What's Up Archive

Collegiate Bass Fishing Championship TV Series begins Tomorrow7/30/2010 3:07:36 PM

Collegiate bass fishing continues to take the nation by storm as student anglers from across the country represent their colleges and universities by competing in the sport they love. The 2010 BoatU.S. Collegiate Bass Fishing Championship television series will document the passion, dedication, skills and acheivements of this talented class of anglers.
 
The series will showcase the Stephen F. Austin Bucketmouth Bass Tournament, Arkansas Tech Invitational, Southern Collegiate Bass Fishing Series Championship; plus comprehensive coverage of the BoatU.S. Collegiate Bass Fishing Open presented by Pepsi.The series will culminate with extensive coverage of the largest collegiate bass fishing event ever held; the 2010 BoatU.S. Collegiate Bass Fishing Championship.
 
Airing on Versus, almost 80 million households will have access to over 18 half hours of programming dedicated to the series. Beginning on July 31st and concluding on September 25th, each 30-minute episode included in the 9 week series will premiere on Saturdays at 12:30 p.m. EST.
 
Please visit CollegiateBassChampionship.com for a complete listing of dates and times.

 

Jackall Taking Motion "OUT" of Lures7/30/2010 9:41:51 AM

Mercury Marine Earned Trio of Awards7/30/2010 9:03:02 AM

 
 
Mercury Marine earned a trio of honors in the inaugural Powerboat Magazine Readers Choice Awards. 

The popular MerCruiser and Mercury Racing sterndrives powered Mercury Marine to win the “Favorite Sterndrive Manufacturer” category.
 
“The company offers brawny MerCruiser and Mercury Racing drives that are found on the transoms of a majority of performance boats across the country, and they keep getting better,” Powerboat’s editors wrote.
 
MerCruiser’s impressive lineup of more than 20 sterndrives includes the Alpha One and Bravo series, while Mercury Racing boasts several top-line, high-performance drives, including the popular 525 EFI.
 
“We take pride in building the best sterndrives on the market,” said Kevin Grodzki, former president of MerCruiser and current President of Mercury Sales, Marketing and Commercial Operations. “This award is extra special because it comes from the boating enthusiasts we proudly serve.”
 
Mercury Racing also was named Powerboats readers’ “Favorite Engine Builder” and received honorable mention in the “Favorite Propeller Manufacturer” category.
 
“It is always a joy to have your engine, sterndrive and propeller creations warmly embraced by enthusiasts,” said Mercury Racing President Fred Kiekhaefer. “Powerboat readers have a passion for excellence and we sincerely appreciate their endorsement.” 
 
Twenty categories were determined and 60 awards were presented in Powerboats’ first-ever Readers Choice Awards. Almost 900 performance boat enthusiasts voted for their favorite marine manufacturers, dealers and boating destinations. The complete list of winners can be found in
 
Powerboat’s September issue or online at powerboatmag.com.  

5 Stone Advertising Chosen by Plano7/30/2010 8:22:00 AM


 
 
Plano Molding Company has hired Denver-based 5 Stone Advertising to grow its brand and promote its line of hunting and fishing storage systems. Citing 5 Stone's extensive experience and expertise in the fishing and hunting categories, Plano Molding Company Vice President of Marketing, Jesse Simpkins said that, "5 Stone's track record of success and their deep-rooted industry relationships speak volumes of their capabilities and give me great confidence in formalizing our partnership."

5 Stone Advertising will manage all aspects of Plano Molding's media and advertising efforts. "In the world of fishing and hunting, Plano Molding has long been known as an innovative and industry-leading designer and manufacturer of tackle, firearm and archery storage systems," said 5 Stone Advertising Principal, Doug Long. "We're looking forward to continuing our collaboration in promoting Plano's unsurpassed quality and design."

Since 1952, the Plano, Illinois based designer and manufacturer of storage systems for indoor and outdoor applications has been supplying outdoor enthusiasts with storage solutions that allow them to make the most of the time they have outdoors.

It all comes down to this...BASS AOY wraps up this weekend7/29/2010 10:15:00 AM


 
 
Six months went by pretty fast, and it all boils down to one weekend to determine the BASS Elite Angler of the Year. One two-day event on the Alabama River, near Montgomery, and the 2010 BASS Elite season will be over. Eight tournaments, two weeks of "post season" play and another season will be in the books.

The whole post season "Chase" deal seems fortuitous more so this year than any before it. Those who cover this sport like we do on a daily basis to be honest are not sure we get it. It's our approach, here at Wired2Fish, to usually stay out of the fray, but from the calls and feedback I have gotten, it was time to spout off a bit. It has been my opinion for years that BASS does what it does because it's a business. They have a right to run it the way they want.  
 
In recent weeks, I have been stumbling around with this entire post season program and truthfully believe it's bigger than just BASS. Its about records and the true nature of the sport. History has a part in the game. I am not sure if this is an honest reflection of who actually wins AOY. If Skeet pulls it off ... no harm no foul, but if he doesn't, I believe the fans and media will be buzzing. Maybe that is the goal. Rest assured it will change the AOY paradigm.  
 
This past weekend I watched the entire MLB Hall of Fame induction ceremony from Cooperstown. Whitey Herzog, Doug Harvey and Andre Dawson were inducted and each of their speeches hit home with me. Each intimated that the sport is bigger than the individual, and Dawson kept saying, "take care of the sport, and it will take care of you".
 
There is a lot of truth in that with professional bass fishing too. BASS is the gate keeper here, no question, but I also believe it's obligated to treasure the nature of what has been established and the records kept before. I don't want an asterisk placed on it. It is indeed a business, but it's more than that to me and many of us who love it. It's history, and it's important to do it with those guidelines in mind.

I was recently told that it costs $150,000 dollars to put on a BASS Elite Series event. I cannot argue if thats accurate or not, but I do know it's not cheap. The organizers of these events have to cost justify what they are doing. Again it's a business. Cities and counties located around the events foot part of the bill. They want the events, and they want people to spend money in their towns.
 
I applaud them for stepping up, but I am in a bit of a quandry why we have the finals three years running on the same bodies of water in the same state. Is the playing field important any longer, or is it only about securing a paying location? Are there other locations that would want the finals? No offense to the folks in Lower Alabama (LA), but I would like to see it move around.

Let's also talk a bit about balancing the points. This year, it is my belief that doing that the way it was done is skewed. No one in the history of competitive bass fishing has ever had the year Skeet Reese did. Leveling the points is akin to giving everyone a medal or making sure the fastest runner starts after everyone else. In football, you at least get the homefield advantage. Maybe the first eight events could get handicapped differently. It just doesn't seem right the way it is. 
 
I don't have the answer, but I sure would like to see dominance weighted in some manner. This year and last it was Skeet, but maybe next year, it will be KVD, Gary Klein or Russ Lane. My dad always told me that to be the best you have to work the hardest. Skeet manhandled the competition in 2010 and should be rewarded for it.

The outcome will ultimately be favorable to one angler, but will the outcome be just? It really comes down to two weekends and what happened in the other eight events only got us here. Some feel this is exciting and a neat new twist, the fishing purist says it should be the way it was. Even though I like the concept of a post season, I really do,  I believe it could be enhanced or tweaked a bit.
 
Is there a better way and still an ability to accomplish the same thing? Post season drama is a cool deal, and I believe that it has merit. Many have suggested it is like the playoffs in football where the best team during the season doesn't ultimately win the championship. But Championships and MVP's are two different things.

Tony Wilson sent me a note that read like this: "In 2007, the New England Patriots went undefeated in the regular season.  A feat that had never been done before in a 16 game season. Should they have been crowned National Champions before the playoffs started (they ended up losing in the Super Bowl)? The BASS format was changed, and everybody has to play by the same book, the same rules. The way I see it, Skeet is turning into the New England Patriots of 2007. Perform when it's time to perform, or you don't get the hardware."

Others see it another way. One title is Angler of the Year and the other is the Classic title. Danny Barker wrote "That is what the Classic is for, not the same for the AOY title."

There is no question no matter what happens everyone will not be happy. I applaud BASS for taking the steps to add some post season excitement. We are definitely talking about it, and we sure needed the injection of adrenaline.

Clarks Hill to host Military Bass event in 20117/29/2010 10:03:06 AM

 
 
Clarks Hill Lake, located in Columbia County, GA, has been selected as the host city for the 21st annual Military Team Bass Tournament. The week-long event is scheduled for May 2-7, 2011.
 
“Columbia County, Georgia is delighted to host the 2011 ABA Military Team Bass Championship to be held at Wildwood Park on Clarks Hill Lake”, said Barry Smith, Division Director for Columbia County Community & Leisure Services. “We extend a warm welcome to all branches of the Armed Forces participating in the event”, he continued.
 
Clarks Hill (J. Strom Thurmond) is Georgia’s largest reservoir at 71,535 acres. This Corps of Engineers (COE) reservoir is located 30 miles northeast of Augusta on the Savannah River. The numerous creeks feeding the lake, over 1,200 miles of shoreline, and large areas of open water provide a wide range of fishing opportunities . Named one of the first Go Fish Georgia sites in the state, the facilities include a 6 lane mega ramp system at Wildwood Park.

“We are excited to be going to Clarks Hill for the 21st annual meeting of our Team Military Bass Anglers”, said Morris Sheehan, President of American Bass Anglers. “Clarks Hill is a great fishery with plenty of room for everyone to spread out and find their own honey hole. The lake has plenty of big fish in it and boasts a largemouth record of 14 pounds, 14 ounces! This is just the kind of lake the Military Bass Anglers like competing on”, concluded Sheehan.
 
The Military Team Bass Fishing Tournament began in 1991 for all active duty Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Coast Guard, their dependents ages 16 and over (dependents under 18 must fish with a parent or guardian), National Guard, Reservists, DoD Civilians, DoD contractors and retired military.

American Bass Anglers (ABA) originally started as Military Bass Anglers Association (MBAA), in the mid-seventies as a bass fishing tournament trail to promote camaraderie among all branches of the military. Today it recognizes the ‘Angler of the Year’ from each of the military branches as bragging rights for the participants. In 2005, as a way of showing gratitude to active duty and retired military, ABA began offering “Take a Soldier Fishing” events at military installations throughout the country.
 
Since the inception in 2005, over 12,000 military personnel have had the opportunity to spend the day on a lake with appreciative citizens wanting to say, ‘thanks’

Hack goes for a Swim7/29/2010 9:31:37 AM

Triton Sold!7/29/2010 8:31:37 AM

 

Fishing Holdings, LLC, a premier manufacturer and marketer of fiberglass fishing boats owned by an affiliate of Platinum Equity,  announces its acquisition of  Triton Boats from Brunswick Corporation. Terms of the transaction are not disclosed.  

Triton founder Earl Bentz will join Fishing Holdings and resume his role at the helm of Triton Boats. Additionally, several key members of Triton’s executive management and sales representative group will remain on board the Triton team and will continue to lead the brand from their Tennessee office. 

“This move creates an exciting opportunity to reenergize the Triton brand. As we move ahead we will look to our roots and to our dedication to the fishing community on which the Triton brand was founded,” said Bentz. “I have been working closely with many Triton dealers since I started the company. I look forward to continuing that collaboration with our dealer base and to serving our loyal customers into the future.” 

Echoing Bentz’s comments, Randy Hopper, President of Fishing Holdings said, “We are extremely pleased to have Earl and his senior management team join our organization. The acquisition will allow us to leverage our world-class manufacturing operations and further strengthen our unwavering commitment to fishing, boating families and competitive tournament angling.” 

Triton fiberglass boats will be built in Flippin, Ark. where production will begin in Fall of 2010. Brunswick will continue to manufacture Triton aluminum boats under a license agreement.  

“We are excited to welcome Earl Bentz and the Triton family of dealers and customers to our team,” said Louis Samson of Platinum Equity. “Investing in a high-quality brand like Triton is another opportunity to demonstrate our commitment to succeed in the industry and our focus on supporting our portfolio companies in their growth and strategic plans.”

Just Ease Through and Go Fishing7/28/2010 2:11:26 PM

Wolak on his biggest win...7/28/2010 11:50:29 AM

 
Dave Wolak loves Lake Champlain. He calls it a special place where man and equipment are put to the ultimate test each time out. He recently won the BASS Nothern Open there and calls it "his biggest win". Tune in to Weighing In with Terry Brown to find out why.

More from ICAST 2010 - Durasafe Locks for Anglers Equipment7/28/2010 10:46:58 AM

College Bass to air on ESPNU starting tomorrow...7/28/2010 10:06:32 AM

College Bass photo
 
Super Regionals to air...

For the first time, all three College Bass Super Regionals will be featured in the ESPNU shows. The East, West and North Super Regionals’ show will air Thursday, July 29 at 5 p.m. ET followed by the College Bass National Championship, which will be featured in two shows Friday, July 30 and Saturday, July 31, both at 5 p.m. ET. ESPNU reaches more than 70 million households across the United States.
 
Since its inception in 2005, the College Bass National Championship has been the only fishing tournament to air on ESPNU. This season, College Bass will receive extended television coverage totaling nine hours of ESPNU programming.
 
Recap of the season:
 
University of Georgia anglers Ben Cleary and John Hickman tipped the scales with a two-day total of 29.61 pounds to claim the College Bass East Super Regional title on the Alabama River April 11, 2010.
 
LSU-Shreveport anglers Zach Caudle and Joe Landry won the College Bass West Super Regional for the second consecutive year with a two-day total of 29.27 pounds on Lake Tyler in Tyler, Texas April 25, 2010.
 
University of Missouri’s Scott Dooley and Shelby Lovelace won the inaugural North Super Regional with a two-day total of 20.6 pounds on the Mississippi River in Fort Madison June 6, 2010.
 
Eastern Kentucky University’s Jonas Ertel and Tyler Moberly claimed the sixth annual College Bass National Championship with a 21.39-pound bag on Brewer Lake in Carroll County, Ark. July 10, 2010

 

Costa's New Offerings at ICAST 20107/28/2010 9:00:21 AM

Klein's Sweaty Moment of Clarity7/28/2010 8:18:55 AM

By Alan McGuckin
You could chew on the humidity. He was sweating. I was sweating. In Wetumpka, Ala. that afternoon, anyone not sitting atop a bag of ice or inside the air conditioned house was sweating.

 

If ever there was a time to be grouchy and complain it was now. But he couldn’t complain. 

 

“He” being the 29-time Bassmaster Classic qualifier. “Me” being the PR dude for his sponsor of 25 years -- Quantum rods and reels.

                                   

It was 4 p.m. It was 97 degrees. And it was near the end of a very long grind better known as the 2010 Bassmaster Elite Series season.

 

This was one of those moments that takes place behind the scenes between two guys who have never known anything but the bass fishing biz as a source of income. 

 

Two guys that work together. Two guys that trust and respect each other.

 

This wasn’t for catalog copy, a print ad or a creative TV commercial. 

 

This was that instant when the truth gets told. 

 

Good or bad – all on the table. 

 

A “when E.F HuttonÒ talks” moment.

 

From beneath his sweaty hat, Gary Klein turned to me with a heightened expression of sincerity, not a smile, glanced at his rod locker, and said, “We (Quantum) have incredible product right now. There’s not a reel in my rod locker that needs service. In fact, I’ve been fishing with several of the reels in that box since last year.”

 

Consumers expect flawless performance from their reel for 12 – 18 months. Gary Klein expects it too. But for him, one year equals about 120,000 casts. He’s done the math.  

 

He told me he turns the reel handle an average of 67 times when casting a crankbait with a 6.3:1 Quantum TE100SPT. Yes, he counted – while fishing at Ft. Gibson reservoir in Oklahoma. Do you think the man knows his equipment? 

 

For 25 years, every fish Gary Klein’s weighed-in has been reeled in with a Quantum. Seven million turns of the reel handle each year. And he’s never been more pleased. “I was raised in an era of bass fishing where reels didn’t change much in the 60’s and 70’s. But Quantum wasn’t born until the mid 1980’s, and I‘ve been there the whole time as we worked and changed to make our product better and better. “

 

“I love what I have right now,” he said. No complaints. Even at the end of a miserably sweaty day in southern Alabama – and his 31st long and grinding season as a pro.

Long Picks Up Extra Check7/28/2010 8:13:26 AM


Brent Long has a record of tournament success that would turn most guys green with envy, but until this year, amid all his success, he admits he was still leaving a lot of ‘green’ on the table. 

The 39-year-old homebuilder from North Carolina has competed in both the Bassmaster Classic and the BFL All American, and he recently won $125,000 at the FLW Tour event on Lake Guntersville.  Still, he admits, he was missing out.  Missing out on Toyota Trucks Bonus Bucks.

“I qualified to fish in the Bassmaster Federation Nation Championship in Florida last fall and while I was there I picked up a Toyota Bonus Bucks brochure and started reading it.  I fast realized that in 2009 alone I had missed out on $10,000 in Bonus Bucks by not having a Toyota truck and not being registered for Bonus Bucks,” said Long who lives a short cast from Lake Norman, NC.

“Literally days after I read that Bonus Bucks brochure, I went out and bought a 2010 Toyota Tundra Double Cab with the TRD package,” Long said.  “I love my Tundra, it’s got plenty of power.  It’s the best tow vehicle I’ve ever had,” he added.

He plans to use the $125,000 he won at Guntersville toward a home he and his family recently built.  He’ll also use a portion of it to pad his twin daughters’ college fund.  The $2,000 in Bonus Bucks he collected to compliment the win could buy those softball-playing girls a lot of textbooks someday.

“Three years ago I rode in Terry Scroggins’ Tundra and I was really impressed," Long said. "I knew at that point Toyota was building a great tow vehicle, but I continued to drive another brand and missed out on a lot of Bonus Bucks money along the way."

Eligibility in the program is simple. All you have to do is own a 2007 or newer Tundra, Sequoia, 4Runner, FJ Cruiser or Tacoma, send in your registration form like Brent Long did, become the highest finishing eligible participant in your BASS or FLW affiliated tournament – and you win the Bonus Bucks.  To find out more and to make sure you’re signed up please visit toyotatrucksbonusbucks.com or call Kendell at (918) 742-6424.

BASS Trophy Chase coming back...7/28/2010 7:26:55 AM

BASS announced Monday that the organization will again head to Alabama, the state where it was founded more than 40 years ago, in 2011 for the Bassmaster Elite Series Postseason, the third consecutive year the Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Angler of the Year will be awarded in the River Region.  

The Postseason is set for July 23-30 and will again be played out on two productive Alabama fisheries, with the first leg, the Trophy Chase, set for Lake Jordan out of Wetumpka and the finale, the Trophy Triumph, slated for the Alabama River from Montgomery. 

Rich with BASS history, Alabama has hosted 11 Bassmaster Classics and will also host two Elite Series regular-season events in 2011: The Alabama Charge (Pickwick Lake, April 6-9, Florence) and the Dixie Duel (Wheeler Lake; June 16-19; Decatur).  Later this week, the 2010 Bassmaster Elite Series will end and the 2010 AOY will be crowned in downtown Montgomery, the city where BASS was founded in 1968 and headquartered for more than 35 years.  

“The growth of the Postseason wouldn’t have been possible without the Montgomery River Region,” said Tom Ricks, vice president and general manager, BASS.  “Their ability to activate and provide ancillary entertainment options for fans around the Postseason has been truly impressive and we are confident that we can continue to build on this event.” 

The schedule will follow the Postseason format with two practice days on each fishery followed by two competition days.  Entertainment surrounding the Postseason will be announced at a later date. 

The top 12 anglers in the Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Angler of the Year points at the end of the Bassmaster Elite Series regular season will qualify for 2011 Toyota Trucks Championship Week. The regular season concludes with the June 16-19 Dixie Duel out on Wheeler.  

BASS introduced the Postseason format in 2009 to increase the focus on one of the most prestigious awards in the sport: the Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Angler of the Year. The inaugural postseason delivered on excitement and a down-to-the-wire finish, as Kevin VanDam of Kalamazoo, Mich., and Skeet Reese of Auburn, Calif., the 2007 AOY, competed fiercely for the title with VanDam taking his fifth AOY title. 
For further details w.

Bassmaster Elite Series Official Sponsors: Toyota, Berkley, Evan Williams Bourbon,

Humminbird, Mercury, Minn Kota, Skeeter and Yamaha

 

Bassmaster Elite Series Supporting Sponsors: Lowrance, Triton Boats, Nitro Boats, Bass Pro Shops, Ramada and Power-Pole. 

 

Local Sponsors: The City of Wetumpka, The City of Montgomery, Riverfront Facilities and the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce and Convention & Visitors Bureau.

 

TOYOTA TRUCKS CHAMPIONSHIP WEEK

 

July 23-24              Trophy Chase                                                       Lake Jordan                          Wetumpka, Ala.

July 29-30              Trophy Triumph                                                   Alabama River                       Montgomery, Ala

Weighing In with Russ Lane...7/27/2010 4:01:34 PM

 
 
One down and one to go for Alabama pro Russ Lane and its heating up for the BASS Elite Series Angler of the Year Race. Skeet Reese is leading second place angler Lane by a small margin of 5 points. It all comes down to the Alabama River and its going to be fun.
 
Lane is ready and you can be assurred Reese, VanDam and Martens will be on their game as well.
 
To listen to Russ with Terry Brown click here. 

Quantum Leap Frogging into 2011 with Great New Bass Fishing Rods and Reels7/27/2010 3:28:19 PM

Dock Pitching Practice7/27/2010 2:06:30 PM

Pure Fishing engages with the future of fishing...7/27/2010 1:44:04 PM


Reading, writing, and arithmetic seem a bit passé. Students today study anything from engineering to Mozart to interior design. Even fishing and conservation are on the curriculum in public schools with the help of the Future Fisherman Foundation and a grant from Pure Fishing.
 
“Pure Fishing is actively involved with youth aquatic education,” said David Lund, Vice President of Marketing -The Americas. “We are dedicated to engaging the public in fishing and conservation education and programs. We believe it is our responsibility to recruit new anglers. Bringing fishing opportunities to high school and middle school students is one way to fulfill that mission.” 
 
Recent studies have shown that if a person does not engage in fishing activities by the age of 18, chances are they will never develop an interest. The Future Fisherman Foundation helps public, private and charter schools incorporate the benefits and rewards of fishing, boating and aquatic conservation activities into their school curriculum. Training and resources are available to school-based programs for grades K-12.
 
“Pure Fishing’s generous donation will enable us to teach our curriculum to educators who want to incorporate youth fishing activities into their learning programs,” said Foundation Executive Director Keith Sutton. “It also will allow us to begin creating online training opportunities that give educators a head start at implementing new programs in their communities. Without Pure Fishing’s support, this wouldn’t have been possible. We’re very appreciative they’ve shown leadership in supporting youth fishing education programs throughout the U.S.”
 
“Qualified educators who sign up for the program can purchase rods, reels, fly-fishing tackle, accessories and more from a portfolio of Pure Fishing brands that includes Shakespeare, Berkley, Stren, Pflueger, Mitchell, Johnson and more,” said Teresa Rodriguez, the Foundation’s Director of Education.
 
Students in classrooms across America are learning everything from fish anatomy to how to bait hooks thanks to the Future Fisherman Foundation grant program. And with support from industry leaders like Pure Fishing, next year more students will be heading to the pond for final exams.
 

Season 3 to begin for Jarrett Edwards7/27/2010 12:46:18 PM

 
 

 
Season 3 of Jarrett Edwards Outdoors will launch this Thursday on The World Fishing Network. This season has a large multi species approach covering Bass, Striper, Pike, Shark, Crappie and Trout. Since leaving the Bassmaster Elite series in 2006 Jarrett has focused on producing HD fishing shows for multiple species across the Western US. Surprisingly as a national show many viewers east of the Mississippi have picked up on many fresh techniques that the west coast angler brings to the table. WFN is also airing a free preview on Dish Network till August 18th. It’s available on channel 390 and features 24/7 fishing in HD.

Jarrett Edwards Outdoors also has a new interactive website where you can see show trailers as well as other media. Check it out here: www.jarrettedwardsoutdoors.com

 

 Upcoming Shows

On WFN

·        Sun., Jul. 25

7:00 AM ET

·        Sun., Jul. 25

3:00 PM ET

·        Tue., Jul. 27

6:30 PM ET

·        Tue., Jul. 27

2:30 AM ET

·        Wed., Jul. 28

10:30 AM ET

·        Thu., Jul. 29

8:30 PM ET

·        Sat., Jul. 24

11:00 PM ET



On WFN HD

·        Sun., Jul. 25

7:00 AM ET

·        Sun., Jul. 25

3:00 PM ET

·        Tue., Jul. 27

6:30 PM ET

·        Tue., Jul. 27

2:30 AM ET

·        Wed., Jul. 28

10:30 AM ET

·        Thu., Jul. 29

8:30 PM ET

·        Sat., Jul. 24

11:00 PM ET

                 

Spro BBZ-1 Baby Shad Contest Winners7/27/2010 10:31:40 AM

 
Spro has a family of swimbaits that is second to none. The BBZ-1 line up has a new addition and we thought it would cool to make sure a loyal Wired2Fish reader had a chance at one of them....actually 6 loyal readers will be getting one.
 
The winners of the Spro BBZ-1 Baby contest are:
 
Joshua Yu
Sacramento, CA  
 
Roger Lawhon
Marshfield, MO  
 
Chris Jenkins
Midlothian, VA  
 
Russ Edwards
Canton, GA  
 
Jeff Morrison
Castaic, CA  
 
Michelle Little
Osage City, KS 
 
Your Spro BBZ-1 Baby's are on the way!

Facts of Fishing FYI...Opens, Elites and Trout7/27/2010 7:16:11 AM

 
 
 

Lindners Sign with Quantum7/26/2010 4:16:15 PM

Cast Away7/26/2010 4:05:02 PM

Cast Away7/26/2010 3:00:37 PM



College angling experienced explosive growth the last two years with full divisional trails, college rivalries and even scholarships to college for highly recruited anglers. In fact we believe a lot of the next superstars in professional bass fishing are already fishing in the college circuits. Just like at the professional levels, some of the same names keep showing up regardless of the tournament circuit. One of those names is Tyler Moberly.

Moberly fishes for Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) and has been fishing college circuits for more than three years. Moberly comes from a fishing family. Many folks will remember his father, Terry Moberly who not only won $100,000 in Feb. 2009, but also won $1 million last year as the grand champion in FLW Outdoors Fantasy Fishing contest.

Several Veterans Talk New Reels7/26/2010 2:21:33 PM

Lane Takes Victory and Big Bite out of Reese's Lead7/25/2010 9:15:37 PM


Photos courtesy of BASS Communications

Heading into this week, Russ Lane of Prattville, Ala., just wanted to win a few boats.  He didn’t see any plausible scenario where he could overtake Skeet Reese of Auburn, Calif., in the Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Angler of the Year standings.  So, he fished void of worries and the laissez faire attitude helped him win the Ramada Trophy Chase on Lake Jordan, virtually Lane’s home waters.

But now the stakes have just been raised and Lane is within striking distance – just 5 points behind Reese in the AOY standings – of the most coveted award in bass fishing. He will again be working a fishery that he is ultra-comfortable with next week as the competition moves to the Alabama River for the Evan Williams Bourbon Trophy Triumph.

“I just realized that winning the Angler of the Year is now a possibility,” said Lane, 37.  “I have to keep my head right and have fun and block out all the distractions.  I can’t control what anyone else does and I can’t get wrapped up in thinking about what winning the Angler of the Year would mean.”

Lane had a “crazy day” that included losing his rod-and-reel outfit to an aggressive spotted bass and nearly losing his grip on another fish right at the boat.  But good fortune and a hometown crowd – an armada of nearly 40 spectator boats stayed connected to Lane – carried Lane through, earning him his first BASS victory and a Triton/Mercury boat package valued at $60,000. 

Lane, who tallied a two-day total of 32-3,  had a distinct plan each day of competition that included searching for big bites early in the day and then moving to area, after the current generation began at 11 a.m., where he was confident he could fill out his five-fish limit.

The four-time Bassmaster Classic qualifier worked several deep-running crankbaits in addition to a Big Bite worm, which enticed quality-sized spotted bass. As it was, Lane had a much more difficult time Sunday morning landing quality bites in the morning.  By 9:30, he had zero fish in the boat.

“I could have panicked early,” said Lane.  “”But I stayed calm all day long.  That was the key to the victory. Keeping calm.”

The door was opened for Lane – and a host of others – because Reese had a disastrous day.  He wasn’t able to register a limit and lost three fish that would have helped him considerably.  Reese’s timing is unfortunate as his regular-season was one for the ages – it included six top-five finishes and two victories. 

And while it’s a shame for Reese if he falters again next week – this would mark the second consecutive season that Reese would cough up the trophy – each angler is measured by the same scoring format. 

“I’m pretty heated right now,” said Reese, the 2009 Bassmaster Classic champion.  “That was my toughest day of the season without a doubt.  It is so frustrating and now I’m not in the best position.  But in the end, it comes down to this and I just have to take care of business next week.”

Almost equally as disappointed as Reese was Aaron Martens of Leeds, Ala.  Martens finished second to Lane by 3 ounces in the event but had the opportunity to win.  He had fish care issues all day, which resulted in him absorbing a 24-ounce penalty to decrease his total 32-0. 

Beyond that, Martens made several blunders during the tournament day, tossing back quality, expiring fish which he was never able to match.  The implications are endless for Martens.  If he had won, he would be in second in the AOY standings instead of fourth.  As is, Martens is still within striking distance just 10 points back.

Perhaps lost in the shuffle was Kevin VanDam moving up to third in the AOY standings and is just seven points behind Lane.  VanDam of Kalamazoo, Mich., already owns five AOY titles and a sixth would probably seal his fate as the best angler ever.  VanDam has a magical way of performing in the biggest events and the Postseason is tailor-made for his aggressive style.

“I like the Postseason format,” said VanDam, a three-time Bassmaster Classic champion.  “It’s very similar to other sports with playoffs and you have to be performing at the end of the year to be the champion. It’s the most intense events I have ever fishing and it’s exciting as heck.”

Rounding out the top five in the AOY was Edwin Evers of Talala, Okla.  The full points can be found below.  Evers was Reese’s closest challenger heading into this week but the leaderboard has been turned upside down with the stellar performances of Lane and Martens.

The final Postseason leg, the Evan Williams Bourbon Trophy Triumph, will play out on the Alabama River on July 30 and 31.  The Postseason format – introduced in 2009 – features two two-day events.  Angler’s scoring from the regular season was readjusted and then each tournament is scored on a 50-point sliding scale found below.
 
1.      Skeet Reese, Auburn, Calif.                     232

2.      Russ Lane, Prattville, Ala.                        227

3.      Kevin VanDam, Kalamazoo, Mich.            225

4.      Aaron Martens, Leeds, Ala.                      222

5.      Edwin Evers, Talala, Okla.                        222

6.      Greg Hackney, Gonzales, La.                   213

7.      Cliff Pace, Petal, Ms.                                 212

7.      Terry Butcher, Talala, Okla.                      212

9.      Gary Klein, Weatherford, Texas                209

10.    John Crews, Salem, Va.                             203                                          

11.    Derek Remitz, Grant, Ala.                          198

12.    Tommy Biffle, Wagoner, Okla.                   192

Reese's Lead on AOY Still Solid7/24/2010 8:54:03 PM


Photo by Seigo Saito / BASS Communications

Dodging a serious bullet, Skeet Reese of Auburn, Calif., extended his lead—albeit by .5 points -- in the Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Angler of the Year standings despite stubbing his toe Saturday and placing sixth in the Ramada Trophy Chase.

