 4 o'clock in the morning, or 10 o'clock at night to help them out if they catch a fish over 13 pounds."
Falcon State Park is a second facility on Lake Falcon. Angler's Lodge in Del Rio is an official station for Lake Amistad.
Stations are needed at other lakes, especially those located far from Athens. Businesses interested in becoming an official ShareLunker holding facility should contact David Campbell at (903) 670-2230.
Official ShareLunker Receiving Stations:
Robert's Fish n' Tackle
2425 S. US 83
Zapata, TX (956) 236-6015
Falcon State Park
Falcon Heights, TX
(956) 844-3426
Angler's Lodge
8969 W. US 90
Del Rio, TX
(830) 719-9907
The Budweiser ShareLunker program is made possible through support from Anheuser-Busch, Inc.
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VanDam in SI Kids issue
Four-time B.A.S.S. Angler of the Year Kevin VanDam of Michigan is in the current issue of Sports Illustrated Kids in a feature titled “How Hard Could That Be?”
The feature has eight short segments, each with a question about different sports activities including holding for a field goal, driving a race car, curling, being a masot, shooting a free throw, sacrifice bunting, race walking and bass fishing. Each has a photo and VanDam’s is of him, in an unwrapped Nitro Z9 boat, fighting a bass.
The segments pose a question about the sport fans often utter when watching at home or in a stadium or arena. It may look easy from Section 39, Row TT but the participating athletes know better.
Here’s VanDam's segment:
Bass fishing: “Looks easy! They sit in a boat (easy), throw out a line (simple), and either the fish come and bite, or they don’t. It’s more luck than anything else.
Why that argument is fishy: Pro anglers don’t just sit and wait for the fish. They have to figure out where the fish are in large bodies of water – and go after them. “What we do is very aggressive,” says Kevin VanDam, a four-time B.A.S.S. Angler of the Year. Top bass anglers can cast a line to within inches of their target and drop a lure without making the water ripple (which would scare the bass away). They also have to analyze constantly changing conditions in the environment. Being able to notice little clues in nature can make a big difference. “The sun going behind the clouds can change the positioning of a bass,” says VanDam. “There are a lot of variables, but that’s what makes it fun.”
Kudos to VanDam and to Sports Illustrated Kids for including him and professional fishing in the issue.
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Bryan Schmidt of Olney, Texas won the BASS Federation Nation Championship that concluded on Saturday. To read the entire story click here.
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Texas angler David Curtis grabbed victory at the Stren Championship and qualified for the 2009 FLW Cup as a result. See who else qualified by clicking here.
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Dean Rojas, the Frog Legend, talks on Wired Radio with Terry Brown about his new signature series Spro Bronzeye Popper and how it compliments the original. To listen click here.
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Today's BASS Federation National Championship at Milford Lake has been cancelled. High winds and unsafe conditions caused the cancellation. Saturday will be the final day of the tournament.
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Tru-Tungsten, a Fish Harder Company, has introduced a new Depth Shad that using great tungsten power weight to give a side to side, walk the dog action at depth and great castability. Lifelike 3D eyes, meticulous scale patterns, great colors and a horizontal fall all make this bait a must have for spring fishing. They will be available very soon. To learn more and see great photos of all the colors click here.
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Today on Wired Radio with Terry Brown Mark Menendez talks about Kentucky Lake and fishing on the BASS Elite Series. To listen click here.
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David Curtis leads the Stren Championship at Table Rock Lake. To learn more click here.
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Olathe, Kansas angler Matt King leads the first day of the shortened BASS Federation Nation National Championship. To learn more click here.
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Wired Readers......we continually look for more and better ways for you to get premium tackle at discount prices and our friends at Tackle Warehouse are working with us to do just that. For the next week they are offering the Spro Aruku Shad Jr. at a $1.50 discount for Wired2Fish Readers. Regularly priced at $6.99 you can buy one of the best rattling baits in the business for $5.49.
