2009 PAA Corporate Cup Returns to Pickwick Lake
Florence, Alabama and Florence/Lauderdale Tourism will host the 2009 PAA Corporate Cup bass tournament on Pickwick Lake. The event will take place September 10 - 12, 2009. The Professional Anglers Association (PAA) will again use their one of a kind, 4 man team tournament format that encourages more companies to get intimately involved in the sport of tournament bass fishing.
The new PAA president, John Crews, participated last year and thinks it’s a great way for companies to reward top customers. “Last year, Marty Stone and I were on a team with two of Advance Auto Parts’ top commercial customers that lived in the area. Both gentlemen expressed their enjoyment of the event. I am sure they will be loyal customers for quite a while.”
In addition to rewarding customers, there are many reasons to fish the PAA Corporate Cup - it is much more than just a bass tournament. It is an opportunity for companies to recognize high achieving employees, outstanding vendors or to hook potential clients while also gaining exposure for their company through the daily expo during the event that includes vendor booths and kids’ activities. National exposure could also be obtained through the televised broadcast of the event for the top 30% of the teams that make it to the final day. What better way to gain exposure for your company group or brand than while fishing with professional anglers! The 2008 PAA Corporate Cup generated a total of over 13 million impressions. The marketing plan will be expanded even more in 2009.
AES Optics was excited about having a team in 2008 and already signed up for a team in 2009. PAA pro, Jimmy Mason, will be a returning pro component of this year’s team. Jimmy stated, “The people at AES Optics are big time fisherman and they loved everything about the tournament format. They loved the fact that it was a team event and you got to fish with a Pro in your boat and then also communicate with your other teammates in the other boat during each day so that you all worked together as one team. AES Optics wanted to sign up for 2009 right after the 2008 event they had so much fun. They really had a blast!”
How the Event Works
Each team will consist of 4 anglers, of which there will be 2 Pro members and 2 General Members (Pro member is an Advantage level or Tour level member of the PAA)
The full field will fish the first 2 days (8 hours each) – Sept. 10-11
The field will be cut to the top 30% for the third day – Sept 12
Each team will fish in 2 separate boats during each 8 hour competition day
Each boat will be allowed to bring in a 5 fish limit, 10 fish per team per day
Pro members of the team must operate the boat during competition
The day before competition will be off limits for a trash clean up around area ramps to promote conservation of our resources
Entry fee is $5,000 per team
Payout is 100% of entry fees
Anyone interested in more details about the 2009 PAA Corporate Cup can call the PAA office at (270) 527-2030 or visit www.FishPAA.com . The field is limited to 75 teams so reserve your team soon!
The PAA Corporate Cup is hosted by:
Florence/Lauderdale Tourism
Contact us for Fishing or Housing Information
One Hightower Place
Florence, AL 35630
CLICK HERE to www.VisitFlorenceAL.com
The Professional Anglers Association is a non-profit organization that gives professional anglers a unified voice in order to aid in the growth of the sport of professional bass fishing. The PAA also aims to administer educational programs to the average angler, to increase enjoyment of the sport, and to embrace sound conservation practices to further the future of the sport. For more information, visit www.FishPAA.com.
|
The next time you are sitting at your favorite fishing hole with the birds chirping, maybe a loon in the backround singing his long throated whistle, remember how great it is. We take for granted how nice most of our lakes and rivers really are and never really think about how the other half have it. Guntersville, the California Delta, Amistad, Kentucky Lake and now South Korea are garden spots for the die-hard angler. Check out this story from the NY Times. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/27/sports/27fishing.html?_r=1
I think I will stick to bass fishing Amercian style. How about you?
|
|
COLLEGIATE ANGLERS GO BIG ON DAY ONE OF BOATU.S. COLLEGIATE BASS FISHING CHAMPIONSHIP
Murray State and University of North Texas sit in top two places
2008 Champion University of Arkansas in striking distance to repeat in 2009
Under almost perfect weather conditions, the 2009 BoatU.S. Collegiate Bass Fishing Championship contestants launched from Sneaky Pete's Marina at Lake Lewisville. With anglers registered from over 70 schools, the anticipation and excitement level was high.
The format for the championship has all the teams competing for two days and weighing in up to 5 fish per day. The cumulative two day combined weight will determine the overall winners of the event.
After the scales settled on day one, it was Murray State University sitting atop the leader board with 21.66 pounds. The team caught four of the five bass that they weighed in off of their key spot - an offshore ledge similar to what they target at home on Kentucky Lake. Kalem Tippett commented that "We came down here searching for productive ledges in practice and found one that's loaded. Our biggest bass came off of our secondary spot but the ledge yielded the rest. We're not doing anything fancy - just cranking deep diving crankbaits. Winning this event would go a long way toward launching a career as a tournament pro." Vincent Campisano mentioned that "I'd be content just to land a job in the fishing industry after I graduate."
The University of North Texas team is nipping at the heels of Murray State with 20.54 pounds. This pair of local anglers is flipping jigs rigged on 20 pound test Trilene fluorocarbon as well as catching a few with a light line presentation using 10 pound test. "We're hitting key spots that consistently produce big bass. I even called my shot when I caught a 5 pounder on one of my best spots," stated Brandon Dickenson. Partner Austin Hollowell is excited about their opportunity to claim the title tomorrow.
Zack Gagnard and Paul Rini of Northwestern State University found themselves within striking distance in third place with 19.07 pounds. The team reported that they're catching quality bass on offshore humps and ledges by mixing it up with deep crankbaits, V&M shaky head worms and V&M football jigs. Zack mentioned that "We caught 9 keepers today. Our first bite came at 10:00 and we caught three big ones off of our sweet pot 30 minutes before weigh-in. It's the same spot where we caught an 8.56 in practice on one cast."
Louisiana Tech's Aaron Rogillio and Phillip Marsiglia targeted main lake rocky points with deep crankbaits and shaky head worms. The pair hauled 18.43 pounds to the scales which was good enough for 4th place. Aaron stated that "We just fished the spots that showed promise in practice and found big one willing to bite. We were done at 1:00 and spent the rest of our day searching for new water."
As the 2008 champions, University of Arkansas is making a serious run at defending their title. Bodie Drake and partner Turner Hall are targeting main lake points early with shaky head worms. They also reported catching one good one early on a soft plastic jerkbait. Later in the day, the team is flipping Berkley worms and Chigger Craws on 20 pound test line with heavy action Fenwick rods. Bodie commented that "I know we have a strong team at University of Arkansas. It would mean a lot to bring this title back home; not to mention how it would benefit my future career as a tournament pro."
Several other top collegiate programs are all in contention to win the title including Texas Tech, Eastern Kentucky and North Carolina who are all in the top 10. In addition a pair of new college bass fishing programs that are looking to pull off an upset in their first ever collegiate championship appearance include Texas State and University of Tennessee who sit in 8th and 11th respectively.
Alex Freeman and Will White of North Carolina State claimed big bass honors with an 8.52 pound lunker that has this team within striking distance in tenth place with 15.42 pounds.
|
|
Adam Wagner of Cookeville, Tenn., took the early lead in the $1 million Walmart Bass Fishing League All-American presented by Chevy on the Mississippi River with a five-bass limit weighing 15 pounds, 9 ounces in the Boater Division. He is vying for the all important win, where he could earn as much as $140,000 and qualify for the $2 million Forrest Wood Cup presented by Castrol and BP, which will be held July 30-Aug. 2 on the Three Rivers in Pittsburgh, Pa., where they could win as much as $1 million – the sport’s biggest award.
“It really feels good,” said Wagner, who would fish the Walmart FLW Tour if he won and were to qualify. “I came to win as I finished in second place in 2005.”
Wagner said he was not sure of his plan of attack for Friday, but did say there were several other boats fishing in the same area. “I am not sure yet where I am heading tomorrow. It is just something I will have to decide tomorrow. Getting through the locks and getting back is the biggest thing.”
“I caught three of my keeper fish in Pool 13 and three keeper fish in Pool 14,” said Wagner. “I was using a quarter-ounce jig and was also flipping a beaver. I was flipping wood and throwing a jig targeting grass and lily pads.”
Rounding out the top 10 boaters were Edward Gettys of Scottsboro, Ala. (five bass, 13-10); Gary Edwards of Milton, Ky. (five bass, 12-5); Roger Pope of Statesville, N.C. (five bass, 10-14); Allan Cagle of Deltona, Fla. (five bass, 10-10); Russ Moran of Manchester, Tenn. (four bass, 10-2); J.R. Henard of Rogersville, Tenn. (four bass, 9-13); Rob Lamoy of Chazy, N.Y. (four bass, 9-5); Steve Wagner of New Kent, Va. (four bass, 9-4); and Mike Devere of Berea, Ky. (five bass, 8-14).
Jeff Holder of Bossier City, La. caught a 4 pounds, 14 ounce bass to take home $500 for the Folgers Big Bass on the boater side. Overall there were 120 bass weighing 253 pounds, 10 ounces caught in the Boater Division Thursday. The catch included seven five-bass limits caught by 45 anglers.
Dickson Adams of Woodstock, Ga., leads the Co-angler Division with a five-bass limit weighing 11 pounds, 14 ounces. He holds a lead of two pounds, three ounces over Jade Keeton of Florence, Ala., in second place with five bass weighing 9-11.
“We headed up north but did not go all the way to [Pool] 13,” said Adams. “We stayed in Pool 14.
“I caught my fish today on a shallow-running crankbait and was targeting rock banks. We stuck with our spot all day and fished the same place and just consistently caught fish.”
Rounding out the top 10 co-anglers are David Deciucis of Richmond, Va. (five bass, 7-15); Ron Jackups of Fairfield, Ohio (three bass, 6-0); Chance Stone of Nashville, Ark. (three bass, 5-13); Elzie Dorman of Charlottesville, Va. (three bass, 5-4); Danny Robinson of Fairland, Ind. (two bass, 5-1); Roger Brown of Tallassee, Ala. (one bass, 4-8); David Martinez of Tucson, Ariz. (three bass, 4-8); and Darren Jeter of Marshal, N.C. (two bass, 4-6).
Brown caught the Folgers Big Bass in the co-angler division with a 4 pound, 8 ounce bass earning $500. Overall there were 64 bass weighing 123 pounds, 6 ounces caught in the Co-angler Division Thursday. The catch included three five-bass limits by 34 anglers.
Coverage of the BFL All-American tournament, hosted by the Quad Cities Convention & Visitors Bureau, will be broadcast in high-definition (HD) on VERSUS, the network which brings anglers the best fishing programming on television featuring the most-trusted authorities on the water. The Emmy-nominated “FLW Outdoors,” will air Aug 23 from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. ET. “FLW Outdoors,” hosted by Jason Harper, is broadcast to approximately 500 million households worldwide, including internationally through agreements with WFN (World Fishing Network) and Matchroom Sport to such countries as Canada, Germany, China, South Africa, Australia, Malaysia, Russia, Hungary and the United Kingdom, making it the most widely distributed weekly outdoor-sports television show in the world.
The 108 anglers from 27 states will take off at 7:00 a.m. Friday and Saturday from Sunset Park Marina in Rock Island, Ill. Weigh-ins will be held at the RiverCenter located at 136 E. 3rd St. in Davenport beginning at 4 p.m.
In conjunction with the weigh-ins Friday and Saturday, FLW Outdoors will host a free Family Fun Zone and Outdoor Show at the RiverCenter beginning at 2 p.m. on Friday and at Noon on Saturday. The Family Fun Zone offers fans a chance to review the latest products from Berkley, Lowrance, Ranger, Evinrude, Yamaha and other sponsors while children are treated to giveaways, fishing themed games and rides like the Ranger Boat simulator. Children 14 and under visiting the Family Fun Zone on Saturday will receive a free rod and reel combo while supplies last. One lucky person will even win a new entertainment package. For complete rules and more information, visit flwoutdoors.com/allamerican.
Because BFL competitors are weekend anglers, the All-American and its lucrative cash awards and international media exposure present a unique opportunity for qualifiers who will be fishing for top awards of $140,000 in the Boater Division and $70,000 in the Co-angler Division. Additionally, the winning boater and winning co-angler will advance to the $2 million Forrest Wood Cup presented by Castrol and BP, which will be held July 30-Aug. 2 on the Three Rivers in Pittsburgh, Pa., where they could win as much as $1 million – the sport’s biggest award.
Each year more than 34,000 BFL anglers and 20,000 TBF anglers nationwide compete in the hope of becoming one of just 54 boaters and 54 co-anglers who qualify for the All-American and fish for a share of $1 million.
As the nation’s leading weekend tournament circuit, the $6.7 million Walmart Bass Fishing League and its 28 divisions nationwide are widely credited with opening competitive bass fishing to the masses. The BFL also serves as a steppingstone for anglers who wish to advance to the Stren Series™, Walmart™ FLW® Series and ultimately the FLW Tour.
FLW Outdoors, named after Forrest L. Wood, the legendary founder of Ranger Boats, is the largest fishing tournament organization in the world. FLW Outdoors also is taking fishing mainstream with FLW Fantasy Fishing, offering the largest awards possible in the history of fantasy sports, $10 million in cash and prizes. Sign up for Player’s Advantage for only $10 to get your edge and win.
For more information about FLW Outdoors and its tournaments, visit FLWOutdoors.com or call (270) 252-1000. For more information about FLW Fantasy Fishing and Player’s Advantage, visit FantasyFishing.com.
|
FLW Outdoors, the world’s largest tournament-fishing organization, and Cabela’s, the World’s Foremost Outfitter, announced today a strategic marketing partnership.
At many of the FLW Tour events and the $2 million Forrest Wood Cup, Cabela’s will supply promotional offers exclusive to fans in attendance. At a recent FLW Tour event on Table Rock Lake in Branson, Mo., fans received a coupon for $10 off any $75 purchase or $20 off any $120 purchase. In addition, Cabela’s will set up a mobile store at the Forrest Wood Cup in Pittsburgh July 30-Aug. 2.
Cabela’s will also be a major promoter of FLW Fantasy Fishing, which features a guaranteed $1 million grand prize and six $100,000 prizes for each FLW Tour qualifying event. FLW Fantasy Fishing is free to play. However, participants can purchase Player’s Advantage for only $10 to assist them in choosing their anglers throughout the entire season. In addition to FantasyFishing.com, Cabela’s will have a strong presence on FLWOutdoors.com and CollegeFishing.com. Likewise, FLW Fantasy Fishing will be prominently featured on the Cabela’s Web site.
At the store level, Cabela’s will distribute thousands of free FLW Fantasy Fishing scratch cards at their 28 retail locations across the United States. In addition, scratch cards have been inserted in the spring issue of the Cabela’s catalog. These scratch cards introduce Cabela’s customers to the fun and ease of winning with FLW Fantasy Fishing and offer lucrative prizes from a free music download to $1,000 cash. Customers can register to play at all 28 Cabela’s stores or online at Cabelas.FantasyFishing.com. After registering, players receive an e-mail that includes a preselected team of pro anglers, which can be customized by logging on at FantasyFishing.com. Plus, all Cabela’s registered players are entered into a monthly drawing to win a $250 Cabela’s gift card.
Cabela’s will also host appearances and seminars by the most accomplished FLW Outdoors pro anglers. For example, Berkley pro Scott Allar and Folgers pro Dustin Kjelden recently conducted a free walleye seminar and signed autographs at the Cabela’s store in Rogers, Minn. Other cross-promotional activities are also being discussed.
“FLW Outdoors and Cabela’s share the same passionate audience,” said FLW Outdoors Chairman Irwin L. Jacobs. “Both organizations excel within the same industry, but our core businesses are very diverse. By joining forces, we are able to tap into each other’s strengths – it is truly a mutually beneficial relationship.”
“When two leaders come together, you can expect great things,” said Tommy Milner, Cabela’s President and CEO. “The partnership between Cabela’s and FLW Outdoors promises to deliver on those expectations by combining the excitement of tournament fishing with the legendary Cabela’s experience.”
Cabela’s Incorporated, headquartered in Sidney, Nebraska, is a leading specialty retailer, and the world’s largest direct marketer, of hunting, fishing, camping and related outdoor merchandise. Since the Company’s founding in 1961, Cabela’s(R) has grown to become one of the most well-known outdoor recreation brands in the world, and has long been recognized as the World’s Foremost Outfitter(R). Through Cabela’s growing number of retail stores and its well-established direct business, it offers a wide and distinctive selection of high-quality outdoor products at competitive prices while providing superior customer service. Cabela’s also issues the Cabela’s CLUB(R) Visa credit card, which serves as its primary customer loyalty rewards program. Cabela’s stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “CAB.”
FLW Outdoors, named after Forrest L. Wood, the legendary founder of Ranger Boats, is the largest fishing tournament organization in the world. FLW Outdoors has taken fishing mainstream with FLW Fantasy Fishing, offering the largest awards possible in the history of fantasy sports, $10 million in cash and prizes. Sign up for Player’s Advantage for only $10 to get your edge and win.
For more information about FLW Outdoors and its tournaments, visit FLWOutdoors.com or call (270) 252-1000. For more information about FLW Fantasy Fishing and Player’s Advantage, visit FantasyFishing.com.
|
Berkley is proud to announce the upcoming Berkley Big Bass Challenge to be held June 6-7 on California’s Delta Lake. The hourly weigh-in format allows any registered angler to bring one fish to the scale each hour to compete for one of seven hourly checks, plus a shot at driving home a new 2009 Toyota Tundra Double Cab truck with a retail value of over $25,000. The first 150 anglers to register will be in a special raffle on Sunday to win a day on the water with 2009 Bassmaster Classic Champion Skeet Reese.
The amateur-friendly event focuses on the big fish, but strategy plays a key role when determining when to bring a fish to the scales. Anglers can choose the best time to weigh in their best fish to increase their odds at scoring a nice check. Top tier tournament anglers on the BASS and FLW tournament trails cannot compete. Over $16,000 in prize money is on the table for anglers using Berkley baits to catch their fish along with the Toyota truck that is guaranteed to be awarded regardless the size of the field.
“While everyone always thinks of big fish and large sacks, the format for this tournament makes it easy for amateurs and novices to win some cash”, said Andrew Marks, Sr. Marketing Manager for Berkley. “The hourly weigh-in makes for some interesting strategy as to when to weigh in your fish and the largest fish one hour may have placed 3rd or 4th in another. It definitely adds for some fun and exciting times when anglers literally have cashed checks with bass weighing less than 2 pounds”.
The Berkley Experience Trailer will also make an appearance at Russo’s Marina throughout the weekend starting at 3:00 P.M. on Friday, June 5th. The Berkley staff will be on hand to help all anglers with knot tying skills along with the product demonstrations, interactive screens, Wii Fishing game and other fun elements. Berkley baits will also be on sale under the tent with special promotions available on certain Pure Fishing products.
Registration is now open and anglers will also be able to register at the event starting at 3:00 p.m. June 5th. Registration and Details about the Berkley Big Bass Challenge can be found at www.anglerspress.net.
|
|
They say "you can't start them young enough," and the industry experts at Teleflex Marine have been committed to sharing their enthusiasm for the boating, fishing and marine industries with young and old alike for years.
As a matter of fact, the company's Product Focus truck and trailer rig has been getting folks in the marine industry excited about new Sierra and Teleflex products since it first started rolling down the nation's highways a few years ago. Since then, this "classroom on wheels" has been engaging boating enthusiasts of all ages about the latest and greatest new products to enhance their on-the-water experiences.
So it's no surprise that Teleflex's custom trailer rig was right in the thick of things recently at the nation's first sanctioned high school fishing championship in Carlyle, IL. The trailer provided an open house for the more than 1,200 attendees at the tournament with two distinct areas: the Sierra side showcasing new products and informative cutaway displays showing the inner workings of Sierra's innovative products, and the Teleflex side, with detailed, working displays of a wide range of cutting edge controls, gauges and steering systems. The trailer's modular design has been popular so far for a variety of boat shows appearances, business meetings and industry conferences.
"We're pleased that bass fishing has been embraced at the high school level with this incredibly successful official kick-off, and we were honored to play a part in continuing to share our passion and excitement for fishing and boating with a new generation," says Tom Douglass, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Teleflex Marine.
|
Team Marine USA Introduces BASS Pro-Fizz FZ-1 to Support BASS Conservation BASS and Team Marine USA, LLC., announced Wednesday the availability of the BASS Pro-Fizz FZ-1 tool, which is used to remove air from the swim bladder of fish typically caught at depths greater than 18 feet.
The BASS Pro-Fizz FZ-1 tool is a revolutionary product that will enhance the process of fizzing, a technique which is recommended on fish that show signs of over-inflated swim bladders. The February 1997 study in the North American Journal of Fisheries Management journal supports that the practice is beneficial for improving the post-release survival of bass.