Thankfully for Reese, his closest competition faltered much worse than him. But Russ Lane, perhaps the most dangerous angler in the field, rocketed up the AOY ledger from last to second after just one day of fishing on Lake Jordan, positioning himself for a dramatic comeback if he continues his run on the Alabama River, the final leg of Postseason competition.

And don’t count out Kevin VanDam, who was third in the Jordan competition.  VanDam has won the past two Angler of the Year titles and thrives in the pressure-packed Bassmaster Elite Series Postseason format.

Still, Reese was giddy after learning his lead grew.  All in all, despite a mediocre showing, he still holds the catbird’s seat by a significant margin.

“I’m pretty dang happy right now,” said Reese of Auburn, Calif.  “I feel good about heading into Sunday in the position I am in.  I knew it was going to be an interesting week and I just need to roll with the punches.”

In 2009, Reese famously ceded his advantage to VanDam in the second leg of the Postseason and while that has haunted him – and will continue to – Reese knows this is a four-day derby and has vowed to not get too wrapped up in each day’s momentum swings.

But it looked very bleak for Reese early.  By 1 p.m. – more than seven hours into his competition day – Reese had only landed three keepers.  He had located a spot in practice that kicked out some keepers later in the day and knew he had the trump card in his back pocket.  He was able to get right by hitting the spot, rounding out his limit and culling up to his 12-pound, 4-ounce limit, which was solid but not spectacular.

Reese said his five bass came on five different baits and he junk-fished the majority of his day.  After a stellar tournament on Jordan last year, the 2009 Bassmaster Classic champion figured he would try his luck on some of the same areas but ended up catching nothing from any of those spots.

“I’ve got some work to do,” said Reese, the 2007 Angler of the Year.  “I’m looking to extend my lead each day of competition and hopefully I can do that again tomorrow (Sunday).  I was looking for 15 pounds today and it didn’t materialize but I know there is plenty of fish in here that are capable of producing a solid bag like that.”

While Lane wasn’t able to leapfrog Reese in the AOY standings – it was only possible from his vantage point if Reese finishes last – the Prattville, Ala., angler satisfied many pundit’s predictions by taking the first-day lead on Jordan, a fishery that is essentially in his backyard.
 
Flanked by an armada of as many as 40 vocal spectator boats, Lane was able to capitalize later in the day, much like Reese.  He landed 15 keepers after 11 a.m.  If Lane maintains his Jordan lead – Louisiana’s Greg Hackney was only 7 ounces behind – he would earn a fully-rigged boat package valued at $60,000.

“Everything is out of my control,” said Lane, 37.  “I feel like I don’t have much of a chance to move up so I’m fishing like I have nothing to lose.  It’s like all the pressure is off of me and I can just go out and have fun.”

Fishing care-free and easy apparently suits Lane and considering he maintains his homefield advantage next week on the Alabama River, the four-time Bassmaster Classic qualifier is posing the biggest threat to Reese at the moment.

But VanDam said he let up on his fish a bit, figuring that 15 pounds would be good enough for the lead.  The five-time Angler of the Year said he was going to swing for the fences Sunday and 19 pounds was a possibility.

“I have to move up, third place just isn’t going to cut it,” said the Kalamazoo, Mich., veteran.  “Skeet controls his own destiny but I can put the pressure on if I go out there and whack ‘em.”

Edwin Evers, who was second in the AOY rankings heading into this week, was eighth in the Jordan event, which caused him to tumble to fourth in the AOY rankings.  Hackney, on the strength of his second-place showing at Jordan, moved up to fifth.

Each angler caught a limit.  Places four through nine are separated by less than 4 pounds, providing opportunities for anglers back in the pack to gain some ground.

The Postseason format – introduced in 2009 – features two two-day events.  Angler’s scoring from the regular season was simplified and then each tournament is scored on a 50-point sliding scale found below.  The final leg, the Evan Williams Bourbon Trophy Triumph, will play out on the Alabama River on July 30 and 31. 
 
2010 TOYOTA TRUCKS CHAMPIONSHIP WEEK
Field and Standings

No.:   Angler:                                     Points:

1.     Skeet Reese, Auburn, Calif.             242.5
2.     Russ Lane, Prattville, Ala.                227
3.     Kevin VanDam, Kalamazoo, Mich.    225
4.     Edwin Evers, Talala, Okla.                223
5.     Greg Hackney, Gonzales, La.           222
6.     Aaron Martens, Leeds, Ala.              213
7.     Gary Klein, Weatherford, Texas       209
8.     John Crews, Salem, Va.                   207.5
9.     Cliff Pace, Petal, Ms.                        203
10.    Tommy Biffle, Wagoner, Okla.         201                                         
11.    Terry Butcher, Talala, Okla.            197
12.    Derek Remitz, Grant, Ala.                195

Wolak Wins Bassmaster Open on Champlain7/24/2010 6:02:52 PM



Holding off a hard-charging Ryan Said, Dave Wolak of Wake Forest, N.C., had just enough weight Saturday to take the 2010 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Northern Open on Lake Champlain.  Wolak amassed a three-day total of 54 pounds, 1 ounce, to score his second BASS victory. 

“This tournament means more to me than anything in my career,” said Wolak, a Bassmaster Elite Series pro.  “More than the Rookie of the Year or the Bassmaster Major that I won.  This lake has a sense of purity about it, and when you come up here you really have to find the fish first. You have to make changes navigationally and strategically.

“I came up here planning to fish for largemouth thinking that’s what was going to win it, but I started fishing for smallies early on. I made a critical move on Friday because the north wind made me fish shallow. I found a grass mat and whacked ‘em. That wind tucked the fish up under there.”

Wolak flipped a Fin-Tech Title Shot jig tipped with a YUM Craw Papi into grass to land most of his fish. He took home the top prize of more than $51,000 as well as the lead in the Northern Opens points race. After the three-tournament Northern Opens season, the top two anglers will receive a berth in the 2011 Bassmaster Classic in New Orleans. 

Wolak already punched his ticket to the 2011 Classic via the Elite Series so the first angler out of the Classic cutline – Jared Lintner – would benefit if Wolak were to hold.   

Said of Wixom, Mich., took runner-up with his 19-1 limit Saturday.  That brought his three-day total to 53-0 but the late charge ended up falling just short. Every one of Said’s fish fell for a Poor Boy’s Bait Co. football jig in water up to 16 feet deep. He concentrated on rock piles.

“I’m thrilled to have gotten second in a field that had so many pros in it,” he said. “I lost a good fish – about 4 pounds or so – on the first day, and I’m not saying that was the difference, but I guess I’ll never know.”

In third place was Tracy Adams of Wilkesboro, N.C. He added 17-15 Saturday for a three-day total of 52-4. Behind him was Elite Series pro Ish Monroe of Hughson, Calif., who fell two spots after only bringing 14-4 to the scales the final day. His total was 52-0. Rounding out the top five was Mike Haggerty of Hendersonville, Tenn., whose three-day total is 51-15.

On the co-angler side, Thomas Rizzo of Rochester, Pa., took top honors. With the victory, he earned a brand new Triton/Mercury rig valued at $44,000 with a three-day total of 30-12. He credits knowledge of the lake, good pros, and preparedness for his success.

In second place was Phillip Jarabeck of Virginia, whose total weight is 30-6. In third was James Schneider of Menands, N.Y., who built 30-2 over three days.

Lane Leads 12 in Trophy Chase on Lake Jordan7/24/2010 5:56:40 PM


Photo by Alan McGuckin

Our buddy, Big Bite Baits pro Russ Lane of Alabama was calm and anxious for the tournament to start when we talked to him last week at ICAST. He was confident he knew what the bass on Lake Jordan were doing and he proved it today by taking the opening day lead in the Bassmaster Elite Series Trophy Chase on Jordan. Lane had five bass for 17 pounds even, but only leads by 7 ounces. All 12 competitors caught a limit. Here is how the leaderboard fleshed out on day one.

1 Russ Lane      5 bass 17- 0
2 Greg Hackney   5 bass 16- 9
3 Kevin VanDam   5 bass 15- 4 
4 Aaron Martens  5 bass 14- 0
5 Gary Klein     5 bass 13- 6
6 Skeet Reese    5 bass 12- 4
6 John Crews     5 bass 12- 4
8 Edwin Evers    5 bass 11-10 
9 Tommy Biffle   5 bass 10- 6
10 Cliff Pace    5 bass 9- 2
11 Terry Butcher 5 bass 8-12
12 Derek Remitz  5 bass 6-10

Wired2Fish pro Gary Klein lands a nice Lake Jordan spotted bass on spinning tackle during the BAssmaster Elite Series Trophy Chase on Saturday
Photo by Alan McGuckin

Wolak Takes Lead at Champlain7/23/2010 10:23:09 PM




High winds wreaked havoc on the 200-boat field on Day 2 of the first 2010 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Northern Open. Boats and anglers alike suffered on fish-factory Lake Champlain.

Pro angler Matt Sphar of Pavilion, N.Y., may have suffered the worst of the damage. He was en route to the scales with his co-angler when the bolts holding his motor to the transom gave way under the repeated pounding that the 8- to 10-foot waves were doling out. Thankfully, Elite Series pro James Niggemeyer was following the same path.

In all the mayhem, it was the Elite Series pros who capitalized, taking over three of the top five spots. However, the race is very tight and it is still anyone’s game. Less than two pounds separate the top five anglers.

Dave Wolak of Wake Forest, N.C., moved to the top spot from 7th place with a 19-6 bag for a two-day total of 37-15. Wolak feels like he is on the fish to win the tournament but Saturday will determine whether that is the case.

 “I think I can repeat today’s weight," said Wolak. "I lost a big one yesterday that was about six pounds, so I’m in an area with good fish. This is a multi-species lake; there are just as many smallmouth as there are largemouth. Today, I went for smallmouth first, got about 15 pounds worth and that put my mind at ease. So I took my time and went looking for largemouth. By the end of the day I was able to cull every one of my smallies.”

Ish Monroe of Hughson, Calif., retained second position with a Friday bag that weighed 17-11 for a two-day total of 37-12. Once again, Monroe threw his Phat Frog, but lacked the big bites to break the 20-pound mark for the second consecutive day.

 “Hopefully I can pull it out for the win, but I may run out of fish, you never know,” he said. “I’ll definitely be using the Phat Frog again Saturday and hopefully I can get some bigger bites.”

As for Sphar, he landed 15th despite the boat troubles.

 “We were negotiating the waves when ‘wham!’ my motor tore off,” said Sphar. “It scared us pretty bad, and we were drifting in high seas, dead in the water. However, James Niggemeyer saw what happened to us and was kind enough to take me, my co-angler and our fish back with him. That’s when the real punishment began. We had a long ride back to the dock and I was on the front deck the whole time. I’ll sleep pretty well tonight.”

While the field was cut only the top 30 competitors after Friday’s competition, the possibility of an angler coming from way back still exists.  Jason Knapp came from the teens to claim his first BASS win at the 2009 Lake Champlain Northern Open.

Pro anglers are vying for the top prize of $54,000 and change as well as valuable points toward one of the 2011 Bassmaster Classic berths afforded to the top two anglers from the Northern Opens division.

In third in the pro division was Brian Gates of Rutland, Vt. Gates managed 16-12 Friday for a two-day total of 36-3. In fourth was Mike Haggerty of Hendersonville, Tenn., who is doing well on Lake Champlain despite it being his first time there. He brought 19-11 to the scales today for a total of 36-2. In fifth is Elite Series pro J. Todd Tucker of Moultrie, Ga., who scored big today with 18-3 to pull him up from 11th place. His two-day total stands at 36-0.

On the co-angler side, Vincent Mucci of North Haven, Ct., catapulted from seventh place to take top honors with an 11-10 Friday, bringing his total to 22-5. Behind him was Brent Heyn, whose 10-3 three-fish limit brough his weight up to 21-15. In third was Anthony Savino of Marlboro, N.Y., who sacked 10-6 for a total weight of 20-10.
 

