Sewell & Sewell Win AnglersQuest Conroe Team Event with over 29 pounds!
Courtesy of Barbara Long - Anglers Quest Facebook Page
There were 30 teams that came out to fish the 7th Anglers Quest event on beautiful Lake Conroe
Sunday, July 28th. There is only one more regular season event before the Championship, and
Remember you must fish at least 4 out of the 8 to qualify for the Championship. So make sure
you look at the year to date standings to see if you can qualify.
The father and son team of Brian Sewell & Chip Sewell came in first place with their 5 fish limit
Weighing 29.76 pounds. Brian & Chip also brought in the biggest bass of the day a nice 8.77 lb’er. They won a total of $2,080.00. Brian reported that they fished out off his Bass Cat powered by Mercury and that they
“made the rounds” fishing brush piles with Crank Baits in approximately 15 feet of water. Way to go guys!
Nothing like being able to spend the day catching fish with your dad !!!
The second place team was none other than our current Anglers of the Year Kyle Nitshke & Jason Bonds.
They fished out of a Ranger powered by Evinrude. They brought a limit of bass to the scales weighing 25.04 lbs., and took home $1,150.00 for their day on the water. Jason reported finding and fishing Mid lake in a small patch of grass that’s approximately 20 to 40 ft. around in 8 to 10 feet of water and that you can’t
see it and swears it’s the only hydrilla in the lake. He said they were flipping 1oz. Strike King Hack Attack Jigs. Jason & Kyle would like to thank Ranger, Evinrude, Power Pole, Costa, Shimano and G Loomis.
Third place was held by the team of Kris Wilson & Harold Moore. They won $700.00 for their 5 fish that weighed 24.94. Harold reported that they fished out of a Phoenix boat with a Mercury motor. He said that
They fished all over the lake in 19-21 ft. of water catching them on 6th Sense Crank Baits and 6th Sense
Plastics on rigs. They would like to thank 6th Sense, Phoenix Boats and Mercury for their support.
Jason McClure & Colby Bryant came in fourth place with their 5 fish limit tipping the scales for 23.42 lbs.
They won $450.00 for their 4th place finish. Colby reported fishing out of his Phoenix powered by a Mercury
Motor. He says the fished all over the lake with Jigging Spoons in 20 to 25 feet of water. They would like to give a shout out to Clays Glass Service, Santone Lures and Impulse Rods for all their support.
We will be back at Stowaway Marina on August 11th for the final regular season Team event and it ought to
be an interesting one. I t will determine which team will be Anglers of the Year for 2020. It’s a very close race right now and the top five teams as of now are all within less that 20 pounds. So, like I said it ought
to be interesting. Ya’ll come root for your favorite team !!!
Graves & Ross win Media Bass Lake Ferguson event with over 25 pounds!!
| 1 | Andy Graves | Joel Ross | 5 | 25.53 | $2,000.00 | 175.53 |
| 2 | Rocky Lindsey | Kenny Medina | 5 | 22.11 | $1,000.00 | 171.11 |
| 3 | Charles Hughes | David Huggins | 5 | 17.42 | $500.00 | 165.42 |
| 4 | Jeff Lindsey | Chris Orr | 5 | 16.40 | $230.00 | 163.40 |
| 5 | Pete Cora | Charlie Jennings | 5 | 15.95 | $200.00 | 161.95 |
| 6 | Joey Beevers | Bobby Burton | 5 | 15.58 | 160.58 | |
 7 |
Jay Mitchell | London Sims | 5 | 13.68 | 157.68 | |
| 8 | Brandon Dickerson | Jason Griffin | 5 | 9.85 | 152.85 | |
| 9 | Brian McHann | Bill Montgomery | 5 | 9.55 | 151.55 | |
| 10 | John Polasini | Reeves Polasini | 4 | 8.77 | 149.77 | |
| 11 | Parker Frew | Cliff Ray | 5 | 8.59 | 148.59 | |
| 12 | Chris Coy * | Rudy Vanderford * | 4 | 8.51 | 147.51 | |
| 13 | Tommy Braiser | James Sheppeard | 5 | 7.72 | 145.72 | |
| 14 | Eric Miller | Josh Miller | 4 | 6.79 | 143.79 | |
| 15 | Scott Smith | Stacy Boggs | 2 | 6.55 | 142.55 | |
| 16 | Newton Ford | Jonathon Kent | 4 | 6.51 | 141.51 | |
| 17 | Doug Segers | Carson Henderson | 4 | 5.54 | 139.54 | |
| 18 | James Bernardi | Butch Cobb | 2 | 3.81 | 136.81 | |
| 19 | Chris Williams | Clint Russell | 3 | 3.78 | 135.78 | |
| 20 | Kenny Vanderford | Grant Allen | 1 | 2.49 | 133.49 | |
| 21 | Daniel Clark | Thad Selby | 0 | 0.00 | 65.00 | |
| 21 | Mac Hutson | Taylor Hutson | 0 | 0.00 | 65.00 | |
| 21 | Thomas Bridges | Charlie Bond | 0 | 0.00 | 65.00 | |
| 21 | Eddie Gibson | Quentel Gibson | 0 | 0.00 | 65.00 | |
| 21 | Gene Jones | John Tutor | 0 | 0.00 | 65.00 | |
| 21 | Donald Adcock | Nick Butts | 0 | 0.00 | 65.00 |
Iaconelli Rides Early Bites To Victory At Bassmaster Eastern Open On James River
| New Jersey pro Michael Iaconelli won the Basspro.com Bassmaster Open held out of Richmond, Va., on the James River with a three-day weight of 44 pounds.
Photo by James Overstreet/B.A.S.S.
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Iaconelli Chases Tide To Take Lead At Bassmaster Eastern Open On James River
| Michael Iaconelli of Pitts Grove, N.J., leads after Day 2 of the 2019 Basspro.com Bassmaster Eastern Open on the James River out of Richmond, Va., with a total weight of 30 pounds, 4 ounces.
Photo by James Overstreet/B.A.S.S.
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Iaconelli to host weekend of fun for a great cause
Courtesy of Alan McGuckin - Dynamic Sponsorships
Team Toyota angler Mike Iaconelli continues his passion for getting more kids fishing in areas where outdoor activities are not readily available through a weekend of fun and fundraising at the 4thAnnual 2019 Ike Celebrity Pro-Am Bass Tournament, on his home waters of the Delaware River, near Camden and Glouster City, NJ, August 8-10, 2019.
This year’s event kicks-off with fundraising at “Ike’s Casino Night in the City” on Thursday August 8thhosted at Yard’s Brewery on Thursday where supporters can enjoy music, casino tables, and great auction items. The cost of the evening of fun is $90 per person and includes $200 in casino chips, along with great food and drink.
Friday will feature the Pro-Am pairings meeting amid happy hour at the Crowne Plaza in Cherry Hill, NJ where “Ike Live” will be broadcast, and then Saturday morning, anglers will pursue their passion both by kayak and full sized bass boat.
The kayak division is a Hobie Tournament of Champions qualifying event. All public fishing waterways in Camden and Glouster Counties are in bounds, while top pros like Iaconelli, Bobby Lane, and Jacob Powroznik, along with former Philadelphia Eagles’ wide receiver Freddie Mitchell, and UFC fighter Gregor Gillespie, compete the same day with their amateur partners on the Delaware River.
The winner of the bass boat division will leave with a brand new BassCat Boat, powered by a Yamaha Outboard, and the winner of the kayak division will get a berth to the Hobie Tournament of Champions. Several other top prizes will also be given-away from great brands like Lowrance, Power Pole, RS nets, Flambeau and RAM Mounts.
But perhaps the most meaningful part of the weekend also takes place on Saturday at Camden’s Waterfront Park when roughly 1,000 kids typically arrive to receive a Free Flambeau tackle box, along with free tackle as they navigate through Fun Fest, and learn about fishing.
Money raised from this fun and philanthropic event will benefit the Ike Foundation, a non-profit organization founded by Mike and Becky Iaconelli, with the goal of both urban and rural children to fishing, as well as to provide academic scholarships to five college bound high school seniors annually.
For more information, please visit www.TheIkeFoundation.orgor call (856) 712-2328.
"Don't Shy Away from Hard Work." ~ Greg DiPalma
This week Jason catches up with Elite Series Rookie Greg DiPalma to learn a little more about how he got started fishing and why it took two invites to finally join the Bassmaster Elite Series.
Lucky Break Gives Bryan Schmitt Day 1 Lead At Bassmaster Open On James River
| Maryland angler Bryan Schmitt leads after Day 1 of the 2019 Basspro.com Eastern Open on the James River out of Richmond, Va., with a total weight of 20 pounds, 4 ounces.
Photo by James Overstreet/B.A.S.S.
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Costa Countdown to Blastoff Featuring Sportsman's Warehouse Pro Bryan Thrift!
On this weeks Costa Countdown to Blastoff, The boys welcome in FLW Tour Pro Bryan Thrift to talk about his Costa win last week on Lake Champlain. Jason #SeeWhatsOutThere in the Countdown to Blastoff and challenges the Circus as he sails out of town, literally. Check it out!
Exciting Times for Iconic Frog Brands
By Vance McCullough
Is there anything in all of fishing to rival the experience of watching a bass blow up on a frog?
All the startle of topwater fishing, leading to a bare-knuckles, heavy cover brawl on par with that experienced while flippin’ giants out of thick mats, frog fishing combines the best of two techniques known to produce oversized bass and heart-stopping action.
Everyone who has experience this thrill owes a hearty ‘thank you’ to Harry Ehlers, Sr. who invented the original hollow-bodied floating frog fifty-several years ago and appropriately named the company ‘Snag Proof’ as the lure allowed anglers to explore previously impenetrable bass hideouts.
His children, Connie Fuller and Harry Ehlers, Jr., ran Snag Proof for many years, successfully refining their dad’s designs and implementing ideas from frog-fishing guru Bobby Barack, along with input and new designs from top tournament pros, including Bassmaster Classic Champ Chris Lane and Elite Series standout Ish Monroe.
A few years back, Connie and Harry, Jr. sold the company to Californian Nathan Chandler. Chandler owned a plastics company and thought he could improve on the formula. Snag Proof lures were still being manufactured in America - a point of pride. However, the altered frogs were too stiff, resulting in poor hook up ratios for heartbroken anglers who just wanted their beloved Snag Proof frogs back.
Last month, Fishing Tackle Retailer announced that American Baitworks bought the company, moving it under the Southern Lure Co. umbrella along with its sibling, Scum Frog, long known as an outstanding value-priced option for frog slingers.
FTR reported:
“Snag Proof is a true American original and we’re excited to have, what we believe, are the only two frog companies currently being manufactured in the USA. The hard work starts now and we are going to introduce Snag Proof to a whole new generation of anglers.” said Matt Massey, President and COO of American Baitworks. “We are investing heavily in modernizing Snag Proof with new product designs and enhanced manufacturing. Snag Proof was hugely innovative when the company sprang onto the scene many years ago and we are bringing that same energy and innovation back to the company.”
Snag Proof’s manufacturing, operations and distribution have been moved to Southern Mississippi, alongside those of Scum Frog.
Miss Connie is happy. “Both Harry and I are excited for the future of the company our dad started. We’re happy to see the company in the hands of people who fish and have a passion for frog fishing in particular.”
Connie has actually been in the Snag Proof ‘kitchen’ helping the new owners return to the original formula that made the frogs slick in cover but also allowed proper penetration to grasp a bass firmly by the jaw.
It’s a painstaking process.
“She has been in there telling us ‘turn up the heat here, change that over there’,” smiled Frank Makin, brand manager for Snag Proof and Scum Frog.
Resuscitated by new ownership and restored by its original innovators, the new Snag Proof promises a return to greatness and the production of a favorite standby of veteran anglers and a ‘new’ favorite for a younger generation of fishing enthusiasts.
Now that ICAST is over..........
By Luke Estel - Tournament Team Blogger
Now that ICAST is over I would like to share a story with you about something that is so much more important that any new product that was unveiled this year at the ICAST show.
It is the one thing we have in this country.
Freedom.
I was recently invited to participate in a special tournament revolving arounds our countries military. The group is called Murphysboro Veterans Support Group. For the past seven years they have put on a charity tournament for any active, disabled, or retired military veteran. We get exclusive access into a private lake stocked full of fish.
This year there were over ten military personnel that showed up to fish the event. We had several volunteers waiting on the banks to fry the fish up that we caught for a cook out and a small awards ceremony following the tournament.
I was lucky enough to draw out with an extraordinary military veteran. His name is Isidoro “E.C.” Castiillo. His father met his mother in Panama while stationed there. They moved back to the states where he and his brother became United States citizens. After his father returned from Desert Storm in 1992, E.C. decided he needed to give back to his country. He served 24 years in the Army, two deployments to Afghanistan, four deployments to Korea and Haiti. He received a Purple Heart and the Medal of Valor. He retired from the service and now spends time with his children.
As the “guides” we are supposed to cater to their needs. If one person wants to crappie fish, then we find someone who crappie fishes. E.C. wanted to bass fish and that is what we did. The rules are simple. There is an award for biggest fish and one for smallest fish. Only the military personnel are allowed to weigh their fish in.
The lake is full of fish and full of bass. We located seral brush piles in one small pocket and proceeded to put on a clinic. And let me tell you, E.C. can catch them! We pitched green pumpkin Strike King Rage Bugs and Rage craws to every piece of cover we could find. We would catch up to ten bass off each piece of cover. It was like catching crappie off a brush pile. By the end of the day we had caught more than 75 bass. E.C. weighed his biggest bass which weighed 3 pounds, 10 ounces. He won the biggest fish award.
After the tournament we all enjoyed a wonderful fish fry with several give a ways that were donated to all the military acting or veterans that fished.
As I left the lake I realized how lucky I was. I get to fish whenever I want. These guys sacrificed more than most will ever comprehend just so we can enjoy our lives. So thank a veteran next time you see him or her. They are why we still have our freedom in this country.
Finesse Fishing: Lighten Up for Bass - Courtesy of Seaguar
Legendary bass pro Shaw Grigsby talks the why, how, and when of finesse bass techniques
Louisville, KY (July 25, 2019) - Bass fishing isn’t always easy. Weather conditions like cold fronts and high-pressure systems, as well as probing the same waters as lots of other anglers can make fishing tough. But there are ways to up your odds in these and other difficult conditions. One of the best? Finesse fishing – fishing smaller baits on lighter line with a more deliberate and slower approach.
When it comes to finesse fishing, one of the greatest finesse bass anglers on the scene – legendary bass pro and tournament angler, Shaw Grigsby – has a wealth of critical information to share that can boost your game on the waters you fish
“One of my favorite fishing techniques is finesse fishing – smaller baits, lighter line, a lot of fish and loads of fun! Why finesse fishing? There are so many times that big baits are just too big for the fish,” Grigsby says. “Bass see them but they just don’t want them; they see the lure too well or the conditions are difficult, like cold fronts, high blue skies, or a lot of people around you fishing, and you just can’t catch them. So downsizing and going finesse can be the key. Just lay your bait out there and kind of jiggle it and really, what it does is all these smaller baits make it look like what’s natural for the bass to eat in their environment.”
In terms of specific techniques, some of Grigsby’s favorite presentations are drop-shot rigs, shakey head worms, wacky worms, tubes, and the legendary Ned Rig, all of which he typically presents in natural colors like green pumpkin and watermelon red.
“And when you present these techniques to them, it appears so real and it’s so small that they don’t have an issue with it,” Grigsby continues. “A lot of times a big bait may appear too bulky – and maybe you’ll catch a giant fish using a big bait at times – but when you get clear water and difficult conditions, then it’s pretty much time to downsize and go finesse. And I’ve caught giants on finesse tactics. Finesse techniques catch as many big fish as they do small and average-size ones.”
Grigsby keeps a half dozen spinning rods rigged up with finesse presentation in his boat at all times. He’s a fan of medium-light power, fast-action Skeet Reese Signature Series spinning rods, typically in the 7’3” range, and Skeet Reese size-30 Victory Pro Wright McGill spinning reels, which he favors for their large spools.
The linchpin to the system, though, is his choice in line. He spools his with Seaguar FINESSE Fluorocarbon, a line designed specifically for finesse bass fishing applications. “It’s really delicate yet strong stuff that excels for all my finesse fishing,” he offers. “I wouldn’t think of using anything else. And compared to other 8-pound line, Seaguar’s 8.4-pound is remarkably thin, supple, and strong, it’s typically my first choice in every finesse fishing application.”
Seaguar has a host of FINESSE 100% fluorocarbon lines for every finesse-fishing situation including 5.2-pound, 6.2-pound, 7.3-pound, and 8.4-pound sizes. These are double-structure fluorocarbon lines, which is an exclusive and superior Seaguar line technology that combines two different resins into one line. The high-density interior resin improves tensile strength and sensitivity while the softer exterior resin enhances knot strength. That means great sensitivity, knot strength, and the strength to handle any big fish you hook while remaining super supple.
“When you’re dealing with spinning tackle, that’s what counts – having a nice supple line that still has the hook-setting power and the strength to hold them,” Grigsby emphasizes. “Because when you’re finesse fishing you never know when that next hookset could be an 8-, 9-, or 10-pound bass. It could be the biggest fish of your life because they’re suckers for those little baits. So that’s why I always carry specific technique rods and reels and use line designed specifically for finesse fishing.”
One of Grigsby’s favorite finesse techniques is fishing a drop-shot rig, which essentially consists of a small plastic bait suspended above a short length of line terminated at the bottom with a weight. “With the drop-shot, you can literally float your baits above bottom and really catch ‘em,” he says. “For most of my drop-shot set-ups I’m using Seaguar 7.3- or 8.4-pound 100% FINESSE Fluorocarbon, which holds up really well and the fish can’t see, whether I’m fishing in clear, open water or around a lot of cover.”
That brings up another point Grigsby is adamant about, and that’s not limiting finesse fishing tactics to clear waters. “You might find flooded areas with a lot of cover where the instinct is to pound with a jig, but finesse tactics – even in heavy cover – can really produce,” Grigsby advises. “Don’t overlook finesse even though you’ve got a lot of cover. It’s simple – hook ‘em, play ‘em, and get them out. Always concentrate on getting the strike, don’t worry about landing them. Landing them generally happens.”
Grigsby is a big fan of fishing wacky worm rigs in heavy cover, typically a 5-inch Strike King Ocho on a Trokar hook with weed guard on Seaguar 7.3- or 8.4-pound 100% FINESSE Fluorocarbon line. “When you throw something really light like a wacky worm into heavy cover on a finesse rig, it can really produce. A lot of times you can catch ‘em when other methods fail to produce.”
Lastly, Grigsby also carries a rod or two in his boat for Ned Rig fishing, a finesse technique that has earned an almost magical reputation across the country.
“The Ned Rig has really come along to be one of the main finesse baits to just catch ‘em,” says Grigsby. “It’s awesome. I got introduced to it about three or four years ago with its flat head – like you took an Aspirin and put a hook in it – and using something like an Ocho worm that you cut in half. I didn’t have any of the right jigheads so I just took the Ochos I had, cut them in half, and started fishing them on a regular 3/16-oz. shakey head and just caught the fire out of the fish!” he recalls. “But once you get a Ned jighead and it stands up so perfectly it works even better. Something I found out that’s really interesting is that when you discover the bass are eating this little bait, a Ned worm also works wonders on a Trokar nose hook fished as a drop shot. I started fishing it on a drop shot and the fish I caught was ridiculous. So, I now combine the two techniques quite a bit.”
No matter where you fish bass, going finesse can definitely up your odds for more and bigger fish when the going gets tough. Take a few tips from legendary bass pro and finesse expert, Shaw Grigsby, and we promise you’ll put more bass in the boat, too.
Collins & Underwood win AnglersQuest Rayburn Team event with over 32 pounds!!!
Courtesy of AnglersQuest FB Page
The team of Albert Collins and Jimmy Underwood brought 5 fish to the scales
Weighing 32.77 lbs., but came in early to try and save one of their fish but sadly it didn’t survive.
So they had to settle for 32,27 lbs. for the WIN. Albert reported catching their fish mid lake out
of his Triton powered by Mercury in 8 to 15 ft of water on main lake drops. Albert says they caught the
8lb’er on a frog. He said for the rest of their fish they used Mister Twister Hang 10 Worms, Mister Twister Mag Bust12 Worms, 6th Sense Cloud C-25 Crankbaits, and would like to Thank Elite Tungsten, Sunline, Kistler Rods, Missle Baits, Rod Armorz, Kick’N Bass. Albert & Jimmy also had the biggest bass of the day a really nice 9.23 lb’er and they took home a total of $2,135.00 for their day on the water.