The BASS Pro-Fizz FZ-1 is the newest addition to the family of fizzing tools made by Tampa-based manufacturer Team Marine USA. A portion of the sales from the device will benefit BASS Conservation. BASS and Team Marine worked together to create the freshwater device, a reusable fizzing tool made from aircraft-grade aluminum with stainless steel components.
“We are extremely honored to be associated with a great organization like BASS, which was founded on and is committed to conservation,” said Jeff Strane, president and founder, Team Marine USA. “The FZ-1 is a necessary tool for all anglers who care about fish conservation as well as angler safety.”
BASS Conservation implements programs with BASS Federation Nation chapters and leads initiatives in Washington, D.C. BASS’ conservation director Chris Horton serves on a variety of coalitions, task forces and committees with government agencies and industry partners for the improvement of natural resources for all anglers.
“This BASS Pro-Fizz product will serve as a useful tool in anglers’ tackle boxes to help protect our resources and conserve our fisheries,” Horton said. “Conservation issues are constantly evolving and BASS continues to remain at the forefront spearheading improvements in fish habitat, angler access and education and resource management.”
The BASS Pro-Fizz FZ-1 is currently available at Bass Pro Shops and will soon be in stock at more than 1,200 outdoor retailers. The tool is also available at Teammarineusa.us or by calling 1-888-464-6423.
|
|
June 4-6 Women’s Bassmaster Tour Event Moves from Arkansas River to Nearby Maumelle Lake; WBT Points Leader Pam Martin-Wells of Georgia Gets Crackin’ at Decoding the Lake
Heeding a small craft warning in effect for the Arkansas River near Little Rock, BASS announced Wednesday that the fishery for the June 4-6 Academy Sports + Outdoors Women’s Bassmaster Tour event has been changed to Maumelle Lake.
“BASS’ first concern in these situations is always safety of the anglers,” said Bruce Mathis, WBT tournament director. “We have been monitoring the Arkansas River, and we were prepared for the possibility of a move just a short distance west to Maumelle.”
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers routinely issues a small craft warning when a river flow exceeds 70,000 cubic feet per second. According to the corps, the velocity of the Arkansas River at Little Rock was 180,000 cfs early this week.
The WBT competitors were notified of the change Wednesday.
|
Reaction Strike™ announced today that it has reached a multi-year agreement with FLW Tour stalward Sean Hoernke. Sean will be promoting Reaction Strike’s full line of fishing baits as well as utilizing his knowledge and expertise in designing new baits and new colors for existing baits.
For more information about Reaction Strike, go to www.reactionstrike.com. For more information about Sean Hoernke, go to www.seanhoernke.com. |
|
Frabill, Inc. well known in the ice fishing circles for producing quality gear, has annouced the purchase of Snosuit, LLC today. To read the full Media Release click here.
|
|
Thanks to all that entered in the Rapala Tools Contest. The winner is Derrek Stewart from Venice, CA! Congratulations Derrek your prize is on the way!
Here are the answers:
1. What 3 tools are included in the Magnetic Tool Holder Combo 1? 
6" Dbl. Sided Hook Sharpener, Super Line Scissors, 6-1/2" Stainless Steel Pliers.
2. What is the 8" Diamond Sharpener used for?
Restore and maintain the edge on all your cutting surfaces.
3. What line company does Rapala own?
Sufix
4. Who are 2 of the pro bass anglers who fish for Rapala?
Bernie Schultz, David Fritts, Larry Nixon and Tom Mann, Jr.
5. What city is Gemini Sport Marketing's Corporate Headquarters located in?
Grand Rapids, MN
6. What is the sanctioning body of the only High School Bass Fishing Championship and what state was it in?
IHSA in Illinois
|
|
 egreene photo
Everyone gets excited about heading to Amistad early in the year. Both major circuits hold tournaments on the big border lake in January, February and March and it never disappoints. High water, low water, cold temperatures or desert heat – the bass are still there, both numbers and big’uns.
But once the fishing heats up elsewhere in the country, tracing a slow line through north Texas and Alabama, up into the Carolinas, and then blooming ever northward, people forget about Del Rio. Sure, FLW held a Stren there last week, but now’s the “off-season.” One caveat: NOBODY TOLD THE FISH.
“The pressure starts dropping exponentially,” said Del Rio’s most famous resident, Byron Velvick. “You can fish any way you like. There’s a good topwater bite in the morning. You can catch them on a swimbait. And you can catch them 50, 60 or 70 feet deep.”
Another Texas transplant, former Elite Series pro Kurt Dove, agreed that the summer months can be phenomenal. He’s joined forces with Stan Gerzsenyi to found Amistad Bass guide service (www.amistadbass.com). “The fish loosen up and bite a bit better because they don’t have all of those boats buzzing around,” he said. Their website features a frequently-updated fishing report, so whether you bring your own boat or hire a guide, you’ll get the straight scoop on what’s working.
For anglers looking to take advantage of the decreased traffic now is the time to book a trip. To encourage you to travel down to Del Rio, there are several offers to entice you further. Now through the end of the year, if you mention Wired2Fish, Dove and Gerzsenyi will give you a $50 discount off a full-day trip (marked down from $350 to $300) and $25 off a half-day trip (from $250 to $225). Making it even sweeter, if you catch a 10-pounder with them, your entire trip is free!
If you don’t want to be out in the mid-day heat, the guides will run a split trip – 3-4 hours in the morning and then 3-4 more in the evening. “That provides optimal conditions,” Dove said. Velvick believes that the late afternoon hours are the best time to catch an Amistad monster. “Don’t be afraid to fish from 4pm to dark,” he said.
Velvick’s hotel, Amistad Lake Resort (www.AmistadLakeResort.com) is also providing anglers with a way to save money in these tough economic times. Starting June 1st, they’ll discount rooms down into the $50-60 range, and offer an additional 5% discount if you give them the code “WF.” But keep checking the website – the rates may even get better than that.
If it’s too long a haul from your home town, Continental offers flights into Del Rio several times a day. Between that “door to door” service, the current discounts and the opportunity to fish a world-class lake with world-class pros, there’s really no reason to wait.
|
|
Wired reader Travis Armentrout read our latest review on the Spro Bronzeye Popper and went out and purchased a few. He only used a Spro popper one other time. His second time out he caught this 10.5 pounder!! WOW!
Congrats Travis, great angler, great bait, great boat and a great catch.
|
|
Xtreme Pedestal Cover™
Want to add some cool factor to your boat? Customize the seat pedestal on your boat with the Xtreme Pedestal Cover from KeelShield.
This cover is made to fit over your existing pedestal seats for the front and back of most bass boats. Available sizes will be, 12''-15''-18''-21''-24''.
The Xtreme Pedestal Cover is a mirror finished stainless steel tube that has been lasered with your name or logo. It comes with a black sleeve insert that highlights your lettering. It also has brushes on the inside to provide a snug fit to your existing seat pedestal.
Now you can ad some bling to your bass boat.
|
|
Last week we talked about FLW and BASS pro's fishing Kentucky Lake in FLW Tour and Elite Series events and using big worms in their arsenal. We also mentioned that crankbaits would play a role in the tournament.
Rapala just got to market with their new Metal Sureset DT 20 and did it just in time for Kentucky. The Metal DT20 is a new generation of crankbait that has a small profile and a weighted disc inserted into the lip unlike any crankbait on the market. The Metal DT 20 is a long casting, rattling crankbait that runs to a depth of 20 feet and remains there through the entire retrieve. The unique Rapala wobble and balsa construction makes it not only look lifelike but gives it buoyancy characteristics that plastic cannot match.
The DT Metal SureSet Series features a Deep-Diving Metal Disc embedded in its lip to help it get down on deep ledges and long tapered points to reach fish that may not have ever seen a bait. The lip shape is also very unique as it funnels water over the lip quickly to get the bait to depth very quickly.
The addition of oversized dual Award-Winning VMC SureSet hooks helps turn short strikes into hookups, making this bait even more deadly.
The exclusive SureSet color patterns provide maximum flash, a longtime secret of the pros. The Metal DT 20 comes in 12 colors.
|
The Berkley Experience Trailer is headed to the Bass Pro Shops store in Manteca, Calif. The trailer will roll in May 29 – 31 and will offer demonstrations and interactive games for kids and adults.
The Berkley Experience Trailer gives the everyday angler the opportunity to view baits in the Berkley line and chances to see the baits in action. Kids and adults alike will enjoy fishing games and competing in knot tying contests.
“We want everyone young and old alike to enjoy the Berkley experience,” said Andrew Marks, Berkley Marketing Manager “In addition to our bait and line interactive displays we will have Abu Garcia reel demonstrations, interactive touch screens to learn how to “Catch More Fish” and a showcase for our latest and most innovative fishing products.”
Special sales and promotions will be offered wherever the Berkley trailer stops. If you are unable to make it by the trailer and test the interactive components in Manteca, Calif., look at the upcoming events.
May 29 – 31
Bass Pro Shops – Manteca, Calif.
1356 Bass Pro Drive
Manteca, CA 95337
Phone: 209-825-8400
Upcoming Events
June 5 – 7 - Berkley Big Bass Challenge Tournament, Russo’s Marina-Bethel Island, Calif.
June 12 – 14 – Big Bear Sports, Billings, MT
June 18 – 20 – Gander Mountain Lakeville, Minn.
July 30 – August 2 – FLW Cup Pittsburgh, Pa.
October 2 – 4 Gander Mountain Tyler, Texas
|
|
The Berkley Bass Tank will be at the BFL All-American Family Fun Zone in Davenport, Iowa. The tank is scheduled to stop May 28 – 30 and will feature seminars and appearances by Berkley Pro Anglers.
Berkley sends two 4,000-gallon bass tanks all over the country to help out the everyday angler. Kids and adults alike will enjoy learning about new Berkley products and tips on how to use these innovative baits.
“The Berkley Bass Tanks are out on the road, giving all anglers the opportunity to hone their skills,” said Tammy Cox, Berkley Marketing Manager “Not only will attendees learn to “Catch More Fish,” they will also learn about new products that will help them become a better angler.”
May 29 – 30
BFL All-American Family Fun Zone
The River Center
136 E. 3rd St.
Davenport, IA 52801
Phone: 563-326-8500
If you are unable to make it by the BFL All-American Family Fun Zone, plan to attend one of these other upcoming events:
June 13-14 – FLW Tour Family Fun Zone, Benton, Ky.
|
|
Wired2Fish COO Todd Hammill works his tail off at Wired2Fish.com. He not only corresponds with every reader we get at Wired2Fish but is instrumental in the daily operation as well. When he gets a chance he is also an excellent angler. With the 2nd Annual Wired2Fish World Championship just around the corner the rest of us are just glad there are no smallmouths in the championship lake. Can you say "Strike King Redeye Shad?"
Check out these smallies he and his partner Matt Leach caught last weekend in a tournament in Minnesota. The 6 keepers weighed over 26 pounds! Their big bass was 5.85 lbs. Great job Todd and Matt.
|
|
Grande Bass continues to be innovators in bait building and has introduced a new 8 inch MegaTail Rattlesnake that combines the great action of the Rattlesnake with an enticing and unique ribbon tail. The new "Mega" line-up will include several new baits and will begin rollout in the next couple of months.
Colors included at rollout in the Megatail Rattlesnake are:
Green Pumpkin/Watermelon Seed, Watermelon Red Flk, Trophy Hunter, Blue Fleck, Mineola Fall, Okeechobee Craw, Plum & Watermelon Candy.
To learn more about the Megatail and other great Grande Bass baits click here.
|
|
Lewisville, Texas, May 25 - Collegiate bass anglers, fishing fans and top pro anglers gathered at the Ft. Worth Cabela's store on Memorial Day to kick off the 2009 BoatU.S. Collegiate Bass Fishing Championship. Upon arrival, each team was given a $100 shopping spree courtesy of Cabela's. The event kicked off in the afternoon with seminars from top touring pros including Clark Wendlandt, Jeff Kriet, Sean Hoernke, Kelly Jordon, Mike Hawkes, Dave Smith and Wade Middleton. BASS Elite Series Pro, Jeff Kriet commented "This is my fourth year supporting the event and it's one of the highlights of the entire week. Providing the kids advice while they shop and giving them tips is a great way to get to know them."
The pros were on hand to greet the collegiate anglers,provide fishing tips and critique their buying decisions. "We just spent about 30 minutes with Sean Hoernke who showed us how to tie a better knot to join braided line and monofilament. It's really a great help to get information such as that from these pros who fish everywhere," stated Bodie Drake representing the University of Arkansas. Bodie and his partner Kazuki Kitajima, who has since graduated, won the event on Lake Lewisville in 2008.
As he collected his team's gift card, Arizona State's Brent Perkins said "We drove 16 hours to get here and we're ready to fish now!" Many of the anglers, including the Arizona State team, have been in Texas the last few days sampling the fishing on other area lakes prior to practice period for the event which starts on Tuesday, May 26 at safe light.
For more information and constant updates on the event this week visit www.collegiatebasschampionship.com.
|
|
The next BASS Elite Series and FLW Tour events will both be held on the fabled Kentucky Lake. Rest assured that ledges, points and drops will play big in both. The last few years the big plastic worm has been a go-to weapon for big bass in these kind of events and this year will not be any exception. Crankbaits and jigs have their place too but the big worm can be a difference maker.
Gene Larew, the Oklahoma based lure manufacturer, has 3 good ones in their arsenal. They have the Big Daddy, a 10.5 inch paddle tail for a more subtle big fish bite, the 11 inch Salty Snake, a slender ribbon tail worm perfect for Kentucky Lake and the 12 inch El Salto Grande, another ribbon tail but one that was specifically designed for that kicker bass.
Gene Larew Lures has manufactured each of these beauties in the best fish catching colors. Too many to mention here but our favorites on Kentucky are plum, plum apple, dark plum and black emerald.
Mark it down...take it to the bank...the Big Worm will be a big part of the leaders arsenal on both tours......Count on it!
You can read more about them and other Gene Larew Tackle products by clicking here.
|
Pure Fishing is pleased to introduce a redesigned purefishing.com. The new website contains extensive information on the company’s multiple brands under the Pure Fishing umbrella. It also provides an overview of the company’s storied history.
“The new site does a much better job of representing our position as the world’s leading fishing tackle company,” said John Fisher, Pure Fishing Director of Web Marketing. “We are proud of what we’ve accomplished with some of the greatest brands in fishing, including Berkley, Shakespeare, Penn and Abu Garcia. As we continue to evolve we need a place where we can tell our story. Our new corporate website provides that place.”
In addition to a new look, visitors to purefishing.com will find it easy to navigate to their favorite Pure Fishing brands including: Berkley, Shakespeare, Penn, Abu Garcia, Fenwick, All-Star, Spiderwire, Stren, Pflueger, Johnson and Mitchell. |
|
Heavy matted grass can be a tough opponent for bass anglers but those that have the know how can reap significant dividends for post spawn and summer time bass. You have to have the right equipment and you have to have the right bait.
Kickerfish Bait Company has just the ticket on the bait side of the equation with their Bird Dog Creature Bait. The Bird Dog was designed by FLW pro and Texas standout Cody Bird and the slender, narrow profile bait is perfect for punching grass. Two long appendages combined with a worm body and "ears" give it plenty of action but it is slim enough to fit into the smallest of holes.
Neat features
The solid segmented body, accepts up to 5/0 Gamakatsu offset round bend hook. Blended pinchers on those appendages and gliding “ears” give the Bird Dog movement and thick diamond cut tube skirt adds to the lifelike look as well. This bait is perfect for flippin in the thickest cover or Carolina Riggin deep structure.
Teamed with a stout flipping stick, 20-25 fluorocarbon or 65 braid and either a Penetrator or Tru-Tungsten Denny Brauer Flipping and Pitching weight and you are ready to go. We use a 1/2 ounce weight or heavier based on the cover. We also recommend pegging the sinker to keep it from being unwieldy and inaffective in heavy grass.
The bait comes 10 per pack and you can buy them by clicking here.
|
|
THANKS
As we enter Memorial Day weekend all of us at Wired2Fish want to send our heartfelt thanks to the men and women of our military who each day defend our freedom. Also, thanks to all who have given the ultimate sacrifice to defend our rights and honor to live in the best country in the world. Remember our lost love ones and remember its more than a day off....its time to give thanks for all of the blessings we have each day, our opportunities on the water and in the woods, and most importantly thanks for our freedom. Be safe!
|
|
Warmer temps, shallow water bass, the new Zoom Magnum Trick worm and big bass all go together. The new Zoom bait is the cat's meow for big bass. Plenty of bulk to be cast long distances to finicky bass, great action when rigged either wacky style or texas rigged and some great sliding and gliding action that bass cannot resist. Great with fluorocarbon line, an offset 5/0 hook and baitcasting gear, trick worming is no longer a fairy wand teachnique. The Zoom Magnum Trick worm puts some muscle into trick worm fishing.
 Cox photo |
 FLW photo
Personable FLW pro Ray Scheide talks about his win at Beaver Lake, taking 200K to the bank and how he is fishing on Wired Radio with Terry Brown today. Next Tuesday we will be talking to Dan O'Sullivan from BassWest USA.
|
The Professional Anglers Association (PAA) has just finalized their annual elections for the PAA Board of Directors and elected new officers. John Crews of Salem, Virginia is the President. Sean Hoernke of Magnolia, Texas is the Vice President. Kurt Dove of Del Rio, Texas is the Secretary. Dave Mansue of Robbinsville, New Jersey remains as the Treasurer.
“I am extremely honored to serve the PAA as President,” explains Crews. “This position is very important, which also means quite a lot of work and responsibility. I plan to continue what the previous Presidents and Boards have accomplished. They laid the foundation and started to build the organization. The PAA has tripled in members over the past year. I will see to it that the PAA continues to grow and serve their members as best we can.”
The PAA members voted 3 new members to the Board of Directors and re-elected Kurt Dove and Paul Elias. Paul Elias of Laurel, Mississippi rejoins the PAA Board. Elias was the first President of the PAA at its inception and will serve a three year term on the Board. Kurt Dove of Del Rio, Texas finished his one year term on the Board in 2008 and was re-elected to serve another two year term starting in 2009. Those newly elected to the board serving three year terms are Matt Reed of Madisonville, Texas; Zell Rowland of Montgomery, Texas and Brian Snowden of Reeds Spring, Missouri. Snowden won the first E21 Carrot Stix PAA Tournament Series event of 2009 on Lake Toho in Kissimmee, Florida.
Leaving the Board are Kevin VanDam, Stacey King, Mark Davis, and Tim Horton. Davis, Van Dam, and Horton are all previous Presidents of the PAA. Horton was last year’s President. Their experience will be missed but one previous President seems very happy with the new Board additions and new officers.
Tim Horton stated, “The one thing that is important to the PAA with this election is continuity. There are new and returning members with a mix of veterans and younger pros. Our previous Vice President, Chad Morgenthaler, is remaining on the Board. Dave Mansue handled our FishPAA TV and Kurt Dove ran the web site committee. John Crews, our new President, spearheaded the Payday Program to give General Members a huge benefit to join us. The PAA is in good hands.”
2009 PAA Board of Directors & Officers
John Crews President
Sean Hoernke Vice President
Kurt Dove Secretary
Dave Mansue Treasurer
Paul Elias
Kelly Jordon
Chad Morgenthaler
Matt Reed
Zell Rowland
Brian Snowden
The Professional Anglers Association is a non-profit organization that gives professional anglers a unified voice in order to aid in the growth of the sport of professional bass fishing. The PAA also aims to administer educational programs to the average angler, to increase enjoyment of the sport, and to embrace sound conservation practices to further the future of the sport. For more information, visit www.FishPAA.com.
|
|
2009 BOATU.S. COLLEGIATE BASS FISHING CHAMPIONSHIP ANNOUNCES
LARGEST COLLEGIATE BASS FISHING EVENT EVER HELD
With 286 student anglers representing 73 universities registered for the 2009 BoatU.S. Collegiate Bass Fishing Championship, it will easily surpass last year's record field of 194 by over 90 anglers; making it the largest collegiate bass fishing tournament ever held. Officials for the event this year had to expand the field to accommodate the record number of registrants.
"The explosive growth that club fishing has had among America's colleges over the past few years is a testament to the quality of this event, which is the premier collegiate fishing tournament. The participating anglers are the future of our sport, and we are proud to support them in their quest to be successful--and safe, tournament anglers," stated Chris Edmonston of BoatU.S.
Every two-person team attending Cabela's College Day at the Cabela's retail store in Fort Worth, Texas on May 25 will be treated to a $100 shopping spree complements of Cabela's. Seminars will also be provided by several top bass fishing pros such as Clark Wendlandt, Kelly Jordon, Dave Smith, Sean Hornke, Mike Hawkes and Jeff Kriet.