1.  Dave Wolak             Wake Forest, N.C.      10  37-15     

  Day 1: 5   18-09    Day 2: 5   19-06  

2.  Ish Monroe             Hughson, Calif.        10  37-12     

  Day 1: 5   20-01    Day 2: 5   17-11  

3.  Brian Gates            Rutland, Vt.           10  36-03     

  Day 1: 5   19-07    Day 2: 5   16-12  

4.  Mike Haggerty          Hendersonville, Tenn.  10  36-02     

  Day 1: 5   19-11    Day 2: 5   16-07  

5.  J Todd Tucker          Moultrie, Ga.          10  36-00     

  Day 1: 5   17-13    Day 2: 5   18-03  

6.  Travis Manson          Green Bay, Wisc.       10  35-15     

  Day 1: 5   21-05    Day 2: 5   14-10  

7.  Nate Wellman           Newaygo, Mich.         10  35-09     

  Day 1: 5   18-07    Day 2: 5   17-02  

8.  Dave Mansue            Hemphill, Texas        10  35-07     

  Day 1: 5   17-14    Day 2: 5   17-09  

9.  Jeremy Starks          Charleston, W.Va.      10  34-12     

  Day 1: 5   17-08    Day 2: 5   17-04  

10. Kevin Short            Mayflower, Ark.        10  34-06     

  Day 1: 5   18-02    Day 2: 5   16-04  

11. Tracy Adams            Wilkesboro, N.C.       10  34-05     

  Day 1: 5   16-15    Day 2: 5   17-06  

12. Thomas Lavictoire      West Rutland, Vt.      10  34-03     

  Day 1: 5   16-07    Day 2: 5   17-12  

13. Mike Wolfenden         Warwick, R.I.          10  34-00     

  Day 1: 5   16-05    Day 2: 5   17-11  

14. Nathan Kawlewski       Newburgh, Ind.         10  33-13     

  Day 1: 5   18-03    Day 2: 5   15-10  

15. Matthew Sphar          Pavilion, N.Y.         10  33-13     

  Day 1: 5   18-00    Day 2: 5   15-13  

16. Ryan Said              Wixom, Mich.           10  33-13     

  Day 1: 5   16-05    Day 2: 5   17-08  

17. Scott Rook             Little Rock, Ark.      10  33-12     

  Day 1: 5   17-00    Day 2: 5   16-12  

18. Casey Lyon             Eden, Vt.              10  33-06     

  Day 1: 5   14-14    Day 2: 5   18-08  

19. Brandon Coulter        Knoxville, Tenn.       10  33-04     

  Day 1: 5   16-12    Day 2: 5   16-08  

20. David Walker           Sevierville, Tenn.     10  33-01     

  Day 1: 5   17-01    Day 2: 5   16-00  

21. Jamey Way              Tarboro, N.C.          10  32-11     

  Day 1: 5   15-13    Day 2: 5   16-14  

22. Jason Knapp            Uniontown, Pa.         10  32-10     

  Day 1: 5   15-14    Day 2: 5   16-12  

23. Mark Desjardin         Vassalboro, Maine      10  32-05     

  Day 1: 5   16-02    Day 2: 5   16-03  

24. Timmy Horton           Muscle Shoals, Ala.    10  32-02     

  Day 1: 5   14-09    Day 2: 5   17-09  

25. Brian Bylotas          Olyphant, Pa.          10  32-02     

  Day 1: 5   17-05    Day 2: 5   14-13   

26. David Reault           Livonia, Mich.         10  32-01     

  Day 1: 5   17-09    Day 2: 5   14-08  

27. Jason Quinn            Lake Wylie, S.C.       10  31-15     

  Day 1: 5   16-04    Day 2: 5   15-11  

28. Jack Rinkers           Swarthmore, Pa.        10  31-13     

  Day 1: 5   16-03    Day 2: 5   15-10  

29. Michael Simonton       Fremont, Ohio           9  31-12     

  Day 1: 4   16-12    Day 2: 5   15-00  

30. Chip Harrison          Bremen, Ind.           10  31-11     

  Day 1: 5   17-10    Day 2: 5   14-01  

31. Jimmy Kennedy          Plainfield, Vt.        10  31-08  213      $571.00

  Day 1: 5   14-09    Day 2: 5   16-15  

32. Randy Howell           Springville, Ala.      10  31-07  211      $571.00

  Day 1: 5   14-01    Day 2: 5   17-06  

33. Marty Robinson         Lyman, S.C.            10  31-05  209      $571.00

  Day 1: 5   19-07    Day 2: 5   11-14  

34. Gary Gaussiran         Lachute, Canada        10  31-03  207      $571.00

  Day 1: 5   15-07    Day 2: 5   15-12  

35. Brian Ward             Chesterfield, Mich.    10  31-01  205      $571.00

  Day 1: 5   15-13    Day 2: 5   15-04  

36. Preston Johnson        Rice Lake, Wisc.       10  30-15  203      $571.00

  Day 1: 5   14-12    Day 2: 5   16-03  

37. Shawn Skobel           Uniontown, Pa.         10  30-15  201      $571.00

  Day 1: 5   16-09    Day 2: 5   14-06  

38. Jerry Williams         Conway, Ark.           10  30-13  199      $571.00

  Day 1: 5   11-09    Day 2: 5   19-04  

39. James Niggemeyer       Van, Texas             10  30-13  197      $571.00

  Day 1: 5   13-13    Day 2: 5   17-00  

40. Mark Burgess           Norton, Mass.          10  30-12  195      $571.00

  Day 1: 5   15-09    Day 2: 5   15-03  

41. Matt Greenblatt        Palm Beach Gardens, Fl 10  30-08  193      $571.00

  Day 1: 5   19-01    Day 2: 5   11-07  

42. Koby Kreiger           Okeechobee, Fla.       10  30-07  191      $571.00

  Day 1: 5   15-01    Day 2: 5   15-06  

43. Gerald Swindle         Warrior, Ala.          10  30-06  189      $571.00

  Day 1: 5   17-08    Day 2: 5   12-14  

44. Donald Haskins         Rosedale, Md.          10  30-02  187      $571.00

  Day 1: 5   15-08    Day 2: 5   14-10  

45. Chad Morgenthaler      Coulterville, Ill.     10  30-02  185      $571.00

  Day 1: 5   15-05    Day 2: 5   14-13  

46. Todd Cole              Geneseo, N.Y.          10  29-15  183      $571.00

  Day 1: 5   17-01    Day 2: 5   12-14  

47. Pat Golden             High Point, N.C.       10  29-15  181      $571.00

  Day 1: 5   13-14    Day 2: 5   16-01  

48. Doug Kirkbride         Beaver Falls, N.Y.     10  29-14  179      $571.00

  Day 1: 5   17-13    Day 2: 5   12-01  

49. Jason Root             Fostoria, Ohio         10  29-11  177      $571.00

  Day 1: 5   15-04    Day 2: 5   14-07  

50. Joe Balog              Harrison Township, Mic 10  29-08  175      $571.00

  Day 1: 5   16-00    Day 2: 5   13-08  

51. Ben Parker             Springville, Tenn.     10  29-07  173

  Day 1: 5   17-12    Day 2: 5   11-11  

52. J Judd                 Sheldon, Vt.           10  29-06  171

  Day 1: 5   18-06    Day 2: 5   11-00  

53. Jason Ober             Johnstown, Pa.         10  29-04  169

  Day 1: 5   16-03    Day 2: 5   13-01  

54. Derek Jones            Chicago, Ill.          10  29-04  167

  Day 1: 5   15-01    Day 2: 5   14-03  

55. Scott Patton           Mt Washington, Ky.     10  29-03  165

  Day 1: 5   13-11    Day 2: 5   15-08  

56. Dana Perrotte          Colchester, Vt.        10  29-01  163

  Day 1: 5   16-07    Day 2: 5   12-10  

57. Casey Ashley           Donalds, S.C.          10  28-15  161

  Day 1: 5   12-07    Day 2: 5   16-08  

58. Bill Day               Frankfort, Ky.         10  28-14  159

  Day 1: 5   16-04    Day 2: 5   12-10  

59. Mike McClelland        Bella Vista, Ark.      10  28-13  157

  Day 1: 5   16-03    Day 2: 5   12-10  

60. John Hempel            Brownstown, Mich.      10  28-12  155

  Day 1: 5   15-10    Day 2: 5   13-02  

61. Mike Elkins            Kalamazoo, Mich.       10  28-12  153

  Day 1: 5   13-10    Day 2: 5   15-02  

62. Chris Sumansky         Renfrew, Pa.           10  28-12  151

  Day 1: 5   14-05    Day 2: 5   14-07  

63. Trevor Jancasz         White Pigeon, Mich.    10  28-11  149

  Day 1: 5   14-09    Day 2: 5   14-02  

64. Charlie Hartley        Grove City, Ohio       10  28-07  147

  Day 1: 5   15-14    Day 2: 5   12-09  

65. Bernie Schultz         Gainesville, Fla.      10  28-05  145

  Day 1: 5   12-08    Day 2: 5   15-13  

66. Trevor Knight          Magnolia, Del.         10  28-05  143

  Day 1: 5   14-02    Day 2: 5   14-03  

67. Douglas Wilson         Plainfield, Vt.        10  28-05  141

  Day 1: 5   13-05    Day 2: 5   15-00  

68. Chris Baumgardner      Gastonia, N.C.         10  28-04  139

  Day 1: 5   14-00    Day 2: 5   14-04  

69. Mark Hickory           St Albans Bay, Vt.     10  28-01  137

  Day 1: 5   15-08    Day 2: 5   12-09  

70. Rob Webster            Janetville, Canada     10  28-01  135

  Day 1: 5   13-10    Day 2: 5   14-07  

71. Chris Noffsinger       Interlochen, Mich.     10  28-00  133

  Day 1: 5   12-11    Day 2: 5   15-05  

72. Michael Iaconelli      Pitts Grove, N.J.      10  27-15  131

  Day 1: 5   14-02    Day 2: 5   13-13  

73. Hugh Crumpler          Palm Bay, Fla.         10  27-11  129

  Day 1: 5   13-10    Day 2: 5   14-01  

74. Chad Pipkens           Holt, Mich.            10  27-05  127

  Day 1: 5   16-00    Day 2: 5   11-05  

75. Rodney Sorrell         Stokesdale, N.C.       10  27-03  125

  Day 1: 5    9-07    Day 2: 5   17-12  

76. Skip Sjobeck           Randolph, Vt.          10  27-02  123

  Day 1: 5   14-10    Day 2: 5   12-08  

77. Nick Gainey            Charleston, S.C.       10  27-00  121

  Day 1: 5   11-08    Day 2: 5   15-08  

78. Charlie Ingram         Santa Fe, Tenn.        10  26-14  119

  Day 1: 5   13-13    Day 2: 5   13-01  

79. David Dudley           Dublin, Ohio           10  26-13  117

  Day 1: 5   15-11    Day 2: 5   11-02  

80. William Roe            Norton, Mass.          10  26-13  115

  Day 1: 5   15-05    Day 2: 5   11-08  

81. Joseph Thompson        Ridley Park, Pa.       10  26-13  113

  Day 1: 5   13-09    Day 2: 5   13-04  

82. Mark Hicks             Glouster, Ohio          9  26-13  111

  Day 1: 4   13-09    Day 2: 5   13-04  

83. Adrian Avena           Vineland, N.J.         10  26-11  109

  Day 1: 5   14-04    Day 2: 5   12-07  

84. Jeremy Prouty          Vero Beach, Fla.       10  26-11  107

  Day 1: 5   14-01    Day 2: 5   12-10  

85. Mike Weiss             Union Grove, Wisc.     10  26-10  105

  Day 1: 5   13-15    Day 2: 5   12-11  

86. Kotaro Kiriyama        Moody, Ala.             9  26-09  103

  Day 1: 5   15-07    Day 2: 4   11-02  

87. Chris Lane             Guntersville, Ala.     10  26-08  101

  Day 1: 5   14-14    Day 2: 5   11-10  

88. Bill Spence            Saint Albans, Vt.      10  26-06   99

  Day 1: 5    9-09    Day 2: 5   16-13  

89. Larry Materia          Boonton, N.J.          10  26-03   97

  Day 1: 5   10-05    Day 2: 5   15-14  

90. Frank Scalish          Cleveland Heights, Ohi 10  25-15   95

  Day 1: 5   12-06    Day 2: 5   13-09  

91. James Jeffries         Rouses Point, N.Y.     10  25-15   93

  Day 1: 5   12-08    Day 2: 5   13-07  

92. Luke Sharder           Moorestown, N.J.       10  25-15   91

  Day 1: 5   15-06    Day 2: 5   10-09  

93. Troy Sitar             Lawrence, Mich.        10  25-12   89

  Day 1: 5   13-12    Day 2: 5   12-00  

94. Greg Pugh              Cullman, Ala.           9  25-09   87

  Day 1: 5   17-15    Day 2: 4    7-10  

95. Chris Jackson          Guntersville, Ala.     10  25-06   85

  Day 1: 5   11-12    Day 2: 5   13-10  

96. Jeffrey Randall        Lake Luzerne, N.Y.     10  25-06   83

  Day 1: 5   12-01    Day 2: 5   13-05  

97. Alvin Shaw             State Road, N.C.       10  25-04   81

  Day 1: 5   13-06    Day 2: 5   11-14  

98. Pete Gluszek           Mount Laurel, N.J.     10  25-04   79

  Day 1: 5   14-15    Day 2: 5   10-05  

99. Mark Peiser            Pittsboro, Ind.        10  25-03   77

  Day 1: 5   11-12    Day 2: 5   13-07  

100.Larry Butler           New Haven, Vt.         10  25-02   76

  Day 1: 5    8-09    Day 2: 5   16-09  

101.James Moorey           Whitinsville, Mass.    10  25-01   75

  Day 1: 5   14-05    Day 2: 5   10-12   

102.Todd Auten             Lake Wylie, S.C.       10  25-00   74

  Day 1: 5   15-12    Day 2: 5    9-04  

103.Craig Townsend         Westampton, N.J.       10  24-15   73

  Day 1: 5   15-00    Day 2: 5    9-15  

104.Thomas Waltz           Colchester, Vt.        10  24-09   72

  Day 1: 5   12-10    Day 2: 5   11-15  

105.Ken Phillips           Antioch, Calif.        10  24-08   71

  Day 1: 5   11-04    Day 2: 5   13-04  

106.Joby Poster            Saylorsburg, Pa.       10  24-08   70

  Day 1: 5   13-00    Day 2: 5   11-08  

107.George Acord           Lancaster, Pa.         10  24-08   69

  Day 1: 5   12-01    Day 2: 5   12-07  

108.Tom Spangler           Corryton, Tenn.        10  24-07   68

  Day 1: 5   12-01    Day 2: 5   12-06  

109.Leo Reiter             Goshen, Ind.           10  24-06   67

  Day 1: 5   11-05    Day 2: 5   13-01  

110.Gregory Dipalma        Millville, N.J.        10  24-05   66

  Day 1: 5   15-01    Day 2: 5    9-04  

111.Todd Schmitz           Goshen, Ind.           10  24-05   65

  Day 1: 5   13-15    Day 2: 5   10-06  

112.Mark Schafer           Williamstown, N.J.     10  24-04   64

  Day 1: 5   13-04    Day 2: 5   11-00  

113.Mike Leblanc           Colchester, Vt.         9  24-01   63

  Day 1: 5   13-06    Day 2: 4   10-11  

114.Michael Woolley        West Bloomfield, Mich. 10  24-00   62

  Day 1: 5   13-13    Day 2: 5   10-03  

115.Kaku Usui              Royal Oak, Mich.       10  23-15   61

  Day 1: 5   13-00    Day 2: 5   10-15  

116.Brian Kanke            Spring, Texas          10  23-12   60

  Day 1: 5   10-10    Day 2: 5   13-02  

117.Andrew Upshaw          Hemphill, Texas        10  23-11   59

  Day 1: 5   12-04    Day 2: 5   11-07  

118.Scott Dobson           Clarkston, Mich.       10  23-08   58

  Day 1: 5   12-13    Day 2: 5   10-11  

119.Bill Rea               Greenfield, Ohio       10  23-08   57

  Day 1: 5   12-11    Day 2: 5   10-13  

120.Brian Hensley          Edwardsburg, Mich.     10  23-02   56

  Day 1: 5   10-14    Day 2: 5   12-04  

121.Jason Dudek            Excelsior, Minn.       10  22-14   55

  Day 1: 5   10-06    Day 2: 5   12-08  

122.Chris Johnson          Hurricane, W.Va.       10  22-13   54

  Day 1: 5   11-11    Day 2: 5   11-02  

123.Steve Lucarelli        Meredith, N.H.         10  22-12   53

  Day 1: 5   12-10    Day 2: 5   10-02  

124.Ray Brazier            Lawrenceburg, Tenn.    10  22-07   52

  Day 1: 5   11-02    Day 2: 5   11-05  

125.Jess Caraballo         Danbury, Conn.          9  22-06   51

  Day 1: 4    7-09    Day 2: 5   14-13  

126.Robert Cook            Willis, Mich.           9  22-04   50

  Day 1: 4   11-10    Day 2: 5   10-10  

127.Luke Gritter           Kalamazoo, Mich.       10  22-03   49

  Day 1: 5   11-10    Day 2: 5   10-09  

128.Gaspare Costabile      Niagara Falls, Canada  10  21-10   48

  Day 1: 5   14-00    Day 2: 5    7-10  

129.Jeff Stoner            Wellsville, Pa.         9  21-10   47

  Day 1: 5   15-15    Day 2: 4    5-11  

130.Matt Arey              Shelby, N.C.           10  21-08   46

  Day 1: 5   11-12    Day 2: 5    9-12  

131.Jim Dillard            Houston, Ark.          10  21-07   45

  Day 1: 5   11-04    Day 2: 5   10-03  

132.Andrew Dick            Wilmington, Del.       10  21-02   44

  Day 1: 5   12-13    Day 2: 5    8-05  

133.Wayne Macklin          Fowlerville, Mich.      9  20-12   43

  Day 1: 5    9-11    Day 2: 4   11-01  

134.Teddy Carr             Locust Grove, Va.      10  20-10   42

  Day 1: 5    9-10    Day 2: 5   11-00  

135.Ryan Rogers            Bowmanville, Canada     7  20-05   41

  Day 1: 5   14-06    Day 2: 2    5-15  

136.Bruce Bingenheimer     Hamburg, N.Y.          10  20-04   40

  Day 1: 5   12-09    Day 2: 5    7-11  

137.Ben Bilott             Larimer, Pa.           10  20-04   39

  Day 1: 5   12-02    Day 2: 5    8-02  

138.Eric Miller            Waterford, N.Y.         8  20-04   38

  Day 1: 5   13-08    Day 2: 3    6-12  

139.Jim Tedesco            Niagara Falls, Canada  10  20-03   37

  Day 1: 5   10-11    Day 2: 5    9-08  

140.Brian Cook             Sandusky, Ohio         10  20-01   36

  Day 1: 5    5-14    Day 2: 5   14-03  

141.David Ottman           Bridgeport, N.Y.       10  19-15   35

  Day 1: 5    9-09    Day 2: 5   10-06  

142.Todd Glover            Orion, Mich.           10  19-14   34

  Day 1: 5   10-00    Day 2: 5    9-14  

143.Stu Martel             Elmhurst, Ill.         10  19-14   33

  Day 1: 5    9-13    Day 2: 5   10-01  

144.Emery Peine            Newton, N.J.           10  19-13   32

  Day 1: 5    8-14    Day 2: 5   10-15  

145.Kyle Kempkers          Hamilton, Mich.        10  19-10   31

  Day 1: 5   12-05    Day 2: 5    7-05  

146.James Castillo         Grandview, Wash.        8  19-05   30

  Day 1: 5   14-15    Day 2: 3    4-06  

147.Josh Giran             Elizabeth, Pa.         10  19-03   29

  Day 1: 5   10-12    Day 2: 5    8-07  

148.George Martin          Little Valley, N.Y.     9  19-00   28

  Day 1: 5   12-09    Day 2: 4    6-07  

149.Henry Stone            Plattsburgh, N.Y.       9  18-15   27

  Day 1: 4    8-04    Day 2: 5   10-11  

150.Jim Tutt               Longview, Texas         9  18-13   26

  Day 1: 5   11-11    Day 2: 4    7-02  

151.Callum Johnson         Innisfil, Canada        8  18-10   25

  Day 1: 5   12-13    Day 2: 3    5-13  

152.Roger Zalucky          Clifton Park, N.Y.     10  18-09   24

  Day 1: 5    9-06    Day 2: 5    9-03  

153.Eric Smith             Lakeview, Mich.         9  18-09   23

  Day 1: 4    8-07    Day 2: 5   10-02  

154.Curtis Richardson      Belleville, Canada      9  18-09   22

  Day 1: 4    9-15    Day 2: 5    8-10  

155.Jack Mumbower          Elwood, Ind.            9  18-07   21

  Day 1: 5   13-02    Day 2: 4    5-05  

156.Randy Crawford         Norton, Ohio           10  18-06   20

  Day 1: 5   11-08    Day 2: 5    6-14  

157.Louis Iribarren        Port Jervis, N.Y.      10  18-05   19

  Day 1: 5    8-08    Day 2: 5    9-13  

158.Jonathon Vandam        Kalamazoo, Mich.       10  18-05   18

  Day 1: 5    7-09    Day 2: 5   10-12  

159.Rick Ash               Pottstown, Pa.          9  17-12   17

  Day 1: 4    8-06    Day 2: 5    9-06  

160.Joseph Trinko          Southern Pines, N.C.   10  17-05   16

  Day 1: 5   10-02    Day 2: 5    7-03  

161.William Johnson        Purcellville, Va.      10  17-01   15

  Day 1: 5   10-00    Day 2: 5    7-01  

162.Ed Spicker             Ashland, Ohio           8  16-12   14

  Day 1: 3    4-12    Day 2: 5   12-00  

163.John Shumate           Finksburg, Md.          8  16-10   13

  Day 1: 3    8-15    Day 2: 5    7-11  

164.Brent Ehrler           Redlands, Calif.        5  16-09   12

  Day 1: 0    0-00    Day 2: 5   16-09  

164.Steve Oleksyn          Rochester, N.Y.         5  16-09   12

  Day 1: 5   16-09    Day 2: 0    0-00   

166.Darrin Schwenkbeck     Varysburg, N.Y.         5  16-06   10

  Day 1: 5   16-06    Day 2: 0    0-00  

167.Mike Kaminskas         Jackson, N.J.          10  16-05    9

  Day 1: 5    9-13    Day 2: 5    6-08  

168.Leon Dykas             Torrington, Conn.       8  16-05    8

  Day 1: 4   11-07    Day 2: 4    4-14  

169.Ken Lang               Big Bend, Wisc.         7  16-03    7

  Day 1: 5   12-14    Day 2: 2    3-05  

170.Steve York             Bronson, Mich.         10  16-01    6

  Day 1: 5    7-08    Day 2: 5    8-09  

171.Dylan Freeze           Blanchester, Ohio       8  15-09    5

  Day 1: 5   10-11    Day 2: 3    4-14  

172.Louis Consoli          Perkiomenville, Pa.    10  14-15    4

  Day 1: 5    6-12    Day 2: 5    8-03  

173.Denis Lavoie           Saint-Basile-Le-Grand,  7  14-10    3

  Day 1: 2    2-07    Day 2: 5   12-03  

174.Terry Baksay           Easton, Conn.           5  14-02    2

  Day 1: 5   14-02    Day 2: 0    0-00  

175.Nick Mumbower          Elwood, Ind.            9  14-01    1

  Day 1: 4    4-06    Day 2: 5    9-11  

176.Will Jefferies         Bountiful, Utah         8  13-13    0

  Day 1: 3    6-13    Day 2: 5    7-00  

177.Jon Bondy              Windsor, Canada         5  13-08    0

  Day 1: 5   13-08    Day 2: 0    0-00  

178.Thomas Kiefer          Fowlerville, Mich.      8  13-01    0

  Day 1: 3    6-01    Day 2: 5    7-00  

179.Tim Aldrich            Shutesbury, Mass.       5  12-11    0

  Day 1: 5   12-11    Day 2: 0    0-00  

180.Jason Bezio            Plattsburgh, N.Y.       8  12-06    0

  Day 1: 5    8-09    Day 2: 3    3-13  

181.Arnie Lane             Lakeland, Fla.          5  12-06    0

  Day 1: 5   12-06    Day 2: 0    0-00  

182.Luke Clausen           Gainesville, Ga.        5  11-15    0

  Day 1: 5   11-15    Day 2: 0    0-00  

183.Kraig Kettelkamp       Clifton Springs, N.Y.   5  11-11    0

  Day 1: 5   11-11    Day 2: 0    0-00  

184.William Lortz          Rochester, N.Y.         9  11-09    0

  Day 1: 5    7-02    Day 2: 4    4-07  

185.Garry Welch            Ste Sabine, Canada      8  11-06    0

  Day 1: 4    5-08    Day 2: 4    5-14  

186.Marcos Malucelli       Fort Mill, S.C.         5  11-00    0

  Day 1: 5   11-00    Day 2: 0    0-00  

187.Lyle Atkins            Culloden, W.Va.         5  10-09    0

  Day 1: 5   10-09    Day 2: 0    0-00  

188.Brian Easler           Inman, S.C.             8  10-03    0

  Day 1: 4    5-04    Day 2: 4    4-15  

189.Michael Randolph       Austin, Texas           7  10-03    0

  Day 1: 5    7-11    Day 2: 2    2-08  

190.Al Farace              Cockeysville, Md.       6   9-11    0

  Day 1: 1    0-14    Day 2: 5    8-13  

191.Marc Kinnelly          Frederick, Md.          5   9-10    0

  Day 1: 0    0-00    Day 2: 5    9-10  

192.John Pelletier         Nassau, N.Y.            6   9-02    0

  Day 1: 1    1-00    Day 2: 5    8-02  

193.Keith Williams         Conway, Ark.            5   8-12    0

  Day 1: 5    8-12    Day 2: 0    0-00  

194.Jerrod Lloyd           Vineland, N.J.          4   8-12    0

  Day 1: 4    8-12    Day 2: 0    0-00  

195.James Wilson           Troy, N.Y.              4   8-04    0

  Day 1: 4    8-04    Day 2: 0    0-00  

196.Steve Schubert         Rayland, Ohio           3   5-06    0

  Day 1: 3    5-06    Day 2: 0    0-00  

197.Paul Pagnato           Vienna, Va.             3   5-00    0

  Day 1: 3    5-00    Day 2: 0    0-00  

198.Brandon Sykes          Apex, N.C.              3   3-11    0

  Day 1: 3    3-11    Day 2: 0    0-00  

1.  Dave Wolak             Wake Forest, N.C.      10  37-15     

  Day 1: 5   18-09    Day 2: 5   19-06  

2.  Ish Monroe             Hughson, Calif.        10  37-12     

  Day 1: 5   20-01    Day 2: 5   17-11  

3.  Brian Gates            Rutland, Vt.           10  36-03     

  Day 1: 5   19-07    Day 2: 5   16-12  

4.  Mike Haggerty          Hendersonville, Tenn.  10  36-02     

  Day 1: 5   19-11    Day 2: 5   16-07  

5.  J Todd Tucker          Moultrie, Ga.          10  36-00     

  Day 1: 5   17-13    Day 2: 5   18-03  

6.  Travis Manson          Green Bay, Wisc.       10  35-15     

  Day 1: 5   21-05    Day 2: 5   14-10  

7.  Nate Wellman           Newaygo, Mich.         10  35-09     

  Day 1: 5   18-07    Day 2: 5   17-02  

8.  Dave Mansue            Hemphill, Texas        10  35-07     

  Day 1: 5   17-14    Day 2: 5   17-09  

9.  Jeremy Starks          Charleston, W.Va.      10  34-12     

  Day 1: 5   17-08    Day 2: 5   17-04  

10. Kevin Short            Mayflower, Ark.        10  34-06     

  Day 1: 5   18-02    Day 2: 5   16-04  

11. Tracy Adams            Wilkesboro, N.C.       10  34-05     

  Day 1: 5   16-15    Day 2: 5   17-06  

12. Thomas Lavictoire      West Rutland, Vt.      10  34-03     

  Day 1: 5   16-07    Day 2: 5   17-12  

13. Mike Wolfenden         Warwick, R.I.          10  34-00     

  Day 1: 5   16-05    Day 2: 5   17-11  

14. Nathan Kawlewski       Newburgh, Ind.         10  33-13     

  Day 1: 5   18-03    Day 2: 5   15-10  

15. Matthew Sphar          Pavilion, N.Y.         10  33-13     

  Day 1: 5   18-00    Day 2: 5   15-13  

16. Ryan Said              Wixom, Mich.           10  33-13     

  Day 1: 5   16-05    Day 2: 5   17-08  

17. Scott Rook             Little Rock, Ark.      10  33-12     

  Day 1: 5   17-00    Day 2: 5   16-12  

18. Casey Lyon             Eden, Vt.              10  33-06     

  Day 1: 5   14-14    Day 2: 5   18-08  

19. Brandon Coulter        Knoxville, Tenn.       10  33-04     

  Day 1: 5   16-12    Day 2: 5   16-08  

20. David Walker           Sevierville, Tenn.     10  33-01     

  Day 1: 5   17-01    Day 2: 5   16-00  

21. Jamey Way              Tarboro, N.C.          10  32-11     

  Day 1: 5   15-13    Day 2: 5   16-14  

22. Jason Knapp            Uniontown, Pa.         10  32-10     

  Day 1: 5   15-14    Day 2: 5   16-12  

23. Mark Desjardin         Vassalboro, Maine      10  32-05     

  Day 1: 5   16-02    Day 2: 5   16-03  

24. Timmy Horton           Muscle Shoals, Ala.    10  32-02     

  Day 1: 5   14-09    Day 2: 5   17-09  

25. Brian Bylotas          Olyphant, Pa.          10  32-02     

  Day 1: 5   17-05    Day 2: 5   14-13   

26. David Reault           Livonia, Mich.         10  32-01     

  Day 1: 5   17-09    Day 2: 5   14-08  

27. Jason Quinn            Lake Wylie, S.C.       10  31-15     

  Day 1: 5   16-04    Day 2: 5   15-11  

28. Jack Rinkers           Swarthmore, Pa.        10  31-13     

  Day 1: 5   16-03    Day 2: 5   15-10  

29. Michael Simonton       Fremont, Ohio           9  31-12     

  Day 1: 4   16-12    Day 2: 5   15-00  

30. Chip Harrison          Bremen, Ind.           10  31-11     

  Day 1: 5   17-10    Day 2: 5   14-01  

31. Jimmy Kennedy          Plainfield, Vt.        10  31-08  213      $571.00

  Day 1: 5   14-09    Day 2: 5   16-15  

32. Randy Howell           Springville, Ala.      10  31-07  211      $571.00

  Day 1: 5   14-01    Day 2: 5   17-06  

33. Marty Robinson         Lyman, S.C.            10  31-05  209      $571.00

  Day 1: 5   19-07    Day 2: 5   11-14  

34. Gary Gaussiran         Lachute, Canada        10  31-03  207      $571.00

  Day 1: 5   15-07    Day 2: 5   15-12  

35. Brian Ward             Chesterfield, Mich.    10  31-01  205      $571.00

  Day 1: 5   15-13    Day 2: 5   15-04  

36. Preston Johnson        Rice Lake, Wisc.       10  30-15  203      $571.00

  Day 1: 5   14-12    Day 2: 5   16-03  

37. Shawn Skobel           Uniontown, Pa.         10  30-15  201      $571.00

  Day 1: 5   16-09    Day 2: 5   14-06  

38. Jerry Williams         Conway, Ark.           10  30-13  199      $571.00

  Day 1: 5   11-09    Day 2: 5   19-04  

39. James Niggemeyer       Van, Texas             10  30-13  197      $571.00

  Day 1: 5   13-13    Day 2: 5   17-00  

40. Mark Burgess           Norton, Mass.          10  30-12  195      $571.00

  Day 1: 5   15-09    Day 2: 5   15-03  

41. Matt Greenblatt        Palm Beach Gardens, Fl 10  30-08  193      $571.00

  Day 1: 5   19-01    Day 2: 5   11-07  

42. Koby Kreiger           Okeechobee, Fla.       10  30-07  191      $571.00

  Day 1: 5   15-01    Day 2: 5   15-06  

43. Gerald Swindle         Warrior, Ala.          10  30-06  189      $571.00

  Day 1: 5   17-08    Day 2: 5   12-14  

44. Donald Haskins         Rosedale, Md.          10  30-02  187      $571.00

  Day 1: 5   15-08    Day 2: 5   14-10  

45. Chad Morgenthaler      Coulterville, Ill.     10  30-02  185      $571.00

  Day 1: 5   15-05    Day 2: 5   14-13  

46. Todd Cole              Geneseo, N.Y.          10  29-15  183      $571.00

  Day 1: 5   17-01    Day 2: 5   12-14  

47. Pat Golden             High Point, N.C.       10  29-15  181      $571.00

  Day 1: 5   13-14    Day 2: 5   16-01  

48. Doug Kirkbride         Beaver Falls, N.Y.     10  29-14  179      $571.00

  Day 1: 5   17-13    Day 2: 5   12-01  

49. Jason Root             Fostoria, Ohio         10  29-11  177      $571.00

  Day 1: 5   15-04    Day 2: 5   14-07  

50. Joe Balog              Harrison Township, Mic 10  29-08  175      $571.00

  Day 1: 5   16-00    Day 2: 5   13-08  

51. Ben Parker             Springville, Tenn.     10  29-07  173

  Day 1: 5   17-12    Day 2: 5   11-11  

52. J Judd                 Sheldon, Vt.           10  29-06  171

  Day 1: 5   18-06    Day 2: 5   11-00  

53. Jason Ober             Johnstown, Pa.         10  29-04  169

  Day 1: 5   16-03    Day 2: 5   13-01  

54. Derek Jones            Chicago, Ill.          10  29-04  167

  Day 1: 5   15-01    Day 2: 5   14-03  

55. Scott Patton           Mt Washington, Ky.     10  29-03  165

  Day 1: 5   13-11    Day 2: 5   15-08  

56. Dana Perrotte          Colchester, Vt.        10  29-01  163

  Day 1: 5   16-07    Day 2: 5   12-10  

57. Casey Ashley           Donalds, S.C.          10  28-15  161

  Day 1: 5   12-07    Day 2: 5   16-08  

58. Bill Day               Frankfort, Ky.         10  28-14  159

  Day 1: 5   16-04    Day 2: 5   12-10  

59. Mike McClelland        Bella Vista, Ark.      10  28-13  157

  Day 1: 5   16-03    Day 2: 5   12-10  

60. John Hempel            Brownstown, Mich.      10  28-12  155

  Day 1: 5   15-10    Day 2: 5   13-02  

61. Mike Elkins            Kalamazoo, Mich.       10  28-12  153

  Day 1: 5   13-10    Day 2: 5   15-02  

62. Chris Sumansky         Renfrew, Pa.           10  28-12  151

  Day 1: 5   14-05    Day 2: 5   14-07  

63. Trevor Jancasz         White Pigeon, Mich.    10  28-11  149

  Day 1: 5   14-09    Day 2: 5   14-02  

64. Charlie Hartley        Grove City, Ohio       10  28-07  147

  Day 1: 5   15-14    Day 2: 5   12-09  

65. Bernie Schultz         Gainesville, Fla.      10  28-05  145

  Day 1: 5   12-08    Day 2: 5   15-13  

66. Trevor Knight          Magnolia, Del.         10  28-05  143

  Day 1: 5   14-02    Day 2: 5   14-03  

67. Douglas Wilson         Plainfield, Vt.        10  28-05  141

  Day 1: 5   13-05    Day 2: 5   15-00  

68. Chris Baumgardner      Gastonia, N.C.         10  28-04  139

  Day 1: 5   14-00    Day 2: 5   14-04  

69. Mark Hickory           St Albans Bay, Vt.     10  28-01  137

  Day 1: 5   15-08    Day 2: 5   12-09  

70. Rob Webster            Janetville, Canada     10  28-01  135

  Day 1: 5   13-10    Day 2: 5   14-07  

71. Chris Noffsinger       Interlochen, Mich.     10  28-00  133

  Day 1: 5   12-11    Day 2: 5   15-05  

72. Michael Iaconelli      Pitts Grove, N.J.      10  27-15  131

  Day 1: 5   14-02    Day 2: 5   13-13  

73. Hugh Crumpler          Palm Bay, Fla.         10  27-11  129

  Day 1: 5   13-10    Day 2: 5   14-01  

74. Chad Pipkens           Holt, Mich.            10  27-05  127

  Day 1: 5   16-00    Day 2: 5   11-05  

75. Rodney Sorrell         Stokesdale, N.C.       10  27-03  125

  Day 1: 5    9-07    Day 2: 5   17-12  

76. Skip Sjobeck           Randolph, Vt.          10  27-02  123

  Day 1: 5   14-10    Day 2: 5   12-08  

77. Nick Gainey            Charleston, S.C.       10  27-00  121

  Day 1: 5   11-08    Day 2: 5   15-08  

78. Charlie Ingram         Santa Fe, Tenn.        10  26-14  119

  Day 1: 5   13-13    Day 2: 5   13-01  

79. David Dudley           Dublin, Ohio           10  26-13  117

  Day 1: 5   15-11    Day 2: 5   11-02  

80. William Roe            Norton, Mass.          10  26-13  115

  Day 1: 5   15-05    Day 2: 5   11-08  

81. Joseph Thompson        Ridley Park, Pa.       10  26-13  113

  Day 1: 5   13-09    Day 2: 5   13-04  

82. Mark Hicks             Glouster, Ohio          9  26-13  111

  Day 1: 4   13-09    Day 2: 5   13-04  

83. Adrian Avena           Vineland, N.J.         10  26-11  109

  Day 1: 5   14-04    Day 2: 5   12-07  

84. Jeremy Prouty          Vero Beach, Fla.       10  26-11  107

  Day 1: 5   14-01    Day 2: 5   12-10  

85. Mike Weiss             Union Grove, Wisc.     10  26-10  105

  Day 1: 5   13-15    Day 2: 5   12-11  

86. Kotaro Kiriyama        Moody, Ala.             9  26-09  103

  Day 1: 5   15-07    Day 2: 4   11-02  

87. Chris Lane             Guntersville, Ala.     10  26-08  101

  Day 1: 5   14-14    Day 2: 5   11-10  

88. Bill Spence            Saint Albans, Vt.      10  26-06   99

  Day 1: 5    9-09    Day 2: 5   16-13  

89. Larry Materia          Boonton, N.J.          10  26-03   97

  Day 1: 5   10-05    Day 2: 5   15-14  

90. Frank Scalish          Cleveland Heights, Ohi 10  25-15   95

  Day 1: 5   12-06    Day 2: 5   13-09  

91. James Jeffries         Rouses Point, N.Y.     10  25-15   93

  Day 1: 5   12-08    Day 2: 5   13-07  

92. Luke Sharder           Moorestown, N.J.       10  25-15   91

  Day 1: 5   15-06    Day 2: 5   10-09  

93. Troy Sitar             Lawrence, Mich.        10  25-12   89

  Day 1: 5   13-12    Day 2: 5   12-00  

94. Greg Pugh              Cullman, Ala.           9  25-09   87

  Day 1: 5   17-15    Day 2: 4    7-10  

95. Chris Jackson          Guntersville, Ala.     10  25-06   85

  Day 1: 5   11-12    Day 2: 5   13-10  

96. Jeffrey Randall        Lake Luzerne, N.Y.     10  25-06   83

  Day 1: 5   12-01    Day 2: 5   13-05  

97. Alvin Shaw             State Road, N.C.       10  25-04   81

  Day 1: 5   13-06    Day 2: 5   11-14  

98. Pete Gluszek           Mount Laurel, N.J.     10  25-04   79

  Day 1: 5   14-15    Day 2: 5   10-05  

99. Mark Peiser            Pittsboro, Ind.        10  25-03   77

  Day 1: 5   11-12    Day 2: 5   13-07  

100.Larry Butler           New Haven, Vt.         10  25-02   76

  Day 1: 5    8-09    Day 2: 5   16-09  

101.James Moorey           Whitinsville, Mass.    10  25-01   75

  Day 1: 5   14-05    Day 2: 5   10-12   

102.Todd Auten             Lake Wylie, S.C.       10  25-00   74

  Day 1: 5   15-12    Day 2: 5    9-04  

103.Craig Townsend         Westampton, N.J.       10  24-15   73

  Day 1: 5   15-00    Day 2: 5    9-15  

104.Thomas Waltz           Colchester, Vt.        10  24-09   72

  Day 1: 5   12-10    Day 2: 5   11-15  

105.Ken Phillips           Antioch, Calif.        10  24-08   71

  Day 1: 5   11-04    Day 2: 5   13-04  

106.Joby Poster            Saylorsburg, Pa.       10  24-08   70

  Day 1: 5   13-00    Day 2: 5   11-08  

107.George Acord           Lancaster, Pa.         10  24-08   69

  Day 1: 5   12-01    Day 2: 5   12-07  

108.Tom Spangler           Corryton, Tenn.        10  24-07   68

  Day 1: 5   12-01    Day 2: 5   12-06  

109.Leo Reiter             Goshen, Ind.           10  24-06   67

  Day 1: 5   11-05    Day 2: 5   13-01  

110.Gregory Dipalma        Millville, N.J.        10  24-05   66

  Day 1: 5   15-01    Day 2: 5    9-04  

111.Todd Schmitz           Goshen, Ind.           10  24-05   65

  Day 1: 5   13-15    Day 2: 5   10-06  

112.Mark Schafer           Williamstown, N.J.     10  24-04   64

  Day 1: 5   13-04    Day 2: 5   11-00  

113.Mike Leblanc           Colchester, Vt.         9  24-01   63

  Day 1: 5   13-06    Day 2: 4   10-11  

114.Michael Woolley        West Bloomfield, Mich. 10  24-00   62

  Day 1: 5   13-13    Day 2: 5   10-03  

115.Kaku Usui              Royal Oak, Mich.       10  23-15   61

  Day 1: 5   13-00    Day 2: 5   10-15  

116.Brian Kanke            Spring, Texas          10  23-12   60

  Day 1: 5   10-10    Day 2: 5   13-02  

117.Andrew Upshaw          Hemphill, Texas        10  23-11   59

  Day 1: 5   12-04    Day 2: 5   11-07  

118.Scott Dobson           Clarkston, Mich.       10  23-08   58

  Day 1: 5   12-13    Day 2: 5   10-11  

119.Bill Rea               Greenfield, Ohio       10  23-08   57

  Day 1: 5   12-11    Day 2: 5   10-13  

120.Brian Hensley          Edwardsburg, Mich.     10  23-02   56

  Day 1: 5   10-14    Day 2: 5   12-04  

121.Jason Dudek            Excelsior, Minn.       10  22-14   55

  Day 1: 5   10-06    Day 2: 5   12-08  

122.Chris Johnson          Hurricane, W.Va.       10  22-13   54

  Day 1: 5   11-11    Day 2: 5   11-02  

123.Steve Lucarelli        Meredith, N.H.         10  22-12   53

  Day 1: 5   12-10    Day 2: 5   10-02  

124.Ray Brazier            Lawrenceburg, Tenn.    10  22-07   52

  Day 1: 5   11-02    Day 2: 5   11-05  

125.Jess Caraballo         Danbury, Conn.          9  22-06   51

  Day 1: 4    7-09    Day 2: 5   14-13  

126.Robert Cook            Willis, Mich.           9  22-04   50

  Day 1: 4   11-10    Day 2: 5   10-10  

127.Luke Gritter           Kalamazoo, Mich.       10  22-03   49

  Day 1: 5   11-10    Day 2: 5   10-09  

128.Gaspare Costabile      Niagara Falls, Canada  10  21-10   48

  Day 1: 5   14-00    Day 2: 5    7-10  

129.Jeff Stoner            Wellsville, Pa.         9  21-10   47

  Day 1: 5   15-15    Day 2: 4    5-11  

130.Matt Arey              Shelby, N.C.           10  21-08   46

  Day 1: 5   11-12    Day 2: 5    9-12  

131.Jim Dillard            Houston, Ark.          10  21-07   45

  Day 1: 5   11-04    Day 2: 5   10-03  

132.Andrew Dick            Wilmington, Del.       10  21-02   44

  Day 1: 5   12-13    Day 2: 5    8-05  

133.Wayne Macklin          Fowlerville, Mich.      9  20-12   43

  Day 1: 5    9-11    Day 2: 4   11-01  

134.Teddy Carr             Locust Grove, Va.      10  20-10   42

  Day 1: 5    9-10    Day 2: 5   11-00  

135.Ryan Rogers            Bowmanville, Canada     7  20-05   41

  Day 1: 5   14-06    Day 2: 2    5-15  

136.Bruce Bingenheimer     Hamburg, N.Y.          10  20-04   40

  Day 1: 5   12-09    Day 2: 5    7-11  

137.Ben Bilott             Larimer, Pa.           10  20-04   39

  Day 1: 5   12-02    Day 2: 5    8-02  

138.Eric Miller            Waterford, N.Y.         8  20-04   38

  Day 1: 5   13-08    Day 2: 3    6-12  

139.Jim Tedesco            Niagara Falls, Canada  10  20-03   37

  Day 1: 5   10-11    Day 2: 5    9-08  

140.Brian Cook             Sandusky, Ohio         10  20-01   36

  Day 1: 5    5-14    Day 2: 5   14-03  

141.David Ottman           Bridgeport, N.Y.       10  19-15   35

  Day 1: 5    9-09    Day 2: 5   10-06  

142.Todd Glover            Orion, Mich.           10  19-14   34

  Day 1: 5   10-00    Day 2: 5    9-14  

143.Stu Martel             Elmhurst, Ill.         10  19-14   33

  Day 1: 5    9-13    Day 2: 5   10-01  

144.Emery Peine            Newton, N.J.           10  19-13   32

  Day 1: 5    8-14    Day 2: 5   10-15  

145.Kyle Kempkers          Hamilton, Mich.        10  19-10   31

  Day 1: 5   12-05    Day 2: 5    7-05  

146.James Castillo         Grandview, Wash.        8  19-05   30

  Day 1: 5   14-15    Day 2: 3    4-06  

147.Josh Giran             Elizabeth, Pa.         10  19-03   29

  Day 1: 5   10-12    Day 2: 5    8-07  

148.George Martin          Little Valley, N.Y.     9  19-00   28

  Day 1: 5   12-09    Day 2: 4    6-07  

149.Henry Stone            Plattsburgh, N.Y.       9  18-15   27

  Day 1: 4    8-04    Day 2: 5   10-11  

150.Jim Tutt               Longview, Texas         9  18-13   26

  Day 1: 5   11-11    Day 2: 4    7-02  

151.Callum Johnson         Innisfil, Canada        8  18-10   25

  Day 1: 5   12-13    Day 2: 3    5-13  

152.Roger Zalucky          Clifton Park, N.Y.     10  18-09   24

  Day 1: 5    9-06    Day 2: 5    9-03  

153.Eric Smith             Lakeview, Mich.         9  18-09   23

  Day 1: 4    8-07    Day 2: 5   10-02  

154.Curtis Richardson      Belleville, Canada      9  18-09   22

  Day 1: 4    9-15    Day 2: 5    8-10  

155.Jack Mumbower          Elwood, Ind.            9  18-07   21

  Day 1: 5   13-02    Day 2: 4    5-05  

156.Randy Crawford         Norton, Ohio           10  18-06   20

  Day 1: 5   11-08    Day 2: 5    6-14  

157.Louis Iribarren        Port Jervis, N.Y.      10  18-05   19

  Day 1: 5    8-08    Day 2: 5    9-13  

158.Jonathon Vandam        Kalamazoo, Mich.       10  18-05   18

  Day 1: 5    7-09    Day 2: 5   10-12  

159.Rick Ash               Pottstown, Pa.          9  17-12   17

  Day 1: 4    8-06    Day 2: 5    9-06  

160.Joseph Trinko          Southern Pines, N.C.   10  17-05   16

  Day 1: 5   10-02    Day 2: 5    7-03  

161.William Johnson        Purcellville, Va.      10  17-01   15

  Day 1: 5   10-00    Day 2: 5    7-01  

162.Ed Spicker             Ashland, Ohio           8  16-12   14

  Day 1: 3    4-12    Day 2: 5   12-00  

163.John Shumate           Finksburg, Md.          8  16-10   13

  Day 1: 3    8-15    Day 2: 5    7-11  

164.Brent Ehrler           Redlands, Calif.        5  16-09   12

  Day 1: 0    0-00    Day 2: 5   16-09  

164.Steve Oleksyn          Rochester, N.Y.         5  16-09   12

  Day 1: 5   16-09    Day 2: 0    0-00   

166.Darrin Schwenkbeck     Varysburg, N.Y.         5  16-06   10

  Day 1: 5   16-06    Day 2: 0    0-00  

167.Mike Kaminskas         Jackson, N.J.          10  16-05    9

  Day 1: 5    9-13    Day 2: 5    6-08  

168.Leon Dykas             Torrington, Conn.       8  16-05    8

  Day 1: 4   11-07    Day 2: 4    4-14  

169.Ken Lang               Big Bend, Wisc.         7  16-03    7

  Day 1: 5   12-14    Day 2: 2    3-05  

170.Steve York             Bronson, Mich.         10  16-01    6

  Day 1: 5    7-08    Day 2: 5    8-09  

171.Dylan Freeze           Blanchester, Ohio       8  15-09    5

  Day 1: 5   10-11    Day 2: 3    4-14  

172.Louis Consoli          Perkiomenville, Pa.    10  14-15    4

  Day 1: 5    6-12    Day 2: 5    8-03  

173.Denis Lavoie           Saint-Basile-Le-Grand,  7  14-10    3

  Day 1: 2    2-07    Day 2: 5   12-03  

174.Terry Baksay           Easton, Conn.           5  14-02    2

  Day 1: 5   14-02    Day 2: 0    0-00  

175.Nick Mumbower          Elwood, Ind.            9  14-01    1

  Day 1: 4    4-06    Day 2: 5    9-11  

176.Will Jefferies         Bountiful, Utah         8  13-13    0

  Day 1: 3    6-13    Day 2: 5    7-00  

177.Jon Bondy              Windsor, Canada         5  13-08    0

  Day 1: 5   13-08    Day 2: 0    0-00  

178.Thomas Kiefer          Fowlerville, Mich.      8  13-01    0

  Day 1: 3    6-01    Day 2: 5    7-00  

179.Tim Aldrich            Shutesbury, Mass.       5  12-11    0

  Day 1: 5   12-11    Day 2: 0    0-00  

180.Jason Bezio            Plattsburgh, N.Y.       8  12-06    0

  Day 1: 5    8-09    Day 2: 3    3-13  

181.Arnie Lane             Lakeland, Fla.          5  12-06    0

  Day 1: 5   12-06    Day 2: 0    0-00  

182.Luke Clausen           Gainesville, Ga.        5  11-15    0

  Day 1: 5   11-15    Day 2: 0    0-00  

183.Kraig Kettelkamp       Clifton Springs, N.Y.   5  11-11    0

  Day 1: 5   11-11    Day 2: 0    0-00  

184.William Lortz          Rochester, N.Y.         9  11-09    0

  Day 1: 5    7-02    Day 2: 4    4-07  

185.Garry Welch            Ste Sabine, Canada      8  11-06    0

  Day 1: 4    5-08    Day 2: 4    5-14  

186.Marcos Malucelli       Fort Mill, S.C.         5  11-00    0

  Day 1: 5   11-00    Day 2: 0    0-00  

187.Lyle Atkins            Culloden, W.Va.         5  10-09    0

  Day 1: 5   10-09    Day 2: 0    0-00  

188.Brian Easler           Inman, S.C.             8  10-03    0

  Day 1: 4    5-04    Day 2: 4    4-15  

189.Michael Randolph       Austin, Texas           7  10-03    0

  Day 1: 5    7-11    Day 2: 2    2-08  

190.Al Farace              Cockeysville, Md.       6   9-11    0

  Day 1: 1    0-14    Day 2: 5    8-13  

191.Marc Kinnelly          Frederick, Md.          5   9-10    0

  Day 1: 0    0-00    Day 2: 5    9-10  

192.John Pelletier         Nassau, N.Y.            6   9-02    0

  Day 1: 1    1-00    Day 2: 5    8-02  

193.Keith Williams         Conway, Ark.            5   8-12    0

  Day 1: 5    8-12    Day 2: 0    0-00  

194.Jerrod Lloyd           Vineland, N.J.          4   8-12    0

  Day 1: 4    8-12    Day 2: 0    0-00  

195.James Wilson           Troy, N.Y.              4   8-04    0

  Day 1: 4    8-04    Day 2: 0    0-00  

196.Steve Schubert         Rayland, Ohio           3   5-06    0

  Day 1: 3    5-06    Day 2: 0    0-00  

197.Paul Pagnato           Vienna, Va.             3   5-00    0

  Day 1: 3    5-00    Day 2: 0    0-00  

198.Brandon Sykes          Apex, N.C.              3   3-11    0

  Day 1: 3    3-11    Day 2: 0    0-00  

The Net Effect - New Lures from NetBait at ICAST 20107/23/2010 4:05:27 PM

Trigger X Marks the Sport7/23/2010 2:53:22 PM

Buckeye Lure introduces Pulse Jig...7/23/2010 1:42:47 PM

 
 
Buckeye Lures introduced a new vibrating head called the Pulse Jig just before ICAST. We believe that anglers will love this new head and it should be a "limit finder." Its a creatively designed lead head with a specially designed clear-oval pliable plastic shroud that makes the head vibrate. The shroud is tear drop shaped, fits on a specially designed throat and the square keeper holds plastic well. The head shape is also unique with a scooped front and 3D eyes are standard. We have rigged it with Zoom Super Fluke, a Zoom Super Swimmin Fluke, Wayne's Baits EER and a Berkley Hollow belly with equal success.
 