The team of john Frazier & James Carlton came in second with their 5 fish limit weighing
24.42 lbs. they fished out of a Skeeter powered by Yamaha They reported fishing north in
2-3 feet of water flippin’ beavers in shallow bushes and they would like to thank their wives Angela & Tina
for allowing them the time to fish. John & James won $1,205.00 total for their day on the water.
Tommy Hill & Bubba Frazier came in third with a limit of bass weighing 21.93 lbs. They fished out of
Skeeter / Yamaha rig mid lake frogs and flipping on grass points & bushes in 2 to 7 feet of water. Tommy and Bubba won $720.00 for their time on the water and would like to thank Dylan Williams Insurance for
Their support and Ms. Penny & Ms. Dana for allowing them to chase those bass…..
Fourth place was Larry Cotton and Clint May, But Larry had to fish alone this time. Larry brought
In 5 fish that weighed 19.08 lbs and he won $475.00.Larry reported fishing out of his new Skeeter
powered by Yamaha. Larry say he fished mid-lake in 12 feet of water on crank baits. He says a couple of times he was catching 2 fish at a time….. He wants to thank his beautiful bride Ms. Tina.
Fifth place was held by the one and only Coach Glen Kimble. Glen fished mid lake out of his Bass Cat / Mercury flipping frogs and 10” worms. He wants to give a shout out to his wife Ms. Julie for all of her support. Glen won $330.00 for his day on the water.
The last place money spot goes to the team of Danny Cross & Derrick Shoffit. They reported fishing
North-ish in 2-8 ft flipping in the bushes and 18 to 20 feet off deep ledges. Danny and Derrick won
Their entry fee of $200 back and would like to Thank Jesus Christ, Shoffit Marine and their wives….
You know its only getting hotter and I understand the heat makes it hard to want to go out and fish. But I hope you know how very much I appreciate each and every one of you that come out and support Anglers Quest. As long as there as some who want to fish, Anglers Quest will be here for you guys and gals. We will be back at Big Sam Rayburn on August 3rd for the team tournament and August 4th for the next Individual Tournament. And of course Ms. Kathy will try to have you guys some sweets for when you come in and we always have iced down drinks to help cool you guys off…Now with that said, I would like some input on making weigh-in a hour or two earlier so that you guys aren’t out in the heat as long. What do you guys think??? I don’t want to make a decision with out hearing from you.
Danny Cross wins Anglers Quest Rayburn Individual with over 20 pounds!
Courtesy of AnglersQuest FB Page.
Danny Cross came in first place bringing in his 5 fish limit weighing 20.71 lbs. He also beat Glen Kimble out of big bass by bringing in a 8.36 lb’er. Danny fishes out of a Champion boat powered by a Mercury motor. He says he fished North on deep ledges in 18 to 29 feet and also flipping the bushes in 2 to 8 feet of water. Danny won a total of $775 for his day on the water. He would like to thank Jesus Christ, Shoffit Marine, his lovely wife Vallie Cross and Especially Glen Kimble for letting him win… lol……
Glen Kimble came in second place with hi limit weighing 20.04 lbs and his biggest bass was 8.20 lbs.
Glen fishes out of his Bass Cat / Mercury rig and reported fishing the mid lake area flipping frogs and worms in approximately 6 feet of water and glen would like to thank the love of his life Ms. Julie for allowing him to chase after those green fish. Glen won$290.00 for his day in the heat.
I have to mention Marshall Hughes, He came in with an awesome limit that weighed 19.59 lbs. He fishes out of a Triton Boat powered by Mercury and say he fished north of the 147 bridge, he was fishing with jigs and worms on ledges in 20 to 25 feet of water. He would like to thank County Home & Outdoors, Triton and Mercury for all their support.
You know its only getting hotter and I understand the heat makes it hard to want to go out and fish. But I hope you know how very much I appreciate each and every one of you that come out and support Anglers Quest. As long as there as some who want to fish, Anglers Quest will be here for you guys and gals. We will be back at Big Sam Rayburn on August 3rd for the team tournament and August 4th for the next Individual Tournament. And of course Ms. Kathy will try to have you guys some sweets for when you come in and we always have iced down drinks to help cool you guys off…Now with that said, I would like some input on making weigh-in a hour or two earlier so that you guys aren’t out in the heat as long. What do you guys think??? I don’t want to make a decision with out hearing from you.
Barbara Long
Anglers Quest
Owner / Tournament Director
281-852-8842
Or
281-577-7855
2019 Progressive Bass Wrap Up Show - Episode 2 - South East Tournament Coverage
This week the team heads to Lake James to cover the Carolina Bass Challenge 2nd stop on the North Division. We then head to Lake Hartwell and visit with the Bassmaster Elite series as they do battle on this beautiful fishery. We wrap the show up with coverage from the 30th annual Wolfson Childrens Hospital Charity event down in Palatka Florida. Strike King and Lews tips of the week, Sportsmans Warehouse product spotlights and more!
Countdown to the Cup!
The boys are back and talking FLW Cup coming up in just a couple of weeks on Lake Hamilton in Hot Springs, Arkansas. They welcome in FLW Rookie of the Year Ron Nelson to the program to talk about his rookie campaign and how he is preparing for his first FLW Cup. The Circus joins in as Chris brings it home with the Progressive Bass Wrap up. Ya'll check it out!
Costa Sunglasses® Adds Eleventh “Best Eyewear” Title from ICAST
Daytona Beach, Fla. – July 23, 2019 – Costa’s WaterWoman frame won the title of Best of Category - Eyewear during the International Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trades (ICAST) 2019 New Product Showcase Awards in Orlando, Fla. earlier this month. This honor marks Costa’s first female style to win an ICAST award and the eleventh ICAST award Costa products have won for various new sunglass styles and lens technologies since 2008.
Designed for the woman who wrings every last drop out of her time on the water, the new WaterWoman offers a medium fit and combines elegance with performance. The new style features beautifully angled temples, CAM-action hinges and color-contrasting Hydrolite accents throughout. WaterWoman also features a newly-designed keeper hole, which fits all Costa keepers. Available colors include Matte Shadow Tortoise, Shiny Palm Tortoise, Shiny Wahoo, and Shiny Blond Crystal.
“As a solely female frame that’s now one of our newest best-selling styles (joining the ranks of many unisex or male-focused styles), we have been overwhelmed with the positive reception of the WaterWoman frame,” said John Sanchez, vice president of product development for Costa Sunglasses. “This style has been a breakthrough frame for Costa—combining the on-water performance that Costa is known for with the latest styles and trends. We are honored to accept this award from a highly respected group of anglers, aficionados and industry professionals.”
The ICAST New Product Showcase Awards is an annual event featuring over 1,000 nominated products, with a 2018 attendance of over 15,000 registered attendees eligible to vote for their favorite innovations in tackle, gear, accessories and apparel in the global sportfishing world.
For more information on Costa Sunglasses, visit www.costasunglasses.com.
Tides Will Play a Major Role at Bassmaster Open on James River
| July 18, 2019RICHMOND, Va. — Garrett Paquette has had a good relationship with the James River.
In 2016, he and his partner Zak Fadden of Schoolcraft College finished eighth in a Carhartt Bassmaster College Series event on the James. Then in 2017, Paquette placed fourth in a Bassmaster Open there, earning a check for $10,812. But as he prepares for next week’s Basspro.com Bassmaster Eastern Open on the James River, Paquette expects to see a completely different fishery than he’s experienced in the past. “The last time I was there (in 2017), it was at the end of July,” said Paquette, who’s now a successful rookie on the Bassmaster Elite Series. “So, we’re going at the same time of year. “But one thing you always have to prepare for when you fish the James River is the tides — and the tides this year are going to be completely different than they were last time I was there.” Competition days will be Thursday through Saturday, with daily takeoffs at 6 a.m. ET from Osborne Park & Boat Landing. Weigh-ins on Days 1 and 2 will be held at the landing at 2 p.m., and the final-day weigh-in will be at 3 p.m. at the Bass Pro Shops in Ashland, Va. The James River has served as the venue for 11 previous major events. The tide was a factor for all of those tournaments — and as Paquette said, it will be for this one as well. “The things that worked for me last time, I just can’t see working for me until maybe Day 3,” Paquette said. “I’m kind of getting nervous about it already.” To deal with the tidal fluctuation that comes from the James River’s proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, Paquette said anglers will basically have two choices. “One way to approach it is to find an area with fish and sit in there all day — high tide, low tide or whatever — and just kind of change presentations throughout the day,” he said. “The other thing that works when fishing tides is just fishing really specific targets and running the tide, just moving around the river and hitting the specific stretches you want to fish at just the right time.” With the current tidal predictions, Paquette expects that latter strategy to be particularly tough. He believes 13 to 14 pounds per day will put an angler in good position to win — and he thinks employing all of the typical river-fishing methods will be the key to amassing that weight. “The cool thing about the James is there are no secrets,” Paquette said. “It’s very rare when someone even gets a Top 10 and you look back and say ‘Wow, I didn’t think of that.’ “It’s very basic river fishing — flipping, frogs, ChatterBaits, spinnerbaits, maybe a Pop-R-style bait and then finesse fishing.” The James River was the site of three Bassmaster Classics in 1988-90. More recently, the fishery has hosted six Opens since 2011, including the 2016 event won by former Elite Series pro Charlie Hartley and the 2017 tournament won by current Elite angler and Virginia resident Rick Morris. “Because it’s going to be so hot and the tides aren’t going to be perfect, I think it’s going to be a little stingier than it has been at times in the past,” said Paquette, who has five career Top 10 finishes with B.A.S.S. “But it’s still going to be a great tournament.” |
ICAST 2019 – Missile Baits
By: Kenneth Grover
TheD-Bombhas been a hit since the day it was introduced, and Missile Baits continues to add to their lineup of highly effective lures. This year at ICAST it is all about adding colors to the already productive lineup of baits. Byron also shows us the new Ike’s Micro Football Jig that will be available in six different colors with weights of ¼ oz. and 3/8 oz. I would like to thank Byron Childers, Missile Baits Director of Sales, for giving us all the details in this brief video.
Both the D Bomband the Baby D Bombhave become a staple in many tackle boxes and there are a few new colors that will surely get some attention. These new colors are: Ballistic Bruiser, Bayou Flash and Candy Bomb. There are also several colors being offered in a 25-pack which offers a savings over the standard 6-pack.
TheNed Bombwas introduced at the 2019 GEICO Bassmaster Classic earlier this year and has been rivaling the sales of the D Bomb. The addition of tail colors will become enticing options for fishermen looking for something unique with their Neg Rig techniques. The new colors for the Ned Bombinclude: Baby Bass Tail, Green Pumpkin Blue Flash Tail, Green Pumpkin Ghost Tail, Green Pumpkin Purple Pink Tail, Grape Soda Tail, and Purple Cloud Chartreuse Tail. The Ned Bombhas been an instant success for the Ned Rig techniques that continue to gain in popularity.
The Bomb Shot, which was introduced at ICAST in 2018, has been a very popular bait for the Drop Shot technique. It is also getting additional colors to the lineup which include: Cherry Blossom, GP3 and Pink Belly. This 4” bait has a solid head, a fully ribbed body and a super thin paddle tail. The Bomb Shotcan be rigged by nose hooking or traditional Texas rigging for a more weedless approach.
The ShockwaveSwimbait is getting two additional colors with Bloody Pro Pearl and Pink Bombshell. This bait is offered in a 3.5” and a 4.25” version. The ShockwaveSwimbait offers versatility in rigging options that include: Chatterbait trailer, A-Rig, Carolina Rig, weightless and a jig head.
For more information:
Missile Baits
170 Turner Road
Salem, VA 24153
855-466-5738
LOCAL ANGLER LECLERE AND TENNESSEE’S JOHNSON TIE FOR WIN AT T-H MARINE FLW BASS FISHING LEAGUE TOURNAMENT ON OHIO RIVER AT ROCKY POINT
Indianapolis’ Rosemeyer Wins Co-angler Division
CANNELTON, Ind. (July 22, 2019) – Local angler Chris LeClere of Cannelton, Indiana, and Daniel Johnson of Lebanon, Tennessee, both brought a weigh-in bag to the scale Saturday totaling 9 pounds, 9 ounces, to tie for the win at the T-H Marine FLW Bass Fishing League (BFL) Hoosier Division event on the Ohio River. With his Ranger Cup contingency LeClere was the big winner, taking home $4,061, while Johnson earned $3,511 for his efforts.
“I caught all of my fish flipping craws and brush hogs in the back of a creek,” said LeClere, who also won the BFL event on the Ohio River at Rocky Point last year. “I caught 11 fish, but I only had four keepers. I did have one good one come off on me. I was fishing mostly channel stumps and laydowns.
“To win back-to-back on my home waters feels good,” LeClere went on to say.
“I had never been to the Ohio River before, but when I showed up to practice and saw that it looked very similar to my home waters of Old Hickory Lake, I knew I was going to like it,” Johnson said. “I caught everything in Deer Creek – one on a buzzbait, everything else came flipping.”
Johnson said his big fish of the day came on the buzzbait, white with a 5-inch swimbait trailer. When flipping shallow wood he used a green-pumpkin-colored Reaction Innovation Sweet Beaver, and while flipping lily pads he chose a green-pumpkin Berkley Pit Boss.
“The morning bite was key,” Johnson said. “I got in a good rotation and got to fish a lot of fresh water and get some good bites. There was a lot of pressure in the creek and after the first hour it really slowed down.”
The top 10 boaters finished the tournament in:
1st: Chris LeClere, Cannelton, Ind., four bass, 9-9, $2,061 + $2,000 Ranger Cup
1st: Daniel Johnson, Lebanon, Tenn., five bass, 9-9, $3,511
3rd: Brian Campbell, Oxford, Ohio, three bass, 9-2, $1,371
4th: Luke Foli, Fishers, Ind., five bass, 8-12, $641
5th: Drew Boggs, Lebanon, Tenn., five bass, 7-5, $650
6th: Larry Sisk, Evansville, Ind., five bass, 6-15, $504
7th: Mike Quinlin, Mooresville, Ind., five bass, 6-8, $458
7th: Todd Hensley, New Albany, Ind., three bass, 6-1, $412
9th: Nick Uebelhor, Loogootee, Ind., three bass, 6-0, $366
10th: Mark Dove, North Vernon, Ind., four bass, 5-14, $321
Complete results can be found at FLWFishing.com.
Campbell caught a 4-pound, 14-ounce bass – the heaviest of the event in the Boater Division – and earned the day’s Boater Big Bass award of $305.
Indianapolis, Indiana’s Mike Rosemeyer won the Co-angler Division and $1,524 Saturday after catching a five-bass limit weighing 8 pounds, 4 ounces.
The top 10 co-anglers were:
1st: Mike Rosemeyer, Indianapolis, Ind., five bass, 8-4, $1,524
2nd: Jeffery Johnson, Austin, Ind., five bass, 8-1, $787
3rd: Collin Hillen, Evansville, Ind., three bass, 6-9, $459
4th: Michael DeHart, Franklin, Ind., one bass, 4-14, $473
5th: Robert Lenear, Bedford, Ky., three bass, 4-9, $275
6th: Ronnie Gill, Indianapolis, Ind., three bass, 3-11, $252
7th: Mike Hamaker, Cicero, Ind., three bass, 3-9, $229
8th: Jeff McCarnan, Henderson, Ky., three bass, 3-7, $256
9th: Bill Lowther, Brandenburg, Ky., three bass, 3-6, $171
9th: Nicole Foor, Greens Fork, Ind., three bass, 3-6, $171
DeHart caught the largest bass in the Co-angler Division, a fish weighing in at 4 pounds, 14 ounces. The catch earned him the day’s Co-angler Big Bass award of $152.
The top 45 boaters and co-anglers in the region based on point standings, along with the five winners in each qualifying event, will be entered in the Oct. 17-19 BFL Regional Championship on Kentucky Lake presented by Evinrude in Paris, Tennessee. Boaters will compete for a top award of a Ranger Z518L with a 200-horsepower outboard and $20,000, while co-anglers will fish for a new Ranger Z518L with a 200-horsepower outboard.
The 2019 BFL 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 BFL All-American. The 2020 BFL All-American will be held April 30-May 2 at Lake Hartwell in Anderson, South Carolina, and is hosted by Visit Anderson. Top performers in the BFL can move up to the Costa FLW Series or even the FLW Tour.
For complete details and updated information visit FLWFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow the T-H Marine FLW Bass Fishing League on FLW’s social media outlets at Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.
NORTHEAST WISCONSIN BASS CLUB WINS BASS PRO SHOPS FLW HIGH SCHOOL FISHING MISSISSIPPI RIVER OPEN
WABASHA, Minn. (July 22, 2019) – The Northeast Wisconsin Bass Club duo of Trace Yeager of Shawano, Wisconsin, and Reece Keeney of Hortonville, Wisconsin, brought a five-bass limit to the scale Saturday weighing 16 pounds, 4 ounces to win the 2019 Bass Pro Shops FLW High School Fishing Mississippi River Open presented by Evinrude.
A field of 47 teams competed in the no-entry fee tournament, which launched from Izaak Walton Park in Wabasha, Minnesota. The tournament was hosted by the Wabasha-Kellogg Area Chamber of Commerce & Convention and Visitors Bureau. In FLW and The Bass Federation (TBF) High School Fishing competition, the top 10-percent of teams competing advance to the High School Fishing National Championship.
The top four teams on the Mississippi River that advanced to the 2020 High School Fishing National Championship were:
1st: Northeast Wisconsin Bass Club – Trace Yeager, Shawano, Wis., and Reece Keeney, Hortonville, Wis., five bass, 16-4
2nd: Baldwin-Woodville High School, Baldwin, Wis. – Cody Brightbill, Baldwin, Wis., and Easton Lindus, Woodville, Wis., five bass, 15-4
3rd: Melrose-Mindoro High School, Melrose, Wis. – Ethan Stanton, Mindoro, Wis., and Cael Cogdill, Melrose, Wis., five bass, 14-13
4th: Albert Lea High School, Albert Lea, Minn. – Griffin Thompson and Thomas Lundell, both of Albert Lea, Minn., five bass, 14-11
Rounding out the top 10 teams were:
5th: Owatonna High School, Owatonna, Minn. – Brady Matz and Walker Krampitz, both of Waseca, Minn., five bass, 14-0
6th: Brevard High School, Brevard, N.C. – Matthew Case, Brevard, N.C., and Andrew Howell, Pisgah Forest, N.C., five bass, 13-8
7th: Wabasha-Kellogg Secondary School, Wabasha, Minn. – Tanner Sanderson, Wabasha, Minn., and Gavin Owens, St. Charles, Minn., five bass, 13-8
8th: Waupaca Junior Bass Busters, Waupaca, Wis. – Tyler Cory, Amherst, Wis., and Casey Hoffman, New London, Wis., five bass, 12-13
9th: Prescott High School, Prescott, Wis. – Hunter Navarro and Cole Dravis, both of Prescott, Wis., five bass, 12-13
10th: Waupaca Junior Bass Busters, Waupaca, Wis. – Tucker Cory, Amherst, Wis., and Brock Gullixon, Iola, Wis., five bass, 12-11
Complete results from the event can be found at FLWFishing.com.
The 2019 Bass Pro Shops FLW High School Fishing Mississippi River Open presented by Evinrude was a two-person (team) event for students in grades 7-12, open to any Student Angler Federation (SAF) affiliated high school club in the United States. The top 10 percent of each Challenge, Open, and state championship field will advance to the 2020 High School Fishing National Championship on the Mississippi River in La Crosse, Wisconsin. The High School Fishing national champions will each receive a $5,000 college scholarship to the school of their choice.
In addition to the High School Fishing National Championship, all High School Fishing anglers nationwide automatically qualify for the world’s largest open high school bass tournament, the 2020 High School Fishing World Finals, held in conjunction with the National Championship. At the 2019 World Finals more than $150,000 in scholarships and prizes were awarded.
Full schedules and the latest announcements are available at HighSchoolFishing.org and FLWFishing.com.