The collegiate anglers will enjoy numerous incentive and discount purchasing programs provided by BoatU.S. Angler, Cabela's, Pure Fishing, Costa Del Mar, Sperry Top-Sider and Gemini Sport Marketing, as well as product samples provided by all the sponsors on site at the event. Contestants will also receive travel stipends and complementary meals to further offset costs. Scholarships and merchandise awards will be made to the top finishers - all designed to promote the growth of collegiate bass fishing.
"We continue to be impressed by the rapid growth of this tournament and collegiate bass fishing as a whole, but we're most proud to be here to provide these students the support they need both on and off the water. The dedication and can-do attitude that they bring to the table is so encouraging for the future of tournament angling and the sport of recreational fishing," said Mike Pellerin of BoatU.S. Angler.
All of the action and excitement during this event will be captured by Careco Multimedia's camera teams and will be featured on the television series airing on the Versus network starting this August on Saturdays at 12:30PM EST.
"This field size this year is amazing. This event features some of the anglers who participated in our very first event in 2006. As seniors this year, they will be transitioning into the business world and will be ambassadors of the sport of fishing based on their experiences at this event and others," stated Wade Middleton, Tournament Director.
All tournament activities will take place at Sneaky Pete's, located on Lake Lewisville in Lewisville, Texas. The official practice period is May 26 & 27. Registration and the pre-tournament banquet will take place on the evening of May 27. Competition days are May 28 & 29. For updates on the event, visit www.collegiatebasschampionship.com .
The 73 schools that will be represented include: Arizona State University, Arkansas Tech University, Auburn University, Baylor University, Boise State University, Clemson University, Drury University, East Carolina University, Eastern Kentucky University, Eastern Oklahoma State College, Faulkner University, Florida Gulf Coast University, Freed-Hardeman University, Friends University, Georgia College & State University, Henderson State University, Indiana University, Kansas State University, Lamar University, Louisiana State University - Shreveport, Louisiana Tech University, Metro State College of Denver, Midwestern State University, Murray State University, North Carolina State, Northeastern A&M College, Northwestern State University, Oklahoma State University, Penn State University, Purdue University, Radford University, Sam Houston State University, Southeast Missouri State University, Southern Illinois University - Carbondale, Stephen F. Austin State University, Tarleton State University, Tennessee Tech University, Texas A&M Galveston, Texas A&M Kingsville, Texas A&M University, Texas State University, Texas Tech University, University of Alabama, University of Alabama - Birmingham, University of Arkansas, University of Arkansas - Little Rock, University of Arkansas - Monticello, University of Central Arkansas, University of Central Florida, University of Florida, University of Iowa, University of Kentucky, University of Louisiana Lafayette, University of Louisville, University of Mississippi, University of Montevallo, University of Nebraska - Lincoln, University of Nevada - Reno, University of North Alabama, University of North Texas, University of Oklahoma, University of Oregon, University of South Alabama, University of Tennessee - Chattanooga, University of Tennessee - Knoxville, University of Tennessee - Martin, University of Texas - Arlington, University of Texas - Austin, University of Texas - Tyler, University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point, Virginia Tech University, Wabash College, and Western Kentucky University.
National supporters of the BoatU.S. Collegiate Bass Fishing Championship and Association of Collegiate Anglers events include: BoatU.S., Cabela's, BoatU.S. Angler, Ranger Boats, TruckVault, Costa Del Mar, Berkley, Aviva Fishin Buddy, Sperry Top-Sider, Sebile Lures, frogg toggs, Columbia Sportswear, Yamaha, Plano, Garmin, Power Pole, All Star Rod, Abu Garcia, Gemini Custom Apparel, Columbia Sportswear, Power Pole, Activision's Rapala Fishing Frenzy, American Rodsmith, Lago Vista Lodge, City of Lewisville, Dodge, Sneaky Pete's and The Bass Federation.
|
|
ICAST is just around the corner but several manufacturers are letting a few new baits leak out of their bags of tricks prior to the industries grand opening for 2010. Laserlure is one of them.
Laserlure just announced a new Rattling Laser, a lipless rattling crankbait that is laser enhanced, and has several other new baits in their plan for introduction as well. How about a new Laserlure topwater?
Stay tuned to Wired2Fish for your chance to own a couple of these new baits.
|
|
A short break in the BASS Elite Series allowed us to get caught up with several top pro's on Wired Radio. This week we have had the opportunity to talk to Kevin Short, Mike McClelland and Shaw Grigsby. Check out Wired Radio today to hear Shaw Grigsby talk about his year. Tommorrow look for Mark Menendez!
|
|
Today on Unplugged Pete Robbins has a chance to talk to Tim Horton about a bait he helped design and how it worked for other anglers at Guntersville. Its a great read and shows the gamesmanship that is involved in professional fishing.
|
|
For veteran Alabama pro Tim Horton, the recent Elite Series tournament on Lake Guntersville spawned a mixed bag of emotions. There was a bit of frustration in missing a check – he finished 57th, barely outside the slugfest’s cut, the first time he’s missed the money on the Big G since 1997, when he fished it in only his third event as a big-time pro.
|
|
2009 Classic Champ Skeet Reese partners with Wright & McGill Co. to create a new line of Signature Tessera Rods. To read the full story click here.
|
|
 Wired photo
COATESVILLE, PA (May 19, 2009) – HI-SEAS is proud to announce the addition of five-time Bassmaster Classic qualifier Jeff Kriet to its growing Pro Staff of world-class anglers. Hailing from Ardmore, Oklahoma, he has been fishing B.A.S.S. tournaments for the past 16 years, the last ten on the Bassmaster Elite Series, where he has proven to be an accomplished angler and consistent competitor.
“Jeff came to us after being introduced to HI-SEAS 100% Fluorocarbon line,” said Steve Miller, Sales Manager. “He is a highly regarded pro and we were delighted he was so interested in one of our signature products, which we’ve been refining specifically for the bass market.”
Early on, Kriet realized the potential of fluorocarbon line for a variety of techniques he relies on, but he was disappointed with the performance of the brands he initially tried. Then fellow Elite Series pro Cliff Pace gave him a couple spools of HI-SEAS 100% Fluorocarbon and that was all it took for him to become a believer.
“I had almost lost confidence in fluorocarbon over the past couple of years because the brands I had been using didn’t perform well and were unreliable,” Kriet said. “Since I started throwing HI-SEAS Fluorocarbon my confidence came back and with good reason. HI-SEAS Fluorocarbon has a thinner diameter than the other brands. Their 20-pound is as thin as the competitions 15, which let’s me use a stronger line without sacrificing performance and handling characteristics. This adds a real comfort factor to my fishing, especially in tournament competition where I’m frequently tossing baits into cover. All these attributes are extremely important to me since fluorocarbon is the perfect type of line for the finesse techniques I rely on so much!” In addition to fluorocarbon, Jeff has been experimenting with various HI-SEAS monofilament lines and Grand Slam Braid, which he reports have been performing beyond his expectations. “I’ve been impressed with all the line products from HI-SEAS and look forward to working with them while representing the brand on the professional bass tour,” he said.
“Jeff Kriet is a tough competitor who really knows tackle and what it takes to get the most out of it,” said Mike Shields, VP Sales & Marketing. “When he tells you that your products outperform the competition you can take it to the bank. He will be instrumental in helping us develop and introduce new products that are sure to raise the bar for line performance in bass competition.”
Over the past few years Jeff has been featured on numerous television programs, in dozens of magazines and newspaper articles and in product advertisements for his sponsors. He will be fishing the Bassmaster Elite Series, the Bassmaster Central Open events and the PAA Tournament Series in 2009.
For over 30 years AFW & HI-SEAS has been providing serious freshwater and saltwater anglers with the finest quality line, leader, and rigging products. AFW has the largest selection of wire line and leader products in the industry. All wire, strand, and cable is manufactured in the United States. HI-SEAS offers a variety of lines specifically designed and formulated to meet any fishing challenge. Visit online at www.americanfishingwire.com or www.hiseas.net. High-resolution images are available upon request.
|
|
Want to be a better caster and have some fun too? TLS Concepts of Mt.Zion, Illinois has a cool casting game that works great for high school, college, or even pro anglers. Its called FishNDarts and it allows for accurate scoring, flipping, pitching and casting techniques and a whole lot of fun while you are doing it. No longer do you just cast to a target. Each cast with a specially designed plug attaches to the target for accurate scoring. Different color plugs are used so multiple casters can play. The neat part of it is you can design obstacles to make the cast just like you are on the water.
Check out this great new casting educator and you will get better at putting the bait where you want it!
It retails for $59.99 and you can learn more about it by clicking here. |
|
DAVENPORT, Iowa (May 19, 2009) – The Walmart Bass Fishing League All-American presented by Chevy is set to take place on the Mississippi River May 28-30. This prestigious championship, hosted by the Quad Cities Convention & Visitors Bureau, annually shines an international media spotlight on the nation’s best weekend anglers.
“The Walmart BFL All-American presented by Chevy is a championship event unlike any other,” said Charlie Evans, president and CEO of FLW Outdoors. “This championship gives the best weekend anglers from all across this great country the chance to compete on one of the best fisheries, the Mississippi River, and ultimately vie for the chance to qualify for the Forrest Wood Cup, the crown jewel of bass fishing.”
In addition to incredible fishing, the All-American will feature a Free Family Fun Zone and Outdoor Show with children’s rod and reel giveaways courtesy of Cumulus Quad Cities and a home entertainment package giveaway on the final day of competition. For full details, visit www.flwoutdoors.com/allamerican.
The three-day show will be held at the RiverCenter located at 136 E. 3rd St. in Davenport, Iowa. The Family Fun Zone and Outdoor Show will open at 2 p.m. Thursday, May 28 and Friday, May 29. On Saturday, May 30, the show will open at noon. Daily takeoffs will be conducted at 7 a.m. from Sunset Park Marina in Rock Island, Ill., and weigh-ins each day will be held at the RiverCenter at 4 p.m. The home entertainment package winner will be drawn from the crowd during the final weigh-in. Admission and all activities are free.
Prior to the event, Team Chevy will be in town for Chevy Pro Night at Lujack Chevrolet, located at 3700 N. Harrison St. in Davenport, from 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, May 27. The team, consisting of Jimmy Houston, Larry Nixon, Luke Clausen, Kim Stricker, Dion Hibdon, Anthony Gagliaradi and Jay Yelas, has accumulated seven tour-level victories in FLW Outdoors competition alone. This team also boasts combined FLW Outdoors earnings of more than $4.5 million. Hibdon and Clausen also are two of only five anglers in the history of the sport to have won both the Forrest Wood Cup and the Bassmaster Classic.
The first 100 fans attending Chevy Pro Night will receive a free FLW Outdoors hat. Additionally, fans can register to win fishing rods, fishing tackle, a die cast Ranger boat and children 14 and under can register to win youth rod and reels.
Coverage of the BFL All-American will be broadcast in high-definition (HD) on VERSUS, the network which brings anglers the best fishing programming on television featuring the most-trusted authorities on the water. The Emmy-nominated “FLW Outdoors,” will air Aug. 23 from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. ET. “FLW Outdoors,” hosted by Jason Harper, is broadcast to approximately 500 million households worldwide, including internationally through agreements with WFN (World Fishing Network) and Matchroom Sport making it the most widely distributed weekly outdoor-sports television show in the world.
|
|
LaGrange, Indiana's Poor Boys Baits has a new Kickin Darter Jr. that is one vibrating mutha. It makes the ultimate trailer on a swim jig and many anglers are using it as a trailer on chatterbait style baits as well.
Even on a 3/4 ounce football head the bait rocks and thumps. The Jr. is 3 1/2 inches bow to stern and has a very unique boot style tail that can only be made as a hand poured product. The dynamics of the shape give it vibration characteristics that are very different from other similarly shaped products.
The Poor Boys Kickin Darter Jr. comes in 6 colors and anglers like Greg Mangus and Steve Clapper swear by it!
|
3,400 Boaters Nationwide Will Need A Helping Hand
On-The-Water This Memorial Day WeekendLikely Culprits: Incomplete Spring Commissioning, Bad Fuel
ALEXANDRIA, Va., May 18, 2009 -- This holiday weekend, BoatU.S. Towing Services is projecting that 3,400 recreational boaters and anglers nationwide will need some type of on-the-water assistance. The biggest reason why boaters will need a tow back to a marina or launch ramp is likely the result of incomplete spring commissioning, as well as fuel that has gone bad over the long winter storage period. Battery jump starts, fuel drop offs, and ungrounding services are other common reasons why boaters may call for a helping hand.
"We expect the switchboards at our 24-hour Atlantic and Pacific call centers will start to light up on Thursday the 21st and stay busy through the holiday weekend," said BoatU.S. Towing Services Vice President Jerry Cardarelli. The towing service, which includes the TowBoatU.S. and Vessel Assist branded fleets, has over 290 locations on coastal waters as well as freshwater lakes and rivers throughout the U.S.
The Memorial Day weekend marks the traditional start of the recreational boating season in which many boats hit the water for the first time. Some boaters rush spring commissioning items, only to have problems later on the water. A free Spring Safety Pre-launch Checklist is available online at BoatUS.com/freebies/springlist.htm . Others may have not followed recommendations on how to store E-10 fuel over the winter, leading to bad gas in the spring.
Since the beginning of the year, favorable weather patterns in many parts of the country have caused an uptick in the volume of calls for assistance. "Year to date, we are up 5% in the number of towing incidents in Florida, California, Texas, Georgia, the Carolinas, Virginia and Maryland, largely because of good weather," Cardarelli added.
Cardarelli also believes that the nation's economic troubles are a having an impact on the increasing volume of calls. "Recreational boating is largely middle class, and right now many household budgets are tight, leaving less money for maintenance and repair on the family boat. The leads to more breakdowns," said Cardarelli.
Another factor has been fuel prices. "Lower fuel prices bring more people out on the water, which also correlates to increased use of towing services," he said.
Like an auto club, BoatU.S. offers freshwater "Unlimited" on-the-water assistance plans starting at $53 a year and saltwater plans at $135. Without a towing plan, boaters face costs that nationally average about $600 per incident. For more information on BoatU.S. Towing Services call 800-888-4869 or visit http://www.BoatUS.com/towing .
|
|
WKU's Andy Southard and Adam Hock Take 1st Place
Camden, Tennessee - 80 collegiate anglers representing 21 universities throughout the southeast met at Birdsong Resort in Camden, Tennessee on Saturday, May 16 to contest the Tennessee River Rumble on Kentucky Lake. This event was the final of 5 regional events sanctioned by the Association of Collegiate Anglers leading up to the 2009 BoatU.S. Collegiate Bass Fishing Championship (CBFC) scheduled for May 25 - 29 at Lake Lewisville, Texas. Careco Multimedia's camera teams were on hand to capture the action. Coverage of the regional events and the CBFC will be featured on the collegiate bass fishing championship television series that will air on the Versus network Saturday mornings this fall.
The Tennessee River Valley received heavy rainfall prior to the event, causing Kentucky Lake to flood. Despite the high water conditions, these talented collegiate anglers managed to locate quality bass during the practice period.
20 teams hauled 5 bass limits to the scales and it took 17.45 pounds just to finish in the top 10. Adam Hock and Andy Southard of Western Kentucky University sacked 25.89 pounds to outdistance the nearest competitors by more than 6 pounds. Their impressive catch was anchored by an 8.02 pound largemouth bass that won big bass honors.
The humble anglers complemented each other and credited a true team effort for their success. Adam gave Andy credit for locating the bass infested area that produced the win and Andy commented that he enjoyed netting the big bass that Adam hauled in. Adam told the crowd at weigh-in, "We fished a 100 yard long stretch all day. It was a spawning bank loaded with big ones. Based on Andy's practice, we thought it would produce about 15 pounds, but we discovered there were more and bigger bass in the area than we realized." The team targeted spawning bass that they could not see due to the stained water color. A 5" tube in Roadkill color dipped in blue dye and Texas rigged with a pegged ¾ ounce tungsten weight proved to be more than the bass could resist. After catching a male bass, they'd remember the exact location and return later to catch the bigger female. The team also thanked their sponsors: Secret Lures, Yamaha, Skeeter, A2O Boating Supply, Airrus Rods, Shimano and Amzoil.
The team won free lodging for their club at the 2009 BoatU.S. Collegiate Bass Fishing Championship. They also won a $375 Cabela's gift card for being the highest finishing Cabela's Collegiate Cup team. Pure Fishing awarded $500 in merchandise to the pair for winning the Berkley Big Bag award. Because Adam landed the big bass using an All Star rod, Pure Fishing gave the team 2 All Star rods. Finally, Adam's 8.02 pound big bass qualifies him for the opportunity to enjoy an all expenses paid trip to Lago Vista Lodge at Lake Guerrero, Mexico where he'll join 4 other collegiate anglers to fish with Jeff Kriet and Wade Middleton. The trip will be documented and featured on an episode of Americana Outdoors television show.
The second place team of Jimmy Reynolds and David Lambert representing the University of Tennessee - Knoxville held the lead with 19.71 pounds until the last team weighed. Jimmy and David demonstrated their versatility by utilizing a variety of techniques and lures. They caught bass on deep diving crankbaits that were positioned on points and ledges in depths ranging from 10 -20 feet. They also found fish relating to 4 - 8 foot deep buck brush located in the mouths of pockets located in creeks. Pure Poison Jigs as well as spinnerbaits were also used by the team to extract quality bass from the cover.
Zach Caudle & Joe Landry of Louisiana State University - Shreveport claimed third place with 19.68 pounds - only three hundredths of a pound less than the second place team.
They practiced both shallow and deep and settled on a specific pattern targeting bass positioned on the points of two islands located near main river ledges. The team caught the 5 bass that they weighed in by 10:00 a.m. on Laser Lure Deep Diver crankbaits in the Spicy Shad color. Zach reported "With the Power Pole maintaining our position, we were able to focus on retrieving our crankbaits properly. They had to be banging the bottom in order to trigger strikes".
Rounding out the top 5 teams was:
University of Tennessee - Knoxville (Nick Tate & Phillip Hopper) 18.53
Eastern Kentucky University (Richard Cobb & Lee Bishop) 18.11
Additional tournament results and stories about collegiate bass fishing can be found at www.CollegiateBassChampionship.com .
National Sponsors of BoatU.S. Collegiate Bass Fishing Championship and Association of Collegiate Anglers events include: BoatU.S, Cabela's, BoatU.S. Angler, Ranger Boats, TruckVault, Costa Del Mar, Berkley, Aviva Fishin' Buddy, Activision, Sperry Top-Sider, Sebile Lures, frogg togggs, Columbia Sportswear, Yamaha, Plano, Garmin, Power Pole, All Star Rods, Abu Garcia, American Rodsmiths, Gemini Custom Apparel, Lago Vista Lodge, City of Lewisville, Sneaky Pete's, The Bass Federation and Dodge Trucks.
|
By Alan McGuckin, Dynamic Sponsorships
Bass fishing fans with a sharp memory might recall a young angler wearing a Yankees visor and a shirt void of sponsor logos winning the Toyota Tundra Rookie of the Year title back in 2005.
But unless you had fished against him locally on Champlain, Candlewood or Cayuga you probably had no idea who Dave Wolak was. You may have also wandered why he wore a Yankees logo instead of one tied to a fishing-related sponsor.
Fact is, Dave Wolak didn’t have any sponsors during his rookie year on the Bassmaster tour, and he darn sure didn’t have the warm and fuzzy feeling of home when the schedule took him to reservoirs hundreds of miles from his roots in eastern Pennsylvania. Wolak was new to the national scene and the hat provided a comfortable subconscious connection to a team, a sport and a place that made his soul feel content.
Home was Scranton in eastern Pennsylvania, 2 hours west of the shadows of Yankee Stadium. Wolak was a 6’ tall, 210-pound multi-sport athlete for the Scranton Prep Cavaliers, but baseball was his best sport. “I had a real strong senior year in 1994. I hit .500. I had a strong arm from my third base position, and I was a good hitter, but I knew my lack of speed would limit me long term,” said Wolak, who has qualified for 4 Bassmaster Classics.
Don’t let Wolak undersell himself. He was good enough to play college ball at Misericordia University in Pennsylvania. “I stayed at third and first base in college. I wasn’t quick enough for middle infield, and while I tried to play catcher, that’s a tough, tough position to learn. And learning to play catcher once you reach college is too late. I also played baseball in a very competitive summer league, but a snow-skiing related ACL injury along with the super-tough science curriculum I was enrolled in eventually put the brakes on my baseball career,” said Wolak.
A Toyota Trucks visor has replaced the Yankees visor, but that hasn’t changed his love of the game, the Yankees, and his favorite player Hideki Matsui. If you know Wolak, you know why he likes Matsui – the two are very similar. “I’m a fan of guys that play hard, keep their mouth shut and mind their own business,” said Wolak.