Each bait comes with a snap to give it even more vibration.
 
This is a killer "schoolie" bait and also works well hopped on points, around bridges and over open water. The colors we have seen so far are albino, chartruese, green shad, dark gray and white and weights range from 3/16 to 5/16 of an ounce.
 
To learn more about this new bait from Buckeye Lures click here.  

Denali Puts the Lumber to their Rod Lineup7/23/2010 9:14:08 AM

Berkley Pros visit Scouts7/23/2010 9:13:29 AM




Some 44,000 scouts, volunteer leaders and BSA staffers will have the opportunity to meet and learn from three of the world’s premier bass anglers at the upcoming 2010 Scout Jamboree.

Mike Iaconelli, 2003 Bassmaster Classic Champion and host of City Limits Fishing on the Versus Channel, will be at the fishing competition and Berkley exhibits all day on Tuesday, July 27. Bradley Roy, at 19 years of age the youngest recipient of the BASS Rookie of the Year crown, will be on hand Saturday, July 31. Both anglers plan to visit personally with the young scouts, answering questions about fishing and signing autographs.

“Mike and Bradley are considered exceptional role models for today’s youth”, said Mike Phillips, Berkley Brand Manager. “Their dedication to supporting youth fishing is unmatched and the scouts are going to have a great time meeting these two.”

Two-time Bassmaster Classic champ and television celebrity Hank Parker will also be at the 2010 Scout Jamboree August 2nd to present the Jamboree’s highest fishing award. The Grand Prize for Angling, sponsored by Berkley, is an all expenses paid trip for a scout and a parent for a fishing outing with Parker. The fishing adventure will be filmed in the fall of 2010 for a future airing on Parker’s television show, “Hank Parker’s Outdoor Magazine”.

“The Jamboree is offering so many opportunities to enjoy fishing,” added Phillips. “Visiting with these professional anglers, competing for a fishing trip with Hank Parker and the educational exhibits we are providing will certainly encourage these Scouts to experience the fun of fishing and to learn more about conservation.”

During the Jamboree scouts will visit educational exhibits such as the Berkley PowerBait Fish Tank, a fishing line knot tester, casting technique demonstrations and an Eco Conservation display.  Additionally, scouts can earn a one-of-a-kind special issue Fish Hook Lake Patch by catching a fish during the Jamboree. Scouts will be fishing with some great tackle including Shakespeare rod and reel combos, Berkley Gulp! Earthworms and Gulp! Catfish bait. In addition to the Berkley Grand Prize there will also be daily Shakespeare rods and reels awarded for the largest catch.

The Jamboree is scheduled for July 26 – August 4 at Fort A.P. Hill in Caroline County, Virginia.
For more information about Pure Fishing visit PureFishing.com. Go to scouting.org for more information on Boy Scouts of America, the 2010 National Scout Jamboree and how to become a scout or scout volunteer.

Reese documents Trophy Chase...7/23/2010 8:24:32 AM

 
 
The Bassmaster Toyota Trucks Championship Week is upon us, and 2010 Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Angler of the Year Points Leader Skeet Reese is giving fans a unique chance to hear and see his thoughts directly from him as he competes in Alabama.

Through his website, skeetreeseinc.com, Reese will be running an exclusive video diary of his experiences as he pursues his second Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Angler of the Year Title.  Like he did at the 2010 Bassmaster Classic, Reese will give fans an uncommon view into his preparations for competition, his thoughts on each practice and tournament day, along with the official events he takes part in as Toyota Trucks Championship Week occurs.

The video diary is intended to be a unique supplement to the fantastic coverage of the other sites, and will feature Reese behind the scenes.  Crews will catch up with Reese in the morning before blastoff, in the afternoon following weigh-in, in the service yard or at the hotel as he prepares for the next day of practice or competition.

Videos will air exclusively on skeetreeseinc.com in the evening after competition or appearances and will run throughout the following day.

Video Diaries will begin following the final official practice day heading into the first day on Lake Jordan, Friday July 23.
 
Come join Reese as he pursues the completion of his season long goal of earning his second Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Angler of the Year title.

The Old Guys Know the Reel Deal7/23/2010 6:55:16 AM

Having an experienced prostaff is the key to success in the fishing industry. You need the guys that have “been there and done that” to make the best products that no one else is making. To say that the US Reel pro staff is “experienced” is the understatement of the century.

Most of these guys aren’t quite old enough to remember the first baitcasting reel made by a Kentucky watchmaker, but they’re not far behind. They remember the old dacron lines on reels that backlashed if you looked at ‘em funny. They also remember the intrusion of newfangled ideas like thumb-bars, magnetic cast controls and graphite rods.

Manson Leads Bassmaster Open on Champlain7/22/2010 8:52:45 PM


Photo courtesy of BASS Communications

Despite the wealth of limits toted across the scales on the first day of the 2010 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Northern Opens, big bites were hard to come by. To Elite Series pros who have not already done so, the Northern Opens represent another avenue to qualify for the 2011 Bassmaster Classic. The competition is as stiff as ever with 23 Elite anglers gunning for one of the two Classic spots available to Northern Opens anglers.
 
With Wednesday night ushering in torrential rains and winds, Champlain was thoroughly churned up and presented a whole different set of circumstances than the practice period. Still, 172 anglers were able to land a five-fish limit of bass and two anglers broke the 20 pound mark.

Travis Manson of Green Bay, Wis., managed 21 pounds, 5 ounces, Thursday despite losing power midday.

“It got kind of rough there for a bit because I lost my batteries, and we had to be towed for a while,” he said. “However, I think what I had will hold out for Friday.”

‘What he had' was top secret and Manson was reticent to reveal any details. Manson’s lead is scant though as Elite pro Ish Monroe of Hughson, Calif., was hot on Manson’s heels with 20-1. Monroe worked a Snag Proof Ish’s Phat Frog to entice largemouth from under the vegetation that is abundant in certain areas.

“There were not a lot of anglers fishing where I was today,” Monroe said, hopeful to retain his solitude for day two. “I figured something out that I think will pay off.”

In third place was Mike Haggerty of Hendersonville, Tenn., with 19-11. This is Haggerty’s first time seeing Lake Champlain. He relied on “textbook” techniques for catching smallmouth. Behind him was Elite Series pro Marty Robinson of Lyman, S.C., who is also fishing for a Classic berth. He had 19-7. Tied with Robinson was Brian Gates of Rutland, Vt.

Elite pros Matt Greenblatt and Dave Wolak were sixth and seventh, respectively.

With a full field of 200 anglers, pros are fishing for a top prize of more than $51,000. Co-anglers are vying for a Triton/Mercury rig valued at $44,000. Leading the charge was Johnny Claeys of Warwick, N.Y. Claeys managed to bring in a three-fish limit that weighed 12-11. In second was Brent Heyn of South Hero, Vt., with 11-12. In third was Justin Moore of Portage, Mich., with 11-9.

The event will be covered by Bassmaster.com with daily photo galleries, results and real-time leaderboards during the weigh-ins.

Montgomery Recieves Homer Circle Industry Journalism Award at ICAST 20107/22/2010 4:52:42 PM

Denali Fishing Rods signs 3 more anglers7/22/2010 4:22:17 PM

 
 
Denali Rods announced three new additions to its pro staff team. Denali has recently inked three FLW touring pros Christian Romans, John Voyles, and Brian Travis.

“These are three young anglers that have already experienced success at the professional level and have all the tools to really go far,” stated Denali Rods president Scott Estes. “Christian, John, and Brian have the talent and the marketing ability to help Denali, and we look forward to supporting and growing with them in their careers.”

Christian Romans, of Carrollton, KY, finishing his second season on the FLW tour, is a promoter, works hard and someone who represents his sponsors well. He has had much success on the BFL and American Fishing League level, already notching 5 top tens and a BFL win in his young career.

John Voyles, of Petersburg, IN, finishing his second season on the FLW Tour, has knocked on the door both years for making the Forrest Wood Cup. Also, a great promoter and personal representation of his sponsors, he has made his mark fishing BFL’s and especially the American Fishing League level, already notching 3 top tens in his early career.

Brian Travis (Team Frog Tape) of Conover, NC has literally been “Living the Dream” since winning the TBF National Championship in 2008. This win came with the “Living the Dream” package that qualified Brian to fish the 2008 Forrest Wood Cup, and the 2009 FLW Tour and Series. Since then, Brian has had no shortage of success, marking a career 6 top tens, and in the 2010 FLW Tour Trail, scoring a 34th place finish and qualifying for his second Forrest Wood Cup, Aug 5th on Lake Lanier.

“Keep an eye on these guys,” said Estes. “I believe you will be hearing these names more and more over the next few years, and their best is definitely yet to come. In addition, these are guys that work extremely hard in representing their sponsors, which is a tremendous asset.”

Voyles, Romans, and Travis join Denali’s list of touring professionals along with Michael Murphy, Mark Tyler, Ray Scheide, and Preston Clark.

Pinnacle Introduces new Tournament Class Rods and Reels7/22/2010 4:02:12 PM

Tackle Warehouse offers pre-orders of Skeet's reels...7/22/2010 3:11:24 PM


 
Tackle Warehouse is taking pre-orders on the new Wright and McGill Skeet Reese Victory Reels beginning today. They will be $99.99. To get your order in click here.

New Berkley Fishing website launched7/22/2010 10:35:35 AM

Horton Moving from BASS to CSF7/22/2010 10:26:53 AM

A familiar face of the American fishing community and Conservation Director for the Bass Anglers Sportsmen’s Society (BASS), Chris Horton, is joining the Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation (CSF) as a Regional Director for the National Assembly of Sportsmen’s Caucuses (NASC)  starting in September.

"Fishing, hunting and protecting our fish and wildlife resources is a personal passion that I share with millions of Americans and I'm both honored and excited about the opportunity to work with an organization that has such a proven track record of protecting America's hunting and angling heritage,” said Horton. “I believe that accepting this position provides the best and most direct opportunity to implement policies that not only benefit our natural resources, but also safeguard our ability to enjoy those resources.”

Horton joins CSF to deepen and expand the existing relationships that the NASC program has developed with state legislators, governors, and legislative staff. Based out of his home state of Arkansas, this is part of the CSF plan to geographically expand the reach and scope of the NASC and the Governors Sportsmen’s Caucus (GSC) to further the policy objectives of the hunting, fishing and trapping communities.

“This expansion with the addition of such a trusted and well-known figure in the sportsmen’s community such as Chris, will allow the organization to better serve NASC state caucuses, and Governors,” said CSF President Jeff Crane. “By increasing awareness of the caucuses and developing a more in-depth knowledge of fish, wildlife, and conservation related issues and policies for different regions, Chris will provide valuable on-the-ground assistance to state legislators, governors, and legislative staff.”

Pirch wins US Open...7/22/2010 9:53:09 AM

 
 
For the second time, Arizona angler Clifford Pirch is the winner of the 2010 U.S. Open., The Payson, Arizona pro has taken the event on the waters of Lake Mead two times as he outdistanced Calfifornia angler Dick Watson and Rick Clunn for the victory.  Pirch pocketed $40,000 and a new boat for the win. The US Open is legendary and one of the most prestigious tournaments in bass fishing.
 
Here is the Top 10 from the WON BASS Nitro/Mercury 2010 U.S. Open. All weights and places are official.
 
Clifford Pirch, Payson, AZ        31.44
Dick Watson, Alta Loma, CA     30.98
Rick Clunn, Ava, MO                 30.05
Kevin Johnson, Valencia, CA  29.90
Morizo Shimizu, Osaka, Japan 29.72
John Weisfuss, Oxnard, CA      29.40
Bink Desaro,                               28.85
Wade Strelic, El Cajon, CA        28.06
John Murray, Phoenix, AZ        27.81
Sean Stafford, Fairfield, CA      27.68

Laser Trokar adds four for 20117/21/2010 2:59:15 PM

 
 
 
Lazer Trokar, the maker of the sharpest hooks in fishing, has added four new hooks for 2011. We have been impressed with their sharpness and durability, and these new hooks will be keepers in die-hard anglers arsenals.
 
The TK160 and TK170 Magnum Swimbait Hooks - The TK160 offers the appropriate bait clearance on swimbaits for proper hook set while the TK170 offers a weighted version in 1/8, 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2 ounce versions. They come in 3/0, 5/0, 7/0 and 9/0 sizes.
 
 
The TK180 Finesse Worm Hook - designed by the Trokar prostaff the Trokar TK180 offers the Trokar BARB and is engineered for situations that demand a more technical presentation and the Trokar BARB holds plastics in place. It comes in 1/0, 2/0, 3/0, 4/0 and 5/0 sizes.

 
The TK190 Tournament Tube Hook - this hook is a favorite when fishing tubes. It has an extra wide gap and a direct in-line pull to make it a versatile hook and one that works perfectly for fishing tube and creature style baits. It comes in 1/0, 2/0, 3/0 and 4/0 sizes.
 

Watch for all of these new hooks in late 2010 and early 2011.
 
To learn more about these and other Trokar hooks click here.  
 
 

Aquateko products hit the mark...7/21/2010 12:06:01 PM

A few months ago we did a product review on the InvisaSwivel, and has it ever taken off. Keith Kessler, from Aquateko, attended ICAST and both fresh and saltwater anglers were impressed. Right after ICAST Keith put together a short video on his products.
 
 
 
To learn more click here.

Marathon Man....Frabill's Jeff “Kolo” Kolodzinski 7/21/2010 10:29:27 AM

 
 
Makes you throw up in your mouth a little, the thought of the Japanese frankfurter phenom downing dogs like Campbell’s Chicken & Stars soup (that’s the one you can basically drink). Well our guy, Frabill VP of Marketing Jeff “Kolo” Kolodzinski won’t be chugging hotdogs, but he will once again attempt to best his World Record for the most fish caught in a 24 hour period. That would mean hooking and releasing over 1,680 fish.
 
Again live for spectators to gawk at (and heckle), Kolo will be operating from the pier at Maynard’s on Lake Minnetonka in Excelsior, Minnesota. His float – or bobber if you will – first touches the water at 10 a.m. on Friday, July 30th, concluding 1,440 minutes later at 10 a.m. on Saturday, July 31st.
 
The purpose of the event isn’t to immortalize Kolo, but rather bring attention to the organization Fishing For Life and their altruistic goals of recruiting youth anglers and sharing the love of the sport. Fishing for Life’s mission is to serve youth, family and community through fishing and outdoor programs.
 
Speaking of those little rugrats, as an added attraction to this year’s spectacle, Fishing For Life has organized the 10K Kids Challenge. The 10K Kids will fish against one another for an hour before Kolo begins his quest.  Kolo has agreed to be present on the docks with each participant during the hour in order to provide tips for the kids to improve their angling skills. The 10K reference, by the way, signifies Fishing For Life’s goal of raising $10,000 through corporate sponsorships, individual donations and partnering with other organizations in the Fish-A-Thon. (That was a not-so-subtle call to action.)
 
Public donations will be welcomed live during the event as well. Drop by after sipping a beverage at the tiki bar or wrapping up a family dinner overlooking the lake. Kolo will be right there in action and willing to talk smart about fishing and the greater cause.
 
A little bit on Kolo… He set the standing World Record in 2008, last year falling short chiefly due to lightening storms and downpours that shortened his fishing time. From a credentials standpoint, Kolo fished for Team United States in International Shore Fishing Competitions. His refined, European influenced match fishing techniques are worth the price of admission, which is FREE.
 
 So we haven’t checked Maynard’s current menu to see if it includes Kobayashi Coney Island hotdogs, but Kolo won’t care, because his 24 hour diet will consist of freshwater fish. See you at the dock…
 
Fishing For Life (FFL) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving youth through organized fishing programs. In 2010, FFL was selected by the National Parks and Recreation Association to serve as one of 70 TakeMeFishing Agencies in the U.S. dedicated to promote and engage youth in fishing activities.
 
FFL offers three programs to serve this mission: The “Reel ‘Em In Kids” program collects unwanted rods, reels and tackle and distributes them to underserved youth at lake events and festivals. “Fish Fair” is an indoor winter fishing carnival. During Fish Fair, youth get to make jigs and lures; learn about the fish in our lakes and rivers, as well as timeless fishing techniques; and are taught sportsmanship. The event also gives attendees the opportunity to learn more about clubs, organizations, and camps that offer youth fishing programs. Over 1,500 anglers attended Fish Fair this year, including over 100 Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts who earned rank advancements for participating. Lastly, FFL organizes the “Fish?A?Thon,” a philanthropic program to raise money for organizations serving urban youth.
 
Go to www.fishingforlife.org to learn more about the organization and make a donation.

Pee Pa and the Squirrel from ICAST7/21/2010 8:53:52 AM


 
Two great partners of Wired2Fish are Tackle Warehouse and Falcon Rods. Tackle Warehouse carries the best baits, rods, reels and boating equipment the industry has to offer. Falcon Rods builds premier quality, affordable rods.
 
We are also fortunate to work with Elite Series pro's Jeff Kriet and Mike McClelland on the Wired2Fish pro staff. Check out Kriet and McClelland as they talk about the Falcon Rods that they depend on from ICAST by clicking here.  

Dobyns Rods Champions Series 736C....A Man's Rod7/21/2010 8:04:40 AM

 
 
Because there is so much to see at ICAST some great products may not get the notoriety they deserve. Sometimes its because they are hidden away in a small booth but sometimes its because there are so many products in the category. One company that may have been missed but has stepped up in a big way in 2009 and 2010 is Dobyns Rods. They had a large presence at ICAST and their booth was full each time we walked by.
 
Gary Dobyns is a legend in bass fishing and he never does anything second rate. His new line up of Dobyns Rods are first class and because of the large numbers of models they carry every angler can find one that fits their favorite technique.
 
 
We recently got to test the Dobyns Champion Series 736 C heavy/extra fast rod and without hesitation this is one fine stick. Balanced well, very light and made with quality components this rod is not for sissy's. Its a man's rod and when you want to put the leather to that 5 pounder its the stick for you.
 
Its a frog, flipping and pitching rod but we have been using it as a jig rod on ledges and humps and it handles very well. It has 11 Kigan Zirconium Guides, a rod-through Fuji Reel Seat, very good cork and a blank that is tough as nails. We were surprised at its lightness teamed with the heavy action. We paired it with Sufix 17 pound Fluorocarbon line, a ABU Garcia Revo STX Reel and a Buckeye 3/4 ounce MOP jig and Zoom Super Speed Craw trailer. It casts a mile and the sensitivity is through the roof. Many times, in deep water,  bass hit the jig on the fall and we could feel every bite even on super long casts. When you set the hook the bass gets the business end of the MOP jig post haste. He doesn't know what hit him!
 
We normally carry two jig rods on the deck and based on application we light one rigged for 3/8 and 1/2 ounce jigs and the other for heavier offerings. We use the Dobyns 736 C for the latter. At 7 and a half feet this rod is not unweildy or cumbersome and we have fished with this combo for 8 hours or more without fatigue. That is a testament to the craftmanship and components of the rod. We do recommend heavier line for this rod as lighter line can be broken very easily with the power of this rod.
 
The Dobyns 736 C retails for $239.99 and its worth every penny.
 
You can learn more about Dobyns Rods by clicking here.
 
You can buy Dobyns Rods by clicking here.

Facts of Fishing FYI...#247/21/2010 7:16:27 AM

 
ICAST, Giant GoldFish, Canadian Open Fishing.......Facts of Fishing FYI....
 
 

KVD Revised Bass Strategies is available7/20/2010 3:26:41 PM

 
 
 
Kevin VanDam was bass fishing’s rising superstar when he first released his Bass Strategies: A Handbook for All Anglers. Now, more than a decade later, he is the most winning fisherman in BASS history, has qualified for the Bassmaster Classic for 20 consecutive years, and has held the number 1 ranking in the BASS Angler of the Year race for two consecutive years.

All of his accomplishments are a testament to the value of the information in his Bass Strategies book. Originally published in 1995, Bass Strategies has become the how-to bible for veteran and novice bass anglers. Fifteen years later, VanDam again teams up with Bassmaster Magazine senior writer and National Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame journalist Louie Stout to update the original work and reveal more secrets in the now available, newly revised edition of Bass Strategies.

Throughout the 210-page revised edition, VanDam, who is known for catching bass under the toughest conditions, analyzes the dilemmas anglers face in all types of waters and offers his insight to the most effective locations, presentations, and techniques to catch America’s most popular gamefish. VanDam goes in depth on everything to do with bass fishing, from the gear you want, to an all-new section on ‘Power Fishing’ techniques that he has helped pioneer over his years on the pro bass fishing tournament circuit.

VanDam can be considered America’s best professional bass angler and is the reigning Bassmaster Classic champion (his third), the Toyota Tundra Angler of Year (his fifth), and leading money winner of all time ($4,554,426.30) on the pro bass fishing trail.
 
Kevin VanDam’s Bass Strategies - Revised Edition – is available in early June 2010 from KVD Publications and sells for $18.95. For more information on this book, and how to purchase it, as well as VanDam’s second book, Secrets of a Champion, visit www.kevinvandam.com. We just got our signed copy from Kevin and its a must read for every angler.
 
 

American Racing ATX Wheels....more than bling7/20/2010 9:41:38 AM

 
 
 
American Racing Wheels are more than just bling. Their ATX Series of wheels add functionality to a sweet design. Designed for outdoors people and those who put their wheels in harsh environments, the Justice wheel (pictured above) allows anglers to have their truck and boat equally equipped with a look that is second to none. The curb appeal is a big deal but going to the ramp in style makes other anglers take notice. When you have a great looking set of wheels that require minimal maintenance, it puts you on top of the game. You spend more time enjoying the outdoors and less time worrying about clean-up.
 
When you look good you play better! American Racing ATX Off Road wheels are the deal.
 
To learn more about American Racing ATX line up, click here.
 
To see American Racing's Fan Page on Facebook click here.
 
 

More on Minn Kota Talon Anchoring System..7/20/2010 8:21:50 AM

 
 
 

Anglers who fish in shallow freshwater or saltwater environments have a new tool that quickly and quietly stops and positions their boat, allowing them to fish more productively.

Minn Kota® introduces Talon™, a shallow water anchor with an electro-mechanical design that makes it quiet, easy to install, highly durable and quick to deploy. It’s also environmentally friendly causing no damage to vegetation or the bottom.

“We were determined to introduce a shallow water anchor that would be far superior in performance and durability than a hydraulic-driven product,” Minn Kota Marketing Director Joe Brown said. “With Talon, we have exceeded expectations by eliminating angler concerns about noise, deployment speed, installation and reliability. We also added significant new features to Talon resulting in unparalleled performance.”

Talon’s innovative engineering and design provide many performance advantages, leading with the fastest deployment time compared to any product in its category. The Auto Up/Down feature needs only a quick press of a button for fully automatic deployment. This eliminates the need to continually press the button until the spike is completely deployed, wasting valuable fishing time. Stowing is just as easy and quick with a press of a button. Talon can be operated from the control panel or wireless remote. Two wireless remote controls come standard.

Talon assures a secure and solid position by providing the highest anchoring force on the market. The exclusive Auto-Drive feature drives the spike into the bottom with three successive hits with increased force on each hit.

When winds and currents pick up, anglers can activate Rough Water mode which repeats the Auto-Drive feature sequence three additional times at ten-second intervals to ensure a secure hold. With Built-In Wave Absorption, Talon’s spike remains securely locked to the bottom in rough water conditions.

With no hydraulics, Talon is easy and less expensive to install, and doesn’t take up valuable storage space. Talon’s versatility of adjustments, both vertically and front/back tilt (30 degrees), allows it to be mounted to any boat configuration without the need of additional shims.

When not in use, the lightweight Talon can be easily taken off the boat, thanks to its Quick Release Bracket (comes standard).

Operating from the boat’s existing battery setup, Talon vertically deploys the spike, without fish-spooking noise. To gauge the depth of the deployed spike, the angler can simply glance at the unit’s LED indicator lights which display deployment in one-foot increments. When ready to move to the next location, Talon’s notification alarm warns users if they start their outboard engine while the spike is still deployed.

Built in the tradition of Minn Kota’s legendary reputation for durability, Talon is designed to endure years of frequent use. Made of marine-grade extruded anodized aluminum, Talon can withstand a harsh, corrosive saltwater environment as well as the pounding waves of a freshwater river or lake. Additionally, the indestructible spike, made with fiberglass reinforced composite material, is guaranteed for life.

Talon comes with a comprehensive 2-year warranty and lifetime guarantee on the spike. It is available with either a six-foot, four-inch or eight-foot, four-inch spike and choice of a black or white motor cover. The manufacturer’s suggested retail prices for Talon are $1,299 with a six-foot, four-inch spike and $1,449 with an eight-foot, four-inch spike. All models can be used in freshwater or saltwater and come standard with two wireless remote controls. Talon will be available to consumers this fall.

Mustad KVD GRIP-PIN Hook....7/20/2010 7:55:38 AM


 
The importance of a good hook is critical to pros and weekend anglers alike. At this year's ICAST trade show, Mustad introduced a new KVD UltraPoint GRIP-PIN Hook, and it looks to be the deal. A metal pin is welded to the shank of the extra-strong hook to hold plastic while punching and flipping. It's a unique design, and of course if Kevin VanDam and Denny Brauer use it, then it has to be good. These hooks will be available very soon. In the mean time, be looking for a video about it with Mustad's Jeff Pierce here on Wired2Fish soon. 
 
To learn more about Mustad products click here.
 
To buy Mustad Hooks click here.

Quinn signs with Legend Boats...7/19/2010 9:22:35 AM

 


Wired2Fish and Evan Williams pro Jason Quinn has signed a four-year agreement with Legend Boats.
 
"I went and visited Legend, toured their facility and listened to Dean Smith and Randy Qualls about their boats and was thrilled about this opportunity," Quinn said. "Not only are they great people, but they build a big boat the way I like. They are super stable, have a great ride with plenty of storage and I love the day box on the front deck. Legend is one of the few custom-boat builders left, and their attention to detail is remarkable. I will be running the Alpha 211, and it will give me the competitive advantage I am looking for."
 
"We are really excited about having Jason join us at Legend," Smith said. "He is the perfect fit for our brand and our direction, and we are excited to have him. He is very forward thinking, a great guy and fits our core customer base to a 'T'. We are the up and coming boat company that is focused on winning and being competitive. Jason will have a lot of input on our future offerings. Jason and our other pros will be integral to our future designs."
 
To read more about Legend Boats click here.

ICAST Perspective...7/19/2010 1:43:00 AM

 
 
To say we get fired up for ICAST every year is an understatement. Even though we stay tuned in to new products on a daily basis the "industry reunion" is one we never want to miss. Old friends, new friends, great displays and products all in one giant room is what we live for. This year was no exception.
 
The energy this year was noticeable. We saw all kinds of pro's from both the FLW and BASS tours and it seems that the fishing industry has been invigorated and ICAST 2010 was the kick-off. Even though it seemed the numbers of attendee's were down by walking around the show the buzz was there and those that attended got everything they paid for. We spoke to hundreds of friends, blogged all day and have some exciting videos from manufacturers we think you will like. New products, creative ideas, and hopefully we will see 2011 as a banner year for fishing. All indications seem to be leaning that way.
 