About FLW
FLW is the world’s largest tournament-fishing organization, providing anglers of all skill levels the opportunity to compete for millions in prize money in 2019 across five tournament circuits. Headquartered in Benton, Kentucky, with offices in Minneapolis, FLW and their partners conduct more than 290 bass-fishing tournaments annually around the world, including the United States, Canada, China, Italy, South Korea, Mexico, Namibia, Portugal, South Africa, Spain, and Zimbabwe. FLW tournament fishing can be seen on the Emmy-nominated “FLW" television show while FLW Bass Fishing magazine delivers cutting-edge tips from top pros. For more information visit FLWFishing.com and follow FLW at Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.
Jurs & West Win US Anglers Choice Big Green Lake Derby with over 21 pounds!
WIliams & Furrow win Fishers of Men Chickahominy event with over 13 pounds!
| Place | Team | Members | # Fish | Big Fish | Gross | Penalty | Net Wt | Points | |
| 1 | 23998 | Lewis Williams Mariley Furrow |
5 | 5.81 | 13.85 | 0 | 13.85 | 200 | |
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| 2 | 23961 | Thomas Edmunds Kenneth Donnelly |
5 | 6.5 | 13.78 | 0 | 13.78 | 199 | |
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| 3 | 22761 | Gregory Meadows Zach Meadows |
5 | 4 | 13.77 | 0 | 13.77 | 198 | |
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| 4 | 23959 | Michael Heatwole Mark Heatwole |
5 | 0 | 13.71 | 0 | 13.71 | 197 | |
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| 5 | 8258 | James Sutton James Whittman |
5 | 5.25 | 13.1 | 0 | 13.1 | 196 | |
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| 6 | 23211 | Eric Rowe Eddie Griggs |
5 | 0 | 12.51 | 0 | 12.51 | 195 | |
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| 7 | 22698 | Steven Roberts Jeffery Banko |
5 | 0 | 12 | 0 | 12 | 194 | |
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| 8 | 4304 | Richard Showalter Daniel Showalter |
5 | 0 | 11.59 | 0 | 11.59 | 193 | |
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| 9 | 24511 | Robert Sutton Mark Adams Jr |
5 | 0 | 11.27 | 0 | 11.27 | 192 | |
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| 10 | 12268 | Brandon Hill Kevin King |
5 | 0 | 10.97 | 0 | 10.97 | 191 | |
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| 11 | 23956 | JACOB KUPSELAITIS JOSEPH KUPSELAITIS |
5 | 0 | 10.38 | 0 | 10.38 | 140 | |
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| 12 | 23958 | David Williams Darryl Williams |
3 | 0 | 10.61 | 0.25 | 10.36 | 189 | |
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| 13 | 24857 | Marshall Johnson Ryan Lachniet |
5 | 0 | 10.15 | 0 | 10.15 | 188 | |
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| 14 | 6795 | Carl Sadler Aaron Sadler |
5 | 0 | 9.02 | 0 | 9.02 | 187 | |
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| 15 | 23994 | Edward Gantt Bryce Henley |
5 | 0 | 7.34 | 0 | 7.34 | 186 | |
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| 16 | 18788 | Ray Scroggins Christopher Scroggins |
5 | 0 | 7.13 | 0 | 7.13 | 185 | |
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| 17 | 23366 | Greg Soukup Darrell Hobson |
2 | 5 | 7.12 | 0 | 7.12 | 184 | |
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| 18 | 23113 | John Rogers Jr John Rogers III |
1 | 4.47 | 4.47 | 0 | 4.47 | 183 | |
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| 19 | 23954 | Brian Barth Brett Anderson |
3 | 0 | 4.37 | 0.25 | 4.12 | 182 | |
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| 20 | 21257 | Shawn Smith Curtis Welton |
1 | 3.98 | 3.98 | 0 | 3.98 | 181 | |
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| 21 | 24006 | Arnie Bailey Tracy McKinney |
2 | 0 | 3.71 | 0 | 3.71 | 180 | |
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| 22 | 21772 | Allen Walden James Hendrick |
1 | 1.52 | 1.52 | 0 | 1.52 | 179 | |
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| 23 | 22678 | Jay Perkins Christopher Gren |
0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 128 | |
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| 24 | 23960 | Travis Law Matthew Tate |
0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 178 | |
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| 25 | 24831 | Greg Arbaugh Bobby Arbaugh |
0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 178 | |
Robin & Kenny Oh Take Best Bass Win on Castaic
| Place | Angler | Angler | Total Fish | Big Fish | Total Weight | Winnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Robin Oh | Kenny Oh | 5 | 2.58 | 9.78 | $1,340.00 |
| 2 | Dennis Rodriguez | Anthony Rodriguez | 3 | 3.10 | 7.43 | $1,020.00 |
| 3 | Soon Chul Lee | Jimmy Nhieu | 4 | 0.00 | 7.34 | $580.00 |
| 4 | Jessie Gonzales | Chris Patrizio | 3 | 2.67 | 5.54 | $285.00 |
| 5 | Benjamin M Green | Warren Mauran | 2 | 3.14 | 5.23 | $250.00 |
| 6 | Alexander G Carl | Erick A Carl | 2 | 3.03 | 4.83 | $100.00 |
| 7 | Joe Clark | Marin G Parra | 2 | 2.79 | 4.24 | $0.00 |
| 8 | Daniel Conner | Justin Carmudy | 2 | 2.16 | 3.86 | $0.00 |
| 9 | Chris Arnold | Justin Grant | 2 | 2.10 | 3.81 | $0.00 |
| 10 | Renato Padilla | Jose J Delgadillo | 2 | 0.00 | 3.77 | $0.00 |
| 11 | Dan Trippeda | Dave Baltes | 2 | 0.00 | 3.44 | $0.00 |
| 12 | Brendon J Odell | Carson Odell | 2 | 0.00 | 3.42 | $0.00 |
| 13 | Dwayne Fochler | Wallace Hemminger | 2 | 0.00 | 3.37 | $250.00 |
| 14 | Kevin Miner | George K Reed III | 2 | 0.00 | 3.17 | $150.00 |
| 15 | Jon Potts | Ronald Vickrey | 2 | 0.00 | 3.11 | $0.00 |
| 16 | Steven Montes | John B Younce | 1 | 0.00 | 1.90 | $0.00 |
| 17 | Raymond Tak | Ronaldo Kim | 1 | 0.00 | 1.67 | $0.00 |
| 18 | Michael A Delucia | Matthew E Delucia | 1 | 0.00 | 1.66 | $0.00 |
| 19 | Brian A Trusso | Tony Manfro | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 | $0.00 |
| 19 | James Hall | Rebecca Hall | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 | $0.00 |
| 19 | Kevin Jones | David Montanari | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 | $0.00 |
| 19 | Todd M Langston | Margaret Langston | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 | $0.00 |
| 19 | Walter Kondracki | Lance Karafelas | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 | $0.00 |
| 19 | Lenny Scinto | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 | $0.00 | |
| 19 | Scott Swank | Karyn Usher | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 | $0.00 |
| 19 | Derek Morrison | Ron Morrison | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 | $0.00 |
HAHNE WINS T-H MARINE FLW BASS FISHING LEAGUE TOURNAMENT ON MISSISSIPPI RIVER IN LA CROSSE
LA CROSSE, Wis. (July 22, 2019) – Boater Darren Hahne of Ottawa, Illinois, brought in a three-bass limit weighing 11 pounds, 7 ounces, to win the T-H Marine FLW Bass Fishing League (BFL) Great Lakes Division tournament on the Mississippi River Saturday. Hahne earned $6,466 for his victory.
“I’ve finished second twice, so to finally earn a win in a BFL tournament feels really good,” said Hahne, who earned his first career victory in FLW competition. “The river was really muddy, but I found one spot that had clear water and had it all to myself and that turned out to be the key.
“I was fishing in Pool No. 8, the lower end, just frogging and flipping,” Hahne continued. “Between my co-angler and I, we caught around 14 or 15 keepers. The best action was in the morning, from 6:30 until 10:30.”
When flipping Hahne threw a Berkley Powerbait Chigger Craw (black and blue), and a Booyah Pad Crasher (Bronzeye) while frogging. Two of his three limit-fish came flipping, one frogging.
The top 10 boaters finished the tournament in:
1st: Darren Hahne, Ottawa, Ill., three bass, 11-7, $4,466 + $2,000 Ranger Cup
2nd: Rick Pieper, Maysville, Iowa, three bass, 10-12, $1,883
3rd: Mike Brueggen, La Crosse, Wis., three bass, 10-11, $1,606
4th: Brandon Gann, Sparta, Wis., three bass, 10-3, $879
5th: Kyle Von Ruden, Stoddard, Wis., three bass, 9-14, $753
6th: Dick Crider, Gurnee, Ill., three bass, 9-12, $690
7th: Jeff Ritter, Prairie du Chien, Wis., three bass, 9-11, $778
8th: Chris Aswegan, Tiffin, Iowa, three bass, 9-10, $565
9th: Kyler Chelminiak, Franklin, Wis., three bass, 9-9, $802
10th: Rick Martin, Winter, Wis., three bass, 9-5, $439
Complete results can be found at FLWFishing.com.
Hahne also caught the largest bass of the event – a fish weighing 4 pounds, 9 ounces – to earn the day’s Boater Big Bass award of $500.
Lee Lewis of Peoria, Illinois, won the Co-angler Division and $1,883 Saturday after catching three bass weighing 9 pounds, 15 ounces.
The top 10 co-anglers were:
1st: Lee Lewis, Peoria, Ill., three bass, 9-15, $1,883
2nd: Bill Gabel, Willowbrook, Ill., three bass, 9-9, $942
3rd: Joseph Johnson, Maquoketa, Iowa, three bass, 9-3, $627
4th: Mike Fischer, Stacy, Minn., three bass, 8-15, $758
5th: Thomas Roberts, Waunakee, Wis., three bass, 8-15, $508
6th: Zuteus Sevenants, Holmen, Wis., three bass, 8-13, $345
7th: Dylan Drephal, Black Creek, Wis., three bass, 8-12, $514
8th: Kevin Anderson, Ettrick, Wis., three bass, 8-9, $282
9th: Richard Conrad, Arcadia, Wis., three bass, 8-4, $251
10th: Levi Schmidt, Caledonia, Minn., three bass, 8-2, $220
The T-H Marine FLW Bass Fishing League (BFL) Great Lakes Division tournament on the Mississippi River in La Crosse was hosted by the La Crosse County Convention & Visitors Bureau.
The top 45 boaters and co-anglers in the region based on point standings, along with the five winners in each qualifying event, will be entered in the Oct. 17-19 BFL Regional Championship on Kentucky Lake presented by Evinrude in Paris, Tennessee. Boaters will compete for a top award of a Ranger Z518L with a 200-horsepower outboard and $20,000, while co-anglers will fish for a new Ranger Z518L with a 200-horsepower outboard.
The 2019 BFL 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 BFL All-American. The 2020 BFL All-American will be held April 30-May 2 at Lake Hartwell in Anderson, South Carolina, and is hosted by Visit Anderson. Top performers in the BFL can move up to the Costa FLW Series or even the FLW Tour.
For complete details and updated information visit FLWFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow the T-H Marine FLW Bass Fishing League on FLW’s social media outlets at Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.
Kevin & Madison Moore take Best Bass Clear Lake event Win with over 25 pounds & 9.94 Kicker!
| Place | Angler | Angler | Total Fish | Big Fish | Total Weight | Winnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kevin K Moore | Madison Moore | 5 | 9.94 | 25.74 | $5,045.00 |
| 2 | Bryan S Ehresman | Gilbert Ehresman | 5 | 7.69 | 22.66 | $2,720.00 |
| 3 | Doug Hutchison | 5 | 6.81 | 19.74 | $640.00 | |
| 4 | Chris M Devette | Donald W Johnson | 5 | 5.78 | 19.64 | $1,235.00 |
| 5 | Tim Sharpe | Tj Sharpe | 5 | 6.32 | 19.58 | $1,195.00 |
| 6 | Zane J Wiley | Patrick A Mateo | 5 | 5.52 | 19.03 | $860.00 |
| 7 | Brian P Coughlin | 5 | 4.62 | 18.41 | $450.00 | |
| 8 | Kevin Ryan | Clint R Winger | 5 | 4.40 | 18.37 | $540.00 |
| 9 | Jesse L Roach | Jesse M Roach | 5 | 5.75 | 18.28 | $345.00 |
| 10 | Brent D Oneill | Nathan Ahlers | 5 | 6.29 | 17.75 | $420.00 |
| 11 | Scott Bern | Terry Flowers | 5 | 0.00 | 17.71 | $180.00 |
| 12 | Jared Clark | Frank J Antonio Jr | 5 | 0.00 | 17.43 | $165.00 |
| 13 | Scott C Townsend | Christian J Burns | 5 | 0.00 | 17.26 | $150.00 |
| 14 | Steven G Jensen | Scott Silveira | 5 | 7.76 | 17.24 | $630.00 |
| 15 | Tracy Newton | Roger Newton | 5 | 4.25 | 17.20 | $140.00 |
| 16 | Edward A Zinda Jr | Frank Ono | 5 | 0.00 | 16.71 | $135.00 |
| 17 | Doug Bender | Dennis Bender | 5 | 0.00 | 16.69 | $135.00 |
| 18 | Scott C Mackenzie | Jimmy M Kuroki | 5 | 0.00 | 16.24 | $130.00 |
| 18 | Jonathan Geyer | Daniel A Segale | 5 | 0.00 | 16.24 | $130.00 |
| 20 | Steve Thurmon | John Kort | 5 | 4.54 | 16.21 | $120.00 |
| 21 | Igor Reiant | Andrey Pereverzev | 5 | 0.00 | 16.19 | $120.00 |
| 22 | Ryan M German | Josh Reublin | 5 | 0.00 | 16.13 | $120.00 |
| 23 | Peter W Jacobson | Hunter B Jacobson | 5 | 5.92 | 16.08 | $0.00 |
| 23 | Dale E Minjack | Joseph Mc Millian | 5 | 5.17 | 16.08 | $0.00 |
| 25 | Michael Allen | Tom P Manley | 5 | 4.45 | 16.06 | $0.00 |
| 26 | Chris A Brizendine | Eric W Crow | 5 | 0.00 | 15.92 | $0.00 |
| 27 | Roger A Tarin | Kevin Ward | 5 | 0.00 | 15.79 | $0.00 |
| 28 | James K Wardell | Spiro Stamos | 5 | 0.00 | 15.74 | $0.00 |
| 29 | Craig Smith | Barb Smith | 5 | 0.00 | 15.66 | $0.00 |
| 30 | Shayn O Neill | Eric Castro | 5 | 0.00 | 15.64 | $0.00 |
| 31 | Jake Stephens | Troy Phelps | 5 | 0.00 | 15.59 | $0.00 |
| 32 | Jason Hopper | Bill Vernon | 5 | 0.00 | 15.57 | $0.00 |
| 33 | Theadore P Vlahos | Ron L Bushers | 5 | 0.00 | 15.48 | $0.00 |
| 34 | John Bell | Logan Bell | 5 | 0.00 | 15.43 | $0.00 |
| 35 | Joe Mariani | Jack E Mariani | 5 | 0.00 | 15.40 | $0.00 |
| 36 | Bon M Gotuaco | Michael J Chen | 5 | 0.00 | 15.27 | $0.00 |
| 37 | Dustin D Keen | Rich Mendoza | 5 | 5.11 | 15.21 | $0.00 |
| 38 | Mike Rothstein | Forrest E Stogner | 5 | 0.00 | 15.19 | $0.00 |
| 39 | Orrin L Turold | Dan Eckhart | 5 | 0.00 | 15.00 | $0.00 |
| 40 | David S Runnells | Dave Della | 5 | 0.00 | 14.98 | $0.00 |
| 41 | John Halleib | Jim Halleib | 5 | 5.80 | 14.96 | $0.00 |
| 42 | Marvin Dixon | Lance Evans | 5 | 0.00 | 14.90 | $0.00 |
| 43 | Dana M Remy Jr | Casey M Remy | 5 | 4.95 | 14.85 | $0.00 |
| 44 | Jason Alger | Jonas Alger | 5 | 4.70 | 14.77 | $0.00 |
| 45 | Ryan Uda | Brian Roh | 5 | 5.05 | 14.74 | $0.00 |
| 46 | Tim P Lam | Tim V Nguyen | 5 | 0.00 | 14.70 | $0.00 |
| 47 | Billy Davis | Claudio M Silva Jr | 5 | 0.00 | 14.65 | $0.00 |
| 48 | Kip Whiteacre | Todd B Clark | 5 | 0.00 | 14.54 | $0.00 |
| 49 | Michael T Schnack | Codey McBeth | 5 | 0.00 | 14.44 | $0.00 |
| 50 | Jamie Lima | 5 | 0.00 | 14.42 | $0.00 | |
| 51 | Derrick Shay | Bruce Tackett | 5 | 0.00 | 14.30 | $0.00 |
| 52 | Adrian Murar | Nick Dulleck | 5 | 0.00 | 14.23 | $0.00 |
| 53 | Victor Lameyse | Richard J McAnulty | 5 | 4.53 | 14.20 | $0.00 |
| 54 | Adam Young | Amy L Robertson | 5 | 4.85 | 14.18 | $0.00 |
| 55 | Jimmy Johnson | Tammie Kemp | 5 | 0.00 | 14.17 | $0.00 |
| 56 | Dalton A Tyler | Jack Lightsey | 5 | 0.00 | 14.07 | $0.00 |
| 57 | Justin K Fearn | Eric L Padgett | 5 | 0.00 | 14.00 | $0.00 |
| 58 | William R Huss III | Arlen B Holt Jr | 5 | 0.00 | 13.99 | $0.00 |
| 58 | Mark McCord | Mike Caddick | 5 | 0.00 | 13.99 | $0.00 |
| 60 | Bobby Herrin | Nathan Ghilotti | 5 | 0.00 | 13.97 | $0.00 |
| 61 | George Boyd | Eric Boyd | 5 | 4.61 | 13.92 | $0.00 |
| 62 | Colton J Henson | Matt J Croucher | 5 | 0.00 | 13.64 | $0.00 |
| 63 | Jerod Adams | Joshua Adams | 5 | 0.00 | 13.58 | $0.00 |
| 64 | Bruce L Peters | Brad Ladd | 5 | 0.00 | 13.56 | $0.00 |
| 65 | Robert D Schneider Jr | Thomas C Ostrand | 5 | 0.00 | 13.55 | $0.00 |
| 65 | Tom Salo | Charles Wooten | 5 | 0.00 | 13.55 | $0.00 |
| 67 | Joe Paez | Blake D Estrada | 5 | 0.00 | 13.45 | $0.00 |
| 68 | Randy Walker | Bob G Tyler | 5 | 0.00 | 13.40 | $0.00 |
| 69 | Beth Holmes | Brandon A Jones | 5 | 4.09 | 13.35 | $0.00 |
| 70 | Mike E Nelson | Steve W Skaggs | 5 | 0.00 | 13.27 | $0.00 |
| 71 | Anthony P Tardivet | Steve Tonelli | 5 | 0.00 | 13.15 | $0.00 |
| 72 | Christian M Wagers | Steve L Grob | 5 | 0.00 | 13.12 | $0.00 |
| 73 | John W Zinda | Rustin L McLaughlin | 5 | 0.00 | 13.04 | $0.00 |
| 74 | Chris Kreps | Spencer E Smith | 5 | 0.00 | 13.02 | $0.00 |
| 75 | Al Ossello Jr | Ron Cormier | 5 | 0.00 | 12.93 | $0.00 |
| 76 | Michael Tremont | Sean Wayman | 5 | 0.00 | 12.90 | $0.00 |
| 77 | Anthony L Prophet | Vern R Westberg II | 5 | 0.00 | 12.88 | $0.00 |
| 78 | Kenny R Cramer Jr | Kody G Cramer | 5 | 0.00 | 12.63 | $0.00 |
| 79 | Jerry E Lawler | Addison L Williams | 5 | 0.00 | 12.62 | $0.00 |
| 80 | Glenn R Sargent | Shelley L Sargent | 5 | 0.00 | 12.61 | $0.00 |
| 81 | Dean A Eichelmann Jr | Tony Su | 5 | 0.00 | 12.52 | $0.00 |
| 82 | Ryan R Mercado | Tanner E Moyle | 5 | 0.00 | 12.48 | $0.00 |
| 83 | Shane E Robertson | Matt S Hunt | 5 | 0.00 | 12.32 | $0.00 |
| 84 | Casey Dunn | Kade Dunn | 5 | 0.00 | 12.29 | $0.00 |
| 85 | Ryan Scott | Aaron Scott | 5 | 0.00 | 12.27 | $0.00 |
| 86 | Sam McVay | Mark A McVay | 5 | 0.00 | 12.21 | $0.00 |
| 87 | Timothy M Lucero | Jack D Simoni | 5 | 0.00 | 12.18 | $0.00 |
| 88 | Richard A Hamilton | 5 | 0.00 | 11.92 | $0.00 | |
| 88 | Khu Yang | Kong Chang | 5 | 0.00 | 11.92 | $0.00 |
| 90 | Michael A Smith | Robert Ballard | 5 | 0.00 | 11.61 | $0.00 |
| 91 | Jeff Hardin Sr | Cassie Hardin | 5 | 0.00 | 11.59 | $0.00 |
| 92 | Trent L Vannieuwburg | Jason R Minear | 5 | 0.00 | 11.46 | $0.00 |
| 93 | Steven P Costello | Gary Huhtala | 5 | 0.00 | 11.43 | $0.00 |
| 94 | Patrick J Mateo | Trinity Thompson | 5 | 0.00 | 11.40 | $0.00 |
| 95 | Scott D Norton | 5 | 0.00 | 11.31 | $0.00 | |
| 96 | Kevin Mead | Timothy W Iorio | 5 | 0.00 | 11.22 | $0.00 |
| 97 | Scott C Caven | Chad M Belhumeur | 5 | 0.00 | 11.13 | $0.00 |
| 97 | William J Wong | 5 | 0.00 | 11.13 | $0.00 | |
| 99 | Michael E Harris | Kenneth R Miller | 5 | 0.00 | 11.05 | $0.00 |
| 100 | Mike Jackson | Brandon Youngblood | 5 | 0.00 | 11.03 | $0.00 |
| 100 | Adam Dagler | Josh Hemenway | 4 | 0.00 | 11.03 | $0.00 |
| 102 | Zach Richard | Chad Bross | 5 | 0.00 | 10.96 | $0.00 |
| 103 | Steven M Lovazzano | Pat G Bailey | 3 | 4.76 | 8.80 | $0.00 |
| 104 | Bob T Dettling | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 | $0.00 | |
| 104 | Jeff Boom | Jared Boom | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 | $0.00 |
| 104 | Jimmy Sweeney | John Sweeney | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 | $0.00 |
| 104 | Joe A Alvarez II | John Fernandez Jr | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 | $0.00 |
| 104 | Rick E Ward | Jacob A Ward | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 | $0.00 |
| 104 | Seth Bowman | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 | $0.00 | |
| 104 | Vince M Velarde | Otto Vue | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 | $0.00 |
| 104 | Colby A Knowles | Kyle Morgan | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 | $0.00 |
| 104 | Jake T Howard | Austin R Phillips | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 | $0.00 |
| 104 | Thomas Vue | Thomas Vang | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 | $0.00 |
PURDUE UNIVERSITY FORT WAYNE DUO WIN AT WABASHA
July 22, 2019
The Purdue University Fort Wayne duo of Connor Landis of Edgerton, Ohio, and Blake Spurgeon of Fort Wayne, Indiana, won the YETI FLW College Fishing event on the Mississippi River presented by Evinrude Friday with a five-bass limit weighing 17 pounds, 9 ounces. The victory earned the Mastodon’s bass club $2,000 and a slot in the 2020 FLW College Fishing National Championship.
