Brown and Diggs take the win on Neely Henry
By Jason Duran
Photos by Chris Brown
July 25 – Gadsden, AL– The fourth stop of the Alabama Bass Trail North Division at Neely Henry Lake was an exciting win for the team of Adam Brown and Greg Diggs. The team planned to fish skinny water and ended up winning by the skinniest of margins. With 15.67 pounds of Neely Henry bass, they took home the $10,000 prize and qualified for the ABT Championship.
The first-place team of Adam Brown and Greg Diggs originally planned to fish creeks, but since they were boat 183, they expected lots of other teams to be in those creeks. To help them have more areas to fish, they decided to use a shallower running boat to go even more shallow than the competition. They went with that plan until they pulled into their first creek, looked around and noticed hardly anyone else was there. “When we pulled in, we just sat there for a minute and stared at each other in shock that we had it almost all to ourselves,” said Diggs. They were then able to not only fish shallow in the creeks, but also target the mouths of the creeks.
Adam said “the plan all along was to go shallow this time of year.” He shared, “that the deep bite here really is just hard and there are only a couple good areas that are usually covered up with fishermen.” They spent the day rotating between three creeks in a 10-mile radius from take-off, fishing water from 2-6 feet. Both have been fishing Neely Henry a long time and were able to use that history to put together this win. Two key baits that were used: a black and blue Bo’s Jig and a chartreuse and white Bo’s Spinner Bait. “We have lost many times by an ounce and to win by an ounce really feels good after losing that way before.”
Bradley Jones and Broox Goza finished in second place with 15.52 pounds. Broox said they really wanted to “catch them out of the grass, but the grass bite just isn’t working right now.” He shared that he found some fish in practice that were keying in on shad, so they decided to make that the plan and spent most of the day targeting main lake bars with shad. Bradley said that pattern “produced a limit around 10 pounds.” In those areas they used a homemade spinner bait and buzz bait with a Horny Toad trailer. In the afternoon, the weather began to change as the rain moved in hard. With conditions changing, they decided to go shallow “flippin’ shallow gravel bars” according to Broox and were able to catch a key 4-pound fish that helped them upgrade their limit to move them into second place.
The third-place team on Neely Henry was Mark McCaig and Tim Hurst with a total of 14.38 pounds. Tim said they “spent most of the morning fishing shallow and had an 8-pound limit around 11:30.” That limit included a really good spotted bass and a 3.75 largemouth. Mark said they covered a lot of water “starting about a mile north of take-off and fishing south all the way to the Neely Henry Dam.” Tim said, “the bite got better in the afternoon when wind started picking up in the area where they were fishing”. During the afternoon they were able to cull three of their morning fish and upgrade to their 14.38 weight. That limit included two spotted bass and three largemouth. They left the area early because the storms were getting closer and “neither of them wanted to get struck by lightning.” They caught over 15 fish all day on three key baits. The large spotted bass was caught on a Reactions Innovations beaver in Green Pumpkin, and Tim caught their largest fish (largemouth) on a Dirty Jigs Canterbury Craw Jig. They also used a Strike King 5 XD Crankbait in Sexy Shad.
The top ten standings are below for a full list of results visit.
https://www.alabamabasstrail.org/tournament-series/nhl-results/
Johnston Battles Rough Water To Win Bassmaster Elite At St. Lawrence River
Chris Johnston, of Peterborough, Ontario, Canada, has won the 2020 SiteOne Bassmaster Elite at St. Lawrence River with a four-day total of 97 pounds, 8 ounces.
Photo by Seigo Saito/B.A.S.S.
July 26, 2020
CLAYTON, N.Y. — His home waters were off-limits this week, but that didn’t stop Canadian standout Chris Johnston from winning the SiteOne Bassmaster Elite at St. Lawrence River with a whopping four-day total of 20 smallmouth bass that weighed 97 pounds, 8 ounces.
The first Canadian to claim an Elite title, Johnston was the only competitor to break 20 pounds each day. Hailing from Peterborough, Ontario, he placed second on Day 1 with 27-0 and held that position for two more days with weights of 24-12 and 23-0.
Entering Championship Sunday a little more than 2 pounds off the lead, Johnston added a final limit of 22-12 to surge ahead of Connecticut pro Paul Mueller and win by a margin of 1-10. Mueller had led the event all three days going into the final round.
“This has been a crazy year fishing-wise for me; I had two of the worst tournaments probably in my career and to bounce back and win on the St. Lawrence, of all places, is just incredible,” said Johnston, who finished 71st and 59th in the first two Elite Series events this year. “I’ve wanted a big tournament win on the St. Lawrence River bad, and it finally came together.
“I’ve watched Bassmaster my whole life and even if you’d asked me three or four years ago, I didn’t think I’d be here in this position. It’s been surreal. I can’t even describe how cool it feels.”
Throughout the week, Johnston used several baits, including a tube, a Ned rig and a black hair jig. On Sunday, he caught his fish on a drop shot with a green pumpkin Berkley Flat Worm. He needed a 3/8-ounce tungsten weight for proper presentations on Lake Ontario, where steady 6- to 8-foot waves made everything more difficult than it had been the three previous days.
The first two days saw Johnston plucking early keepers from a rocky point inside the river and then moving out to fish Lake Ontario rockpiles in 20 to 40 feet. On Saturday and Sunday, he did the majority of his work in the Great Lake.
The tournament’s first three days offered mostly calm conditions, but Sunday saw strong southwest winds which created conditions so rough that many anglers who qualified for the Championship round elected to stay in the safer confines of the St. Lawrence River. A lifetime of experience told Johnston Lake Ontario held his best opportunity to catch a winning bag, so he committed to one key area with several rockpiles in 20 to 50 feet of water along a 500-yard stretch.
“The biggest thing with the weather is just getting to your spot,” Johnston said of his safety-conscious navigation. “Once I got there, I just went upwind and drifted into the spot and then held on the spot as long as I could. Then I’d blow off the spot and do another drift."
In 2019, Johnston experienced the inverse of this year’s finish, leading the St. Lawrence event for three days before settling for the runner-up position.
“Finishing second last year makes this win all that much sweeter,” Johnston said. “I can’t wait to get home and celebrate with family and friends.”
Johnston earned $102,000 for his victory.
Mueller finished in second place with 95-14. After leading the event for three days, he found the rough waters of Lake Ontario less generous. In the Championship round, he added 18-15 to his previous weights of 27-1, 25-1 and 24-13.
He targeted rockpiles and rock breaks in 17 to 21 feet and caught all of his fish on a drop shot with a Berkley Flat Worm in the natural shad color. Uncertain of how long it would take him to run back through the rough water to the weigh-in site, Mueller left the lake around 1:45 p.m. and ended up with time to fish the river.
“Honestly, I think I feel like I left too early because I didn’t know how rough it was going to be,” Mueller said. “I felt like everything else I did today was flawless. I should have pushed it to the max, but I had no idea how long it was going to take to get back and that’s just inexperience on a body of water with that type of wind.”
Mueller's second prize earnings came to $27,000. He will also take home $3,000 for being the highest-placing entrant in the Toyota Bonus Bucks program.
Brock Mosley of Collinsville, Miss., finished third with 84-2. His daily weights were 24-2, 19-13, 20-4 and 19-15.
Celebrating the birth of his second child on Wednesday, Mosley bucked the overwhelmingly smallmouth-heavy trend and targeted St. Lawrence’s robust, but largely overlooked, largemouth population around residential docks and flat rock shoals.
“I caught all of my fish on a 3/8-ounce green pumpkin Z-Man Jack Hammer ChatterBait because I could cover a lot of water,” Mosley said. “That was the key. I had to cover a lot of water to run into a good one.
“I used a couple of different trailers so I could fish an area with one trailer and then go back through it with a different trailer. I ended up catching a few smallmouth, too, but I caught them fishing for largemouth."
Mueller won the race for Phoenix Boats Big Bass of the week with his 7-13 smallmouth. The bass, which he described as the “fish of a lifetime,” was just 7 ounces shy of the New York state record and is believed to be the largest smallmouth ever caught in a B.A.S.S. event.
The tournament was hosted by Jefferson County in cooperation with the Village of Clayton and the 1000 Islands Clayton Chamber of Commerce.
2020 SiteOne Bassmaster Elite at St. Lawrence River 7/23-7/26
St. Lawrence River, Clayton NY.
(PROFESSIONAL) Standings Day 4
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$
1. Chris Johnston Peterborough Ontario CA 20 97-08 100 $102,000.00
Day 1: 5 27-00 Day 2: 5 24-12 Day 3: 5 23-00 Day 4: 5 22-12
2. Paul Mueller Naugatuck, CT 20 95-14 99 $27,000.00
Day 1: 5 27-01 Day 2: 5 25-01 Day 3: 5 24-13 Day 4: 5 18-15
3. Brock Mosley Collinsville, MS 20 84-02 98 $21,000.00
Day 1: 5 24-02 Day 2: 5 19-13 Day 3: 5 20-04 Day 4: 5 19-15
4. Chad Morgenthaler Reeds Spring, MO 20 81-03 97 $15,000.00
Day 1: 5 23-06 Day 2: 5 24-01 Day 3: 5 22-08 Day 4: 5 11-04
5. Micah Frazier Newnan, GA 20 81-01 96 $15,000.00
Day 1: 5 22-12 Day 2: 5 19-13 Day 3: 5 19-11 Day 4: 5 18-13
6. Taku Ito Chiba JAPAN 20 80-10 95 $15,000.00
Day 1: 5 20-08 Day 2: 5 23-00 Day 3: 5 20-00 Day 4: 5 17-02
7. Cory Johnston Cavan CANADA 20 80-09 94 $15,000.00
Day 1: 5 19-07 Day 2: 5 19-03 Day 3: 5 25-08 Day 4: 5 16-07
8. Clark Wendlandt Leander, TX 18 76-11 93 $15,000.00
Day 1: 5 26-03 Day 2: 5 21-10 Day 3: 5 18-13 Day 4: 3 10-01
9. Brad Whatley Bivins, TX 20 74-10 92 $15,000.00
Day 1: 5 19-06 Day 2: 5 19-08 Day 3: 5 21-11 Day 4: 5 14-01
10. Brandon Palaniuk Rathdrum, ID 18 66-01 91 $15,000.00
Day 1: 5 17-08 Day 2: 5 21-15 Day 3: 5 20-05 Day 4: 3 06-05
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
PHOENIX BOATS BIG BASS
Day
1 Paul Mueller Naugatuck, CT 07-13 $1,000.00
2 Chris Johnston Peterborough Ontario CANADA06-05 $1,000.00
3 Brock Mosley Collinsville, MS 06-10 $1,000.00
4 Chris Johnston Peterborough Ontario CANADA04-13 $1,000.00
10.49 Monster Wins Mega Bass on Lake Fork
Tommy Ellis, Athens, LA tops a record field of over 1800 anglers at the
Mega Bass on Lake Fork with a 10.49 lb. monster.
Wins a new Skeeter ZX 200 - Yamaha 200 SHO plus $15,000 Cash.
Top 50 money earners at Mega Bass
for complete results click here
Angler City State Weight Prize Amount
TOMMY ELLIS Athens LA 10.49 Skeeter ZX 200 - Yamaha 200 SHO
Plus
$15,000.00
JERRY DEAN II McKinney TX 10.02
$15,000.00
STEVE TRIMBLE Duncanville TX 9.10
$15,000.00
JOSHUA PEARCE Murchison TX 8.98
$15,000.00
BILLY GILBERT Hot Springs AR 8.73
$15,000.00
BRAD ROGERS Yantis TX 8.63
$15,000.00
TIM WILCOXSON Rockwall TX 8.37
$15,000.00
DARRELL DODD Como TX 9.81
$1000.00
DANNY KRAATZ Azle TX 8.35
$1000.00
ANTHONY JONES Willis TX 8.32
$1000.00
CLAYTON CEGLINSKI Yantis TX 7.72
$1000.00
SHAWN WASURICK Greenville TX 6.46
$1000.00
RORY LAYNE Dallas TX 2.60
$1000.00
JOHN BOISVERT Lewisville TX 2.54
$1000.00
CODY OBRIEN Frisco TX 7.86
$900.00
PENNY LINKINHOKER Kilgore TX 7.84
$900.00
MATT HENRY Milledgeville GA 7.70
$900.00
GEORGE SHIPPEY Mount Pleasant TX 7.37
$900.00
RONNIE JONES Marshall TX 2.78
$900.00
CURTIS DANIELS Emory TX 2.58
$900.00
CORY ANDERSON Fort Worth TX 2.49
$850.00
BOBBY PEEK Greenville TX 2.49
$850.00
RANDALL HORTON Russellville AR 7.52
$800.00
MICHAEL SIERRA San Antonio TX 7.48
$800.00
MARK SHORES Irving TX 6.39
$800.00
BOBBY PEEK Greenville TX 2.69
$800.00
BOBBY PEEK Greenville TX 2.66
$800.00
KADEN WIEDENFELD Boerne TX 2.56
$800.00
BRANDON MARKS Buna TX 7.24
$700.00
JERRET GILCREASE Allen TX 6.95
$700.00
JOSEPH RAINS Gainesville TX 2.53
$700.00
DENISE BRADFORD Emory TX 2.51
$700.00
SAM TRINCA Alba TX 2.47
$700.00
KYLE KEATING Barry TX 2.45
$700.00
JOSEPH LEHEW Fort Worth TX 2.40
$650.00
LARRY COX Wichita Falls TX 2.40
$650.00
JOE DAVID HICKS Wichita Falls TX 6.72
$600.00
DEREK JONES Sunnyvale TX 2.63
$600.00
JEFF BARLOW Garland TX 2.51
$600.00
TYLER DENNIS Mesquite TX 2.44
$600.00
JOE DAVID HICKS Wichita Falls TX 2.41
$600.00
RILEY LAMBERT Rye CO 2.36
$600.00
CHARLES BENEDICT Forney TX 2.82
$500.00
MIKE DORCZ Huffman TX 2.61
$500.00
BRENT CANTRELL Wortham TX 2.43
$500.00
JOSHUA COOK Texarkana AR 2.39
$500.00
TREVOR ROMANS Celina TX 2.39
$500.00
KENNETH MOORE Red Oak TX 2.34
$500.00
MARK ANGELO Richardson TX 2.64
$400.00
MLFNOW! Analyst Marty Stone Joins “FLW Live”
Veteran Pro Angler and MLF Mainstay Appearing as Analyst on FLW Live Broadcasts for Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit Super Tournaments and TITLE
BENTON, Ky. (July 23, 2020) – FLW, the world’s largest tournament-fishing organization, and Major League Fishing (MLF) announced the addition of veteran MLF NOW! analyst Marty Stone to the FLW Live broadcast team. Stone, one of the most respected voices in the sport of professional bass fishing, joins the FLW Live broadcasts for the remaining Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit events, as well as the Tackle Warehouse FLW TITLE presented by Toyota, the Pro Circuit Championship.
A person sitting at a table
Description automatically generated“We’re blending both worlds – Major League Fishing and FLW – and the Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit is full of a lot of good, hungry and motivated fisherman. They are some of the most fun events that I have had the opportunity to cover,” said Stone. “My FLW co-hosts Travis Moran and Todd Hollowell are completely different personalities than MLF’s Chad (McKee) and J.T. (Kenney), and they are total professionals and have welcomed me into their world. I know that there was already a ton of talent on the Pro Circuit, and now with the addition of the MLF pros I’m excited to see how the rest of the season plays out.”
“Marty’s extensive experience in our sport, including his many years fishing FLW tournaments, give him a unique voice and great insight into the intricacies of professional bass fishing,” said FLW Executive Vice President and General Manager Kathy Fennel. “There was a natural chemistry between Marty, Travis and Todd on the Lake Chickamauga Super Tournament broadcast, and we are excited that Marty is able to join our broadcast team for the remaining Pro Circuit events this year.”
Stone becomes a mainstay on the FLW Live on-the-water broadcasts, which air on all four days of competition at the Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit Super Tournaments and six days of competition at the Tackle Warehouse FLW TITLE presented by Toyota. FLW Live features live action from the boats of the tournament’s top pros each day. Stone joins the FLW Live broadcast team of Travis Moran and Toyota Series pro Todd Hollowell to break down the extended action each competition day from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. On-the-water broadcasts are live streamed on FLWFishing.com.
A North Carolina native, Stone fished for 17 seasons at the sport’s top levels and amassed nearly $1 million in career earnings. Stone qualified for four Bassmaster Classics, four FLW Cup Championships, was a two-time event winner, FLW Angler of the Year runner-up in 1997 and Bassmaster Angler of the Year runner-up in 2005. Stone has transitioned from retired professional angler into full-time Director Event Research and Program Analyst with MLF.
For complete details and updated information visit FLWFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow the Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit on FLW’s social media outlets at Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.
Mueller Still Setting The Pace At Bassmaster Elite On St. Lawrence River
Paul Mueller, of Naugatuck, Conn., is leading after Day 3 of the 2020 SiteOne Bassmaster Elite at St. Lawrence River with a three-day total of 76 pounds, 15 ounces.
Photo by Seigo Saito/B.A.S.S.
July 25, 2020
CLAYTON, N.Y. — Paul Mueller continued his dominant performance Saturday with another big bag of smallmouth bass that weighed 24 pounds, 13 ounces.
Added to his catches of 27-1 on Thursday and 25-1 on Friday, Mueller now has a three-day total of 76-15 that gives him the lead at the SiteOne Bassmaster Elite at St. Lawrence River for the third straight round.
Sticking with his game plan, the Connecticut pro fished Lake Ontario and targeted rockpiles and breaks but remained shallower than the first two days and caught his fish in about 18 to 27 feet.
“I didn’t really look deep because I was disappointed with the deep fish yesterday,” Mueller said. “I probably could have run around a little more, but you have to make decisions and stick with them.”
Mueller again stuck with the drop shot baited with a Berkley MaxScent Flat Worm in the natural shad color. Great Lakes smallmouth bite plenty of bottom-oriented baits, but an abundance of sharp-shelled zebra mussels create constant perils that Mueller wisely avoided.
“Unless you really get on a high rock, you don’t run the risk of fraying your line above the line tie,” he said. “That’s why the drop shot is so effective because your landing ratio is higher than dragging a tube.”
Mueller noted that one of his keepers bit when he deadsticked his drop shot, meaning he applied no shaking motion. He couldn’t replicate that technique elsewhere, but Mueller noted that an overall strategy of slowing down and committing more time to each location seemed to be the right call.
“I told myself I was going to fish fewer places today, but I was going to fish them thoroughly,” Mueller said. “I did pull up on a fresh spot toward the end of the day and caught two 5-pounders, so that was a critical move.”
Each of Mueller’s keepers clearly mattered, but his third keeper of the day produced a highlight-reel moment. The 4-pounder bit right off the bow and immediately bolted to the back of the boat. Dashing around his outboard engine, the fish became entangled on one of his Power-Poles.
Mueller was able to grab his leader and hand line the fish close enough to scoop it into the boat.
“That was a positive thing because it could have been a disastrous deal, and I felt very blessed to be able to land it,” Mueller said. “The fish literally had about 8 feet of fluorocarbon leader attached to the Power-Pole and there was no way I was freeing it.
“Thankfully, I got my hands on the fish and she was still pretty hot. That was a special fish catch, for sure.”
Day 3 began with calm conditions, but wind and waves increased to bow-splashing levels by late morning. Sunday’s forecast for stronger southwest winds will further agitate Lake Ontario, but Mueller said he knows where he needs to fish.
“If I can go, I’m going to go,” he said. “I have some places I should be able to fish. You have to be smart and you have to be safe. That comes first, but if I can go, it’s a no-brainer.
“I have some spots in the river where I think I could put together a good bag, but the caliber of fish is much better in the lake.”
Chris Johnston of Peterborough, Ontario, Canada is in second place with 74-12. After making a couple of unproductive drifts on his river spot, he spent all day on Lake Ontario where he caught his bass over rockpiles in 20 to 40 feet.
“I changed up baits today and caught six or seven when I changed from a drop shot,” Johnston said of a clandestine move that paid big dividends. “I’ve caught them doing this before. It’s a bottom-contact bait, and they ate it really well.
“You can’t drag like you could on Lake Erie because there’s moss on the bottom. It’s a different presentation.”
Chad Morgenthaler of Reed Springs, Mo., is in third place with 69-15. Focusing on the eastern shore of Lake Ontario, he fished a drop shot with a Berkley finesse worm and caught his fish in 20 to 26 feet.
“I have areas and then I have some sweet spots in those areas, and that’s what I’m trying to stay around,” Morgenthaler said. “I’m just easing around with my Garmin LiveScope and looking for them. They might be on a rock, they might be out off the rock on a break.”
Mueller is in the lead for Phoenix Boats Big Bass honors with his 7-13 — a bass that is believed to be the biggest smallmouth ever landed in an Elite Series event and possibly the largest caught in any B.A.S.S. event.
In addition to having his third career Elite Series victory within his grasp, Mueller needs 23-1 to earn one of the coveted Century Belts awarded to anglers who catch at least 100 pounds of bass in an Elite Series event. Johnston is 25-4 away from the 100-pound mark — and if either or both reach the mark, they would be the first to receive Century Belts for totals amassed exclusively with smallmouth.
The Top 10 remaining anglers will take off at 6:45 a.m. ET from the Clayton Antique Boat Museum. The weigh-in will be held back at the museum at 3 p.m., with a $100,000 first-place prize on the line.
Live coverage of the event will be available starting at 7 a.m. on Bassmaster LIVE at Bassmaster.com with simulcasts on ESPN2 and ESPN3. Check local listings for ESPN2 times.
The tournament is being hosted by Jefferson County in cooperation with the Village of Clayton and the 1000 Islands Clayton Chamber of Commerce.
2020 SiteOne Bassmaster Elite at St. Lawrence River 7/23-7/26
St. Lawrence River, Clayton NY.
(PROFESSIONAL) Standings Day 3
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$
1. Paul Mueller Naugatuck, CT 15 76-15 100 $1,000.00
Day 1: 5 27-01 Day 2: 5 25-01 Day 3: 5 24-13
2. Chris Johnston Peterborough Ontario CA 15 74-12 99 $1,000.00
Day 1: 5 27-00 Day 2: 5 24-12 Day 3: 5 23-00
3. Chad Morgenthaler Reeds Spring, MO 15 69-15 98
Day 1: 5 23-06 Day 2: 5 24-01 Day 3: 5 22-08
4. Clark Wendlandt Leander, TX 15 66-10 97
Day 1: 5 26-03 Day 2: 5 21-10 Day 3: 5 18-13
5. Brock Mosley Collinsville, MS 15 64-03 96 $1,000.00
Day 1: 5 24-02 Day 2: 5 19-13 Day 3: 5 20-04
6. Cory Johnston Cavan CANADA 15 64-02 95
Day 1: 5 19-07 Day 2: 5 19-03 Day 3: 5 25-08
7. Taku Ito Chiba JAPAN 15 63-08 94
Day 1: 5 20-08 Day 2: 5 23-00 Day 3: 5 20-00
8. Micah Frazier Newnan, GA 15 62-04 93
Day 1: 5 22-12 Day 2: 5 19-13 Day 3: 5 19-11
9. Brad Whatley Bivins, TX 15 60-09 92
Day 1: 5 19-06 Day 2: 5 19-08 Day 3: 5 21-11
10. Brandon Palaniuk Rathdrum, ID 15 59-12 91
Day 1: 5 17-08 Day 2: 5 21-15 Day 3: 5 20-05
11. Chris Zaldain Fort Worth, TX 15 59-09 90 $12,000.00
Day 1: 5 17-10 Day 2: 5 20-14 Day 3: 5 21-01
12. Jeff Gustafson Keewatin Ontario CANADA 15 58-03 89 $12,000.00
Day 1: 5 16-06 Day 2: 5 23-02 Day 3: 5 18-11
13. Steve Kennedy Auburn, AL 15 57-00 88 $12,000.00
Day 1: 5 21-03 Day 2: 5 17-14 Day 3: 5 17-15
14. Garrett Paquette Canton, MI 15 57-00 87 $12,000.00
Day 1: 5 18-00 Day 2: 5 18-05 Day 3: 5 20-11
15. Bernie Schultz Gainesville, FL 15 56-12 86 $12,000.00
Day 1: 5 16-12 Day 2: 5 21-01 Day 3: 5 18-15
16. Matt Herren Ashville, AL 15 56-11 85 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 18-11 Day 2: 5 17-13 Day 3: 5 20-03
17. Greg DiPalma Millville, NJ 15 56-00 84 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 20-00 Day 2: 5 20-07 Day 3: 5 15-09
18. Seth Feider New Market, MN 15 55-04 83 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 19-05 Day 2: 5 19-03 Day 3: 5 16-12
19. Brian Snowden Reeds Spring, MO 15 54-14 82 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 19-04 Day 2: 5 20-02 Day 3: 5 15-08
20. Carl Jocumsen Queensland TN AUSTRALIA 15 54-03 81 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 13-13 Day 2: 5 21-14 Day 3: 5 18-08
21. Hunter Shryock Newcomerstown, OH 15 54-01 80 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 21-08 Day 2: 5 18-06 Day 3: 5 14-03
22. Mike Huff Corbin, KY 15 53-10 79 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 21-08 Day 2: 5 19-08 Day 3: 5 12-10
23. Clifford Pirch Payson, AZ 15 53-04 78 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 24-12 Day 2: 5 19-06 Day 3: 5 09-02
24. Cliff Prince Palatka, FL 15 52-15 77 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 18-06 Day 2: 5 18-03 Day 3: 5 16-06
25. Austin Felix Eden Prairie, MN 15 52-08 76 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 20-05 Day 2: 5 13-13 Day 3: 5 18-06
26. Clent Davis Montevallo, AL 15 52-03 75 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 19-04 Day 2: 5 13-12 Day 3: 5 19-03
27. Jamie Hartman Newport, NY 15 52-00 74 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 16-00 Day 2: 5 17-08 Day 3: 5 18-08
28. Ed Loughran III Richmond, VA 15 52-00 73 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 18-04 Day 2: 5 17-14 Day 3: 5 15-14
29. Chad Pipkens Dewitt, MI 15 51-15 72 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 17-08 Day 2: 5 21-07 Day 3: 5 13-00
30. Brandon Card Salisbury, NC 15 51-11 71 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 18-07 Day 2: 5 14-15 Day 3: 5 18-05
31. Drew Benton Blakely, GA 15 51-06 70 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 15-14 Day 2: 5 19-11 Day 3: 5 15-13
32. Bill Lowen Brookville, IN 15 51-02 69 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 15-02 Day 2: 5 18-09 Day 3: 5 17-07
33. Skylar Hamilton Dandridge, TN 15 50-01 68 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 14-05 Day 2: 5 19-10 Day 3: 5 16-02
34. Randy Sullivan Breckenridge, TX 15 49-14 67 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 18-13 Day 2: 5 14-14 Day 3: 5 16-03
35. Buddy Gross Chickamauga, GA 15 49-07 66 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 19-12 Day 2: 5 14-01 Day 3: 5 15-10
36. Ray Hanselman Jr Del Rio, TX 15 49-06 65 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 14-05 Day 2: 5 18-12 Day 3: 5 16-05
37. David Mullins Mt Carmel, TN 15 49-01 64 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 20-02 Day 2: 5 18-08 Day 3: 5 10-07
38. Frank Talley Temple, TX 14 48-14 63 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 14-02 Day 2: 5 19-14 Day 3: 4 14-14
39. Caleb Kuphall Mukwonago, WI 15 47-04 62 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 18-10 Day 2: 5 15-13 Day 3: 5 12-13
40. Bob Downey Hudson, WI 15 42-13 61 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 17-05 Day 2: 5 17-15 Day 3: 5 07-09
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
PHOENIX BOATS BIG BASS
Day
1 Paul Mueller Naugatuck, CT 07-13 $1,000.00
2 Chris Johnston Peterborough Ontario CANADA06-05 $1,000.00
3 Brock Mosley Collinsville, MS 06-10 $1,000.00
Despite Slow Start, Mueller Maintains Lead At Bassmaster Elite On St. Lawrence River
CLAYTON, N.Y. — After sacking up 27 pounds, 1 ounce during Thursday’s opening round, Connecticut pro Paul Mueller added 25-1 Friday and maintained the lead in the SiteOne Bassmaster Elite at St. Lawrence River with a two-day total of 52-2.