We were excited by what we saw and more over were thrilled to see innovation and creativity, something sometimes lacking from other years, at this year's extravaganza. Some old companies brought out new innovative products, new companies helped elevate the bar and the pizzazz we were used to was back. We didn't get to see everything but below is a few of the highlights we felt worth noting:
 
1. Power Team Lures- A new company that is bringing new shapes and innovation to plastics. No one trick pony here but rather a bunch of new products that have great packaging, great scent and shapes that will flat "catch em". Big worms, punch baits, pitching baits, drop shot worms all designed by application and all with very unique actions and formulations.  Look for big things from these guys in 2011.
 
 
 
 
2. Minn Kota Talon- There is a new player in the boat anchoring arena. The Talon is an all electric anchoring system that is a low profile unit and
comes in two sizes perfect for any boat. No pump, no hydraulic fluid, just a battery and a key fab and you are ready to go. Built in memory to adjust to the bottom composition, 6 LED's, one per foot, and easy to install.  This is one neat looking unit.
  
 
 
3. Wright and McGill Skeet Reese Victory reels- Reese has hit the mark again with his new line up of right and left hand reels. At around 90 dollars this reel fits any anglers pocketbook and will hold up to the punishment. In Reese's black and yellow these reels are smooth. Built with strong gears, and oversized handle and very lightweight these reels are a perfect match for the Wright and McGill Skeet Reese rods. He also introduced a killer new kids series starter rod and reel that should blow off the shelves as well.
  
 
 
4. Koppers Live Target Frogs- To say this is one sweet looking frog(s) would be an understatement. Koppers has again done a superior job matching a live frog to a lure. From the nose to the eyes to the legs every detail is precise. We predict every frog lover will have one of these in their tackle boxes. They will have two models, the one pictured below and a hard bait version called the "Walking Frog".
 
 
 
5. EGO Net- The paradigm in net building has just been changed with the new EGO uitlity net called the S2. More than just a net the S2 adds utility tools, great function and it all floats. Another cool feature of this net is its easily stored in any rod box. Several attachments including a boat hook, a vegetation knife, a gaff, and several different hoop sizes are all available in this light but yet heavy duty offering.
 
 
 
6. Spro- Spro introduced several new products at ICAST including the BBZ-1 Baby, the Fat John Crankbait, new sizes of the McStick and a new McRip ripping bait. They also announced numerous color additions to the Bronzeye and Popping Frog line up. Each of these product lines have a stellar reputation for catching fish and the new additions will add to that.
 
The Fat John is a new crankbait for shallow cranking that combines the attributes of the Little John with a wide wobbling fat style fat crank that will work perfect around and over grass and in wood.
 
They also introduced the new BBZ-1 Baby Swimbait that should be a hit from coast to coast.
 
 
 
7. Sebile- always an innovator Patrick Sebile is at it again and several new offerings were just what the market was asking for. The new Sebile soft tungsten product won best of show in the terminal tackle category and its a winner. A shallow Crankster crank bait was also included.
 
 
 
 
8. Bandit Lures- Bandit hired Jim Gowing and he hit the ground running. Knowing how to build a quality crankbait has never been a problem for Bandit but Gowing's first is a good one. A "hunter" for shallow cranking the bluegill Bandit integrates design and quality paint schemes into a single package. Will be a must have for serious "crankers".
 
 
 
 
 
9. Strike King- a company that gets it, Strike King will again be offering a new line up of sunglasses, plastics, spinnerbaits and hard baits sure to catch on with anglers everywhere. From a smaller Thumper Worm to a mini Burner Spinnerbait to a new Series of KVD cranks in 1.5 and 2.5 sizes Strike King has it covered again. Strike King also introduced a new line up of crappie cranks as well. Stay tuned to Wired2Fish for some upcoming contests with their new products. Chris Brown and the entire Strike King staff got engaged on our visit. Some funny stuff on video.
 
 
 
 
10. Tightlines- Tightlines introduced a new plastic weight that had the crowd buzzing. Made of dense plastic it is similar in size to lead and tungsten weights but has the environment in mind as well. They also introduced several new products in their UV line-up as well at the show.
 
 
 
11. Laser Trokar- Several new hooks were introduced in many new sizes and all built with the super sharp and durable Laser Trokar point.
 
 
12. Frabill- Rainsuits just became storm suits with the new Frabill Storm suit introduced at ICAST. Better hood and sleeves, light material and ties that keep foul weather out are all in this single suit.
 
 
13. Pinnacle Competition Rods and Reels- stepping it up, Pinnacle has taken their product line up one notch with the new Competition Series Rods and Reels. Look for Pinnacle to have quality and an affordable price in this space in late 2010 and 2011.
 
 
 
 
14. Power Pole- the innovator in boat anchoring, Power Pole has a new offering that has all the features. Light weight, just a little over 23 pounds, great colors and user friendly features that adjust to the bottom, the new Power Pole adds a dimension to their offering that both fresh and saltwater anglers will love. They have a full line up of products for all kinds of boats. Watch for a video with Power Pole pro Chris Lane in the next few days.
 
 
15, Pure Fishing- we walked into the Pure Fishing area and it was a buzz with activity. Rods, reels, GULP, line, new plastic products and a host of other angler ammenities again puts them in a very rare class. We spoke to Mike Iaconelli about his new rods and the new REVO spinning reel just introduced. Watch for those video's very soon.
 
 
16. Rapala-a leader continues to be a leader and new introductions of several more clackin baits becomes a reality with Rapala this year. The Clackin Crank, Clackin Minnow,  Terminator Thumper, Touch Screen Scale and a whole new group of new colors. New shapes in Trigger X is also on the forefront including the Trigger X Hammer Worm and the Big Moe. Rapala also introduced the new GORE Sufix 832 braid which we guess will be a hit with anglers everywhere and also one that other manufacturers will want to emulate.
 
 
 
17. Big Bite Baits-Big Bite Baits continues to innovate with new shapes and they are using their pros in the development. Russ Lane, Jeff Kriet, Dean Rojas each have new products that we know will be fish catchers. The Flying Squirrel, the Sugar Cane Worm, and the new swim bait called the Cane Thumper are on the way. 
 
 
 
Overall this was a very good ICAST and those that missed it missed one of the best. Great products and companies ready to show they are not holding back. New products will be to the market sooner than years past and the new selection looks awesome.
 
 One other mention, We again would like to see a better way to present on the New Product Showcase. It was very hard to cover it all and be sure to take the reels out of a glass case. Handling is part of the equation.  It still needs some work but our vote is a job well done by all of the ASA staff.
 
Stay tuned for all of our Wired Media videos.
 
 
 
 

Stratos Boats kicks out Champion Elites7/18/2010 7:42:00 AM

 
 
Stratos Boats launches new Champion Elite for 2011...
 
Whether anglers are seeking to strengthen their competitive grip with a proven, performance-driven hull design or looking to upgrade to an aggressive, smooth-riding and luxuriously equipped professional bass boat, the new Stratos Champion Elite Series boats are built to outgun and outperform just about anything on the water. 
 
New to the Stratos lineup for the 2011 model year, the Stratos Champion Elite Series offers three models to suit the needs and personality of any serious bass angler.  The widely popular 210, 202 and 183 not only deliver strong notice with the high performance setup of their hull designs but come equipped with top-of-the-line features and accessories making it ideal for professional (or aspiring professional) anglers who want their rig decked out with the latest and greatest fishing-catching gear.
 

 
Measuring 20 feet, 10 inches, the Stratos 210 Champion Elite has a 50-gallon fuel capacity; it’s rated for 300 horsepower and comes available with a host of precision-matched outboards. Built around the venerable V-Wing hull design that sports the same sleek, aggressive, sports car-inspired body lines that accommodate larger plates, the boat is the rig of choice for today’s top professional anglers such as reigning BASS Angler of the Year, Skeet Reese and BASS Elite Series star, Mike McClelland.
 
“I can’t imagine fishing out of anything other than a 210. The 210 is such a phenomenal platform for someone like me who fishes for a living and who can’t afford not to have every advantage they can get when they’re competing,” said Reese. “I’m excited that the 210 and the other great Stratos Champion Elite Series models will be there to help a lot of people catch a lot of fish.”
 
Standard features on the Stratos 210 Champion Elite include a Humminbird 728 with color GPS at the console, Minn Kota Max 80 24V trolling motor with recessed foot pedal, Minn Kota 10x2 onboard charger, 5-inch digital multifunction gauges, LED-lit storage, console and bilge area, tackle organizer and shock-mitigating Aqua Flex bucket seats. Equipped with port- and starboard-side rod lockers capable of holding 7-foot, 6-inch rods and honeycombed with other lockable storage, the rig is available in single- and dual-console configurations offering additional features like a step-up cooler, fold-out footrests, lockable glove box (dual-console configuration only) and integrated storage for cell phones, keys, cameras and tools.
 
Equipped with the same electronics, custom-designed modular consoles and interior amenities, the 19-foot-8-inch Stratos 202 Champion Elite is built on the same proven hull and is rated for 225 horsepower. Featuring a 10-inch R&R manual jackplate with integrated E Ladder, this rig is also available in single- or dual-console configurations and features both port- and starboard-side rod lockers capable of storing 7-foot, 6-inch rods.
 
Offering even more options within the Stratos Champion Elite Series, the 183 Champion Elite measures 18 feet, 3 inches and packs the same performance of a proven hull design and the same wealth of electronic and comfort features as the larger models. Rated for 175 horsepower and sporting 40 gallons of fuel capacity, the Stratos 183 Champion Elite comes standard with a 10-inch manual jackplate with integrated E Ladder as well as port- and starboard-side rod storage that can hold rods up to 6-feet, 6-inches.
 
“You’d be hard pressed to come up with something that the Stratos Champion Elite Series boats don’t have,” said Stratos Brand Manager Jason Bragg. “Stratos owners want a boat that suits their personality: aggressive, high performance and built to get the job done. These boats have everything an angler needs to be successful on the water with an incredible amount of top-shelf standard equipment and the unparalleled performance of a proven hull.”
 
The Champion Elite Series models come paired with a custom-built Road Armor-equipped trailer. Designed to perfectly match the boat, the Stratos Champion Elite Series trailers are equipped with LED lights, aluminum wheels and a COOL Hub® lubrication system as standard equipment. Custom aligned with individually balanced wheels, the trailers feature swing jacks that retract flush to the frame and locking, swing-away tongues. With stainless steel fenders and matching spare, the trailer delivers peace of mind when towing and complement the striking good looks of the Stratos Champion Elite Series boats.

2011 STRATOS 210 CHAMPION ELITE
Overall Hull Length: 20 feet, 10 inches
Beam: 95 inches
Maximum HP: 300
Fuel Capacity:  (1) 50-gallon tank
Total Persons/Motor/Gear:  1525 lbs.
 
2011 STRATOS 202 CHAMPION ELITE
Overall Hull Length: 19 feet, 8 inches
Beam: 95 inches
Maximum HP: 225
Fuel Capacity:  (1) 50-gallon tank
Total Persons/Motor/Gear:  1500 lbs.
 
2011 STRATOS 183 CHAMPION ELITE
Overall Hull Length: 18 feet, 3 inches
Beam: 93 inches
Maximum HP: 175
Fuel Capacity:  (1) 40-gallon tank
Total Persons/Motor/Gear:  1475 lbs.

Ranger Boats launches Z100 Series...7/18/2010 7:38:04 AM

 
 
 
New Line-up for 2011...
 
Ranger’s Z Comanche Series continues to lead the industry in giving serious anglers top-shelf features, comfort and aesthetics in addition to unparalleled fishability and proven performance. Now for the 2011 model year, an additional group of Ranger Z models is growing the line even further while bringing the quality and reputation of the distinctive Z Comanche Series to anglers wishing to hit the water in style with a new rig that’s as accessible as it is laden with features and performance.
 
The new Ranger Z100 Series is comprised of three models: the Z118, Z119 and Z120. Rated for 150, 200 and 225 horsepower, respectively, the Z100 Series is ideal for serious weekend warriors who want to fish local and regional tournaments from a new boat without the price tag associated with most similarly equipped new boats. Starting at under $30,000 (depending on options), anglers can take to the water in a new Ranger Z118 and experience the custom feel of the legendary brand while being qualified for chances to add more money to any tournament winnings through the Ranger Cup program. The Ranger Cup program continues to reward Ranger loyalty through added payout to winners of qualified tournaments as long as they are the registered owners of any Ranger boat (regardless of year or model) and adhere to program guidelines.
 
“The Z100 Series is designed to do so many things well,” said Keith Daffron of Ranger Boats.  “From the spacious, balanced interior to the full-throttle engineering and custom details throughout, these full-featured rigs reinforce the Z-Series legacy at every level.  Not only do the aggressive looks match the performance standards but, sticker on these designs is geared to make even more dreams come true.”
 
Measuring 18 feet, 8 inches, the Z118 boasts a host of features not found in other 18-foot bass boats. With a new hull designed and built around the game-changing total performance technology utilized in other Z Comanche models, this rig features a large front deck that extends to the consoles complete with enormous center and port side rod lockers capable of storing 8-foot rods.   Elsewhere, the completely redesigned console allows for flush mounting of modern, large-screen electronics.  Available with all major brands of precision-matched outboards, the Z118 powered by a 150-horsepower engine has more than enough power to take anglers to their favorite out-of-the-way fishing spot or even participate in other water sports with the family.

Z118
 
A Minn Kota Maxxum 70 24V trolling motor, console-mounted Lowrance Mark-5X Pro electronics, on-board Dual-Pro 15x2 charger and a stainless steel prop are all standard on the Z118 making it possible for anglers to leave the dealership and head straight to the water. Available in both single- and dual-console configurations, the Z118 includes SRS bench seating with custom-matched premium marine upholstery, an insulated cooler with drain, integrated drink holders, lockable storage, molded driver and passenger footrests, runnin’ rod rack with strap and a full complement of gauges and switches.
 
Similarly equipped, the Z119 measures 19 feet, 6 inches and is rated for 200 horsepower, while the 20-foot-5-inch Z120 Comanche is rated for 225 horsepower, giving anglers a host of popular sizes and power configurations to suit their needs and lifestyle.
 
Like all Ranger boats, Z100 Series models come paired with custom-built RangerTrail trailers. Designed to ideally match the boat for smooth, easy towing and maneuvering, RangerTrail trailers are equipped with Road Armor finish, LED lights; aluminum wheels and the COOL Hub® lubrication system as standard equipment. Designed and built in the same factory to the same, exacting standards as all Ranger boats, RangerTrail trailers are custom aligned with individually balanced wheels, equipped with torsion axle suspensions and locking, swing-away tongues. With matching fiberglass fenders and full-size spare, RangerTrail trailers deliver peace of mind when trailering and complement the striking good looks of Ranger boats.

2011 RANGER Z118
Overall Hull Length: 18 feet, 8 inches
Beam: 94 inches
Maximum HP: 150
Engine Shaft Length: 20 inches
Inside Depth: 21 inches
Fuel Capacity:  (1) 38-gallon tank
Total Persons/Motor/Gear:  1,265 lbs.
Approx. Boat Weight:  1,550 lbs. (single console)
                                               1,575 lbs. (dual console)
Trailer GVWR: CF3725
Length on Trailer with Motor Down: 23 feet, 7 inches
Length on Trailer with Motor Down & Swing-Away Tongue Open: 21 feet, 7 inches
Width on Trailer: 99 inches
 
2011 RANGER Z119
Overall Hull Length: 19 feet, 6 inches
Beam: 95 inches
Maximum HP: 200
Engine Shaft Length: 20 inches
Inside Depth: 20 inches
Fuel Capacity:  (1) 40-gallon tank
Total Persons/Motor/Gear:  1,500 lbs.
Approx. Boat Weight:  1,625 lbs. (single console)
                                               1,650 lbs. (dual console)
Trailer GVWR: CF4500
Length on Trailer with Motor Down: 24 feet, 7 inches
Length on Trailer with Motor Down & Swing-Away Tongue Open: 22 feet, 7 inches
Width on Trailer: 100 inches
 
2011 RANGER Z120
Overall Hull Length: 20 feet, 5 inches
Beam: 95 inches
Maximum HP: 225
Engine Shaft Length: 20 inches
Inside Depth: 22 inches
Fuel Capacity:  (2) 24-gallon tanks
Total Persons/Motor/Gear:  1,700 lbs.
Approx. Boat Weight:  1,735 lbs. (single console)
                                               1,760 lbs. (dual console)
Trailer Capacities/Specifications
Trailer GVWR: CF5000
Length on Trailer with Motor Down: 25 feet, 6 inches
Length on Trailer with Motor Down & Swing-Away Tongue Open: 23 feet, 6 inches
Width on Trailer: 102 inches

Fishing Tackle Trends from ICAST 2010 Show7/16/2010 6:31:50 AM

Check out the new hook from Mustad7/16/2010 5:54:47 AM

Plano Rocking and Rolling with New Bags, Boxes, Binders and more7/16/2010 5:54:28 AM

Go Go EGO Gadget Net7/16/2010 5:37:00 AM

Some New Sebile Toys7/16/2010 5:28:47 AM

Best of Show Booth - Costa Del Mar7/15/2010 2:06:18 PM

Power Team Lures - New Player with Good Stuff7/15/2010 1:55:39 PM

UV Lures and Weights Innovative and have the wow factor7/15/2010 1:50:31 PM

Koppers Keeping it Real!7/15/2010 1:39:40 PM

ICAST 2010 - Best of Show Winners7/15/2010 1:12:34 PM

Sunline's New Froggin Braid and Sexy Blue color7/15/2010 1:01:25 PM

Some of the Best of Show Winners from ICAST 20107/15/2010 12:59:34 PM

Lazer Trokar Adding more jaw stickers7/15/2010 12:31:03 PM

Minn Kota Talon Sinks its Claws into the Anchor Market7/15/2010 12:22:23 PM

Big Bite Baits adding to proven line of plastics7/15/2010 12:55:25 AM

Spro and Gamakatsu solid as always7/15/2010 12:16:42 AM

Strike King Still Rocking New Baits, Colors and Sizes for 20107/14/2010 11:47:23 PM

Bandit Lures developing super shallow crank7/14/2010 5:40:30 PM

Yum, Bomber and XCalibur debuting cool new shapes and styles7/14/2010 2:04:23 PM

Damiki Cranking out some new concepts for 20117/14/2010 1:32:44 PM

Abu Garcia Getting Sleek with Rods and Reels7/14/2010 1:13:35 PM

Interview with Skeet about his new rods and reels7/14/2010 12:49:26 PM

Wright & McGill to Offer Skeet's New Casting Reels7/14/2010 5:13:00 AM

 
 

The Wright & McGill Co. and Skeet Reese have worked together to develop all new, high quality, affordably priced, casting reel that has all of the performance features and durability that Skeet demands but at a price that will make it available to most fishermen.

The new W&M Victory™ low profile casting reel is available in both a 6.2:1 and a 7.0:1 version in both right and left hand retrieve. You’ll love the oversize power handle, powerful Teflon® drag, effective centrifugal anti-backlash braking system and the smoothness of its 10 ball bearing operation. Victory reels are designed to be the perfect match in weight, balance, color and performance to the W&M Skeet Reese signature rods.

  • Aluminum frame for durability and weight reduction.
  • 10 stainless steel ball bearings – 9 + 1 design.
  • Unlimited anti-reverse.
  • One touch removable aluminum spool.
  • Quick access side plate.
  • Centrifugal anti-backlash braking system.
  • Powerful and smooth Teflon® drag system.
  • Audible click star drag.
  • Precision cut brass gears.
  • Extra large power handle and oversized rubber paddles.
  • Gear ratio 6.2:1 - high speed or 7.0:1 – ultra high speed.
  • Line capacity 120 yds. of 12 lb.
  • Available in right & left hand retrieve.
  • Weight 7.76 ounces.
  • Includes neoprene reel case.
  • One year warranty.
  • Suggested retail value of $119.99.

WMESRV62RC                 W&M Skeet Reese Victory Baitcaster RH 6.2:1         

WMESRV62LC                 W&M Skeet Reese Victory Baitcaster LH   6.2:1        

WMESRV70RC                 W&M Skeet Reese Victory Baitcaster RH 7.0:1         

WMESRV70LC                 W&M Skeet Reese Victory Baitcaster LH   7.0:1        

 
 
 

New Skeet Spinning Reel from Wright & McGill7/14/2010 5:00:00 AM

 
The Wright & McGill Co. and Skeet Reese have worked closely together to design a new series of spinning reels that will not only stand up to the rigors of the Bassmaster Elite Series tournaments but are priced so the average fisherman can use the gear that professional anglers like Skeet Reese use everyday.

The new W&M Victory™ spinning reel is available in 4 popular sizes from a 2500 to a large framed 4000 series. Each one is manufactured with premium components, all aluminum frame and a list of features that are typically found only in reels costing twice as much.

Victory spinning reels are the perfect match for all the Skeet Reese signature spinning rods and designed to offer perfect balance and performance when used together.

  • Ultra light, strong aluminum body.
  • 9+1 ball bearing.
  • Infinite anti-reverse.
  • Smooth front drag.
  • Extreme duty thick power bail with long life bail spring.
  • Oversized, machined aluminum power handle.
  • Oversized, soft touch handle for control.
  • Aluminum spool plus Aluminum spare spool.
  • Anti-twist line roller.
  • Saltwater resistant.
  • Includes protective storage bag.

WMESRV2500S     W&M Skeet Reese Victory Spinning Reel Size 2500  

WMESRV3000S      W&M Skeet Reese Victory Spinning Reel Size 3000

WMESRV3500S      W&M Skeet Reese Victory Spinning Reel Size 3500  

WMESRV4000S      W&M Skeet Reese Victory Spinning Reel Size 4000  

All four models of Victory Spinning reels have a suggested retail of $119.99.

New Series of Skeet Rods with Micro Guides7/14/2010 5:00:00 AM


The Wright & McGill Co. and Skeet Reese have combined efforts to create a new extension to the extremely popular Skeet Reese S-Curve and S-Glass series. The new Micro Honeycomb rods are even lighter and more sensitive and feature the popular and high performance micro guides.

W&M Micro Honeycomb technology offers ultra thin, lightweight blanks constructed of 100% high modulus carbon that are bound together by our new, industry leading Micro Honeycomb resin. Our unique design combines three separate layers of high modulus graphite wrapped around a high density graphite core, reinforced by woven fibers and bound together by our exclusive resin. Each will deliver 100% of the performance and sensitivity that you’ve been looking for and they’re incredibly light and perfectly balanced.

These rods combine this exclusive blank technology with the addition of high performance micro guides, the newest trend in high performance rods. Micro guides offer distinct advantages like increased accuracy, lighter weight, and easy storage in boat lockers. With Micro Honeycomb you will experience the most perfectly balanced, longest casting rods ever designed.

Anglers everywhere are experiencing the advantages that micro guides can deliver. However, the guides themselves are only effective when perfectly positioned on each rod. Wright & McGill’s Advanced Guide Placement (AGP) was developed to ensure maximum performance of our micro guide system and was specifically designed for every “technique specific” Skeet Reese Micro Honeycomb rod.

These new additions to the Skeet Reese signature line are available in 4 unique models, 3 casting and 1 spinning, and have a suggested retail of $119.99

WMESRMSB70C   W&M Micro Honeycomb Finesse Worm/Fluke Casting           
WMESRMJW72C1 W&M Micro Honeycomb Football Jig/Big Worm Casting         
WMESRMPS76C1 W&M Micro Honeycomb Heavy Cover Casting             
WMESRMTJ610S1 W&M Micro Honeycomb Finesse Tube Jig Spinning

New Product Showcase Introduction from ICAST 20107/13/2010 10:21:41 PM

Ranger Boats Tommy Biffle makes it two...7/13/2010 10:00:00 AM

 
 
 
Just a few weeks after it appeared that he might not qualify for the BASS Elite Series postseason, Ranger Pro Tommy Biffle is heading into the homestretch of July as one of the hottest anglers in professional bass fishing.

For the second time in three weeks, Biffle left the water victorious, this time claiming a win in the PAA tournament on Lake Cherokee, which concluded Saturday. Just weeks ago, Biffle defended his home turf by winning the regular-season finale for the 2010 BASS Elite Series Tour on Lake Fort Gibson.

"It's unbelievable, isn't it?" said Biffle of winning his second professional tournament in as many events. "I had a good day on the last day, and that's when you need it."

More than a good day, Biffle is in the midst of a great month. Following the abrupt change of venue for the final regular-season BASS Elite Series event from the flooded and unfishable Arkansas River to his home lake, Fort Gibson, Biffle relied on his 40 years of experience with the fishery to vault him to a win. While other pros practiced in the days leading up to the event, Biffle was able to spend some unexpected time at home, among other things, mowing his yard.

"There wasn't anybody expecting me to win on Fort Gibson more than myself," said Biffle. "I would have been ill if I didn't make it happen. It was special to be able to do it in front of my family and friends."

Few things are more quintessential to fishing than going after the venerable largemouth bass – and Biffle is all about fishing for largemouth, making his longtime reliance on a Ranger boat the ideal pairing of pro and platform. Where the water gets skinny, the cover gets thick and the fish hold tight, the Wagoner, Okla., pro feels right at home, targeting these areas for both his Lake Cherokee and Fort Gibson wins. So at home flipping and pitching for largemouth, Biffle even won the 2006 Empire Chase on New York’s Lake Oneida – a noted smallmouth fishery – solely with largemouth caught in the shallow backwaters of the lake.

“We’re very proud of Tommy for his accomplishments throughout his career and congratulate him for accomplishing what so few anglers have done in winning two professional events back-to-back,” said Ranger Boats President Randy Hopper. “To me, Tommy Biffle means largemouth fishing; getting back into those areas that just look like they should hold big fish – and Tommy always seems to find them.”

By virtue of his win on Lake Fort Gibson, which delivered him a $100,000 payday and vaulted him over $2.2 million mark in career earnings, Biffle moved into the Top 10 of the BASS Elite Series points standings, qualifying him for the two post-season tournaments that will determine the 2010 BASS Angler of the Year. In addition, Biffle will be among the contingent of Ranger Pros fishing the 2011 Bassmaster Classic next February on the Louisiana Delta. In addition, Biffle banked $10,000 with his win on Lake Cherokee as well as a boat-and-motor package.
 
 
 

McClelland signs with Stratos Champion Elite pro staff7/13/2010 9:14:45 AM

 
 
Stratos Boats announced today that Mike McClelland has joined the Stratos Boats Champion Elite pro staff. Wired2Fish had the chance to talk to Mike about the move.  "I am thrilled to be joining Stratos Champion Elite" said McClelland. "Its really neat to know that I will be running a boat with the fit and finish, hull design and backing that Stratos has. Having my background with Champion really helps. The folks who build them are the best in the business and I know how good these boats are. Not only is the boat exceptional but it is exciting to be cutting new ground with the Stratos family from my perspective. The 210 Elite is one sweet boat!"
 
From Stratos: 

A familiar name at the top of the BASS Elite Series standings, Mike McClelland will continue to be a mainstay aboard his favorite bass boat following his recent addition to the Stratos Boats Pro Staff.

McClelland’s move to the Stratos Pro Staff ensures that he will continue to fish from his preferred fishing platform, the venerable 210 Elite. Previously manufactured under the Champion brand, the 210 will now be part of the three-model Stratos Champion Elite Series, a line of professional-level bass boats centered around highly acclaimed, performance-based designs.

“I couldn’t be more excited,” said McClelland. “The 210 Elite is an amazing design and is a big part of my overall confidence every time I’m on the water. Just as important, though, are the people at Stratos. They’re a great group with a huge love for fishing, an uncompromising product and total commitment to solid performance - just the kind of drive that delivers a lot of winning momentum.”

Reinforcing those accolades, the new professional-level fishing platforms allow Stratos and Champion loyalists to accelerate their competitive edge on the water by blending power, performance, first-class fishing features and aggressive styling while also reaping the competitive advantages of proven hull design. With 18-, 19- and 20-foot configurations in the Stratos Champion Elite Series lineup, anglers across the country will be able to match their new Stratos boat to suit their fishing styles and destinations. The new Stratos Champion Elite Series boats will be built in Flippin, Ark., with production slated to begin in July in accordance with the normal model-year changeover. While no official date has been set for dealer delivery, Stratos fans will begin seeing the new Champion Elite Series models at local dealers in Fall 2010.

"The addition of the Champion Elite Series helps solidify Stratos' position within the ultra-competitive world of professional-level bass fishing,” said Vice President of Marketing, Bart Schad. “It doesn't matter if you fish for a living, want to fish for a living or enjoy spending your weekends on the water trying to win some money and a few bragging rights, anglers want a boat that suits their personality. At Stratos, it's all about being aggressive, high performance – built to get the job done."

With four BASS Elite Series tournament wins, 22 Top-10 finishes and more than $1.2 million in career earnings, McClelland adds even more talent and star power to a pro staff that includes professional bass fishing legend, Larry Nixon, and reigning BASS Angler of the Year Skeet Reese. The mixture of proven performance, legendary reputation and competitiveness makes all three pro staffers an ideal fit for Stratos’ aggressive fishing platforms.

New Facts of Fishing FYI from ICAST7/13/2010 7:05:00 AM

Stalking Fish Shallow7/13/2010 7:01:24 AM

Are polarized sunglasses really necessary? We get asked that question a lot. It's like asking if a Quarterback in the NFL needs a helmet. I suppose he could play without one, but it's not really smart if you want to perform your best.
 
Check out this video that shows what you can see with and without polarized sunglasses. This was in stained water on a nearby lake last week.
 
 
         

Tell us what you want to see at ICAST! Check out the new blog...7/12/2010 1:18:21 PM

Garage Sale Winner...7/12/2010 12:04:06 PM

 
Thanks to everyone who entered the Wired2Fish "Garage Sale" Contest. The response was exceptional and we again found out we have a ton of educated readers, that is for sure. We really like being able to give our readers the chance at the latest fishing products from our great group of advertisers. We have more in the hopper and ready to go right after ICAST. Stay tuned for those.
 
The winner of this contest is Ray Long of Bay Minette, Alabama. Your package is on the way Ray!
 
Don't forget we have two contests going right now....one for a Mustad KVD Collectors Edition Shirt and another for the "new" Spro BBZ-1 Baby Shad.

Poor Boys Dye...good stuff7/12/2010 9:12:00 AM

Wired Tip for Today:
 
 
Adding dye to a lure can change everything. A smiggin of orange on the belly...3 pounder. Tipping pinchers with chartruese....another 3 pounder. Give us anything that helps put more fish in the boat and we are all over it.
 
The new Poor Boys Dipping Dye is some good stuff. We have been testing it for a couple of months now, and we really like it. It is very manageable, easy to use, comes in a glass bottle and seems brighter too. The chartruese looks like it has a light in it. It is scentless and holds color even in bright sunlight. We have tested it on all kinds of plastic and we recommend giving it a try.
 