“Last year I had fished here with a different partner and we tied for sixth place, so I was excited to get up here again and I thought that we could earn another top-10 finish – I never thought we were going to win,” says Spurgeon, a senior majoring in mechanical engineering technology. “We weren’t catching huge fish during our practice, but on Friday the weather changed and the giants came out to eat.”
“We found them in heavy current, on current breaks like laydowns and overhanging trees,” says Landis, a junior majoring in business management. “We caught around 8 keepers throughout the day on Texas-rigged creature baits and tubes.”
Fishing the strong current, the Mastodon club relied on heavy ½- and ¾-ounce tungsten weights. They flipped both a Berkley Pit Boss and a Missile Baits D Bomb, and Landis also added a few fish on a tube. Their weigh-in limit consisted of four smallmouths and one largemouth.
“The key was just slowing down and remaining patient,” Spurgeon adds. “We lost a couple on the way to the boat, and we missed a few when we set the hook. We just remained calm and patient and our persistence really paid off.”
The top 10 teams
1. Purdue University Fort Wayne – Connor Landis, Edgerton, Ohio, and Blake Spurgeon, Fort Wayne, Ind., five bass, 17-9, $2,000
2. St. Cloud State University – Mitchell Evans, Albert Lea, Minn., and Aidan Hansen, St. Cloud, Minn., five bass, 16-7, $1,000
3. North Dakota State University – Matt Stearns, Scandia, Minn., and Charles McGivern, Rosemount, Minn., five bass, 16-6, $500
4. Murray State University – Hunter McKinley, Murray, Ky., and Brendan Bingham, Louisville, Ky., five bass, 16-6, $500
5. University of Wisconsin – Jack Risch, Nashotah, Wis., and Matthew Mikolajczak, Lakeville, Minn., five bass, 16-5, $900
6. Murray State University – Jordan Hartman, Murray, Ky., and Will Gentry, Utica, Ky., five bass, 16-4, $450
7. University of Wisconsin – Sam Medo, Stevens Point, Wis., and Colin Steck, Waunakee, Wis., five bass, 15-10
8. Northwest Missouri State University – Logan Newlin and Jacob Cacek, both of Maryville, Mo., five bass, 15-3
9. Winona State University – Colton Haney and Chase Pomeroy, both of Winona, Minn., five bass, 15-2
10. University of Evansville – Noah Whalen and Blake Knies, both of Jasper, Ind., five bass, 15-2
The YETI FLW College Fishing event on the Mississippi River in Wabasha presented by Evinrude was hosted by the Wabasha-Kellogg Area Chamber of Commerce & Convention and Visitors Bureau. It was the second of three regular-season qualifying tournaments for Central Conference anglers. The next event for FLW College Fishing anglers will be the YETI FLW College Fishing at Lake Erie, Sept. 6 in Sandusky, Ohio.
Sportsman's Warehouse Store Grand Opening in Ft. Wayne Indiana this week!!
Join Sportsman’s Warehouse at Fort Wayne Grand Opening Celebration
Free giveaways, shooting range, kids’ activities, and more start 7/25/19 at www.sportsmans.com
MIDVALE, Utah, July 22, 2019 – Join Sportsman’s Warehouse (NASDAQ:SPWH), www.sportsmans.com, for a grand opening celebration of their new store in Fort Wayne, Indiana, July 25-27, 2019. Enjoy giveaways, vendor demonstrations, a mobile shooting range, and more.
“As our first store opens in Indiana, now anyone in the local area can access over 24,000 square feet of quality brand-name hunting, shooting sports, fishing, camping, apparel, and footwear merchandise,” states Jon Barker, Sportsman’s Warehouse CEO. “We invite everyone to stop by to enjoy great customer service and shop with confidence knowing that we stand behind our everyday low prices.”
The new Sportsman’s Warehouse store is located at 4408 Illinois Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46804 across the street from Fort Wayne’s premiere Jefferson Pointe Shopping Center where there are over 60 shops, cinemas, restaurants, and entertainment venues for the entire family.
The grand opening celebration starts with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the store at 4408 Illinois Rd., on Thursday, July 25, 2019 at 8:30 a.m. Attendees can:
- Get a free $20 gift card and Sportsman’s Warehouse hat if they are:
- One of the first 300 customers to enter the store Thursday, 7/25/19; and/or
- One of the first 200 customers to enter the store on Friday, 7/26/19, and Saturday, 7/27/19.
- Watch exciting, dog dock-jumping competitions from Splash Dogs Thursday through Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.;
- Shoot several different handguns on display at the Mobile Tactics shooting range presented by Federal Premium Ammunition, 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Thursday through Saturday; and
- Enjoy vendor demonstrations including a cooking demo by Camp Chef and more!
This new location will be the 94th Sportsman’s Warehouse store in 25 states.
In addition to all of the exciting activities at the grand opening celebration, store visitors can participate in ongoing seminars and special events and choose from an assortment of over 60,000 items with region-specific products for local, outdoor activities.
“Our grand opening celebration will be a fun event for the entire family, and we look forward to being a valuable part of the local community,” states Barker. “Not only will customersenjoy our high-level of service, but they will also get guaranteed best prices. If a customer finds a lower price, we’ll beat it by 5%.”
For more information, visit www.sportsmans.com.
ICAST 2019 – Bill Lewis Lures
By: Kenneth Grover
Bill Lewis Lures has been known by the popular brand name Rat-L-Trap which was established in 1964. The Rat-L-Trap has been a staple for many fishermen that target both freshwater and saltwater species. The Rat-L-Trap is offered in six different sizes ranging from the Tiny Trap (1/8 oz.) to the Super Trap (1 ½ oz.). There are many color options to help you effectively target whatever game fish you are after.
There is one model that I feel gets overlooked that can increase your options when the regular versions dive too deep. The Float-N-Trap will float to the surface when the retrieve is stopped. This bait is the same size as the ½ oz. Rat-L-Trap but only weighs 1/3 oz. and will dive one to two feet on a normal cast and retrieve. This can be very good when fishing over submerged grass such as milfoil and hydrilla that has grown to the point that it is close to the surface. In cases where a normal Rat-L-Trap would dive too deep, this bait can be retrieved above the grass.
In recent years Bill Lewis Lures has been adding to the lineup to include topwater lures with the Stutter Step and lipped crankbaits with the introduction of the Echo 1.75. Last year at ICAST, the MDJ (Mark Daniels Jr.) Series was launched with the MR-6 crankbait.
This year they are introducing the newest member of the MDJ Series with the SB-57. This is a high performance but affordably priced square bill crankbait. The bait weighs 3/8 oz and is 57 mm (nose to tail). It is built with a honey-comb construction that is only found in premium Japanese lures. The premium features do not end there. There is a hybrid coffin/squared circuit board bill for sensitivity and it also comes with Mustad Triple Grip Hooks.
For more information:
Bill Lewis Lures
3240 Baldwin Avenue
Alexandria, LA 71301
800-633-4861
www.rat-l-trap.com
THRIFT GOES WIRE-TO-WIRE, WINS COSTA FLW SERIES TOURNAMENT ON LAKE CHAMPLAIN
North Carolina pro Earns 11th Career FLW Victory – Third as Pro in FLW Series – and $89,200
PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. (July 20, 2019) – FLW Tour pro Bryan Thrift of Shelby, North Carolina, caught a five-bass limit Saturday weighing 18 pounds, 4 ounces, to lead the event from start to finish and win the three-day Costa FLW Series on Lake Champlain presented by Polaris.
The tournament was the first event of the season for anglers competing in the Costa FLW Series Northern Division presented by Gajo Baits. Thrift’s three-day total of 15 bass weighing 57 pounds even was enough to earn him the victory by an 8-ounce margin over second-place angler Edward Levin of Westerville, Ohio, and earn him $89,200.
“I can’t really say this win is any more special than the others – they’re all pretty great – but this event was awesome because it was the first time that I was truly in contention up north,” said Thrift, a 13-time FLW Cup qualifier and considered by many to be the best angler in the world. “I’ve had a couple of chances to win this year and it’s seemed to slip through my fingers, so it’s a really good feeling to get one back.”
Thrift estimated he caught around 60 keepers throughout the three-day event, mainly throwing 4- and 5-inch Damiki Stingers.
“I think I might have weighed in one on a topwater, but the rest came on the Stinger,” Thrift said. “My key colors were watermelon candy and green pumpkin, and I threw it Texas-rigged, wacky-rigged and Neko-rigged with a 1/8-ounce Damiki Neko sinker.
“I was kind of scared, because the first day I caught around 50 bass – 30 to 35 keepers – and I thought I may have caught too many and burned them up,” Thrift continued. “It was calm today, though, so I was able to hit some new stuff today and basically run everything that I had. If it was windy, there is no way I would have won.”
Thrift said that the key to winning the tournament came to him when he realized that he had to comb through the smaller fish.
“I realized pretty early on in the event that I could weed through a bunch of little ones and eventually I’d catch a big one,” Thrift said. “They were not at all grouped up by size. Normally if I caught a bunch of small fish, I’d leave the spot and look for the big fish areas. This week, the big fish were mixed in with the small fish and you just had to keep combing through them to find the big ones.”
The top 10 pros on Lake Champlain finished:
1st: Bryan Thrift, Shelby, N.C., 15 bass, 57-0, $89,200
2nd: Edward Levin, Westerville, Ohio, 15 bass, 56-9, $17,300
3rd: Scott Dobson, Clarkston, Mich., 15 bass, 53-7, $12,850
4th: Brandt Tumberg, Moore, S.C., 15 bass, 52-9, $10,750
5th: Kurt Mitchell, Milford, Del., 15 bass, 52-5, $9,750
6th: Jason Bacon, Nutting Lake, Mass., 15 bass, 52-4, $8,375
7th: Wayne Vaughan, Chester, Va., 15 bass, 51-2, $7,300
8th: Joseph Wood, Westport, Mass., 15 bass, 49-4, $6,600
9th: Casey Smith, Macedon, N.Y., 15 bass, 49-1, $5,300
10th: Ron Nelson, Berrien Springs, Mich., 15 bass, 48-8, $4,200
A complete list of results can be found at FLWFishing.com.
Wood weighed a 5-pound, 10-ounce largemouth bass Thursday – the heaviest of the tournament in the Pro Division – and earned the day’s Boater Big Bass award of $300.
Henry McKee of Haddon Heights, New Jersey, won the Co-angler Division with a three-day total of 15 bass weighing 47 pounds, 8 ounces. For his win, McKee took home the top prize package of a new Ranger Z175 boat with a 115-horsepower outboard motor.
The top 10 co-anglers on Lake Champlain finished:
1st: Henry McKee, Haddon Heights, N.J., 15 bass, 47-8, $28,050
2nd: Gary Haraguchi, Antioch, Calif., 15 bass, 46-10, $5,575
3rd: Robert Fulton, Ray, Ohio, 15 bass, 44-2, $4,300
4th: Mark Howard, Mesquite, Texas, 14 bass, 44-1, $3,650
5th: Louis Martinez, Annapolis, Md., 14 bass, 40-11, $3,150
6th: Chad Bushnaq, Buffalo, N.Y., 15 bass, 40-3, $2,650
7th: Michael McNicholas, Allentown, Pa., 14 bass, 39-2, $2,250
8th: Kyle Sabourin, Milton, Vt., 14 bass, 37-0, $1,825
9th: Chad Brousseau, Colchester, Vt., 12 bass, 33-4, $1,530
10th: Pete Dirado, Holland, N.Y., 11 bass, 31-7, $1,290
McKee also caught the biggest bass of the tournament in the Co-angler Division Friday, a fish weighing 5 pounds, 6 ounces. He earned the day’s Co-angler Big Bass award of $200.
The Costa FLW Series on Lake Champlain presented by Polaris was hosted by the City of Plattsburgh and the Adirondack Coast Visitors Bureau. It was the first of three tournaments in the 2019 regular season for Northern Division presented by Gajo Baits anglers. The next tournament for FLW Series anglers will also be in the Northern Division presented by Gajo Baits, the Costa FLW Series at the Potomac River presented by Lowrance, held Aug. 22-24 in Marbury, Maryland. For a complete schedule, visit FLWFishing.com.
The Costa FLW Series consists of five U.S. divisions – Central, Northern, Southeastern, Southwestern and Western – along with the International division. Each U.S. division consists of three regular-season tournaments with competitors vying for valuable points that could earn them the opportunity to compete in the season-ending Costa FLW Series Championship. The 2019 Costa FLW Series Championship is being held Oct. 31 – Nov. 2 on Lake Cumberland in Burnside, Kentucky.
For complete details and updated information visit FLWFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow the Costa FLW Series on FLW’s social media outlets at Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
Sportsmans Warehouse Pro Bryan Thrift leads Day 1 of Champlain Costa
July 18, 2019 by Jody White
Less than three weeks removed from a third-place finish on Lake Champlain in the FLW Tour’s 2019 season finale, Bryan Thrift hauled 22 pounds, 6 ounces of green fish to the weigh-in stage to take the day one lead in the Costa FLW Series Northern Division opener, which is presented by Polaris. In second, Brandt Tumberg weighed 21-10, and Joe Wood is just an ounce behind him with 21-9 for third.
Turning north from takeoff in Plattsburgh, Thrift was able to expand on the areas he fished in the Tour.
“Today was fun,” says the North Carolina superstar. “I started out wanting to catch them on [topwater baits] again, but I only caught one on top all day. I had to slow down and throw a Damiki Stinger and that was it.”
Fishing mostly grass in 5 to 6 feet of water, Thrift caught a pile of fish.
“I caught a lot,” he says. “There’s a lot of small fish where I was fishing today, and those ones I weighed in were by far the five biggest I caught all day. My last cull fish was like a 3-4, so I might have culled like 15 pounds. It was funny, when that 3-4 was my smallest one, my co-angler was joking, saying, “Man, you just need a 6-pounder now.” It was like the next cast I set the hook on that 5-pounder.”
During the Tour event, Thrift ran a pretty good milk run of spots, but he mostly settled in one general area today. Bags like Thrift’s are a pretty rare thing on Champlain, and even though nine other pros broke the 19-pound mark, he’s certainly got a leg up the rest of the way. If Thrift can pull off a win, it’d be his 11th with FLW, but his first north of the Mason-Dixon Line.
Top 10 Pros
1. Bryan Thrift – Shelby, N.C. – 22-6 (5)
2. Brandt Tumberg – Moore, S.C. – 21-10 (5)
3. Joseph (Joe) Wood – Westport, Mass. – 21-9 (5)
4. Lee Black – Danville, Ala. – 20-5 (5)
5. Jimmy Kennedy – Plainfield, Vt. – 19-15 (5)
6. Joe Lucarelli – Center Harbor, N.H. – 19-14 (5)
7. Wayne Vaughan – Chester, Va. – 19-5 (5)
8. Frankie Appaluccio – Franklin, N.J. – 19-4 (5)
9. Scott Dobson – Clarkston, Mich. – 19-4 (5)
10. Bob Behrle – Hoover, Ala. – 18-11 (5)
Prentiss leads co-anglers
On the co-angler side, Jordan Prentiss of Keeseville, N.Y. holds the lead with 17-9 with Joseph Marsh trailing by just 7 ounces. No other co-anglers topped the 17-pound mark on day one, though seven total anglers turned in bags of at least 16 pounds.
Fishing behind Brad Elwood up north, Prentiss weighed a mixed bag of three largemouths and two smallmouths.
“We were fishing from 10 to 18 feet, just weeds mixed in with rock,” says Prentiss. “A drop-shot was the main key, and I caught a couple on a 4-inch wacky-rigged Yamamoto Senko.
“I’m a local, so most of my fishing is right up here,” adds Prentiss. “I probably ended up catching 15 fish today, and they were all pretty similar. I feel good about tomorrow.”
Post ICAST Hangover........
This week the boys wrap up ICAST 2019, the good, the bad and the ugly and get Davids take on the show, Chris' "Business Causal" attire and Jason chimes in with a Top Golf versus MLF comparison. Ya'll check it out, its a good un'
Humminbird® and Minn Kota® Surprise Deserving Angler and Veteran David Lowrie with a Complete Boat Overhaul at ICAST 2019
RACINE, Wis., July 12, 2019 – There wasn’t a dry eye in the room as Desert Storm veteran and youth fishing mentor David Lowrie was surprised with a complete boat overhaul thanks to Minn Kota®, Humminbird® and the One-Boat Network™ Live overhaul at the American Sportfishing Association’s International Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trades (ICAST) on Thursday, July 11.
Lowrie is a veteran of the U.S. Army and has spent the last three years as the youth director for the Tennessee B.A.S.S. Nation High School/Youth. The youth program was struggling three years ago with only 200 members until Lowrie took over and was able to make it one of the best youth programs in the country with over 1,400 young anglers. Lowrie serves as a high school boat captain and is passionate about putting kids on the water and helping them to become better anglers. He has also dedicated himself and his 2006 Skeeter bass boat to helping his son Hank pursue his bass tournament fishing dreams.