Committing his day to the massive waters of Lake Ontario, Mueller started on rock transitions in about 40 feet, but he seemed to struggle in the early going.
“Some of the places I had, they really suspended and those fish got tougher to catch,” Mueller said. “I realized I had to get away from that and once I found fish on the bottom, those fish were easier to catch.
“The fact that the shallower fish didn’t suspend is kind of intriguing, but I also think the deeper fish were feeding on something else other than gobies.”
Mueller got things moving in the right direction around 11:30 a.m. when he boated a 4 1/2-pounder, the first of four big fish he’d catch in about an hour. Moving into shallower areas and fishing rock structure in 20 to 26 feet proved to be the key decision.
He caught all of his fish on a drop shot with a Berkley MaxScent Flat Worm in the natural shad and goby colors. Noting that his fish seemed much spookier in the day’s clear, calm conditions, Mueller said he had to transition from vertical drops to a cast-and-drag presentation.
“The fish definitely got a little more finicky, and they definitely got a little more boat shy,” Mueller said. “I think boat shadow, livewell noise and the pinging transducer all contributed to that. The big thing for me today was keeping away from the fish.
“I lost a big fish today because he didn’t eat the bait that well. I marked him under the boat and dropped down to him. If I stayed off of them, they were a lot easier to catch.”
Chris Johnston of Peterborough, Ontario, Canada, is in second place with 51-12. After starting his morning in the St. Lawrence River, Johnston plucked three of his better fish off the rocky point he fished Thursday. When that bite slowed, he again moved to the small rockpiles and breaks in Lake Ontario. Drop shotting produced his bites in both scenarios.
Johnston’s day-maker came during a late-morning move. En route to his next spot, he made a quick detour to a rockpile in 6 feet of water. He was looking for a big fish he’d spotted in practice and caught the 6-5 giant on his third cast with a 1/8-ounce black hair jig.
“The rockpile is 300 yards long, so I can’t throw the drop shot because it’s too slow,” Johnston said. “I can cover water faster with the hair jig, that’s the main thing. They’ll eat that drop shot if I put it in front of them, but I can cover more water with the hair jig.”
Clark Wendlandt of Leander, Texas, is in third place with 47-13. Returning to the same general area in Lake Ontario, Wendlandt started strong with a couple of good fish early but faced a midmorning dry spell before making an adjustment that allowed him to fill out a solid limit.
“I actually went to some new areas that I didn’t fish the first day and caught some there,” Wendlandt said. “I just kind of winged it because I had trouble with my trolling motor and I was struggling earlier. I was trying to fish some ways that were a little easier.”
Mueller is still in the lead for Phoenix Boats Big Bass honors with the mammoth 7-13 smallmouth he caught Thursday. The fish is believed to be the biggest smallmouth ever caught in Elite Series competition.
The tournament will resume Saturday with the Top 40 remaining anglers taking off at 6:45 a.m. ET from the Clayton Antique Boat Museum. The weigh-in will be back at the museum at 3 p.m., with only the Top 10 anglers advancing to Championship Sunday with a chance to win the $100,000 first-place prize.
Live coverage of the event will be available starting at 8 a.m. on Bassmaster LIVE at Bassmaster.com with simulcasts on ESPN2 and ESPN3. Check local listings for ESPN2 times.
The tournament is being hosted by Jefferson County in cooperation with the Village of Clayton and the 1000 Islands Clayton Chamber of Commerce.
2020 SiteOne Bassmaster Elite at St. Lawrence River 7/23-7/26
St. Lawrence River, Clayton NY.
(PROFESSIONAL) Standings Day 2
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$
1. Paul Mueller Naugatuck, CT 10 52-02 100 $1,000.00
Day 1: 5 27-01 Day 2: 5 25-01
2. Chris Johnston Peterborough Ontario CA 10 51-12 99 $1,000.00
Day 1: 5 27-00 Day 2: 5 24-12
3. Clark Wendlandt Leander, TX 10 47-13 98
Day 1: 5 26-03 Day 2: 5 21-10
4. Chad Morgenthaler Reeds Spring, MO 10 47-07 97
Day 1: 5 23-06 Day 2: 5 24-01
5. Clifford Pirch Payson, AZ 10 44-02 96
Day 1: 5 24-12 Day 2: 5 19-06
6. Brock Mosley Collinsville, MS 10 43-15 95
Day 1: 5 24-02 Day 2: 5 19-13
7. Taku Ito Chiba JAPAN 10 43-08 94
Day 1: 5 20-08 Day 2: 5 23-00
8. Micah Frazier Newnan, GA 10 42-09 93
Day 1: 5 22-12 Day 2: 5 19-13
9. Mike Huff Corbin, KY 10 41-00 92
Day 1: 5 21-08 Day 2: 5 19-08
10. Greg DiPalma Millville, NJ 10 40-07 91
Day 1: 5 20-00 Day 2: 5 20-07
11. Hunter Shryock Newcomerstown, OH 10 39-14 90
Day 1: 5 21-08 Day 2: 5 18-06
12. Jeff Gustafson Keewatin Ontario CANADA 10 39-08 89
Day 1: 5 16-06 Day 2: 5 23-02
13. Brandon Palaniuk Rathdrum, ID 10 39-07 88
Day 1: 5 17-08 Day 2: 5 21-15
14. Brian Snowden Reeds Spring, MO 10 39-06 87
Day 1: 5 19-04 Day 2: 5 20-02
15. Steve Kennedy Auburn, AL 10 39-01 86
Day 1: 5 21-03 Day 2: 5 17-14
16. Chad Pipkens Dewitt, MI 10 38-15 85
Day 1: 5 17-08 Day 2: 5 21-07
17. Brad Whatley Bivins, TX 10 38-14 84
Day 1: 5 19-06 Day 2: 5 19-08
18. David Mullins Mt Carmel, TN 10 38-10 83
Day 1: 5 20-02 Day 2: 5 18-08
19. Cory Johnston Cavan CANADA 10 38-10 82
Day 1: 5 19-07 Day 2: 5 19-03
20. Chris Zaldain Fort Worth, TX 10 38-08 81
Day 1: 5 17-10 Day 2: 5 20-14
21. Seth Feider New Market, MN 10 38-08 80
Day 1: 5 19-05 Day 2: 5 19-03
22. Bernie Schultz Gainesville, FL 10 37-13 79
Day 1: 5 16-12 Day 2: 5 21-01
23. Cliff Prince Palatka, FL 10 36-09 78
Day 1: 5 18-06 Day 2: 5 18-03
24. Matt Herren Ashville, AL 10 36-08 77
Day 1: 5 18-11 Day 2: 5 17-13
25. Garrett Paquette Canton, MI 10 36-05 76
Day 1: 5 18-00 Day 2: 5 18-05
26. Ed Loughran III Richmond, VA 10 36-02 75
Day 1: 5 18-04 Day 2: 5 17-14
27. Carl Jocumsen Queensland TN AUSTRALIA 10 35-11 74
Day 1: 5 13-13 Day 2: 5 21-14
28. Drew Benton Blakely, GA 10 35-09 73
Day 1: 5 15-14 Day 2: 5 19-11
29. Bob Downey Hudson, WI 10 35-04 72
Day 1: 5 17-05 Day 2: 5 17-15
30. Caleb Kuphall Mukwonago, WI 10 34-07 71
Day 1: 5 18-10 Day 2: 5 15-13
31. Austin Felix Eden Prairie, MN 10 34-02 70
Day 1: 5 20-05 Day 2: 5 13-13
32. Frank Talley Temple, TX 10 34-00 69
Day 1: 5 14-02 Day 2: 5 19-14
33. Skylar Hamilton Dandridge, TN 10 33-15 68
Day 1: 5 14-05 Day 2: 5 19-10
34. Buddy Gross Chickamauga, GA 10 33-13 67
Day 1: 5 19-12 Day 2: 5 14-01
35. Randy Sullivan Breckenridge, TX 10 33-11 66
Day 1: 5 18-13 Day 2: 5 14-14
36. Bill Lowen Brookville, IN 10 33-11 65
Day 1: 5 15-02 Day 2: 5 18-09
37. Jamie Hartman Newport, NY 10 33-08 64
Day 1: 5 16-00 Day 2: 5 17-08
38. Brandon Card Salisbury, NC 10 33-06 63
Day 1: 5 18-07 Day 2: 5 14-15
39. Ray Hanselman Jr Del Rio, TX 10 33-01 62
Day 1: 5 14-05 Day 2: 5 18-12
40. Clent Davis Montevallo, AL 10 33-00 61
Day 1: 5 19-04 Day 2: 5 13-12
41. Stetson Blaylock Benton, AR 10 32-15 60 $7,500.00
Day 1: 5 18-08 Day 2: 5 14-07
42. Matt Arey Shelby, NC 10 32-09 59 $7,500.00
Day 1: 5 20-01 Day 2: 5 12-08
43. Scott Canterbury Odenville, AL 10 32-06 58 $7,500.00
Day 1: 5 12-06 Day 2: 5 20-00
44. Keith Combs Huntington, TX 10 31-15 57 $7,500.00
Day 1: 5 19-01 Day 2: 5 12-14
45. Hank Cherry Jr Lincolnton, NC 10 31-14 56 $7,500.00
Day 1: 5 19-00 Day 2: 5 12-14
46. Jason Williamson Wagener, SC 10 31-09 55 $5,000.00
Day 1: 5 16-08 Day 2: 5 15-01
47. Patrick Walters Summerville, SC 10 31-03 54 $5,000.00
Day 1: 5 14-05 Day 2: 5 16-14
48. Brandon Lester Fayetteville, TN 10 31-01 53 $5,000.00
Day 1: 5 16-02 Day 2: 5 14-15
49. John Cox Debary, FL 10 31-00 52 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 18-05 Day 2: 5 12-11
50. Koby Kreiger Alva, FL 10 30-15 51 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 13-03 Day 2: 5 17-12
51. Jake Whitaker Fairview, NC 10 30-13 50 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 12-14 Day 2: 5 17-15
52. Kelley Jaye Dadeville, AL 9 30-11 49 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 18-08 Day 2: 4 12-03
53. Destin DeMarion Grove City, PA 10 30-08 48 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 18-00 Day 2: 5 12-08
54. Luke Palmer Coalgate, OK 10 30-08 47 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 14-14 Day 2: 5 15-10
55. Chris Groh Spring Grove, IL 10 30-07 46 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 12-00 Day 2: 5 18-07
56. Wes Logan Springville, AL 10 30-01 45 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 15-05 Day 2: 5 14-12
57. Tyler Carriere Youngsville, LA 10 29-09 44 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 14-12 Day 2: 5 14-13
58. Jay Yelas Lincoln City, OR 10 29-07 43 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 12-03 Day 2: 5 17-04
59. Rob Digh Denver, NC 10 29-04 42 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 14-07 Day 2: 5 14-13
60. Kyle Welcher Opelika, AL 10 28-07 41 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 12-00 Day 2: 5 16-07
61. Rick Clunn Ava, MO 9 28-04 40 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 21-00 Day 2: 4 07-04
62. Gerald Swindle Guntersville, AL 10 28-00 39 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 12-15 Day 2: 5 15-01
63. Jesse Tacoronte Kissimmee, FL 10 27-12 38 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 11-01 Day 2: 5 16-11
64. Todd Auten Lake Wylie, SC 10 27-08 37 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 13-10 Day 2: 5 13-14
65. Kyle Monti Okeechobee, FL 10 27-03 36 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 14-10 Day 2: 5 12-09
66. Bryan Schmitt Deale, MD 10 27-00 35 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 17-00 Day 2: 5 10-00
67. Shane Lineberger Lincolnton, NC 10 26-15 34 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 13-06 Day 2: 5 13-09
68. Derek Hudnall Denham Springs, LA 7 26-13 33 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 21-04 Day 2: 2 05-09
69. Robbie Latuso Gonzales, LA 10 26-13 32 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 16-00 Day 2: 5 10-13
70. David Fritts Lexington, NC 10 26-12 31 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 12-01 Day 2: 5 14-11
71. Brett Preuett Monroe, LA 10 26-05 30 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 16-12 Day 2: 5 09-09
72. Randy Pierson Oakdale, CA 10 26-05 29 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 12-07 Day 2: 5 13-14
73. Lee Livesay Longview, TX 9 26-02 28 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 17-11 Day 2: 4 08-07
74. Drew Cook Midway, FL 10 25-13 27 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 14-03 Day 2: 5 11-10
75. Harvey Horne Bella Vista, AR 10 25-07 26 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 14-09 Day 2: 5 10-14
76. Shane LeHew Catawba, NC 10 25-00 25 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 11-10 Day 2: 5 13-06
77. Quentin Cappo Prairieville, LA 10 24-08 24 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 13-00 Day 2: 5 11-08
78. Cody Hollen Beaverton, OR 8 23-10 23 $2,500.00
Day 1: 3 09-05 Day 2: 5 14-05
79. Tyler Rivet Raceland, LA 9 23-07 22 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 15-10 Day 2: 4 07-13
80. Bill Weidler Helena, AL 8 22-06 21 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 14-04 Day 2: 3 08-02
81. Brandon Cobb Greenwood, SC 10 22-06 20 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 09-04 Day 2: 5 13-02
82. Dale Hightower Mannford, OK 7 22-01 19 $2,500.00
Day 1: 3 07-08 Day 2: 4 14-09
83. Rick Morris Lake Gaston, VA 9 21-12 18 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 13-04 Day 2: 4 08-08
84. John Crews Jr Salem, VA 7 21-05 17 $2,500.00
Day 1: 2 05-01 Day 2: 5 16-04
85. Gary Clouse Winchester, TN 8 19-07 16 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 13-08 Day 2: 3 05-15
86. Caleb Sumrall New Iberia, LA 9 18-01 15 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 17-13 Day 2: 4 00-00
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
PHOENIX BOATS BIG BASS
Day
1 Paul Mueller Naugatuck, CT 07-13 $1,000.00
2 Chris Johnston Peterborough Ontario CANADA06-05 $1,000.00
Monster Smallmouth Vaults Paul Mueller Into Lead At Bassmaster St. Lawrence Elite
CLAYTON, N.Y. — Tournament wisdom says you can’t win on Day 1, and you can’t win with a single bass.
But one giant bass certainly helped Connecticut pro Paul Mueller to a fantastic start Thursday, as he took the opening-round lead at the SiteOne Bassmaster Elite at St. Lawrence River with a 27-pound, 1-ounce limit. His bag was anchored by a massive smallmouth that weighed 7-13.
Seeking to add another 2020 Elite win to his season-opening victory on Florida’s St. Johns River, Mueller spent his day in Lake Ontario, where he targeted rock transitions in 15 to 35 feet. His area was thick with gobies — a prime smallmouth forage — but Mueller said his open-minded approach was essential to his success.
“I didn’t get locked into a certain depth, even though I caught more fish deeper in practice,” Mueller said. “Today, I caught fish shallower and my Garmin LiveScope was the key. It told me if they were there or not.
“That’s going to be a big deal for me this week — using that LiveScope to pinpoint these fish daily because these fish move. Smallmouth are here today and gone tomorrow. With good electronics, you’re able to stay with them. I’m hoping I can just be consistent.”
One of 17 competitors to break the 20-pound mark, Mueller caught all of his bass on a drop shot rigged with a Berkley MaxScent Flat Worm. He alternated between the natural shad and goby colors and used a custom 3/8-ounce Do-it Molds drop-shot weight.
“Where I’m fishing you don’t get a lot of bites, but they’re good fish,” Mueller said. “I feel like there’s a better average in the lake vs. the river. That’s the key: you just try to get five of those big bites a day.
“Today exceeded my expectations. I thought I could get a 23- to 25-pound bag if everything went right. But when you catch a 7-13, it surely ups your average.”
Mueller’s biggest fish bit around 9 a.m. and gave him every inch of the heart-racing battle for which giant smallies are known.
“That fish fought as big as it was; it didn’t give up,” Mueller said. “I saw it and immediately knew it (would be) the biggest smallmouth I’ve ever caught in my life. When it’s your personal best, there’s more on the line than a fishing tournament. I wanted to land that fish because I’d never caught a 7 before.
“I said ‘Just take your time with this fish.’ It bulldogged me, it gave me a run for my money, and I was fortunate enough to get my hands on it.”
Chris Johnston of Peterborough, Canada, is in second place with 27-0. Starting his day on a rock point in 30 feet of water inside the St. Lawrence River, Johnston targeted little sweet spots on the structure and sacked up nearly 22 pounds by 8 a.m.
After his early rally, he transitioned to the lake and fished isolated rockpiles and rock breaks in 20 to 24 feet.
“I started on that (river) spot because I figured a couple people might find it, and I wanted to get what I could because I knew there were some big ones on it,” Johnston said. “I did some damage there, and I knew I had some fish out in the lake if I needed some fillers.
“I didn’t want to lean on them too bad out in the lake because I was trying to save some stuff. A big thing was Garmin LiveScope because I could search for fish that weren’t under the boat. I was looking for fish, and if I saw a fish on the rock, I’d go over and catch it.”
Johnston caught all of his fish on drop shots. He held his cards low on bait specifics, but noted that he had a couple of confidence baits that proved vital to his success.
Clark Wendlandt of Leander, Texas, is in third place with 26-3. Committing his day to Lake Ontario, Wendlandt said he had located bass from 5 to 40 feet but ended up catching most of his weight in the deeper range.
After catching his bass in short order on a drop shot, Wendlandt backed off of his spot.
“I really don’t know what I have because I mostly only fished one spot,” he said. “I had a big bag fairly fast — I had a limit by 8:30 and had my weight by 9:30 — so I didn’t see any point in beating them up for no reason. I just decided I’d go practice.”
Mueller is in the lead for Phoenix Boats Big Bass honors with his 7-13.
Friday’s takeoff is scheduled for 6:45 a.m. E.T. at the Clayton Antique Boat Museum, with weigh-ins back at the museum at 3 p.m. The 86-angler field will be trimmed to the Top 40 after Friday’s round.
Live coverage of the event will be available starting at 8 a.m. on Bassmaster LIVE at Bassmaster.com with simulcasts on ESPN2 and ESPN3. Check local listings for ESPN2 times.
The tournament is being hosted by Jefferson County in cooperation with the Village of Clayton and the 1000 Islands Clayton Chamber of Commerce.
2020 SiteOne Bassmaster Elite at St. Lawrence River 7/23-7/26
St. Lawrence River, Clayton NY.
(PROFESSIONAL) Standings Day 1
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$
1. Paul Mueller Naugatuck, CT 5 27-01 100
Day 1: 5 27-01
2. Chris Johnston Peterborough Ontario CA 5 27-00 99
Day 1: 5 27-00
3. Clark Wendlandt Leander, TX 5 26-03 98
Day 1: 5 26-03
4. Clifford Pirch Payson, AZ 5 24-12 97
Day 1: 5 24-12
5. Brock Mosley Collinsville, MS 5 24-02 96
Day 1: 5 24-02
6. Chad Morgenthaler Reeds Spring, MO 5 23-06 95
Day 1: 5 23-06
7. Micah Frazier Newnan, GA 5 22-12 94
Day 1: 5 22-12
8. Hunter Shryock Newcomerstown, OH 5 21-08 93
Day 1: 5 21-08
9. Mike Huff Corbin, KY 5 21-08 92
Day 1: 5 21-08
10. Derek Hudnall Denham Springs, LA 5 21-04 91
Day 1: 5 21-04
11. Steve Kennedy Auburn, AL 5 21-03 90
Day 1: 5 21-03
12. Rick Clunn Ava, MO 5 21-00 89
Day 1: 5 21-00
13. Taku Ito Chiba JAPAN 5 20-08 88
Day 1: 5 20-08
14. Austin Felix Eden Prairie, MN 5 20-05 87
Day 1: 5 20-05
15. David Mullins Mt Carmel, TN 5 20-02 86
Day 1: 5 20-02
16. Matt Arey Shelby, NC 5 20-01 85
Day 1: 5 20-01
17. Greg DiPalma Millville, NJ 5 20-00 84
Day 1: 5 20-00
18. Buddy Gross Chickamauga, GA 5 19-12 83
Day 1: 5 19-12
19. Cory Johnston Cavan CANADA 5 19-07 82
Day 1: 5 19-07
20. Brad Whatley Bivins, TX 5 19-06 81
Day 1: 5 19-06
21. Seth Feider New Market, MN 5 19-05 80
Day 1: 5 19-05
22. Clent Davis Montevallo, AL 5 19-04 79
Day 1: 5 19-04
23. Brian Snowden Reeds Spring, MO 5 19-04 78
Day 1: 5 19-04
24. Keith Combs Huntington, TX 5 19-01 77
Day 1: 5 19-01
25. Hank Cherry Jr Lincolnton, NC 5 19-00 76
Day 1: 5 19-00
26. Randy Sullivan Breckenridge, TX 5 18-13 75
Day 1: 5 18-13
27. Matt Herren Ashville, AL 5 18-11 74
Day 1: 5 18-11
28. Caleb Kuphall Mukwonago, WI 5 18-10 73
Day 1: 5 18-10
29. Kelley Jaye Dadeville, AL 5 18-08 72
Day 1: 5 18-08
30. Stetson Blaylock Benton, AR 5 18-08 71
Day 1: 5 18-08
31. Brandon Card Salisbury, NC 5 18-07 70
Day 1: 5 18-07
32. Cliff Prince Palatka, FL 5 18-06 69
Day 1: 5 18-06
33. John Cox Debary, FL 5 18-05 68
Day 1: 5 18-05
34. Ed Loughran III Richmond, VA 5 18-04 67
Day 1: 5 18-04
35. Destin DeMarion Grove City, PA 5 18-00 66
Day 1: 5 18-00
36. Garrett Paquette Canton, MI 5 18-00 65
Day 1: 5 18-00
37. Caleb Sumrall New Iberia, LA 5 17-13 64
Day 1: 5 17-13
38. Lee Livesay Longview, TX 5 17-11 63
Day 1: 5 17-11
39. Chris Zaldain Fort Worth, TX 5 17-10 62
Day 1: 5 17-10
40. Chad Pipkens Dewitt, MI 5 17-08 61
Day 1: 5 17-08
41. Brandon Palaniuk Rathdrum, ID 5 17-08 60
Day 1: 5 17-08
42. Bob Downey Hudson, WI 5 17-05 59
Day 1: 5 17-05
43. Bryan Schmitt Deale, MD 5 17-00 58
Day 1: 5 17-00
44. Bernie Schultz Gainesville, FL 5 16-12 57
Day 1: 5 16-12
45. Brett Preuett Monroe, LA 5 16-12 56
Day 1: 5 16-12
46. Jason Williamson Wagener, SC 5 16-08 55
Day 1: 5 16-08
47. Jeff Gustafson Keewatin Ontario CANADA 5 16-06 54
Day 1: 5 16-06
48. Brandon Lester Fayetteville, TN 5 16-02 53
Day 1: 5 16-02
49. Robbie Latuso Gonzales, LA 5 16-00 52
Day 1: 5 16-00
50. Jamie Hartman Newport, NY 5 16-00 51
Day 1: 5 16-00
51. Drew Benton Blakely, GA 5 15-14 50
Day 1: 5 15-14
52. Tyler Rivet Raceland, LA 5 15-10 49
Day 1: 5 15-10
53. Wes Logan Springville, AL 5 15-05 48
Day 1: 5 15-05
54. Bill Lowen Brookville, IN 5 15-02 47
Day 1: 5 15-02
55. Luke Palmer Coalgate, OK 5 14-14 46
Day 1: 5 14-14
56. Tyler Carriere Youngsville, LA 5 14-12 45
Day 1: 5 14-12
57. Kyle Monti Okeechobee, FL 5 14-10 44
Day 1: 5 14-10
58. Harvey Horne Bella Vista, AR 5 14-09 43
Day 1: 5 14-09
59. Rob Digh Denver, NC 5 14-07 42
Day 1: 5 14-07
60. Skylar Hamilton Dandridge, TN 5 14-05 41
Day 1: 5 14-05
60. Ray Hanselman Jr Del Rio, TX 5 14-05 41
Day 1: 5 14-05
60. Patrick Walters Summerville, SC 5 14-05 41
Day 1: 5 14-05
63. Bill Weidler Helena, AL 5 14-04 38
Day 1: 5 14-04
64. Drew Cook Midway, FL 5 14-03 37
Day 1: 5 14-03
65. Frank Talley Temple, TX 5 14-02 36
Day 1: 5 14-02
66. Carl Jocumsen Queensland TN AUSTRALIA 5 13-13 35
Day 1: 5 13-13
67. Todd Auten Lake Wylie, SC 5 13-10 34
Day 1: 5 13-10
68. Gary Clouse Winchester, TN 5 13-08 33
Day 1: 5 13-08
69. Shane Lineberger Lincolnton, NC 5 13-06 32
Day 1: 5 13-06
70. Rick Morris Lake Gaston, VA 5 13-04 31
Day 1: 5 13-04
71. Koby Kreiger Alva, FL 5 13-03 30
Day 1: 5 13-03
72. Quentin Cappo Prairieville, LA 5 13-00 29
Day 1: 5 13-00
73. Gerald Swindle Guntersville, AL 5 12-15 28
Day 1: 5 12-15
74. Jake Whitaker Fairview, NC 5 12-14 27
Day 1: 5 12-14
75. Randy Pierson Oakdale, CA 5 12-07 26
Day 1: 5 12-07
76. Scott Canterbury Odenville, AL 5 12-06 25
Day 1: 5 12-06
77. Jay Yelas Lincoln City, OR 5 12-03 24
Day 1: 5 12-03
78. David Fritts Lexington, NC 5 12-01 23
Day 1: 5 12-01
79. Kyle Welcher Opelika, AL 5 12-00 22
Day 1: 5 12-00
80. Chris Groh Spring Grove, IL 5 12-00 21
Day 1: 5 12-00
81. Shane LeHew Catawba, NC 5 11-10 20
Day 1: 5 11-10
82. Jesse Tacoronte Kissimmee, FL 5 11-01 19
Day 1: 5 11-01
83. Cody Hollen Beaverton, OR 3 09-05 18
Day 1: 3 09-05
84. Brandon Cobb Greenwood, SC 5 09-04 17
Day 1: 5 09-04
85. Dale Hightower Mannford, OK 3 07-08 16
Day 1: 3 07-08
86. John Crews Jr Salem, VA 2 05-01 15
2nd Place Earns MDJ Bonus Bucks
Courtesy of Luke Stoner - Dynamic Sponsorships
Major League Fishing pro Mark Daniels Jr. took home $3,000 of Toyota Bonus Bucks thanks to his second-place finish in the final Bass Pro Tour event of the 2020 season. “MDJ” had an extremely close, back-and-forth battle with eventual winner Justin Lucas on Sturgeon Bay before finishing the Championship Round as the runner-up.