It comes in six colors including Green Pumpkin Lure Dye, Watermelon Lure Dye, Chartreuse Lure Dye, Orange Lure Dye, Red Lure Dye, Black Lure Dye.
 
To learn more about the dye or the great Poor Boys Baits click here.

Brody Returns to Fishing7/12/2010 8:26:22 AM

Brent Broderick of Oregonia, Ohio was a rookie on the Elite Series in 2009, but when a nearly 10-pound bass injured his hand, he had to bow out of his sophmore season to begin his rehab on the torn up hand. He recently caught his first bass in a long time and is on the road to his comeback. It's an interesting article about one Elite Series angler's tribulations at the top of the sport.
 
To read the full feature, click here.

Brody is Back7/12/2010 8:19:18 AM

When the Bassmaster Elite Series season kicked off at the California Delta, there was one name that was conspicuously not on the roster; Brent “Brody” Broderick from Oregonia, Ohio. Broderick was set to begin his sophomore season on the Elite Series when he was derailed by a hand injury.

While Broderick’s name may not be instantly recognizable to the everyday fan of the Bassmaster Elite Series, the hardcore fans and his counterparts on the Elite Series, Brody is a fixture on the tours. Broderick worked for several years to qualify for the Elite Series, and along the way he became friends with many of the anglers who he would compete with on the Elite Series stage.

Informative video on an Invasive Fish7/12/2010 8:00:00 AM


This is pretty good short video on a very interesting fish that is feared to be an ecosystem changer and some anglers have taken up sportfishing for them.
 
Thanks to Steve Chaconas for sharing the video with us.
 
 

Moberly Makes it Two in a Row7/11/2010 4:34:52 PM




Tyler Moberly finally felt the long-time-coming excitement of winning a college national championship. The versatile college angler has been in the hunt in several big tournaments, but in the last three weeks he's won the BoatU.S. Collegiate Bass Fishing Open on Kentucky Lake and now the College Bass Championship on the Arkansas River, Lake Maumelle and Lake Brewer in Arkansas. Moberly and partner Jonas Ertel won the tournament in impressive fashion with a final-day weight of 21.39 pounds of bass that they caught throwing Cumberland Pro football jigs offshore. They beat the second-place team of Georgia by nearly 10 pounds.
 
The tournament started on the Arkansas River, but was moved to Lake Maumelle because of hazardous conditions. The final day however was fished on nearby Lake Brewer, a lake neither Moberly nor Ertel had ever fished.
 
Moberly, with other partners has been in the running in several National Championships and finally got his own National Championship. We'll be featuring Moberly in an upcoming article about casting jigs, a technique somewhat born in Eastern Kentucky, that Moberly has become very adept at, regardless of the depth.
 
Congrats to EKU and Moberly and Ertel for the long awaited Championship.
 
For more details on the event and their win, click here.

Biffle Wins in impressive fashion again7/11/2010 4:32:28 PM


Chalk up another one to experience and persistence for ol’ hardhead Tommy Biffle.

You have to fish out in deeper water in summer, people say. You can’t catch them shallow because it’s too hot, people say.

Biffle doesn’t listen to people. He listens to more than three decades of tournament experience from the club events of years ago on his home water in Oklahoma to the toughest tournaments in the country on lakes he’s never seen before.

The 52-year old Okie slammed the best five-bass limit of the week Saturday in the final day of the PAA Bass Pro Shops Tournament Series presented by Carrot Stix, winning the season-opening event by more than two pounds over Bobby Lane of Florida. Biffle finished with 36.18 pounds, with Lane next at 34.11 and Todd Auten of South Carolina third with 31.99.

Biffle caught five keepers weighing 16.76 pounds Saturday. He worked small backwater pools where bass were lingering around flooded willows, despite dropping water and skittish attitudes, with one coming on a Heddon Spook topwater and the rest on his Gene Larew Biffle Bug.

Biffle won $10,000 and a Phoenix 719 with a Mercury 225 Optimax and T-H Marine Atlas Jackplate. It was the first time he’d won consecutive major events, and his first consecutive tournament wins since his club days years ago. Biffle won the Bassmaster Elite Series tournament on Fort Gibson Lake two weeks ago, and is set to compete in the Elite Series post-season in two weeks in Alabama.

“I tell my friends you’re only as good as your last tournament,” he said, “so with two of them I’m feeling pretty good. I wasn’t too motivated about this week when I was driving over last Sunday. I’ll be at ICAST this week in Las Vegas, I need to get my truck wrapped before the post-season and I’d never seen this lake before.

“But things turned out pretty good. I got here about midday on Sunday and got on the water. I started catching a few and was looking for areas that I like … flooded bushes, buck brush, anything like that with water on it. When I found something I’d punch it into my Lowrance unit. That way I didn’t have to go searching for anything.”

Biffle threw the “Sooner Run” colored Biffle Bug on 25-pound Sunline Shooter fluorocarbon line with a Tru-Tungsten 5/16ths weight and 4/0 BMF hook. He rigged it on a Quantum Elite Biffle 7-foot-6 signature series rod with a Quantum PT Burner reel. The bait color is green pumpkin with red flake and a darker back.

Biffle trapped ‘em
With just two fish in the boat at mid-morning on Saturday, Biffle pulled into a backwater pool he said was about 20-25 feet wide by about 60-75 feet long. He could ease the nose of his Ranger into a little nook and make pitches in either direction around some flooded willow trees.

“When I peeked around one of those trees I saw about seven or eight bass in there about 3 to 4 pounds each,” he said. “I put down the Power Poles and told my cameraman we were staying until I won. I felt like I could catch at least one or two of them.”

The bass were cruising and skittish, he said, and ducked under or around the willows. One gnarl where they were hiding was too thick to punch his bait into, so he waited them out. A small area between two willows to the left of his boat allowed for a pitch, “and anytime one tried to swim through there and get out I’d pitch the Bug in, and it would turn around and go back.”

He caught one on the Spook and then another on the Bug. But by 2 p.m. and with a little more than an hour before check-in, Biffle opted to make a run to try to get his fifth bass. He caught a snapping turtle in his next spot, then re-tied a new hook and Bug on and made a long pitch to the shallowest water in that area. His bait “felt heavy, and then I saw the line moving away.” That one was a keeper bass, instead of a turtle, and was enough to secure the win.

“This is pretty gratifying,” Biffle said. “You’ve got a pretty strong field with good guys from BASS and FLW here this week under really tough conditions, and on a lake I’d never seen that didn’t really set up for my kind of fishing. But I know from fishing on Fort Gibson in summer the bass get shallow even in hot water and that’s what I went looking for.”

Two in a Row7/10/2010 7:23:01 PM



Tommy Biffle notched another win today with an impressive comeback. He weighed the biggest limit of the tournament to capture the victory with a three-day weight of 36.18 pounds of bass. He had a limit weighing 16.76 today to make the come-from-behind attempt a victory. He started the day in sixth place and fished his strengths to win.
 
The rest of the top five included the two-day leader Bobby Lane in second with 34.11. In third was Todd Auten with 31.99, followed by Lance Vick with 30.88 and David Walker with 26.20 rounding out the top five anglers.
 
Full details coming. For full results, visit fishpaa.com.
 
 

BasStar SpinTech Hooks..the real deal!7/10/2010 9:32:46 AM

 
 
 
As with many anglers we have our favorite hooks. Sometimes it based on price and availability but most of the time its about effectiveness. Here at Wired2Fish we get to see them all and premium companies like Laser Trokar, Mustad and Gamakatsu received high marks in just about every category. We have been testing some trebles in recent weeks and got hooked up with BasStar SpinTech through our friendship with Elite Series pro's Dave Wolak and Clark Reehm. Sometimes you have to cut out the chaff to get to the wheat with pro anglers but not with these two. They are as straight as they come and we have found their recommendations as good as gold numerous times. When they got excited about SpinTech we had to take a look at them.
 
For those that don't know SpinTech is a treble hook that rotates on a specially designed shaft. They have chemically sharpened points and changing them out is tough duty because they are super sharp and they move. Make sure you use split ring pliers for this job.
 
Once on the  bait we had to test them. We have spent the last 3 weeks using them and to be honest have yet to lose a fish. We have changed them out on the Little John DD, the Bomber Fat Free Shad, and the Rapala DT 20 and have caught bass on all of them. The secret to the rotation is the bass cannot get leverage. Many times the static style hook will turn into the bait and give the bass leverage to pull free but not with the SpinTech's. They simply rotate.
 
When crankbait fishing, much like frog fishing, you expect to lose a few. KVD spent years with Mustad on the KVD Elite Trebles to eliminate the same problem. Two different viewpoints accomplishing the same thing. Mustad shortened the shank and beefed the hook up to eliminate flex and  SpinTech built a different mousetrap. They both are equally effective.
 
Deep cranking is a different animal. Teamed with the right rod and reel and light line the baits tested dove to 20 foot or so. Hard to feel the cover at times but that mushy heavy feel we were looking for was easy to detect. The SpinTech hooks actually made catching the deep water bass easier. You could allow the fish to wear himself down a bit without worry of losing them and each and every caught bass was hooked well. We felt we had  better control of the fish with these hooks.
 
We recommend the SpinTech Trebles and think they are indeed a better mousetrap. They can be purchased in all sizes but we have used the size 1 and 2 on the aforementioned crankbaits.
 
SpinTech is not a gimmick and work as advertised and we recommend Wired readers giving them a chance. We think you will like them.
 
They can be purchased at Tackle Warehouse by clicking here. They come 4 in a package and cost $6.74 per pack.
 
You can learn more about BasStar by clicking here.

Falcon Lake Gets National Exposure7/10/2010 7:23:23 AM


Falcon Lake is one of the top bass fisheries in the world. The lake and its bass fishing got some national press. Unfortunately it was related to the lack of anglers visiting the lake due to banditos threatening fishermen on the lake.

Lane Extends Lead at Cherokee7/10/2010 12:23:53 AM


Bobby Lane certainly wasn’t ready to throw in the towel, but he knew something had to give with only about an hour of fishing remaining before his check-in time.

The Spiderwire pro from Florida capitalized in the closing hour Friday to put three keepers in the boat to finish his limit weighing 12.08 pounds. That pushed him to a lead of nearly four pounds after the second day of the PAA Bass Pro Shops Tournament Series presented by Carrot Stix on Cherokee Lake.

Lane has a total of 27.65 pounds and leads Evinrude pro David Walker of nearby Sevierville, who has 23.98. Walker maintained a steady hand with a catch of 11.10, adding to his Day 1 total of 12.88 to move into second place.

In third place is Anglers Inn International pro Bradley Hallman of Oklahoma (20.47), who slipped from a leader board tie with Lane with only three keepers weighing 4.90. In fourth is Skeeter pro Harold Allen of Texas (20.36), and Ranger pro Todd Auten of South Carolina is fifth (19.79).

“I did the exact same thing as Thursday but I covered a lot more water,” Lane said. “It was brutal and I just covered water. I think I ran a tank and a half of gas, and ran from midlake to the (Cherokee) dam and back. I had the trolling motor on 70 all day and was moving fast.”

The field was cut to the Top 30 after Friday’s round, with those anglers competing Saturday for $10,000 and a new Phoenix 719 boat powered by a Mercury 225 Optimax engine and outfitted with a T-H Marine Atlas Jackplate. The final weigh-in will begin at 4:30 p.m. ET at Bass Pro Shops in Kodak, Tenn., and will be streamed live on AnglersChannel.com via FishPAA.com.

Lane is pounding every creek, nook and likely spot to try to get bites, getting so deep into some little areas he has to back out his boat instead of turning around on the trolling motor. He’s firing buzzbaits, spinnerbaits and frogs, among other baits, to try to pick up a bite here and there.

“It’s tough because if you catch one (in a spot) then you move on,” he said. “You fish, fish, fish and if you get one to bite, you leave and maybe come back two hours later and hope for another one. My deal now is to decide what I want to do Saturday. I’ll do the same thing but it’s a matter of where I want to start. I’ll probably decide when I take off in the morning.”

Friday’s weather conditions changed, with intermittent sun and building cloud cover that changed the bite.

“I have a good schooling spot where I think I can get a limit, but they didn’t come up on it today,” said Damiki pro Bryan Thrift of North Carolina, who is in 8th place with 18.51 pounds. “I caught two on topwater, two on a jig and one on a football jig. I’m just fishing with a clean mind every day and just going fishing.”

Light rain began falling Friday about 3 p.m. and lasted for several hours, but was not the hard thunderstorms predicted for the area. More clouds and a 60 percent chance of storms are predicted for Saturday morning, clearing by midday. Temperatures dropped about 10 degrees from Thursday’s oppressive heat that topped out at 98 degrees.

“If we got some good rain, that could cause (TVA) to pull some water and make the deeper bite better,” Thrift said, although the heavy rain isn’t likely. “If we got enough to affect the smaller creeks and runoff areas, that could put a little color in them and you possibly could catch a big fish.”

Hallman struggled Friday after being tied for the lead with Lane for first. He caught just three bass weighing 4.90 pounds but still sat in third place.

“I ran completely new areas looking for topwater bites because it was cloudy longer,” Hallman said. “I had four good bites and only got one of those in the boat. That was my day in a nutshell. I went flipping and needed the sun to position them better. I knew I shouldn’t have kept flipping as long as I did.”

Bass Pro Shops pro Stacey King of Missouri was the final angler in the cut at 30th place with 11.50 pounds.

PAA Sponsors: The PAA Tournament Series is sponsored by Bass Pro Shops, E21 Carrot Stix, Laser TroKar, Markel Insurance, Phoenix Boats, Nitro Boats, T-H Marine, Fishouflage, SolarBat, U.S. Reel, Sign Designs, BoatU.S. Foundation, Mercury Marine and Jasper Engines and Transmissions.

Day 2, Official Standings

MORRISTOWN, Tenn. – Official standings after Day 2 of the PAA Bass Pro Shops Tournament Series presented by Carrot Stix on Cherokee Lake, with angler, state, Day 1 and Day 2 weights, and total weight. The field was cut to the Top 30 for Saturday’s final day.

1.      Bobby Lane, Florida: Day 1, 15.57; Day 2, 12.08 – Total 27.65

2.      David Walker, Tennessee: 12.88; 11.10 – 23.98

3.      Bradley Hallman, Oklahoma: 15.57; 4.90 – 20.47

4.      Harold Allen, Texas: 14.12; 6.24 – 20.36

5.      Todd Auten, South Carolina: 9.90; 9.89 – 19.79

6.      Tommy Biffle, Oklahoma: 12.34; 7.08 – 19.42

7.      David Hendrick, North Carolina: 11.11; 7.80 – 18.91

8.      Bryan Thrift, North Carolina: 7.95; 10.56 – 18.51

9.      Lance Vick, Texas: 6.94; 9.80 – 16.74

10.     Todd Faircloth, Texas: 7.57; 8.77 – 16.52

11.     Zell Rowland, Texas: 9.21; 6.98 – 16.19

12.     Stephen Browning, Arkansas: 9.68; 6.44 – 16.12

13.     Jason Quinn, South Carolina: 7.35; 7.94 – 15.29

14.     Brian Holt, Tennessee: 8.88; 5.88 – 14.76

15.     Dave Wolak, North Carolina: 5.89; 8.64 – 14.53

16.     Randall Tharp, Alabama: 8.74; 5.61 – 14.35

17.     Jeff Kriet, Oklahoma: 2.54; 11.40 – 13.94

18.     Andy Morgan, Tennessee: 10.93; 2.44 – 13.37

19.     Edwin Evers, Oklahoma: 11.04; 2.11 – 13.15

20.     Randy Howell, Alabama: 10.02; 3.12 – 13.14

21.     Aaron Martens, Alabama: 7.88; 5.10 – 12.98

22.     Dave Lefebre, Pennsylvania: 9.62; 3.36 – 12.98

23.     Andy Montgomery, South Carolina: 6.91; 5.94 – 12.85

24.     Pete Ponds, Mississippi: 10.25; 2.42 – 12.67

25.     Jason Christie, Oklahoma: 9.43; 3.21 – 12.64

26.     Mike McClelland, Arkansas: 8.16; 4.40 – 12.56

27.     Charlie Hartley, Ohio: 6.89; 5.66 – 12.55

28.     Shaw Grigsby, Florida: 6.04; 6.26 – 12.30

29.     Luke Clausen, Georgia: 11.86; 0.00 – 11.86

30.     Stacey King 6.36; 5.14 – 11.50

    Big Bass

    Day 1: Jason Seaton, Indiana – 4.65

    Day 2: Casey Ashley, South Carolina – 4.95 pounds

    Total Anglers: 111

    Total Fish Weighed: 438

    Total Fish Released: 427

    Total Fish Weight: 896.67

PAA Day Two Results7/9/2010 4:31:02 PM

 
 
Day two is in the books at the Professional Anglers Association lid lifter at Lake Cherokee in Tennessee. Florida's Bobby Lane took the lead and has about a four pound cushion over second place holder David Walker. Lane has 27.65 pounds with Walker weighing 23.98. In third is first day leader Bradley Hallman with 20.47 pounds followed by Harold Allen with 20.36 and Todd Auten with 19.79 pounds. Tommy Biffle fell to sixth with 19.42 pounds.
 
The remainder of the top 10 are David Hendricks with 18.91, FLW AOY Bryan Thrift with 18.51, Texas angler Lance Vick with 16.74 and another Texas angler Todd Faircloth with 16.52.
 
Today the PAA will cut to the top 30 for the final competition day. It took 11.50 to make the cut today. Stacy King is in 30th. Today's story will be up later. 
 
For more information and full standings click here.

Pinnacle steps it up...7/9/2010 4:07:41 PM

 
 

Pinnacle Fishing has tapped into the angling knowledge and experience of top BASS Elite Series and FLW touring pros – including Paul Elias, Dave Wolak, Grant Goldbeck and Britt Myers – to design and develop its new family of “Tournament Class” tackle.  The application-specific lineup features 13 state-of-the-art reels and 15 custom-quality rods, offering avid bass fishermen professional-grade precision and performance at surprisingly affordable prices. 

To create tackle worthy of being called “Tournament Class,” Pinnacle made sure its pro staffers were intimately involved in the process – from the conception stage to final production. Elias, Wolak, Goldbeck and Myers worked closely with Pinnacle’s engineers to ensure that every offering was perfectly designed and equipped for its intended task. 

 “They asked us to describe the features and qualities we would want in a series of ‘dream’ reels and rods to handle everything from cranking, to flipping, to finesse spinning,” said Elias, Bassmaster Classic Champion and the all-time BASS heavyweight catch record holder. “All I can say is that Pinnacle nailed it. They did an amazing job bringing this fantasy tackle to life.”

In addition to incorporating the collective angling expertise of world-class fishing pros, Pinnacle used only the finest materials and components in the construction of its Tournament Class gear. The end result was selection of professional-grade reels and rods good enough for bass fishing’s “elite,” yet priced within reach of the weekend angler.
 

“Serious fishermen shouldn’t have to choose between quality and affordability.” said Charles Park, president of Pinnacle Fishing. “With our new Tournament Class lineup, they don’t have to – they can have it all.

Pinnacle’s “Tournament Class” reel family includes three different series Optimus, Performa and Perfecta – offering anglers a variety of body styles, gear ratios and features to choose from. The top-of-the-line Optimus™ XLT ($199.99 MSRP) is a sleek, ultra-smooth baitcaster with ten double-shielded stainless steel bearings, Tandem Cast Control (a combination of centrifugal and magnetic anti-backlash systems), and a blazing fast 7.3:1 retrieve. Like all of Tournament Class reels, the Optimus™XLT features all-metal construction and Pinnacle’s exclusive X-Bone™ pattern frame. Similar to the design of a car chassis, the

X-Bone™ pattern distributes stress equally among four points to better handle torque. This rugged frame design, along with metal side covers, makes for an extremely strong and rigid reel, allowing the gears to stay in perfect alignment under heavy loads.  The Optimus XLT’s metal side covers (as well as those on Pinnacle’s Optimus XT, Performa XLT and Performa XT baitcasters) boast a distinctive Titanium Deposition finish. More than just an aesthetic touch, this special treatment is highly resistant against nicks and scratches. For reduced weight and increased strength, all Optimus model baitcasters are equipped with drive gears, drive shafts and worm gears composed of Duralumin – a super alloy that’s 70 percent lighter and 20 percent stronger than brass.  The long list of Optimus reel features also includes the industry’s first QuickFlip™ Button for flipping and pitching applications. Ergonomically designed and strategically positioned for ease-of-use, this button lets you engage the gears instantly without turning the handle for lightning-fast hooksets.

Budget-minded bass fishermen seeking professional-grade quality and performance at an even lower price, will find what they’re looking for in Pinnacle’s Performa™ and Producer™ reel series.  These reels feature advanced magnetic cast control systems, plus many of the same features of Pinnacle’s top-tier Optimus™ models. The Performa Series offers Tournament Class baitcasters ranging from $109.99 to $149.99 (MSRP) and finesse spinning reels priced at $99.99 (MSRP). Producer Series baitcasters range from $99.99 to $119.99.

Ideally complementing Pinnacle’s Tournament Class reels are the manufacturer’s new Tournament Class Perfecta™ Rods. The series offers a selection of 15 feather-light, yet super strong, models covering a wide variety of fishing techniques and situations. Pinnacle picked the brains of its pro staffers to make sure the lengths, actions and tapers of these application-specific rods were right on the money. According to Wolak, a former Bassmaster Rookie of the Year, winner of the Bassmaster American Tournament, and currently one of the leaders in the 2010 BASS Angler of the Year race, this extensive interaction between the pros and Pinnacle’s research and development team really paid off.
 

  “We shared a lot of detailed rod information with Pinnacle based on our experience out on the water,” said Wolak. “The input we provided, as well as Pinnacle’s mastery in rod-making, is clearly evident in the finished products.”

Every Tournament Class Perfecta™ rod features Pinnacle’s exclusive “Double Helical Construction (DHC5) – a proprietary construction process that eliminates the glass scrim and reduces the amount of resin – for a blank that’s lightweight and hyper-sensitive, but also extremely powerful and durable. The process incorporates multiple layers of high-density carbon tape, wrapped in opposite directions around a high-modulus, uni-directional graphite prepreg core. Along with this unique blank design, each Perfecta model is equipped with top-quality components, including Fuji® “New Concept” Alconite Guides, Fuji® reel seats and AAA premium cork grips. To learn more about Pinnacle’s new Tournament Class lineup or the complete line of quality Pinnacle fishing products, visit: www.pinnaclefishing.com.

         

 
 

HiberNet XL....one tough hombre.7/9/2010 3:52:27 PM

 
 
Quick, name the one piece of fishing gear that although vital to putting fish in the boat, often gets left behind because you’ve simply run out of space? Think of your favorite trips to the Canadian North, Florida Keys, or anywhere else you travel in search of large fish. On many of these excursions, carrying a landing net just isn’t prActical. What would you say, then, to a premium portable net that actually fit right inside a travel rod case?
 
 Last year, the engineers at Frabill® introduced the ingenious Hiber-Net®—the first completely retractable landing net that stows like a broomstick and deploys as easily as an umbrella. Since then, countless fish have been safely landed, both during fly-in trips and journeys to neighborhood ponds alike, thanks to Hiber-Net’s easygoing attitude and go-anywhere design.
 
Now, to tame even larger fish—northern pike, walleye, redfish, catfish and striped bass
to 25-pounds—Frabill brings us Hiber-Net XL. With a larger, beefier hoop and deeper, more cave
rnous bag, the new Hiber-Net XL gives you big  fish landing insurance, no matter where your fishing adventures take you.
 
“The Hiber-Net XL is an awesome landing net concept that works great for guide trips as well as family fishing vacations, where packing light is essential,” says full-time fishing guide and Frabill Pro-Staff Tony Roach . “When I’ve got a group of anglers in the boat, the Hiber-Net XL is always ready to play, plus it’s never in the way and never gets stepped on or tangled. The design is absolutely foolproof—when I need the net, I simply slide the handle forward to lock the hoop in place and land the fish. For all those big walleyes and pike we catch, the new larger Hiber-Net XL is perfect. And stowed, it occupies no more room than a 6-foot rod and reel combo. A net that fits in the rod locker, you’ve gotta love that!”
 
“Hiber-Net is unquestionably the best portable landing net solution we’ve seen,” states Frabill Engineer, Ryan Kleckner . “And in over seventy years in the net business, we’ve seen a few. 
 
 “The beauty of the Hiber-Net XL lies in its simple, foolproof design,” asserts Kleckner. “There are no buttons or confusing push connections. All you do is slide the handle upward. You feel, see and hear the net lock into place, so there’s no way to overdo it. Hiber-Net XL retracts instantly, too.  Just pull the Slide-Grip back toward the handle. This unlocks the hoop and draws it back inside the tube.”
 
 Hiber-Net XL, like its smaller brother, the Original Hiber-Net, features a robust handle and hoop frame built with heavy-walled, extruded aluminum. The Slide-Grip itself is super-durable, using pultruded fiberglass springs, which power the automatic hoop lock. Hardware consists of stainless steel and anodized aluminum, fortifying an already rock-solid product with extreme corrosion resistance for use in saltwater.
 
 On the business end of the net, a premium rubberized handle yields sure-handed use. The netting itself is made from a soft, black poly mesh. The material is UV and wear resistant, and won’t spook or harm fish. Retracted, Hiber-Net XL is 72-inches in length, with a fish-friendly triangular-shaped hoop that’s 31- by 27-inches wide and 32-inches deep. Thanks to Frabill’s always-sound engineering, Hiber-Net XL easily handles some of the mightiest fish swimming our waterways, all with the portability of a fishing rod and the convenience of an umbrella. 
 
 
To read more about it click here.
 
To  buy click here.
 

Kopper Klepper Keeper Frog...Live Target Frogs7/9/2010 3:11:02 PM

 
 

Koppers Fishing, the makers of Live Target Life-Like Lures announced today the introduction of its new ‘Walk the Frog’ top water series for 2011.

These two unique top water baits will take frog fishing to an all new level. The ultra-realistic actions and colors may not only fool big bass and northern pike, but quite possibly ‘Mother Nature’ herself. The new baits might change the old fishing phrase of ‘Walking-the-Dog’ to ‘Walking-the Frog!’

According to B.A.S.S. pro Stephen Browning, “These lures are the most amazing realistic frogs on the market following Koppers ‘Match the Hatch’ principals. The amazing action will get you those extra bites and hook ups where other baits fall short.”
 

The series features two models. The top water hard bait walking model has rattlin’ weights for calling in big bass, realistic frog finishes with life-like extended legs for the walking action and two Diiachi super sharp treble hooks for increased hook-ups. The walking model comes in two sizes of 4 1/8” and 4 ¾”. Until now, anglers had to settle for cigar-shaped models that really do not resemble a frog at all….they actually look like a frog colored minnow.  

The soft plastic hollow frog features a realistic colored hollow body that collapses on the strike exposing the super sharp double custom frog hook for increased hook-ups. It also sports a dual rubber legged skirt that can be trimmed to altar the action of your top water retrieve. The hollow body frog will come in sizes that measure 2 ¼” and 2 5/8”. Both frog series come in ultra-realistic frog colors such as green back/yellow belly, green brown, tan brown and brown black.
 
 

              Browning advises anglers to cast the hollow body weedless model around and in heavy cover on a medium/heavy rod with 50-pound braided line. To get increased ‘Walk-the-Frog’ action, use a plain snap tied with a Palomar knot. For the hard body, treble hook model, try casting it with regular mono line in the 12-15 pound test range or even 30-pound braid around heavier cover. .

Both versions of ‘Walk the Frog’ top water series for 2011will be available in the fall of 2010. Anglers can get more information on the company’s complete line of lures at livetargetlures.com

Grant Koppers, founder of Koppers Fishing, is a seasoned, professional sport fishing guide from the world-class waters of the Niagara River Region U.S.A./Canada. Drawing upon his passion and 20,000 plus hours of on-the-water experience, Koppers has developed a revolutionary line of artificial lures that he founded in 2007.  After spending years on the water examining the biology of baitfish and studying their movements, Koppers created what did not exist; the world’s most anatomically accurate line of fishing lures.

New Swim Jig7/9/2010 1:47:11 PM



     Photo courtesy of Brad Wiegmann Outdoors

Santone Lures just released their new Sam Rayburn Swim Jig. The Sam Rayburn Swim Jig's unique design was a joint effort between independent lure designer Brian Branum, professional bass angler Chris McCall and the owners of Santone lures. Anglers and fans outside of Texas may be familiar with Santone Lures through Matt Herren who is sponsored by Santone on the Bassmaster Elite Series trail and who uses their jigs exclusively on tour.
 
“Although it was designed especially for fishing in east Texas lakes with a solid 5/0 hook, multi-color weed guard, trailer keeper and premium color finish; an angler can easily fish it anywhere and on any reservoir,” McCall said.
 
The Sam Rayburn Swim Jig has a flat-on-the-bottom head with a slight concave section, 3D Eyes, one-of-a-kind trailer keeper and the exclusive “Center Eye Technology” - Forcing the eyes of the bait back on the bait to give the bass an identifiable target near the hook. It was design to go over and through obstacles or cover without getting snagged.

To order or for more information on the new Sam Rayburn Swim Jig visit santonelures.com or call (903)285-0648.

Rod Review7/9/2010 10:13:45 AM

We've been testing a lot of products and you can expect a lot more reviews coming soon. Today we feature a great rod for the money. To read our review, click here.

Strike King prostaffer Clay Dyer on 700 Club...7/9/2010 8:53:43 AM

 
 
Clay Dyer is an inspiration. First the cover of Bassmaster and now the 700 Club. 
 
 
                   

W2F on Location at ICAST next week7/9/2010 7:44:26 AM

Hallman, Lane Tied for First on Lake Cherokee7/8/2010 10:54:53 PM



What many thought would be a tournament featuring the skills of offshore anglers has turned into a shallow-water chess match where every bite is critical.

The opening event of the PAA Bass Pro Shops Tournament Series presented by Carrot Stix got underway Thursday on Cherokee Lake, with noted power anglers Bradley Hallman of Oklahoma and Bobby Lane of Florida tied for the lead with 15.57 pounds.

The field struggled throughout the day, with reports of early bites and then midday lulls before some activity later in the afternoon. Baitfish are thick in the pockets of Cherokee Lake, a 28,000-acre impoundment of the Holston River. Hot temperatures and little water movement didn’t help Thursday.

But Hallman and Lane figured it out, along with 10 other anglers who cracked double-digit weights.

“I’m excited because I’ve had a tough year,” said Hallman, who is sponsored by Anglers Inn International. “It was a great day. I caught a few early and then had a long dry spell, but had my limit by 10:30 a.m.”

Hallman was throwing topwater baits early, then switching to jigs and Carolina-rigged plastics. Lane, sponsored by Spiderwire, fished half of last Sunday’s first practice day and caught a 4-pounder that keyed him in on a few clues he developed the remaining two days of practice.

“Monday I duplicated what I did and then Tuesday I ran and looked around at different things,” Lane said. “The longer practice went on it just got easier. I do have a pattern figured out but I hope it’s enough to hold up.”

Lane is throwing a buzzbait early and mixing in a frog, along with some sight-fishing. Cherokee’s banks are clear in some areas, giving him a good look at shoreline cover.

