From Co to Pro - Willert Learning Life Lessons and Loving Life on the Road

 

Jason sits down with Former FLW Tour Co-Angler Joel Willert and discusses his move to the front of the boat and breaks down Sam Rayburn and the missed opportunities there. They also talk Camping Life and looking ahead to the next event in Florida.


Major League Fishing Announces Dayton Venue on Lake Chickamuaga as Bass Pro Tour Stage 4 

TULSA, Okla. (Jan. 25, 2019) - Major League Fishing announced today that Dayton, Tennessee is the fourth destination of the 2019 MLF Bass Pro Tour schedule, with its famed big bass fishery Chickamauga Lake ready to play a significant role in who wins the event, April 9 - 14. 
The Rhea County region, anchored by county seat Dayton and including much of Chickamauga and Watts Bar lakes on the Tennessee River, has been a proud and prominent supporter of fishing and its economic impact to the area for several years.
 "We are thrilled to have this opportunity to bring the MLF Bass Pro Tour to our backyard in its inaugural season," said Dennis Tumlin, Executive Director of Economic Development for Rhea County and Director of Dayton's "Fish Dayton" brand. "It's a great matching of our exceptional bass fishing to the sport's most exciting competition in MLF's catch, weigh and immediate-release format."
"Rhea County is proud to showcase our world-class fishery during one of the prime times of the season for giant double-digit bass. If you've never tried our legendary fisheries firsthand, I encourage you to make plans now to come and join in on the festivities and see if you can catch your own personal best!," commented Rhea County Mayor, George Thacker.
Scenic Chickamauga will be familiar to most of the 80-angler Bass Pro Tour field because it has hosted many major bass tournaments over the years. In fact, living in the proximity of the 36,240-acre lake are a handful of pros who are nearing or have already surpassed the million-dollar milestone in career tournament earnings, including Michael Neal, Andy Morgan, Wesley Strader, Jacob Wheeler and John Murray.
Big names and big bass hook-up frequently on Chickamauga Lake, just as area super star Andy Morgan does here with a healthy largemouth. But Morgan and several other local heroes will have tough competition on the sprawling fishery as they go against bass fishing's finest in the 80-angler MLF Bass Pro Tour field during the April event. (Photo courtesy Richard Simms.
"It's one thing to have Toho, Conroe and the untapped fisheries like Falls, Jordan and Harris to start the season, but to have 'The Chick' in the cleanup position makes this early season lineup amazing," said Michael Mulone, MLF Senior Director of Events and Partnerships, in referring to the tour's season openers in Florida, Texas and North Carolina prior to Tennessee. "You're likely to see some big-time home runs coming from the best hammers in all of fishing at this Dayton stop."
The sizable Chickamauga and its nearly 60-mile length seem to always make the lake a tournament wildcard because of its vastness, diverse cover and generous population of bass over 10 pounds.
"Just this past weekend, we had a 14.2-pounder caught and released, and the lake has really been fishing well for the past several years. We invite everyone to come participate in the activities throughout the competition days to witness firsthand our fabulous fishing and Southern hospitality. Please put this Dayton visit on your calendars now," Tumlin added.
As in all Bass Pro Tour events, the Tennessee River venue will feature seven hours of daily live stream coverage during each competition day, with free access to the real-time broadcast found at www.majorleaguefishing.com.
Also, the Dayton event will be developed into a two-hour television show that will air on Discovery Channel in the fourth quarter of 2019. It will repeat on Sportsman Channel in first and second quarters of 2020.
MLF programming also airs on Outdoor Channel, World Fishing Network, CBS, CBS Sports Network and Discovery Channel, and all episodes are available on-demand on MyOutdoorTV (MOTV).
For more information about Dayton and Rhea County, visit  www.fishdayton.com.
For more information about MLF and its anglers, rules and sponsors, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com.

Angler Groups announced for inaugural Major League Fishing Bass Pro Tour

Courtesy of Major League Fishing

By Mason Prince - January 24, 2019

When you look at the lineup for the first-ever event of the Major League Fishing Bass Pro Tour (Jan. 29-Feb. 3 in Kissimmee, Florida), one word comes to mind: loaded.

The two official competition groups for next week’s MLF Bass Pro Tour B & W Trailer Hitches Stage One presented By Power-Pole are packed with champions, contenders and young stars-in-the-making, which sets the scene for a compelling week of fishing in Kissimmee, Florida.