“It always hurts to be close and fall short, but this one stung more than usual,“ Daniels Jr. admitted. “I’m just mad at a few lost fish from the final day, but all in all it’s been a great 2020 season. I’m thankful for the life I live and closing the year out with some extra cash from Bonus Bucks definitely softens the sting a bit.”
MDJ relied on a Ned Rig dressed with a Z-Man Finesse TRD in both Green Pumpkin Goby and Green Pumpkin to trick dozens of Sturgeon Bay smallmouth throughout Stage 5 of the Bass Pro Tour. These two colors are standbys for him when targeting smallmouth. In fact this combo is the exact same setup he used to win his first Tour level event on Lake Oahe in 2018, which was also dominated by smallies.
Daniels Jr. closed out the 2020 BPT season with an impressive Knockout Round win, which saw him catch over 100-lbs of smallmouth in a single day, and a ninth place finish in the overall Bass Pro Tour Standings. He also cashed two Bonus Bucks checks to the tune of $6K throughout the season… 2020 was good to the Bill Lewis pro indeed!
“I bought a Tundra in 2015 because I thought they were the best looking gas trucks available,” Daniels Jr. said. “On top of that they support the fishing industry and make a great product. I bought a 2020 Tundra before this season started and I’ve loved the 38-gallon gas tank. That big tank is clutch on long road trips, especially when towing.”
Whether you fish FLW BFL’s and team trails on the weekends or you are a full-time touring pro like MDJ, you can earn money through Toyota Bonus Bucks. Payouts are available for hundreds of bass and walleye tournaments, and to be eligible to win you just need to be the highest placing registered participant in a supported tournament.
To get registered, for more information on the program, or for a full list of events follow this link: https://www.toyotatrucksbonusbucks.com/. If you’d rather talk to someone on the phone, just give (918) 742-6424 a ring and ask for Chip or Kendell, they’ll get you taken care of.
Harris Chain Lands Two Bassmaster Championship Events
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Florida’s diverse Harris Chain of Lakes in Leesburg, Fla., will host two 2020 championship tournaments, B.A.S.S. officials announced today. College bass anglers eagerly anticipating the return of competition can now mark their calendars for the Carhartt Bassmaster College Series Championship presented by Bass Pro Shops, which will be held Oct. 29-31. While a spot in the 2021 Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic will be on the line at the Bassmaster Team Championshipand Classic Fish-Off Dec. 9-12.
“On behalf of our great partners at Visit Lake and the City of Leesburg, we are so pleased to welcome the 2020 Carhartt Bassmaster College Team Championship and the 2020 Bassmaster Team Championship to Lake County,” said Jason Siegel, CEO & President of the Greater Orlando Sports Commission. “Our community is appreciative of the opportunity to host the College Championship for the first time and welcome back the Team Championship for the second time to the Harris Chain of Lakes. We look forward to providing a safe and enjoyable atmosphere and are confident that the anglers and their families will have a wonderful experience in Lake County this fall.”
The Carhartt Bassmaster College Series Championship will field as many as 130 teams of anglers representing colleges and universities across the nation. Qualifications are based on the teams’ finishes in four college tour stops being held throughout the country.
Only one College Series tournament was completed before events were postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. That January event on Toledo Bend saw Cody Huff and Dakota Pierce of powerhouse Bethel University go wire-to-wire to not only clinch the victory and earn more than $3,000 for the Bethel bass fishing team, but also secure their berth in the College Championship tournament.
“We’re excited to work with these great partners to offer young anglers an incredible championship tournament experience,” said College Series Senior Manager Hank Weldon. “I am thrilled that we were able to get the regular season and championship rescheduled so that the majority of teams who registered for these tournaments can compete for a national title and chance to fish the Classic.”
The College Championship tournament will crown the national championship team as well as 2020 Bassmaster College Series Team of the Year. Additionally, anglers on the Top 4 teams will earn a chance to compete for a berth in the 2021 Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic at November’s Carhartt Bassmaster College Series Classic Bracket Challenge on Alabama’s Lay Lake.
2019 College Bracket Challenge winner Huff, who fished against three of his Bethel teammates, not only earned a spot in the 50th Bassmaster Classic on Lake Guntersville, but made it to Championship Sunday before ultimately finishing 24th.
“Competing in the College Team Championship and winning the College Bracket Challenge turned a dream into a reality,” said Huff. “It seems like such a long shot to win, but it just takes six good days of fishing to be driving your dream truck and boat to the biggest tournament in bass fishing, the Bassmaster Classic.”
Also battling for a berth in the Bassmaster Classic will be the grassroots anglers competing at the Bassmaster Team Championship. The team portion of the event will be held Dec. 9-10 and will feature anglers from 30 states and several foreign countries. The winning duo will not only win a cash prize, but they’ll also lead the charge into the Classic Fish-Off which will take place Dec. 11-12. The Team Championship was last held at Harris Chain in 2018.
The top three teams through Day 2 — six anglers in all — will have their weights zeroed and then compete individually in the Fish-Off. The competitor with the heaviest two-day total of the group will nab the coveted spot in the Classic. Josh Busby, of Rogersville, Mo., won the 2019 Bassmaster Team Championship Classic Fish-Off on Lake Hartwell. Busby was so overcome with emotion at making his childhood dream a reality that the 36-year-old food scientist fell to his knees on stage and wept.
Emotions are sure to run high for both championship tournaments on Harris Chain, part of Lake County, Fla. This scenic area in the Oklawaha River basin north of Orlando features seven interconnected lakes — Big Harris, Little Harris, Eustis, Dora, Beauclair, Carlton and Griffin — dotted with eelgrass, lilypads, reeds and bulrushes.
“We are thrilled to host the 2020 Bassmaster College Championship and the Bassmaster Team Championship,” said Commissioner Tim Sullivan, Lake County Board of County Commissioners. “Lake County is the premier destination for visitors to experience ‘Real Florida. Real Close.’ and is home to the best bass fishing lakes in the southeastern United States.”
The bountiful bass fishing at this storied location is just one reason why B.A.S.S. has hosted 17 major tournaments at the fishery.
“Lake County is excited to continue our successful run of hosting top-tier fishing tournaments with both the 14th Annual Carhartt Bassmaster College Team Championship and the Bassmaster Team Championship,” said Brandon Matulka, Executive Director of the Lake County Agency for Economic Prosperity. “We strive to be a top destination for these events and welcome all the anglers, their families, tournament staff and sponsors to stay and enjoy everything our great community has to offer.”
The Carhartt Bassmaster College Series Championship presented by Bass Pro Shops and Bassmaster Team Championship and Classic Fish-Off are being hosted by GO Sports, Visit Lake and the City of Leesburg.
Livin' the "live" Life
This week Chris welcomes in Blonde Girl Behind the Scenes host Michele Eichstead to co-host as both Jason and Kenneth are out of town. Intern David comes out of his shell as the gang welcomes in BPT Pro Justin Lucas and new NPFL Angler Scotty Villines on both FB Live and here in the audio version.
Zaldain shares what to expect at St. Lawrence Elite Series
Courtesy of Alan McGuckin - Dynamic Sponsorships
Chris Zaldain has notched (21) impressive Top 10s in his still young career, and one of them came last year at the site of this week’s Bassmaster Elite Series tournament on the St. Lawrence River.
The Carhartt/Yamaha pro was gracious enough to phone us Wednesday night with his thoughts as to what fans can expect when competition begins Thursday morning with Live coverage on ESPN2.
Q: What’s going to be your biggest challenge this week?
Zaldain: The conditions are a lot different than last year. The water is lower, and there’s a lot less current. Plus, 9 of my 10 best spots from last year are located on the Canadian side of the river, and that water is officially off-limits this year.
Q: Tell us about the goodness of the three lures you’re holding in the photo.
Zaldain: Everybody knows the drop shot is a staple here, and the little 3” MegaBass Hazedong Shad is the perfect bite-sized dropshot snack for smallmouth with super realistic eyes and a really natural swimming action. The Vision 110 and the Vision 110 Plus 1 jerkbaits are also excellent for smallmouth – especially when you’re trying to cover a ton of water out on Lake Ontario. The 110 dives to about 6 feet and the 110 Plus 1 gets down to 12 feet.
Q: Speaking of Lake Ontario, what percentage of all the casts made this week by Elite Series anglers will take place on Lake Ontario versus in the St. Lawrence River?
Zaldain: I’ll say 15% Lake Ontario vs. 85% in the St. Lawrence River. Most guys in this field know and understand the river a lot better, and Ontario gets a whole lot rougher with just a little bit of wind.
Q: Gobies have been described as protein bars for smallmouth bass – never mind how many smallmouth you’ve caught in practice – tell us how many gobies you’ve successfully hooked and landed in three days of practice.
Zaldain: I’ve landed three of those dudes, and even though they’re fairly small -- they are tough! I swear they could survive for half-a-day out of water, sprout legs and walk on dry land.
Q: We started by talking about your Top 10 finish here last year, what will you have to catch each day this year to assure yourself another Top 10?
Zaldain: I averaged 19 pounds a day here last year and finished 9th, and while it seems like conditions are making it tougher this year, I think it will take 18 or 19 pounds per day again to make the Top 10.
Justin Atkins - Yamaha Power Pay “Power Paid”
Needing a new outboard in the middle of the season isn’t exactly ideal for a professional angler, but that’s exactly where Justin Atkins found himself leading into three major tournaments on his schedule. Fortunately, Atkins quickly made a decision thanks to the reputation and quality of Yamaha outboards and the popular Power Pay contingency program.
The former FLW® Forrest Wood Cup champion added a 250 horsepower Yamaha V MAX SHO® to his Falcon boat and headed to the Bassmaster® Central Open on the Arkansas River, excited for new opportunities.
“I’ve always known Yamaha makes a great outboard, but Power Pay is what sold me,” Atkins said. “I’ve never understood why more anglers don’t gravitate towards contingency programs. When a company produces a quality product, supports our industry and offers an incredible program like Power Pay, it’s a no-brainer. I couldn’t be happier with my Yamaha.”
Atkins’ decision already proved fruitful. He earned $500 for his 33rd place finish at the Basspro.com Bassmaster® Central Open, and added another $1,000 in Power Pay winnings for a 23rd place showing at the FLW® Tackle Warehouse® Pro Circuit Super Tournament last month. With several Power Pay supported events left on his 2020 calendar, Atkins looks forward to the possibility of more bonus earnings.
Anglers don’t need to win a tournament to reap the rewards of Power Pay; they just need to be the highest finishing registered participant in a Power Pay sanctioned event. There are currently hundreds of bass, walleye, and saltwater tournaments eligible for Power Pay.
For more information, complete terms and conditions or to register for Yamaha Power Pay, visit yamahapowerpay.com. You can also email Chip Porche with questions at [email protected].
B.A.S.S. Moves August High School And Junior Tournaments To Lake Hartwell
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — The Mossy Oak Fishing Bassmaster High School Series at Lake St. Clair presented by Academy Sports + Outdoors and the Mossy Oak Fishing Bassmaster Junior Series, both originally scheduled for August 8, will instead be held on South Carolina’s Lake Hartwell August 30, B.A.S.S. officials announced today.
Guidelines in the state of Michigan issued on July 9 limit the size of any outdoor gathering, including fishing tournaments, to 100 people or less. Based on current registration numbers, B.A.S.S. officials expected 195 anglers and their boat captains to participate.
“It is disappointing anytime you have to move a tournament, especially from a fantastic and scenic smallmouth fishery like Lake St. Clair,” said High School Series Senior Manager Hank Weldon. “B.A.S.S. has emphasized for months, though, that we will heed each state’s mandates on crowd sizes and public spaces to ensure both competition and fan activities can resume safely.
“We are thankful to our friends at Visit Anderson to be able to move the event to Lake Hartwell so that the majority of teams who registered for our high school and junior tournaments can compete.”
The current rules do not impact the upcoming Bassmaster Elite at Lake St. Clair Aug. 20-23. Professional sports are allowed in Michigan provided protocols are in place which adhere to guidance from the CDC and Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.
The field of young anglers who launch onto Lake Hartwell — a 56,000-acre impoundment on the Savannah, Tugaloo and Seneca rivers along the South Carolina/Georgia border — will be fishing one of the sport’s most storied bodies of water. Hartwell has hosted three previous Bassmaster Classics and six major B.A.S.S. events as well as a host of B.A.S.S. Nation, college and high school tournaments. Plus, the lake has consistently been ranked as one of the country’s Top 100 Best Bass Lakes in BassmasterMagazine’s annual rankings, making the coveted list four times since 2015. Lake Hartwell was ranked one of the Southeast’s Best Bass Lakes in the recently released all-decade list.
“We are extremely excited to host the high school and junior series at Lake Hartwell and Green Pond Landing,” said Neil Paul, Executive Director of Visit Anderson. “Anderson County has done a tremendous job during this most difficult time to ensure the safety of our community, and we will extend that same effort and passion into welcoming B.A.S.S., the anglers and their families. We have been blessed with a tremendous fishery, great facilities and a very supportive fishing community and we look forward to hosting the high school anglers and their families for this event.”
Any team registered for the event on Lake St. Clair will be refunded their entry fees and given priority registration for the Hartwell events. Registration is now open for the Bassmaster Junior Series and Bassmaster High School Series at Lake Hartwell, and will remain open until Aug. 14. Learn more at Bassmaster.com/High-School or Bassmaster.com/Junior.
Big Smallmouth Will Again Take Center Stage At Bassmaster Elite On St. Lawrence River
CLAYTON, N.Y. — Despite a venue change that avails a completely different scenario, Canadian pro Chris Johnston, of Peterborough, Ontario, will be sticking with his original game plan during the SiteOne Bassmaster Elite at St. Lawrence River Thursday through Sunday.
Initially scheduled to be held in Waddington, N.Y., COVID-19 considerations required tournament officials to move to Jefferson County, which is hosting the event in cooperation with the Village of Clayton and the 1000 Islands Clayton Chamber of Commerce.
Since 2017, the Bassmaster Elite Series has held events in Waddington where river fishing was the only option. With Clayton sitting at the mouth of the St. Lawrence, anglers will now have the option of fishing the U.S. side of Lake Ontario (all Canadian waters are off-limits for this event).
Still, Johnston said he’s not leaving the river.
“I really don’t think the lake will (play a significant role),” Johnston said. “From what I’ve experienced the last couple of years, there are giant fish in the river. With tournaments out of the Canadian side, it’s always three-quarters of the field that’s in the river catching them.
“The lake can be so good, but it can be really bad as well.”
Johnston mostly attributes the decline in Lake Ontario's productivity to fishing pressure. Years of publicity have increased recreational traffic and caused behavioral shifts in the bass.
“As soon as the spawn’s done, they go deep; they don’t stick around shallow like they used to,” Johnston said. “Will (Lake Ontario) play a factor? Yes. Will there be guys out there checking it? Yes. Is it a really big gamble? Absolutely.”
Summer weather isn’t the year’s worst, but it doesn’t take a lot of wind to turn a Great Lake into a washing machine. Elite anglers are well-accustomed to safely operating in rough water, but time management becomes an issue as navigational speed decreases. Also, presentation accuracy suffers when riding the Ontario seesaw.
Even if favorable conditions prevail, it’s likely that the majority of the field will remain inside the St. Lawrence River. Why? This pristine waterway is absolutely loaded with big, aggressive smallmouth bass. Considering this year’s conditions, Johnston expects the fish to be fully settled into summer patterns.
“Last week, the water temperature on the lake was 72 degrees, so it’s well ahead of what it should be,” he said. “Last year, there were a few bedded fish still kicking around in the river, but this year’s totally different. The weather here has been exceptionally hot — in the 100s for the last couple of weeks, which is crazy hot for us.
“The fish know that and they’re going to be deep. It’s going to be a slugfest. There’s no doubt about it.”
In this smallmouth-dominated event, the usual river tactics like Ned rigs, dropshots, swimbaits and tubes should account for the majority of the fish. Depending on depth and current, anglers will be dragging baits along measured drifts or dropping on particular targets.
One wildcard to note — largemouth, big largemouth. Northern-strain largemouth don’t grow as big as the Florida-strain beasts of southern latitudes and good numbers of quality smallmouth are typically easier to find throughout the St. Lawrence fishery. That being said, the weigh-ins will likely see a handful of impressive green fish.
“If a guy spends the time to dial in the smallmouth and then goes and looks for one or two giant largemouth each day, there are huge largemouth in the St. Lawrence River and they’re virtually untouched.
“A guy can get a big bag of smallmouth — 22-23 pounds — and then go look for a 6- to 7-pound largemouth. They do exist, and they’re a lot more frequent than a lot of people think.”
Johnston said he believes it will take a three-day total of 64 pounds to make it to Championship Sunday, with the tournament winner needing about 88 pounds to earn the coveted blue trophy. Whatever the final numbers, he’s confident that this stellar fishery will provide anglers and B.A.S.S. fans a much-needed enthusiasm boost.
“I’m excited; anytime we get the northern swing, that’s in my wheelhouse,” Johnston said. “I’m excited not only for that, but to get it back going. It’s been a weird year, and I think we need to be out there on the water doing what we love to do.
“With ESPN2 covering the event and the following week on Lake Champlain, it’s going to be a great couple of weeks for the fans watching there and on Bassmaster Live.”
Under guidelines from the State of New York, no fans or spectators are allowed to attend events, but fans will still have multiple ways to catch live on-the-water action. Like always, the real-time action will be carried on Bassmaster LIVE at Bassmaster.com and ESPN3 beginning at 8 a.m. ET. Coverage will also be broadcast on ESPN2. Check your local listings for details.
Multiple social distancing and safety measures will be used to comply with guidelines issued by the State of New York for professional sports competitions to help keep anglers and staff — as well as the local community — safe from the spread of COVID-19. Prior to the start of the tournament, all anglers, staff and venue personnel will undergo diagnostic testing. Additionally, a new partnership between B.A.S.S. and CrewMinders will allow all anglers and event staff to complete daily health screening via a simple online platform. The daily health questionnaire, delivered via a text link, allows everyone involved with the tournament to perform their safety screening before arriving at the fishery or venue. This helps reduce instances where anglers or staff would potentially be congregated for on-site screening.
Daily takeoffs for the SiteOne Bassmaster Elite at St. Lawrence River are scheduled for 6:45 a.m. ET at the Clayton Antique Boat Museum, with weigh-ins back at the museum at 3 p.m., which will be aired on Bassmaster.com. A field of 86 anglers will be competing for a first-place prize of $100,000.
2020 SiteOne Bassmaster Elite At St. Lawrence River Title Sponsor: SiteOne
2020 Bassmaster Elite Series Platinum Sponsor: Toyota
2020 Bassmaster Elite Series Premier Sponsors: Abu Garcia, Berkley, Humminbird, Mercury, Minn Kota, Nitro Boats, Power-Pole, Ranger Boats, Skeeter Boats, Talon, Yamaha
2020 Bassmaster Elite Series Supporting Sponsors: Bass Pro Shops, Carhartt, Garmin, Huk Performance Fishing, Mossy Oak Fishing, Rapala
2020 Bassmaster Elite Series Conservation Partners: AFTCO, Huk
2020 SiteOne Bassmaster Elite At St. Lawrence River Local Hosts: Jefferson County, Village of Clayton, 1000 Islands Clayton Chamber of Commerce
Berkley® Adds a Trio of Frog Baits to its Legendary Lineup - ICAST 2020
COLUMBIA, S.C. (July 22, 2020) –Continuing its legacy of leadership in science and technology, Berkley is expanding its lineup of frog baits with the addition of three new baits that are sure to become a staple in any frog fisherman’s tackle box. The new lineup includes two new soft baits infused with the scientifically proven fish-catching PowerBait® formula - the Beat’n Paddle Frog and the Buzz’n Speed Toad, and one new unique bait, the Berkley Power Pop.
A creative spin on a familiar shape, the Berkley Power Pop combines the softness of a soft bait with the high buoyancy of a hard bait. Initially developed by Berkley scientists in Japan, the Power Pop is a super high flotation frog. Uniquely constructed from a durable, ultra low-density material to keep water out, the Power Pop is nearly impossible to sink in most situations. The wide-cupped mouth allows added surface disturbance and the recessed hook pocket keeps the bait weedless. The new Berkley Power Pop is available in 10 unique color designs and comes paired with the proven and popular Fusion19™ EWG Hook.
“Frog fishing takes technique and patience and we wanted to emulate the movements and body of a frog as closely as possible with the new soft baits,” said Berkley Marketing Director Jake Dawson. “The PowerBait formula continues to deliver for anglers, and the addition of the new HD Tru color extensions and modifications to the bodies increase the bait’s ability to perform.”
The Berkley PowerBait Beat’n Paddle Frog is designed with paddle tail-style feet that make an easy-to-start rhythmic sound to which bass are immediately drawn. The all-new 3.9-inch ultra-real HD Tru colors make the ultimate frog fishing experience for any angler. The unique perpendicular hook point keepers protect single hook and double frog hook rigs to accommodate fishing around structure. The sturdy body allows for fishing in heavy cover and catching multiple fish per bait.
The 4.25 inch Berkley PowerBait Buzz’n Speed Toad features HD Tru colors, which amplify its lifelike qualities and allow the baits to replicate the look of frogs like the American Toad and Bull Frog. The natural profile delivers outstanding action, and when paired with a buzzbait or when rigged on an EWG hook, the belly slot has an extended leading edge that keeps the bait from sliding up the shank for even more consistent hook sets. Like the Beat’n Paddle Frog, the Buzz’n Speed Toad has a sturdy body able to catch multiple fish per bait.
For more information on the new line of Berkley Frogs visit www.berkley-fishing.com.
Justin Lucas Caps 2020 MLF Season with MaxScent-Driven Domination in Sturgeon Bay
Berkley pros fishing PowerBait MaxScent Flat Worms account for four spots in the Top 10.
COLUMBIA, S.C. (July 21, 2020) — Pretty much anyone who’s ever wet a line has, upon the completion of an unsuccessful day on the water, been regaled with a story about how good the fishing was at some point in the recent past. But if there’s a place an angler should have been last week, it was at Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, where Berkley®pro Justin Lucas carved his name into the MLF record books by boating more than 300 pounds of smallmouth bass over the course of three fishing days thanks to Berkley’s leadership in science and research.
Berkley PowerBait® MaxScent Flat Worms were smallmouth kryptonite on Sturgeon Bay last week, where Lucas took a finesse approach, riding his dropshot rig to a convincing win and a $65,000 pay day in the season-finale. Lucas set new MLF records for single-day weight (141 pounds, 9 ounces), two-day weight (205 pounds, 6 ounces) and Championship Round weight (110 pounds, 5 ounces). He also won his qualifying group by 45 pounds on his way to picking up his first professional tour win since a B.A.S.S. Elite Series victory in 2016.
And he had plenty of friends joining him at the top of the standings thanks to MaxScent. A quarter of the 40-angler field that progressed to the Knockout Round at Sturgeon Bay were Berkley pros — all relying on PowerBait MaxScent. Four Berkley pros finished in the Top 10 and Berkley pros accounted for 50 percent of the Top-14 finishers.
“MaxScent is a dominating bait,” Lucas said. “I’ve fished side-by-side with other anglers in other tournaments — so close to each other that our boats are rubbing — and I’ve watched as the other guys literally take their hat off and scratch their head as they try to figure out why I’m catching everything and they aren’t catching a thing.”
This isn’t Lucas’s first brush with success using PowerBait MaxScent: two years ago, he and fellow Berkley pro Josh Bertrand finished first and second on the St. Lawrence River catching smallmouth on MaxScent. Later in the same season, Lucas finished in the Top 10 on Lake Oahe in South Dakota with MaxScent.