“They’re not bedding but they’re just cruising the bank and when they come up (on a bait) they’re not committing to it,” he said. “I’m having to get on my knees, be very quiet and make long casts to them. The water’s so clear that if there’s a bush or something, I can see them from a distance.”

Largemouths dominated the catches, although Dick’s Sporting Goods pro Shaw Grigsby of Florida weighed in four spotted bass and Chevy pro Dave Lefebre of Pennsylvania targeted smallmouths. Lefebre had two in his bag and said he lost three others.

Hallman said the standings could be mixed Friday after the field got a better look at conditions the first day.
“Day 2 is always the tell-tale day in these deals,” he said.

Tournament facts: The tournament is the first of four in the PAA Bass Pro Shops Tournament Series presented by Carrot Stix this season. The winner will earn $10,000 and a new Phoenix 719 powered by a Mercury 225 Optimax engine and outfitted with a T-H Marine Atlas Jackplate. Eligible anglers also may benefit from the Bass Pro Shops Tournament Rewards and Phoenix Boats First Flight bonus payout programs.

Daily launches and Friday’s weigh-in will be at Cherokee-Hamblen County Park. Saturday’s final weigh-in featuring the top 30 pros will be held at the Bass Pro Shops in Kodak, Tenn., and will be streamed live on AnglersChannel.com via FishPAA.com. Launches and weigh-ins are free and open to the public.

PAA Sponsors: The PAA Tournament Series is sponsored by Bass Pro Shops, E21 Carrot Stix, Laser TroKar, Markel Insurance, Phoenix Boats, Nitro Boats, T-H Marine, Fishouflage, SolarBat, U.S. Reel, Sign Designs, BoatU.S. Foundation, Mercury Marine and Jasper Engines and Transmissions.

Day 1 Standings, Unofficial
MORRISTOWN, Tenn. - Top 30 anglers from Day 1 of the PAA Bass Pro Shops Tournament Series presented by Carrot Stix. Due to technical difficulties at the weigh-in site, Day 1 standings still are unofficial. PAA staff is working to finalize the standings. A correction in penalty assessments for dead fish resulted in a tie for first place.
1. (tie) Bradley Hallman, Norman, Okla., 5 fish, 15.57 pounds
1. (tie) Bobby Lane, Lakeland, Fla., 5/(1 dead), 15.57
2.   Harold Allen, Shelbyville, Texas, 5, 14.12

3.   David Walker, Sevierville, Tenn., 5, 12.88

4.   Tommy Biffle, Wagoner, Okla., 4, 12.34

5.   Luke Clausen, Atlanta, 5, 11.86

6.   John Crews, Salem, Va., 5, 11.15

7.   David Hendrick, Cherryville, N.C., 5, 11.11

8.   Edwin Evers, Talala, Okla., 5, 11.04

9.   Andy Morgan, Dayton, Tenn., 5, 10.93

10. Pete Ponds, Madison, Miss., 5, 10.25

11. Randy Howell, Springville, Ala., 5, 10.02

12. Todd Auten, Lake Wylie, S.C., 5, 9.90

13. Mark Menendez, Paducah, Ky., 5, 9.79

14. Stephen Browning, Hot Springs, Ark., 5, 9.68

15. Dave Lefebre, Union City, Pa., 5, 9.62

16. Jason Christie, Park Hill, Okla., 3, 9.43

17. Zell Rowland, Austin, Texas, 5, 9.21

18. Brian Holt, Newport, Tenn., 4, 8.88

19. Charles Bebber, Willis, Texas, 4/(2), 8.83

20. Randall Tharp, Gardendale, Ala., 3, 8.74

21. Harley Brigman, Bryant, Texas, 4, 8.56

22. Mike McClelland, Bella Vista, Ark., 5, 8.16

23. Jason Reyes, Hoffman, Texas, 3, 8.08

24. Bryan Thrift, Shelby, N.C., 5, 7.95

25. Aaron Martens, Leeds, Ala., 5, 7.88

26. Todd Faircloth, Jasper, Texas, 5/(1), 7.75

27. Rob Digh, Denver, N.C., 4, 7.57

28. Jason Quinn, Lake Wylie, S.C., 4, 7.35

29. Fred Roumbanis, Bixby, Okla., 4, 7.15

30. Chris Baumgardner, Gastonia, N.C., 3, 7.07

Catch Up on Previous Blogs7/8/2010 4:45:07 PM

PAA Top 5 from today...7/8/2010 3:49:11 PM

 
Below are the top 5 from the PAA Tournament  at Lake Cherokee. More detailed info to follow.
 
1. Bradley Hallman 15.57
2. Bobby Lane 15.32
3. Harold Allen 14.12
4. David Walker 12.88
5. Tommy Biffle 12.34
 
Check out the Professional Anglers Association website for more details.

Legend Boats joins Wired2Fish.com7/8/2010 12:23:00 PM

 
Legend Alpha 211
 
Legend Boats has joined Wired2Fish as an advertising partner for 2010 and 2011.
 
The home of Legend Boats in Midway, Arkansas, the area known as the bass boat capital of the world. Because it is a smaller company Legend puts more time into each boat. Working on features, fit and finish and making sure each boat leaves the factory with every detail completed is what they stake their reputations on. Soft ride, ergonomic features and great handling is what Legend Boats is about. Rock solid materials, aesthetically pleasing look and functional layouts, combined with a great ride is...Legend Boats.
 
Pro's Gary Yamamoto, Pam Martin-Wells, Chris Lane, Andre Moore and Kim Bain-Moore count on Legend performance and are members of the Legend Boats National Pro Staff.
 
"We are very excited to be working with Wired2Fish and Terry Brown on this program" said Dean Smith, CEO of Legend Boats. "We have matching philosophies of doing things right the first time and the readers of Wired2Fish will be learning a lot more about Legend Boats in the next weeks and months about the benefits of owning a Legend. We are dedicated to building a first class product with the features and functionality that anglers need and we are glad to be showcasing them on the leading industry publication Wired2Fish." 
 
"Legend is working very hard to have a major footprint in the fishing and boating industry and we are proud they have chosen Wired2Fish as a partner" said Terry Brown, President, Wired2Fish. "We are proud of the products our advertisers manufacture and sell and Legends attention to detail and feature richness designed for anglers is special. They work very hard on the little things and are always looking for ways to make their boats better. Consumers notice the little things, like fit and finish, and its neat to see a small boat company doing big things for anglers in this space."
 
Check out their new website by clicking here.

Bandit to offer new square bill crank...7/8/2010 11:02:47 AM

 
 
With ICAST just around the corner, lure manufacturers are scurrying around like a nest of fire ants. This industry reunion is the kick-off to new products, innovation and breathing new life into the fishing industry. We are super excited about this year's event and have the inside track on many of the new offerings that can help all of us and our fishing.
 
Bandit Lures is right in the middle of the fray and will be introducing a new shallow diving crankbait that will add a new dimension to their already established crankbait arsenal. The different series of Bandit cranks allows anglers to start shallow and go deep, and the new offering is one step further with a wide wobbling square-billed crankbait that should be killer for late summer and fall fishing. Bandit, already a mainstay, for crankers everywhere, continues to develop both shapes and colors that anglers want. From the Series 1000 to the 700 Series to the new Square-Bill, the Bandit line-up takes anglers from 1 to 20 feet of the fishing column. 
 
The new Bandit Square Bill is a culmination of years of research, listening to what pro's like Matt Herren, Pete Ponds and Marty Stone have suggested and developing a bait to meet those needs.
 
Bandit Owner Chris Ross and legendary designer Jim Gowing at Bandit are about building and designing baits that catch bass, and they take this job very seriously.

"Most square bills are small, the new one is larger and is the size of a baitfish that bass like," said designer Jim Gowing.  "This bait has a hunting action that is unique and is very erratic. The bill of the bait is longer to allow the bait to sit still at 45 degrees. When it touches the bottom it deflects better. It will jump up on its side and continue digging. It runs 4-6 feet depending on line size. The front hook will not hang up on the bill or with the rear hook. I have designed over 200 baits and have combined all of the best features in this bait."
 
Stay tuned to Wired2Fish for the first pictures of this new offering from Bandit from ICAST. To see the other offerings from Bandit, click here.
 
To purchase Bandit Lures, click here.

Three Generations in one event7/8/2010 8:54:44 AM



By Alan Clemons - PAA Communications

After Dion Hibdon won the 1997 Bassmaster Classic championship his famous father, Guido, stood in the back of the press conference smiling and enjoying his son’s success.

Guido won the Classic in 1988, followed by two Angler of the Year titles. Three years after his first championship, Dion carved out a spot in his trophy case for the 2000 FLW Championship.

When Payden Hibdon won the 2006 Junior Bassmaster World Championship, it established a unique bit of bass fishing history. Father, son and grandson had claimed championships, further cementing the Hibdon name in the sport.

“Watching him win … that was the best moment for me ever in fishing, bar none,” Dion said.
The Hibdons will add to their storied ledger this week on Cherokee Lake when Guido, Dion and Payden compete in the season-opening event on the PAA Bass Pro Shops Tournament Series presented by Carrot Stix. It is the first time all three have fished together as professionals in the same major tournament.

The Hibdons have traveled the country competing in major and regional circuits for more than three decades. Guido grew up fishing with his father on Lake of the Ozarks, eventually joining him and his uncles as a guide. Dion followed in those footsteps, and 18-year old Payden hasn’t been far behind.

“Payden, and the twins (Connor and Lawson), are just great kids,” Guido said. “We’ve just always shared everything and have been together as a family. We play together, fish together, laugh together and have a lot of fun.”

The Hibdon clan travels to tournaments in their Chevy pickups towing Ranger boats, a fishing train of sorts that people throughout the Midwest and bass anglers almost everywhere know by sight. They share a giant RV at campgrounds, with “Mama Stella” Hibdon shepherding the clan and taking care of business when her boys are on the water.

“Being together has always helped,” she said. “With three kids and nine grandkids, we’ve always had some of them with us and it’s been a lot of fun. We’ve traveled the world and have seen a lot of places, and made a lot of great friends.

“For the longest time I was Guido’s wife, and then I was Dion’s mother,” she adds, laughing a bit. “Now, I’m Payden’s grandmother. No one knows who I am!”

Payden was just a freckle-faced lad when his father escaped Guido’s shadow by winning the Classic. Other anglers Guido fished with respected and joked around with Dion, and knew of his abundant skills, but to the public he was “Guido’s son.” Winning the championship a decade after his father did it to become the first father-son Classic champs erased that perception.

“We were in the press conference listening to Dion and my friend poked my arm and said, ‘Can you hear that’?” Stella said. “I did, and knew what he was talking about. Dion’s demeanor, the way he was talking … he wasn’t Guido’s son anymore. He was Dion Hibdon. There was a change and I could tell by the way he was talking.”

Another change
That same moment found its way into Dion’s life just a few years later when Payden won his championship on the Harris Chain in Leesburg, Fla. Like his father, Payden had grown up around Dion’s angling friends, including Peter Thliveros of Florida and Kenyon Hill of Oklahoma. Before the tournament, Thliveros had given Payden a good luck charm that paid off.

“Petey won a tournament the year before down there and gave Payden the spinnerbait he used in it,” Dion said. “Payden caught a fish on the first cast with it. Kevin Wirth was his boat driver, and at lunch after the tournament I loved listening to every blow-by-blow detail about Payden’s day.
“Kevin said he lost a fish in a wad of pads and just calmly reeled in, fixed his worm and pitched back in there. Then he said, ‘This may take a few minutes’ and left the worm just sitting there. Probably three or four minutes later, the line jumped and Kevin said Payden let the fish swim off with it out into the canal before setting the hook and putting it in the livewell. That’s just like Dad … very patient, never too excited or blown up about anything.”

Payden concurred, saying his father and grandfather have taught him more about fishing than just techniques.

“My grandfather is the calmest person I know,” Payden said. “He never gets excited or flustered, at least that you will see. I’m pretty laid back … Dad and Pa both have a ton of patience. I’ve been around them so much that I have a ton of patience. On and off the water, they’ve taught me everything I know. I can talk to them about anything because we’re so close.”

Flashes of maturity
Late Tuesday night at the campground, Payden sat in his Ranger with 12 baitcasting and spinning rods on the deck, a stack of Trilene line and his girlfriend, Miranda Buerky, on the back deck seat helping him spool on new line. His maturity showed in the diligence to prep his gear, even late at night, because the next morning he had to have some work done on his boat at a local marine dealership.
Instead of putting it off, Payden showed a bit of experienced savvy knowing he might not have all his gear the next day when the family had to be at registration in mid-afternoon.

“Some kids his age might not have even fooled with it and just left everything,” Stella said.
Guido and Dion see the angling skills they believe will help Payden achieve his goals. He is set to graduate from high school in December, a semester early, and plans to participate on the FLW Tour in 2011 following the four-event PAA Tournament Series this year. He has competed in regional events and as a co-angler in some FLW Outdoors tournaments.

“He is very capable and has an uncanny ability to find fish, which is about 80 percent of the whole deal,” Guido said. “He and Lawson fish together in tournaments and it’s fun to listen to them strategize and make decisions. Dion and I will listen, and it’s hard sometimes to not say something or offer a suggestion. But we don’t because that’s part of the learning process.”

Dion sees much of himself in his son, who flashes the same big smile that belies a honed intensity to succeed on the water.

“I think it’s cool as hell,” he said. “I think he’ll make a hell of an angler someday, and I say someday because we all go through those times of learning and success and puttering around when we hit a bad streak. Everyone does. I had one of the lousiest years ever this season. But at some point that lightbulb goes off. It might be a specific fish, a perfect skip under a willow bush or everything just goes right. Your confidence goes up and you realize you can do it.”

Payden knows people will be watching to see if “Dion’s son” and “Guido’s grandson” will carve his own path. Chances are good he’ll add another solid chapter to the family’s history book.

“I think it’s pretty exciting to have three generations fishing together,” Payden said. “As far as I know, we’re the only family to have that. It’s very cool.”

Sunline inks Rojas...7/8/2010 7:13:43 AM

 
 
Elite Series pro Dean Rojas has joined Sunline on their National Pro Staff.

Sunline America is proud to announce that it has added Dean Rojas to its Pro Staff. Dean has built quite a reputation on the Elite Series Tour as a top touring pro for many years, and will be a great addition to the Sunline Pro Staff family.

"Dean is known to many as the best frog fisherman on the planet and what a perfect candidate to help Sunline develop and promote its newest addition to the US fishing line market FX2 Braid," said Jimmy Okamoto of Sunline. "Dean has a great knowledge of what it takes to make a quality braided line for frog fishing and flipping and we used that insight to develop our new FX2 Braid."

"Sunline has an outstanding reputation of making quality line for fishermen all across the board from Super Natural Mono to Shooter Fluorocarbon," Rojas said. "When they came to me and asked me to help them develop a new braided line for the US market, I was excited and took them up on their offer."
To learn more about Sunline products or to buy click here.
 
 

Choke Canyon Kicks out Lunkers Constantly7/7/2010 3:35:52 PM


Even in small tournaments, there is no shortage of big bass on Choke Canyon in Texas. That place is a big bass haven, even in the middle of summer. Ben Riley sent us some photos and some of the bass they caught in the SE Texas Federation tournament down there June 5th.
 
Here are just the top eight bass caught in the tournament:
 
Ben Cockrell - 7.29 pounds
Charles Watts - 7.48 pounds
Ben Riley - 8.66 pounds
Tim Jahn - 9.35 pounds
Cory Fontenot - 9.62 pounds
Jeff Brown - 9.89 pounds
Albert Collins - 10.47 pounds
Ed Caskey - 12.00 pounds
 
Thanks a lot Ben. Now we're trying to figure out how to afford a trip down there! Ha!
 
Jeff Brown 9.89 Pounds largemouth bass from Choke Canyon
Jeff Brown
 
Albert Collins with a 10.47-pound largemouth bass from Choke Canyon
Albert Collins

Ed Caskey with the Big Bass of the tournament -- a 12-pound largemouth from Choke Canyon
Ed Caskey

Power Pole supports BASS...7/7/2010 2:21:52 PM

BASS announced Wednesday that JL Marine Systems, a respected supplier of Power-Pole® shallow water anchors, has signed with the organization as a supporting sponsor of the 2011 Bassmaster Elite Series.  As part of the collaboration, Power-Pole will title sponsor the 2011 Power-Pole Citrus Slam Bassmaster Elite Series event, to be held on the St. Johns River on March 17-20.

 JL Marine Systems will also introduce the Power-Pole Captains Cash contingency program for Elite events.  If the champion angler at each event – including the Bassmaster Elite Series Postseason – uses a Power-Pole anchor, they will receive a $1,000 bonus. 

 “Being a sponsor of BASS has been a long-time goal of JL Marine Systems and now with the overwhelming product acceptance among anglers, this opportunity is even more special,” said John Oliverio, president of JL Marine Systems.  “We are looking forward to a mutually beneficial relationship with BASS and its Elite Series anglers for years to come.”

 The Tampa, Fla.-based company will also serve as a promotional sponsor of the Bassmaster Elite Series Marshall program. In addition to adhering to 90% of Elite pros boats, Power-Pole serves as the title sponsor of two-time Bassmaster winner Chris Lane of Guntersville, Ala. 

 “Power-Pole has made significant inroads in the freshwater fishing market with its ability to innovatively market its product and this agreement will only take their exposure opportunities to the next level,” said Tom Ricks, vice president and general manager, BASS.

JigWobbler Shaking Things Up7/7/2010 2:02:45 PM


We recently received some sample baits in the mail. This an everday occurence at Wired2Fish. In fact our offices are litterally stacks of boxes to the ceiling of product from the top companies in fishing as well as relative new comers, especially leading up and following ICAST.

We have an ongoing joke in the office about the same old buzz words that companies like to use to describe their new baits. One of our favorites is revolutionary. Nearly every new product that hits the market from one year to the next at some point will be described as revolutionary by someone who doesn't know how overused that word is.

The internet was revolutionary. The plastic worm was revolutionary. A new shape of plastic, or a new color of a lure is not revolutionary. A new size of an existing product line is not revolutionary. Remaking an existing product with one new feature is not revolutionary.

With that said, we really like when a bait is quietly sent to us without much fanfare with just the, "take-it-out-and-try-it" approach. Let the product tell you whether it's worth an angler's hard earned money. One bait we just received was like that.

Wake Fishing, LTD out of Finland is bringing a few of their products state side. Their new JigWobbler looked a little odd at first, and to be honest, our "gimmick" radar was on high alert. We pride ourselves on not telling you something is great if it really isn't, no matter whose product it is. But we try to give every product a fair shake.

The JigWobbler is a lead-head lure with a joint connecting it to a plastic body that has a shallow almost crankbait type lip on it and then a single treble hook on the back. The plastic body also has a pretty loud, high-pitch rattle in it. Odd looking, but still closely mimicing the profile of a baitfish.

We took the JigWobbler out for some casting and swimming tests. Immediately we were impressed at how well it casts. It swims with a very tight wiggle, more of a vibration. It's somewhere between a Rapala Shad Rap and a blade bait. It has a good action, tight wiggle and vibrates well on a lift and drop retrieve.

This weekend we got on a good scrape on Kentucky Lake and pulled the JigWobbler out. First cast with the lure, we caught a bass, a non-keeper, but a bass on the very first cast we made with it on the lake. Second cast with the lure and another bass a little larger. Same thing on the third cast.

At that point it was laughable. We were pretty enamored with how well it worked. Other larger lures were catching the bigger fish on this day, but we did catch one nice bass on it. No lure is a replacement for the other lures in your tackle box, and anglers should never have that mentality. You need a handful of tools for the different situations and seasons in fishing, whether it's walleyes, bass, crappie or other game fish.

Where we think the JigWobbler will really shine is when the fish are chasing baitfish, or schooling in the summer and fall. We also think it will be deadly when the water is cold and the fish are keying on smaller profile, tight moving baits. The fact that you can throw this bait so far, count it down to a depth and it stay there on a retrieve while maintaining a tight wiggle will make it a killer under those situations.

I think anywhere you throw a blade bait or a shad rap in cold water conditions, this will give you another option to show the fish. A new look, sound and profile they haven't seen before in these coldwater situations.

The JigWobbler will come in three sizes - 1/4 ounce, 5/8 ounce and 1 ounce. It will come in 10 colors that all look very good and will have niches around the country. We really like Parrot, Shiny Red and Black Silver Chrome but really none of the colors look bad and we can see where a few specific colors will play big in different regions for different species.

The baits will be available possibly as early as next week on Cabelas.com and other retailers shortly thereafter. They will be priced between $8.45 and $9.95 depending on the size.

We liked the baits so much we just bought and placed an order for 6 more for a trip to Table Rock in a few weeks. Scott and Marty Glorvigen are testing them for walleyes now, and we'll have their full assessment of the baits for walleye fishing in part two. But for now here are some Wired2Fish exclusive photos.

For more information, visit jigwobbler.com
 

Q&A with Popular Custom Lure Painter7/7/2010 8:41:50 AM

Dwain Batey of Baitwerks painted four of our favorite crankbaits -- a Luhr Jensen Hot Lips Express, A Spro Little John DD, a Bomber Fat Free Shad and a Norman DD 22 in his custom Citrus Shad variation. It's a hot looking bait that catches bass

We recently caught up with Dwain Batey, owner of BaitWerks custom lure painting. We are fortunate to know some of the best painters in the business and have had work with all of them. Since Dwain is up and coming in the business and his work was being talked about by some pros recently, we thought we'd catch up with him to see how he got started and what he's been up to lately.
 
Batey is real humble but his work speaks volumes. He offers a plethora of options and will design off of a customer's idea from scratch. We love his craw and bluegill patterns. He's constantly trying new patterns and pushing the envelop as well as researching what patterns the bass relate to best. When asked about his own work, he simply said, "I like to paint something special, and I hope it shows."
 
W2F: How did you get started in Bait painting?

Batey: When i was in high school, our art teacher gave us a short lesson in air brushing. I immediately went home and bought an airbrush to start painting lures. I painted for bass club members, friends and myself for years. The key to bringing my work to the next level was in 2002 or so when I started using an epoxy clear coat, which really gave my work the durable finish that it needed.

W2F: What is your most requested color?

Batey: It varies by season, but right now I would say the Reehm Gill, a color I worked with Bassmaster Elite Series angler Clark Reehm to design to mimic bluegill because of the bluegill spawn going on in many parts of the country.
 
W2F: Why do you think guys get baits custom painted by you?
Batey: There are a lot of reasons, some guys want colors that manufacturers dont make and I work with them to bring their idea to life. Others want me to copy their favorite color from one manufacturer to other baits that are not offered in that pattern. There are guys who fish pressured lakes that feel they need to have something different than the masses to gain that edge. The common denominator to all of their choices is confidence. Having a bait that gives you a fuzzy feeling inside goes a long way, and it doesn't hurt that they catch fish.
 
W2F: How well does your paint job hold up?
Batey: I use a clearcoat that gives that deep wet look, holds the 3d eyes on for the life of the bait, and holds up as well as any factory paint job and better than most. I have baits I throw regularly that are several years old and still holding up well, and I have clients that report the same.
 
W2F: How much does a custom paint cost?
Batey: The base price for painting a customer supplied bait under 6 inches long is $14.00, but I give discounts based on how many baits are ordered and how many different patterns. Obviously its easier for me to paint 10 baits in one pattern, than to do 5 baits in 5 different patterns. I also run specials on my website regularly that bring the price below $10 per paint job. Right now the special is getting 8 customer supplied baits painted in two patterns for $69.95.
 
W2F: What's the timeline for getting a bait back?
A custom painted Strike King Series 6 crankbait in a more neutral shad pattern for later in the summer and on into fall.Batey: It varies depending on my backlog. Right now, it's down to only a few weeks, but before I quit my day job to do this full time it was several months. I get them done as fast as I can and still maintain the high level of quality that my customers expect.
 
W2F: What does someone need to do to get a bait painted by you?
Batey: There are directions on how to send baits to be painted, pricing, a gallery of designs, and all of the contact information to send any questions on my website, baitwerks.com.
 
W2F: Any pros using your painted baits?
 
Batey: I've been working with Clark Reehm now for several years. There are many others, but they pay for their baits like everyone else so I wont name drop. It's a double edged sword. On one hand, it makes me feel good that they feel like my baits are good enough to keep secret, but on the other hand, it would be nice to brag about who is fishing them.
 
W2F: What's the craziest bait you custom painted?

Batey: The crazy things are not baits, I have painted SavePhace masks, trolling-motor heads and lots of other fishing related items. At one time, I used to do custom auto airbrushing and also paint motocross helmets as well as working in a body shop. So i have the skills to paint on most things people bring me. I always say 'I'll paint anything that will hold still long enough for me to paint it.'
 
W2F: Any interesting projects that you are currently working on?
Batey: I have been doing some work for Tru-Tungsten lately helping them design color patterns for some new and exciting baits that will be coming out in the future. They are not all hard baits and some of them are going to be real game changers. I can't elaborate on the "secret" projects, but the first thing we worked on was developing some new and exciting colors for their Mad Maxx frog line, they are not in stores yet but will be soon hopefully. 


 

Mercury Redesigns Website7/6/2010 4:39:50 PM




Easier navigation and updated product information content made mercurymarine.com a more functional and user friendly site.

Unveiled in June, the revamped site replaces a version that was named “Best in Category” at the 2008 Miami Boat Show.

“The redesign took our Web site from good to great,” said Mercury Marine VP of Marketing Mike Shedivy. “It showcases our continuous commitment to not only improve our world-renowned products, but also to improve the way we communicate with our dealers and consumers and help them access vital information that demonstrates why Mercury Marine’s products are the best in the industry.”

Users will find the new site easy to navigate, thanks to a mega-dropdown menu that gives one-click access to virtually every Mercury Marine product family and service.

Product specifications and engine test data are now placed together in the same location for convenient, user-friendly navigation. Engine tests, historically one of the most-visited destinations of mercurymarine.com, are also linked on the homepage for easy access. Additionally, they can be found in their corresponding product family section. Besides selecting an outboard or sterndrive of their choice, visitors will soon be able to view products – such as gauges and controls – that complement the engine. The site also utilizes shareable video content to further enhance the interactive experience. Plus, fans can access Mercury Marine’s new Facebook and Twitter pages through links on the homepage. 

“Our customers told us they wanted a more user-friendly, content-rich site,” said Jon Mathews, Director of Global Brand Strategy. “We set out to improve our navigation and present all our content in a way that helps consumers decide which Mercury products are right for them.” 

Visitors who are unsure about what engine or prop is right for them can make informed decisions by using a pair of handy interactive tools. The Outboard Engine Selector is a new feature that allows users to find a recommended engine based on boat type, technology and horsepower through a series of checkboxes. 

The popular Mercury Prop Selector has also been completely rebuilt for a more intuitive and user-friendly experience. In four simple steps, customers can determine the propeller brand that is right for their boat. An optional fifth step determines the specific pitches and part numbers. An accompanying tutorial video provides help, if needed.

Additional mercurymarine.com updates are scheduled throughout the summer of 2010 for inflatable boats, remanufactured products, MerCruiser and gauges and controls.

ABA signs Hobie.....7/6/2010 1:50:15 PM

 
 
American Bass Anglers announced today that Hobie Polarized Sunglasses are the official Sunglasses of American Bass Anglers. The sponsorship will cover all the tournament trails run by ABA, and will include a very special discount program for all ABA members.
 
“Hobie has long been known for its extremely high quality polarized lenses,” said Morris Sheehan, president of American Bass Anglers. “Our anglers spend so much time on the water they must have the best possible polarized eye protection. Hobie Polarized Sunglasses are exactly what our anglers need for both the right protection and vision. Being able to see everything around you is so important when you are in a competitive event. I call it the ‘Vision to Win.’ I appreciate Hobie extending such a great discount offer to our members”, continued Sheehan.

“Fishing has long been a stalwart of the Hobie Polarized brand for many years,” said Sheldon Goldman, president of Hobie Polarized. “Hobie Polarized was born, lives, and is immersed in the culture of the water, tailor-made for fisherman. We have long admired American Bass Anglers; they are a premium organization and a perfect partner for the rich history and quality of Hobie Polarized. Through this partnership we are extremely pleased to offer special elite pricing for members of American Bass Anglers”, continued Goldman.

“Hobie Polarized Sunglasses, a leading designer, developer, marketer and distributor of polarized eyewear, come equipped with HydroClean lens technology that includes Hobie’s exclusive proven polarized film”, Goldman explained. Hydro and Oleophobic coatings are applied under carefully controlled conditions to keep the lens clean and smudge free, to repel water and all distractions that could distort vision. The company applies a multilayered anti-reflective coating to the back of the lens.“This coating absorbs distracting bounce-back glare,” Goldman said. “This is paramount to the performance of the lens as glare comes from all angles and Hobie Polarized neutralizes them all making it easier to see into the water. Since anglers wearing Hobie Polarized Sunglasses can more easily see into the water, they can also spot fish better-- fish that might enable them to win tournaments”,he concluded.

The Hobie Polarized innovative lens technology allows total glare reduction, 100-percent ultraviolet protection, enhances contrast, and provides optimum visual acuity.Headquartered in Plainview, N.Y., but sold worldwide, Hobie products are used by fisherman at all skill and lifestyle levels.
Anglers can learn more about Hobie’s elite pricing for ABA members by logging into the users only area of the web site. For more information on the world’s best polarized sunglasses, see www.hobiepolarized.com.

About American Bass Anglers: The Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Weekend Series provides weekend anglers a professionally operated competitive tour with a path the world championship of bass fishing the Bassmaster Classic. American Bass Anglers commitment is to provide low cost, close to home tournaments for the weekend angler and at the same time offer each competitor an upward path for individual angler progression. For more information about American Bass Anglers and the American Fishing Tour, The Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Weekend Series, The American 150 Series or the American Couples Series, visit www.americanbassanglers.com.

Clark Signs with Denali7/6/2010 1:29:15 PM


Elite Series pro Preston Clark signed a new rod sponsor, Denali Rods. Denali has been actively signing the top pros to their prostaff this year with the signing of Michael Murphy and Ray Scheide on the FLW side and now Preston Clark on the BASS side.
 
“Preston is obviously a great fisherman who has had a lot of success over the years,” said Denali Rods president Scott Estes. “But he is also a hustler off the water, working hard for his sponsors and a dedicated family man as well. These are all things we consider important when selecting anglers to represent the Denali name.”
 
Preston Clark is one of the Nations most highly respected pros, as well as one of fishing's most popular personalities. He has won tournaments at all levels, including the prestigious Bassmaster Elite Series. Preston also holds the Bassmaster Classic record with an11-pound, 10-ounce largemouth bass at the 2006 Classic.

“I’ve fished with many different rods over the years and none have excited me more than these Denali Rods.” Clark said.  “I put them hard to the test on these big Florida bass, and they have exceeded all my expectations. They are very light, very sensitive, and tough as nails.”
 
For more information visit Denalirods.com or Prestonclarkinc.com.