The SPRO ArukuShad JR does things no other lipless crankbait can. Uniquely made to lock on it's nose on the bottom, it is a great tool for bedding bass. Designed to run nose down, it is the most weedless lipless crankbait on the market. Super loud rattles. Gamakatsu hooks. The SPRO Aruku Shad JR is one of the best lipless crankbait on the market and discounted just because you read Wired2Fish.com.
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Jackall Lures, a premium provider of quality bass fishing baits, has joined Wired2Fish as an advertising partner. Jackall covers the entire water column with plastics, swimbaits, and an assortment of superior quality lifelike baits for die-hard anglers. Jackall will be included in Next Generation Tackle Box Product Reviews, Wired Radio, Wired TV and promotions. Jared Lintner of the Wired2Fish Consultancy Staff is sponsored by Jackall and will be providing up close and personal tips about their products. Welcome Jackall to Wired2Fish.
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Today BASS unveiled its new Elite Series Marshal program. Below is the press release outlining it in detail.
BASS Unveils New Marshal Program for Bassmaster Elite Series
Continuing with its firm commitment to provide opportunities for BASS members to learn from the best, BASS announced details today regarding its Bassmaster Elite Series Marshal program, which will allow BASS members to ride along with Bassmaster Elite Series pros during competition throughout the 11-event Elite Series season.
Upon registering for the exclusive ability to learn a lifetime of bass fishing tips and techniques from the best in the business, Marshals will be expected to become familiar with tournament rules and to help ensure the integrity of the highest level of professional fishing by reporting rules violations to BASS tournament officials. Thus, they will be required before each event to attend a registration and briefing by BASS officials, who will provide them with copies of BASS rules. During the briefings, Marshals may ask rules-related questions.
As an added bonus, Marshals will also have the opportunity while on the water to operate technological devices that will enhance the sport, including BASSTrak, a cell-phone based scoring technology, and BASSCast, an on-board camera developed by ESPN Technology, which will broadcast to www.Bassmaster.com so fans can see more up-to-the-minute action from the top bass fishing pros in the world.
Similar to the popular "Day on the Lake" feature in Bassmaster Magazine, Bassmaster Marshals will witness first-hand a full day of tournament fishing from the best seat in the house. In addition to the experience, Marshals will be provided with official Bassmaster Marshal apparel and will be allowed to attend exclusive social functions with the Elite pros. Marshals will also receive products from BASS sponsors.
“One of the main objectives of the Marshal program is to provide a unique, fun experience that will resonate with members,” said Tom Ricks, vice president and general manager, BASS. “It’s a fantastic opportunity to get up-close and personal to the only true professional fishing league.”
BASS members who are interested in becoming Marshals can register at www.Bassmaster.com. The enrollment fee is $100. Starting on Nov. 11 at 1 p.m. ET, BASS Federation Nation, BASS Insider and BASS Life members will be able to sign up at www.Bassmaster.com and on Nov. 18 beginning at 1 p.m. all other BASS members will be allowed to enroll in any of the 11 Elite Series events. The full schedule of 2009 Elite events can be found below.
Elite Series Marshals will only participate on the first three days of Elite Series competition. Elite pros will be joined by a cameraperson for the final day of competition. In instances where more marshals register than the number of Elite pros, BASS will keep an alternate list and spots will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.
This will be the inaugural season for the Bassmaster Elite Series Marshal program, created to replace the co-angler division at Elite tournaments. Each day, Marshals will be randomly paired with Elite pros. Family members of Elite pros can participate but will be restricted to ride along with Elite pros to whom they are not related. Members must be at least 16 years of age to participate.
About BASS
For 40 years, BASS has served as the authority on bass fishing. With its considerable multi-media platforms and expansive tournament trail, BASS is guided by its mission to serve all fishing fans. Through its industry-leading publications Bassmaster Magazine, BASS Times and Fishing Tackle Retailer and comprehensive Web properties in Bassmaster.com and ESPNOutdoors.com, the organization is committed to delivering content true to the lifestyle. Additionally, television programming on ESPN2 continues to provide relevant content – from tips and techniques to in-depth tournament coverage – to passionate audiences.