“That’s when I knew we could dominate with it,” Lucas said. “When this (Sturgeon Bay) event was announced I was so fired up to be going there. I knew I would catch them on a dropshot with MaxScent.”
Born in the Berkley Test Labs in Spirit Lake, Iowa, the same lab that produced original PowerBait and Gulp!®, PowerBait MaxScent made its way into the bass fishing world in 2016. Berkley scientists spent countless hours to develop a bait that disperses scent as well or better than Gulp! while still being as flexible and durable as PowerBait. The result is a bait that doesn’t dry out quickly, has plenty of fish-attracting action and a flavor that fish bite and won’t let go — just ask the smallmouth in Sturgeon Bay.
“The science is there. It’s not luck when you have that many guys in the Top 10 all fishing the same bait,” Lucas said. “The new colors are also great colors for bass fishing. There’s not a better dropshot bait out there.”
The MaxScent Flat Worm offers a slender baitfish profile and is the most effective dropshot bait on the market thanks to its unparalleled action, which quivers with even the smallest movements. The ribs of the bait provide the additional surface area needed to hold the maximum dosage of PowerBait MaxScent scent and flavor while the unique material used to make the bait releases a super-charged scent field to attract fish in ways not seen with other baits.
“I can’t even begin to tell you how proud we are to have something like (the Sturgeon Bay tournament) blow up. We spent a lot of time and effort looking into what fish like the smell, look feel of and the taste of — we study all the senses,” said Berkley’s Mark Sexton, who leads the company’s Fish Science and Product Testing Team. “Smallmouth are very scent oriented and even though the water is gin clear, you get down in some of that deeper water and they can’t see well down there. It’s the scent drawing the fish in.”
PowerBait MaxScent Flat Worms, while brutally effective on smallmouth, aren’t just for brown bass. The MaxScent line, which includes 14 different shapes in a wide variety of sizes and colors, continues to produce for largemouth anglers, as well. Even walleye and inshore saltwater anglers are in on the secret.
Sexton went on to say, “When we developed MaxScent, we keyed on largemouth (during the development of the bait) as a majority of our anglers are targeting largemouth. But we were ecstatic to see how much smallmouth love the taste of this stuff. And we can prove that it catches more fish than any competitive bait we’ve ever tried.”
Justin Lucas: Winning Gear — Dropshot
Rod: 7-foot medium-action Abu Garcia Fantasista Premier
Reel: Abu Garcia Revo Premier spinning (Size 30)
Mainline/Leader: Berkley x5 braid (8-pound-test)/Trilene 100% Fluorocarbon (8-pound-test)
Hook: Berkley Fusion19 Dropshot Hook (Size 2)
Weight: 3/8-ounce tungsten dropshot weight
Bait: Berkley PowerBait MaxScent Flat Worm (Green Pumpkin, Black or Smoke Black Purple)
B.A.S.S. Partners With CrewMinders For Tournament Health Screening
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — A new partnership between B.A.S.S.and CrewMinders will allow all anglers and event staff to complete daily health screening via a simple safety check platform, a process that will be implemented across the entire Bassmaster Tournament Trail. Self-screening via CrewMinders will be in place when the Bassmaster Elite Series heads to New York for back-to-back events beginning July 23 on the St. Lawrence River.
“While daily health screenings are mandatory for staff, anglers and venue personnel as part of the State of New York’s guidelines for professional sports, our goal is to ensure those associated with our tournaments across every level of competition — as well as in our host communities — remain healthy,” said Chase Anderson, B.A.S.S. Chairman. “CrewMinders has worked with our tournament team to create an easy and effective solution which adds another level of safety to Bassmaster events.”
The daily health questionnaire, delivered via text, allows everyone involved with the tournament to perform their safety screening before arriving at the fishery. This helps reduce instances where anglers, staff or visitors would potentially be congregated for on-site screening and ensures personal health information is kept private.
“Real-time communication about health and wellness is of paramount concern for businesses everywhere — now more so than ever,” said Rabun Lewis, CrewMinders General Manager. “CrewMinders users are able to deliver automated and targeted safety content that drives positive safety behaviors in employees and offers employers invaluable insight in a simple and private manner.”
The CrewMinders platform also enables event organizers to optimize widescale communication through customizable and rapidly deployable messaging tools, simplifying the processes for employee safety and awareness.
“Throughout our testing process, I have been really impressed with how easy it was for our team to set up CrewMinders to communicate with anyone attending our tournaments as well as how quickly it is to complete the health screening process,” commented Trip Weldon, Bassmaster Elite Series Tournament Director.
About CrewMinders
Founded in 2020, CrewMinders is the premier frontline employee engagement platform. Based in Atlanta, CrewMinders builds elegantly simple solutions to help companies communicate rapidly with their teams. We are passionate about our customers and deeply engage with them to understand how we can solve their problems. Our mission is to provide employers with the communication tools necessary to ensure their workers are safe and healthy. Learn more at crewminders.com.
FLW Announces Toyota Series Return to Sandusky
Toyota Series at Lake Champlain Tournament Shifted to Lake Erie for Aug. 18-20 Event
SANDUSKY, Ohio (July 22, 2020) – FLW, the world’s largest tournament-fishing organization, announced today that the organization will shift its Aug. 18-20 Toyota Series Northern Division event from Lake Champlain in Plattsburgh, New York, to Lake Erie and Sandusky, Ohio. The move was made in response to New York’s expanded travel restrictions associated with the coronavirus pandemic
Entries will roll over to the rescheduled event unless instructed otherwise.
Anglers will take off daily at 6:30 a.m. EDT from the Shelby Street Boat Launch Facility, located at 101 Shelby St., in Sandusky. Weigh-ins will also be held at the Shelby Street Launch Facility and will begin at 2:30 p.m. Attendance is limited to competing anglers and essential staff only. Fans are encouraged to forgo the daily takeoffs and weigh-ins and follow the event online through the “FLW Live” weigh-in broadcasts and daily coverage at FLWFishing.com.
The Toyota Series consists of eight divisions – Central, Eastern, Northern, Plains, Southeastern, Southern, Southwestern and Western – each holding three regular-season events, along with the International division. Anglers who fish all three qualifiers in any of the eight divisions and finish in the top 25 will qualify for the no-entry-fee Toyota Series Championship for a shot at winning $235,000 cash, including a $35,000 FLW PHOENIX Bonus for qualified anglers. The winning co-angler at the championship earns a new Phoenix 518 Pro bass boat with a 115-horsepower outboard. The 2020 Toyota Series Championship will be held Dec. 3-5 on Lake Cumberland in Burnside, Kentucky, and is hosted by the Somerset Tourist & Convention Commission and the Burnside Tourism Commission.
FLW continues to monitor Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), federal, state and local guidelines and recommends that everyone follow the guidelines to help minimize the spread of COVID-19.
For complete details and updated information visit FLWFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow the Toyota Series on FLW’s social media outlets at Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.
Lester makes custom skirts to fool finicky summer bass
Courtesy of Alan McGuckin - Dynamic Sponsorships
Like a lot of us, Brandon Lester is fishing obsessed. So, if you’re trying to track him down between Bassmaster Elite Series tournaments, there’s a pretty good bet you can find him on a local reservoir near his Fayetteville, TN home. Heck, even on a family beach vacation, he still fishes every day.
But if you want to save yourself some trouble locating the Team Toyota pro, just call his sweetheart Kim. She’ll know exactly where he is. “Oh my gosh, it’s 95 degrees here, and no surprise, he’s out in our shop building jig skirts,” she told me on a recent phone call.
Sure enough, on one of 2020’s hottest Friday afternoons, there sat a barefooted and slightly sweaty Lester with a color pallet of silicone strands on his lap tinkering to create something summertime schools of heavily pressured largemouth hadn’t seen yet.
“There is no doubt in my mind that playing with custom skirt colors makes a huge difference in getting pressured fish to bite that have seen all the common colors by mid to late summer,” insists Lester.
“Most of the time, I’m really not a guy who gets too obsessed with lure color. For example, at the Bassmaster Classic back in early March, I was just throwing a plain brown jig because those fish hadn’t seen near as many baits through the winter months. But by late July, schools of fish on places like Guntersville or Kentucky Lake have seen it all, so color becomes super important,” he believes.
Lester began building custom colored jigs a dozen years ago as a college student, and he even used to melt and pour the lead heads himself. But these days he says you can buy the lead heads and hooks as cheap as you can source lead and melt it yourself. Still, he builds custom colored skirts for roughly 75 to 100 football jigs per summer.
“I’ve had days on the water where a buddy was throwing a football jig from the back deck of my boat that was a slightly different color than something more standard I was throwing, and he absolutely beat me like it was my first day on the water, so I know color matters,” says Lester.
He’ll also tell you it’s the minor color accents that make a huge difference in the number of bites he gets, admitting that green pumpkin constitutes the primary color on 85% of the football jigs he throws.
“Another thing I pay close attention to is what color of X Zone soft plastics they’re biting best – and then I’ll build my jig skirts to match that color,” says Lester, who has amassed a highly impressive (34) Top 20 finishes in his young career.
Asked to describe the perfect summer football jig scenario – Lester says he’s typically throwing a 3/4 -ounce version on 17-pound Vicious fluorocarbon, and looks for a clean hard bottom on a hump, a channel drop-off, or a roadbed in 12 to 24 feet of water, and advises brushpiles are far more efficiently probed with sleek Texas rigged worms, not jigs.
“Maybe the custom color skirt thing is all in my head, but I fully believe it makes a difference, and if you believe in what you’re throwing then you’ll fish with more confidence – and confidence is everything in bass fishing,” he concludes.
B.A.S.S. Postpones Eastern Open Tournament On Oneida Lake
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — After conversations with local hosts, Visit Syracuse and Onondaga County Parks, B.A.S.S. has postponed the Basspro.com Bassmaster Eastern Open originally scheduled for August 6-8, 2020 on Oneida Lake, in Oneida, N.Y.
“Onondaga County Parks and Visit Syracuse join our friends at Bassmaster in expressing our regret over the postponement of this year’s Bassmaster Eastern Open at Oneida Shores,” said Jeff Mickle, Senior Sales Manager of Visit Syracuse. “Bassmaster events have been a large part of our community for many years, and we look forward to hosting all the anglers and their families in the years to come.”
After two spring Bassmaster Opens Series tournaments were initially postponed, the Oneida tournament was due to be the Eastern Division’s second stop of the 2020 season.
Any angler who wishes to cancel their tournament registration completely may email the B.A.S.S. tournament department at [email protected] for a full refund.
B.A.S.S. is working to determine a new date and location for the tournament.
Toyota Series to Host Event on Wheeler Lake
DECATUR, Ala. (July 21, 2020) – The 2020 Toyota Series Southeastern Division will continue with a tournament next week in Decatur, July 30- Aug. 1, with the Toyota Series at Wheeler Lake. Hosted by Decatur Morgan County Tourism, the three-day tournament will feature the region’s best bass-fishing pros and co-anglers casting for a top prize of up to $65,000, plus a $35,000 bonus if the winner is a qualified Phoenix Boat owner.
“This is going to be a fun tournament to watch,” said Major League Fishing pro Jesse Wiggins of Addison, Alabama, “I think it is going to play out very similar to the FLW Cup event that John Cox won here in 2016. There will be some fish out deep, but it won’t be a complete offshore tournament.
“A guy can catch them out of the eelgrass and do well,” Wiggins continued. “The smallmouth have been biting well, lately, and I think the tournament could be won on smallmouth if they can figure them out. There are a lot of ways that this tournament could be won, but the key is going to be finding the fish to be consistent for three days.”
Wiggins said that if he was competing in the event, he’d have a drop-shot rig, a jerkbait, a shaky-head rig and a shallow-diving crankbait all tied on.
“It’s summertime in Alabama so it may be a grind, but we’re going to see some good limits,” Wiggins went on to say. “I think a guy is going to have to average 15 to 16 pounds a day to be there at the end. I predict the winner ends up with a three-day total of 48 to 50 pounds.”
Anglers will take off daily at 6 a.m. CDT from Ingalls Harbor, located at 701 Market St. NW, in Decatur. Weigh-ins will also be held Ingalls Harbor and will begin at 2:30 p.m. Attendance is limited to competing anglers and essential staff only. Fans are encouraged to follow the event online through the “FLW Live” weigh-in broadcasts and daily coverage at FLWFishing.com.
In Toyota Series regular-season competition, payouts are based on the number of participants competing in the event, scaling up for every 20 boats over 160 and scaling down for every boat below 160. With a 160-boat field, pros fish for a top prize of $40,000, plus an extra $35,000 if FLW PHOENIX BONUS qualified. Co-anglers cast for the top prize of a new Phoenix 518 Pro bass boat with a 115-horsepower outboard (valued at $33,500). With a 260-boat field, pros fish for a top award of $65,000, plus an extra $35,000 if FLW PHOENIX BONUS qualified. Co-anglers cast for the top prize of a new Phoenix 518 Pro bass boat with a 115-horsepower outboard (valued at $33,500) plus $5,000 cash.
The Toyota Series consists of eight divisions – Central, Eastern, Northern, Plains, Southeastern, Southern, Southwestern and Western – each holding three regular-season events, along with the International division. Anglers who fish all three qualifiers in any of the eight divisions and finish in the top 25 will qualify for the no-entry-fee Toyota Series Championship for a shot at winning $235,000 cash, including a $35,000 FLW PHOENIX Bonus for qualified anglers. The winning co-angler at the championship earns a new Phoenix 518 Pro bass boat with a 115-horsepower outboard. The 2020 Toyota Series Championship will be held Dec. 3-5 on Lake Cumberland in Burnside, Kentucky, and is hosted by the Somerset Tourist & Convention Commission and the Burnside Tourism Commission.
For complete details and updated information visit FLWFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow the Toyota Series on FLW’s social media outlets at Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.
Memphis’ Scott Wins Saturday, Kingston Springs’ Anderson Wins Sunday at Phoenix Bass Fishing League Double-Header on Pickwick Lake
IUKA, Miss. (July 20, 2020) – It was a double-header for weekend bass anglers this past weekend in Iuka with the Phoenix Bass Fishing League presented by T-H Marine on Pickwick Lake events.
Boater Dayton Scott of Memphis, Tennessee, brought a three-bass limit to the scale totaling 12 pounds, 6 ounces to win Saturday’s event and earn $5,575, while boater Brent Anderson of Kingston Springs, Tennessee, brought in three bass weighing 12 pounds, 8 ounces on Sunday to earn the win and the top prize of $5,394.
It was a unique win for 18-year-old Scott, who just wrapped up his High School Fishing career as he fished in his last High School tournament last weekend. Saturday was Scott’s first ever BFL tournament, and the young angler had a special day.
“I thought I’d do okay, but the Good Lord blessed me with an 8½-pounder that helped me get my weight,” Scott said. “Most of my fish came on a swimjig, but the big fish came on a Texas-rigged 7-inch Strike King Cut-R Worm (green pumpkin).
“I noticed in practice that the ledges were getting pounded, so I tried to key on shallow flats where they were pushing bait,” Scott continued. “I fished near State Line Island and caught most of my fish in 6 feet of water.”
The top five boaters on Saturday were:
1st: Dayton Scott of Memphis, Tenn., three bass, 12-6, $5,575
1st: Steve Hughes of Mooreville, Miss., three bass, 11-13, $2,288
3rd: T.A. Cook III of Booneville, Miss., three bass, 11-10, $1,525
4th: Jennings Earnest of Guin, Ala., three bass, 11-0, $1,068
5th: Bryan Waldon of Falkner, Miss., three bass, 10-11, $915
Complete results for Saturday can be found at FLWFishing.com.
Casey Taylor of Smithville, Tennessee, brought a 9-pound, 4-ounce largemouth to the scale to earn Saturday’s Boater Big Bass award of $665.
Johnny Suratt of Lawrenceburg, Tennessee, won the Co-angler Division and $2,288 Saturday after catching three bass weighing 13 pounds, 4 ounces.
The top five co-anglers Saturday finished as follows:
1st: Johnny Suratt of Lawrenceburg, Tenn., three bass, 13-4, $2,288
2nd: Kiowa Terry of Hamilton, Ala., three bass, 11-3, $1,144
3rd: Brian Toth of Pearl, Miss., three bass, 10-13, $762
4th: Farley Fondren of Maben, Miss., three bass, 10-12, $534
5th: Anthony Rasberry of New Albany, Miss., three bass, 9-15, $458
Eddie Armstrong of West Point, Mississippi, caught the largest bass in the Co-angler Division, weighing in at 8 pounds, 15 ounces, to win the day’s Co-angler Big Bass award of $332.
On Sunday, winning boater Brent Anderson also caught his fish shallow.
“My experience guiding on this lake has taught me that I could not win out deep,” said Anderson, who earned his eighth career BFL win. “I ran up the river and fished anything that looked good – some water willows, laydowns and stumps.
“I caught them on a worm, a jig, a ChatterBait and a few on a topwater,” Anderson continued. “The key bait was the worm – a plum-colored Zoom Ol’ Monster. I fished anywhere from 6 to 10 feet.”
The top five boaters on Sunday were:
1st: Brent Anderson of Kingston Springs, Tenn., three bass, 12-8, $5,394
2nd: Michael Wooley of Booneville, Miss., three bass, 12-3, $2,197
3rd: Randy Craft of Seminary, Miss., three bass, 10-13, $1,464
4th: Ben Webb of Mooreville, Miss., three bass, 10-11, $1,025
5th: Andy Coy of Corinth, Miss., three bass, 10-9, $2,009
Complete results for Sunday’s event on Pickwick Lake can be found at FLWFishing.com.
Coy brought a 6-pound, 9-ounce bass to the scale to win Sunday’s Boater Big Bass award of $630.
Coy also picked up Sunday’s FLW PHOENIX BONUS of $500 as he was the highest-finishing member. Boaters are eligible to win up to an extra $7,000 per event in each Phoenix Bass Fishing League presented by T-H Marine tournament if all requirements are met. More information on the FLW PHOENIX BONUS contingency program can be found at PhoenixBassBoats.com.
Cameron Petras of Biloxi, Mississippi, won the Co-angler Division and $2,197 Sunday after catching a three-bass limit weighing 11 pounds, 4 ounces.
The top five co-anglers Sunday finished as follows:
1st: Cameron Petras of Biloxi, Miss., three bass, 11-4, $2,197
2nd: Chris Estes of Shannon, Miss., three bass, 11-0, $1,098
3rd: John Swords of Collierville, Tenn., three bass, 10-6, $733
4th: Todd Ware of Meridian, Miss., three bass, 10-5, $513
5th: Billy Robertson of Waterloo, Ala., three bass, 10-4, $439
Scott Kirk of Houston, Mississippi, caught the largest bass in the Co-angler Division, weighing in at 6 pounds, 5 ounces. The catch earned the day’s Co-angler Big Bass award of $157.
The 2020 Phoenix Bass Fishing League presented by T-H Marine Double-Header on Pickwick Lake was the second and third of five qualifying events in the Mississippi Division.
The top 45 boaters and co-anglers in the Mississippi Division based on point standings, along with the five winners of each qualifying event, will be entered in the Oct. 8-10 Bass Fishing League Regional Championship on Lake Chickamauga in Dayton, Tennessee, hosted by the Rhea Economic & Tourism Council. Boaters will compete for a $60,000 prize package, including a new Phoenix 819 Pro bass boat with a 200-horsepower Mercury outboard and $10,000, while co-anglers will fish for a new 18-foot Phoenix bass boat with a 200-horsepower outboard.
The 2020 Phoenix Bass Fishing League presented by T-H Marine is a 24-division circuit devoted to weekend anglers, with 128 tournaments throughout the season, five qualifying events in each division. The top 45 boaters and co-anglers from each division, along with the five winners of the qualifying events, will advance to one of six regional tournaments where they are competing to finish in the top six, which then qualifies them for one of the longest-running championships in all of competitive bass fishing – the Phoenix Bass Fishing League All-American.
The 2020 Phoenix Bass Fishing League All-American will be held Nov. 11-13 at Lake Hartwell in Anderson, South Carolina and is hosted by Visit Anderson. The top 45 boaters and co-anglers plus tournament winners from each Phoenix Bass Fishing League division earn priority entry into the FLW Series, the pathway to the FLW Pro Circuit and ultimately the MLF Bass Pro Tour, where top pros compete with no entry fees.
For complete details and updated information visit FLWFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow the Phoenix Bass Fishing League presented by T-H Marine on FLW’s social media outlets at Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.
Indiana’s Hochstetler Wins Phoenix Bass Fishing League Event on Lake St. Clair
HARRISON TOWNSHIP, Mich. (July 20, 2020) – Boater Ryan Hochstetler of Shipshewana, Indiana, brought a five-bass limit to the scale Saturday weighing 22 pounds, 9 ounces to win the Phoenix Bass Fishing League presented by T-H Marine event at Lake St. Clair in Harrison Township, Michigan. For his victory, Hochstetler earned a total of $6,972.
The tournament was the first of five events in the Michigan Division presented by A.R.E. Truck Caps.
“I was fishing in Anchor Bay, north of the North Channel,” said Hochstetler, who earned his first career victory in FLW competition. “I was fishing a shallow weedline in 4 to 6 foot of water.”
Hochstetler said that his key baits were a Duo Realis Spybait and a drop-shot rig with a Duo Realis V-Tailshad.
“I found these fish two weeks ago, and they stayed there along with the bait,” Hochstetler went on to say. “I put in a lot of hard work for this, so winning feels really good.”
The top 10 boaters finished the tournament as follows:
1st: Ryan Hochstetler of Shipshewana, Ind., five bass, 22-9, $6,972
2nd: Dawson Johnson of Luck, Wis., five bass, 21-14, $2,236
3rd: Mike Raber of Wolcottville, Ind., five bass, 21-8, $1,492
4th: Mark Modrak of China Township, Mich., five bass, 21-6, $1,043
5th: Hayden Scott of Ann Arbor, Mich., five bass, 21-3, $894
6th: Troy Stokes of Brownstown, Mich., five bass, 20-13, $820
7th: Beau Bickford of Findlay, Ohio, five bass, 20-9, $708
7th: Tim Gillies of Union City, Mich., five bass, 20-9, $708
9th: Tom Beale of St. Clair Shores, Mich., five bass, 20-7, $596
10th: Tony Mitchell of Plainwell, Mich., five bass, 20-3, $496
10th: Russel Buffa of Fenton, Mich., five bass, 20-3, $496
Complete results can be found at FLWFishing.com.
Gary Solomon of Clinton Township, Michigan, claimed the day’s Boater Big Bass Award of $650 after bringing a 6-pound, 1-ounce bass to the scale.
Hochstetler was also the highest-finishing FLW PHOENIX BONUS member and took home an extra $2,500. Boaters are eligible to win up to an extra $7,000 per event in each Phoenix Bass Fishing League presented by T-H Marine tournament if all requirements are met. More information on the FLW PHOENIX BONUS contingency program can be found at PhoenixBassBoats.com.
Nicholas Ireland of Davison, Michigan, won the Co-angler Division and $2,571 Saturday after catching five bass weighing 20 pounds, 7 ounces.
The top 10 co-anglers finished as follows:
1st: Nicholas Ireland of Davison, Mich., five bass, 20-7, $2,571
2nd: Joseph Sittler of Fort Wayne, Ind., five bass, 20-6, $1,125
3rd: Scott Lutz of Bremen, Ind., five bass, 19-7, $752
4th: Calvin Fitch of Kokomo, Ind., five bass, 19-4, $525
5th: Trent Norman of Union, Ky., five bass, 19-3, $450
6th: Kendra Mueller of Pinckney, Mich., five bass, 18-4, $393
6th: Tony Grubb of Ann Arbor, Mich., five bass, 18-4, $393
8th: Nicholas Veselka of Fishers, Ind., five bass, 17-15, $337
9th: Evan Ellis of Greentown, Ind., five bass, 17-13, $300
10th: Logan Roller of Tremont, Ill., five bass, 17-10, $262
Ireland also caught the largest bass in the Co-angler Division, weighing in at 5 pounds, 12 ounces. The catch added to his winnings as he earned the day’s Co-angler Big Bass award of $322.
The top 45 boaters and co-anglers in the Michigan Division presented by A.R.E. Truck Caps based on point standings, along with the five winners of each qualifying event, will be entered in the Oct. 15-17 Phoenix Bass Fishing League Regional Championship on the Mississippi River in La Crosse, Wisconsin, hosted by Explore La Crosse. Boaters will compete for a $60,000 prize package, including a new Phoenix 819 Pro bass boat with a 200-horsepower Mercury outboard and $10,000, while co-anglers will fish for a new 18-foot Phoenix bass boat with a 200-horsepower outboard.
The 2020 Phoenix Bass Fishing League presented by T-H Marine is a 24-division circuit devoted to weekend anglers, with 128 tournaments throughout the season, five qualifying events in each division. The top 45 boaters and co-anglers from each division, along with the five winners of the qualifying events, will advance to one of six regional tournaments where they are competing to finish in the top six, which then qualifies them for one of the longest-running championships in all of competitive bass fishing – the Phoenix Bass Fishing League All-American.
The 2020 Phoenix Bass Fishing League All-American will be held Nov. 11-13 at Lake Hartwell in Anderson, South Carolina and is hosted by Visit Anderson. The top 45 boaters and co-anglers plus tournament winners from each Phoenix Bass Fishing League division earn priority entry into the FLW Series, the pathway to the FLW Pro Circuit and ultimately the MLF Bass Pro Tour, where top pros compete with no entry fees.
For complete details and updated information visit FLWFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow the Phoenix Bass Fishing League presented by T-H Marine on FLW’s social media outlets at Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.
FLW Shifts Final Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit Event to Lake Erie, Taps Sturgeon Bay for Tackle Warehouse TITLE presented by Toyota
BENTON, Ky. (July 20, 2020) – FLW, the world’s largest tournament-fishing organization, announced today that the final two Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit events of 2020 have been moved. The final Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit Super Tournament scheduled for Aug. 11-14 has been moved to Lake Erie in Sandusky, Ohio, while the Tackle Warehouse TITLE presented by Toyota, scheduled for Aug. 24-29, has been moved to Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin. The move comes in response to updated travel restrictions associated with the coronavirus pandemic.