The overhaul took place in booth #217 at the ICAST show and included installations of a Minn Kota Ultrex® with Built-In MEGA Down Imaging™, Minn Kota on-board Precision charger, two Minn Kota Talons®, two Humminbird SOLIX® 15 CHIRP MEGA SI+ G2 units, Humminbird 360 and LakeMaster® mapping. In addition to these elements of the One-Boat Network, products from other ICAST exhibitors including Rigid Industries, TH Marine, Battle Born Batteries, JL Audio and more were also installed. The full unveil event can be viewed here.
“We are so thrilled with the outcome of the One-Boat Network Live build here at ICAST,” said Joe Brown, senior director of brand management for Johnson Outdoors Marine Electronics. “Not only were we able to demonstrate the live installation of the best Minn Kota and Humminbird technologies, but we were able to award the final product to a very deserving member of our fishing community – David Lowrie. We look forward to having David, his son and the youth anglers he captains using our products on the water to make more fishing memories.”
The One-Boat Network is an integrated system which unlocks communication opportunities between Minn Kota and Humminbird products, including Talon shallow water anchors, to help anglers find, stay on and catch fish. Minn Kota and Humminbird products are respectively best-in-class in locating fish and fish-holding structure and enabling anglers to navigate to fishing spots and stay in place effortlessly. With the One-Boat Network, anglers can get the most out of their Humminbird fish finder, Minn Kota trolling motor and Minn Kota Talon shallow water anchor through a networked system designed to give anglers a more streamlined, user-friendly experience across all products.
"I'm absolutely just blown away by the fact that I was chosen for this. I don’t know that I feel worthy but I feel awfully blessed," said David Lowrie. "The stuff that was on my boat was a lot older – I had coveted a Spot-Lock for a long time, and you know, it just wasn't in the budget because I focus on other things. I focus on the kids and the state program – I don't focus on me that much. I’m going to be able to take the kids out on an improved boat and improve their chances of catching fish. All the sponsors that had a hand in this – I just can't thank them enough. It's an unbelievable blessing."
David Lowrie spent the last day of ICAST on the water learning the ins and outs of his new equipment with Minn Kota and Humminbird professional anglers Brandon Palaniuk and Chris Zaldain on Friday, July 12 on Lake Tohopekaliga. A live stream of David's day on the water can be viewed here.
“As professional anglers, we sometimes take for granted the amazing equipment and technology we get to use every day,” Zaldain said. “I was happy to be able to teach David how to use the One-Boat Network products and show him the advantage that a connected boat can provide to all anglers. David is a great guy, and I know he will take what he learned here today, and teach it to the youth in his local B.A.S.S. chapter ensuring the next generation of anglers gets to experience the very best products out there.”
For more information on Minn Kota and Humminbird visit MinnKotaMotors.com and Humminbird.com.
Other sponsors and partners in this program include: Abu Garcia, Bass Mafia, Battle Born Batteries, BOSCH, JL Audio, Costa Sunglasses, Hot Foot, Hydrowave, JL Audio, Onyx, Rigid Industries, Simms, Tackle Titan and TH Marine.
About Minn Kota® and Humminbird®
JOHNSON OUTDOORS FISHING is comprised of the Minn Kota®, Humminbird®, and Cannon® brands. Minn Kota is the world’s leading manufacturer of electric trolling motors, as well as a complete line of shallow water anchors, battery chargers and marine accessories. Humminbird is a leading global innovator and manufacturer of marine electronics products including fish finders, multifunction displays, autopilots, ice flashers, and premium cartography products. Cannon is the leader in controlled-depth fishing and includes a full line of downrigger products and accessories.
Visit Minn Kota at www.minnkotamotors.com
Visit Humminbird at www.humminbird.com
JOHNSON OUTDOORS is a leading global outdoor recreation company that inspires more people to experience the awe of the great outdoors with innovative, top-quality products. The company designs, manufactures and markets a portfolio of winning, consumer-preferred brands across four categories: Watercraft, Fishing, Diving and Camping.
Visit Johnson Outdoors at www.johnsonoutdoors.com
Rusty Clark and Cory Rambo win over $25,000 with 17.46 lbs on Rayburn. Mathew Delaney and Mathew Nugent win 2019 East Region AOY
| Place | Boat | Truck | Angler 1 | Angler 2 | Fish | Big Bass | Wt. | Prize Amt. | |
| 1 |  |
RUSTY CLARK SAM RAYBURN , TX |
CORY RAMBO ORANGE , TX |
3 | 9.00 | 17.46 |
|
||
| 2 | BOBBY VICE GROVES , TX |
RICKY GUY HUMBLE , TX |
3 | 0 | 17.08 |
|
|||
| 3 | PHILLIP CRELIA CENTER , TX |
TJ GOODWYN CENTER , TX |
3 | 0 | 16.33 |
|
|||
| 4 | JOHNNY VINES GROVES , TX |
SHANNON PRICE PORT ARTHUR , TX |
3 | 7.80 | 16.22 |
|
|||
| 5 | CLAYTON BOULWARE ZAVALLA , TX |
ALBERT COLLINS NACOGDOCHES , TX |
3 | 0 | 16.02 |
|
|||
| 6 | ALAN BOND VIDOR , TX |
TOMMY FREDREGILL HUNTSVILLE , TX |
3 | 0 | 15.61 |
|
|||
| 7 | JARED DEAN HUNTINGTON , TX |
BEN VAUGHAN LUFKIN , TX |
3 | 9.71 | 15.51 |
|
|||
| 8 | KURT LUKER CLEVELAND , TX |
RICHIE THORNTON SPLENDORA , TX |
3 | 0 | 14.99 |
|
|||
| 9 | MICHAEL FESCO SOUT LAKE , TX |
CHRISTOPHER TREST SOUR LAKE , TX |
3 | 0 | 14.85 |
|
|||
| 10 |  |
BUBBA FRAZIER PINELAND , TX |
TOMMY HILL JR PINELAND , TX |
3 | 0 | 14.70 |
|
||
| 11 | |
PERRY HOOKS DOUGLASS , TX |
BRETT HOOKS DOUGLASS , TX |
3 | 0 | 14.02 |
|
||
| 12 | CHUCK NAOMI BRANCH , LA |
DYLAN FRILOUX LAFAYETTE , LA |
3 | 0 | 13.96 |
|
|||
| 12 | |
BENJI DUMAS MINDEN , LA |
JIMMY DUCK III CENTER , LA |
3 | 0 | 13.96 |
|
||
| 14 | TEDDY CLOIDE VIDOR , TX |
WESLEY DAWSON CHESTER , TX |
3 | 0 | 13.89 |
|
|||
| 15 | SAMMY CHRISTIAN LUMBERTON , TX |
ALLAN SHIVERS JASPER , TX |
3 | 0 | 13.78 |
|
|||
| 16 | RANDY QUALLS STREETMAN , TX |
MIKE METCALF JASPER , TX |
3 | 0 | 13.62 |
|
|||
| 17 | ED MELTON HOUSTON , TX |
ANTHONY JONES WILLIS , TX |
3 | 0 | 13.47 |
|
|||
| 18 | RAYMOND CHEEK DOWNSVILLE , LA |
DAVID STREETER HAMBURG , AR |
3 | 0 | 13.45 |
|
|||
| 19 | CHRIS CLEMENS LUFKIN , TX |
DALLAS COLE LEESVILLE , LA |
3 | 0 | 13.35 |
|
|||
| 20 | KEVIN WOLFORD ORANGE , TX |
GROVER MANSFIELD BROOKELAND , TX |
3 | 7.62 | 13.25 |
|
|||
| 21 | KRIS WILSON MONTGOMERY , TX |
BRYAN LOHR LUMBERTON , TX |
3 | 0 | 13.15 |
|
|||
| 22 | TODD NEWMAN NACOGDOCHES , TX |
SHANNON HALE NACOGDOCHES , TX |
3 | 0 | 12.96 |
|
|||
| 23 |  |
KY MARTIN GRANDVIEW , TX |
SPIKE STOKER STEPHENVILLE , TX |
3 | 0 | 12.53 |
|
||
| 24 | |
CHARLES HICKMAN HUNTINGTON , TX |
TERRY HICKMAN KINGWOOD , TX |
3 | 0 | 12.06 |
|
||
| 25 | MATTHEW DELANEY POLLOCK , LA |
MATTHEW NUGENT DRY PRONG , LA |
3 | 0 | 11.96 |
|
|||
| 26 |  |
MARK BIONDI SR BURLESON , TX |
BYRON BIONDI KENNEDALE , TX |
3 | 0 | 11.61 |
|
||
| 27 | |
DANNY LASHLEY BOYCE , LA |
MICHAEL IVEY OTIS , LA |
3 | 0 | 11.51 |
|
||
| 27 | GREG OSTERTAG MT VERNON , TX |
BRENT EDWARDS MIDLOTHIAN , TX |
3 | 0 | 11.51 |
|
|||
| 29 | |
TED PATE ALEXANDRIA , LA |
VINCENT NEAL CALDWELL , TX |
3 | 0 | 11.49 |
|
||
| 30 | JACOB JOHNSON LAKE CHARLES , LA |
SHANE CORMIER RAGLEY , LA |
3 | 0 | 11.31 |
|
|||
| 31 | RANDY WISTNER NEDERLAND , TX |
LOGAN WOOD NEDERLAND , TX |
3 | 0 | 11.29 |
|
|||
| 32 | GEORGE GLASS DERRIDER , LA |
TRENT MANUEL ORANGE , TX |
3 | 0 | 11.23 |
|
|||
| 33 | JOHN MADDOX LUFKIN , TX |
JEFFERY WISE LUFKIN , TX |
3 | 0 | 11.11 |
|
|||
| 34 | |
JEFF HOLDER BOSSIER CITY , LA |
TERRY BURGHART SHREVEPORT , LA |
3 | 0 | 11.02 |
|
||
| 35 | CLIFFORD MCCARTY LONGVIEW , TX |
BOBBY GUY TEXARKANA , TX |
3 | 0 | 10.87 |
|
|||
| 36 | |
CHRIS LEWIS LONGVIEW , TX |
KEITH JONES WHITE OAK , TX |
3 | 0 | 10.85 |
|
||
| 37 | MIKE ATCHLEY MOSCOW , TX |
PAUL SHIRLEY LEGGETT , TX |
3 | 0 | 10.82 |
|
|||
| 38 | |
ANDREW FATERKOWSKI MONTGOMERY , TX |
BILLY DRIGGERS HUNTSVILLE , TX |
3 | 0 | 10.59 |
|
||
| 39 | SHANE BARNES MIDWAY , TX |
MATTHEW BENEFIELD HUFFMAN , TX |
3 | 0 | 10.56 |
|
|||
| 40 | |
KEVIN MASON COLDSPRING , TX |
BUD PRUITT HOUSTON , TX |
3 | 0 | 10.54 |
|
||
| 41 | CRAIG MASSEY HOUSTON , TX |
SCOTT HOLIFIELD GRAND BAY , AL |
3 | 0 | 10.43 |
|
|||
| 42 | LAMARCUS MCCRAY HOUSTON , TX |
JAMES ROZELL HOUSTON , TX |
3 | 0 | 10.36 |
|
|||
| 43 | |
|
JOHN BYLER SOUTHLAKE , TX |
JOHN BYLER SOUTH LAKE , TX |
3 | 0 | 10.23 |
|
|
| 44 | |
JOHN MCDIFFITT GRANBURY , TX |
BOBBY VINCENT HUDSON OAKS , TX |
3 | 5.97 | 10.21 |
|
||
| 45 | BRANDON DAVIDSON LITTLE ELM , TX |
JIM FURR HEMPHILL , TX |
3 | 0 | 10.17 |
|
|||
| 46 | MICHAEL RISINGER WEST MONROE , LA |
SONTUS MITCHELL RUSTON , LA |
3 | 0 | 10.16 |
|
|||
| 47 | ADAM DUNN HOUSTON , TX |
JOSHUA WARE NEW CANEY , TX |
3 | 0 | 10.12 |
|
|||
| 48 | |
TERRY LUEDTKE BURTON , TX |
DOYLE REEVES BURTON , TX |
3 | 0 | 10.05 |
|
||
| 49 | JEREMY LEMMONS TOMBALL , TX |
CODY NICHOLSON ANDERSON , TX |
3 | 0 | 10.00 |
|
|||
| 50 | JEROD HAWKES SABINAL , TX |
DANIEL BROCK D'HANIS , TX |
3 | 0 | 9.77 |
|
|||
| 51 | WILL CARSTENS ALEXANDRIA , LA |
ROSS BRYANT ALEXANDRIA , LA |
3 | 0 | 9.71 |
|
|||
| 52 | JUSTIN SOWELL SILSBEE , TX |
DAVID GORE KOUNTZE , TX |
3 | 0 | 9.66 |
|
|||
| 53 | BRIAN DUNN SPLENDORA , TX |
DANIEL NEEDHAM NEW CANEY , TX |
3 | 0 | 9.59 |
|
|||
| 54 | JASON BONDS LUFKIN , TX |
JAMES NITSCHKE WILLIS , TX |
3 | 0 | 9.56 |
|
|||
| 55 | |
MIKE RICHARDSON THORNDALE , TX |
PETE HUGHEY WEIR , TX |
3 | 0 | 9.52 |
|
||
| 56 | BRADLEY HILLEBRANDT FLOREIN , LA |
JORDAN BREAUX SULPHUR , LA |
3 | 0 | 9.50 |
|
|||
| 57 | |
CHAD KEMP BRIDGE CITY , TX |
BRENT KEMP ORANGE , TX |
3 | 0 | 9.40 |
|
||
| 58 | |
STEVE BELLON LAKE CHARLES , LA |
TONY COBURN LAKE CHARLES , LA |
3 | 0 | 9.38 |
|
||
| 59 | RYAN WARREN GATESVILLE , TX |
JASON DERRICK VALLEY MILLS , TX |
3 | 0 | 9.30 |
|
|||
| 60 | |
LARRY WEPPLER HOUSTON , TX |
DENNIS FIKES HOUSTON , TX |
3 | 0 | 9.29 |
|
||
| 61 | PHILLIP WALKER BURLESON , TX |
VENCE FREESE BURLESON , TX |
3 | 0 | 9.26 |
|
|||
| 62 | OSCAR LANGELE JR MANY , LA |
JAMES CAMPISE ORANGE , TX |
3 | 0 | 9.24 |
|
|||
| 63 | BLAKE ISTRE ORANGE , TX |
CHRIS MCCLAIN DEWEYVILLE , TX |
3 | 0 | 9.18 |
|
|||
| 64 | |
BOB VOTE KINGWOOD , TX |
ANDY VOTE KINGWOOD , TX |
3 | 0 | 9.17 |
|
||
| 65 | AARON FREEMAN THE WOODLANDS , TX |
BEN MATSUBU MILAM , TX |
3 | 0 | 9.16 |
|
|||
| 66 | |
DAVID CHILES WACO , TX |
PAT NUNLEY WACO , TX |
3 | 0 | 9.04 |
|
||
| 67 | |
JADEN PARRISH LIBERTY , TX |
CODY PARRISH LIBERTY , TX |
3 | 0 | 8.90 |
|
||
| 67 | JOSEPH LAFLEUR ORANGE , TX |
ROWDY SLAUGHTER BROOKELAND , TX |
3 | 0 | 8.90 |
|
|||
| 69 | RICKY BLANKINSHIP HOMER , LA |
DAVID CURTIS BROOKLAND , TX |
3 | 0 | 8.84 |
|
|||
| 70 | |
LARRY COTTEN HUFFMAN , TX |
NICK DIBERARDINO JASPER , TX |
3 | 0 | 8.82 |
|
||
| 71 | |
TYLER TATE BEAUMONT , TX |
BLAKE CAIN BEAUMONT , TX |
3 | 0 | 8.78 |
|
||
| 72 | JASON MOORE BUNA , TX |
JOHN SINGLETARY FRED , TX |
3 | 0 | 8.72 |
|
|||
| 73 | |
VICTOR SAUNDERS CARTHAGE , TX |
JAMES STEPHENS CARTHAGE , TX |
3 | 0 | 8.64 |
|
||
| 73 | |
ARCHIE DORE II NATCHITOCHES , LA |
ANDY BARNES NATCHITOCHES , LA |
3 | 0 | 8.64 |
|
||
| 75 | MIKE EDWARDS ETOILE , TX |
JAMES MUFFLER KARNACK , TX |
3 | 0 | 8.60 |
|
|||
| 75 | NEIL MATHEWS PORTER , TX |
BRIAN PHIPPS MAGNOLIA , TX |
3 | 0 | 8.60 |
|
|||
| 77 | |
ALLEN SHELTON FARMERS BRANCH , TX |
STRIDER BROWNING GUN BARREL CITY , TX |
3 | 0 | 8.46 |
|
||
| 78 | GERALD MITCHELL JENA , LA |
JASON LEBRUN CHOUDRANT , LA |
3 | 0 | 8.41 |
|
|||
| 79 | |
DOUG MCCAIN LAKE CHARLES , LA |
MASON MCCAIN LAKE CHARLES , LA |
3 | 0 | 8.37 |
|
||
| 80 | TED PRIESING DALLAS , TX |
VIRGIL CHANEY JASPER , TX |
3 | 0 | 8.26 |
|
|||
| 81 | |
STEVEN HANNA BEAUMONT , TX |
ANTHONY BAKER BEAUMONT , TX |
3 | 0 | 8.21 |
|
||
| 81 | MIKE TAYLOR JASPER , TX |
JUSTIN RIDGAWAY ORANGE , TX |
3 | 0 | 8.21 |
|
|||
| 83 | |
BRANDON VAUGHAN AZLE , TX |
BOBBY BADARACK FT WORTH , TX |
3 | 0 | 8.18 |
|
||
| 84 | ROBBY JONES ORANGE , TX |
PAUL WOODS BUNA , TX |
3 | 0 | 8.06 |
|
|||
| 85 | JONATHAN SIMON ORANGE , TX |
COREY STANLEY ORANGE , TX |
3 | 0 | 7.99 |
|
|||
| 86 | TRAVIS SIGNORIN WILLIS , TX |
BOB SIGNORIN OAKHURST , TX |
3 | 0 | 7.96 |
|
|||
| 87 | KEVIN IZZI SMITHVILLE , TX |
CHRISTOPHER IZZI SMITHVILLE , TX |
3 | 0 | 7.61 |
|
|||
| 88 | |
STEVE WOODIE SOUR LAKE , TX |
FOYCE WINN VIDOR , TX |
3 | 0 | 7.49 |
|
||
| 89 | |
EASTON HEIGLEY BROOKELAND , TX |
BLAKE SCHROEDER WHITEHOUSE , TX |
3 | 0 | 7.41 |
|
||
| 89 | JOEL MAYFIELD PERKINSTON , MS |
JAY WILLIAMS D IBERVILLE , MS |
3 | 0 | 7.41 |
|
|||
| 91 | ALEX STEWART GOLDONNA , LA |
BRAYDEN STEWART GOLDONNA , LA |
3 | 0 | 7.29 |
|
|||
| 92 | KELVIN HOGG ARLINGTON , TX |
BRIAN ROUSSEL ARLINGTON , TX |
3 | 0 | 7.25 |
|
|||
| 93 | CHARLES BENEDICT FORNEY , TX |
BRUCE BENEDICT FORNEY , TX |
3 | 0 | 7.17 |
|
|||
| 94 | |
ERIC WILSON MARSHALL , TX |
HOWARD WILSON NACOGDOCHES , TX |
3 | 0 | 7.16 |
|
||
| 95 | LAMAR JONES III BEAUMONT , TX |
DEON FORD BEAUMONT , TX |
3 | 0 | 7.09 |
|
|||
| 96 | |
DON DICKERSON PINEVILLE , LA |
JASON FOUNTAIN PINEVILLE , LA |
3 | 0 | 7.01 |
|
||
| 97 | |
|
COLE BREWER LEESVILLE , LA |
ROB RICHARDS SPRING , TX |
3 | 0 | 6.89 |
|
|
| 98 | |
|
STERLING MARTIN BEEVILLE , TX |
JUSTIN MADDING ROUND ROCK , TX |
3 | 0 | 5.85 |
|
|
| 99 | JOHN PRICE LA GRANGE , TX |
DUSTY FRANK WEST POINT , TX |
3 | 0 | 5.72 |
|
|||
| 100 | |
THOMAS DECLET JR THIBODAUX , LA |
THOMAS DECLET SR HEMPHILL , TX |
3 | 0 | 5.61 |
|
||
| 101 | |
DEVIN BUSHLAND ALLEN , TX |
1 | 0 | 1.09 |
|
|||
| 102 | RONALD RISENHOOVER LUFKIN , TX |
STEVE WRIGHT PLANO , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
|
|||
| 102 | ANDREW WRIGHT PLANO , TX |
CARSTEN RANEY NEED INFO |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
|
|||
| 102 | TODD DRISCOLL JASPER , TX |
BRIAN BRANUM JASPER , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
|
|||
| 102 | |
DAMON CHILDRESS ORANGE , TX |
ROBERT CRUSE LUMBERTON , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
|
||
| 102 | JARRETT LATTA CEDAR PARK , TX |
BRIAN LOWRANCE NACOGDOCHES , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
|
|||
| 102 | |
MIKE SOLIZ ORANGE , TX |
EDDIE CHOATE BEAUMONT , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
|
||
| 102 | |
JACK TINDEL III ORANGE , TX |
DALTON SOLIZ ORANGE , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
|
||
| 102 | STEVEN SHAFER CLEVELAND , TX |
KENT WILLIAMS LA PORTE , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
|
|||
| 102 | TOMMY SHELTON MONTGOMERY , TX |
TRAVIS STEWART NEED INFO |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
|
|||
| 102 | GARY MCDONALD CENTER , TX |
CLARENCE DENBY ETOILE , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
|
|||
| 102 | RUSTY NEUGEBAUER MONTGOMERY , TX |
DEREK TAYLOR MONTGOMERY , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
|
|||
| 102 | |
JESSE RAWLS BROWNSBORO , TX |
DANIEL COX BROWNSBORO , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
|
||
| 102 | JERREL PRINGLE HEMPHILL , TX |
KEITH KEELE TENAHA , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
|
|||
| 102 | |
DANIEL HICKMAN HUNTINGTON , TX |
DUSTIN ALEXANDER HOCKLEY , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
|
||
| 102 | |
WARREN CONNER MAGNOLIA , TX |
MIKE HANKS HEMPHILL , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
|
||
| 102 | |
GARY REPPOND ZAVALLA , TX |
CURTIS SMITH LUFKIN , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
|
||
| 102 | WAYNE TRIANA JR NACOGDOCHES , TX |
CARY WALKER NACOGDOCHES , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
|
|||
| 102 | |
CHAD PRIMOS SHREVEPORT , LA |
BRIAN HEADRICK DEBERRY , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
|
||
| 102 | JOE MAZZURCO LUFKIN , TX |
JASON GRIFFIN CONROE , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
|
|||
| 102 | |
JAMES BLYTHE JR ELM GROVE , LA |
EDDIE MORGAN BOSSIER CITY , LA |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
|
||
| 102 | RIVER LEE NACOGDOCHES , TX |
HUNTER MUNCRIEF PINELAND , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
|
|||
| 102 | MATT MORRIS SHREVEPORT , LA |
BILLY GASTON SHREVEPORT , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
|
|||
| 102 | |
CHANCE ARCENEAUX LAKE CHARLES , LA |
DWIGHT ABSHIRE SANTA FE , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
|
||
| 102 | NORMAN LAND CLEVELAND , TX |
TRAVIS MOORE CLEVELAND , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
|
|||
| 102 | ALEC CASTONGUAY ROYSE CITY , TX |
WYATT FRANKENS CORRIGAN , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
|
|||
| 102 | |
SETH HAUSMAN NACOGDOCHES , TX |
TYLER HAM ROCKWALL , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
|
||
| 102 | SCOOTER CLARK CENTER , TX |
RYAN PINKSTON CENTER , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
|
|||
| 102 | PHIL MARKS DALLAS , TX |
BRET STAFFORD BELTON , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
|
|||
| 102 | |
TOBY JONES STONEWALL , LA |
CARL JONES DAYTON , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
|
||
| 102 | CASEY BURLEIGH ORANGE , TX |
JOSH RODGERS BEAUMONT , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
|
|||
| 102 | |
BEN SOUTH JASPER , TX |
BRYAN SOUTH JASPER , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
|
||
| 102 | STUART VILLIEN DUSON , LA |
KIPP THERIOT YOUNGSVILLE , LA |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
|
|||
| 102 | WILLIAM WALKER JENA , LA |
BUBBA NUGENT POLLOCK , LA |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
|
|||
| 102 | LARRY BENEFIELD HUFFMAN , TX |
JIMMY ROZELLE JR PORTER , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
|
|||
| 102 | DON BRINSON WACO , TX |
DAVID BATTREALL TEMPLE , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
|
|||
| 102 | BRANNON MIRE BLOUSSARD , LA |
ERIC ARNOLD LAFAYETTE , LA |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
|
|||
| 102 | |
COLE STEWART HEMPHILL , TX |
BRANDON BAKER HEMPHILL , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