The organization oversees the prestigious Bassmaster tournament trail, which includes the Bassmaster Elite Series, Bassmaster Opens, Women’s Bassmaster Tour and the Bassmaster Classic, the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing. Through its grassroots network, the BASS Federation Nation, BASS sanctions more than 20,000 events annually.
BASS also offers an array of services to its more than 500,000 members while spearheading progressive, positive change on issues related to conservation and water access. The organization is headquartered in Celebration, Fla.
2009 Bassmaster Elite Series Schedule
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Date
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Event
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Fishery
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Host City
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March 12-15
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Battle on the Border
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Lake Amistad
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Del Rio, Texas
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March 26-29
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Diamond Drive
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Lake Dardanelle
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Russellville, Ark.
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April 2-5
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Dixie Duel
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Wheeler Lake
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Decatur, Ala.
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April 23-26
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Blue Ridge Brawl
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Smith Mountain Lake
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Moneta, Va.
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May 7-10
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Southern Challenge
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Lake Guntersville
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Guntersville, Ala.
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May 14-17
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Alabama Charge
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Pickwick Lake
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Florence, Ala.
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June 3-6
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Tennessee Triumph
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Kentucky Lake
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Paris, Tenn.
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June 11-14
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River Rumble
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Mississippi River
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Fort Madison, Iowa
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July 23-26
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Cold Water Clash
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Big Bay de Noc/Little Bay de Noc
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Escanaba, Mich.
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Aug. 6-9
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Empire Chase
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Lake Champlain
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Plattsburgh, N.Y.
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Aug. 13-16
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Champion’s Choice
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Oneida Lake
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Syracuse, N.Y.
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Castaic Swimbaits introduces the new Catch22 swimbait! To prove the new soft swimbaits' durability they are offering a 22 bass guarantee. Click here to get the scoop on this beauty! 
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Check out the shirt pictures of the Denny Brauer autographed tournament shirt that are now posted under the Fish Harder shirt contest heading or by clicking here. Don't forget to get your entries in.
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FLW pro Michael Murphy has been added to the National Guard Team for 2009. To learn more click here.
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Due to high winds the first day of the BASS Federation National Championship has been cancelled. The tournament will resume tomorrow and will be contested based on two day cumulative weight. The first practice day was also cancelled yesterday. To read more click here.
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The Big Bear Rod Contest winner is Derek Chance from Rolla, Missouri. Tune in again later today for the next great Wired2Fish Contest. Wired2Fish.com is your "get it before you can buy it" contest headquarters.
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Is Falcon the best bass lake in America or the world for that matter?. You bet it is!
Check this out....90 bass were weighed in at the Texas/Oklahoma Shootout last week for a total of 479.87 pounds.
Of course, that's without Kelly Jordon and partner Todd Faircloth weighing any fish on the last day and the first day only allowed teams to bring in two fish.
Average weight per fish brought to the scales was 5.33 pounds.
Lets see now, the lake was up over 25 feet, high bluebird skies and a strong northeast wind for the first two days and they still caught them......we believe Falcon is that good!!
Below are a couple of bigun's from the last day.
 John Sappington with a Falcon Lake Largemouth
 Mike MCClelland with a Falcon Lake Largemouth
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The "Silly Season" is officially in full swing and professional anglers are scurrying about enhancing/maintaining sponsorships. Tough economic times, higher entry fees, and until recently gas costs were through the roof but the show must go on. Pro's/Manufacturers, we want to give you the opportunity to showcase your new deals, highlight anglers/companies that have joined fishing or those that leave. Send us your changes at feedback@wired2fish.com and we will let the world know.
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We at Wired2Fish would like to take this opportunity to encourage all of you to exercise your right to vote! It's a privilege we have been granted so please take advantage and VOTE!
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When the year started, the odometer on Russ Lane’s truck read 30,000 miles. It’s not even Thanksgiving yet and it’s getting ready to turn 70,000. That’s a lot of trips to the store to get a few ice cubes to stick in his Evan Williams bourbon.