“While we look forward to future visits to Detroit and the St. Lawrence River at Massena, we are pleased to announce Sandusky and Sturgeon Bay as our new host locations for the final Super Tournament and the Tackle Warehouse TITLE presented by Toyota,” said Kathy Fennel, FLW Executive Vice President and General Manager. “We’ve held numerous successful events out of Sandusky over the years, and Stage Five of the Major League Fishing (MLF) Bass Pro Tour on Sturgeon Bay gave the world a glimpse of what we can expect from that fabled fishery come August.”
Two Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit Super Tournaments, each featuring 150 FLW pros and 54 MLF pros fishing for a share of $1.3 million, remain before the TITLE field is set. Only FLW pros are eligible to qualify for the TITLE. The next tournament is July 29-Aug. 1 on the Mississippi River in La Crosse, Wisconsin, followed by the final Super Tournament, Aug. 11-14 on Lake Erie in Sandusky, Ohio, hosted by the City of Sandusky and the Lake Erie Shores & Islands Welcome Center.
At the Lake Erie Super Tournament, anglers will take off daily from the Shelby Street Boat Launch, located at 101 Shelby St., in Sandusky. Weigh-ins will be at the nearby Paper District Marina, located at 611 W. Shoreline Drive in Sandusky. Attendance is limited to competing anglers and essential staff only. Fans are encouraged to forgo the daily takeoffs and weigh-ins and follow the event online through expanded four-day “FLW Live” on-the-water and weigh-in broadcasts at FLWFishing.com.
Unlike traditional Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit events, the Tackle Warehouse TITLE presented by Toyota will showcase anglers competing using the MLF catch, weigh and immediately release format. The TITLE field of 50 will be divided into two groups of 25 (Group A and B) for the Qualifying Round with Group A competing on days one and three and Group B competing on days two and four. Based on a cumulative two-day weight total, the top 10 from each Group (a field of 20) advance to day five, the Knockout Round. The top 10 pros after day five advance to the sixth and final day of competition for the opportunity to become the inaugural TITLE champion featuring a $235,000 payout for first place.
“We are beyond excited to welcome FLW and the Tackle Warehouse TITLE presented by Toyota, to Sturgeon Bay, Door County,” said Pam Seiler, Executive Director of Destination Sturgeon Bay. “Being able to jump in to assist with the last-minute location change, we know that anglers and fans alike will love what Sturgeon Bay and Door County has to offer. We’re looking forward to seeing the pros bring in record-setting bass and appreciate the opportunity to host as we know that this tournament will be of great economic value to our local businesses and community.”
FLW continues to monitor Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), federal, state and local guidelines and recommends that everyone follow the guidelines to help minimize the spread of COVID-19.
For complete details and updated tournament information, visit FLWFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow the Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit on FLW’s social media outlets at Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.
Providence Forge’s Baker Goes Two-for-Two – Wins Both Days of Phoenix Bass Fishing League Double-Header on Kerr Lake
HENDERSON, N.C. (July 20, 2020) – It was a double-header for weekend bass anglers this past weekend in Henderson with the Phoenix Bass Fishing League presented by T-H Marine on Kerr Lake events.
Boater Ronnie Baker of Providence Forge, Virginia, had a very successful weekend, winning both events back-to-back. Baker brought a five-bass limit to the scale totaling 16 pounds even to win Saturday’s event and earn $3,466, then backed it up with another five-bass limit on Sunday – this one totaling 14 pounds, 15 ounces – to earn the win $3,122.
“Winning is hard enough, but to win two in a row against this field of anglers is unbelievable,” said Baker, who had one prior career victory coming into the weekend. “Going back-to-back is a dream come true.
“I stayed mostly in Nutbush Creek both days; I maybe ventured out a mile,” Baker continued. “I rotated through the same four or five spots both days. There is a lot of shad out on the points, and they reload overnight.”
Baker said he caught the majority of his fish in 12 to 15 feet of water on an unnamed ½-ounce swimjig with a green-pumpkin Zoom Speed Craw, although he also mixed in a ½-ounce football jig on Sunday.
“They bit good until about 10 (a.m.) each day, then it really slowed down,” Baker said. “You could still catch a few after 10, but it was a grind.”
The top five boaters on Saturday were:
1st: Ronnie Baker of Providence Forge, Va., five bass, 16-0, $3,466
1st: Ben Reynolds of Callands, Va., five bass, 15-13, $1,733
3rd: Mike Miller of Trinity, N.C., five bass, 14-11, $1,155
4th: Ryan Harrell of Roanoke Rapids, N.C., five bass, 14-7, $1,244
5th: David Wright of Lexington, N.C., five bass, 14-5, $1,193
Complete results for Saturday can be found at FLWFishing.com.
Harrell brought a 5-pound, 11-ounce largemouth to the scale to earn Saturday’s Boater Big Bass award of $435.
Wright picked up Saturday’s FLW PHOENIX BONUS of $500 as he was the highest-finishing member. Boaters are eligible to win up to an extra $7,000 per event in each Phoenix Bass Fishing League presented by T-H Marine tournament if all requirements are met. More information on the FLW PHOENIX BONUS contingency program can be found at PhoenixBassBoats.com.
Carl Enos of Bracey, Virginia, won the Co-angler Division and $1,905 Saturday after catching five bass weighing 13 pounds, 4 ounces.
The top five co-anglers Saturday finished as follows:
1st: Carl Enos of Bracey, Va., three bass, 13-4, $1,905
2nd: Victor Riveras of Newport News, Va., three bass, 10-1, $846
3rd: Joseph Kozlinski of Fayetteville, N.C., three bass, 9-15, $564
4th: Barry Burford of Charlotte, N.C., three bass, 9-10, $567
4th: Robert Raymond of Farmville, Va., three bass, 9-10, $367
Enos caught the largest bass in the Co-angler Division, weighing in at 5 pounds, 2 ounces, to win the day’s Co-angler Big Bass award of $212.
The top five boaters on Sunday were:
1st: Ronnie Baker of Providence Forge, Va., five bass, 14-15, $3,122
2nd: David Wright of Lexington, N.C., five bass, 13-15, $2,061
3rd: Martin Villa of Charlottesville, Va., five bass, 13-14, $1,043
4th: Tim Wiltfong of Wake Forest, N.C., five bass, 13-8, $728
5th: Paul Worthington of Benson, N.C., five bass, 12-2, $624
Complete results for Sunday’s event on Kerr Lake can be found at FLWFishing.com.
Curtis Talbott of Forest, Virginia, brought a 5-pound, 6-ounce bass to the scale to win Sunday’s Boater Big Bass award of $375.
Wright also added Sunday’s FLW PHOENIX BONUS of $500 as he was the highest-finishing member.
Mike Shatley of North Wilkesboro, North Carolina, won the Co-angler Division and $1,561 Sunday after catching a five-bass limit weighing 14 pounds, 12 ounces.
The top five co-anglers Sunday finished as follows:
1st: Mike Shatley of North Wilkesboro, N.C., five bass, 14-12, $1,561
2nd: Eric Hawks of Galax, Va., five bass, 13-13, $781
3rd: Eric Osborne of Jefferson, N.C., five bass, 11-13, $521
4th: Michael Abel of Portsmouth, Va., five bass, 11-6, $364
5th: Samuel Jones of Raleigh, N.C., five bass, 11-4, $312
Vernon Adams of Raleigh, North Carolina, caught the largest bass in the Co-angler Division, weighing in at 4 pounds, 15 ounces to earn Sunday’s Co-angler Big Bass award of $187.
The 2020 Phoenix Bass Fishing League presented by T-H Marine Double-Header on Kerr Lake was the second and third of five qualifying events in the Piedmont Division.
The top 45 boaters and co-anglers in the Piedmont Division based on point standings, along with the five winners of each qualifying event, will be entered in the Oct. 22-24 Bass Fishing League Regional Championship on Lake Lanier in Gainesville, Georgia, hosted by the Gainesville Convention & Visitors Bureau. Boaters will compete for a $60,000 prize package, including a new Phoenix 819 Pro bass boat with a 200-horsepower Mercury outboard and $10,000, while co-anglers will fish for a new 18-foot Phoenix bass boat with a 200-horsepower outboard.
The 2020 Phoenix Bass Fishing League presented by T-H Marine is a 24-division circuit devoted to weekend anglers, with 128 tournaments throughout the season, five qualifying events in each division. The top 45 boaters and co-anglers from each division, along with the five winners of the qualifying events, will advance to one of six regional tournaments where they are competing to finish in the top six, which then qualifies them for one of the longest-running championships in all of competitive bass fishing – the Phoenix Bass Fishing League All-American.
The 2020 Phoenix Bass Fishing League All-American will be held Nov. 11-13 at Lake Hartwell in Anderson, South Carolina and is hosted by Visit Anderson. The top 45 boaters and co-anglers plus tournament winners from each Phoenix Bass Fishing League division earn priority entry into the FLW Series, the pathway to the FLW Pro Circuit and ultimately the MLF Bass Pro Tour, where top pros compete with no entry fees.
For complete details and updated information visit FLWFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow the Phoenix Bass Fishing League presented by T-H Marine on FLW’s social media outlets at Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.
Lebanon’s Boggs Wins Phoenix Bass Fishing League Event on Kentucky/Barkley Lakes
GILBERTSVILLE, Ky. (July 20, 2020) – Boater Drew Boggs of Lebanon, Tennessee, brought three bass to the scale Saturday weighing 13 pounds, 13 ounces to win the Phoenix Bass Fishing League presented by T-H Marine event on Kentucky and Barkley Lakes. For his victory, Boggs earned $5,082.
“I wanted to make a run to fish about an hour south,” said Boggs, who earned his seventh career BFL win. “I made it almost all the way – about five minutes from stopping – when my engine started knocking and I knew something wasn’t right.
“So I sat down in the first area and ended up staying there for a long time,” Boggs continued. “I ended up catching two on a football jig in brush piles and one on a deep crankbait on a ledge.
“By the time I left, my engine was knocking so badly that I was only able to fish two more stops before I made it back. It took quite a while – I had to troll in the last two miles. It was extremely tough, but I was very blessed. I caught nine keepers, and my best five would have been around 22 pounds.”
The top 10 boaters finished the tournament as follows:
1st: Drew Boggs of Lebanon, Tenn., three bass, 13-13, $5,082
2nd: Scott Patton of Dayton, Tenn., three bass, 11-3, $2,541
3rd: Daniel Langton of Evansville, Ind., three bass, 9-14, $1,157
3rd: Ronnie Getz of Sunman, Ind., three bass, 9-14, $1,157
5th: David Young of Mayfield, Ky., three bass, 9-11, $1,342
5th: Keith Amerson of Bethel Springs, Tenn., three bass, 9-11, $782
7th: Kevin Caskey of Madisonville, Ky., three bass, 9-10, $680
8th: Tim Smiley of White Pine, Tenn., three bass, 9-7, $612
9th: Harold Buchmeier of Gilbertsville, Ky., three bass, 9-0, $544
10th: Mason Fleetwood of Vallonia, Ind., three bass, 8-15, $452
10th: David Hames of Trezevant, Tenn., three bass, 8-15, $452
Complete results can be found at FLWFishing.com.
Young claimed the day’s Boater Big Bass Award of $560 after bringing a 5-pound, 6-ounce bass to the scale.
Patton was the highest-finishing FLW PHOENIX BONUS member and took home an extra $500. Boaters are eligible to win up to an extra $7,000 per event in each Phoenix Bass Fishing League presented by T-H Marine tournament if all requirements are met. More information on the FLW PHOENIX BONUS contingency program can be found at PhoenixBassBoats.com.
Wesley Dunn of Paducah, Kentucky, and Brian Huber of St. Peters, Missouri, tied for the win in the Co-angler Division Saturday after both anglers brought in three bass totaling 8 pound, 7 ounces. For their wins, each angler brought home $1,503.
The top 10 co-anglers finished as follows:
1st: Wesley Dunn of Paducah, Ky., three bass, 8-7, $1,503
1st: Brian Huber of St. Peters, Mo, three bass, 8-7, $1,503
3rd: Jeff Harris of Lexington, Ky., two bass, 8-0, $943
4th: Frank Haysley of Louisville, Ky., three bass, 6-9, $468
5th: Richard Baker of Jackson, Tenn., three bass, 6-4, $401
6th: Charlie Kuebler of Jasper, Ind., three bass, 5-14, $368
7th: Gary Hill of Germantown, Ohio, three bass, 5-13, $334
8th: William Holden of Cincinnati, Ohio, two bass, 5-11, $284
8th: Chris Coates of Bethpage, Tenn., two bass, 5-11, $284
10th: Orville Gown of Leitchfield, Ky., three bass, 5-10, $234
Harris caught the largest bass in the Co-angler Division, weighing in at 6 pounds, 4 ounces. The catch earned the day’s Co-angler Big Bass award of $275.
The 2020 Phoenix Bass Fishing League presented by T-H Marine on Kentucky and Barkley Lakes was hosted by the Kentucky Lake Convention & Visitors Bureau. The event was /the second of five qualifying tournaments in the LBL division.
The top 45 boaters and co-anglers in the LBL Division based on point standings, along with the five winners of each qualifying event, will be entered in the Oct. 8-10 Phoenix Bass Fishing League Regional Championship on Lake Chickamauga in Dayton, Tennessee, hosted by the Rhea Economic and Tourism Council. Boaters will compete for a $60,000 prize package, including a new Phoenix 819 Pro bass boat with a 200-horsepower Mercury outboard and $10,000, while co-anglers will fish for a new 18-foot Phoenix bass boat with a 200-horsepower outboard.
The 2020 Phoenix Bass Fishing League presented by T-H Marine is a 24-division circuit devoted to weekend anglers, with 128 tournaments throughout the season, five qualifying events in each division. The top 45 boaters and co-anglers from each division, along with the five winners of the qualifying events, will advance to one of six regional tournaments where they are competing to finish in the top six, which then qualifies them for one of the longest-running championships in all of competitive bass fishing – the Phoenix Bass Fishing League All-American.
The 2020 Phoenix Bass Fishing League All-American will be held Nov. 11-13 at Lake Hartwell in Anderson, South Carolina and is hosted by Visit Anderson. The top 45 boaters and co-anglers plus tournament winners from each Phoenix Bass Fishing League division earn priority entry into the FLW Series, the pathway to the FLW Pro Circuit and ultimately the MLF Bass Pro Tour, where top pros compete with no entry fees.
For complete details and updated information visit FLWFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow the Phoenix Bass Fishing League presented by T-H Marine on FLW’s social media outlets at Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.
Richmond’s Seal Wins Phoenix Bass Fishing League Tournament on Ohio River
LAWRENCEBURG, Ind. (July 20, 2020) – Boater Mike Seal of Richmond, Indiana, brought a five-bass limit to the scale Saturday weighing 11 pounds, 2 ounces to win the Phoenix Bass Fishing League presented by T-H Marine event on the Ohio River in Lawrenceburg, Indiana. For his victory, Seal earned a total of $4,127.
“I’ve fished around 60 of these events, and it feels good to finally earn a win,” said Seal. “It was a pretty slow day – I threw a slow worm and had six keeper bites. I didn’t burn more than a ½ gallon of gas.”
Seal’s worm of choice was a Berkley Powerbait 7-inch Power Worm.
The top 10 boaters finished the tournament as follows:
1st: Mike Seal of Richmond, Ind., five bass, 11-2, $4,127
2nd: Nick Uebelhor of Loogootee, Ind., five bass, 10-4, $2,564
3rd: Brandon Barrett of Bloomington, Ind., five bass, 8-5, $1,377
4th: Chris Combess of Cleves, Ohio, five bass, 8-1, $963
5th: Brannon Pickett of Franklin, Ind., five bass, 7-11, $825
6th: Thomas Foster of Terre Haute, Ind., four bass, 6-14, $757
7th: Tyler Land of Coatsville, Ind., two bass, 6-11, $1,263
8th: Jared Robinson of Medora, Ind., five bass, 6-9, $619
8th: Chris Martinkovic of Hamilton, Ohio, three bass, 6-6, $750
10th: Jeff Ellis of Danville, Ind., four bass, 5-13, $482
Complete results can be found at FLWFishing.com.
Land earned the day’s $575 Boater Big Bass award with a 5-pound, 8-ounce bass.
Uebelhor took home an extra $500 as the highest finishing FLW PHOENIX BONUS member. Boaters are eligible to win up to an extra $7,000 per event in each Phoenix Bass Fishing League presented by T-H Marine tournament if all requirements are met. More information on the FLW PHOENIX BONUS contingency program can be found at PhoenixBassBoats.com.
Alex Kerns of Carmel, Indiana, earned the win in the Co-angler Division Saturday after catching four bass weighing 6 pounds, 3 ounces. Kerns earned $2,082 for his victory.
The top 10 co-anglers finished as follows:
1st: Alex Kerns of Carmel, Ind., four bass, 6-3, $2,082
2nd: Justin Clift of Greenwood, Ind., three bass, 5-4, $1,041
3rd: Mike Burgess of Cincinnati, Ohio, two bass, 4-5, $692
4th: Trapper Owens of Carlisle, Ohio, three bass, 3-14, $428
5th: Dyllan Grace of Scottsburg, Ind., three bass, 3-14, $428
6th: Larry Ellis of Indianapolis, Ind., three bass, 3-14, $428
7th: Brian Bogard of Camby, Ind., three bass, 3-13, $347
8th: Gary Owens of Columbus, Ind., three bass, 3-8, $312
9th: Dan Miller of Greenwood, Ind., two bass, 3-7, $278
10th: Dan Schlegel of Cincinnati, Ohio, two bass, 3-6, $243
Dan Whitley of Mooresville, Indiana, caught the largest bass in the Co-angler Division, a fish weighing in at 2 pounds, 14 ounces. The catch earned him the day’s Co-angler Big Bass award of $290.
The 2020 Phoenix Bass Fishing League presented by T-H Marine on the Ohio River in Lawrenceburg was the third of five qualifying events in the Hoosier Division.
The top 45 boaters and co-anglers in the Hoosier Division based on point standings, along with the five winners of each qualifying event, will be entered in the Oct. 15-17 Phoenix Bass Fishing League Regional Championship on the Mississippi River in La Crosse, Wisconsin, hosted by Explore La Crosse. Boaters will compete for a $60,000 prize package, including a new Phoenix 819 Pro bass boat with a 200-horsepower Mercury outboard and $10,000, while co-anglers will fish for a new 18-foot Phoenix bass boat with a 200-horsepower outboard.
The 2020 Phoenix Bass Fishing League presented by T-H Marine is a 24-division circuit devoted to weekend anglers, with 128 tournaments throughout the season, five qualifying events in each division. The top 45 boaters and co-anglers from each division, along with the five winners of the qualifying events, will advance to one of six regional tournaments where they are competing to finish in the top six, which then qualifies them for one of the longest-running championships in all of competitive bass fishing – the Phoenix Bass Fishing League All-American.
The 2020 Phoenix Bass Fishing League All-American will be held Nov. 11-13 at Lake Hartwell in Anderson, South Carolina and is hosted by Visit Anderson. The top 45 boaters and co-anglers plus tournament winners from each Phoenix Bass Fishing League division earn priority entry into the FLW Series, the pathway to the FLW Pro Circuit and ultimately the MLF Bass Pro Tour, where top pros compete with no entry fees.
For complete details and updated information visit FLWFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow the Phoenix Bass Fishing League presented by T-H Marine on FLW’s social media outlets at Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.
Buffalo City’s Wieczorek Wins Phoenix Bass Fishing League Event on Mississippi River at La Crosse
LA CROSSE, Wis. (July 20, 2020) – Boater Randy Wieczorek of Buffalo City, Wisconsin, brought a three-bass limit to the scale Saturday weighing 11 pounds, 9 ounces to win the Phoenix Bass Fishing League presented by T-H Marine event on the Mississippi River in La Crosse, Wisconsin. For his victory, Wieczorek earned $5,463.
“It’s been a long time – more than 15 years since I’ve won one of these (BFL) tournaments,” said Wieczorek, who picked up his second career win. “It feels good to know that I can still keep up with some of these young bucks that are out here.”
Wieczorek spent his tournament day fishing in Pool No. 7, throwing a jig and a frog to bring three nice largemouth to the scale.
“I was catching largemouth all the way up to the lock and dam to Pool No. 6,” Wieczorek said. “Most of the fish I caught early came flipping a black and blue jig around wood and in a little bit of eelgrass. I caught my bigger one fishing a frog in the slop.”
The top 10 boaters finished the tournament as follows:
1st: Randy Wieczorek of Buffalo City, Wis., three bass, 11-9, $5,463
2nd: Mike Brueggen of La Crosse, Wis., three bass, 10-14, $2,232
3rd: Cade Laufenberg of Goodview, Minn., three bass, 9-12, $1,489
4th: Hunter Litchfield of Macomb, Ill., three bass, 9-10, $967
4th: Brandon Gann of Sparta, Wis., three bass, 9-10, $967
6th: Jeremy Nokken of La Crosse, Wis., three bass, 9-6, $818
7th: Travis Brueggen of Cashton, Wis., three bass, 9-4, $744
8th: Josh Ystenes of La Crosse, Wis., three bass, 9-3, $669
9th: Tyler Fitch of Oregon, Wis., three bass, 9-0, $595
10th: Kyle Meyer of Blaine, Minn., three bass, 8-14, $473
10th: Adam Hatfield of Sparta, Wis., three bass, 8-14, $473
10th: Joe Pollak of Lake Geneva, Wis., three bass, 8-14, $673
Complete results can be found at FLWFishing.com.
Rene Luis of Chicago, Illinois, claimed the day’s Boater Big Bass Award of $640 after bringing a 4-pound, 7-ounce bass to the scale.
Kevin Ruh of Onalaska, Wisconsin, was the highest-finishing FLW PHOENIX BONUS member and took home an extra $500. Boaters are eligible to win up to an extra $7,000 per event in each Phoenix Bass Fishing League presented by T-H Marine tournament if all requirements are met. More information on the FLW PHOENIX BONUS contingency program can be found at PhoenixBassBoats.com.
Richard Conrad of Arcadia, Wisconsin, won the Co-angler Division and $2,232 Saturday after catching three bass weighing 10 pounds, 10 ounces.
The top 10 co-anglers finished as follows:
1st: Richard Conrad of Arcadia, Wis., three bass, 10-10, $2,232
2nd: Brian Baker of Onalaska, Wis., three bass, 8-14, $1,116
3rd: Tom Rothering of Fountain City, Wis., three bass, 8-11, $952
3rd: Nycholas Swanson of Waterloo, Iowa, three bass, 8-11, $632
5th: Jessie Pollard of Whitehall, Wis., three bass, 8-10, $446
6th: Thad Vettrus of Chippewa Falls, Wis., three bass, 8-7, $409
7th: Douglas Ley of Janesville, Wis., three bass, 8-5, $372
8th: Chuck Davis of Farmington, Ill., three bass, 8-3, $335
9th: Mike Fischer of Stacy, Minn., three bass, 8-0, $298
10th: Greg Oppegard of West St. Paul, Minn., three bass, 7-15, $260
Rothering caught the largest bass in the Co-angler Division, weighing in at 4 pounds, 6 ounces. The catch earned the day’s Co-angler Big Bass award of $320.
The 2020 Phoenix Bass Fishing League presented by T-H Marine on the Mississippi River in La Crosse was hosted by the La Crosse County Convention & Visitors Bureau. It was the second of five qualifying tournaments in the Great Lakes division.
The top 45 boaters and co-anglers in the Great Lakes Division based on point standings, along with the five winners of each qualifying event, will be entered in the Oct. 22-24 Phoenix Bass Fishing League Regional Championship on Table Rock Lake in Branson, Missouri, hosted by ExploreBranson.com. Boaters will compete for a $60,000 prize package, including a new Phoenix 819 Pro bass boat with a 200-horsepower Mercury outboard and $10,000, while co-anglers will fish for a new 18-foot Phoenix bass boat with a 200-horsepower outboard.
The 2020 Phoenix Bass Fishing League presented by T-H Marine is a 24-division circuit devoted to weekend anglers, with 128 tournaments throughout the season, five qualifying events in each division. The top 45 boaters and co-anglers from each division, along with the five winners of the qualifying events, will advance to one of six regional tournaments where they are competing to finish in the top six, which then qualifies them for one of the longest-running championships in all of competitive bass fishing – the Phoenix Bass Fishing League All-American.
The 2020 Phoenix Bass Fishing League All-American will be held Nov. 11-13 at Lake Hartwell in Anderson, South Carolina and is hosted by Visit Anderson. The top 45 boaters and co-anglers plus tournament winners from each Phoenix Bass Fishing League division earn priority entry into the FLW Series, the pathway to the FLW Pro Circuit and ultimately the MLF Bass Pro Tour, where top pros compete with no entry fees.
For complete details and updated information visit FLWFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow the Phoenix Bass Fishing League presented by T-H Marine on FLW’s social media outlets at Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.
Knockin Tail Lures The original Built-In Tail rattle ICAST 2020
Special Pricing for ICAST attendees!
We've expanded our inventory with 20 color options.
Since debuting in March 2020, we have received overwhelming response and support from fellow anglers and retail shops across the nation. If you're looking for something different that actually works, give us a try! If it's moving, it's rattling...even on the fall!
For Wholesale pricing, email us at [email protected] or visit our website for more information. Our ICAST deals are hard to beat! Contact us now for pricing options and questions.
Knockin Tail Lure, Built-In Tail Rattle!
The new Knockin Tail is a solid body swimbait that has a rattle built into the tail! That’s right, with every flutter of the tail it sends out fish attracting sound that entice fish natural instinct to feed. These lures are also durable and action-packed. They have unbelievable tail action and sound at a slow retrieve. As long as the Knockin Tail is moving, it's rattling, continuously producing that fish attracting sound.
Unlike other soft plastics that only rattle when you twitch your rod, the unique design of the Knockin Tail Lure allows it to rattle continuously on a steady retrieve. No more inserting rattles or purchasing special jigheads that don’t fit your lure properly to get the rattling sound you need. In fresh or saltwater, with lateral line stimulation, no fish can resist the need to feed! MADE IN THE USA.