|
||
| 102 | CODY JORDAN HEMPHILL , TX |
CODY CLARK HERMPHILL , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
|
|||
| 102 | IVAN DAIGS RUSTON , LA |
RANDY BRANCH RUSTON , LA |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
|
|||
| 102 | JASON MCRAE HENDERSON , TX |
TRAVIS MARTIN HENDERSON , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
|
|||
| 102 | BRADLEY PAGE FRIENDSWOOD , TX |
JOHN NEMECEK FRIENDSWOOD , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
|
|||
| 102 | |
CHRIS HUEBEL NEDERLAND , TX |
DON GOULD MAURICEVILLE , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
|
||
| 102 | |
NATHAN BYRD MIDLOTHIAN , TX |
JOE BYRD SPRING , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
|
||
| 102 | |
CJ NICHOLS ALEXANDRIA , LA |
RAY BECK BROOKELAND , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
|
||
| 102 | CHARLES SHOFNER JR JASPER , TX |
JACOB SHOFNER HUNTSVILLE , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
|
|||
| 102 | QUINTEN MOUSER ATLANTA , TX |
JAMES MCCLAIN JASPER , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
|
|||
| 102 | |
TRACY SHAFFER MANSFIELD , TX |
CHAD PENNEY MANSFIELD , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
|
||
| 102 | |
HARLAN DUBOIS WINNFIELD , LA |
CHAD WHITED DIAMOND CITY , AR |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
|
||
| 102 | DOUG KARINS MONTGOMERY , TX |
KYLE KARINS MONTGOMERY , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
|
|||
| 102 | |
|
WILLIAM BROWN GEORGETOWN , TX |
ZACH BROWN GEORGETOWN , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
|
|
| 102 | DANIEL LEE COLMESNEIL , TX |
SABRINA MCBRIDE LIVINGSTON , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
|
|||
| 102 | DEAN LEWIS BOSSIER , LA |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
|
||||
| 102 | STEPHEN NEWELL SHREVEPORT , TX |
KEVIN GIDDENS STONEWALL , LA |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
|
|||
| 102 | DUSTIN GUNSTREAM VIDOR , TX |
SHANE FERGUSON VIDOR , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
|
|||
| 102 | |
DAVID MORTON LUFKIN , TX |
DALTON MORTON LUFKIN , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
|
||
| 102 | |
BRYAN FOX PINELAND , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
|
|||
| 102 | |
SKEETER FOWLER GRAND SALINE , TX |
BEN POPE SPLENDORA , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
|
||
| 102 | |
THOMAS MARTENS CEDAR PARK , TX |
DEAN ALEXANDER JONESTOWN , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
|
||
| 102 | JAMES KISER MONTGOMERY , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
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| 102 | MATTHEW WRIGHT ORANGE , TX |
CAMERON MALLETT BUNA , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
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| 102 | |
MARK BOYETT MAGNOLIA , TX |
ROBERT MOORE FRED , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
|
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| 102 | |
DEWAYNE REESE DIBOLL , TX |
KENNY JONES ETOILE , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
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| 102 | MARTIN ELSHOUT ABITA SPRINGS , LA |
MARK PRICE RUSTON , LA |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
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| 102 | |
GREG GREEN LUMBERTON , TX |
RICHARD WAGNON JASPER , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
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| 102 | |
MARK MARTIN VIDOR , TX |
JASON WOODS PORT ARTHUR , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
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| 102 | |
ANTHONY THOMPSON SHREVEPORT , LA |
MADISON THOMPSON SHREVEPORT , LA |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
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| 102 | |
TERRY COLE HOUSTON , TX |
BRANDT DILLON HOUSTON , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
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| 102 | JAMES COLE SPRINGHILL , LA |
CHRIS EVANS CASTROVILLE , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
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| 102 | STEVE DILLARD LUFKIN , TX |
DANNY CROSS LUFKIN , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
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| 102 | LEE BATSON HEATH , TX |
JASON GREER HEATH , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
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| 102 | KENT GRAHAM NACOGDOCHES , TX |
MYLES MOORE NACOGDOCHES , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
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| 102 | JOSH DUNAWAY SULPHUR , LA |
GARRET THOMPSON IOWA , LA |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
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| 102 | |
KEN SMITH DALLAS , TX |
KEVIN LASYONE DRY PRONG , LA |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
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| 102 | TERRY STEVENS HUTTO , TX |
JASON HARPER MONTGOMERY , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
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| 102 | CLINT WADE HUNTSVILLE , TX |
STACY SPRIGGS HUNTSVILLE , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
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| 102 | ERIC PHILLIPS KERENS , TX |
JAMIE PHILLIPS KERENS , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
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| 102 | MASON GUIN DECATUR , TX |
CAMERON LAFLEUR BRIDGE CITY , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
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| 102 | TAYLOR JAMES PT NECHES , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
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| 102 | BRANDON BROSSETT GROESBECK , TX |
JESSE GOMEZ GROESBACK , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
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| 102 | MICHAEL DELOACH SAN AUGUSTINE , TX |
KENNETH CATES ZAVALLA , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
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| 102 | |
CALVIN JOHNSTON KINGWOOD , TX |
THOMAS BEENE SHREVEPORT , LA |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
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| 102 | SEAN MECHE LAKE CHARLES , LA |
RODNEY OWENS RAGLEY , LA |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
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| 102 | SHAWN VERINSKY LUMBERTON , TX |
BLAKE COLE ORANGE , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
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| 102 | |
DOUG PERKINS PORTER , TX |
BRAD HENSLEY CLEVELAND , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
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| 102 | KURTICE FLOYD NEWTON , TX |
GREG LEBLANC NEDERLAND , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
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| 102 | |
ROY GEESEY CROWLEY , LA |
CHARLES ANZALONE CROWLEY , LA |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
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| 102 | CADE DURIO LAKE CHARLES , LA |
JOHN DURIO HEMPHILL , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
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| 102 | |
MALCOLM WILLIAMS BRONSON , TX |
STEVE WILSON FREDERICKSBURG , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
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| 102 | ANDRE MARTIN LENA , LA |
GLEN FREEMAN ZWOLLE , LA |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
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| 102 | MICHAEL ROGER SCOTT , IA |
JOSH WILLIAMS NEWCASTLE , OK |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
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| 102 | JOSEPH CHILDERS SULPHUR , LA |
DARREN YOUNGBLOOD SULPHUR , LA |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
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| 102 | |
SAM HUCKABEE SHREVEPORT , LA |
ROBERT CHAMBERLAIN SHREVEPORT , LA |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
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| 102 | COLT DEAR BUNA , TX |
ASHLEY ADAMS BUNA , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
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| 102 | JOHN ILES LUFKIN , TX |
BRIAN SHOOK CHINA , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
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| 102 | |
PHILIP HANKS BUNA , TX |
RODNEY SAMMONS BUNA , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
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| 102 | BRYAN CARETHERS SILSBEE , TX |
JUSTIN HOLMES LUMBERTON , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
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| 102 | JOEY POHL CARMINE , TX |
JODY POHL CYPRESS , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
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| 102 | |
DANNY BENNETT HUNTSVILLE , TX |
MICHAEL BENNETT LUCAS , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
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| 102 | KENNY COBB HODGE , LA |
BOBBY LOGAN COUSHATTA , LA |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
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| 102 | |
CHRISTOPHER GORDON CLARENCE , LA |
DENNIS MORGAN II NATCHITOCHES , LA |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
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| 102 | |
LUCAS RAGUSA GONZALES , LA |
BLAKE CANELLA PLAQUEMINE , LA |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
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| 102 | |
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ERIC HUNT BUNA , TX |
STEVEN MOORHEAD JASPER , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
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| 102 | LARRY DEAN HUMBLE , TX |
SHANA DEAN HUMBLE , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
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| 102 | |
AARON GUNN TOMBALL , TX |
JESSE LAMPKIN SPRING , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
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| 102 | CHRIS EAVES HUMBLE , TX |
LORI EAVES HUMBLE , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
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| 102 | JASON MANNERS CLEVELAND , TX |
JORDAN MANNERS CLEVELAND , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
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| 102 | JORDAN WOOD LUMBERTON , TX |
CAMERON ROANE BEAUMONT , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
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| 102 | |
DEREK MONG MANY , LA |
TAMMY MONG MANY , LA |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
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| 102 | |
RANDY HANNA ZAVALLA , TX |
JASON DEW PINELAND , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
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| 102 | |
KEITH HAWKINS LAKE PROVIDENCE , LA |
J. DUCK HAWKINS IRVING , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
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| 102 | LESLIE HARPER HEMPHILL , TX |
GARY FRICK HEMPHILL , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
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| 102 | JOSHUA SIKES PINEVILLE , LA |
SAMUEL CANOE GEORGETOWN , LA |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
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| 102 | DUANE PITTMAN PRAIRIEVILLE , LA |
ZACHARY GAGNARD MANY , LA |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
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| 102 | TREY MORGAN GOLDONNA , LA |
JOHN CANERDAY CALVIN , LA |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
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| 102 | MARSHALL HUGHES HEMPHILL , TX |
DANIEL METREYEON BEAUMONT , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
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| 102 | BUDDY BUMSTEAD KOUNTZE , TX |
DANNY CHERRY KIRBYVILLE , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
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| 102 | CODY WISE CHIRENO , TX |
CORY SMITH NACOGDOCHES , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
MECHANICSVILLE’S ELROD WINS T-H MARINE FLW BASS FISHING LEAGUE TOURNAMENT ON JAMES RIVER
West Virginia’s Peters Grabs Co-Angler Title
HENRICO, Va. (July 15, 2019) – Boater Bryan Elrod of Mechanicsville, Virginia, won Saturday’s T-H Marine FLW Bass Fishing League (BFL) Piedmont Division tournament on the James River after catching five bass weighing 16 pounds, 10 ounces. For his efforts, Elrod took home $3,637.
Elrod said he fished on the lower end of the James River.
“I probably fished 8 to 10 different places during the day – all shallow to mid-depth wood in 4 to 6 feet of water,” said Elrod, who earned his fourth win BFL competition – third on the James River. “It’s about a 30 minute run down there [from takeoff] and, for the most part, the areas were within a few miles of each other.
“I targeted crabs on wood, which is what they were feeding on,” continued Elrod. “I was just running the tide, trying to stay with the low water and flipping wood. I did that for as long as we could but by the end of the day the water was high.”
Elrod said his limit came on a Texas-rigged 3½-inch green pumpkin-colored Zoom Ultra Vibe Speed Craw. He said he caught 10 keepers throughout the tournament.
“I have a lot of local knowledge, and I know which pieces of wood can be more productive than others,” said Elrod.
The top 10 boaters finished the tournament in:
1st: Bryan Elrod, Mechanicsville, Va., five bass, 16-10, $3,637
2nd: Austin Burton, Hopewell, Va., five bass, 15-0, $1,868
3rd: Mike Cherry, Hampton, Va., four bass, 14-12, $1,622
4th: Derik Hudson, Concord, Va., five bass, 14-9, $1,029
5th: Rick Tilley, Moneta, Va., five bass, 13-7, $667
6th: Michael Belter, Reidsville, N.C., five bass, 13-2, $762
7th: Chris Baldwin, Lexington, N.C., five bass, 12-13, $556
8th: Otto Hecht, Sneads Ferry, N.C., five bass, 12-11, $501
9th: Derek Brown, Charlottesville, Va., five bass, 12-1, $445
10th: Chris Brummett, Lynch Station, Va., five bass, 11-12, $389
Complete results can be found at FLWFishing.com.
Cherry caught a 7-pound, 3-ounce bass – the heaviest of the event in the Boater Division – and earned the day’s Boater Big Bass award of $410.
Gary Peters of Surveyor, West Virginia, won the Co-angler Division and $1,873 Saturday after catching five bass weighing 13 pounds even.
The top 10 co-anglers were:
1st: Gary Peters, Surveyor, W. Va., five bass, 13-0, $1,873
2nd: Bill Naron, Beaverdam, Va., five bass, 12-13, $834
3rd: Ernest McIntyre, Fayetteville, N.C., five bass, 11-14, $558
4th: Brad Hendrix, Greensboro, N.C., five bass, 10-14, $561
4th: Preston Hale, Providence Forge, Va., five bass, 10-14, $361
6th: Timothy Kinder, Manassas, Va., five bass, 10-4, $356
7th: Jamie Newton, Falls Church, Va., three bass, 9-13, $278
8th: Andre Wynn, Windsor Mill, Md., five bass, 9-8, $236
8th: Bud Amend, Pleasant Garden, N.C., five bass, 9-8, $386
10th: David DeCiucis, Chester, Va., four bass, 9-7, $195
Peters also caught the heaviest bass in the Co-angler Division, a fish weighing in at 5 pounds, 1 ounce. The catch earned him the day’s Co-angler Big Bass award of $205.
The top 45 boaters and co-anglers in the region based on point standings, along with the five winners in each qualifying event, will be entered in the Oct. 17-19 BFL Regional Championship on the Potomac River in Marbury, Maryland. Boaters will compete for a top award of a Ranger Z518L with a 200-horsepower outboard and $20,000, while co-anglers will fish for a new Ranger Z518L with a 200-horsepower outboard.
The 2019 BFL 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 BFL All-American. The 2020 BFL All-American will be held April 30-May 2 at Lake Hartwell in Anderson, South Carolina, and is hosted by Visit Anderson. Top performers in the BFL can move up to the Costa FLW Series or even the FLW Tour.
For complete details and updated information visit FLWFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow the T-H Marine FLW Bass Fishing League on FLW’s social media outlets at Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.
SCHMITT WINS T-H MARINE FLW BASS FISHING LEAGUE TOURNAMENT ON LAKE CHAMPLAIN PRESENTED BY NAVIONICS
Pennsylvania’s Dellinger Tops Co-Angler Field
PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. (July 15, 2019) – FLW Tour pro Bryan Schmitt of Deale, Maryland, won Saturday’s T-H Marine FLW Bass Fishing League (BFL) tournament on Lake Champlain presented by Navionics after catching five bass weighing 19 pounds, 10 ounces. For his win, Schmitt earned $7,209 and 250 points in the Northeast Division presented by Gajo Baits standings. The winner of the division’s Angler of the Year title after five tournaments will win $3,000.
Schmitt spent the tournament fishing the north end of the lake in Malletts Bay. He said he ended up weighing a mixed limit – three largemouth and two smallmouth.
“I just ran and checked a lot of stuff that I fished in the Tour event, and a lot of it had gotten better,” said Schmitt, who notched his fifth win in BFL competition. “During the tournament I hit eight spots – I would catch a few on each place and kept it moving.
“I ran some topwater early on some points for smallmouth and got one really good one – a heavy 3-pounder, and then I was just running. They’re heavy on bluegills right now. I was fishing real shallow, inside grass, docks, that kind of thing. There was mixed species up shallow and I would just kind of fancast a Neko rig all around those areas.”
Schmitt’s topwater fish came in on a Bone-colored Heddon Zara Spook. On his Neko rig, he used a green-pumpkin-colored Missile Baits 48 stickbait worm with a 1/0-sized Hayabusa Spin Muscle Guard hook.