Biffle Keeps it Simple7/6/2010 1:21:18 PM


By Alan McGuckin, Dynamic Sponsorships

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe has absolutely nothing in common with Tommy Biffle. 

However, the 18th Century German philosopher nailed Biffle’s style completely when he said, “Nothing is true, but that which is simple.”

Simplicity became a security blanket for Biffle three decades ago when he left a steady factory job to pursue his dream of pitching jigs for a living.

Larry Smith, a Coweta, Oklahoma marine dealership owner who used to fish jackpot tourneys against Biffle remains Tommy’s friend still today.  Smith vividly recalls Biffle’s early years of uncertainty. “One of the first tournaments Tommy left home to fish was at Guntersville. He struggled.  He was scared.  He looked at me and said ‘I think I’ve really screwed up’, ” recalled Smith, in regard to Biffle self-doubting his decision to quit a steady job and dominance as a local jackpotter to try his hand as a full-time pro. 

“I think Tommy resorted to what he knew best pretty quickly out of fear, but what he and the rest of the world soon figured out was that he was a better jig fisherman than just about anyone in America,” said Smith.

Twenty-six years later, pitching remains the security blanket, and Tommy’s success with the technique has him sitting as one of the world’s best.  He’s pitched his way to more than $2-million dollars since those early days of uncertainty. 

At age 52, Biffle not only continues to qualify for Bassmaster Classics … the grey beard is winning.  He’s taken home Bassmaster Elite Series trophies from Oneida, New York, Wheeler, Alabama and most recently his home lake – Ft. Gibson, Oklahoma.

“In my mind, I can catch fish with a jig or Larew Biffle Bug, anywhere, anytime I go fishing.  From clear water to muddy water, it doesn’t matter to me.  I can find a way to catch fish pitchin’ on just about any lake in America.  In fact, it’s not unusual for me to start my pre-fishing on a new lake with the same exact lures I had tied on at the previous tournament,” grinned Biffle.

Biffle typically chooses his namesake Gene Larew Biffle Bug in warmer temperatures or on tough fisheries, while steadily, and frequently still pitching black and blue jigs on America’s more generous waterways. 

Not convinced of his simple ways yet?  Digest this.  Tommy eats at Wendy’s nearly everyday that he is away from home, and he orders the same chicken sandwich every time.  So no surprise, 90% of the time he uses the same exact Quantum rod and reel.  His reel is a Tour Edition TE100HPT with a super fast 7.0:1 Burner gear ratio designed to pick up line fast between pitches.  “The TTBC76F rod I use is super stout for one reason, I want to get bass out of heavy cover fast when I hook them. It’s a big stick, but it’s well balanced.  It’s not tip heavy.  I took the foregrip off it to reduce weight too,” explained Biffle.

“I snicker when I see a guy with 15 rods on his deck.  I’ll never be that way,” said Biffle. 

We know Tommy.  Nor will you ever eat anything but chicken sandwiches at Wendy’s.  Because “Nothing is True, But that Which is Simple.”

Power Team Lures New Diesel Craw...7/6/2010 10:25:00 AM

 
 
 
 
 
Adding to their deadly line up of creature baits, PowerTeam Lures will be debuting their “Diesel Craw” at this years ICAST in Las Vegas next week. 
 
The beefy claws of this skirted craw bait have a natural fluent motion and rest at a 45 degree angle off the bottom due to the neutral buoyancy of PowerTeam’s plastic. Specially cut grooves in the belly of the bait trap air bubbles that release when the bait hits the bottom to help grab the attention of any bass lurking in the area.
 
As with the rest of PowerTeam’s line up, this 4” bass magnet is impregnated with their special blend of scents and salt to keep the bass holding on long after they strike.
 
The Diesel Craw was designed to be Texas rigged or used as a bulky trailer on the back of your favorite jig. It comes in 9 proven colors and will be available to the public shortly after the show.
 
To learn  more about Power Team Lures click here.
 

PT Diesel Under Side

Big Crank Saver...Techniques and Equipment7/6/2010 9:12:00 AM

 
 
Throwing deep diving crankbaits means you will get hung up. Plain and simple...it goes with the territory. Unless you have an endless supply of your favorite bait or a very large wallet it means figuring out the best way to get them back. There are several ways to attack this problem.
 
The first and most effective way is not to bury the barb. Once you hit the object let the bait float up and begin cranking again. Many times, the lip of the bait or the bait itself goes under the stump or rock. Most deep divers will float, and unless the trebles get hooked into the object, this is a great way to get it off. Give it some slack! Move the boat to the backside of the hung bait, and with short jerks, it will dislodge usually. This is also an effective way to retrieve Texas Rigged Plastics, Carolina Rigs and Jigs.
 
The second method is the slingshot approach. With a tight line bow and the line and the rod in a 1 o'clock position, grab the line above the reel. Pull it out and snap it, allowing it to go slack. This will back the bait off of the object and many times free it. You may have to do it several times to get it to work. 
 
When push comes to shove a lure retriever is your next best chance. I have used an old one called the "Hound Dog" that has a coil, heavy weight and chains. Its not much to look at but works effectively. I recently got a Bill Dance Lure Retriever from Pradco, and it's even better. It looks like a fish with Bill Dance's hat, and it has chains on the front and back. It also comes with its own reel to retrieve and let line out. The nice thing about it is it stores well, and we have yet to get a bait hung that "Bill" can't get back. It's simple too. Run the line through the stainless steel rings attached and slide it down to the lure. Hop it in position on the bait to free the lure.
 
Note: The chains may grab a hook too if you get hung in rope or other lines. To purchase one, goto LureNet by clicking here. They retail for $14.95, the cost of one good crankbait, so they are worth the purchase.

FYI is Back!!7/6/2010 7:40:46 AM

 
 
 
After a two week fishing hiatis... Mercer is back. Click on his face to see.

College Anglers Hit Arkansas River7/5/2010 10:01:56 AM




College Bass returns to North Little Rock with the ESPNU cameras for the sixth annual College Bass National Championship Thursday, July 8-Saturday, July 10. More than 60 colleges and universities have qualified for the National Championship and will cast their lines in the Arkansas River for more than $14,000 in scholarship monies and prizes.

The College Bass National Championship kicks off each day with the morning launch at daybreak at the North Little Rock Riverfront ramp. The daily weigh-ins will take place at the Academy Sports + Outdoors (6100 Warden Rd. Sherwood, Ark.) at 3 p.m. CT and streamed live on www.CollegeBass.com. Two-person teams from each participating school will fish for large-mouth bass 15 inches or longer and spotted bass 12 inches or longer, with a five-fish daily limit. All teams will fish the first two days with the top five teams advancing to day three. Weights will then be zeroed, and the team with the largest one-day total on Saturday will claim the College Bass National Championship title.

“We are excited to return to North Little Rock for the sixth National Championship,” said Rob Russow, College Bass tournament director.  “The Arkansas River is a great, but challenging bass fishery which will really intensify the competition.”
 
Since its inception in 2005, the College Bass National Championship has been the only fishing tournament to air on ESPNU. This season, College Bass will receive extended television coverage totaling nine hours of ESPNU programming. For the first time, all three College Bass Super Regionals will be featured in the ESPNU shows. The East, West and North Super Regionals’ show will air Thursday, July 29 at 4:30 p.m. CT followed by the College Bass National Championship, which will be featured in two shows Friday, July 30 and Saturday, July 31, both at 4:30 p.m. CT. ESPNU reaches more than 70 million households across the United States.

"We’re thrilled to welcome back the College Bass National Championship to North Little Rock,” said Karen Trevino, Executive Director of the North Little Rock Visitors Bureau. “We are big supporters of the sport of bass fishing and this is a great way for us to showcase the world-class fishing here in Arkansas.”

Last year 59 schools contended for the national championship trophy with North Carolina State anglers Will White and Chris Wood tipping the scales to claim the 2009 College Bass National Championship title with a 14.43-pound bag on the final day on the Arkansas River in North Little Rock. White and Wood secured the championship title weighing in 8.2 pounds more than second-place team, Brandon Dickson and Austin Hollowell of the University of North Texas. 

Official practice for the College Bass National Championship anglers begins Saturday, July 3 in pools 5-7 of the Arkansas River.

The Chamber of Commerce of North Little Rock and the North Little Rock Visitors Bureau welcome the College Bass anglers to Arkansas with a Hooters’ cookout at the downtown Riverside RV Park Pavilion Tuesday, July 6 from 5:30-7 p.m. CT. Media is welcome to attend.

“The Chamber of Commerce of North Little Rock is excited to again have our city hosting the tournament,” said Bob Major, Special Events Director, North Little Rock Chamber of Commerce. “We encourage bass fishing enthusiasts throughout Central Arkansas to attend the weigh-ins and support this great event.”

Arkansas Governor Mike Beebe will officially kick off the College Bass tournament with a special welcome to the competitors during Champions Night taking place at CSE (the agency that owns College Bass, formerly JM Associates) located at 1200 Scott Street Wednesday, July 7 at 5: 30 p.m. CT. All competitors must attend Champions Night, which also serves as the registration and briefing meeting for the College Bass National Championship. College Bass anglers will also have the chance to participate in a Q&A session with some of Arkansas’ best professional anglers during Champions Night. Champions Night will also be streamed live on www.CollegeBass.com. Media is welcome to attend.

Sebile adds new models7/5/2010 9:30:00 AM

SEBILE has been busy preparing for the 2011 fishing season. They are offering several new products as well as a slew of new sizes in their already popular products. We'll be bringing you more of their new products next week from ICAST. But here's a sneak peak at just a few of their new size and models in their existing lines.
 
About the Crankster SR Shallow Runner

The Crankster SR Shallow Runner has the same body shape as the Crankster MR Medium Runner and it has the same heavy metal free-floating ball bearing inside for mass transfer of much of the Crankster's weight into the tail for increased casting distance and accuracy. It's this heavy bead inside that also gives the Crankster SR its attractive rattle that can be heard for long distances underwater.

The Crankster SR has its lip designed at a special angle, matched to the shape and the balance of its body, so that the bait will swim seductively a few inches under the surface, creating an attractive trail of subsurface turbulence and heavy rattling noise that predators sense with their lateral lines.

It is very easy to change the swimming level from very close to the surface and almost waking on a slow retrieve to swimming several inches deep by changing the rod angle. If you keep the rod at about a 45-50 degree angle, that will help keep the bait right under the surface throughout the retrieve. By holding the rod tip down, it will then swim from 4 inches (SR 50) to 10 inches (SR 65) deep. You may even alternate between the actions on the same retrieve by switching between holding the rod up and keeping it down.

MSRP: Crankster SR 50 $15.37, SR 65 $16.11

About the Koolie Minnow 102 LL Long Lip

What's innovative about the new Koolie Minnow LL 102 is it is the sole member of the family that has a heavy metal bead for mass transfer of the lure's weight. The bead runs into the tail for long distance and accuracy on the cast. This provides the new LL 102 with the best ability for long casts, making this model a great lure to target fish far away and deep. The bead returns to the lure's belly for stability and action during the retrieve or on the troll. The Koolie LL 102 has a wiggling, rolling action, and dives deeper than other minnow baits of comparable size. It catches fish just like a crankbait when used with a steady retrieve. Also superb to use as a jerkbait with a cadence of jerks and pauses. It may be trolled or strummed in a current.

"What I like very much with the Koolie LL 102 is that this bait goes really deep for its size without pulling heavily on the rod tip," Patrick Sebile said. "Less water resistance means less pulsation from the lure felt in the rod tip. Due to its unique bridged lip design, there is less feel of the lure throb, and that also increases the angler’s sensitivity to anything - a short strike, grass or debris on the hook, contact with bottom or cover - all are easier to detect since the lip resistance itself is not the overpowering sensation. So you can more easily detect short strikes, bottom, cover, debris and react quicker to whatever you feel making contact with the lure."

In terms of body length, the 4" long Koolie Minnow LL 102 completes SEBILE's LL family by fitting in between the 3-1/2" Koolie Minnow LL 90 and the 4-5/8" Koolie Minnow LL 118.

MSRP: Koolie Minnow LL 102 $16.43
 
Two New Larger Magic Swimmer 160 and 200 Sizes for 2011

The Magic Swimmer Soft increases its range of uses with two new, larger sizes for 2011. The new Magic Swimmer Soft 160 measures 6-1/4" (160mm) and weighs 1-1/4 oz (36g) by itself before hooks or weights are attached. The Magic Swimmer Soft 200 weighs in at 8" (200mm) and a hefty 2-3/8 oz (68g) unrigged.

Not only do the new 160 and 200 sizes make great baits for casting and spinning for a variety of bigger predators in fresh and saltwater (such as striped bass, trophy largemouth or muskie), they also offer possibilities to troll them slowly like live bait, on flat lines, outriggers and downriggers to target bluewater gamefish such as amberjack, sailfish and marlin. The new 200mm, 160mm as well as 130mm can be simply rigged with a “J” or a circle hook running through the head, from under the chin and out the top of its nose. Yes, that's right, simply use them as you would live baitfish. Just let the durable, double-jointed Magic Swimmer Soft show you why we say it swims and catches fish as good as a real baitfish.

MSRP: Magic Swimmer Soft (Pro Pack) 105 $16.96, 130 $15.90, 160 $19.08, 200 $22.26

New Soft Stick Shadd Hollow

The new Stick Shadd Hollow has all the features, actions and benefits of the regular Stick Shadd hardbait, PLUS all the additional benefits of a soft body which gives even more advantages to the angler, such as snagless rigging to fish right in the heart of thick cover where the big ones hide.
As with the regular Stick Shadd hardbait, the soft version also has a very compact profile and shape of a real fish.

It is extremely efficient in terms of castability and aerodynamic penetration through the air for the longest distance cast possible. It also has a lot of reactivity when you work it by small twitches, jerks or even reeling it in straight, the body is very reactive thanks to SEBILE's unique "Power Keel" design underneath the bait. The Power Keel provides the amazing and unpredictable swimming, jerking, darting and sliding action that brings this bait to life with 360 degrees of unpredictable and lifelike movement.

In terms of durability, the Stick Shadd Hollow is designed extra thick where it matters most so that it's as long-lasting and re-usable as possible. Although the body is hollow, it is not a thin plastic around the hollow part. It is really a thick enough layer designed so each bait has the possibility to last longer than most other soft hollow lures. The bait comes in 85 and 100mm sizes (3-1/4" and 4") and in 6 colors.
 
MSRP: Stick Shadd Hollow (Pro Pack) 85 $12.72, 100 $13.78
 
New Finesse Sizes offered
 
About the Spin Shad #0 & #0.5
The original Spin Shad won Best Hard Lure of 2009 at ICAST in Orlando, Florida. Now two new sizes of the award-winning Spin Shad are here to complement your light tackle fishing needs. Very few baits in such compact sizes are able to bring so much to you: a very good control and presentation of the bait on the retrieve as well as on the drop, the ability to stay upright and stable in currents but also with a lot of attractive action in calm, still water. The Spin Shad blades are perfectly balanced to the body, to react and work every single second when the lure is in the water. Great for light tackling both fresh and saltwater adventures.

MSRP: Spin Shad #0 $12.00, #0.5 $13.00


About the Crankster MR 35 and Flatt Shad 35 SK and 42 SK

Finally a small Crankster MR (Medium Runner) for all light tackle fanatics! The 1-3/8" long, 1/8 oz Crankster 35 features the same frantic cranking action as all models from the Crankster MR family, including a free-floating tungsten ball mass transfer system that increases distance and accuracy on the cast and knocks around inside on the retrieve - a unique combination of features in a crankbait that's under two inches in length. The strong wire diameter of the hooks enable use of this lure for both fresh and saltwater.

MSRP: Crankster MR 35 $13.00

The Flatt Shad is the only lipless vibration crankbait that truly works at any speed from slow to fast, Now everything about it has been shrunk down as small as practical with the 1-3/8" long, 1/16 oz 35 SK and the 1-5/8" long, 1/8 oz 42 SK models that cover light tackle anglers needs for fishing in currents as well as calm water, from streams to lakes and inshore saltwater too. Both new sizes are sinking models that work great for ice fishing also. The 42mm size comes rigged with 2 treble hooks; the 35mm with only one treble, allowing that bait to be so very small and compact yet it still has a big enough hook to hold good-sized fish!

MSRP: Flatt Shad 35 SK $11.25, 42 SK $11.50

To purchase Sebile products, click here. More new products will be added soon.

PAA Signs new Sponsor7/5/2010 8:06:26 AM

 

Jasper Engines & Transmissions has supported the PAA through its Affinity Partner program since 2008. Membership support will include a $100 mail-in rebate on its products, along with on-site support during the 2010 PAA Bass Pro Shops Tournament Series presented by Carrot Stix.
"We first became involved with professional angling years ago when we discovered from another company with a customer base very similar to ours that their number one interest away from work was fishing," said Tom Schrader, Vice President of Marketing for Jasper Engines & Transmissions.

"That customer base is the professional auto care technician, so it is a natural venue for us to promote our product line. Jasper is excited to be involved with PAA in this effort to grow the organization and support its members and the public."
 
"Having grown up in southern Indiana, I've known of and Jasper's quality products and even have been a customer throughout the years," said Danny Blandford, PAA Program Director. "This new partnership and their support of the PAA and our Affinity Partner program adds additional value to being a member of the PAA.

One you won't believe...7/2/2010 4:23:19 PM

 
Leon Knight and Don Davis are friends, close friends, and they had a strategy for the FLW Western Series event at the Delta. If they could get into a small oxbow they felt they could get 1st and 2nd. They did, but the story of how they got into this secret spot is for the record books. Listen to how they did it on Weighing In with Terry Brown to find out. For the record....not a single beaver was hurt in the process!! To listen to this amazing story of friends working together within the rules, click here.

Wong to be inducted into Legends...7/2/2010 2:33:36 PM

 
 

BASS photo
 
Wired2Fish professional angler Judy Wong will be inducted into the National Legends of the Outdoors in August. Noted for her hard work, dedication and friendly demeanor Wong is a worthy recipient of this honor. We received a nice note, in typical humble Judy style, thanking the media for her coverage and help along the way. We are honored to call her a friend and her accomplishments speak volumes about her character, drive and love of fishing. Way to go Judy!
 
Below is the letter we received today:
 
To all my Friends and Supporters:
 
First of all, I want to take this time to THANK each and everyone of you for being a part of my life and my fishing career.  You have all made a huge impact in helping me achieve my dream of being a professional angler.
 
I recently received some exciting news that I want to share with you.  On August 14th, I will be inducted into the "Legends of the Outdoors National Hall of Fame" in Nashville, TN.  This is truly an honor for me to recognized as past inductees in the fishing world include Forest L. Woods, Hank Parker, Roland Martin, Chris & Jimmy Houston, Kathy Magers and Penny Berryman.
 
The banquet and ceremony are open to the public and tickets and sponsor tables are available.  It would mean so much to me if you could all come, but I realize that's not possible.
 
Again, thank you for your role in my life, which led to my receiving this tremendous honor.  Whether you felt you were "just doing your job", your contribution as "media" has enabled me to be recognized for a career and sport I truly love.
 
Congrats Judy and well deserved!
 
To read more click here.

Getting Cheeky7/2/2010 2:26:33 PM


We just put up our latest product review on Costa Cheeca sunglasses. These oversized frames block out the sun perfectly while being comfortable and looking good on both men's and women's faces.
 
To read the full review, click here.

Dean Burnett Named as New Yamaha VP7/2/2010 12:44:45 PM

 
 
Dean Burnett, former vice president and general manager for Century Boats, has accepted the position of vice president for Yamaha Marine Group. Burnett succeeds Ben Speciale, who became President of Yamaha Marine Group on May 1.

“Dean has a depth of knowledge that is virtually unmatched in the marine industry,” Speciale said in a statement. “His experience and expertise will be a tremendous asset to Yamaha Marine Group, and I am pleased to welcome him back to the company.”
Burnett began his career with Yamaha in 1987 and spent four years in sales and marketing roles for the company in the California market. After leaving Yamaha in 1991, Burnett held sales, management and marketing positions with Boston Whaler, Grady White, Fenwick Fishing Tackle, Mercury Marine and Yamaha-owned Skeeter Boats.

In 2003, Burnett was named vice president and general manager of Century and Cobia Boats, two boat manufacturers also owned and managed by Yamaha. During his time at Century, he was responsible for overseeing production, marketing, design, engineering and product planning for the company.

“I’m excited and honored to once again join the Yamaha team,” Burnett said in a release announcing his new position. “My experience has taught me that selling quality products, standing behind those products and building long-term customer relationships will lead to success in this industry. In terms of these three things, it just doesn’t get any better than Yamaha. I hope to be of value to this great company as we continue to write its success story.”

Fan Favorite, Ultimate Match Fishing Starts Tonight7/2/2010 9:06:39 AM


Fish Fishburne joins Joe Thomas this season to host the 2010 Ultimate Match Fishing competition. This very popular show pits professional anglers from both the FLW and BASS tours against one another in a bracket-style elimination format. This year Fishburne will lend his comedic talents to the broadcasts.
 
The season starts on Lake Chickamagua in Chattanooga and the finals will be on Kerr Lake in North Carolina.
 
The show airs at 7:30 CT on Fridays on the Outdoor Channel, starting tonight.
 
For more information about UMF, visit their homepage here.












New Feature on Side Finders in Unplugged7/2/2010 8:08:33 AM



Today on Unplugged, we're featuring how one angler, Ben Parker, used side finding to advance his fishing tremendously in the last couple of years. He bested more than 300 teams with his partner, Chuck Murray of North Carolina, in the Triton Owners tournament, due largely to his ability to find big schools of big bass with his Humminbird Side Imaging units.
 
To read the feature, click here.

Mustad KVD Elite Series Autographed Shirt Winner...7/2/2010 7:04:55 AM

 
 
Mustad has been building quality fishing hooks since 1877. The name Mustad means quality and their super sharp hooks are used by anglers and manufacturers alike. When you look at products you can be assured its quality if it uses a Mustad hook.
 
This months winner of the Mustad KVD Signature Fishing Jersey is:
 
George Ward
Raleigh, NC
 
Your shirt is on the way George!
 
Stay tuned for the July Mustad Jersey Contest coming Tuesday...

Getting Sideways with the Bass7/2/2010 4:58:09 AM

There are two types of people according to comedian Eddie Izzard, those that have techno-joy and those that have techno-fear. His joke is that you are either terrified of screwing something up on an electronic device or you think it will totally improve your way of living and tackle it fearlessly right out of the box without reading the instructions.

At Wired2Fish, we definitely fall under the former label but understand a lot of guys and gals that fish are of the latter, especially when it comes to your boat’s electronics. The truth of the matter is almost every great unit has this great setting called reset to factory defaults. That means no matter how bad you think you’ve screwed your graph up, you can always reset it back to how it was when you got it out of the box.

College Team Gets Support7/1/2010 2:48:38 PM



The University of Nebraska bass fishing club and Cabela's teamed up this season for what team captain Kyle Branecki called the best sponsorship contract in all of college fishing.

Cabela's initiated the deal after hearing about the Husker Bass Anglers, which had only minor sponsorships and an unreliable boat-use agreement, last year. Terms of the Cabela's sponsorship included use of a boat provided by the Ranger dealership based out of the company's La Vista, Neb., retail store, where the boat was on display between tournaments.

Cabela's also designed the University of Nebraska boat wrap and supplied the trolling motor, electronics, lures and team uniforms, while Evinrude provided the engine and Geico took care of the boat insurance.

"It only seemed right that the University of Nebraska bass club be supported by Cabela's, which was founded in Nebraska and has its corporate headquarters and three retail stores in the Cornhusker State," said Chris Sprangers, Cabela's marketing manager. "More importantly, anytime our sponsorship dollars can go toward keeping young people involved in outdoor recreation, we're all for it."

Branecki, who will graduate in August and fished in his final college tournament last week, credited the sponsorship with the team's success this season. The Husker Bass Anglers finished in the top 15 in three of the four FLW College Fishing tournaments it entered.

"I know [our success] wasn't just a coincidence," Branecki said. "Instead of worrying about money for tackle or securing a boat for a tournament, I was able to focus on studying the lake we would be fishing."

Before receiving the Cabela's sponsorship, the team borrowed boats from another sponsor, but availability wasn't a guarantee. Branecki said the partnership with Cabela's was convenient and made tournament preparation less stressful.

"Our boat was always there when we needed it," he said, "Without our boat and the electronics Cabela's put on it for us, we wouldn't have found the spot which gained us the lead on day one of the tournament last week."

The Husker Bass Anglers led after the first day of fishing, catching all but one of their five bass from a single sweet spot, in the Collegiate Bass Fishing Open on Kentucky Lake June 24-25. After day two of the tournament, the team landed in the top 20.

Even after the drop in the standings, it was a dream come true for Branecki, who had looked forward to fishing Kentucky Lake his entire life. And he said it may not have been possible without Cabela's support.

Now Branecki will pursue his next dream - professional tournament fishing.

"It is a long shot and many people just don't make it," he said. "But right now I have no tie downs in my life, so I am going to go for it and hope for the best."

New Family of Fishing Lines7/1/2010 10:58:00 AM

 

When it comes to bass fishing, there is still very much a Mason Dixon line when it comes to fishing styles, brand loyalty and perception on bass fishing in general.  I think it also affects the bass above and below the imaginary line. It seems that tactics that are very effective up north don’t translate well to the much-more pressured lakes of the south. However the tackle does.

People often forget that Berkley is a northern company. Another northern company that is tearing down the barriers to the south is Northland Tackle. They make some of the best terminal tackle for bass, walleye and panfish. Their focus on providing anglers with great value products without breaking the bank has made them extremely successful in the north. But southern anglers are finally starting to realize how good their tackle is.

We at Wired2Fish use their shaky heads, rattles, jigheads, skirts and other terminal tackle components for fishing everything from bass to crappie to shellcrackers.  And our walleye pros use their full gamet of jigheads, plastics, ice fishing jigs and more. They have the everyday angler in mind when they design their products.

We recently made the trip to Bemidji, Minn., to visit the folks at Northland Tackle and see their operation at work. We came away very impressed with the sheer volume of tackle they produce and ship and how meticulous and passionate everyone was about their work there. But more importantly we got a sneak peak at their new family of fishing lines called Bionic Fishing Line.

The folks at Northland have a wealth of knowledge in their people and they obviously tapped their resources to formulate these new species-specific fishing lines. The family of lines will come in Bionic Panfish, Bionic Ice, Bionic Walleye and of course Bionic Bass.

The first thing we noticed immediately was how soft and manageable the line was. The bass and panfish line both had good stretch that will make it a great soft, light line for shaky head, crankbaits, topwaters and more. We’re excited to see this value line in its finished form at ICAST.

But for now, here’s a sneak peak at it.

To learn more about other Northland Tackle products, especially on the terminal tackle side, visit NorthlandTackle.com.

Nories Skinny Colors... 7/1/2010 10:56:06 AM

 
Norio Tanabe is a bass fishing legend in Japan. He also had some success in the US, fishing the BASS trail. He is back in Japan and has a bait company that is kicking tail and will be bringing his products to the US through Marukyu that also distributes Eco Gear, Fish League and Prime Area. His designs are amazing and they look to be bringing affordable, high tech, Japanese baits to the US Market.
 
 
 
 Nories Faint Series is getting rave reviews from anglers across the globe with its high tech paint schemes. It was called “skinny colors”. The aim was to make the lure look skinnier in the water. This was done by making the top and bottom of the lure clear and only painting the sides of the lure. This was probably a world’s first in lure design. The novel concept was to attract with the vibration and sound of the lure, and entice a bite with the small silhouette.
 
Look for more on this company coming very soon on Wired2Fish.com or click here to see the entire line-up of Nories hard baits.

Craziness Ensues7/1/2010 9:29:27 AM


Terry Brown of Wired2Fish holds up a 7-pound Illinois bass that he caught fishing a Buckeye Mop Football Jig with a big Zoom trailer

Many people tell us that they fish because of all the crazy things that they’ve seen or had happen to them on the water. The chance at a crazy memory is worth the trip a lot of times for folks. Terry and Jason had one of their own a little more than a week ago in Illinois.

Terry and Jason were heading up to Grand Rapids the next day so they decided to hit the lake the afternoon before their long drive. Terry knows the small lakes around Normal probably better than anyone in the state of Illinois. It wasn’t long until the bass started biting on his first spot, even an occasional sauger or two. But the size wasn’t really there.

So up the lake they headed as the rain began to fall. Then it rained hard. Then it rained hardest. They pulled up to a deep spot offshore and started chunking big worms and jigs. It wasn’t long and Terry was battling a nice bass in the torrential downpour. Then another. And another.

Suffice it to say they were grinding on a pretty good school. But the tide was about to shift. Terry got a bite and set the hook hard. His line had a fray, and it broke right at the reel, sending his free line shooting into the lake. The pouring rain made it impossible to spot the line and grab it before it disappeared. Jason fired a cast back up to the spot and immediately got a bite. He set the hook, and it was a good one, a bass weighing more than 5 pounds. As the fish jumped, Jason noticed there was a line draped across the mouth of the fish.

He quickly landed the fish and threw it back but held onto the other line. He started pulling it in and sure enough there was a fish on the other end. It was Terry’s line that just broke! Jason hand-lined the bass but the fish got loose in the fight. He gave Terry his jig and line back and went back to fishing. Terry quickly retied and fired the jig back up there as they both laughed about the odds.

Terry set the hook again and immediately asked for help because it was obviously a big bass. The fish jumped and stripped drag, and Jason dropped his rod and scrambled for the net. They land the bass, weighing more than 7 pounds and high-fives ensued as they got the video camera and still camera out to shoot with the big fish.

As they do that, they heard a faint “plunk” behind them. Jason turned around to find his rod and reel (actually Terry’s rod and reel he borrowed) was gone. Oh no! A KVD Quantum reel and St. Croix Legend Xtreme rod just went into the drink over 25 feet of water. Jason grabbed a crankbait rod quickly and Terry did the same.

Jason fired a cast up towards where he had cast his bait. As Terry gets ready to launch his cast, a sizable bass jumps out of the water about 25 feet out the other side of the boat. Terry fired his crankbait toward the splash. He reeled down but he was caught up in something. About that time, he felt a fish and set the hook. He fought the bass to the boat and the crankbait was hooked on the outside of the fish’s head. However inside the fish’s mouth was Jason’s jig!

They quickly unhooked the fish and get hold of the jig and line. Jason started hand-lining again. There was no tension on the line, and both fear the reel was in free spool mode. So he kept pulling and finally the line tightened up. Next thing they know, the tip of a St. Croix rod appeared and shortly thereafter a KVD Quantum reel. So in the span of ten minutes, they caught a 5 pounder and a 7 pounder, caught not one lost line with a fish but two, lost a $700 rod and reel combo, only to catch it again moments later and ended up not losing any lures or their sanity in the process.

Now if that’s not the craziest fish story, they don’t know what is. They got a little video and photo evidence to corroborate their story, but they both know it went down exactly as described here and it’s a fishing memory neither will ever forget!

We put up a couple videos on our YouTube channel from this crazy trip. Just short snippets so you can see what we were dealing with. Still makes us laugh! Visit our YouTube channel at youtube.com/wired2fish.
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