And yet mid-way through his fifth successful season as a pro angler, his passion for baseball still burns. “I miss it. I loved to hit a baseball. Hitting was like an obsession to me. Just walking out on to the fresh cut field with a bat in my hand to take the photo for this article excited my passions for the game.”
Editor’s Note: This is the first of a two part series on bass pros and their baseball playing backgrounds. In the weeks ahead, we’ll also talk to former ace high school pitcher Terry ‘Big Show” Scroggins.
|
|
Lake Fork Trophy tackle has some great new line with their Parallelium Fluorohybrid fishing line. Its a silky smooth fluorocarbon mono hybrid atht is super tough. They also have PowerSilk which is a low stretch mono. Wired2Fish and Lake Fork Trophy Tackle ran a contest the last week and we now have winners.
The answers to the questions are:
1. Where is Lake Fork Trophy Tackle Headquarters, please give town? Emory, TX
2. What bait(s) did Mark Pack use to win the FLW Open last year? Lake Fork Hyper-Worm with a 3/16 homemade jig. He also fished a LFT Hyperfreak and a Lucky Craft 2.5 crankbait.
3. What company makes Parallelium? Advancium Technologies
4. What is the name of Lake Forks crawfish bait? LFT Craws
Here are your winners:
Brent Fasse
Independence, MO
Eric Mcgaha
Spring, TX
Pete Mendoza
Merrillville, IN
Trent Clark
Mt. Vernon, KY
|
|
Wired2Fish contributor Alan Clemons is retired from the Huntsville Times but is far from done writing and he has a new blog that is both funny and informatiive. To read his latest edition click here. |
|
Skeeter hopes to yet again break attendance records at its annual Owner’s Tournament scheduled for June 20-21 on the bass-rich waters of Lake Fork, Texas. Last year’s event was one of the company’s largest Owner’s Tournaments in corporate history, with 1,630 anglers competing from 808 Skeeter boats.
“Our annual Owner’s Tournament is like a family reunion, and our owner’s always put the event on their schedule well in advance,” says Skeeter’s National Sales Manager, Ben Jarrett. “People view this as an inexpensive way to kick-off the summer with a short, quick vacation. Folks come to enjoy the vendors and sponsor exhibits, food, fishing lore, camaraderie and most importantly, the competition.”
Jarrett adds that each year, Skeeter’s Owner’s Tournament draws anglers from almost every state. “Folks come from everywhere, bringing spouses, friends, grandparents, kids and pets, often staying in recreational vehicles or camp sites, making it a true family reunion. While the event is built around having a good time, our owners are serious about the competition, as there is significant cash on the line for fishing well.”
This year, Skeeter will give away more than $150,000 in cash and prizes, including a Skeeter ZX200 powered by a Yamaha VZ200 to the overall big bass winner. Cash payouts will total $3,550 per hour, with each top hourly winner receiving a check for $700, providing 130 chances of walking away with a check during the two-day tournament. Each person registered for the tournament will have the opportunity to win a Yamaha 350 4x4 Grizzly in a random draw. Prizes will also be awarded to top anglers in the Junior and Ladies Divisions.
“There will be plenty of activities dockside, as we’ll have vendors and sponsor exhibits, seminars and autograph sessions with several of our Team Skeeter Bassmaster Elite Series anglers and demo rides in a collection of our bass and bay boats,” says Jarrett.
The Guide to Green competition will be held on Saturday, matching the day’s hourly big bass winners in a two-hour, five-fish-limit shootout with Team Skeeter professional anglers and local Lake Fork guides, including Kelly Jordon, 2008 Bassmaster Classic Champion Alton Jones, Todd Faircloth, Harold Allen and Zell Rowland, among others. The winner will receive an all-expense paid trip for two to the 2010 Bassmaster Classic in Birmingham, Alabama, including VIP credentials.
As with each Owner’s Tournament, Skeeter encourages competitors to bring a new toy to support the company’s ‘Boat Load of Toys’ promotion, benefiting several East Texas-based charities.
Owner’s interested in pre-registering for the event may do so by visiting www.skeeterboats.com. Owners may also register on-site at Lake Fork Marina, June 18-19, and before 6:00 a.m. on June 20. Competition begins at 6 a.m. on June 20 in an hourly big bass format. The tournament continues at 6:00 a.m. on June 21, with an awards ceremony that afternoon. Cost is $80 per person, or $120, including a Limited Edition Kistler 6’9” Medium/Heavy Casting Rod. Hourly payouts are based on 800 boats.
|
The Berkley Experience Trailer is headed to the Scheels store in Sparks, Nev. The trailer will roll in May 22 – 24 and will offer demonstrations and interactive games for kids and adults.
The Berkley Experience Trailer gives the everyday angler the opportunity to view baits in the Berkley line and chances to see the baits in action. Kids and adults alike will enjoy fishing games and competing in knot tying contests.
“We want everyone young and old alike to enjoy the Berkley experience,” said Andrew Marks, Berkley Marketing Manager “In addition to our bait and line interactive displays we will have Abu Garcia reel demonstrations, interactive touch screens to learn how to “Catch More Fish” and a showcase for our latest and most innovative fishing products.”
Special sales and promotions will be offered wherever the Berkley trailer stops. If you are unable to make it by the trailer and test the interactive components in Sparks, Nev., look at the upcoming events.
May 22 – 24
Scheels – Sparks, Nev.
Legends at Sparks Marina
1200 Scheels Drive
Sparks, NV 89431
Phone: 775-331-2700
Upcoming Events
May 29 – 31 – Bass Pro, Manteca, Calif.
June 5 – 7 – Berkley Big Bass Challenge Tournament, Bethel Island, Calif.
June 19 – 20 – Gander Mountain, Lakeville, Minn.
July 30 – August 2 – FLW Cup, Pittsburgh, Pa.
October 2 – 4 – Gander Mountain, Tyler, Texas
|
A new Bass Boat Magazine is now online. Its a forum based site and its bass boat centric. To check it out click here. |
|
By Alan Clemons
Wired2Fish Special Contributor
DECATUR, Ala. – Thirty of the United States’ bravest hit Wheeler Lake on Sunday for the Semper Fi Army Strong bass tournament, part of a weekend of honoring some of the country’s military personnel who have been serving around the world.
|
Team BP pro Ray Scheide of Dover, Ark., caught a final-round total of 10 bass weighing 21 pounds, 1 ounce to win $200,000 in the $1.1 million Walmart FLW Tour Walmart Open presented by Kellogg’s on Beaver Lake. Scheide topped his closest rival, Mark Rose of Marion, Ark., by one pound, four ounces to earn the win and 200 points toward qualifying for the $2 million Forrest Wood Cup presented by Castrol and BP, which will be held July 30-Aug. 2 on the Three Rivers in Pittsburgh, Pa., where they could win as much as $1 million – the sport’s biggest award.
“It really feels good today to have a little redemption,” said Scheide, who won his first event with FLW Outdoors in more than five years. “Yesterday I missed some opportunities, but actually today I only had five bites. I caught the big one about 11 o’clock, but didn’t get my limit until after one.
“I had some options to go out and catch spots. But there was only one way to come back and try to make a run at this thing and that was to fish for largemouths.
Scheide said the fish were relocating each day. “One day they would be in real shallow water, the next they would be under trees. Today I actually got my first two bites in about eight to 10 foot of water. I just started running through new water and caught a majority of my fish on banks I had not even fished.”
“It was slow out there today,” said Scheide, who fished from Prairie Creek down to Coppermine. “I got my first bite around nine and another about 10. I was throwing a chigger craw and a big profile bait, alternating between them. That just shows my confidence in flipping baits right there.”
Scheide opened the tournament Thursday in 13th place with five bass weighing 11-7. He moved to seventh place Friday on the strength of a five-bass catch weighing 10 pounds, 9 ounces to advance into the final round of 10 pros with a two-day total of 10 bass weighing 22 pounds even. On Saturday, weights were cleared, and Scheide caught five bass weighing 8-13 to advance to the final day of competition in fourth place. Scheide added another five bass weighing 12-4 to his final-round total Sunday.
Rose caught a final-round total of 10 bass weighing 19-13 to claim second place and $55,000.
“I started off catching the same fish today as I had been, they were just smaller,” said Rose, who would catch his limit early and then move on to new water searching for bigger fish. “I stayed there too long. I caught about 15 keepers, but I was still trying to get to seven or eight pounds.
“I was running out of time to go flip and when it got down to it, I only had about an hour and forty-five minutes to go fishing and I culled three times. Had I done that three hours earlier, who knows?”
Rose was using a topwater bait early in the week, but on the final day said he had to slow down using a shaky head. “I weighed in every fish today on that except one right at the end. I flipped in a trash pocket where I had to put it in four-wheel drive and go get it.”
Rose, who said it was hard to feel bittersweet about finishing second, said “I wish I could finish second in every one of these. I have been at this 11 years and it would feel great to win one. I have finished everywhere from second to 200th and every place in between in those 11 years and I haven’t won one. How can you be upset with second place?”
Rounding out the top 10 pros were Team Kellogg’s pro Clark Wendlandt of Leander, Texas (nine bass, 19-12, $45,000); Jason Christie of Park Hill, Okla. (eight bass, 18-11, $35,000); Keith Combs of Del Rio, Texas (10 bass, 16-14, $30,000); Team Chevy pro Jay Yelas of Corvallis, Ore. (eight bass, 16-4, $28,000); Team Pringles pro Gabe Bolivar of Ramona, Calif. (eight bass, 16-1, $26,000); Team Berkley pro Glenn Browne of Ocala, Fla. (nine bass, 13-10, $24,000); Rob Kilby of Hot Springs, Ark. (10 bass, 13-6, $22,000); and Team National Guard pro and current Land O’Lakes Angler of the Year Brent Ehrler of Redlands, Calif. (eight bass, 12-3, $20,000).
Overall there were 43 bass weighing 84 pounds, 14 ounces caught in the Pro Division Sunday. The catch included six five-bass limits.
Brent Bridgeman of Elkmont, Ala., won the Co-angler Division and $40,000 Saturday with a five-bass limit weighing 7 pounds, 5 ounces followed by Zac Cassill of Fairfax, Iowa, in second place with five bass weighing 7-3 worth $15,000.
Bridgeman opened the tournament in second place Thursday with five bass weighing 9-14 while fishing with Bobby McMullin of Pevely, Mo. On Friday he slipped to third place with a five-bass catch weighing 6-0 while fishing with Team Febreze pro Craig Powers of Rockwood, Tenn. He wrapped up his win while fishing with Team Berkley pro Glenn Browne of Ocala, Fla.
“I didn’t even practice for this event,” said Bridgeman, who is fishing his rookie season of the FLW Tour. “I showed up barely in time for the meeting.
“My first cast on Beaver lake I caught my first keeper fish,” Bridgeman added. “First cast, first fish, first time on the lake. That’s a lot of coincidences.”
A custom airbrush artist for 21 years, Bridgeman decided to relocate from the west coast to fish the FLW Tour in 2009. Bridgeman grew up fishing tournaments with his father and won his first at age seven.
Bridgeman got the idea to fish the FLW Tour after researching Fantasy Fishing online. He had competed in a tournament at one point against angler Gary Yamamoto and had success and decided he could fish at the sport’s top level. Once he was verified to fish the Tour, Bridgeman packed his bags and moved to Alabama. That turned out to be a profitable move for Bridgeman.
“I figured I was in the top six or five,” Bridgeman said. “I thought it would take nine or 10 pounds to win it. I knew I had seven to eight pounds, and I’m glad it held up. I used a balance beam, and I bet that balance beam saved me.”
Bridgeman said he caught all of his fish on a green pumpkin with green and purple flake 6-inch Gary Yamamoto Swimming Senko rigged on a shaky head jig head.
“The fish would catch it on the fall,” Bridgeman said. “If they didn’t catch it on the fall, I’d just reel it in.”
Rounding out the top 10 co-anglers are Todd Lee of Jasper, Ala. (three bass, 6-3, $7,500); T.R. Fuller of Auburn, Ala. (four bass, 4-13, $5,000); Moo Bae of West Friendship, Md. (two bass, 2-10, $4,000); Eddie Laster of Morton, Miss. (one bass, 2-2, $3,500); Dirk Davenport of Delaware, Ohio (one bass, 2-1, $3,000); Shane Lehew of Charlotte, N.C. (two bass, 2-0, $2,500); Kevin Hawk of Ramona, Calif. (one bass, 1-15, $2,000) and David Hudson of Jasper, Ala. (one bass, 1-4, $1,750).
The total purse for the Walmart Open event on Beaver Lake was more than $1.1 million, including $10,000 through 50th place in the Pro Division. |
|
UNDER ARMOUR COLLEGE BASS ANNOUNCES LOCATION AND DEADLINE FOR 2009 NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
Arkansas River will be site for this year’s event
Monday, June 1 is sign-up deadline
ATLANTA (May 13, 2008) – Final exams are in full swing, and that can only mean one thing – school’s almost out for summer, and it’s time for the fifth annual Under Armour College Bass National Championship that will award over $15,000 in cash and prizes in the season’s final tournament. Bass fishing’s most prestigious collegiate championship to be televised on ESPNU and ESPN2, will take place on the Arkansas River in North Little Rock, Ark. Friday, July 10-Sunday, July 12.
All schools must hold a minimum of two sanctioned qualifiers. These qualifying results must be submitted to Hank Weldon at hweldon@careersports.com by Monday, June 1.
“The Under Armour College Bass National Championship was created to support bass fishing at the college club level,” said Steve Levi, general manager of fishing properties at Career Sports & Entertainment, the agency that owns the property. “We’ve seen tremendous growth every year, and we’re excited to welcome it back to the Arkansas River for three days of some of the most challenging but rewarding river fishing in the country.”
Anglers from each participating school will fish for large-mouth bass and spotted bass, with a five-fish limit. Teams will fish a standard three-day format, with the field narrowed down to the top five teams on the final day. Weights will then be zeroed, and the largest one-day total on Sunday will take the 2009 national title. The top five teams will split over $15,000 in cash and prizes. All Weigh-Ins will take place at Academy Sports + Outdoors in North Little Rock, Ark.
For the first year, College Bass has expanded its 2009 season with the addition of two Super Regional events to compliment its annual national championship. Each Super Regional offered more than $11,000 in cash and prizes.
The East Super Regional was held on Clarks Hill Lake in Evans, Ga. March 6-8. After three top ten finishes without a win in an Under Armour College Bass tournament, the Eastern Kentucky University team of Richard Cobb and Tyler Moberly finally claimed a championship trophy at the East Super Regional. Their two-day total weight of 24.84 pounds gave them the victory by more than five pounds.
The West Super Regional was held on Lake Palestine in Tyler, Texas April 18-19. The LSU-Shreveport team of Zach Caudle and Joe Landry won this event with a two-day total of 20.71 pounds.
For registration forms please contact Hank Weldon @ hweldon@careersports.com.
For more information, visit www.CollegeBass.com.
|
|
Eufaula, Alabama based Big Bite Baits continues to create new genre's of bass catching baits. Today they introduced the new 6" Squirrel Tail worm that is perfect for shaky heads, drop shots or Texas rigging. This was designed by Oklahoma and Elite Series pro Jeff Kriet and was showcased on the Bassmaster "Day on the Lake" TV show were he caught 16 keepers on a lake he had never seen before.
The unique shape combines a segmented upper body with a narrow, smooth lower body and a rattlesnake rattle tail. The 6" worm has more moves than a belly dancer convention and works great on a 1/0 or 2/0 light wire hook. We have seen 3 great colors that includes watermelon red/watermelon red tail, Tilapia/Tilapia tail, and redbug/redbug tail.
|
Mark Rose of Marion, Ark., weighed in a five-bass limit that weighed 13 pounds even during the first day of competition at the Walmart FLW Tour’s Walmart Open presented by Kellogg’s on Beaver Lake and ended the day with a slim 8-ounce lead. The Walmart Open features anglers from all across the United States, Mexico, Canada and Japan.
“On Beaver Lake, it’s all about getting in a comfort zone and then being able to go fishing,” said Rose, who has won more than $778,000 in FLW Outdoors events. “That’s what happened to me today.
“I caught a little limit of spots and then went flipping and was fortunate to catch my big fish on a Strike King Rodent in a bush,” Rose added. “The fish got me hung up, but I was able to get it out.”
Rose said he caught one of his larger fish in water he called “very clear.” He added the water he fished Thursday had little to no color at all. According to reports from many anglers, Beaver Lake has returned to its traditional clear state after heavy rains for an extended period of time in the area. During the 2008 Walmart Open, Beaver Lake was uncharacteristically muddy, and most fisherman caught fish using power fishing techniques.
“I got a few key bites that really helped me, but you never really know with fish,” Rose said. “I’ve got an area that has some keepers, but as far as getting those kicker fish that you need to get you over the hump on Beaver Lake two days in a row … that’s really hard on Beaver Lake. I’ve kind of clued in to what’s going on. It’s just a matter of getting the right bites.”
Rose said his strategy won’t change for the second day of competition. He said he would like to repeat his Day 1 performance and perhaps even eclipse the 13-pound mark.
“I’m not going to do anything different,” Rose said. “I’ve got an area I started in today that nobody tried to come in on. Hopefully I’ll get there in the morning and try to catch a limit and go from there.”
Rounding out the top five places are Thanh Le of Lake Havasu City, Ariz. (five bass, 12-8); Rob Kilby of Hot Springs, Ark. (five bass, 12-3); Andy Morgan of Dayton, Tenn. (five bass, 12-1); and Bryan Thrift of Shelby, N.C. (five bass, 12-1).
Team Chevy pro Jay Yelas of Corvallis, Ore., earned the day’s $1,000 Folgers Big Bass award in the Pro Division thanks to a 4-pound, 13-ounce bass.
Overall there were 702 bass weighing 1,233 pounds, 15 ounces caught by 154 pros Thursday. The catch included 118 five-bass limits.
Pros are competing for a top award of $200,000 this week plus valuable points in the hope of qualifying for $2 million Forrest Wood Cup presented by BP and Castrol, which will be held July 30-Aug. 2 on the Three Rivers in Pittsburgh, Pa., where they could win as much as $1 million – the sport’s biggest award.
Kevin Hawk of Ramona, Calif., leads the Co-angler Division with five bass weighing 10-0 followed by Brent Bridgeman of Elkmont, Ala., in second place with five bass weighing 9-14.
Rounding out the top five co-anglers are Dirk Davenport of Delaware, Ohio (five bass, 9-11); Ernest Cate of Springdale, Ark. (five bass, 9-8) and Alton Lackie of Germantown, Tenn. (five bass, 9-8).
Patrick Majors of Rogers earned the day’s $500 Folgers Big Bass award in the Co-angler Division thanks to a 3-pound, 3-ounce bass.
Overall there were 424 bass weighing 620 pounds, 9 ounces caught by 139 co-anglers Thursday. The catch included 37 five-bass limits.
Co-anglers are fishing for a top award of $40,000 this week.
The total purse for the Walmart Open event at Beaver Lake is more than $1.1 million, including $11,000 through 50th place in the Pro Division.
|
|
Davy Sanchez providing at the scene update of the conditions at Beaver Lake for the FLW Event.
Didn't get much sleep last night here at Lake Beaver. Another round of HEAVY thunderstorms came through the area late last night dumping another 1"-2" of rain. High winds and lightning have brought down many trees in the area also. This all contributes to an already high and muddy lake. Parts of the lake still remain clear to stained while other parts and coves are muddy. This could play into the hands of many different types of patterns on the lake this week.
Fish are in the spawn mood and some fish are on beds, it however may be difficult to find these fish with the colored water. Those fishermen that like to flip flooded brush are in heaven, the lake is covered with fresh flooded vegetation and trees. With another round of storms in the forecast look for the conditions on the lake to stay stained to muddy. The lake is not as high as last years trip here at Beaver, but look for the same type patterns to produce well.
|
|
Congrats to the winners of the Strike King Contest that concluded at noon today. We gave you several options on this one and many were correct. We did get some baits that Strike King doesn't make but that makes this fun for the judges.
The winners are:
Philip Ashby
Roanoke, VA
Tony Papazian
Salinas, CA
Ed Stinnett
Vacaville, CA
The correct answers were:
1. Tour grade shaky head jig and strike king 3X finesse worm, 3x centipede, Bitsy Bug Jig, Baby Rage Craw, ....you only had to name two.