“I caught another smallmouth on the Neko rig, just kind of aimlessly fishing some sparse weeds in like 5 to 6 feet of water – I consider it a pretty lucky bite. My game was bluegill largies, though,” said Schmitt. “The key was super light 8-pound-test P-Line Ultimate Fluorocarbon line – the water is clean up there, so long casts and light line was important.”
The top 10 boaters finished the tournament in:
1st: Bryan Schmitt, Deale, Md., five bass, 19-10, $5,209 + $2,000 Ranger Cup Bonus
2nd: Brent Heyn, South Hero, Vt., five bass, 18-12, $2,105
3rd: Cameron Chase, Conway, Mass., five bass, 18-6, $1,886
4th: Joe Zombek II, Scranton, Pa., five bass, 18-3, $935
5th: Andrew Bechard, Champlain, N.Y., five bass, 17-15, $768
5th: Troy Morrow, Eastanollee, Ga., five bass, 17-15, $768
7th: Tom Balachvili, Scarsdale, N.Y., five bass, 17-8, $934
7th: Adam Poplaski, Adams, Mass., five bass, 17-8, $634
9th: Andrew Heivly, Malvern, Pa., five bass, 17-4, $785
10th: David Wilder, Middle River, Md., five bass, 17-2, $468
Complete results can be found at FLWFishing.com.
Chase caught a 5-pound, 9-ounce bass – the heaviest of the event in the Boater Division – and earned the day’s Boater Big Bass award of $550.
Thomas Dellinger of Womelsdorf, Pennsylvania, won the Co-angler Division and $2,005 Saturday after catching five bass weighing 16 pounds, 5 ounces.
The top 10 co-anglers were:
1st: Thomas Dellinger, Womelsdorf, Pa., five bass, 16-5, $2,005
2nd: Chad Dorney, Macungie, Pa., five bass, 16-0, $1,002
3rd: Bradley Petrie, Johnstown, N.Y., five bass, 15-12, $868
4th: Tony Bellissimo, Chelmsford, Mass., five bass, 15-11, $468
5th: Casey Gut, Chichester, N.H., five bass, 14-14, $451
6th: Henry McKee, Haddon Heights, N.J., five bass, 14-6, $518
7th: Alexandre Jelev, Petawawa, Ontario, Canada, five bass, 14-5, $334
8th: Chris Sanno, Shermans Dale, Pa., five bass, 14-3, $267
8th: Mark Bilodeau, Burlington, Vt., five bass, 14-3, $267
8th: John Henning, Lansdale, Pa., five bass, 14-3, $267
Robert Wedding of Welcome, Maryland, caught the heaviest bass in the Co-angler Division, a fish weighing in at 5 pounds, 2 ounces. The catch earned him the day’s Co-angler Big Bass award of $275.
The tournament was hosted by the City of Plattsburgh and the Adirondack Coast Visitors Bureau.
The top 45 boaters and co-anglers in the region based on point standings, along with the five winners in each qualifying event, will be entered in the Oct. 17-19 BFL Regional Championship on the Potomac River in Marbury, Maryland. Boaters will compete for a top award of a Ranger Z518L with a 200-horsepower outboard and $20,000, while co-anglers will fish for a new Ranger Z518L with a 200-horsepower outboard.
The 2019 BFL 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 BFL All-American. The 2020 BFL All-American will be held April 30-May 2 at Lake Hartwell in Anderson, South Carolina, and is hosted by Visit Anderson. Top performers in the BFL can move up to the Costa FLW Series or even the FLW Tour.
For complete details and updated information visit FLWFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow the T-H Marine FLW Bass Fishing League on FLW’s social media outlets at Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.
WOODHAVEN’S MITTLESTAT WINS T-H MARINE FLW BASS FISHING LEAGUE TOURNAMENT ON LAKE ST. CLAIR PRESENTED BY NAVIONICS
Co-Angler Title Goes to Ohio’s Kokoska
HARRISON TOWNSHIP, Mich. (July 15, 2019) – Boater Dan Mittlestat of Woodhaven, Michigan, won the T-H Marine FLW Bass Fishing League (BFL) Michigan Division tournament on Lake St. Clair presented by Navionics Saturday after catching a five-bass limit weighing 22 pounds, 7 ounces. Mittlestat netted $6,552 for his win.
“I fished mid-lake in 21 feet of water on Lake St. Clair all day,” said Mittlestat, who earned his first win in FLW competition. “I got one big one early on an umbrella rig – it was about 4½ pounds. I also lost a really big one.”
Mittlestat said he used a Shane’s Baits umbrella rig with 4-inch, Ayu-colored Strike King Rage Swimmers to catch his first one. The rest of his limit came on a Melon or Erie Green-colored Mizmo Baby Tube on a ¼-ounce custom jighead.
“The sun wasn’t high enough to penetrate through the water and there were 2-foot waves – I don’t think they could see the boat,” said Mittlestat. “The waves pulled the mayflies down into the water column and I think they were feeding on them.”
Mittlestat said the bite slowed down by 10:30 a.m. At that time, he said, the sun was high enough to reposition the fish into scattered grass beds. When it was lower, he figured the fish were feeding on the cleaner spots between them.
“I made long casts into the beds because they likely could see the boat and ended up plucking them out one after another,” said Mittlestat. “I’d keep tension on the line, and when I didn’t feel the tube hit the ground, that’s when I knew they had it – they didn’t hit it aggressively.”
Mittlestat said he caught around 25 keepers during the tournament. His biggest fish bit the tube around 11:15 a.m., and ended up being the heaviest of the event. He used a 7-foot, 11-inch iRod Bama Rig Special Heavy rod and 20-pound-test Sunline Super FC Sniper fluorocarbon line.
The top 10 boaters finished the tournament in:
1st: Dan Mittlestat, Woodhaven, Mich., five bass, 22-7, $4,552 + $2,000 Ranger Cup Bonus
2nd: Cameron Moore, Howe, Ind., five bass, 21-5, $2,021
3rd: Scott Dobson, Clarkston, Mich., five bass, 20-13, $1,582
4th: Dominic Ortiz, Midland, Mich., five bass, 20-11, $896
5th: Ross Rhodes, Paw Paw, Mich., five bass, 20-8, $768
6th: Kyle Greene, Ortonville, Mich., five bass, 20-6, $704
7th: John Devries, Fishers, Ind., five bass, 20-4, $890
8th: Ron Scharphorn, Grand Haven, Mich., five bass, 20-2, $576
9th: Jamie Elliott, Warsaw, Ind., five bass, 19-13, $662
10th: Matt Elkins, Spencerville, Ohio, five bass, 19-6, $448
Complete results can be found at FLWFishing.com.
Mittlestat’s largest fish weighed 5-pounds, 3-ounces and earned the day’s Boater Big Bass award of $510.
Michael Kokoska of Findlay, Ohio, won the Co-angler Division and $2,021 Saturday after catching five bass weighing 23 pounds, 5 ounces.
The top 10 co-anglers were:
1st: Michael Kokoska, Findlay, Ohio, five bass, 23-5, $2,021
2nd: Aaron Stahley, Batavia, Ohio, five bass, 21-1, $1,010
3rd: Mike Eldridge, Blairsville, Pa., five bass, 20-11, $641
4th: Dan O’Neil, Canton, Mich., five bass, 20-7, $448
5th: Tony Grubb, Ann Arbor, Mich., five bass, 20-4, $384
6th: Ryan Hochstetler, Shipshewana, Ind., five bass, 19-3, $352
7th: Craig Fanning, Elwood, Ill., five bass, 19-2, $320
8th: Jim Betts, Fort Wayne, Ind., five bass, 18-8, $543
9th: Riley Welch, Beecher, Ill., five bass, 17-15, $256
10th: Matthew Snyder, Pinckney, Mich., four bass, 17-1, $224
Betts caught the heaviest bass in the Co-angler Division, a fish weighing in at 5 pounds, 5 ounces. The catch earned him the day’s Co-angler Big Bass award of $255.
The top 45 boaters and co-anglers in the region based on point standings, along with the five winners in each qualifying event, will be entered in the Oct. 17-19 BFL Regional Championship on Kentucky and Barkley lakes in Buchanan, Tennessee, presented by Evinrude. Boaters will compete for a top award of a Ranger Z518L with a 200-horsepower outboard and $20,000, while co-anglers will fish for a new Ranger Z518L with a 200-horsepower outboard.
The 2019 BFL 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 BFL All-American. The 2020 BFL All-American will be held April 30-May 2 at Lake Hartwell in Anderson, South Carolina, and is hosted by Visit Anderson. Top performers in the BFL can move up to the Costa FLW Series or even the FLW Tour.
For complete details and updated information visit FLWFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow the T-H Marine FLW Bass Fishing League on FLW’s social media outlets at Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.
Pelfrey Makes it Two In A Row With ABA Win On Watts Bar
ATHENS, Ala. –Coming off a win on Lake Douglas, Jonathan Dale Pelfrey of Rockwood, TN won the Bass Pro Shops Open Series event held on Watts Bar Lake on 7/13/19. Running out of Tom Fuller Park in Rockwood TN, Pelfrey weighed in a five bass limit weighing 15.19 pounds. He took home $1500.00 for the win.
“I caught all of my better fish today deep,” said Pelfrey. “I caught fish on a crankbait, worm, and a jig. I caught probably six limits today.”
Taking second for the boaters James Nuckols of Rockwood, TN weighed in a five bass limit weighing 14.63 pounds. His limit was anchored by a bass weighing 3.56 pounds.
“I pulled up on a spot about 10:00 and I saw them on my electronics. I was fishing a chartreuse and blue 10XD, siting in about 30 feet cranking up to about 18ft. Once the bite stopped there I was pretty much done,” said Nuckols.
Taking third for the boaters Keith Iddins of Knoxville, TN weighed in a five bass limit weighing 13.72 pounds.
“I had seven keepers today all on topwater,” said Iddins. “I had everything I weighed in by 8:30.”
In fourth place for the boaters Michael Vanosdale of Knoxville, TN weighed in five bass weighing 13.64 pounds including the biggest bass weighed in by a boater at 3.86 pounds. Vanosdale took home a total of $780.00. Rounding out the top five, Joe Zalewski of Ten Mile, TN weighed in five bass for 11.96 pounds.
In the co-angler division David Perron of Dayton TN, weighed in three bass for 5.81 pounds. He took home $700.00 for the win.
“The three I weighed in today all came on a different bait,” said Perron. “I had one on a Berkley General, one on a black and blue jig and one on a Mag II worm.”
In second place for the co-anglers Joseph Yocum of Strawberry Plains, TN weighed in three bass for 5.80 pounds.
“I was able to catch fish everywhere we went today,” said Yocum. “Everything I caught was in 4-8 feet on a jig.”
Taking third for the co-anglers Darren Kelly of Wartburg, TN weighed in a three bass limit weighing 5.26 pounds.
“The three bass I weighed in today all came on different baits. I had one on a spook, one on a drop shot and one on a squarebill crankbait,” said Kelly.
In fourth place for the co-anglers, Jerry Neuner of Rutherfordton, NC weighed in two bass for 4.82 pounds including the co-angler big bass that weighed in at 2.66 pounds. Rounding out the top five William Wilson of Morgantown, KY weighed in two bass for 4.59 pounds.
Being in the Berkley Cast for Cash program the following anglers will receive extra monies from Berkley:
Jonathan Dale Pelfrey boater $250.00
William Steele boater $150.00
David Perron co-angler $150.00
Darren Kelly co-angler $100.00
The next event for the East Tennessee Division will be the area championship on Guntersville Lake slated for 9/7-9/8 running out of Goose Pond.
About American Bass Anglers - American Bass Anglers is committed to providing low cost, close to home tournaments for the weekend angler while offering an upward path for individual angler progression. For more information about American Bass Anglers and all their bass tournament trails visit www.americanbassanglers.com.
Cockerham Wins Media Bass Lake LBJ Individual Derby with over 20 pounds!
| Place | Angler | Hometown | # Bass | Pounds | Winnings | Points |
| 1 | Travis Cockerham | Bartlet | 5 | 20.22 | $1,000.00 | 170.22 |
| 2 | Ander Meine | Austin | 5 | 17.12 | $500.00 | 166.12 |
| 3 | Dylan Thompson | Del Rio | 5 | 15.19 | $400.00 | 163.19 |
| 4 | Chris Goodman | Stephenville | 5 | 14.82 | $150.00 | 161.82 |
| 5 | Johnny Matthews | Waco | 5 | 13.83 | 159.83 | |
| 6 | Bubba Wampler | Bertram | 5 | 13.15 | 158.15 | |
| 7 | Charles Dortch | Leander | 3 | 11.94 | 155.94 | |
| 8 | Donnie Oneal | AOY | 5 | 11.42 | 154.42 | |
| 9 | Patrick Amick | Austin | 3 | 11.29 | 153.29 | |
| 10 | James Valchar | Nolonville | 5 | 10.91 | 151.91 | |
| 11 | David Wencil | Buda | 5 | 9.81 | 149.81 | |
| 12 | Scott Blakely | Killeen | 4 | 9.80 | 148.80 | |
| 13 | Paul Sherrill | Austin | 3 | 9.11 | 147.11 | |
| 14 | Tom Guidry | New Braunsfels | 3 | 8.68 | 145.68 | |
| 15 | John Warden | Dripping Springs | 3 | 7.27 | 143.27 | |
| 16 | Michael Reeves | Kingsland | 3 | 6.13 | 141.13 | |
| 17 | Mark Ribera | Dripping Springs | 2 | 5.88 | 139.88 | |
| 18 | Palo Pike | Killeen | 5 | 5.20 | 138.20 | |
| 19 | Randall Frisbie | Lago Vista | 2 | 4.95 | 136.95 | |
| 20 | Bryan Porter | Burnett | 2 | 2.85 | 133.85 | |
| 21 | Terry Adair | Buchannan | 0 | 0.00 | 65.00 | |
| 21 | Scott Smith | Horseshoe Bay | 0 | 0.00 | 65.00 |
Anders & Anders Win Media Bass event on Ouachita River with over 16 pounds!
| Place | Angler 1 | Angler 2 | # Bass | Pounds | Winnings | Points |
| 1 | Allen Anders | Richard Anders | 5 | 16.92 | $1,600.00 | 166.92 |
| 2 | Taylor Kolb | Jacob Andrews | 5 | 13.58 | $718.00 | 162.58 |
| 3 | Kenny Covington | Lee King | 5 | 13.44 | $432.00 | 161.44 |
| 4 | Kevin Cromwell | Ran Caldwell | 5 | 12.71 | 159.71 | |
| 5 | Slade Hampton | Sean Southern | 5 | 11.53 | 157.53 | |
| 6 | Craig Kolb | Mickey Fontana | 5 | 10.16 | 155.16 | |
| 7 | Heath Crocker | Justin Webb | 5 | 7.91 | 151.91 | |
| 8 | Mark Smith * | David Smith * | 5 | 7.41 | 150.41 | |
| 9 | Matthew Hall | Todd Murry | 5 | 6.79 | 148.79 | |
| 10 | Ronnie Sanderson | John Ross | 4 | 6.41 | 147.41 | |
| 11 | Joey Bagwell | Brad Lantrip | 3 | 3.77 | 143.77 | |
| 12 | Todd Eppinette | Stephen Chevallier | 1 | 2.44 | 141.44 | |
| 13 | Bucky Bailey | Malcom Cooper | 1 | 1.30 | 139.30 | |
| 14 | Raymond Cheek | Michael Coolman | 0 | 0.00 | 68.50 | |
| 14 | Larry Causey | Adam Green | 0 | 0.00 | 68.50 | |
| 14 | Michael Colvin | Aaron Branch | 0 | 0.00 | 68.50 | |
| Place | Big Bass | Pounds | Winnings | ||||
| 1 | Allen Anders | Richard Anders | 5.15 | $150.00 | |||
| 2 | Kevin Cromwell | Ran Caldwell | 4.68 | $0.00 |
frogg toggs® Scores Big with Best of Show Award at ICAST 2019
“frogg toggs has been in the game for many years but this is our first venture into the footwear industry,” said Will Fowler, frogg toggs®director of marketing. “Our commitment to producing quality products has always been the number one focus for the company and we made sure this stood true with the new performance footwear collection. Being named as the ‘best of’ during an established show like ICAST and amongst our peers is truly humbling.”
The Skipper is constructed with premium water drainage technology featuring a quick drying air mesh, breathable uppers “hold tight” elastic lacing system. With color options in mossy green or black, this high performing shoe contains cushioned midsoles with water expulsion release holes and lightweight outsoles featuring strategic slip grip rubber inserts.
“With this collection, we set out to build a line of shoes that could withstand the rigors of days spent out on the trails and water, all while keeping your feet dry and comfortable,” said Bob Hollenberg, frogg toggs®vice president of footwear division. “The Skipper is truly unique with its premium water drainage technology that features a quick drying air mesh, breathable uppers “hold tight” elastic lacing system. Combine that with the FTX Aquaclearz drainage system bottom construction and you have the ultimate drainage shoe.”
Working with the best shoe factories throughout the globe, frogg toggshas produced the ultimate in fishing, boating, and hunting footwear for the entire family. This collection features high tech waterproof breathable materials, premium rugged leather uppers, rust proof metal hardware, memory foam cushioning, rip proof nylon uppers, moisture wicking linings, and slip resistant outsoles.
“The Skipper,” along with the rest of frogg toggs’new shoe line, will be available for purchase to the general public beginning in 2020. For more information about frogg toggs please visit froggtoggs.com, or check them out on Facebook and Instagram.
ICAST, ICAST & more ICAST!
This week the boys are in Orlando for ICAST and its all new products with a ton of opinions! Jason, Chris and Guest Picker Kenneth check in from Orlando along with Floridian Vance McCullough to give us the scoop and the insight into the 2020 New Product offerings from the Fishing Indutstry!
Hunter Shryock Wins Abu Garcia Casting Competition, Featuring New Revo EXD Reel
To celebrate the launch of the new Abu Garcia EXD reel at ICAST, Abu Garcia gathered eight bass anglers from its pro team to compete in an extreme distance casting contest. In a head to head bracket style competition Abu Garcia pros competed for a prize of $1,000 to their charity of choice.
Round one of the bracket pitted Adrian Avena vs. Justin Lucas, Jordan Lee vs. John Cox, Bobby Lane vs. Justin Atkins and Hunter Shryock vs. Josh Bertrand. Coming out of the first round, Lucas, Cox, Lane and Shryock were able to go the distance and out score their competition. Lucas and Shryock went head to head in a heated battle to claim the championship, and Shryock used the new EXD to play to his strengths and came out the winner.
“Competing against the other guys was a blast and I was able to cast nearly 100 yards with the new EXD reel,” said Hunter Shryock. “The EXD is tremendous when it comes to long distance casting – I’m able to cast further than ever before with unmatched accuracy.”
Designed to provide anglers with maximum casting capabilities with any bait in their arsenal, the Abu Garcia Revo EXD Baitcasting Reels deliver unmatched casting distance. The EXD has a total of eleven high-performance bearings, including two custom EXD bearings on the spool shaft, along with an extremely lightweight machined EXD finesse spool providing low start up inertia making it easier to cast lighter weight baits.
The anglers competed against one another aiming at floating targets positioned at 60-, 75- and 80-yards. Shryock took the championship and won $1,000 for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
PLATTSBURGH READIES FOR ROUND TWO – FLW RETURNS WITH COSTA FLW SERIES AT LAKE CHAMPLAIN PRESENTED BY POLARIS
PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. (July 9, 2019) – The 2019 Costa Fishing League Worldwide (FLW) Series Northern Division presented by Gajo Baits will open the season next week at Lake Champlain, July 18-20, with the Costa FLW Series at Lake Champlain presented by Polaris. Hosted by the City of Plattsburgh and the Adirondack Coast Visitors Bureau, the three-day tournament will feature more than 320 of the best regional bass-fishing pros and co-anglers casting for a top prize of up to $95,000, including a brand new Ranger Z518L boat with a 200-horsepower Evinrude or Mercury outboard in the pro division.
“Like the Tour event, this tournament is going to be dominated by the largemouth,” said FLW Series pro Chris Adams of Shrewsbury, Vermont, who has five top-10 finishes on Lake Champlain in FLW competition. “Champlain, right now, is in transition time. There are a lot of patterns that are dying off and we’re starting to see some new things pick up. The key to this event will be timing – can you land in the right area as it’s hitting its peak?