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We recently had the opportunity to again tour the Ranger plant in Flippin Arkansas. This was our 18th or 19th trip through the plant and to be honest we really were not that excited about doing it again. Once you had seen it once that was enough...or at least that is what we thought. That changed very quickly as we began the tour. From the recently built atrium entrance to the new robotic water cutting tool area this is a new Ranger and it was even more clear that the attention to detail is even more pronounced with the new plant additions and processes. More automated processes, better materials and superior workmanship are all combined to build a better, more effective Ranger Boat, and one that each customer is proud of.
As mentioned in Part I the new thermostatically controlled mold/plug room is also new to Ranger and starts the process. The hull of the boat is where it all starts to take shape. The next step is the stringer system. It is the guts of the boat, the nuts and bolts of dependability, and the beginning of the one-piece-feel Ranger. The pre-cut stringers are glassed to the hull and run from the front of the boat to the pulltruded transom and gussetts. The strength of the boat really begins here. Built with the best materials and put together by skilled craftspeople each Ranger is built to withstand the harsh conditions of Lake Erie or Sam Rayburn. As a Ranger owner you may never have to put it to that kind of test but each boat is built so it could.
Each subsequent component in the boat build becomes another layer of performance and durability. Much like the theory behind the Geodesic Dome the Ranger Boat gets stronger with each layer. We will continue to walk you through more Ranger Differences in Part III.
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 Wired photo
The 2008 Texas Oklahoma Shootout is in the books but one thing that will have lasting value to the pro's who fished the event was knowing about Lake Fork's 2009 line-up of baits, in particular the Hyper Freak and the Hyper Worm.
FLW pro Mark Pack took two different partners and put the Hyper Worm and the Hyper Freak to the test and came out with an "A" in baits. The first two days of the event Pack fished with BASS AOY runner-up Todd Faircloth and flipped The Hyper Freak on brushy points. The last day Pack teamed with Texas pro Wade Middleton and they Carolina rigged the Hyper Worm to bring in 32.41 lbs, the largest sack of the event.
 Wired photo
"The Hyper Freak and the Hyper Worm have a specially designed flat tail and jointed sides and the vibration is awesome" noted Pack. "The water was a bit stained and I felt having the vibration was critical to catching Falcon bass this week."
Remember, Pack won the FLW Open this year fishing picnic tables and BBQ grills with both baits too.
You can learn more by going to Lake Fork Tackle's website by clicking here. |
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Wired2Fish was on location at the Texas/Oklahoma Shootout this week and even though this was a bragging rights event the pro's were dialed in, both in the fishing and with the quotes.
Tommy Biffle on the Sportsman Challange part of the tournament. " The Sports part was a bunch of crap. We are in Texas for goodness sake. Instead of throwing washers, playing ping pong or bowling we should have been shooting guns, bows or rattlesnake hunting."
Jeff Kriet regarding Texas domination. "The Texas guys know every local here. I am not sure how much time that they had to pre-fish because they were too busy taking calls and plugging in waypoints. They could not have found all of this stuff by themselves and next year we will be more prepared" noted the amicable Okie.
Kelly Jordon and Wade Middleton went from zero to 25 pounds in the last hour of day 2. "We were completely frustrated at 2 pm with no fish in the boat and Wade happened to mention he had a little area that might hold a couple of fish. We went over it with the Humminbird graph one time and proceded to load the boat. Wonder what we would have found if it was a good spot."
Mike Hawkes on the local advantage at Falcon. "I haven't been down here for a month or so and the water is still rising. The spots I normally fish shallow are in 25 foot of water." Kelly Jordon of the Texas team did let it slip out at the weigh in scale that Hawkes caught a bunch of fish on a spot he fished 21 years ago. The last time the water was that high.
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Oklahoma's Kenyon Hill is the latest addition to the Sebile USA Lures pro staff. Hill, this years winner of the Clark's Hill Elite Series using a Sebile Magic Swimmer joins Todd Faircloth, Jeff Kriet, and Mike Hawkes on the Sebile Team. To learn more click here.
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