2. Strike King Pro Team Journal Television
3. Flipping and pitching-can be used as a jig trailer and on a Carolina Rig
4. Lead guitarist in a rock band, brain surgery, Flipping Burgers
5. Under Armour College Bass
Stay tuned for more great contests very soon. We still have the Lake Fork Tackle Contest underway so sign up and answer the questions!
|
|
If you're registered in the Wired2Fish fantasy BASS league as TEXAS10Man (C. Snelgrove), then you need get in touch with the folks at Wired2Fish to claim your prize for kicking everyone's tail in last week's Southern Challenge. We've got a sweet W2F mouse pad we want to send your way, but you're one of the few folks in the fishing cyberspace that we don't have any background info for. Drop us an E-mail at feedback@wired2fish.com so we can hook you up.
For the rest of you W2F fantasy league participants (and ALL of our anonymous, lurking readers), if you've never joined in one of our contests, now would be a good time! Signing up for our contests is completely free, and it also ensures that we've got your info on file for when you rise to the top of the fantasy ranks.
We'll make it easy for you. Just follow this link to participate in our current contest: http://wired2fish.com/WhatsUp.aspx?ArticleID=2159
And don't forget, fantasy rosters lock later this evening for the FLW Tour event that kicks off tomorrow at Arkansas' Beaver Lake - so get to pickin'. We want to see a Wired reader take home the cash! W2F President Terry Brown says he's got the team to beat for this derby. Care to prove him wrong?
|
|
BASS announced Wednesday that Genuity™, Monsanto’s new trait innovation brand for corn, soybean, cotton and specialty crops, will sponsor the Bassmaster Elite Series’ Genuity™ River Rumble, set for June 11-14 on the Mississippi River in Fort Madison, Iowa. The event will mark the first foray into BASS sponsorship for Genuity™ and will be the seventh stop of the eight-event Bassmaster Elite Series regular season.
“We’re excited to debut our BASS sponsorship this year with our Genuity™ brand at the Genuity™ River Rumble in Fort Madison,” says Dion McBay,Monsanto U.S. Traits Marketing Lead. “Bass fishing has long been a beloved pastime of many American farmers. We want to help farmers enjoy time with their families off the farm too so we think this is a great sponsorship for our Genuity™ brand.”
In addition to sponsorship of the event, St. Louis-based Genuity™ will make a financial donation to the Community Services Food Pantry, which is affiliated with the Fort Madison United Way and serves the local community. The donation will be based on the number of pounds of fish caught during the tournament or an amount in line with an average Bassmaster Elite Series tournament.
From an activation standpoint, Genuity™ will bring to the event its Mobile Technology Unit (MTU). The MTU, a unique, traveling exhibit showcasing Monsanto’s latest advances in plant breeding and trait technology, will be on-site offering free tours during the event’s consumer expo on Saturday, June 13 and Sunday, June 14, beginning at 1 p.m. CT.
The sponsorship agreement also includes a presence across BASS’ multimedia assets, including The Bassmasters on ESPN2, Bassmaster Magazine and Bassmaster.com.
“It’s important to continue to engage non-endemic companies like Genuity™ in the sport of bass fishing,” said Tom Ricks, vice president and general manager, ESPN Outdoors and BASS.
For more information on Genuity™, visit genuity.com.
Official sponsors of the Bassmaster Elite Series: Toyota Trucks, Berkley, BOOYAH Baits, Evan Williams Bourbon, Mercury, OPTIMA Batteries, Skeeter Boats, Yamaha Outboards.
Supporting sponsors of the Bassmaster Elite Series: Bass Pro Shops, Costa Del Mar, Ramada, SpongeTech and Triton Boats.
For more information, contact BASS Communications at (407) 566-2208 or visit Bassmaster.com. Visit ESPNOutdoorsMedia.com for ESPN Outdoors’ latest releases, schedules and photos.
|
|
Omega Custom Tackle, sponsors of Derek Remitz, has a new DVD on the market called Advanced Jig Fishing. They cover colors, depth, types of jigs and do it on numerous bodies of water across the Midwest in adverse conditions. Todd Barnes, owner of Omega, and his pro-staff give a detailed look at the art of jig fishing in this 120 minute DVD. To buy click here. |
|
Scales and Tales creator Bill McElroy's Birthday is today. From all of us at Wired2Fish and the Wired readers.......Happy Birthday Bill!
|
|
BASS announced Tuesday that Kevin Langill, a Bassmaster Elite Series angler, has been suspended for the remainder of the Bassmaster Elite Series season for his actions on Saturday, May 9, at the Elite Series event on Lake Guntersville. Langill will be eligible to participate in BASS’ other tournament trails in 2009 and can rejoin the Elite Series in 2010 if he qualifies.
|
Fish Harder Companies, LLC has joined Facebook. Their group, Fish Harder Companies, LLC, will be posting new information weekly. Make sure you check it out for news about our company, our pro staff and tips that'll help you catch more bass! |
|
May 21 Deadline to Comment
The nation's largest recreational boat owners group, BoatUS, is joining a chorus of boat, car and engine manufacturers including the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) and environmental groups such as the Sierra Club in saying "Not so fast" to a petition brought by the ethanol lobby to the EPA that would allow the amount of ethanol permitted in gasoline to be increased from 10% to 15%. BoatU.S is asking recreational boaters to speak out on the issue before the petition comment period ends May 21.
The trade group Growth Energy, which represents the ethanol producers, investors, and corn growers, wants to increase the use of ethanol in the nation's fuels. If successful, the petition would grant the ethanol industry a waiver to allow a 15% ethanol concentration in gasoline. However, BoatUS is concerned because boat engines were not designed for use with gasoline containing more than 10% ethanol, and using any greater concentration above that level may void engine warranties, damage motors and fuel systems and potentially lead to significant safety issues.
"We support renewable energy," said BoatUS Vice President of Government Affairs Margaret Podlich. "However, our recent experience with a nationwide roll-out of E10, or a 10% ethanol concentration, leads us to believe there has to be a lot more science and unbiased testing before we can universally accept E15." Podlich is referring to the widely known problems with ethanol's ability to attract water into gasoline, degrade fiberglass gas tank walls to the point of failure, and its solvent-like quality which has led to catastrophic boat engine failures and major repair or replacement costs.
"A few years ago, no one thought there would be any problems with E10, and there were. Boaters got stuck with the tab for repairs. Independent authorities have not tested higher levels of ethanol in marine engine systems, and its use may void a warranty. If this petition for a waiver is approved for E15 now - without testing it first for use with marine engines - boaters might be on the hook for these repair costs. All we are saying is let's first take a look at all the facts before we increase the use of ethanol by 50%," she added.
BoatUS urges boaters to go to www.BoatUS.com/gov before the federally-mandated comment period ends on May 21 to send the EPA an email asking them to deny the waiver for E15 fuel until more testing is done. BoatUS is part of a broad coalition of over 50 consumer, industry and environmental organizations working to ensure science is part of the federal decision.
###
About BoatUS:
BoatUS - Boat Owners Association of The United States - is the nation's leading advocate for recreational boaters providing its 600,000 members with government representation, programs and money saving services. For membership information visit www.BoatUS.com or call 800-395-2628.
###
|
|
Longtime organizer, promoter and fishing industry expert Larry Thornhill has introduced a new online magazine for serious anglers. Its called The Online Fishermen and it covers bass, walleye, and everything in between. The first issue is now available. To read it click here.
|
|
Homeowners in Roseberry Creek near Scottsboro Alabama on Lake Guntersville have gained significant ground in their quest to eradicate vegetation in that creek today. Government moneys were added to amount to $42,500 and they now have nearly 2/3 of the money needed to help clean up this creek. Summer conditions allow for milfoil and hydrilla to close the creek and homeowners have worked with the TVA to get the program started. The TVA has recently allowed homeowners to treat the weeds themselves saving the agency over 1.2 million dollars. They will begin treating approximately 900 acres very soon. To read more on this story click here. |
|
Wired regular John Green had the opportunity to ride with Aaron Martens in his recent win at Guntersville in the Southern Challenge. He also drew Skeet Reese in this event. Below is his account in blog format of how it went and his experience as a BASS Marshall. Good stuff John and great hoodie too!
SOUTHERN CHALLENGE
Ever wondered how one of those tournaments you see on television every Saturday works? How the anglers in the multi-colored shirts and wrapped boats fish? How a professional bass fisherman would approach your home lake? I have. For several years I’ve wanted to see a professional bass fishing event up close, and the Marshall program has allowed me the opportunity to do just that. In years past, I’ve put in to fish as a co-angler in similar type events, but was never fortunate enough to get drawn. It seems that your chances to fish as a co-angler are greater if you sign up for all the events, and I’ve never had the time, or the money, to do that. With the Marshal program, I was able to sign up for two events close to home, spend a minimal amount of money, and most important to me - I could participate on lakes that I fish, and not have to be concerned with any off-limits periods.
The BASS Southern Challenge on Lake Guntersville was my second Elite Series event to marshal. In April, I had participated in the Dixie Duel event on Wheeler Lake and enjoyed it immensely. I was looking forward to seeing how the pros approached the lake that I fish regularly. I knew there would be some good stringers caught, but had no idea they would catch them like they did. The numbers and quality were amazing. I kept thinking they would eventually run out of fish, but, with a few exceptions, they never did.
On Wednesday, I made the short drive from work to Lake Guntersville State Park Lodge to register. After several days of heavy rain, the sun was finally starting to shine thru. The previous rains had lots of chocolate colored water pouring into the lake. I wondered what effect that would have on the tournament. BASS staff had several signs along the way which were a help to me since I am somewhat directionally challenged. I arrived about thirty minutes prior and found no one in the registration line. Registration took all of five minutes. I was given a “goody bag” that included tournament information, directions on using the BassTrak phone, two sample packs of Berkley worms, a hat, a shirt, and a $25 Bass Pro Shops gift card. Didn’t care much for the hat, but the shirt was nice. I had to wait a little bit for the briefing to start. Marshals were briefed in one conference room and the pros in another.
Unlike the Wheeler event, this time there seemed to be plenty of marshals. Later, I heard they were short seven or eight, but these spots were quickly filled from the waiting list. I had called several friends to see if they were interested, but by the time they called the tournament director, the field was already full. During the briefing, BASS officials asked for six volunteers to marshal on Sunday. I had to decline due to church. I didn’t feel right about taking away the one day of the week set aside to worship our Lord. Some say he would understand, but I wanted to praise him for all the wonderful blessings he has bestowed on me. After a short briefing, they sent us over to the pros’ conference room and started the pairings. Anticipation was high.
Several of the top names went by, Alton Jones, Rick Clunn, Edwin Evers, Gary Klein, .… then finally my name was called. I drew Aaron Martens of Alabama. I met up with him, and we agreed to meet in front of the ranger station at the ramp. We were boat number 47, second flight. We agreed to meet at 5:30 for the 6:00 takeoff. For some reason BASS had decided to move the start time to safe daylight. Now the state park is about an hour and fifteen minutes from my house. I was counting on a 7:15 launch and a little more sleep. That wasn’t the case though. Sleep was a scarce commodity this tournament.
Thursday morning I got up and made my way to Guntersville State Park. I met up with Aaron and put my snacks and gear in a storage compartment. Aaron dropped me in the water, parked the truck, and we idled over to the launch site. While waiting, BASS gave weather updates, played music, and did some interviews. After the playing of the National Anthem, we lined up and took off. Aaron runs a Triton. Great riding boat. Aaron stopped just outside Town Creek where he had located some schooling fish. What happened over the next 9-1/2 hours was unbelievable. Aaron picked up a cranking rod and began working some shell beds with scattered rocks and stumps. His second cast produced a 2-3/4 pound keeper. In less than 10 minutes he had an 18-1/2 pound limit in the livewell. We left his first spot at 6:40 (after fishing for 25 minutes) with 19-3/4 pounds and 17 total fish.
The second stop would produce four fish in eight minutes upgrading his catch to 21-1/2 pounds. The most amazing thing to me – not another Elite boat in sight. No tournament boats, but Aaron noticed some local boats. To me, he seemed overly concerned about the locals. He made several comments throughout the day about them. I thought it affected his concentration a bit. Little did I know at the time that they would nearly change the outcome of the tournament. On his third stop he added a 4-1/2 pound spotted bass to bring his total weight to 22-1/2 pounds. We revisited each of the first three points, and, by the time we left, he had caught nearly 50 fish and had over 24 pounds in the livewell. It had taken him just over two hours. We headed upriver and stopped along a riprap shoreline. A 4-3/4 pounder engulfs his crankbait and is bleeding bad. Aaron decides to release it rather than take a chance on it losing it and incurring an eight ounce penalty. The rest of the fish here are small, and we head to his fifth spot. Another bass engulfs his crankbait and is bleeding. This time it’s a 5-1/2 pounder making the decision more difficult. Aaron works with the fish, and the chemicals and ice he’s using seem to revive her.
In another 25 minutes his 82nd fish comes aboard, another 5-1/2 pounder. He’s really building the weight now. By 11:00 we’ve moved to some flats and he’s ripping a lipless crankbait thru scattered grass. Fish number 96 is a chunky 4-1/2 pounder that offers no help. Five minutes later he hooks into and lands his largest of the day, a 6-1/2 pounder that pushes his total to over 29 pounds. It takes him right at five hours to catch 100 fish. That equates to a fish every three minutes. Aaron spends the rest of the day searching for new water. On one point he catches (or loses) a fish on 25 straight casts, and all the casts are to the exact same spot. Amazing. We both wondered just how many fish were down there. He finished the day with 137 fish and over 29 pounds. He also culled two 20 pound plus stringers. We both were anticipating some good weights on the first day, but never thought it would be as good as it was. Aaron’s weight tied him with for fourth with Ken Cook. I thanked him for the day and head home tired, dehydrated, and sunburned. Did I mention I forgot to pack enough drinks and sunscreen? A mistake I would pay for the next two days.
Friday I struggle out of beds with sunburned legs and feet. I had drawn Skeet Reese for day two and agreed to meet him at the dock at 5:30. He launched across the lake and drove the boat to the launch site. I was running about ten minutes behind, but we were boat number 97, in the fourth flight, so I wasn’t worried. When I walked up to the dock, Keith Alan was interviewing Skeet, and he was wondering why his marshal was late. To top it off, my wife and several friends (along with a few thousand others) heard the interview over the internet. Turns out I was bumped out of Skeet’s boat by a camera man that morning anyway. I was to ride with a camera boat driver, Charlie Bertus, until the camera man got enough footage. Charlie wanted to get ahead of the field, so we headed upriver to wait for Skeet. Skeet was fishing in South Sauty Creek, and we waited just below it on the backside of the river channel. Charlie pointed out the place that produced the lake record, a 14-1/2 pound giant. Seems Charlie knew where it was caught because he was the one who caught it! Skeet soon passed by us and we followed him to a point on a bend in the creek channel. He was cranking a ledge that dropped from five to twenty feet.
As I climbed (and with sunburned legs that’s exactly what I did) to the back of the boat, I noticed some water sloshing up thru the drain in the deck. Uh, Charlie, we seem to be taking on water. A surprised Charlie then informed me that the bilge pump wasn’t working. Great, fifteen miles from the launch and we’re sinking. Tinkering in the bilge area, Charlie soon surmised that no more water was coming in. Must have been some backwash from when we stopped. Skeet’s catching them pretty good, but not as good as yesterday. It takes two whole hours to get his limit at 16 pounds. By then, the camera man had left and I’m in the boat with the reigning classic champion. Pretty cool. Skeet’s had several big fish pull off, enough that he could have had a 20 pound sack. Around 9:00 we pull up on a long grass point just downstream from where we started. Denny Brauer had been there all morning and said he had about the same weight as Skeet. Skeet immediately caught several shorts on the same crankbait he had been using all morning.
Similar to Aaron, he threw a crankbait designed to run six to eight feet deeper than he’s fishing. Also similar to Aaron, he fished shell beds surrounded by stumps and scattered grass. Within ten minutes, Skeet put a 4-1/2 and 5 pounder in the boat pushing his limit to over 21 pounds. It’s then that I noticed Denny had put down his spinnerbait and was now cranking. By 9:30 we’re back to his starting spot and he quickly landed a 4-1/2 pounder. For a day that I thought would see smaller weights, Skeet’s really put them in the boat. An hour and a half later we’re sitting on a main river ledge that Skeet had found loaded with big fish in practice. This spot failed to produce the first day and only yielded short fish for him the second. A move slightly downstream produced a nice 4-1/2 pounder. It now takes a fish around 5 pounds to cull anything in the livewell. At 12:30 we headed to Pine Island where we found five other boats. Not much room, no bites, and plenty of tension as we get near Alton Jones’ primary spot. The lake fished small in some areas as several anglers found the same fish. Most spots had one particular “spot within a spot” that produced the larger fish. Alton wasn’t happy, but Skeet did no damage to his spot.
From what I heard, this wasn’t the only time two anglers were positioning for the same area. Skeet ran several more spots with only short fish to show for his efforts. Just before 3:00 he stops along the river channel and soon hooks up with his biggest fish of the day, a fat 6-1/4 pounder. He’s now matched his day one weight with over 25 pounds. I was sure he would move up into the top twelve. The rest of the day is spent looking for new water, but it’s hard for Skeet to get motivated with that kind of weight in the livewell. Back to the dock by 4:40 and the weights are once again huge. Skeet only moves up one place. Over 50 pounds in two days and he’s still not in the top twelve. Since I’m on the list to marshal the third day, I hang around for all of the weigh-in. About twenty minutes after it’s over, the remaining marshals and top 50 anglers gather for the day three pairings. My name is the first called and I’m paired with – what are the odds – Aaron Martens, the day two leader. Aaron said he had found a new spot that produced several five and six pound fish. I’m excited even though I’m pretty sure a camera man would bump me out again.
Day Three – Aaron Martens
I got up a little earlier since I didn’t want to be late two mornings in a row. I expected Aaron to be a little nervousabout running out of fish, boats following him, or the local fishing pressure the lake sees every weekend. I couldn’t tell any difference from the first day though. Same as before, he dropped me in, parked the truck, and we idled over to the launch site. As I expected I got bumped temporarily to the camera boat. I suggested to the camera boat driver that we head on over to Aaron’s first stop so we wouldn’t have to fight the boat traffic. Aaron soon arrived and began casting his crankbait to the subtle point where he had hammered them the day before. This was a different day though – no current. TVA is notorious for shutting the water down on the weekends making the bite a lot tougher. Surely this would be the day when the weights would drop. It didn’t take long for Aaron to put the first keeper in the boat, but the quality of the previous days wasn’t there. By 7:00 he had moved to stop number 2 and by 7:30 he put down the crankbait in favor of a jig. The jig quickly produced one over 10 pounds, but it was the wrong kind, a drum. In another thirty minutes Aaron’s on stop number three, a long point with scattered grass on top. Back to the crankbait and soon a big fish was on the line. It wouldn’t go to the weigh-in though, as it straightened out his trebles and pulled off. It took Aaron nearly two hours to get a limit today and it was a small one – only twelve pounds.
The lack of current was definitely affecting the bite. All of the fish were hooked on the back treble. Aaron remarked that the fish were biting funny. I wondered why he wasn’t trying another color when he swung a 4-1/2 pound fish into the boat. Fishing slowed again and one lone boat was left watching by 9:00. It was time to move. We headed to Town Creek where the wind was now howling with a storm on the horizon. A couple of stops produced nothing but shorts. The next move was a turning point in the day. Aaron pulls up on his first stop from day one. In less than thirty minutes he culled everything in the livewell and was up to 24 pounds. We would spend the next two hours graphing points with Aaron catching only short fish. At 12:10 we were back on the grass point where he had lost a couple of big fish earlier the day. After thirty minutes of cranking, Aaron decided to change from a shad pattern to a bream pattern. In the next twenty casts he would put a 4-3/4 and 6-1/2 pound fish in the livewell and was now over 27 pounds with his best five. After throwing back a 4-1/2 pounder, he decided to leave the spot for the final day. We watched a local tournament boat catch a couple of good fish near us on a spot several of the Elite anglers (including Aaron) had fished previously. After the boat leaves, we ease over to check it out and Aaron searched for the “spot within the spot”. Nothing doing, so we graphed some more points on the way back to the weigh-in. Nothing on them either.
Aaron was now cranking near his day one starting spot looking for another school. With only ten minutes before check-in, his rod bowed with the weight of a good fish. A few seconds later another 6 pounder is in the boat. The very next cast produced a 4 pounder; he had found another school for the final day. Aaron ended the day with over 60 fish and over 28 pounds in the livewell. I thanked him for the day and wished him luck tomorrow. As I made my way off the dock, a reporter asked what I thought about his chances tomorrow. Was his pattern bullet-proof? Yes I said. Current, clouds, sun, rain, wind…nothing seemed to affect him. Little did I know that local fishermen would be the silver bullet that nearly brought him down.
FINAL THOUGHTS
What did I take away from the tournament? Any secret lures or techniques? No. Any secret locations to catch fish? No. What I did learn -
1) The Elite Series anglers are very, very good. Most will figure out the fish within a couple days.