“It will be important to find a group of fish – or several – that are starting to build up,” Adams continued. “The smallmouth won’t be real grouped up yet, so I think it’s going to be standard largemouth stuff – flipping, cranking and frogging. Fishing grass and hard cover.”
Adams went on to predict that the winning angler would bring a three-day total nearing 60 pounds to the scale.
“I think we’re going to need to catch at least 18 pounds a day to make the top-10 cut and fish the final day,” Adams went on to say. “It could be a little less, or a little more, but I say the winner will need 56 pounds to have a shot.”
Anglers will take off from the Plattsburgh City Marina located at 5 Dock Street in Plattsburgh at 6 a.m. EDT each day of competition. The weigh-ins will be held each day at the Marina beginning at 2 p.m. All takeoffs and weigh-ins are free and open to the public.
In Costa FLW Series regular-season competition, payouts are based on the number of participants competing in the event. At Lake Champlain, pros will fish for a top prize of up to $95,000 including a brand new Ranger Z518L boat with a 200-horsepower Evinrude or Mercury outboard if Ranger Cup qualified. Co-anglers will cast for a brand new Ranger Z175 boat with a 115-horsepower Evinrude or Mercury outboard, and $5,000 if Ranger Cup qualified.
The Costa FLW Series consists of five U.S. divisions – Central, Northern, Southeastern, Southwestern and Western – along with the International division. Each U.S. division consists of three regular-season tournaments with competitors vying for valuable points that could earn them the opportunity to compete in the season-ending Costa FLW Series Championship. The 2019 Costa FLW Series Championship is being held Oct. 31 – Nov. 2 on Lake Cumberland in Burnside, Kentucky.
For complete details and updated information visit FLWFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow the Costa FLW Series on FLW’s social media outlets at Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
Garmin® enters the freshwater trolling motor market with Force, unveils the industry’s most powerful, most efficient trolling motor
OLATHE, Kan./July 8, 2019/Business Wire – Garmin International, Inc., a unit of Garmin Ltd. (NASDAQ:GRMN), the world’s leading marine electronics manufacturer1 today announced its new Force™ Trolling Motor, bringing superior power and efficiency to the freshwater trolling motor market.More power and efficiency means anglers can cover more area and stay on their spots longer, even in toughconditions—and without spooking the fish. Thanks to its unique brushless motor, Force operates with almost undetectable levels of sonar and steering noise both below and above the water. It’s also the firsttrolling motor to include built-in industry-leading Garmin CHIRP traditional and Ultra High-Definition ClearVü and SideVü scanning sonars.
“The trolling motor is one of the most critical pieces of equipment on a freshwater fishing boat, and it can single-handedly be the difference between a good or bad day on the water,” said Dan Bartel, Garmin worldwide vice president of consumer sales. “As a new player in the trolling motor market, Garmin is dedicated to delivering a motor that’s as innovative as it is reliable, yet still whisper quiet. Not only is the Force trolling motor at the forefront of power and efficiency, its robust, reliable design was built to withstand strenuous use, season after season, and the result is a trolling motor that’s second to none.”
Quiet, powerful and efficient
Anglers with Garmin Force get the best of all three. Thanks to its quiet brushless motor, Force operates with nearly imperceptible sonar noise interference. It’s extremely quiet above water, too, without compromise in performance. In fact, the Force trolling motor is 30% more powerful2 than existing freshwater trolling motors on the market today. It can move anglers from one dock or brush pile to the nextmore quickly, throttle back with ease when they need to fish slow, and stand up better to winds and currents. Even with all that power, Force is also the most efficient trolling motor available, so anglers can count on it to fish all day. Its high-efficiency brushless motor operates at either 36V or 24V. When running at 24V, Force delivers comparable thrust to competitors’ 36V motors. It’s everything anglers want in a trolling motor and more.
Integrated Ultra High-Definition sonar
The Force trolling motor comes with an integrated transducer optimized for freshwater use with Garmin CHIRP traditional and Ultra High-Definition ClearVü and SideVü scanning sonars so anglers can see more fish and structure clearly. The built-in transducer is user serviceable, and the cable management system protects the built-in transducer cables as well as additional accessories, including the full range of Panoptix™ and Panoptix LiveScope™ sonars.
The complete system for precise boat control
Wireless integration with a Garmin chartplotter and built-in autopilot functionality allow anglers with Force to get to the fish faster and stay in that same location while they fish. Thanks to its integrated heading sensor and GPS, Force offers precise virtual anchor lock to help anglers lock their boat onto their fishing spot quickly and with accuracy. From the chartplotter, users can create routes to their favorite waypoint and follow tracks while they go. Anglers can set their track, or select a suggested Auto Guidance3 route, and the Force will move them along the course.
Force includes a convenient wireless foot pedal that provides instant control and responsiveness yet feels and steers like a cable-steered pedal. The pedal resistance is adjustable, and features foot-actuated buttons to control speed, heading and anchor lock. It can be operated wirelessly using AA batteries, or with the included power cable for wired power installation. When battery-operated, the wireless foot pedal will remain charged through one year of typical fishing use.
What’s more, Force can also be controlled from anywhere on the boat via the included wireless remote. The remote gives anglers complete control of the trolling motor with precise virtual anchor lock, autopilot functionality and simple point-and-go gesture steering and includes user-programmable keys for remote chartplotter control—plus it floats!
A reputation of reliability and award-winning support
Garmin has a long-standing commitment to build products that offer a compelling design and superior quality, and its Force trolling motor is no exception. As the world’s leading marine electronics manufacturer, Garmin has been recognized for four consecutive years as the Manufacturer of the Year by the National Marine Electronics Association (NMEA), an honor given to the most recognized marine electronics company for support of products in the field. Led by decades of marine industry expertise and innovation, Force is built to last— it’s rugged and durable, yet easy to deploy and retract and stow with dual-gas shocks. It’s backed by a 3-year warranty and a limited lifetime warranty on the shaft, along with support through an ever-increasing servicing dealer network.
The Force trolling motor is being unveiled at the International Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trades (ICAST), in Orlando, Fla., July 10-12, where it will be on display in booth #4800. Expected to be available in August 2019, it will be offered with a 50-inch or 57-inch adjustable shaft for suggested retail prices of $3099.99 and $3199.99, respectively. For more information, visit www.garmin.com/force.
Garmin’s portfolio includes some of the industry’s most sophisticated chartplotters and touchscreen multifunction displays, sonar technology, high-definition radar, autopilots, high-resolution mapping, sailing instrumentation, audio, entertainment and other products and services that are known for innovation, reliability, and ease-of-use. Other Garmin marine brands include FUSION® Entertainment, Navionics–a premier supplier of electronic charts, and EmpirBus.
For decades, Garmin has pioneered new GPS navigation and wireless devices and applications that are designed for people who live an active lifestyle. Garmin serves five primary markets, including automotive, aviation, fitness, marine, and outdoor recreation. For more information, visit Garmin's virtual pressroom at garmin.com/newsroom, contact the Media Relations department at 913-397-8200, or follow us at facebook.com/garmin, twitter.com/garmin, instagram.com/garmin or youtube.com/garmin.
Abu Garcia® Brings Fishing Intelligence to Life in First-Ever Fishing Rod enabled with Bluetooth® Technology
The new series of rods is the first to integrate this type of technology and has been created in concert with ANGLR, a fast-growing company that offers a free fishing intelligence app helping anglers plan, record and improve their fishing. The Virtual rods allow the angler to simply press a button to record catches, double-click to drop editable waypoints at their exact location and press and hold the button to indicate a change in tackle. The action to record a catch also compiles location, weather and water data with the stored catch information. This information, coupled with the durability and performance of Abu Garcia rod technology will provide anglers a complete package as they look to maximize their time on the water.
“As connected technology continues to advance in fishing, we have been working on the ability to integrate electronics into our rods,” said Vice President of Marketing for Abu Garcia, Jon Schlosser. “We are proud to partner with companies like ANGLR as we continue to innovate and bring new creative solutions, like the Virtual rod, to our consumers.”
The Virtual rod connects to the free ANGLR app on iPhone and Android devices. It allows anglers to record catches complete with automated weather, water and location details. It also enables the phone’s camera to add a photo. All recorded fishing data is 100 percent private by default. The rod does not require charging and delivers a 2-year battery life. It works regardless of cell service for off-the-grid fishing.
The Virtual rod series consists of ten total conventional and spinning rods ranging from 6-foot, 6-inch Medium Fast spinning to 7-foot, 6-inch Heavy Fast conventional to cover most bass angling techniques. All are built with 30-ton graphite for a lightweight balanced design, IntraCarbon™ technology, providing a lightweight barrier to improve durability without adding weight, and stainless steel guides with zirconium inserts.
The rods retail for $129.95 and are expected to be available in Spring 2020. For more information visit www.AbuGarcia.com.
Minn Kota® Debuts New Saltwater Trolling Motor with 87-Inch Shaft at ICAST
RACINE, Wis., July 8, 2019 – Minn Kota®, the leader in trolling motor innovation, will debut a new Riptide Terrova® trolling motor with 87-inch shaft at the American Sportfishing Association’s International Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trades (ICAST).
Now, anglers on larger saltwater boats will have another shaft length option for their trolling motor needs. The new Minn Kota Terrova with 87-inch shaft joins the 72-inch offering and provides 112-pounds of thrust and comes with i-Pilot® Link™ technology for networking with Humminbird® fish finder units as part of the One-Boat Network™. The bow-mount motor offers a clean set up and stow and deploy lever for easy hand or foot use.
“The addition of a trolling motor with 87-inch shaft is part of our commitment to providing solutions for anglers as they seek to find and catch more fish,” said Minn Kota Brand Manager, Brad Henry. “Saltwater anglers are increasingly recognizing the benefits of having a trolling motor for key fishing applications and we’ve delivered a solution for anglers and captains with larger boats, so they can utilize key Minn Kota features like Spot-Lock and the One-Boat Network.”
As part of the One-Boat Network, the new Minn Kota trolling motor features i-Pilot Link GPS technology. The new motor is also equipped with Bluetooth® compatibility allowing anglers to control the trolling motor from the Minn Kota mobile app and make software updates wirelessly. Anglers can utilize i-Pilot Link to control their trolling motor from the Humminbird unit, the mobile app or the i-Pilot Link remote to “follow” a contour at a set speed – with the press of a button the boat will automatically follow the exact path. The motor also offers Minn Kota’s Spot-Lock™ feature, the most accurate electronic GPS anchor ever, giving you unparalleled confidence to stay exactly where you want to be.
"When I first started running a Minn Kota on my 25-foot Parker, I got a lot of strange looks,” said BJ Silvia, renowned saltwater captain. “But now that guys in my area have seen what a Minn Kota can do in terms of boat positioning, they're all looking for ways to install one. This 87-inch motor will open the door for bigger boats to get the advantage of the One-Boat Network."
The new trolling motors are compatible with Humminbird SOLIX®, second generation HELIX®, and ONIX®models and will be available in the fall of 2019. For more information visit MinnKotaMotors.com.
About Minn Kota
JOHNSON OUTDOORS FISHING is comprised of the Minn Kota®, Cannon® and Humminbird® brands. Minn Kota is the world’s leading manufacturer of electric trolling motors, as well as a complete line of shallow water anchors, battery chargers and marine accessories. Humminbird is a leading global innovator and manufacturer of marine electronics products including fish finders, multifunction displays, autopilots, ice flashers, and premium cartography products. Cannon is the leader in controlled-depth fishing and includes a full line of downrigger products and accessories.
Visit Minn Kota at http://www.minnkotamotors.com
JOHNSON OUTDOORS is a leading global outdoor recreation company that inspires more people to experience the awe of the great outdoors with innovative, top-quality products. The company designs, manufactures and markets a portfolio of winning, consumer-preferred brands across four categories: Watercraft, Fishing, Diving and Camping.
Visit Johnson Outdoors at www.johnsonoutdoors.com
ICAST - Battle Ground of New Ideas
Vance McCullough
ICAST is always a battle ground of new ideas as manufacturers fight for retail markets while trying to educate soon-to-be consumers. This edition promises to be extra exciting. Brace yourself for the summer blockbuster of 2019: Trolling Motor Wars.
Manufacturers old and new are scrambling to link their positioning motors with Global Positioning Technology.
The result has been an arms race of sorts.
The winners will be the anglers who benefit from advancements in boat positioning abilities.
Minn-Kota led the way with its Ultrex motor featuring Spot-Lock technology that keeps a boat pinned to a coordinate in any depth.
Spot-Lock compensates for wind and current as well.
The feature was instrumental in Jordan Lee’s Bassmaster Classic win on Lake Conroe. This writer marveled at the efficiency with which Lee was able to cast and catch, then cull or fiddle with tackle all while the Ultrex kept his boat lined up on the sweet spot just offshore of a main lake point, winds all the while building waves of a couple feet in height.
Does Minn-Kota have anything new in the works as we head toward the year 2020? Do they need anything new? After all, they have been leading the GPS anchoring game for years now. We’ll see what’s happening in the Minn-Kota booth at ICAST.
Motorguide is catching up. “Finally,” is the collective cry from fans of this trolling motor manufacturer. And boy, are they excited about the new features to be unveiled at ICAST.
Almost certainly, some sort of GPS anchor has to be a big part of the big reveal. What else? You’ll know as soon as we do!
All I can say is there has been a tremendous buzz among pros who have used Motorguide’s latest product in testing sessions - Elite Series Pro Bernie Schultz and MLF Bass Pro Tour competitor Shaw Grigsby among them.
Meanwhile, Lowrance has come at the smart motor segment from the opposite end. Rather than educating an existing physical motor, they have jumped in the game with a trolling motor that runs off their ‘brain power’.
The soul of the Lowrance company has always been information.
Just as they have used screens provide us with eyes under the water along with positioning info beamed from the stars, Lowrance has now given a body to its digital brain so that it can take you ‘fishing’ not ‘boating’.
This will be one of the most buzzed-about launches of the 2019 ICAST show. And why not? If the new Lowrance motor can do for anglers what car makers promise to do for motorists with autonomous automobiles, then The Future is here indeed.
Now, everything just stated above about the new Lowrance trolling motor, ditto that for the new Garmin Force.
Yep. Navigation giant Garmin is getting into the motor game as well.
But don’t mistake this intelligent motor for a wimpy nerd. Apparently, it’s athletic too. In a staged Facebook ‘leak’ Bill Dance said, “It’s the quietest, strongest trolling motor I’ve ever seen. And no interference (with other electronics) whatsoever.”
Garmin has a proven track record in the aviation industry. If this new motor lives up to the bar the company has set with products such as Panoptics, it could be a real . . . I refuse to say ‘game changer’ but you get the point.
We at AnglersChannel.com can hardly wait to see all of these exciting new trolling motors at ICAST – and to share them with you.
Putting the brakes on all of this mobility, Power-Pole turns 20 years old. Hard to believe. They keep the new ideas, and the power, flowing. None of the above-mentioned tech runs without electricity and Power-Pole has some on-board power charging and maintenance options we need to look at.
And of course, Power-Poles will still turn your boat into a fishing dock, as always.
Minn-Kota Talons serve a similar purpose. The motor maker has been in its own arms race with Power-Pole for years, each trying to outreach the other in terms of how deep they can anchor.
So, with Spot-Lock and similar technology, are pole-based anchoring systems still relevant?
Yes. In our increasingly grass-filled waters trolling motors are challenged in heavy vegetation. When they can chop the salad, they sound like a food processor to nearby fish. Swift. Silent. Secure. There’s a lot to like about hydraulic anchoring systems.
By the way, got an older electric motor? Want to enjoy the latest technology? At last year’s ICAST ProNav introduced a new way to run your trolling motor. With an intuitive handheld controller, the gesture-based PointDrive feature creates a wireless way to direct your smart trolling motor.
ProNav allows users to create routes, anchor their boat with a touch, even move a short distance automatically via the PointJog feature.
With Bluetooth connection and tool-free plug & play installation, ProNav works with any smart trolling motor.
At this year’s show we’ll see what the past year has held for the nascent ProNav.
ProNav is an excellent addition to small boats and kayaks. So too, is ProControll (no relation to ProNav).
ProControll is a universal mounting bracket that adapts a trolling motor to a kayak. Any trolling motor. Any kayak. Even stand up paddleboards. John boats too. There are a couple of different models to fit all small craft. This is an idea too simple, too focused, too useful to not succeed.
We’ll check-in with RM Industries to see how business has been and what’s new with ProControll.
Of course, Power-Pole offers the Micro to fit small boats and ‘yaks so we can put on the brakes no matter how light we travel.
With options such as ProControll, ProNav and Power-Pole Micro, we all have access to modern technology that makes boat positioning a breeze regardless of which boat we choose.
Bass Champs Event on Sam Rayburn this Saturday will be a 3 fish limit. $20,000 Guraranteed for 1st Place
Upcoming Bass Champs event this Weekend
Lake Sam Rayburn - July 13th
This is a make-up event from January.
*SPECIAL NOTICE*
In an effort to maximize conservation during expected
warmer weather, this event will be a 3 fish limit.
$20,000 Guaranteed for 1st Place
Registration is at Umphrey Pavilion - Friday 5:30 - 8:00 PM
Saturday Registration opens at 5:00 AM
4 Hot Summer Crankbait Tips with Brandon Lester
Alan McGuckin - Dynamic Sponsorships
Team Toyota pro angler Brandon Lester considers himself a “No Shoes Nation” kind of guy. Lester lives on the Alabama-Tennessee border, but loves to spend a couple free weeks in the summertime six hours south of home on the sugar white sandy beaches of the Gulf Coast. His time in Orange Beach, AL is spent relaxing with his young family, and chasing a variety of saltwater species out of the Flora-Bama Marina.
However when it’s time to go to work as a top Bassmaster Elite Series pro in freshwater, few rival Lester’s ability to dredge up summertime largemouth from their deep water haunts on a crankbait. Between recent trips to Lake Guntersville and Orange Beach, he graciously shared four tips that will make you a better deep crankbait angler when water temps are at their warmest.
Be really careful with rattling crankbaits
It’s natural to think a lure that rattles has an increased chance of getting chewed, but Lester says deep divers that rattle are best used in moderation.
“I use a rattling crankbait a lot more in May and June when the fish first go deep, but by July and August, once they’ve been pressured for a couple of months, I prefer the silent crankbaits,” says Lester. “I’ve seen good schools of fish run for the hills purely because of fishing pressure, so be really careful not to overuse rattles, or you might spook a good school.”
Two of Lester’s favorite colors
“Day in and day out, Citrus Shad is my #1 favorite summer crankin color. But again, once the bass have seen a lot of baits by mid-summer, you may want to reach for something a little subtler like Green Gizzard, “ he warns.
He says his color selection is based more on fishing pressure and water clarity than cloud cover. “Clouds versus sun isn’t a huge determiner of what color I tie on. It’s more about using natural colors like Green Gizzard in clearer waters, or at times when bass are getting pressured, but if you’re only choosing one – Citrus Shad is hard to beat, especially if the water is a little dingy.”
Line size
“I use 10-pound Vicious Pro Elite fluorocarbon about 60% of the time, and I’ll bump up to 12-pound line if I’m cranking around a lot of rocks or shell beds, but most of the time I like 10-pound test to maximize the depth of the lure, as well as its action,” says Lester, who fished in college for the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.
Speed of retrieve is super important
“One of the biggest keys to spurring strikes with a deep crank is to burn it through the strike zone. Water temps are plenty warm. A bass can catch anything that swims when the water is warm, and a fast moving bait makes them react instinctively,” says Lester, who winds the reel handle as fast as possible with a 6.3:1 gear ratio reel.
Based on recent social media photos Lester posted, his ability to catch red snapper from 80 feet of water eight miles out in the Gulf of Mexico is pretty strong too.
But when it comes to cranking for largemouth bass in that somewhat magical 14 to 18 foot depth range where summer bass often call home, take note of these four quick tips he shares, and you’re sure to become a little more salty in your cranking game too.
AC Insider Podcast - FLW Free for All!!!
The boys are back and ready to kick off the Holiday weekend with a FLW Free for all featuring lake Champlain winner Casey Scanlon and Angler of the year Champ David Dudley! Chris returns from the beach to give his take on Pro Staffs and working media as well as the Redcrest Field and FLW Cup Roster. Happy 4th to everyone!