The "Duct Tape" Tour
This week the boys welcome in FLW Tour Pro and Winner of the first ever FLW Tour event Mike Surman to the show to talk all things FLW, past and present and now the new MLFLW and more!! Check it out!
NetBait Tackle’s Dagger ICAST 2020
NetBait Tackle’s New Dagger Soft Plastics Deliver Better Penetration on Hooksets
D’Iberville, Mississippi. (July 16, 2020) – NetBait is known for the company’s patented PACA technology – from the original PACA Craw and PACA Chunks to hugely popular designs like the PACA Slim. More recently, the company has been listening to feedback from customers and pros alike, wanting to add a flipping and punching bait to their arsenal. They wanted a bait that delivered the same quality and performance of all NetBait soft plastics but, with a “do nothing” action and plenty of vibration for more subtle bait presentations. From this challenge the NetBait Dagger was created.
NetBait’s Dagger design is centered around an innovative, thin flex-wing design for unique gliding action. The flex-wing is integrated with twelve forward facing angled ribs placed to improve water displacement and add subtle vibration to a natural swimming action that fish love. The flex-wing is mounted on a compact body core to easily accommodate even a 4/0 and 5/0 large Texas-rig flippin’ hook while the thin flex-wing compresses quickly to improve penetration on the hookset.
Before unleashing the bait to the masses, NetBait’s team of regional and national pros began testing the Dagger in late 2019 in real tournament situations. Success is the best result of all, and the prototype Dagger performed well resulting in three tournament wins.
“The NetBait team has knocked it out with the Dagger! This is one of the most versatile baits in our lineup. It can be flipped, pitched, punched, and even rigged weightless. It’s a bait you can rig on 3-4 different setups from power to finesse fishing situations.” said Bassmaster 2019 Angler of the Year, Scott Canterbury. “Versatility is the key for anglers and that was a critical factor in the Dagger bait design. Most important in the design is that when the fish bite down, there’s no bulky plastic to get in the way of your hookset.”
The all-new Dagger comes in 10 of the best fish-catching colors in the country and is an amazing value at $4.29. Available now from Tackle Warehouse and will be available at a fishing tackle retailer near you soon – ask your dealer today for the NetBait Dagger – Proudly made at American Baitworks!
Seaguar Its High-Visibility Smackdown
Seaguar® Expands Its High-Visibility Smackdown™ Arsenal
Visual strike detection puts more fish in the boat. Indeed, keen-eyed anglers frequently describe instances of their line jumping unexpectedly, going limp when it was previously taut, or charging off to the left or right — all telltale signs that a bite has occurred and that it’s time to set the hook. Seeing bites, rather than only feeling them through the rod, requires a high-visibility line — one that can be readily seen by the angler under all weather conditions and during all hours of the day.
“Any application where I need to see my line to watch for bites,” notes Bassmaster Elite Series Pro Chris Zaldain, “like fishing a Carolina Rig or pitching a big worm under a dock, high-visibility braided line becomes a key component of my presentation.” Seaguar now offers the perfect solution for these situations, or more generally, when a strong, high-visibility braid is paired with big baits and heavy tackle: Smackdown™ Flash Green.
Seaguar Smackdown is a premium eight-carrier braided line manufactured with a high-density weave to give it a perfectly round profile and an incredibly smooth finish. You’ll appreciate those differences every time you present a bait with Smackdown — advantages that let you cover more water with each cast so you can catch more fish on every trip. Smackdown’s slick finish also makes it remarkably quiet through the rod’s line guides and virtually eliminates wind knots. Smackdown is truly the ultimate braided line.
Seaguar Smackdown Flash Green assembles all of these advantages and capabilities into a high-visibility braid that is perfect for any application when strikes are detected not only by feel, but also by sight. Previously available in 10, 15, 20, and 30 lb test for spinning rod-based presentations, Smackdown Flash Green is now also available in heavier 40, 50, and 65 lb test, perfect for spooling onto a baitcasting reel. Combine Smackdown Flash Green with a Seaguar 100% fluorocarbon leader to enjoy the best of both worlds: slick, strong and highly visible above the water; supple, abrasion-resistant and nearly invisible below.
At the recent Bassmaster Elite Series event on Lake Eufaula, Zaldain put Smackdown Flash Green to the test, boosting him to another top-10 finish – one of 21 that he has secured during his storied career. “For this event’s offshore bite, I was casting a big eight-inch flutter spoon along river channel edges. Every time I jerked the spoon upward, I needed to see my line as the spoon fluttered and tumbled back down. The Flash Green color pattern let me track the line perfectly and see bites throughout the entire retrieve.” Zaldain spooled his baitcasting reels with 50 or 65 lb test Smackdown Flash Green, and added a 25 lb test Seaguar Tatsu 100% fluorocarbon leader to minimize line visibility at the lure. “Once I saw the bite,” continued Zaldain, “I had total confidence that Smackdown would help me get those fish into the boat. Smackdown’s zero-stretch characteristics meant that I could get a powerful and effective hookset, even at the far end of a long cast. Many of my key spots had scattered brush and timber along the ledges, and Smackdown’s exceptional knot and tensile strength gave me the confidence to yank some real giants out of that jungle and into the boat.”
Seaguar Smackdown - Chris Zaldain
Photo Courtesy of BASS
With Smackdown Flash Green, every angler chasing big fish with large baits and heavy tackle can enjoy the same benefits that were once the exclusive domain of those fishing smaller lures or finesse presentations: long casts, exceptional knot and tensile strength, and unparalleled abrasion resistance, combined with a bright, easy-to-see color and woven into one of the thinnest-diameter braids on the market for easy handling and enhanced sensitivity. Spool up with Smackdown Flash Green, available in 150-yard spools of 40, 50, and 65 lb test with MSRP $29.99, and one cast — one strike — one fish in the boat will help you appreciate why Seaguar lines and leaders are Always the Best!
Gamakatsu's G-Power Stinger Trailer Hook ICAST 2020
Tacoma, Washington (July 16, 2020) Colder water temps can mean lethargic fish, and that can result in many short strikes. Gamakatsu has a simple solution to awaken sleepy fish--its new innovative G-Power Stinger Trailer Hook. The days of big and bulky trailer hooks following behind your spinnerbait are gone.
The new G-Power Stinger Trailer Hook brilliance comes from Gamakatsu's famous B10S series of fly hooks and the expertise of Professional Bass angler Aaron Martens. With its strategically designed angle of the eye, this hook runs right through the water column presenting a life-like presentation allowing you to have more hookups. To make this stinger hook even more efficient, Gamakatsu has paired it with a silicone stopper to be placed just above the eye, preventing the hook from sliding up to the barb of the main hook shown here.
Visit the Gamakatsu New Product Site Here!
With its Nano Smooth Coat finish and the new silicone stopper, the
G-Power Stinger Trailer Hook is a game-changer. Available in sizes 2, 1 and 1/0 and comes with a silicone stopper which can also be purchased separately. Never miss a short strike again with Gamakatsu's G-Power Stinger Trailer Hook.
G-Power Stinger Trailer Hook Features:
TGW and Nano Smooth Coat
Aaron's custom bent eye keeps trailer running straight at any retrieve speed
Beefed up wire diameter for power fishing applications
Compact profile and sproat bend ideal for hooking and retaining fish
Included: Silicone Stopper
Size: 2, 1, 1/0
Color: Nano Smooth Coat
Qty/Pack: 4
For more information, visit: www.gamakatsu.com
Gamakatsu New G-Power Flip & Punch Hook ICAST 2020
Tacoma, Washington (July 16, 2020) Bass fishing innovation is nothing new to professional angler and Gamakatsu pro Aaron Martens. With Aaron's brilliant insight, Gamakatsu has developed the new G-Power Flip & Punch Hook. A step up from the G-Finesse Heavy Cover Hook, the newly designed heavy style is the ultimate in-between hook for heavy to super heavy cover.
The TGW (Tournament Grade Wire) hook, paired with its welded eye, make this hook the strongest in Gamakatsu's G-Series lineup. When using larger baits and weights for punching through grass mats and flipping into heavy timber, you need a hook that's versatile in all types of cover and able to withstand extreme conditions. "Gamakatsu nailed it with the G-Power Hook," said Jeff Roberts, Gamakatsu sales manager.
Visit the Gamakatsu new product site here
Aaron thought of everything when it came to the new G-Power Flip & Punch Hook. This hook has a shortened point length providing less hook exposure in heavy cover; however, it leaves ample amount of the hook exposed to penetrate through the biggest of bass mouths. Reeling in a five-pound bass is a task of its own, but when you add two pounds of weeds to it, the odds of losing that fish increase. Just like Aaron, we all want to land the fish of a lifetime and leave the salad for the dinner table.
Gamakatsu's new G-Power Flip & Punch Hook comes in a variety of sizes 2/0, 3/0, 4/0 and 5/0 and is complemented by the Nano Smooth Coating finish ensuring this hook maintains Gamakatsu's reputation as the sharpest hook in your boat.
G-Power Worm Flip & Punch Hook Features:
TGW and Nano Smooth Coat
Aaron's custom tin keeper
Shortened point length for faster hook penetration
Heavy wire for serious flipping and punching
Size: 2/0, 3/0, 4/0, 5/0
Color: Nano Smooth Coat
Qty/Pack: 4
For more information, visit www.gamakatsu.com
SPRO Enhances Terminal Tackle with Color Options ICAST 2020
Kennesaw, GA (July 16, 2020) SPRO has been an industry leader in innovation and quality when it comes to terminal tackle items such as swivels and snaps. SPRO's engineers know that attention to the details is what makes a good angler a great angler. SPRO introduces two new items that are going to make your fishing presentations even better.
The Duo Lock Snap has been the most popular of all snaps on the market due to its strength and durability which are traits that SPRO is known for. The Duo Lock Snap is now offered in Red. Anglers have shown a desire for red hooks which resemble a bleeding fish and now SPRO has brought that same principle to the Duo Lock Snap.
Duo Lock Snap Features:
Color - Red
Sizes 00,0,1,2,3,4,5,6
Qty, 00-3 (11) 4 (10) 5 (7) 6 (5)
Fishing techniques continue to evolve, and anglers are getting more creative with their presentations by adding blades and different styles and sizes of hooks to baits. SPRO's new swivels with split rings make this even easier for anglers on the move. Split Ring Swivels allow for fast and easy change of blades and hooks and now SPRO offers this option in Black. The black finish makes for a more flat and stealthy finish in the water which is perfect for those finicky biters.
Swivel Black Split Ring Features:
Color - Black
Sizes 2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9
Qty, 2 (20), 3 (18), 4 (14), 5 (10), 6 (8), 7-8 (6), 9 (5)
SPRO Teaser Bucktails ICAST 2020
Kennesaw, GA (July 16, 2020) The SPRO Teaser series bucktail jigs utilize the most trusted and proven solid colors in the game. Stripers and fluke can't resist a Teaser bucktail that enters the strike zone. Every serious angler targeting these species should keep at least a few bucktails on hand.
While stripers and fluke are suckers for a Teaser bucktail, these versatile lures will catch just about anything. Pike, muskie, largemouth bass and any predatory species with a mouth big enough to wrap around the hook is a fair candidate.
Available in 2/0 and 3/0 hook sizes, the Teasers are stout and designed to hook and hold the hardest fighting fish around. Razor-sharp points easily penetrate rock-hard mouths, and the sturdy bend design holds tight against blistering runs in big water.
Teaser bucktails are designed for fish vertically in the strike zone or horizontally on a retrieve. They are versatile and designed for amateur and professional anglers who fish hard and require a durable lure that will catch the big ones.
Available in six different color options, the Teaser's come in 3-packs at a working-class price. White, chartreuse/white and pink make up the classic colors loved by anglers around the globe. Crazy Chartreuse, Glow and Zucchini round out the series with that little bit of extra flair that can differentiate the Teaser from other baits and lures on difficult days.
Teaser Features:
Sizes - 2/0 and 3/0
Quantity - 3 per Pack
Colors - White, Chartreuse/White, Crazy Chartreuse, Glow, Zucchini, Pink
MSRP: $6.99
PENN Launches New Battle® III Reels & Combos ICAST 2020
Packed with Upgrades to Put up a Fight, PENN® Launches New Battle® III Reels & Combos
COLUMBIA, S.C. (July 16, 2020) — Long recognized for their undeniable strength, smoothness, and durability, the PENN® Battle® spinning reels are revered among saltwater anglers and feared by the fish they meet. With the introduction of the next generation, the new Battle III spinning reels and combos continue to be a workhorse on the water while remaining one of the most accessible reels in the PENN family. Tackling a wide variety of saltwater applications, the new Battle III series is enhanced with PENN’s best gear technology, which is sought after by everyone from inshore, to offshore and surf anglers.
Already a well-known series for PENN, the Battle III takes must-have saltwater characteristics like strength, smoothness and durability to the next level with the inclusion of PENN’s proprietary CNC Gear™ Technology which ensures the pinion and drive gears are cut to exact tolerances using premium metals. The new Battle III reels include the proprietary PENN HT-100™ Carbon Fiber Drag System for smooth drag even when battling hard-pulling saltwater fish and a full-metal body and sideplate. Combined, these features make the Battle III ideal for inshore, surf and select offshore application.
“The Battle series of spinning reels were already one of the best sellers in the market, but we knew we could improve them,” stated Mike Rice, Category Director for PENN. “Adding CNC gearing to the already tough aluminum body and sideplate provide tremendous durability at a great price point.”
Additional reel features include a superline-ready spool to negate the need for backing, line capacity rings for easy reference while fishing or spooling and 5+1 sealed, stainless-steel ball bearing system. Built to handle the abuse that’s unavoidable for saltwater fishing gear, the reel comes in nine different sizes, ranging from 1000 to a new 10000 size. Three high-speed reel configurations designated by an eye-catching red-and-black trim package are also available. The new PENN Battle III reels have MSRPs ranging from $99.95 to $149.95.
The Battle III Combos feature graphite composite blanks with updated actions for inshore models, PENN Dura-Guides and a Sea-Guide double locking nut reel seat. Also new for 2020 are two new travel models which include a case, reel and spare spool. Prices for the combos range from an MSRP of $129.99 to $199.99.
PENN® Battle® III Spinning Reels: Specifications
Reel Size/MSRP:
1000/$99.95 • 2000/$109.95 • 2500/$109.95 • 3000/$119.95 • 4000/$119.95 • 4000 High Speed/$119.95 • 5000/$129.95 • 6000/$129.95 • 6000 High Speed/$129.95 • 8000/$139.95 • 8000 High Speed/$139.95 • 10000/$149.95
Gear Ratios:
5.2:1 – 1000
6.2:1 – 2000 / 2500 / 3000 / 4000
6.2:1 – 6000 High Speed
7.0:1 – 4000 High Speed
5.6:1 – 5000 / 6000
4.7:1 – 8000
5.3:1 – 8000 High Speed
4.2:1 - 10000
Bearings:
5+1 Sealed Stainless Steel Bearing System
Key Features:
• CNC Gear™ Technology
• HT-100™ Carbon Fiber Drag System
• Full metal body and sideplate
• Line-capacity rings for easy reference while fishing or spooling
• Superline-ready spool with rubber gasket negates the need for backing
PENN® Battle® III Combos: Specifications
Reel Size/MSRP:
1000/$129.99 • 2000/$139.99 • 2500/$139.99 • 3000/$149.99 • 4000/$149.99 • 4000 Travel/$179.99 • 5000/$159.99 • 6000/$159.99 • 6000 Travel/$199.99 • 8000/$169.99
Key Features:
Battle III Reels
Graphite Composite Blank
PENN® Dura-Guides
Sea-Guide Reel Seat (double locking nut)
Cork and EVA grips
Rubber Shrink Tube Handles
Graphite reel seats
3PC Travel Models (Case, Reel, & Spare Spool Included)
Availability:
July 2020
Berkley Expands HD Tru Color Options for PowerBait ICAST 2020
Berkley® Expands HD Tru Color Options for PowerBait®
COLUMBIA, S.C. (July 16, 2020) — Expanding on its successful launch of HD Tru Color baits in 2019, the team at Berkley is excited to announce the addition of the HD Tru Color technology to three additional PowerBait® shapes – the Pre-Rigged Swim Shad, Hollow Belly and Grass Pig. By adding HD Tru Color technology, Berkley is offering anglers a variety of new soft baits that look so lifelike they mimic real bait, appealing to a fish’s sense of sight.
With over 25 years of continuous research and testing going into perfecting the science behind PowerBait, the addition of HD Tru Color technology brings a dimension of realism to these baits to help lure in fish. Once recognized by hungry fish, the legendary PowerBait formula takes over offering an irresistible scent and flavor combination that makes fish hold onto the bait longer for an even greater hook-up ratio.
“PowerBait leads the industry in scent and taste, but the addition of HD Tru Color technology is where the craft comes in to play,” said Berkley Vice President of Marketing Jon Schlosser. “We chose the Pre-Rigged Swim Shad, Hollow Belly and Grass Pig in order to amplify what already were great baits now with increased features.”
The PowerBait Pre-Rigged Swim Shad is now available in a new 2-inch size and features the new HD Tru Colors in the 2-, 3- and 4-inch sizes. The already leading bait, now improved with lifelike detail, 3D eyes and holographic inserts, increases precision and likeness to the real thing. The PowerBait Hollow Belly HD Tru Colors are available in 4-, 5- and 6-inch sizes and can be rigged as a line-through, on a jighead or with a weighted EWG. The PowerBait Grass Pig features a new size of 3.5 inches and an HD color extension on the 3.5- and 5-inch versions. The popular, Bobby Lane- designed bait features an irresistible wiggle through the body and tail of the bait. With six new HD colors, the versatile swimbait can be rigged with a weighted EWG, as a Florida rig, with an offset wide gap hook or on a jighead.
Berkley HD Tru Colors: Specifications
PowerBait Grass Pig
Sizes: 3.5 and 5 inches
Baits per package: 8 (3.5-inch); 6 (5-inch)
MSRP: $3.99 / $4.99 HD Tru Colors
HD Colors: HD Blueback Herring • HD Black Crappie • HD Gizzard Shad • HD Rainbow Trout • HD Sexy Shad • HD Yellow Perch
Key Features:
• Now available in 3.5-inch version
• HD Tru Colors
• Versatile swimbait that can be rigged with a weighted EWG hook, as a Florida rig, with an offset wide gap hook or on a jighead
Colors:
HD Blueback Herring
HD Black Crappie
HD Gizzard Shad
HD Rainbow Trout
HD Sexy Shad
HD Yellow Perch
PowerBait Pre-Rigged Swim Shad – HD Tru Colors
Sizes: 2, 3 and 4 inches
Baits per package: 5 (2- and 3-inch versions); 3 (4-inch version)
MSRP: $3.99 / $4.99 (2- and 3-inch HD Tru colors /; $4.79 (4-inch HD Tru colors)
HD Colors: HD Bluegill • HD Yellow Perch • HD Rainbow Trout • HD Gizzard Shad • HD Blueback Herring • HD Sexy Shad
Key Features:
• Same great bait, now available in HD Tru Colors and new 2-inch size
• Pre-rigged and ready to fish
• Lifelike detail, 3D eyes, holographic inserts
• Bag with tray protects the vibrating tail
PowerBait Hollow Belly – HD Tru Colors
Sizes: 4, 5 and 6 inches
Baits per package: 4 (4-inch version); 3 (5- and 6-inch versions)
MSRP: $6.99 / $7.99 HD Tru Colors
HD Colors: HD Black Crappie • HD Yellow Perch • HD Rainbow Trout • HD Gizzard Shad • HD Blueback Herring • HD Sexy Shad
Key Features:
• Now available in HD Tru Color
• Great action on fast and slow retrieves
• Rig as a line-through, on a jighead or with a weighted EWG hook
Lucas Lands 100 Pounds to Win Final Stage of 2020 Bass Pro Tour
Photo Credit: Phoenix Moore/Major League Fishing
Jordan Lee Named Points Champion
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 15, 2020 (Sturgeon Bay, Wisc.) Major League Fishing (MLF) Pro Justin Lucas scored 110 pounds, five ounces – a record in a Bass Pro Tour Championship Round - to win the Covercraft Stage Five presented by Abu Garcia Title and its $100,000 payout. Today’s finale included drama and record-breaking fish catches as see throughout the six-day event hosted by Destination Sturgeon Bay.
34-year-old Lucas of Guntersville, Alabama won the Qualifying Round for Group A, earning him an automatic berth to today’s Championship Round. This is Lucas’s first major win in four years, which brought much relief and emotion to the final confirmation of his win.
“It took me a while to figure out this MLF format, I didn’t have the best year last year,” said Lucas. “I know I’m not the most natural angler on this Tour, but I work hard and am really competitive. I wanted this so bad and it feels so good to get it.”
In addition to his trophy, Lucas took home three MLF records. Lucas’s catch was today one of 10, 100-pound plus days during this event. He set a new Bass Pro Tour record for the most weight caught during a Championship Day, passing Aaron Martens who scored 86 pounds, 4 ounces during the 2019 event on Table Rock Lake (Missouri).
Lucas also set the most scorable weight in a single day of competition on Friday when he scored 141 pounds, nine ounces. He also scored the most weight in a two-day Round with 205 pounds, six ounces to win Group A. His strategy focused on 20 to 25- deep water for the majority of his score and used the Berkley PowerBait MaxScent almost exclusively.
Cliff Pace caught the Berkley Big Bass of the day weighing in five pounds, three ounces earning him $1,000.
The top ten finished the Knockout Round as follows:
Place Angler One-Day Total Weight One-Day Fish Count Largest Fish Payout
1 Justin Lucas 110-05 38 4-06 $100,000
2 Mark Daniels Jr. 102-07 34 4-01 $42,000
3 Josh Bertrand 86-14 29 4-06 $30,000
4 Jordan Lee 79-07 27 4-04 $24,000
3 Alton Jones 78-05 26 4-08 $18,000
4 Andy Morgan 63-10 19 4-14 $16,800
5 Mike Iaconelli 63-02 23 4-08 $15.600
5 Cliff Pace 54-05 15 5-03 $14,400
7 Bradley Roy 30-07 11 3-12 $13,200
8 Ish Monroe 28-04 10 4-04 $12,000
For complete results, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com, Bass Pro Tour, Results.
29-year-old Jordan Lee is the 2020 Bass Pro Tour Season Points Champion, pictured here with wife, Kristen. Photo Credit: Garrett Dixon/Major League Fishing
29-year-old Jordan Lee locked in Points Champion. The angler with the most points at the end of the 2020 season earns the title of “Bass Pro Tour Points Champion.” Each angler earns Points (80-1) awarded by finishing place (1-80) at each Stage of the Bass Pro Tour. Coming into Wisconsin, Fletcher Shryock, Jacob Wheeler, Ott DeFoe, and Michael Neal rounded out the top five behind Lee. Upon receiving the trophy today, Lee expressed how much this means to him as a professional angler.
“To win (Points Champion) means you have to be a consistent angler and win or place regularly,” said Lee. “And to win against this group of guys, the best in the world, is really an awesome thing and it really means a lot.”
About the Bass Pro Tour:
The Bass Pro Tour began in 2019 and features 80 of the best professional anglers in the world, including Kevin VanDam, Edwin Evers, Aaron Martens, Mike Iaconelli, Jordan Lee, and Skeet Reese. Each stage includes six days of competition using the Major League Fishing, catch-weigh-and-immediately-release format, where every bass over a variable minimum weight, which is two pounds on Lake Fork for Stage Three, toward a cumulative weight total for the day. Variable minimum weights are determined by fishery, akin to a golf course handicap. The field of 80 anglers is divided into two groups of 40 (Groups A and B) to compete on days one through four for the Qualifying Round. The winners of each Group earn an automatic berth the Championship Round. The anglers finishing in places 2-20 from each group in the Qualifying Round (40 total) advance to the Knockout Round on day five (Tuesday), which determines who will compete on that final day, the Championship Round (Wednesday), for the Stage title and $100,000.
Each Stage of the Bass Pro Tour has the following payout schedule: 1st $100,000; 2nd $42,000; 3rd $30,000; 4th $24,000; 5th$18,000; 6th $16,800; 7th $15,600; 8th $14,400; 9th $13,200; 10th $12,000; 11th – 40th $6,000; Big Bass Daily $1,000; Big Bass Overall $1,000.
In addition to the economic impact for the host community, Destination Sturgeon Bay / Door County, Major League Fishing showcases the region through their award-winning, live and linear programming. Each Stage of the Bass Pro Tour is broadcast live on the Major League Fishing app, MyOutdoorTV (MOTV), and majorleaguefishing.com, totaling more than 325 hours of original programming. Fans can follow the fast-paced nature of the MLF format as it unfolds on the live leaderboard through “SCORETRACKER® updates.”
Highlights from each Stage of the 2020 Bass Pro Tour air on Discovery Network beginning in July 2020 and Sportsman Channel in early 2021. Covercraft Stage Five presented by Abu Garcia will premiere as two, two-hour episodes on Discovery Channel October 3 and 4, 7 – 9 a.m. ET/PT.
“MLF offers the strongest broadcast presence in the industry to fans and sponsors,” said Jim Wilburn, President and CEO of Major League Fishing. “And with these lakes planned for this coming Bass Pro Tour, we know 2020 will be our best year yet as we continue to capture a broad audience of both longtime fishing fans and those new to the sport, thanks to our fast-paced, fan-friendly format,”
ICAST Announces 30 New Product Showcase Best of Category Winners for 2020
Awards were presented during the first-ever virtual sportfishing trade show
Alexandria, VA – July 15, 2020 - Tonight, the ICAST 2020 Online New Product Showcase Best of Category award winners were announced during the first-ever, virtual sportfishing industry trade show. One of those 30 category winners will be awarded the coveted Best of Show trophy to be announced Friday morning, July 17, at 9:00 a.m. at ICASTfishing.org.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic ICAST, the world’s largest recreational fishing trade show, transitioned from an Orlando-based, in-person show to a virtual event with ICAST 2020 Online. The American Sportfishing Association (ASA), the show’s producer, committed to delivering attendees and exhibitors alike an engaging, interactive virtual trade show experience, presented by TakeMeFishing.org.
“For 63 years, ICAST has been the venue for showcasing recreational fishing related products and we were determined that this year was going to be no different,” said Blake Swango, ASA’s vice president for Trade Show and Membership.