2) Factoring in the pressure, Guntersville Lake is the best bass fishery in the world.
3) Humminbird 1197c is an awesome unit. The one-foot contour intervals provide way more detail than any other unit I’ve seen. It shows a lot of subtleties that you miss with four or five-foot intervals. Unless my fantasy fishing teams bring in some serious cash though, I don’t see one in my near future.
4) Shell beds equal bass on the Tennessee River system.
5) Always remember the sunscreen.
6) That Clunn guy must know a thing or two about designing crankbaits.
7) Aaron Martens and Skeet Reese are class acts. Both were very intense about fishing, but took the time to make me feel welcome in their boats.
Would I do it again? Yep. Hope they come back to Guntersville next year.
|
|
Spro Corporation, Home of the Sports Professionals, just introduced the new MadEye Shad 25 crankbait and its the only crankbait of its kind that has a boot tail built right in. The MadEye was designed by walleye pro's Dean Arnoldussen, Tom Keenan and Pat Neu and is designed for not only walleye but bass as well. We got to test this bait earlier and the tight wobble, great colors and castability is second to none. You can cast this bait a country mile!
The MadEye 25 weighs 3/8 of an ounce, utilizes Gamakatsu trebles and comes in 8 great colors and is available now.
Here are the colors:
|
The Berkley Experience Trailer is headed to the Scheels store in St. Cloud, Minn. The trailer will roll in May 15 – 18 and will offer demonstrations and interactive games for kids and adults.
The Berkley Experience Trailer gives the everyday angler the opportunity to view baits in the Berkley line and chances to see the baits in action. Kids and adults alike will enjoy fishing games and competing in knot tying contests.
“We want everyone young and old alike to enjoy the Berkley experience,” said Andrew Marks, Berkley Marketing Manager “In addition to our bait and line interactive displays we will have Abu Garcia reel demonstrations, interactive touch screens to learn how to “Catch More Fish” and a showcase for our latest and most innovative fishing products.”
Special sales and promotions will be offered wherever the Berkley trailer stops. If you are unable to make it by the trailer and test the interactive components in St. Cloud, Minn., look at the upcoming events.
May 15 – 18
Scheels – St. Cloud, Minn.
Crossroads Mall
40 North Waite Ave.
St. Cloud, MN 55374
Phone: 320-252-9494
Upcoming Events
May 22 – 24 – Scheels, Reno, Nev.
May 29 – 31 – Bass Pro Manteca, Calif.
June 5 – 7 - Berkley Big Bass Challenge Tournament, Bethel Island, Calif.
June 19 – 20 – Gander Mountain Lakeville, Minn.
July 30 – August 2 – FLW Cup Pittsburgh, Pa. |
The Berkley Bass Tank will be at the FLW Tour Family Fun Zone in Rogers, Ark. The tank is scheduled to stop May 16 – 17 and will feature seminars and appearances by Berkley Pro Anglers.
Berkley sends two 4,000-gallon bass tanks all over the country to help out the everyday angler. Kids and adults alike will enjoy learning about new Berkley products and tips on how to use these innovative baits.
“The Berkley Bass Tanks are out on the road, giving all anglers the opportunity to hone their skills,” said Tammy Cox, Berkley Marketing Manager “Not only will attendees learn to “Catch More Fish,” they will also learn about new products that will help them become a better angler.”
May 16 – 17
FLW Tour Family Fun Zone
John Q. Hammons Center
3303 Pinnacle Hills Parkway
Rogers, AR 72758
If you are unable to make it by the FLW Tour Family Fun Zone, plan to attend one of these other upcoming events:
May 29-30 – BFL All-American Family Fun Zone, Davenport, Iowa
June 13-14 – BASS Elite Series Expo, Ft. Madison, Iowa
June 13-14 – FLW Tour Family Fun Zone, Benton, Ky.
|
Get ready for the new colors of the BBZ-1 4". The new Wicked Perch and Kill'er Gill colors are sure to catch some monster fish later this fall and are expected to hit the market shortly after ICAST in the first part of Sept of 09.
|
We just received this note from Bill Siemantel and wanted to pass it on to the Wired readers.
From Bill:
I want to personally thank all of the great people and companies who supported the 2009 Advanced Fishing Course during the Women in the Outdoor’s (WITO) event on Tejon Ranch in central/southern California. With over 41 different events to choose from and with the attendance for the 2009 event setting a new benchmark at 397 attendees, the Bakersfield’s WITO Chapter is the largest National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) organization and I believe the most successful women’s organization in the world. ( Photo By Steve Davies )
|
|
Lucky Craft had a successful weekend on Lake Guntersville. Lucky Craft crankbaits played a huge part this past weekend at the Bassmaster Elite Series event. Aaron Martens won the event with 107 pounds, 8 ounces His main bait was a Lucky Craft RC 2.5 DD (deep diving) crankbait.
Lucky Craft pro staff members Skeet Reese and Marty Stone were also fishing Lucky Craft baits and finished second and fifth, respectively. Reese was throwing the RC 2.5 and Stone was throwing the Lucky Craft BDS 4. Stone caught 30 pounds, 1 ounce on Saturday, the biggest sack of the day, to move him into second place going into Sunday’s final round.
To read more about this tournament and other Lucky Craft products click here. |
|
 EGreene photo
By Alan Clemons
Wired2Fish Special Contributor
GUNTERSVILLE, Ala. – About five years ago Aaron Martens’ first major tournament win on the “east coast” away from his California stomping grounds came in an FLW Tour event amid final-day controversy about receiving a citation for a fishing license.
Then there were the three runner-up finishes in the Bassmaster Classic, and an Angler of the Year title, and then last year’s infamous collapse with a 7-pound lead on the final day at Lake Amistad to open the Bassmaster Elite Series season.
So to say his victory Sunday in the Sta-Bil Marine Southern Challenge on Guntersville Lake was an expulsion of demons might be an understatement. After three straight days of consistency in the 28- to 29-pound range and a 7-pound lead, Martens stumbled a bit but didn’t fall to record his first Elite Series victory.
It is his fourth career Bassmaster win and first since 2002 when he won on the Bassmaster Western Open circuit. Martens total of 20 bass weighing 107 pounds, 8 ounces, was about three better than a hard-charging Skeet Reese of California and Kevin Wirth of Kentucky.
Reese finished with 104-4 while Wirth had 102-3. Mike Iaconelli of New Jersey was fourth with 101-1.
“I’ve never won one on the East Coast and have wanted to pretty badly,” Martens said. “I’ve got goose bumps.”
Friday afternoon, Martens said he had “been blessed by the good Lord all week with everything going perfectly. The only thing I’d want for the weekend is severe weather to keep away other people and make the fish bite.”
It rained, but not hard enough to keep away other anglers enjoying Guntersville’s bounty. The lake produced 5,318 pounds 5 ounces of bass in four days, with three 30-pound catches and an ungodly number of 25-pound bags.
“Unreal,” said veteran pro Harold Allen of Texas. “I’ve never seen a lake this consistent like this. Skeet said he probably threw back five 25-pound limits … five of them. That’s just amazing.”
But Martens stuck to his guns with four or five spots in the midlake area, working a Lucky Craft RC 2.5 deep diver in two colors – shad, and one with a green back, peach sides and orange belly that Martens called “tomato.” He also threw brown-camo jigs and some topwater, but the crankbaits were the key.
He said no other pros hit his spots during the week, a rarity, and he massaged them Sunday for his final-day catch of 19-15. That was about 10 pounds off his average from the first three days but enough to hold off Reese, the defending Bassmaster Classic champion who brought in his best limit of 27-11.
“Yeah, I was scared,” Martens said of returning with a light bag. “I knew Skeet needed 30 to do it and he didn’t have that, but I was still nervous.”
Martens has exhibited great maturity in the last five or six years. After winning the 2005 Angler of the Year title, it was a bit of validation after the license flap, the runner-up finishes in the 2002, 2004 and 2005 Classics and last year’s disaster on Amistad.
“It’s nice to win one with nothing else happening,” he said, grinning broadly.
Now the tour has a few weeks off before the June 3-6 event on Kentucky Lake, which may shape up almost identical to Guntersville. Bass will be on main channel ledges and in the grass, putting a premium on finding sweet spots and managing them for four days.
“This definitely gives me some drive to fish harder,” Martens said. “I always fish hard, but any time you win you have a little boost. Moving up in the Angler of the Year standings puts me in position to do something the rest of the season, too. I’m stoked.”
For the complete standings click here.
|
 EGreene photo
They say redemption is a dish best served cold but things have been getting frigid for Aaron Martens. Consumed with a missed opportunity at a 2008 Bassmaster Elite Series event on Texas’ Lake Falcon, Martens of Leeds, Ala., took one giant step towards exercising some demons Saturday as he built his three-day total to 87 pounds, 9 ounces, enough for a commanding 6-plus pound lead at the Marine Formula STA-BIL Southern Challenge on fish-factory Lake Guntersville.But Martens, the 2005 Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Angler of the Year, is not out of the woods yet as he has a host of challengers – Marty Stone of Fayetteville, N.C., is the closest with 80-13 – that will battle Sunday for the $100,000 top prize. Furthermore, the event at Falcon, a “disaster” in Marten’s mind, and this week are shaping up to be remarkably similar. Both absolute slugfests, Martens cultivated a big lead there too, only to falter on the final day.
So, it would be extra sweet for Martens to score his fifth BASS victory in a similar situation.
“This would definitely make me feel better,” said Martens, 36. “I still have some bad feelings surrounding that week at Falcon. I just can’t shake that event. But I have a great opportunity to make it happen here.”
Fishing fans can catch all of the on-the-water action from the Southern Challenge on The Bassmasters, which airs Saturday, May 16, at 9 a.m. ET on ESPN2. The daily weigh-ins for all regular-season Elite events and the two postseason events will air live on ESPN360.com, ESPN’s broadband sports network, while a wealth of unique content will also be available at Bassmaster.com. Fans can log on to Bassmaster.com throughout the competition to catch live, daily Hooked Up updates with BASS emcee Keith Alan.
Exhibiting consistency, Martens has posted daily totals in the 28- to 29-pound range each day of competition while others have ping-ponged around the leaderboard. And he is buoyed by a late find of a spot Saturday that produced heavily.
Adapting to changing conditions, Martens has been able to expand on some productive spots he found in practice. He has also been looking for new water each day scouting for “off-the-wall” stuff that isn’t hampered by local boat traffic.
Still, it has been three key spots, filled with grass and rock, that have proved to be most productive for Martens. One that he labels “ridiculous” will be where he starts Sunday. As the tournament has progressed, Guntersville has slightly slowed, and Martens lost some big bites in the morning. But a switch in bait color proved to turn on the bigger bass.
“Changing the color made a world of difference,” said Martens, who declined to discuss specifics of his bait selection or color. “After that, it was like every cast. I figured out something and I know how to make them bite.”
A solid tournament for Martens could signal bigger things to come. Heading into Guntersville, the West Coast product was in ninth in the Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Angler of the Year standings. A victory would move him up and put him in prime position to qualify for the Bassmaster Elite Series Postseason, which is set for Lake Jordan (Sept. 12-13) and the Alabama River (Sept. 17-18).
While Martens has been consistent, Stone hit his stride Saturday, vaulting into second place with a 30-pound, 1-ounce limit Saturday. However, Stone felt that he could have exhausted his area. It was Stone’s intention to just advance to the final day but after a magical Saturday, he has put himself in contention.
“I just lit it up today,” said Stone, 43. “This is the first 30-pound limit I have ever weighed in my career. It feels really good.”
Stone said Sunday he would visit the same ultra-productive spot and if it failed to produce, he had a few other secondary areas he would visit. After three consecutive years of failing to qualify for the Bassmaster Classic, Stone, with a solid finish at Guntersville, is looking to finish in the top 36 in the Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Angler of the Year standings and cinch up a qualifying berth into the 2010 Bassmaster Classic, set for Feb. 19-21 on Lay Lake and Birmingham, Ala.
Just behind Stone in third was Mike Iaconelli of Runnemede, N.J., with 80-2. The five-time BASS winner has been on a tear this year – save for a bomb at the Elite event on Arkansas’ Lake Dardanelle – and is looking to claim his second BASS victory on Guntersville.
Slipping from second to fourth was Mike McClelland of Bella Vista, Ark., with 77-4. Climbing to fifth was Skeet Reese of Auburn, Calif., with 76-9.
Heading into Guntersville, Reese, the 2009 Bassmaster Classic champion, was second in the Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Angler of the Year race. With a strong showing in hand at Guntersville, Reese is looking to gain on AOY leader Kevin VanDam of Kalamazoo, Mich.
VanDam, in a relative disappointment, finished 20th opening the door a little for Reese. Alton Jones, who was third in the AOY race, is right behind Reese in sixth at Guntersville. With just three regular-season events remaining, all three will be packed near the top after Sunday.
Also finishing safely in the top-12 cutline and advancing to Sunday were Jami Fralick of Martin, S.D. (seventh) and Matt Reed of Madisonville, Texas (11th).
The real star of the tournament thus far has been Guntersville. Anglers, in droves, have praised the famed fishery. Over the course of three days, Guntersville has yielded more than 5,000 pounds of bass and a number of anglers have reported landing more than 100 fish each day.
A BASS favorite, Guntersville has been the site of more than 20 previous BASS events, including the 1976 Bassmaster Classic, won by Elite Series pro Rick Clunn of Ava, Mo. The last time the Elite Series visited the popular fishery, in 2007, VanDam outlasted the field to claim the trophy. His winning weight of 66 pounds, 3 ounces, was more than 7 pounds the better over St. Louis’ Mark Tucker, who finished second with 59-1.
Fans are encouraged to attend the final day launch of the Southern Challenge (6 a.m. CT) and weigh-ins (4 p.m.) at Lake Guntersville State Park, 4242 Aubrey Carr Scenic Dr., Guntersville.
Other activities Sunday at the Southern Challenge will begin at 1 p.m. CT at Lake Guntersville State Park, featuring the popular Dog Training & Retriever Demonstrations Brought To You By SportDog, as well as the Southern Challenge Rib Cookoff on Saturday.
Sunday’s activities include the live taping of Hooked Up, hosted by ESPN Outdoors personalities Mark Zona and Tommy Sanders. The show, which will air live at 3:30 p.m. ET on Bassmaster.com, will preview Sunday’s final weigh-in.
All events at the Marine Formula STA-BIL Southern Challenge are free and open to the public. Up next in the Elite Series is the June 3-6 Tennessee Triumph on Kentucky Lake out of Paris, Tenn.
For more information, contact BASS Communications at (407) 566-2208 or visit Bassmaster.com. Visit ESPNOutdoorsMedia.com for the latest releases photos and more.
The local sponsor of the Southern Challenge is the Marshall County Convention & Visitor’s Bureau.
Official sponsors of the Bassmaster Elite Series: Toyota Trucks, Berkley, BOOYAH Baits, Evan Williams Bourbon, Mercury, OPTIMA Batteries, Skeeter Boats, Yamaha Outboards.
Supporting sponsors of the Bassmaster Elite Series: Bass Pro Shops, Costa Del Mar, Ramada, SpongeTech and Triton Boats.
About BASS
For more than 40 years, BASS has served as the authority on bass fishing. With its considerable multimedia 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 ESPN360.com, ESPN’s broadband sports network, Bassmaster.com, BASSInsider.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, Academy Sports + Outdoors Women’s Bassmaster Tour and the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing, the Bassmaster Classic. Through its grassroots network, the BASS Federation Nation, BASS annually sanctions more than 20,000 events.
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.
-30-
Media Contact: Doug Grassian; (407) 566-2216 or doug.grassian@espn.com
DAY 3 STANDINGS - MARINE FORMULA STA-BIL SOUTHERN CHALLENGE
2009 Marine Formula STA-BIL Southern Challenge 5/7-5/10
Lake Guntersville, Guntersville AL.
(PROFESSIONAL) Standings Day 3
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$
1. Aaron Martens Leeds, AL 15 87-09 310
Day 1: 5 29-02 Day 2: 5 29-12 Day 3: 5 28-11
2. Marty Stone Fayetteville, NC 15 80-13 295
Day 1: 5 26-15 Day 2: 5 23-13 Day 3: 5 30-01
3. Michael Iaconelli Runnemede, NJ 15 80-02 290
Day 1: 5 27-05 Day 2: 5 27-05 Day 3: 5 25-08
4. Mike McClelland Bella Vista, AR 15 77-04 285
Day 1: 5 30-10 Day 2: 5 26-13 Day 3: 5 19-13
5. Skeet Reese Auburn, CA 15 76-09 280
Day 1: 5 25-09 Day 2: 5 24-14 Day 3: 5 26-02
6. Alton Jones Waco, TX 15 76-08 276
Day 1: 5 28-12 Day 2: 5 22-15 Day 3: 5 24-13
7. Jami Fralick Martin, SD 15 76-06 272
Day 1: 5 26-11 Day 2: 5 24-11 Day 3: 5 25-00
8. Byron Velvick Del Rio, TX 15 75-15 268
Day 1: 5 29-04 Day 2: 5 25-14 Day 3: 5 20-13
9. Mark Menendez Paducah, KY 15 75-03 264
Day 1: 5 24-07 Day 2: 5 26-12 Day 3: 5 24-00
10. Todd Faircloth Jasper, TX 15 74-14 265
Day 1: 5 31-00 Day 2: 5 24-15 Day 3: 5 18-15
11. Matt Reed Madisonville, TX 15 73-13 257
Day 1: 5 25-12 Day 2: 5 23-08 Day 3: 5 24-09
12. Kevin Wirth Crestwood, KY 15 73-00 254
Day 1: 5 24-06 Day 2: 5 27-04 Day 3: 5 21-06
13. Greg Hackney Gonzales, LA 15 72-14 251 $9,506.00
Day 1: 5 22-02 Day 2: 5 27-00 Day 3: 5 23-12
14. Shaw E Grigsby Gainesville, FL 15 70-08 248 $9,506.00
Day 1: 5 24-08 Day 2: 5 21-10 Day 3: 5 24-06
15. Jeff Kriet Ardmore, OK 15 70-01 245 $9,506.00
Day 1: 5 23-04 Day 2: 5 19-12 Day 3: 5 27-01
16. Gary Klein Weatherford, TX 15 70-01 243 $9,506.00
Day 1: 5 22-10 Day 2: 5 21-09 Day 3: 5 25-14
17. John Murray Phoenix, AZ 15 70-01 241 $9,506.00
Day 1: 5 25-06 Day 2: 5 24-10 Day 3: 5 20-01
18. Denny Brauer Camdenton, MO 15 70-00 239 $9,506.00
Day 1: 5 23-01 Day 2: 5 23-07 Day 3: 5 23-08
19. Rick Clunn Ava, MO 15 69-14 237 $9,506.00
Day 1: 5 25-14 Day 2: 5 26-00 Day 3: 5 18-00
20. Kevin VanDam Kalamazoo, MI 15 69-11 235 $9,506.00
Day 1: 5 25-09 Day 2: 5 23-07 Day 3: 5 20-11
21. Russ Lane Prattville, AL 15 68-09 233 $9,506.00
Day 1: 5 25-12 Day 2: 5 24-14 Day 3: 5 17-15
22. Terry Scroggins San Mateo, FL 15 68-09 231 $9,506.00
Day 1: 5 22-04 Day 2: 5 23-12 Day 3: 5 22-09
23. Davy Hite Ninety Six, SC 15 67-14 229 $9,506.00
Day 1: 5 23-10 Day 2: 5 18-08 Day 3: 5 25-12
24. Wade Grooms Bonneau, SC 15 67-01 227 $9,506.00
Day 1: 5 19-04 Day 2: 5 22-14 Day 3: 5 24-15
25. Derek Remitz Grant, AL 15 66-07 225 $9,506.00
Day 1: 5 20-12 Day 2: 5 22-00 Day 3: 5 23-11
26. Brent Chapman Lake Quivira, KS 15 65-14 223 $9,506.00
Day 1: 5 18-13 Day 2: 5 25-11 Day 3: 5 21-06
27. James Niggemeyer Van, TX 15 65-05 221 $9,506.00
Day 1: 5 20-01 Day 2: 5 25-15 Day 3: 5 19-05
28. Randy Howell Springville, AL 15 65-04 219 $9,506.00
Day 1: 5 21-01 Day 2: 5 26-13 Day 3: 5 17-06
29. Bobby Lane Lakeland, FL 15 64-08 217 $9,506.00
Day 1: 5 24-00 Day 2: 5 20-12 Day 3: 5 19-12
30. Boyd Duckett Demopolis, AL 15 64-05 215 $9,506.00
Day 1: 5 26-03 Day 2: 5 17-12 Day 3: 5 20-06
31. Scott Rook Little Rock, AR 15 63-06 213 $9,506.00
Day 1: 5 23-07 Day 2: 5 22-12 Day 3: 5 17-03
32. Terry Butcher Talala, OK 15 63-04 211 $9,506.00
Day 1: 5 18-08 Day 2: 5 23-02 Day 3: 5 21-10
33. Britt Myers Lake Wylie, SC 15 63-04 209 $9,506.00
Day 1: 5 20-12 Day 2: 5 22-10 Day 3: 5 19-14
34. Dave Wolak Wake Forest, NC 15 63-03 207 $9,506.00
Day 1: 5 25-03 Day 2: 5 17-07 Day 3: 5 20-09
35. Greg Vinson Wetumpka, AL 15 63-02 205 $9,506.00
Day 1: 5 20-04 Day 2: 5 23-05 Day 3: 5 19-09
36. Edwin Evers Talala, OK 15 63-00 203 $9,506.00
Day 1: 5 24-12 Day 2: 5 26-05 Day 3: 5 11-15
37. Mark Davis Mount Ida, AR 15 62-13 201 $9,506.00
Day 1: 5 26-14 Day 2: 5 21-11 Day 3: 5 14-04
38. Gerald Swindle Warrior, AL 15 62-09 199 $9,506.00
Day 1: 5 20-09 Day 2: 5 21-00 Day 3: 5 21-00
39. Clark Reehm Russellville, AR 15 62-03 197 $9,506.00
Day 1: 5 15-09 Day 2: 5 28-14 Day 3: 5 17-12
40. Tommy Biffle Wagoner, OK 15 62-01 195 $9,506.00
Day 1: 5 22-01 Day 2: 5 22-06 Day 3: 5 17-10
41. Bradley Hallman Norman, OK 15 61-12 193 $9,506.00
Day 1: 5 20-09 Day 2: 5 24-14 Day 3: 5 16-05
42. Billy Mccaghren Mayflower, AR 15 60-14 191 $9,506.00
Day 1: 5 22-13 Day 2: 5 21-04 Day 3: 5 16-13
43. Ken D Cook Lawton, OK 15 60-07 189 $9,506.00
Day 1: 5 29-02 Day 2: 5 18-05 Day 3: 5 13-00
44. Bill Lowen North Bend, OH 15 59-14 187 $9,506.00
Day 1: 5 23-04 Day 2: 5 20-13 Day 3: 5 15-13
45. Kotaro Kiriyama Moody, AL 15 59-10 185 $9,506.00
Day 1: 5 22-02 Day 2: 5 22-06 Day 3: 5 15-02
46. Bernie Schultz Gainesville, FL 15 59-08 183 $9,506.00
Day 1: 5 22-15 Day 2: 5 21-02 Day 3: 5 15-07
47. Dean Rojas Lake Havasu City, AZ 15 59-05 181 $9,506.00
Day 1: 5 20-04 Day 2: 5 22-01 Day 3: 5 17-00
48. Kelly Jordon Mineola, TX 15 58-07 179 $9,506.00
Day 1: 5 20-05 Day 2: 5 26-14 Day 3: 5 11-04
49. Dustin Wilks Rocky Mount, NC 15 57-08 177 $9,506.00
Day 1: 5 16-09 Day 2: 5 25-13 Day 3: 5 15-02
50. Mark Burgess Norton, MA 15 56-06 175 $9,506.00
Day 1: 5 21-04 Day 2: 5 22-00 Day 3: 5 13-02
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
BIG BASS
Day
1 Ken D Cook Lawton, OK 08-05 $0.00
2 Clark Reehm Russellville, AR 09-02 $0.00
3 Terry Scroggins San Mateo, FL 08-02 $0.00
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 96 488 2064-09
2 95 485 1999-04
3 50 250 1016-07
----------------------------------
241 1223 5080-04
|
|
 Vaughn photo
The first ever High School State Bass Fishing Championship was held at Carlyle Lake in Mid-Southern Illinois and West Frankfort High School was the winner with a total of 16.25 pounds of bass. Schools from across the state participated in the two-day championship. Congrats to all of the schools and the IHSA on a first class event!
Below are the final standings:
| 1 |
West Frankfort (Frankfort) |
5 |
3.69 |
10.31 |
16.25 |
|
| 2 |
Zion (Z.-Benton) #2 |
5 |
|
8.44 |
15.44 |
|
| 3 |
St. Charles (North) |
2 |
1.38 |
2.25 |
12.75 |
|
| 4 |
Woodlawn |
3 |
1.19 |
3.31 |
10.94 |
|
| 5 |
Riverton |
2 |
5.13 |
8.00 |
10.50 |
|
| 6 |
Moline (H.S.) |
2 |
1.19 |
2.19 |
10.32 |
|
| 7 |
Sterling (Newman Central Catholic) |
4 |
4.56 |
7.56 |
7.56 |
|
| 8 |
Highland #1 |
4 |
2.13 |
5.75 |
7.06 |
|
| 9 |
Marion (Crab Orchard) |
3 |
|
4.75 |
7.06 |
|
| 10 |
Grant Park |
2 |
2.38 |
3.25 |
6.88 |
|
| 11 |
Rochelle #2 |
4 |
2.50 |
6.31 |
6.31 |
|
| 12 |
Teutopolis #2 |
|
|
|
5.88 |
5:00 |
| 13 |
Des Plaines (Maine West) |
3 |
1.31 |
3.31 |
5.44 |
|
| 14 |
Carrier Mills (C.M.-Stonefort) |
1 |
1.50 |
1.50 |
5.13 |
|
| 15 |
Highland #2 |
2 |
1.06 |
2.00 |
5.00 |
|
| 16 |
Teutopolis #1 |
3 |
1.50 |
3.44 |
4.82 |
|
| 17 |
Varna (Midland) |
1 |
1.25 |
1.25 |
4.75 |
|
| 18 |
Sciota (West Prairie) |
3 |
1.56 |
3.94 |
3.94 |
|
| 19 |
Pinckneyville |
2 |
1.81 |
3.25 |
3.25 |
|
| 20 |
Macon (Meridan) #1 |
1 |
0.88 |
0.88 |
3.13 |
|
| 21 |
Wheaton (W. Warrenville South) |
2 |
1.56 |
2.88 |
2.88 |
|
| 22 |
Carthage (Illini West) |
2 |
1.25 |
2.38 |
2.38 |
|
| 23 |
Macon (Meridan) #2 |
|
|
|
2.31 |
5:00 |
| 24 |
Bradley (B.-Bourbonnais) |
1 |
1.06 |
1.06 |
2.06 |
|
| 25 |
Orland Park (Sandburg) |
1 |
1.38 |
1.38 |
1.38 |
|
| 26 |
Rochelle #1 |
|
|
|
1.31 |
5:00 |
| 27 |
Farmington |
1 |
1.25 |
1.25 |
1.25 |
|
| 28 |
Monticello |
1 |
1.19 |
1.19 |
1.19 |
|
| 29 |
Aurora (Marmion Academy) |
|
|
|
1.13 |
5:00 |
| 30 |
Peoria (Richwoods) |
1 |
1.13 |
1.13 |
1.13 |
|
| 31 |
Sycamore |
1 |
1.06 |
1.06 |
1.06 |
|
| 32 |
Zion (Z.-Benton) #1 |
1 |
1.06 |
1.06 |
1.06 |
|
| 33 |
Pontiac |
1 |
0.94 |
0.94 |
0.94 |
|
| 34 |
Mt. Zion |
1 |
2.69 |
0.81 |
0.81 |
|
| |
Athens |
|
|
|
0.00 |
|
| |
Chicago (Brother Rice) |
|
|
|
0.00 |
|
| |
Chicago (Taft) |
|
|
|
0.00 |
|
| |
Coal City |
|
|
|
0.00 |
|
| |
DeLand (D.-Weldon) |
|
|
|
0.00 |
|
| |
Elmhurst (York) |
|
|
|
0.00 |
|
| |
Hoffman Estates (Conant) |
|
|
|
0.00 |
|
| |
Naperville (North) |
|
|
|
0.00 |
|
| |
Normal (Community) |
|
|
|
0.00 |
|
| |
Oswego (H.S.) |
|
|
|
0.00 |
|
| |
Pekin |
|
|
|
0.00 |
|
| |
St. Joseph (S.J.-Ogden) |
|
|
|
0.00 |
|
| |
Streamwood |
|
|
|
0.00 |
|
| |
Tinley Park (Andrew) |
|
|
|
0.00 |
|
| |
Vernon Hills |
|
|
|
0.00 |
|
| |
Virden |
|
|
|
0.00 |
|
| |
Wilmette (Regina Dominican) |
|
|
|
0.00 |
|
| |
Woodstock (Marian) |
|
|
|
0.00 |
|
|
|
A calm and beautiful morning was quickly followed by heavy rains and winds in Mid-Central Illinois today in a shortened tournament day but 20 teams still brought fish to the scales in the IHSA State High School Bass Fishing Championship at Carlyle Lake. St. Charles High School brought he only limit to the scales that weighed 10.50 pounds to take the lead in the two day event. Moline High School is in second place with 8.13 pounds. Woodlawn High School is in third with 7.63 pounds.
Tomorrow will be the final day of the first ever high school sanctioned state championship. Bradley Bourbonnais High School near Kankakee weighed the first fish of the event. (1.00 pounds)
Below is the day one standings:
| 1 |
St. Charles (North) |
5 |
4.69 |
10.50 |
|
| 2 |
Moline (H.S.) |
3 |
3.00 |
8.13 |
|
| 3 |
Woodlawn |
4 |
3.25 |
7.63 |
|
| 4 |
Zion (Z.-Benton) #2 |
3 |
3.44 |
7.00 |
|
| 5 |
Teutopolis #2 |
3 |
3.69 |
5.88 |
|
| 6 |
West Frankfort (Frankfort) |
3 |
3.00 |
5.94 |
|
| 7 |
Carrier Mills (C.M.-Stonefort) |
3 |
1.19 |
3.63 |
|
| 8 |
Grant Park |
2 |
2.06 |
3.63 |
|
| 9 |
Varna (Midland) |
2 |
2.50 |
3.50 |
|
| 10 |
Highland #2 |
2 |
1.69 |
3.00 |
|
| 11 |
Des Plaines (Maine West) |
2 |
1.13 |
2.13 |
|
| 12 |
Macon (Meridan) #1 |
1 |
2.25 |
2.25 |
|
| 13 |
Macon (Meridan) #2 |
1 |
2.31 |
2.31 |
|
| 14 |
Marion (Crab Orchard) |
2 |
1.19 |
2.31 |
|
| 15 |
Riverton |
2 |
1.50 |
2.50 |
|
| 16 |
Aurora (Marmion Academy) |
1 |
1.13 |
1.13 |
|
| 17 |
Bradley (B.-Bourbonnais) |
1 |
1.00 |
1.00 |
|
| 18 |
Highland #1 |
1 |
1.31 |
1.31 |
|
| 19 |
Rochelle #1 |
1 |
1.31 |
1.31 |
|
| 20 |
Teutopolis #1 |
1 |
1.38 |
1.38 |
|
| |
Athens |
|
|
|
|
| |
Carthage (Illini West) |
|
|
|
|
| |
Chicago (Brother Rice) |
|
|
|
|
| |
Chicago (Taft) |
|
|
|
|
| |
Coal City |
|
|
|
|
| |
DeLand (D.-Weldon) |
|
|
|
|
| |
Elmhurst (York) |
|
|
|
|
| |
Farmington |
|
|
|
|
| |
Hoffman Estates (Conant) |
|
|
|
|
| |
Monticello |
|
|
|
|
| |
Mt. Zion |
|
|
|
|
| |
Naperville (North) |
|
|
|
|
| |
Normal (Community) |
|
|
|
|
| |
Orland Park (Sandburg) |
|
|
|
|
| |
Oswego (H.S.) |
|
|
|
|
| |
Pekin |
|
|
|
|
| |
Peoria (Richwoods) |
|
|
|
|
| |
Pinckneyville |
|
|
|
|
| |
Pontiac |
|
|
|
|
| |
Rochelle #2 |
|
|
|
|
| |
Sciota (West Prairie) |
|
|
|
|
| |
St. Joseph (S.J.-Ogden) |
|
|
|
|
| |
Sterling (Newman Central Catholic) |
|
|
|
|
| |
Streamwood |
|
|
|
|
| |
Sycamore |
|
|
|
|
| |
Tinley Park (Andrew) |
|
|
|
|
| |
Vernon Hills |
|
|
|
|
| |
Virden |
|
|
|
|
| |
Wheaton (W. Warrenville South) |
|
|
|
|
| |
Wilmette (Regina Dominican) |
|
|
|
|
| |
Woodstock (Marian) |
|
|
|
|
| |
Zion (Z.-Benton) #1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fifty-two high schools from across the State of Illinois launched today in a history making event on Lake Carlyle in Mid-Central Illinois today beginning high school bass fishing as a sport governed by the IHSA. Illinois is the first state to do so. Weigh in will be at 3:00 pm today. The Bass Festival hosted by the City of Carlyle will be both days at the Dam Access launch facility. Congrats IHSA and participating high schools on this groundbreaking effort.
|
|
Wired2Fish Special Contributor
GUNTERSVILLE, Ala. – The last time veteran pro Gary Klein was in Alabama he had a traveling companion who could have doubled as a tourist association’s best friend.
|
|
Faithful Wired reader Tony Posey is the Tournament Director for the Lake Guntersville Bassmasters – so it’s probably safe to say he knows a thing or two about the pond that the Bassmaster Elite Series pros are currently milking for limits.
Posey chimed in with his fantasy picks for the Southern Challenge. He’s got a strong team, no doubt. Do you think you’ve got the squad that can beat him? If so, we want to hear about it. Send us your picks at: feedback@wired2fish.com.
 Tony’s Top 5
KVD – “He’ll be picked by 99 percent of fantasy nuts.”
Skeet Reese – “I don’t care for this guy, but I’m not asking him to be my best friend, either. And I’m no dummy. Reese has scored the most fantasy points this season and he’s the Classic winner.”
Alton Jones – “Jones has been consistent all season, and he finished in the Top 15 in the first three tournaments.”
Greg Vinson – “Vinson is a major dark horse - so major that most fantasy players can’t see him. Well, I can see him just fine and Guntersville will be the lake that starts his run to the top for a Classic berth in 2010.”
Matt Herren – “I picked him for my Classic roster and he’s been there ever since. Matt can flat-out fish, and many of the fantasy fishermen are just now catching on.”
Posey says you should also keep an eye on these guys:
Dean Rojas – “Kermit will be out and could have a field day.”
Gerald Swindle – “Water could be up the whole 4 days and junk fishing could get the job done. In addition, he’s waaaaaaaaaay over due.”
Mark Tucker – “He loves this lake and has finished well the last few times on Guntersville.”
And here’s a lofty prediction from the TD: “Winners weight will be in the triple digits.”
We hope you’re right, Tony. A 100-plus-pound slugfest would be a blast to watch!
Thanks for the feedback, and good luck to your fantasy team this week. You’re going to need it, because the Wired pundits are dialed-in and ready to kick some fantasy tail!
|
|
The Illinois High School Association State Championship Bass Series begins tomorrow with 53 qualifying teams from across the state competing. Sectional Championships qualified these teams for a chance to fish for the "first" State High School Bass Fishing Champion ever. This event will be held at Carlyle Lake in South Central Illinois.
Practice begins tomorrow with the two-day championship May 8 and 9.
Sponsors of the State Series are Country Insurance, Plano Molding, the City of Carlyle, Wired2Fish.com and Future Fishing Foundation.
Wired2Fish will be on hand to cover this event.
Good Luck Illinois High School Anglers!
|
|
Jason Bryant gives the Wired2Fish Staff picks for the upcoming BASS Elite Series event on Guntersville in today's Unplugged section.
Check out what Jason, Todd, Pete and Terry thinks and weigh in on your thoughts. Join the Wired2Fish Fantasy Fishing League for FLW and BASS and see if you can beat the "Wired" guys.
|
|
We’ve officially hit the halfway mark in this abbreviated eight-event Bassmaster Elite Series season. If you’re riding high on the fantasy horse, like our good buddy and Wired staffer Pete Robbins, you’re strategy has probably shifted to maintenance mode. All you have to do from here on out is fill the boat with solid keepers. Line your roster with proven performers and avoid the sub-Top-50 bomb and you’ll be well on your way to securing bragging rights until next year.
|
|
Loyal Wired2Fish reader Levi Keenan knows a great product when he sees it and put a sample pack of Berkley Sink Worms to use on his home body of water to catch a fish of a lifetime. (See Photo below)
Wired2Fish and Berkley has been running a sample package promotion of the bait and anglers who enter Wired2Fish Contests and provide their name and address have been receiving them for the last few months.
Congrats Levi on a great catch.
Look for more great sample promotions from your contest and information leader, Wired2Fish.com.
 LK photo |
With the Bassmaster Elite Series season at the halfway point, veteran outdoors writer and Wired2Fish contributor Alan Clemons of Huntsville, Ala., sent this brief report about the Formula STA-BIL Southern Challenge on Lake Guntersville that begins Thursday morning:
If any of the Elite Series pros harbored hopes of a dry tournament, they may be out of luck because it seems like we've had nothing but rain here for the last week.
A line of severe thunderstorms moved into North Alabama about 6 a.m. Wednesday and brought more heavy rain along with tornado warnings and sightings. The area has received at least 8-10 inches since last week. Tributaries feeding the Tennesse River are flooded very badly. With more water on the way Wednesday the mountain-runoff creeks will continue to dump more muddy, debris-filled water into Guntersville Lake.
The lake already was high as the Tennessee Valley Authority worked feverishly to lower Wheeler Lake so it could begin sending water through Guntersville Dam to lower Guntersville Lake. That probably will happen at some point later this week ... meaning anyone with a very shallow pattern could find the lake sucked down hard by Saturday or Sunday.
As for the fishing, it's been good. The shallow bite is on strong with a post-spawn bite of "numbers" fish along with a few bigger ones spawning or cruising. Local guides are reporting great days with clients including 50-80 fish a day, which obviously is good for business. For the Elite pros, weeding through numbers isn't fun. They want quality bites and most likely the winner will have post-spawn fish in transition to summer patterns along with maybe one or two spawners if the water clarity improves in some areas. But sight-fishing will not be the main thing for everyone this week.
My early estimate for the ESPNOutdoors fantasy picks was 90 pounds to win, but that may be knocked back a bit with all the rain. It still should be a great tournament ... word is Noah will be cranking the river channel in the Ark with support from the animals.
|
The fifth annual Snag Proof open will take place Saturday August 15th, 2009 on Lake
Guntersville. Goose Pond Colony Resort in beautiful Scottsboro, Alabama will host the event
again this year.
The tournament guarantees over $20,000 in cash and
prizes regardless of entries.
First Place is a Bass Cat Boats that includes Mercury power.
AnglersChannel.com will produce a live streaming
webcast during the weigh-in.
For more information or
to register, please email Randy McBride at randymcbride@bellsouth.net.
Don’t miss the brand new special edition frog color only available at the tournament site.
PRODUCED BY BASSMAXX OUTDOORS
|
|
BASSTIMES editor in chief and Bassmaster Magazine Senior Writer Matt Vincent announced his retirement from BASS yesterday. Matt not only was a leader in the industry but also had a major influence on the way bass fishing was conveyed to fan's, anglers and the public in general. He also was instrumental in teaching and getting young writers engaged and excited about the sport. We are sure Matt will continue his love for the west, still be around fishing and hunting and we wish him the best in his future efforts.
"Matt was a very important person in my development as a writer and journalist and I will miss his daily impact on the sport" noted Wired President Terry Brown. "He not only was the glue to tournament anglers but kept us all informed on conservation and water issues in every newspaper. We will miss you Matt."
Congrats on the retirement!
|
Mike Bolton of the Birmingham News is reporting today that BASS will bring finals to Alabama on the Alabama River and Jordan Lake. To read more about it click here. |
|
These will give you a whole new appreciation for your "dingy". Enjoy!
Boat names can reveal much about the personality, passion, or experiences of a boat owner. This year the BoatU.S. list of Top Ten List of Most Popular Boat Names is particularly revealing:
1. Seas the Day: While this boat owner may feel they have no control over their declining retirement account, they are completely in charge while boating and intend to get the most out of their boating lifestyle. (This is the sixth appearance of this name and its cousin, Carpe Diem, on the list since BoatU.S. began tracking boat names in 1991.)
2. Summer Daze: A combination of warm weather and long days spent afloat on sunsplashed waterways may have put this boater into a dreamlike state.
3. Second Chance: Perhaps this boat owner has had a life changing experience and feels that their boat now gives them a second lease on life. "Second Wind" is the sailboat equivalent.