One of the most popular featured events at ICAST, the New Product Showcase, sponsored by Fishing Tackle Retailer/Decode, is a once-a-year opportunity to see the latest and greatest innovations all in one place.
“Despite a change in venue, the New Product Showcase featured the latest innovations in gear, accessories, apparel and other products to ensure anglers will have a great day on the water,” said ASA President Glenn Hughes. “For the first time, retail buyers and media from around the world were able to vote electronically for the Best of Category and Best of Show awards.”
Hughes further said, “Kudos and congratulations to all our member exhibitors who stepped up this year, even during these crazy times, to develop and launch all these incredible new products that reflect the passion our industry has for making a day on the water even more exciting for anglers around the globe.”
For ICAST 2020 Online, 434 new products were entered by more than 180 companies.
“We congratulate tonight’s winners for contributing their ideas and hard work to the innovative spirit that keeps our industry growing,” said Swango. “We’re pleased that ICAST once again serves as a showcase for the best in sportfishing and the entire outdoor, on-the-water experience.”
Swango noted, “I want to thank our ICAST 2020 Online sponsors for their generous support and commitment to the show.”
All New Product Showcase entries and Best of Category winners are available for viewing through the ICAST website and on the ICAST app.
ICAST 2020 Online New Product Showcase Best of Category Award Winners
For product details, images and other information please contact the individual award winners’ contacts listed below.
Best of Category – Boating Accessories – Minn Kota
Product: Raptor Shallow Water Anchor
Contact: Kathy Dutton
Best of Category – Boats and Watercraft – Johnson Outdoors Watercraft
Product: Old Town Sportsman Autopilot
Contact: Alex Sherbinow
Best of Category – Giftware – Garmin
Product: Garmin quatix® 6X Solar
Contact: Carly Hysell
Best of Category – Footwear – Under Armour
Product: UA Micro G Kilchis
Contact: Jed Larkin
Best of Category – Eyewear – Costa Del Mar, Inc.
Product: Ferg
Contact: Todd Barker
Best of Category – Lifestyle Apparel for Women – Simms Fishing Products
Product: Women’s Challenger Jacket and Bib
Contact: Katy Grassel
Best of Category – Lifestyle Apparel for Men – AFTCO/American Fishing Tackle Company
Product: Saba Recycled Seam-Free Boardshorts
Contact: Matt Florentino
Best of Category – Technical Apparel – Warm Weather – AFTCO/American Fishing Tackle Company
Product: Diffuse Air-0 Mesh® Fishing Shorts
Contact: Matt Florentino
Best of Category – Technical Apparel – Cold Weather – AFTCO/American Fishing Tackle Company
Product: Reaper Windproof 3-Layer Softshell Jacket
Contact: Matt Florentino
Best of Category – Soft and Hard Coolers - YETI
Product: Roadie 24
Contact: Erica Cicero
Best of Category – Electronics – Humminbird
Product: CoastMaster Charts
Contact: Justin Leesman
Best of Category – Cutlery, Hand Pliers or Tools – Line Cutterz as Seen on Shark Tank
Product: Line Cutterz Dual Hybrid Micro Scissor
Contact: Vance Zahorski
Best of Category – Fly Fishing Accessory – Plano Synergy
Product: Frabill Floating Trout nets
Contact: Chris Russell
Best of Category – Fishing Accessory – American Tackle Company
Product: Tsuka Handle System
Contact: Theron Asbery
Best of Category – Kids’ Tackle – Pure Fishing, Inc.
Product: Abu Garcia Gen Ike EZ Cast Baitcast Combo
Contact: Kimberly Hoffman
Best of Category – Terminal Tackle – Rapala
Product: VMC CROSSOVER RINGS
Contact: Julia Lindberg
Best of Category – Tackle Management – Plano Synergy
Product: Plano EDGE FLEX
Contact: Chris Russell
Best of Category – Ice Fishing – Rapala
Product: STRIKEMASTER LITHIUM 24V
Contact: Julia Lindberg
Best of Category – Fishing Line – Pure Fishing, Inc.
Product: Berkley FluoroShield
Contact: Kimberly Hoffman
Best of Category – Freshwater Soft Lure – A Band of Anglers
Product: Hyperlastics Dartprop Pro SK
Contact: Paul Michele
Best of Category – Freshwater Hard Lure – Z-Man Fishing Products
Product: ChatterBait® JackHammer™ StealthBlade™
Contact: Joey Prochazka
Best of Category – Saltwater Soft Lure – 13 Fishing
Product: The Mullet
Contact: Jessica Teschendorf
Best of Category – Saltwater Hard Lure – Shimano North America Fishing, Inc.
Product: SP-Orca 150 Flash Boost – Blue Sardine Color (XUS15TEBS)
Contact: John Mazurkiewicz
Best of Category – Fly Fishing Rod – Pure Fishing, Inc.
Product: Hardy Zane Pro
Contact: Kimberly Hoffman
Best of Category – Freshwater Rod – St. Croix of Park Falls
Product: Legend Xtreme spinning XFS76MF
Contact: Josh Lanz
Best of Category – Saltwater Rod – St. Croix of Park Falls
Product: Mojo Inshore JIC79XHMF
Contact: Josh Lanz
Best of Category – Rod & Reel Combo – Pure Fishing, Inc.
Product: Abu Garcia Virtual Casting Combo
Contact: Kimberly Hoffman
Best of Category – Fly Reel – Pure Fishing, Inc.
Product: Hardy Ultradisc UDLA Reel
Contact: Kimberly Hoffman
Best of Category – Freshwater Reel – Shimano North America Fishing, Inc.
Product: Vanford 2500 Spinning Reel (VF2500HGF)
Contact: John Mazurkiewicz
Best of Category – Saltwater Reel – Pure Fishing, Inc.
Product: PENN Battle III Reels
Contact: Kimberly Hoffman
The American Sportfishing Association (ASA) is the sportfishing industry's trade association committed to representing the interests of the sportfishing and boating industries as well as the entire sportfishing community. We give the industry and anglers a unified voice when emerging laws and policies could significantly affect sportfishing business or sportfishing itself. ASA invests in long-term ventures to ensure the industry will remain strong and prosperous, as well as safeguard and promote the enduring economic, conservation and social values of sportfishing in America. ASA also gives America's 49 million anglers a voice in policy decisions that affect their ability to sustainably fish on our nation's waterways through Keep America Fishing, our national angler advocacy campaign. America's anglers generate nearly $50 billion in retail sales with a $125 billion impact on the nation's economy creating employment for 800,000 people.
KVD’s Smallmouth Smorgasbord ICAST 2020
Courtesy of Luke Stoner - Dynamic Sponsorships
Few people on this planet know more about northern smallmouth bass than Kevin VanDam. The bronze aquatic torpedoes are just different. Their patterns, preferences, and nomadic nature require a special learning curve VanDam has been perfecting his entire career.
With nearly $7 million in tournament earnings that includes 28 pro-level wins, it’s safe to say VanDam has a proven track record. When KVD talks, you’d be wise to listen.
The Team Toyota pro suspects he spends 70% of his time targeting smallmouth versus their large-mouthed relatives when fun-fishing around his home in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Following Stage 5 of the Bass Pro Tour we caught up with KVD to talk smallmouth bass and get a glimpse into one of the greatest minds bass fishing has ever known.
Two tips for Northern smallies
We wanted to quiz VanDam on what his current favorite baits or techniques for bronze-backs were, but the greatest tournament angler of all time couldn’t help but divulge two crucial tips he pays attention to before every smallmouth trip; use a long rod and invest in quality sunglasses.
“Using a longer-than-usual rod helps a ton for northern smallmouth,” VanDam explained. “The water is typically ultra-clear up here, so long casts are extremely important. Light line and a long rod will help you get your bait as away from the boat as possible, and assists with moving a lot of line on your hook set when you get a fish to eat.”
VanDam pointed out he practically never uses a rod shorter than 7-feet long when targeting clear-water smallies. He designed his new signature series of Lew’s rods with this in mind, including the 7-foot 4-inch KVD Lew’s spinning rod VanDam trusts for nearly every finesse fishing application.
Owning and wearing a good pair of polarized sunglasses was KVD’s next suggestion that’ll help you catch more fish whether you are stalking the bank or covering an offshore flat in a bass boat.
“Electronics are important for showing me what’s underwater, but to me a good pair of sunglasses is absolutely critical,” VanDam said. “Smallmouth love transitions or changes in bottom composition. I’m constantly looking for those things when I’m smallmouth fishing. Oakley’s Shallow Water Prizm is hands-down my favorite lens color for northern waters.”
Whether he is enjoying time on the water his boys Jackson and Nicholas or in the middle of high-stress MLF competition, VanDam’s eyes are always scanning the water. Looking for indications like transitions, irregularities, individual pieces of cover, or smallmouth themselves. KVD catches a pile of smallmouth each year thanks to the clues he discovers using nothing but his eyes.
VanDam’s smallmouth staples
The tips KVD provided above will give you a couple steps in the right direction to consistently catching smallmouth, but throwing the right baits helps even more. VanDam graciously offered six northern smallmouth staples he has rigged and at the ready whenever he launches his Nitro boat.
3 power-fishing preferences
- ½-ounce Strike King KVD Burner Spinnerbait
- Strike King KVD Jerkbait (300 series)
- Strike King KVD Jerkbait Deep (300 series)
It’s no secret KVD loves to move fast and power fish. Fortunately, VanDam has found that to be the best way to locate smallmouth. The pace VanDam keeps during competition would make a toddler on a sugar-high sleepy, but there is undoubtedly a method to his madness.
If restricted to three choices, these lures are what VanDam would bet the house on for smallmouth in northern waters.
“I always start by power fishing if I’m targeting smallmouths,” VanDam said. “Even if I don’t catch the fish on a jerkbait or spinnerbait, oftentimes they’ll show themselves. Smallmouth are notorious for following baits up to the boat, but I’m OK with that. I can always go back and finesse them if I need to. Power fishing not only catches me a lot of smallies, it helps me find a lot of fish, too.”
3 finesse frontrunners
- 3/8-ounce Strike King Tour Grade Tube jig with a KVD Pro-Model Tube
- Dropshot: Strike King KVD Dream Shot with 3/8 – ½-ounce weight
- 1/8-ounce Ned Rig with a Strike King Ned Ocho
When the conditions call for it or he simply can’t get fish to react to more aggressive offerings, VanDam has found great success with these three lures / presentations. Relying on these finesse techniques to “cleanup” areas where he has located finicky smallmouth.
“I absolutely never go smallmouth fishing without a tube and a dropshot tied on,” VanDam admitted. “While I’d prefer to catch them power fishing, it’s impossible to deny to effectiveness of those three lures. Whether I’m trying to coax more bites from an area, dropping down to a fish that chased my bait to the boat, or the scenario calls for a more subtle presentation I lean on these three lures.”
Berkley Frittside Junior and Biggun’ ICAST 2020
Berkley® Expands the Frittside™ Lineup with the Addition of the Junior and Biggun’
COLUMBIA, S.C. (July 15, 2020) — When Berkley® scientists collaborated with David Fritts to create the Berkley Frittside™ they knew they had a lure that was scientifically proven to catch bass, but even they were surprised at how fast it cemented itself as one of the hottest crankbaits in bass fishing. In just a short period of time it has racked up a lengthy list of accomplishments including the 2019 MLF Redcrest win, a 2020 FLW Pro Circuit event win and a host of Top-10 finishes in both the 2019 and 2020 Bassmaster Classic. In response to this success and the considerable buzz around the bait, Berkley is now announcing an expanded offering of the size 5 Frittside with two new profiles, the Frittside Junior and the Frittside Biggun’.
“We were bombarded with requests for new sizes from professional and avid anglers, so we put our Berkley scientists back to work,” stated Jake Dawson, Marketing Director at Berkley. “We asked them to develop two new baits that would dive to five feet but would still have that Frittside action that works in everything from muddy to clear-water conditions. That’s not as easy as it sounds as it takes considerable testing in the lab and on the water to keep the unique action at different depths.”
Flat-sided balsa crankbaits are known for their action, but these types of wooden baits are not as durable and the balsa material itself can be inconsistent from lure to lure leading to imperfections. Working with David Fritts, the Berkley scientists were able to bring together the action of a balsa bait with the durability, consistency and casting ability of a plastic bait with the Frittside lineup. Both the Frittside Junior and Biggun’ are ideal for sluggish and/or pressured fish. The Frittside Junior is ideal for clear-water conditions while the Frittside Biggun’ gives anglers the larger profile necessary for muddy conditions. Both feature the classic flat-sided profile that mimics a variety of species and creates the most flash of any Berkley crankbait. The integrated FlashDisc design delivers a balanced weighting and action that tracks more accurately at higher speeds. Versus balsa, the Frittside’s material construction makes it’s easier to cast for distance and accuracy — even on baitcasting gear — meaning anglers can cover more water with the baits and reach targets from a greater distance.
The Frittside Junior and Biggun’ are available in 18 colors ideal for bass fisheries across the nation and come equipped with ultra-sharp Fusion19™ hooks. Both the Junior and the Biggun’ have an MSRP of $8.99.
Berkley Frittside Junior and Biggun’: Specifications
Size:
Frittside Junior — 2 inches (length) x .9 inches (height)
Frittside Biggun’ — 2.82 inches (length) x 1.08 inches (height)
Dive Depth/Hook Size:
Frittside Junior — 2 to 5 feet/Size 5
Frittside Biggun’ — 2 to 5 feet/Size 7
Colors:
Spicy Mustard • Blue Chartreuse • Firetiger • Cream Pie • Midnight Pearl • Kentucky Blue • Lone Ranger • Black Chartreuse • Spray Tan • Honey Shad • Sexy Back • Ghost Morning Dawn • Rubbertail • MF Bluegill • Candy Apple Red Craw • Spring Craw • Brown Craw • Special Red Craw
MSRP:
Frittside Junior — $8.99
Frittside Biggun’ — $8.99
Key Features:
• Tight, balsa-like thumping action for tough conditions made possible by the integrated FlashDisc, which improves tracking stability
• Casts well even on baitcasting equipment
• Equipped with ultra-sharp Fusion19 hooks
Abu Garcia Max Line ICAST 2020
Abu Garcia Brings Performance to Affordable Reels and Combos with its New Max Line
COLUMBIA, S.C. (July 15, 2020) – Anglers looking for an edge will be excited to see the new Abu Garcia® Max line of reels and combos hitting the water this summer. Abu Garcia is well known for high performance and reliability, and the new Max X, Max STX and Max PRO reels are no exception. Accessible for all anglers, the new Max reels and combos will give anyone a leg up in the competition.
“The introduction of the Max X, STX and PRO line marks a new chapter for the legacy Abu Garcia Black Max, Silver Max and Pro Max reels,” said Andrew Wheeler, Marketing Director for Abu Garcia. “We’re excited to be able to offer improved performance and a fresh look for this trusted family of reels and combos. We strongly believe this new line will be a reliable choice for everyone who has a passion for fishing.”
The Max X, STX, and PRO spinning reels feature both the Rocket Line Management System™ for better control of all types of fishing line, and the Rocket Spool Lip Design™ that offers more control of the line coming off the spool. Machined aluminum spools provide strength without the added weight, and their slow oscillation helps to ensure even line lay with all types of fishing line. Bearing counts range from three on the Max X, five on the Max STX to six on the Max PRO, and all include an additional roller bearing for smooth operation. Max spinning combos are constructed from 24 Ton graphite for a lightweight, balanced design and feature custom designed reel seats with an integrated polymer comfort grip.
Max spincast reels feature a Quadcam pickup system, and a smooth, consistent multidisc drag system. The Max X has one ball bearing, the Max STX has two, while the Max PRO has three ball bearings and all include an additional roller bearing for smooth operation. All reels have an Easy Spool feature and come pre-spooled with Berkley® Trilene® XL line. The Max X, STX and PRO reels are also available in a combo version that offers high density EVA grips and stainless steel guides with titanium oxide inserts.
All combos feature eye-catching graphics that are sure to stand out in any angler’s gear. For additional information on the Abu Garcia Max family of reels and combos visit www.abugarcia.com.
Abu Garcia Max Spinning Reels and Combos: Specifications
Max X Spinning
Reel Sizes: 5 • 10 • 20 • 30 • 40 • 60
Reel MSRP: $29.99 to $39.99
Combo Sizes: Size 5 reel/5-6 Light rod (2-piece) • Size 20 reel/6-0 Medium rod • Size 30 reel/6-6 Medium rod • Size 30 reel/6-6 Medium rod (2-piece) • Size 60 reel/7-0 Medium Heavy rod
Combo MSRP: $59.99 to $69.99
• 3 Ball bearings +1 roller bearing provides smooth operation
• Rocket Line Management™ system provides better control of all types of fishing lines
• Rocket Spool Lip Design™ allows better control of line coming off the spool
• Machined aluminum spool provides strength without adding excess weight
• Slow Oscillation provides even line lay with all types of line
• Everlast™ bail system for improved durability
• Lightweight graphite body and rotor
• Abu Custom integrated reel seat with molded polymer comfort grip on combo rods
• 24 Ton graphite construction on combo rods for a lightweight and balanced design
• Texas rigged hook keeper on combo rods
Max STX Spinning
Reel Sizes: 5 • 10 • 20 • 30 • 40
Reel MSRP: $39.99
Combo Sizes: Size 5 reel/5-6 Light rod (2-piece) • Size 10 reel/7-0 Light rod (2-piece) • Size 30 reel/6-6 Medium rod • Size 30 reel/6-6 Medium rod (2-piece) • Size 40 reel/7-0 Medium Heavy rod (2-piece)
Combo MSRP: $69.99
• 5 Ball bearings +1 roller bearing provides smooth operation
• Rocket Line Management™ system provides better control of all types of fishing lines
• Rocket Spool Lip Design™ allows better control of line coming off the spool
• Machined aluminum spool provides strength without adding excess weight
• Slow Oscillation provides even line lay with all types of line
• Everlast™ bail system for improved durability
• Lightweight graphite body and rotor
• Abu Custom integrated reel seat with molded polymer comfort grip on combo rods
• 24 Ton graphite construction on combo rods for a lightweight and balanced design
• Texas rigged hook keeper on combo rods
Max PRO Spinning
Reel Sizes: 5 • 10 • 20 • 30 • 40 • 60
Reel MSRP: $49.99 to $59.99
Combo Sizes: Size 30 reel/6-6 Medium rod (2-piece) • Size 30 reel/7-0 Medium rod
Combo MSRP: $79.99
• 6 Ball bearings +1 roller bearing provides smooth operation
• Rocket Line Management™ system provides better control of all types of fishing lines
• Rocket Spool Lip Design™ allows better control of line coming off the spool
• Machined aluminum spool provides strength without adding excess weight
• Slow Oscillation provides even line lay with all types of line
• Everlast™ bail system for improved durability
• Lightweight graphite body and rotor
• Abu Custom integrated reel seat with molded polymer comfort grip on combo rods
• 24 Ton graphite construction on combo rods for a lightweight and balanced design
• Texas rigged hook keeper on combo rods
Abu Garcia Max Spincast Reels and Combos: Specifications
Max X Spincast
Reel Sizes: 10 • 15
Reel MSRP: $19.99 to $24.99
Combo Sizes: Size 10 reel/6-0 Medium rod (2-piece) • Size 15 reel/6-6 Medium rod (2-piece)
Combo MSRP: $24.99 to $34.99
• Quadcam Pickup System
• 2 bearing system
• Pre-Spooled with Berkley Trilene XL
• Smooth and consistent multi-disc drag system
• High Density EVA on combo rods
• Stainless Steel Guides with Stainless Steel inserts on combo rods
Max STX Spincast
Reel Sizes: 10
Reel MSRP: $29.99
Combo Sizes: Size 10 ree/6-0 Medium rod (2-piece)
Combo MSRP: $49.99
• Quadcam Pickup System
• 3 bearing system
• Pre-Spooled with Berkley Trilene XL
• Smooth and consistent multi disc-drag system
• High Density EVA on combo rods
• Stainless Steel Guides with Stainless Steel inserts on combo rods
Max Pro Spincast
Reel Sizes: 10
Reel MSRP: $49.99
Combo Sizes: Size 10 reel/6-0 Medium rod (2-piece)
Combo MSRP: $59.99
• Quadcam Pickup System
• 4 bearing system
• Pre-Spooled with Berkley Trilene XL
• Smooth and consistent multi disc-drag system
• High Density EVA on combo rods
• Stainless Steel Guides with Stainless Steel inserts on combo rods
• Aluminum body and cone
SPRO's King Daddy Frog New Colors ICAST 2020
Kennesaw, Georgia (July 15, 2020) - The Bronzeye Frog 90 is the King Daddy of all frog baits. The oversized profile and unmatched action of the larger-than-life frog attract the biggest predators as it chugs and sputters its way through the thickest mats without hanging up or snagging. And now, SPRO has added four of the most popular colors to the King Daddy line to answer angler demand.
"The King Daddy is the biggest frog on the market," said SPRO Pro and lure designer Dean Rojas. "If you want explosive topwater action with the biggest bass or muskies, you need to fish a King Daddy."
B.A.S.S. Elite Series Angler Dean Rojas and SPRO developed the frog for bass anglers across the country 15 years ago. Since that time, Rojas and SPRO played with the winning formula to create different baits to excel in specific conditions. The Bronzeye Frog 90 King Daddy was built 30 percent bigger than the original to give multi-species anglers the profile to entice the largest predators out of hiding. The heavy-duty Gamakatsu double hook ensures that strikes turn into hookups, with the backbone needed to horse fish through the densest weeds using the beefiest rods and strongest braids.
"We've added four of the most popular colors from our other frogs to the King Daddy line. Anglers wanted our proven Navy Seal, Yellow Sparkle, Outback and Albino colors in a larger size to target bigger fish," said Rojas. "Albino is one of my favorites because it allows me to easily customize the bait to match forage species or light conditions with just a paint marker."
The one-ounce King Daddy delivers extra casting distance so you can hit the pads in the back where no boat can go. Reach untouched pockets where lunkers lie with the weedless performance to wiggle through the thickest cover without snagging. The walking action also excels in open water, drawing fish from submerged cover for adrenaline-inducing surface blow-ups.
For big fish in thick mats, sparse weeds, or open water, you can't beat the splashing, gurgling action of the King Daddy. Now available in four additional fish-catching colors.
Bronzeye Frog 90 King Daddy Features:
- 90mm
- 1 ounce
- Gamakatsu 6/0 EWG Double hook
- In NEW Navy Seal, Yellow Sparkle, Outback, and Albino
- Midnight Walker, Leopard, Nasty Shad, Natural Green, Killer Gill, Rainforest Black, Natural Red, and Green Tree Frog are also available
Jordan Lee Secures 2020 Bass Pro Tour Points Championship!
MDJ Scores 100+ to Win Round;
IKE EEKS Over Elimination Line by 1-ounce
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 14, 2020 (Sturgeon Bay, Wisc.) 38 Pros battled on the Wisconsin waters of Lake Michigan for the final eight spots in Wednesday’s Covercraft Stage Five presented by Abu Garcia Championship. Mark Daniels Jr. won the Knockout Round with 103 pounds. Mike Iaconelli landed a two-pound, two-ounce smallmouth in the final seconds to push Ott DeFoe out of the Championship by one ounce. 30 Pros fell below the Elimination Line, including Jacob Wheeler, which guarantees the 2020 Bass Pro Tour Season Points Title to 29-year-old Jordan Lee who finished third to advance. The tournament hosted by Destination Sturgeon Bay continues Wednesday when the top ten compete for the $100,000 Stage Title.
38-year-old Mark Daniels Jr. joined seven other MLF Pros this week by scoring 100+ pounds in a single day and won the Knockout Round and advance to the Wednesday’s Championship Round. Photo Credit: Phoenix Moore/Major League Fishing
38-year-old Daniels Jr. joined seven other MLF Pros this week by scoring 100+ pounds in a single day and won the Knockout Round and advance to the Wednesday’s Championship Round. A California-native and Alabama-resident Daniels Jr. found the fish early and never let up with his go-to baits - Z-Man Finesse TRD in green pumpkin and green pumpkin goby or Z-Man Finesse WormZ - to secure 103 pounds, five ounces on 32 smallmouth bass.
“I laid off a little at the end, but it was a pretty stellar day,” Daniels said. “My goal was to make it to the Championship Round, and it happened. I got an invite to the big dance; I just hope the smallmouth decide to show up tomorrow.”
29-year-old Jordan Lee secured the 2020 Bass Pro Tour Season Points Title with his advancement to the Championship Round. Photo Credit: Garrett Dixon/Major League Fishing
29-year-old Jordan Lee secured the 2020 Bass Pro Tour Season Points Title with his advancement to the Championship Round as his final contender, Jacob Wheeler, fell below the Elimination Line today. The Pro with the most points at the end of the 2020 season earns the title of “Bass Pro Tour Points Champion.” Each angler earns Points (80-1) awarded by finishing place (1-80) at each Stage of the Bass Pro Tour. Coming into Wisconsin, Fletcher Shryock, Jacob Wheeler, Ott DeFoe, and Michael Neal rounded out the top five behind Lee. With Wheeler’s elimination today, Lee has mathematically won and will receive the trophy tomorrow during the post-game festivities at Sawyer Park, Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin.
“It feels unbelievable to be able to win it against these guys,” Lee said. “To win the points (championship) is a dream come true. Add in that I got to catch 94 pounds of smallmouth today; it was an incredible moment.”
Lee caught 94 pounds exactly on 34 fish to end in third place and advance to tomorrow’s Stage Five Championship Round. With the Points Champion Title locked in, Lee doesn’t plan to let-up on the competition tomorrow in the Championship Round.
“I’m looking forward to getting back out there and to have a chance to win tomorrow,” Lee said.
Despite losing 50 minutes of competition to a weather delay, the field of 38 caught 1,751 pounds, four ounces of scorable (two-pound minimum weight) bass, making today the heaviest day of Stage Five.