4. Aqua-Holic: On the Top-Ten list for the last seven years, this boat name illustrates a boater's chronic love for the waterways.
5. Wind Seeker: No doubt a true sailboat name for a wanderer or racer.
6. Dream Weaver: Like the 1976 Gary Wright song that muses about an escape to dreamland, this boat owner may weave memories of good days spent on the water, sheltering them from the pressures of day-to-day life.
7. Black Pearl: The name of a fast, stealthy and intimidating fictional ship from the Disney Pirates of the Caribbean films, this boat likely has plenty of kids aboard.
8. Hydrotherapy: Takes into account the healing nature that boating provides this boat owner.
9. The Salt Shaker: If you know what a "Parrot head" is, you'll know what The Salt Shaker is for. On a Saturday night this boat and its owner could be the most popular in the marina.
10. Sea Quest: This boat owner likely grew up watching Jacques Cousteau TV specials and wants to explore the world with their boat.
The BoatU.S. Boat Graphics service offers a free library of over 8,500 boat names and also allows boaters to easily select, custom design and preview boat names online - without having to pay up front. For more information, visit the online service at <<http://www.BoatUS.com/boatgraphics>> .
###
*ADDED BONUS LIST:
The following names were voted by the editors of BoatU.S. Magazine to be the most humorous:
1. What College Fund? With three out of four boat-owning households making less than $100,000 a year, where else are you going to get the money?
2. Stocks-N-Blonds: Clearly someone still has a job on Wall Street.
3. Anchor Management: The calming effect that boating brings.
4. Sweet Em-Ocean: A floating love shack?
5. Knotty Buoy: The Johnnie Depp of boaters.
6. Reel-e-Fish-ent: Could teach Capt. Sig Hansen of the Discovery Channel series Deadliest Catch a thing or two about fishing.
7. A-Frayed Knot: Fearless in their ability to tie bowline.
8. O-Sea-D: Obsessive, compulsive, and loving the ocean.
9. A-Loan-Again: Either cruising for a date or has purchased their boat on credit.
10. Really Big Car: Small boat complex?
|
|
We continue to get more great feedback from Wired readers on the best lifejacket for anglers. We will continue to pass them along. Some great points and food for thought! Be safe and wear a PFD. Thanks to all who are participating in this Reader Poll.
From Wired Readers:
The new suspender type inflatables are a very comfortable jacket that allows you to wear it at all times. The only drawbck I see with them is that they require some maintanance that people tend to overlook and it could possibly fail when needed. The traditional style vests are ready to go and are much more comfortable than they used to be, with basically no upkeep. People just need to remember that neither on does any good if you don't wear it.
Curt Forth
I own both life jackets and use both styles frequently. I still use the full life jacket for long high speed runs, mainly because I am a creature of habit and won’t unhook it from my kill switch!
For the last 3 years I have almost exclusively used the suspender type life jacket when fishing and playing on local lakes. The comfort allows me to keep it on all day in hot, cold or….like this weekend, all day rain. I am a poor swimmer and I keep it on from the moment I get in the boat until it is back on the trailer, I could never fish all day in a full jacket.
Michael Langenfeld
I prefer my inflatable suspender type jacket because it is far more comfortable. As far as safest I'm not sure I haven't gone overboard yet so I haven't tested either in real world conditions, I'm just hoping I don't have too. I still carry a couple standard jacket type life vests but they never come out of the storage hatch.
Adam Bailey
Just my .02cents, but I prefer the “old style” full life jacket. It ALWAYS works, as long as you wear it!! And lets face it, unless it is the last hour or hour and a half of the derby and you are struggling you normally end up taking it off to fish anyway. As well here in Texas if you choose to go with auto. Or self inflate you must also keep an “old style” in the boat for each individual if you do not wear the auto. All the time. Game Warden will gladly issue you a citation, So now your carrying 4 PFD’s needing more storage space. You also have recurring cost of rearming and that is x2, for you want to keep an extra in the boat. I have had and auto. Not inflate once when I went in the drink, thus causing concern if I had been unconscious.
Again just my thoughts, to each his own and good luck and good fishing.
Red McPeek
I have thought long and hard about lifevests. I have not owned an inflatable but I am giving them consideration. I want to invest in some more comfortable vest but at what price. I don't like the idea of inflatable vest while running on the lake. I have read of a few instances where an inflatable vest didn't inflate. So my only option would be to wear traditional vest while running and have the inflatables on while fishing. Only reason I am considering inflatable is so my son could have on a vest at all times. He hates wearing a traditional vest while fishing and who can blame him.
Johnny Wiggs
National Safe Boating Week is May 16-22.
|
|
Reaction Innovations is alive and well. Contrary to some Internet chat room reports today they have not been sold or are they out of business. We spoke to David Hernandez, Operations Chief at Reaction and he said "These rumors are completely false. We have not sold and we are not out of business. Contrary to that we are having a stellar year."
|
|
Paul Roberts of Hoopeston, Illinois was the winner of the F500 Ardent Flipping and Pitching reel. He correctly answered the 5 questions to the contest. The correct answers were
1. How many ball bearings are in the F500?
5+1
2. What is the frame and side covers made of?
aluminum alloy
3. How many years is the warranty on the F500?
3 year warranty
4. Who did Ardent consult with, besides their pros, on this reel?
George Jeane Sr. from the company Jeane Tackle of Louisiana. George Jeane Jr fishes the FLW trail.
5. What is the gear ratio of this reel?
6.3:1
Thanks to all of you for entering.
Paul, the reel is on the way.
|
BASS announced Monday that Marine Formula STA-BIL® will join the organization as the title sponsor for the Bassmaster Elite Series’ May 7-10 Southern Challenge. The Marine Formula STA-BIL Southern Challenge will take place on Alabama’s Lake Guntersville and is the fifth of eight stops of the Bassmaster Elite Series regular season. This marks the first BASS event sponsorship for the Chicago-based company.
We are very pleased to sponsor the Bassmaster Elite Series’ Southern Challenge this year,” said Jennifer Robertson, brand manager, STA-BIL. “Marine Formula STA-BIL was specifically developed to keep avid fisherman and boaters like these guys out on the water day in and day out without any fuel-related issues. This tournament is a perfect fit for the STA-BIL brand.”
The sponsorship agreement includes a presence across BASS’ multimedia assets, including The Bassmasters on ESPN2, Bassmaster Magazine and Bassmaster.com. STA-BIL will also receive on-site exhibit space at the Southern Challenge out of Guntersville, Ala.
“STA-BIL continues to identify ways to benefit the angling community,” said Tom Ricks, vice president and general manager, ESPN Outdoors and BASS. “BASS members and fans can certainly appreciate their commitment to keeping anglers on the water longer.”
Marine Formula STA-BIL Ethanol Treatment provides year-round protection against corrosion from ethanol-caused water build up in marine gas tanks and fuel lines. Compared to Regular STA-BIL, the Marine Formula has twice the corrosion inhibitors and also contains more than four times the fuel system cleaning additives to keep the intake valves and fuel injectors clean for improved engine performance.
For more information on Marine Formula STA-BIL visit www.sta-bil.com.
Official sponsors of the Bassmaster Elite Series: Toyota Trucks, Berkley, BOOYAH Baits, Evan Williams Bourbon, Mercury, OPTIMA Batteries, Skeeter Boats, Yamaha Outboards.
Supporting sponsors of the Bassmaster Elite Series: Bass Pro Shops, Costa Del Mar, Ramada, SpongeTech and Triton Boats.
For more information, contact BASS Communications at (407) 566-2208 or visit Bassmaster.com. Visit ESPNOutdoorsMedia.com for ESPN Outdoors’ latest releases, schedules and photos.
About STA-BIL
Marine Formula STA-BIL is made by Gold Eagle® Co., manufacturer of leading brands including STA-BIL® Fuel Stabilizer, HEET® Gas-Line Antifreeze, NO-LEAK® Treatments, 104+® Octane Boost and 104+® Maximum Octane Boost, and DieselPower!™ Diesel Additives. Gold Eagle Co., founded in 1932, is headquartered in Chicago and privately held. For more than 75 years, Gold Eagle has been an industry pioneer in the production and distribution of aftermarket fluids and additives. Gold Eagle is an innovator and leader in the product development, manufacturing, marketing, and distribution of branded engine performance and maintenance chemicals.
About BASS
For more than 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 ESPN360.com, ESPN’s sports broadband network, Bassmaster.com, BASSInsider.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.
|
Tank Number 1 is headed to Enid Oklahoma.
The Berkley Bass Tank will be at the Ambucs Outdoor Show in Enid, Okla. The tank is scheduled to stop May 8 – 10 and will feature seminars and appearances by Berkley Pro Anglers.
Berkley sends two 4,000-gallon bass tanks all over the country to help out the everyday angler. Kids and adults alike will enjoy learning about new Berkley products and tips on how to use these innovative baits.
“The Berkley Bass Tanks are out on the road, giving all anglers the opportunity to hone their skills,” said Tammy Cox, Berkley Marketing Manager “Not only will attendees learn to “Catch More Fish,” they will also learn about new products that will help them become a better angler.”
May 8 – 10
Ambucs Outdoor Show
Garfield County Fairgrounds
Enid, OK 73703
If you are unable to make it by the Ambucs Outdoor Show, plan to attend one of these other upcoming events:
May 9-10 – BASS Elite Series Expo, Guntersville, Ala.
May 16-17 – FLW Tour Family Fun Zone, Rogers, Ark.
May 29-30 – BFL All-American Family Fun Zone, Davenport Iowa
Tank number two is headed to Guntersville and the Elite Series.
The Berkley Bass Tank will be at the BASS Elite Series Expo in Guntersville, Ala. The tank is scheduled to stop May 9 – 10 and will feature seminars and appearances by Berkley Pro Anglers.
Berkley sends two 4,000-gallon bass tanks all over the country to help out the everyday angler. Kids and adults alike will enjoy learning about new Berkley products and tips on how to use these innovative baits.
“The Berkley Bass Tanks are out on the road, giving all anglers the opportunity to hone their skills,” said Tammy Cox, Berkley Marketing Manager “Not only will attendees learn to “Catch More Fish,” they will also learn about new products that will help them become a better angler.”
May 9 – 10
BASS Elite Series Expo
Lake Guntersville State Park
Guntersville, AL 35976
If you are unable to make it by the BASS Elite Series Expo, plan to attend one of these other upcoming events:
May 16-17 – FLW Tour Family Fun Zone, Rogers, Ark.
May 29-30 – BFL All-American Family Fun Zone, Davenport Iowa
|
|
Chris Payne of West Blocton, Ala., took home $45,000 as the wire-to-wire winner of the 2009 Bassmaster Southern Open presented by Oakley on Alabama’s Wheeler Lake. Payne accumulated 45 pounds, 8 ounces over three days and closed Saturday with a chatterbait pattern to hold off Bassmaster Elite Series pro Mark Menendez, of Paducah, Ky., who totaled 41-6.
“This is unbelievable,” Payne said as he raised the trophy for his first BASS win. “I was really nervous about Mark (Menendez) being right behind me, but it feels great to get the win.”
Payne says he owes his success in part to Menendez as Menendez beat Payne to a productive spot but Menendez, a consummate pro, let Payne choose his water.
“I was outrun by another Triton, but when I got there he (Mark) said to take where I wanted,” Payne said. “He is such a class act and a true professional. He showed great sportsmanship by letting me fish through.”
Payne relied on a 5/8-ounce chartreuse and white Chatterbait for most of his bites. He said he burned it as fast as he could to get a reaction strike. A Zara Spook played a lesser role Thursday and Friday as the fish seemed to want a sub-surface lure. Payne also boated a few fish by swimming a jig.
Payne says he will reinvest some of the $45,000 back into his fishing career, but will use a good portion to buy a moving truck for the moving company he recently started, Motivated Movers.
Menendez, who scored a victory on an Elite Series event on Arkansas’ Lake Dardanelle in March, says he had the fish on to win, but he fell short in his execution.
“I had enough to win it, but they came unbuttoned,” he said. “I struggled all day. By noon, I only had two pounds. Later on I pulled up on this little place and lost a two- and a two-and-a-half- pounder, but got the rest of my fish.”
Menendez thought he'd try the spot he bagged 17 pounds from the day before, but it was unfishable. Overnight rains had muddied the river and raised it substantially. Menendez continued his Friday pattern into Saturday, primarily working a Strike King Series 6 crankbait in Sexy Shad Lollipop. Menendez also caught deeper fish on a Carolina rigged Strike King Rage Craw.
“Any time you can bring five fish to the weigh-in, it's a good day,” he said. “But today, it just wasn't my time to win.”
Mark McCaig of Oxford, Ala., finished third with a three-day total of 40 pounds, 12 ounces, while Elite Series pro Peter Thliveros of St. Augustine, Fla., brought in Saturday’s biggest limit (16-4) and jumped to fourth with 40-12. Elite Series pro and San Mateo, Fla., native Terry Scroggins was fifth with 38-13.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Budweiser ShareLunker No. 421 was caught from Lake Fork on April 21, 2006 by Sam Trinca of Monroe, Louisiana. Trinca was using a Grande Bass Mutant in 7 to 8 feet of water. The fish weighed 14.02 pounds and was 26 inches long and 21 inches around.
The Budweiser ShareLunker program is made possible through support from Anheuser-Busch, Inc. Since 1991, Anheuser-Busch, in partnership with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation, has contributed millions of dollars in funding to support conservation causes and fishing, hunting and outdoor recreation programs in Texas.
#421
Sam Trinca of Monroe, Louisiana, used a Grande Bass Mutant to land this 14.02-pound largemouth from Lake Fork April 21. The fish was 26 inches long and 21 inches in girth.
 |
The new Sharelunker #471 was caught April 26, 2009.
Sam Koebcke of Lakeway Texas used a GrandeBass Rattlesnake lure to land a 13.30-pound lunker from Choke Canyon last week. It was the sixth 13-pound-plus bass of the season from the reservoir.
The six fish caught there have averaged 14.21 pounds.
Koebcke's lunker was the second caught on a GrandeBass lure. Three years ago, Sam Trinca of Monroe, La., (photo above) caught a lunker at Lake Fork while fishing a GrandeBass Mutant.
The GrandeBass line of soft plastics is manufactured by a company owned by Jerry Shinn of Dripping Springs.
Information about GrandeBass products can be viewed online at grandebass.com.
 Calliham store photo
|
|
We recieved this nice note from Wired reader Cameron Coone and thought we would pass it on! Glad you got to spend time with Davy. He is one of our fishing hero's too.
Dear Wired2fish:
Thanks for posting the article about Davy Hite introducing the new Buckeye Mop Jig at Academy Outdoors on May 2nd at Spartanburg, SC. I would have never known that Mr. Hite was going to be there until I read it on your website. From this, I was able to meet one of my fishing idols. I can say that Mr. Hite is an outstanding guy and an asset to every company that endorses him. I was the first person to meet Mr. Hite that morning and me and him talked for almost 30 minutes without interuption. He even took the time to walk me out to his boat and showed me around, as well as showed me some new lures. In conclusion, I just wanted to say THANK YOU to Mr. Davy Hite and to Aacademy Sports & Outdoors. I also want to express great appreciation and thanks to Wired2fish.com for posting this information, which made it possible for me and others to attend this event. Below I have enclosed a pic.
- Cameron Coone,
Jonesville, SC
|
Two Missouri anglers proved they were very capable of holding on to their first day six pound lead to capture the top spot in the 2009 Bass Cat Owners Invitational today.James and David Schnable of St. Louis, MO weighted in a record total of 36.66 (6.62 kicker big bass) to claim a new Bass Cat Pantera II rigged with a Mercury 200 OptiMax.
Challenging a field of 547 teams from across the nation proved trying for many of the anglers with unstable weather conditions ... challenging to say the least. Second place award of a new 2009 Bass Cat Skiff Cat was won by Mike Rhodes of Ash Flat, AR and his partner Wes Rogers of Mammoth Spring, AR with a weight of 30.16#.
Overall Big Bass winners for the two days weighed 6.62 and was brought to the scales by the winners James and David Schnable of St. Louis, MO., that put a big stack of cash into a pocket.
A total of 1675 fish were caught that weighed in at 3,807.37 pounds.
Special thanks, and a big bow to Strike King Lures, and Mercury Outboards, without them and other sponsors the Owners Invitational sure wouldn't the same great event!
|
|
Wired2Fish regular Johnny Wiggs of Mississippi likes crankbaits and liked the idea he carries more than Gary Klein or Mark Davis. The manufacturers of crankbaits liked it too.
Here is what Johnny had to say:
"Gosh I have know idea really how many I have, from lipless to deep divers, I carry 6 boxes crammed full of baits. I know that my lipless bait box has over 50 in it because I just bought a new box to put them in and I counted them before putting them back in. I guess my favorite color shallow diver is gonna be a red colored bait. My favorite medium is natural colors. Deep divers I like bright colors, chartreuse or something with glitter. Of course I got colors across the board on all.
My favorite shallow runner would have to be a Norman Thin N. I love the wobble of that bait. Hold your hod tip up and you can get a great wake on top. You can also get a good wake from Mann's Baby 1 minus. Medium divers I like Bandit. (hometown company) and Bombers are good. Deep divers.... well nothing beats a DD22."
Thanks for the imput Johnny and happy cranking. Anyone out there carry more than Johnny?
|
|
FLW Outdoors Communications just sent us this announcement regarding changes in their tournament staff.
Chris Hoover, who has been serving as a tournament director on the Walmart FLW Tour and BP Series Eastern Division, will be taking over the tournament director role for the west effective immediately. Many of you know Chris as a long-time employee of FLW Outdoors and know his knowledge and experience will serve him well in his new role.
With this change, comes another in that Chris Jones is no longer with FLW Outdoors. We wish him the best in his new endeavors.
We are constantly evaluating our business model to continue growing the sport of fishing, building strong partnerships and offering anglers the opportunity to compete on the highest level for the largest purses.
|
 KOTA photo
Elite Series and Bass Cat pro Kota Kiriyama dropped Wired2Fish a note to let us know that the Japanese American Dream Champions are attending the Bass Cat Owners Tournament and they are having a blast. (pictured above)
|
As part of a larger marketing alliance, BASS, the worldwide authority on bass fishing, and Bass Pro Shops unveiled Friday details of a new BASS member bonus points program to be paired with the existing Bass Pro Shops Outdoor Rewards program. The Bass Pro Shops Outdoor Rewards program, an already existing benefit for outdoor enthusiasts, is a free, points-based program in which customers earn points each time a purchase is made at Bass Pro Shops or online at Basspro.com. Points can be redeemed for products at any Bass Pro Shops store nationwide, or by ordering online at Basspro.com or placing catalog orders at 1-800-BASSPRO.
All BASS members who sign up for the program will have the opportunity to earn double points for purchasing select Bassmaster Elite Series-related products at Bass Pro Shops. After joining, BASS members will receive an electronic coupon and can take advantage of a one-time offer to achieve triple points on their first purchase. The select products for which BASS members receive double points will include rods, reels, lures and other items used by the winning angler at each of the remaining 2009 Bassmaster Elite Series events. The first set of bonus point products will be announced after the May 7-10 Marine Formula STA-BIL Southern Challenge out of Guntersville, Ala.
Beginning Friday, May 1, BASS members can register at Bassmaster.com/rewardsfor a Bass Pro Shops Outdoor Rewards Card. Any BASS member already in the Outdoor Rewards program can link their existing Outdoor Rewards number to this exclusive program for BASS members.Members of the Bass Pro Shops Outdoor Rewards program not affiliated with BASS can join BASS by visiting Bassmaster.com or calling 1-877-BASS-USA.
“We are excited to leverage our marketing alliance with Bass Pro Shops to deliver quality benefits to BASS members,” said Tom Ricks, vice president and general manager, ESPN Outdoors and BASS.
The select products that members can purchase for double points will be announced on Bassmaster.com after each remaining 2009 Bassmaster Elite Series event, and those enrolled will receive an e-mail regarding the eligible products.
“BASS members are an important part of our customer base and we are happy to provide this benefit to them,” said Stan Lippelman, vice president of marketing, Bass Pro Shops.
BASS and Bass Pro Shops started a new marketing alliance in February with the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Gear Up Giveaway online sweepstakes, which awarded a grand prize of a fishing gear and tackle package valued at approximately $4,200. Also, Bass Pro Shops provides the official apparel for the Bassmaster Elite Series Marshals program and a $25 gift card to participants.
Bass Pro Shops is associated with a number of Bassmaster Elite Series anglers, including four-time Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Angler of the Year Kevin VanDam of Kalamazoo, Mich., and four-time Bassmaster Classic champion Rick Clunn of Ava, Mo.
|
|
|