The fast-paced action of the MLF format on the waters bordering Door County, Wisconsin made for an exciting end to today’s contest as the field shifted over the Elimination Line until the last seconds when Ott DeFoe and Bobby Lane were knocked out. Daiwa Pro Ish Monroe landed a two-pound, 13-ounce smallmouth with one minute in regulation to leap into sixth place. As the clock ran down, Iaconelli (“IKE”) pulled a two-pound, two-ounce bass over the hull with seconds remaining to knock out DeFoe by one ounce. The 49-year-old Pro known for his energy on the water celebrated with a backspin after learning finished eighth.
Jacob Wheeler caught the Berkley Big Bass of the day weighing in five pounds, three ounces earning him $1,000.
The top eight finished the Knockout Round as follows:
Place Angler Two-Day Total Two-Day Total Largest Fish over Two-Day Round
1 Mark Daniels Jr. 103-05 32 4-08
2 Andy Morgan 96-03 28 4-10
3 Jordan Lee 94-00 34 3-11
4 Alton Jones 78-00 29 4-02
5 Bradley Roy 77-02 28 3-14
5 Josh Bertrand 68-03 21 4-12
7 Ish Monroe 61-11 23 3-12
8 Mike Iaconelli 61-01 22 3-15
For complete results, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com, Bass Pro Tour, Results.
The competition continues Wednesday with the Covercraft Stage Five presented by Abu Garcia Championship Round. Today’s qualifiers join Justin Lucas and Cliff Pace, who won their respective Qualifying Rounds to earn an auto-berth into the Championship. The field of 10 begin with zero weight and the angler with the most scorable bass wins $100,000 and Stage Title.
Pending no weather delays, the day begins at Sawyer Park Boat Launch, Sturgeon Bay, Wisc., 6:15 a.m. CT when the field reports to pick-up their MLF Officials and camera operators before trailering to the ramp of their choice. With lines in at 8:00 a.m. CT, the competition consists of three, 150-minute periods.
Fans can catch all the action 8a.m. – 4 p.m. CT on MLFNOW! livestream on MajorLeagueFishing.com or download the MLF App for your Apple or GooglePlay device or on MyOutdoorTV (MOTV).
After lines-out (4 – 5 p.m. CT), fans can tune-in hear from MLF’s Steven Scott at the General Tire Takeout for in-depth interviews and the trophy presentations to Jordan Lee – 2020 Bass Pro Tour Points Champion – and the winner of Covercraft Stage Five presented by Abu Garcia
About the Bass Pro Tour:
The Bass Pro Tour began in 2019 and features 80 of the best professional anglers in the world, including Kevin VanDam, Edwin Evers, Aaron Martens, Mike Iaconelli, Jordan Lee, and Skeet Reese. Each stage includes six days of competition using the Major League Fishing, catch-weigh-and-immediately-release format, where every bass over a variable minimum weight, which is two pounds on Lake Fork for Stage Three, toward a cumulative weight total for the day. Variable minimum weights are determined by fishery, akin to a golf course handicap. The field of 80 anglers is divided into two groups of 40 (Groups A and B) to compete on days one through four for the Qualifying Round. The winners of each Group earn an automatic berth the Championship Round. The anglers finishing in places 2-20 from each group in the Qualifying Round (40 total) advance to the Knockout Round on day five (Tuesday), which determines who will compete on that final day, the Championship Round (Wednesday), for the Stage title and $100,000.
Each Stage of the Bass Pro Tour has the following payout schedule: 1st $100,000; 2nd $42,000; 3rd $30,000; 4th $24,000; 5th$18,000; 6th $16,800; 7th $15,600; 8th $14,400; 9th $13,200; 10th $12,000; 11th – 40th $6,000; Big Bass Daily $1,000; Big Bass Overall $1,000.
In addition to the economic impact for the host community, Destination Sturgeon Bay / Door County, Major League Fishing showcases the region through their award-winning, live and linear programming. Each Stage of the Bass Pro Tour is broadcast live on the Major League Fishing app, MyOutdoorTV (MOTV), and majorleaguefishing.com, totaling more than 325 hours of original programming. Fans can follow the fast-paced nature of the MLF format as it unfolds on the live leaderboard through “SCORETRACKER® updates.”
Highlights from each Stage of the 2020 Bass Pro Tour air on Discovery Network beginning in July 2020 and Sportsman Channel in early 2021. Covercraft Stage Five presented by Abu Garcia will premiere as two, two-hour episodes on Discovery Channel October 3 and 4, 7 – 9 a.m. ET/PT.
“MLF offers the strongest broadcast presence in the industry to fans and sponsors,” said Jim Wilburn, President and CEO of Major League Fishing. “And with these lakes planned for this coming Bass Pro Tour, we know 2020 will be our best year yet as we continue to capture a broad audience of both longtime fishing fans and those new to the sport, thanks to our fast-paced, fan-friendly format,”
Gamakatsu Three New Jig Hooks ICAST 2020
Tacoma, Washington (July 15, 2020) Gamakatsu is introducing two exciting new jig hook designs with specific and intentional design elements, along with a new color addition to the existing Jig 60 Round Bend. As with all Gamakatsu hooks, the hooks are constructed with the sharpest points in the industry, continuing the trend of earning trust amongst anglers by penetrating and landing more fish.
The Jig 60 Round Bend hook delivers in terms of both simplicity and function for anglers. The 60-degree round bend design makes this a go-to jig hook for flipping and pitching. The bite area is fantastic, helping anglers connect on difficult hooksets. This model is a trusted favorite for amateur and professional anglers seeking a versatile and practical jig hook in a traditional design. The Jig 60 Round Bend is now available in the popular NS Black (Nickel Silver Black) color adding more versatility to your jigs.
Visit the Gamakatsu New Product Site Here!
The Jig 90 Big River will quickly become a staple for anglers desiring a versatile jig hook capable of performing in different environments and for a variety of species. The large gap and acute bend offer great holding power, locking fish in place when hooked. Anglers can now stick fish and put the wood to them with confidence. This unique design comes in a wide range of sizes for fisherman, targeting salmon, steelhead and walleye.
In the saltwater world, few jig hooks are built to withstand the hardest fighting fish in the ocean. Hard strikes and wild runs from species like striped bass will test the strength of any hook. The Jig 90 Salty HD is specially made with a round bend and heavy wire that can hold form against the toughest fish out there. The hook has a Go Big or Go Home attitude and an O'Shaughnessy bend for hard hook sets.
Gamakatsu specialty jig hooks are designed with input from customers and world-class anglers. The hooks utilize the sharpest points and most durable materials on the market. Great anglers require perfect hooks, and Gamakatsu's special jig hooks set the standard for high performance.
Jig 60 Round Bend Features:
- Excellent flipping and pitching jig hook
- Round bend provides a better bite area
- Size: 2/0, 3/0, 4/0, and 5/0
- Color: NS Black
- Qty/Pack: 25, 100
Jig 90 Big River Features:
- Large gap and acute bend for greater holding power
- Versatile design for multiple species
- Perfect for salmon, steelhead, and walleye
- Size: 2, 1, 1/0, 2/0, 3/0, and 4/0
- Color: NS Black
- Qty/Pack: 25, 100
Jig 90 Salty HD Features:
- Heavy duty wire hook
- Perfect for larger species and saltwater applications
- O'Shaughnessy bend
- Size: 6/0, 7/0, 8/0
- Color: NS Black
- Qty/Pack: 25
For more information, visit: www.gamakatsu.com
Lew’s Reimagined Mach Crush Combos ICAST 2020
Lew’s Introduces Reimagined Mach Crush Combos for ICAST 2020
Company Looking to Extend Combo Record Best of Show Win Steak
Lexington, S.C. – July 10, 2020 – For the past six years, Lew’s has earned favor of the voting media and buyers at ICAST in the combo category of the Best of Show awards. The company’s use of innovative materials, design and engineering, coupled with bold, eye-catching cosmetics has resulted in a humbling, six-year streak of Best of Show Category wins.
For ICAST 2020, Lew’s is unveiling completely reimagined Mach Crush SLP and Mach Crush Spinning combos for the 2021 tackle year. The combos will once again be entered into the freshwater rod/reel combo category of the ICAST New Product Showcase/Best of Show competition and is a contender for earning a seventh award in the category.
The combos – which will retail at $199.99 for the baitcasting models and $179.99 for the spinning series, will contain three models in the casting series and two in the spinning versions.
The Mach Crush rods are built on IM8 graphite blanks with nanotechnology, stainless steel guides with Titanium Oxide inserts, Lew’s new Full Contact reel seats and full-length Winn Dri-Tac handles on casting versions and exclusive patent pending ComfortTouch™ split grips on the spinning models, which both feature SoftTouch finish. There will be three casting and two spinning models available and are finished with a beautiful metallic orange butt section and raw graphite upper.
Mach Crush SLP baitcasting reels on the combo will be available in 7.5:1 left or right hand versions finished in the metallic orange paint scheme, with a laundry list of features; strong and lightweight, graphite frame and sideplates, machined and anodized aluminum U-shape 32mm spool, high strength solid brass Speed Gears®, a premium 10 bearing system with double-shielded stainless-steel ball bearings and Zero Reverse® one-way clutch bearing, externally adjustable Multi-Setting Brake (MSB) dual cast control system utilizing both an external click-dial for setting the magnetic brake, plus 4 individually disengaging disk-mounted internal brake shoes that operate on centrifugal force, an anodized aluminum spool tension adjustment with audible click, a rugged carbon fiber drag system that provides up to 20lbs. of drag power, an anodized, bowed aluminum 95mm handle with Winn® Dri-Tac handle knobs, an anodized aluminum bowed drag star with audible click adjustment, with a locking pin sideplate, a Zirconia line guide and external lube port.
Displaying the same metallic orange finish, the Mach Crush spinning reels feature a 6.2:1 gear ratio and come in two sizes. Like its baitcasting cousin, the Mach Crush spinning reel has performance features throughout, including:
A premium 11-bearing system with 10 ball bearings and Zero Reverse one-way clutch bearing, and a smooth and powerful sealed carbon fiber drag system, a strong aluminum body and sideplate, with a lightweight high strength Carbon C40 Skeletal Speed Rotor with an aluminum bail wire, a S-curve oscillation system to precisely load the double anodized braid ready knurled aluminum spool, a quality solid brass pinion gear and durable stainless steel main shaft driven by an aluminum handle with Winn advanced polymer Dri-Tac handle knob and Lew’s Speed Lube® for exceptional smoothness and uninterrupted performance in all weather conditions, from extreme heat to freezing cold.
New Mach Crush combos will be available for shipping in December 2020.
| Description | Length | Power/Action | Bearings | Gear Ratio | Retrieve | MSRP |
| Mach Crush Right Hand Baitcast Combo | 7' | Med Hvy/Fast | 9+1 | 7.5:1 | Right | $199.99 |
| Mach Crush Left Hand Baitcast Combo | 7' | Med Hvy/Fast | 9+1 | 7.5:1 | Left | $199.99 |
| Mach Crush Right Hand Baitcast Combo | 7'3 | Hvy/Fast | 9+1 | 7.5:1 | Right | $199.99 |
| Mach Crush 20 Spin Combo | 6'9" | Med Light/Fast | 10+1 | 6.2:1 | Reversible | $179.99 |
| Mach Crush 30 Spin Combo | 7' | Med/Fast | 10+1 | 6.2:1 | Reversible | $179.99 |
About Lew’s
Lew's Fishing is a Lexington, South Carolina based supplier of fishing equipment and tackle. The Company supplies branded fishing reels, rods, and related accessories through the mass market, sporting goods, and specialty outdoor channels. For further information about Lew’s, please visit www.lews.com.
About Strike King
Strike King is a Lexington, South Carolina based supplier of fishing tackle and sunglasses. The Company supplies hard baits, wire baits, soft plastics and related accessories through the mass market, sporting goods, and specialty outdoor channels. For further information about Strike King, please visit www.strikeking.com.:
Lew’s Kevin VanDam Signature Fishing Rods ICAST 2020
Lew’s Introduces Kevin VanDam Signature Fishing Rods
KVD Series to feature 23 models Tailored to VanDam’s Specifications
Lexington, S.C. – July 10, 2020 – Give a company with a reputation for building world class products the input of the most legendary professional angler in the history of the sport, and results of such a collaboration will be spectacular.
In collaboration with Bass Fishing Hall of Fame inductee Kevin VanDam, Lew’s is proud to announce the new, 23 model KVD Series of fishing rods. VanDam said that a lot of time and effort was put into the series, and that he is pleased with the results. “The team at Lew’s is made up of talented designers, and they told me to let them know what I wanted in my series,” he said. “I have always loved the feel of fast and extra fast actioned rods, and Lew’s worked hard to bring exactly the feel I wanted into each model; they do exactly what I need them to.”
The new series features premium IM8 graphite blanks, split-grip EVA handles, brand new Lew’s® proprietary Full Contact reel seats with increased blank contact, rear locking reel seat on spinning models for improved comfort, stainless steel guides with aluminum oxide inserts with strengthened stainless steel with zirconia insert tip top for optimal durability for use with braided lines and a patented “No Foul” hook keeper – each for a retail price of $99.99.
The new KVD series rods are constructed on a raw graphite blank with the rich midnight fire red finish through the handle and black guide wraps, matching the famous KVD color scheme.
Included in the KVD lineup are 10 Graphite Casting models for single hook techniques, 7 Graphite Spinning models for everything from finesse tactics to Great Lakes smallmouth techniques and 6 Composite Casting techniques for crankbaits and other moving baits.
Each model is prominently marked on the blank for easy identification of series, length, and power. The Graphite Casting models are marked with a GC1 through GC10, Graphite Spinning models bear the GS1 to GS7 system and the Composite Casting rods are labeled CC1 through CC7. This new labeling system will help VanDam more easily see which rods he needs in competition, will help him in communicating the rod he uses for specific techniques, and will help consumers choose which model they want to use more effectively.
VanDam said that providing a high-quality product at an affordable price was a key component of their efforts. “I really wanted to be able to produce a rod that would retail for around $100, but felt and performed like a high-end rod,” he said. “Everyone on the project was committed to that goal, and the results speak for themselves; I can’t wait to see the reaction from anglers when they pick them up.”
The new KVD Series will be available at fishing tackle retailers beginning in the fall of 2020.
| Lew's KVD Series Rods | |||||
| Model | Length | Power | Action | Technique | MSRP |
| Graphite Casting | |||||
| LKVDGC1 | 6’8” | MH | Fast | Jerkbait | $99.99 |
| LKVDGC2 | 6’10” | MH | Fast | Jerkbait | $99.99 |
| LKVDGC3 | 7’ | M | Fast | All-Purpose Reaction | $99.99 |
| LKVDGC4 | 7’ | MH | Fast | All-Purpose Reaction | $99.99 |
| LKVDGC5 | 7’2” | MH | Extra Fast | Dock Skipping/Frog | $99.99 |
| LKVDGC6 | 7’4” | MH | Extra Fast | Spinnerbait/Swim Jig/Big Topwater | $99.99 |
| LKVDGC7 | 7’4” | H | Extra Fast | Flipping/Pitching | $99.99 |
| LKVDGC8 | 7’6” | H | Extra Fast | Football Jig/Carolina Rig/Big Spinnerbait/Swimbait | $99.99 |
| LKVDGC9 | 7’6” | XH | Extra Fast | Flipping/Pitching | $99.99 |
| LKVDGC10 | 7’10” | H | Extra Fast | Flipping/Pitching | $99.99 |
| Graphite Spinning
LKVDGS1 |
6’10” | M | Extra Fast | Dropshot/Finesse Dock | $99.99 |
| LKVDGS2 | 7’ | ML | Extra Fast | Dropshot/Ned Rig | $99.99 |
| LKVDGS3 | 7’ | M | Extra Fast | All-Purpose Finesse | $99.99 |
| LKVDGS4 | 7’2” | ML | Extra Fast | All-Purpose/Dock Rod | $99.99 |
| LKVDGS5 | 7’2” | M | Extra Fast | ShakeyHead/Tube | $99.99 |
| LKVDGS6 | 7’4” | M | Extra Fast | Smallmouth Special | $99.99 |
| LKVDGS7 | 7’6” | ML | Extra Fast | Smallmouth Special | $99.99 |
| Composite Casting
LKVDCC1 |
6’8” | ML | Moderate | Small Crankbaits | $99.99 |
| LKVDCC2 | 7’ | M | Moderate | Squarebill/Red Eye Shad | $99.99 |
| LKVDCC3 | 7’1” | MH | Moderate | Accuracy Bladed Jig/KVD 2.5 | $99.99 |
| LKVDCC4 | 7’4” | MH | Moderate | Medium Crankbaits | $99.99 |
| LKVDCC5 | 7’4” | H | Moderate | Open Water Bladed Jig/KVD 2.5 | $99.99 |
| LKVDCC6 | 7’10” | M | Moderate | Medium to Deep Crankbaits | $99.99 |
About Lew’s
Lew's Fishing is a Lexington, South Carolina based supplier of fishing equipment and tackle. The Company supplies branded fishing reels, rods, and related accessories through the mass market, sporting goods, and specialty outdoor channels. For further information about Lew’s, please visit www.lews.com.
About Strike King
Strike King is a Lexington, South Carolina based supplier of fishing tackle and sunglasses. The Company supplies hard baits, wire baits, soft plastics and related accessories through the mass market, sporting goods, and specialty outdoor channels. For further information about Strike King, please visit www.strikeking.com.
Lew’s New Team Lew’s Pro SP ICAST 2020
Lew’s Introduces New Team Lew’s Pro SP
Skipping and Pitching Reel to Create New Category for Reel Performance
Lexington, S.C. – July 10, 2020 – Combine the creativity of one of the most elite group of professional angling teams in the business with the capability of a manufacturer to produce some of the highest quality products in the business, and the result is bound to be innovation.
From the mind of professional angler Andy Montgomery and the engineering team at Lew’s comes the new Team Lew’s Pro SP Skipping and Pitching reel.
Skipping a jig has become one of the most productive fish catching patterns in the sport of bass fishing. However, along with its potential for producing giant bites, it has its own unique perils. The most prominent is the potential for tremendous backlashes if the lure strikes a dock post or a wave that arises.
To solve that problem, Lew’s created a specialized spool that holds 40 yards of 20-pound-test Fluorocarbon with its recessed Knot Slot and included a special “Skipping Zone” in their externally adjustable QuietCast® centrifugal braking system. The result is a reel that has all the performance of a Lew’s reel, tuned to greatly minimize backlashes.
According to Montgomery, this reel has made a tremendous difference in his ability to make his namesake skipping presentations. “The spool and braking system of the reel have revolutionized my ability to skip a jig,” said Montgomery. “It has the smoothness to make the casts, and the power to get the fish out from under the docks; it’s absolutely amazing.”
Kevin VanDam, who has been involved with Montgomery in the testing process, said the Team Lew’s Pro SP is not a one-dimensional product. “While it is known as a “skipping reel,” the features make it perfect for any short line target casting and pitching and flipping application,” said VanDam. “I have used it for target casting spinnerbaits and Thunder Crickets, and it makes it easy to be aggressive with casts without fear of backlashing.”
Team Lew’s Pro SP Features
One-piece aluminum Super Low Profile frame with strong, lightweight graphite sideplates
Drilled and forged, anodized Duralumin 32mm shallow spool with Knot Slot
Hard anodized aluminum Speed Gears®, cut on precision Hamai CNC gear hobbing machines
P2 Super Pinion™ bearing supported pinion gear provides precise alignment and solid stability, resulting in for a smoother operation and extended gear life
Externally adjustable, 6-pin 27 position QuietCast® Adjustable Centrifugal Braking system (ACB) with orange skipping zone
Premium 9 bearing system with double-shielded stainless-steel ball bearings and Zero Reverse® one-way clutch bearing
Anodized aluminum spool tension adjustment with audible click
Rugged carbon fiber drag system provides up to 20lbs. of drag power.
Bowed lightweight 95mm aluminum reel handle with EVA knobs
Bowed anodized aluminum drag star with audible click adjustment
Zirconia line guide
Exclusive patented Speed Keeper® hook keeper
External lube port
The Team Lew’s Pro SP will retail at $199.99 and be available at fishing tackle retailers beginning in the fall of 2020.
| Team Lew’s Pro SP | |||||||
| Model | Retrieve | Gear Ratio | RPT (in.) | Line Cap Yd / Lb |
Drag (Lb) | Weight | MSRP |
| PSP1XH | Right | 8.3:1 | 33 | 40/20 | 20 | 6.0 oz | $199.99 |
| PSP1XHL | Left | 8.3:1 | 33 | 40/20 | 20 | 6.0 oz | $199.99 |
About Lew’s
Lew's Fishing is a Lexington, South Carolina based supplier of fishing equipment and tackle. The Company supplies branded fishing reels, rods, and related accessories through the mass market, sporting goods, and specialty outdoor channels. For further information about Lew’s, please visit www.lews.com.
About Strike King
Strike King is a Lexington, South Carolina based supplier of fishing tackle and sunglasses. The Company supplies hard baits, wire baits, soft plastics and related accessories through the mass market, sporting goods, and specialty outdoor channels. For further information about Strike King, please visit www.strikeking.com.:
Lew’s Redesigned Super Duty Rods ICAST 2020
Lew’s Introduces Redesigned Super Duty Rods
Super Duty Series now includes Multi-Species Selections
Lexington, S.C. – July 10, 2020 – The Lew’s Super Duty brand has become synonymous with power. When an angler wields Super Duty, they know that they can handle just about anything the fish throw at them. While Super Duty has long been designed for the bass fishing world, the series now includes models for several large species, including Muskie, Peacock Bass and Calicos.
The new Lew’s Super Duty series of rods will be full of features that Lew’s has become synonymous for. Super Duty is constructed on premium HM60 graphite blanks with raw graphite finish. The charcoal colored Winn® Dri-Tac handles on each rod; bass fishing models will feature a full handle, and the multi-species rods will feature spilt Winn® grips and full foregrips; all with Lew’s Soft Touch skeletal reel seats.
Along with the advanced grip and handles, Super Duty rods will feature the patented Lew’s No Foul hook keeper and stainless-steel guides with aluminum oxide inserts, with multi-species models adding a zirconia tip for durability with use of braided lines. Super Duty rods will be trimmed out with matching charcoal guide wraps to complete a stealthy look.
Team Lew’s pro Greg Hackney, of Gonzales, La. who is known for his power fishing and monster hooksets, as well as his love of inshore fishing, said Super Duty has the power. “There is no shortage of power in these rods,” said Hackney. “I know I can get ‘em out of cover or deep water, no matter the size of fish I’m after; these rods can handle it.”
The new Lew’s Super Duty Rods consist of 11 models, five models will be specific to bass fishing, and six multi-species models that will range from $179.99 to $189.99 and will be available in the fall of 2020.
| SuperDuty Rod Series | |||||
| Series / Model | Length | Power | Action | Technique / Species | MSRP |
| Bass Models | |||||
| SD76MH | 7’6” | Medium Heavy | Fast | Flipping / Pitching | $179.99 |
| SD76H | 7’6” | Heavy | Fast | Flipping / Pitching | $179.99 |
| SD711MH | 7’11” | Medium Heavy | Mod. Fast | Flipping / Pitching | $189.99 |
| SD711H | 7’11” | Heavy | Fast | Flipping / Pitching | $189.99 |
| SD711XH | 7’11” | Extra Heavy | Mod. Fast | Flipping / Pitching | $189.99 |
| Multi Species | |||||
| SD68H | 6’8” | Heavy | Fast | Peacock Bass Casting | $179.99 |
| SD76MHLH | 7’6” | Medium Heavy | Fast | Calico Bass | $179.99 |
| SD76HLH | 7’6” | Heavy | Fast | Muskie | $179.99 |
| SD711MHLH | 7’11” | Medium Heavy | Mod. Fast | Calico Bass | $189.99 |
| SD711HLH | 7’11” | Heavy | Fast | Calico Bass/Muskie | $189.99 |
| SD711XHLH | 7’11” | Extra Heavy | Mod. Fast | Muskie | $189.99 |
About Lew’s
Lew's Fishing is a Lexington, South Carolina based supplier of fishing equipment and tackle. The Company supplies branded fishing reels, rods, and related accessories through the mass market, sporting goods, and specialty outdoor channels. For further information about Lew’s, please visit www.lews.com.
About Strike King
Strike King is a Lexington, South Carolina based supplier of fishing tackle and sunglasses. The Company supplies hard baits, wire baits, soft plastics and related accessories through the mass market, sporting goods, and specialty outdoor channels. For further information about Strike King, please visit www.strikeking.com.:
Ugly Stik Ugly Tuff Series ICAST 2020
Ugly Stik® Gives New Meaning to Fishin’ Ugly with the new Ugly Tuff™ Series
COLUMBIA, S.C. (July 14, 2020) – You’ve been fishin’ Ugly all your life with Ugly Stik rods. Now it’s time to get even uglier with Ugly Stik’s new Ugly Tuff™ Spinning and Spincast reels, reels tough enough to wear the Ugly Stik name.
Made for anglers demanding durability out of their gear, new Ugly Stik Ugly Tuff spinning reels feature an Ugly Tuff aluminum body, machined aluminum spool, graphite rotor and a 5 bearing system. These reels deliver the same tough as nails durability that Ugly Stik is known for.
“They’re not supposed to be pretty — they’re built to be tough,” said Ugly Stik Vice President of Marketing Jon Schlosser. “Ugly Tuff reels are designed to be thrown in the back of the pickup truck and used regularly. It doesn’t matter what species of fish you’re after, the Ugly Tuff reels are built for the fight.”
The Ugly Tuff Spincast models feature a three bearing system, Ugly Tuff aluminum frame as well as front cone, and an always-on instant anti-reverse. Both the spinning and spincast models have an unmatched tactical design that will stand up to the toughest fights both on and off the water.
Ugly Tuff Reels Specifications:
Ugly Tuff Spinning Reel
- Ugly Tuff Aluminum Body
- Ugly Tuff Machined Aluminum Spool
- Ugly Stuff Graphic Rotor
- 5 Bearing System
- 7-Year Warranty
- MSRP: $49.99 - $59.99
Ugly Tuff Spincast Reel
- Ugly Tuff Aluminum Frame and Front Cone
- 3 Bearing System
- Always-on Instant Anti-Reverse
- Pre-Spooled (6-, 8- or 20-pound-test mono)
- 7-Year Warranty
- MSRP: $24.99 - $29.99