“Every one of these guys are accomplished anglers in some form or fashion,” says MLF NOW! live stream analyst Maty Stone. “If any one of these anglers in either of these groups does well, it won’t be the first time they’ve ever done so.”

Group A
The resumes of the 40 anglers in Group A are highlighted with a combined 11 FLW and B.A.S.S. Angler of the Year awards, eight Bassmaster Classic titles and two Forest Wood Cup championships. The 40 anglers in each group compete in the Shotgun and Elimination rounds to battle their way into the Top 20 in their respective groups to advance to the Knockout Round.

While 50/50 might sound like good odds, Stone says there is nothing easy about making the cut in this group.

“I try to find a weak spot in Group A and from top to bottom, making that Top 20 is not going to be a given,” Stone says. “If I was one of these anglers trying to make the Top 20, I would be worried because it’s going to take my best to get there in this group.”

Group B
While the challenge in Group A looks daunting, Group B isn’t any easier: this lineup features a combined 19 Angler of the Year awards, nine Bassmaster Classic titles and five Forest Wood Cup trophies.

“You look at all the anglers and accolades in Group A and then say, ‘Okay, now let’s go look at our old sorry Group B,’ and you say, ‘Holy cow!’” Stone laughs. “I look at this group and see all of the young guys and former champs and get fired up. There’s nothing that makes me think that this group of anglers won’t come out of the gates swinging.”

Group A gets the first MLF Bass Pro Tour event started on Tuesday, Jan. 29 and Group B begins competition on Wednesday, Jan. 30. The MLF NOW! live stream will begin at 10 a.m. daily, while SCORETRACKER will be viewable starting at lines in every day.

Group A

  1. Mark Daniels
  2. Gary Klein, 2 AOY
  3. Casey Ashley, 1 BMC
  4. Brandon Coulter
  5. Andy Montgomery
  6. Dave Lefebre
  7. Randy Howell, 1 BMC
  8. Randall Tharp, 1 FWC
  9. Mark Davis, 1 BMC, 3 AOY
  10. Ish Monroe
  11. Kelly Jordon
  12. Jared Lintner
  13. Gerald Spohrer
  14. Fred Roumbanis
  15. Edwin Evers, 1 BMC
  16. Brett Hite
  17. Chris Lane, 1 BMC
  18. Michael Neal
  19. Justin Lucas, 1 AOY
  20. David Walker
  21. Zack Birge
  22. Jason Lambert
  23. Mike McClelland
  24. Tommy Biffle
  25. Russ Lane
  26. Matt Lee
  27. Stephen Browning
  28. Andy Morgan, 3 AOY
  29. Ott DeFoe
  30. Roy Hawk
  31. Jacob Wheeler, 1 FWC
  32. Greg Vinson
  33. Keith Poche
  34. Takahiro Omori, 1 BMC
  35. James Watson
  36. Jordan Lee, 2 BMC
  37. Tim Horton, 1 AOY
  38. James Elam
  39. Cody Meyer
  40. Shin Fukae, 1 AOY

Group B

  1. Aaron Martens, 3 AOY
  2. Adrian Avena
  3. Bradley Roy
  4. Jeff Kriet
  5. Jeff Sprague
  6. Skeet Reese, 1 AOY, 1 BMC
  7. Terry Scroggins
  8. Dustin Connell
  9. John Murray
  10. Shaw Grigsby
  11. Alton Jones, 1 BMC
  12. Brent Chapman, 1 AOY
  13. Britt Myers
  14. Jacob Powroznik
  15. Luke Clausen, 1 BMC, 1 FWC
  16. Boyd Duckett, 1 BMC
  17. Gerald Swindle, 2 AOY
  18. Jason Christie
  19. Josh Bertrand
  20. Todd Faircloth
  21. Greg Hackney, 1 AOY, 1 MLF WC
  22. Scott Suggs, 1 FWC
  23. Jesse Wiggins
  24. Wesley Strader
  25. Cliff Pace
  26. Paul Elias
  27. Cliff Crochet
  28. Johnathon VanDam
  29. Brent Ehrler, 1 FWC
  30. Anthony Gagliardi, 1 FWC
  31. Justin Atkins, 1 FWC
  32. Kevin VanDam, 4 BMC, 8 AOY
  33. Bobby Lane, 1 MLF WC
  34. Alton Jones Jr.
  35. Mike Iaconelli, 1 AOY, 1 BMC
  36. Fletcher Shryock
  37. Mark Rose, 1 AOY
  38. Brandon Palaniuk, 1 AOY
  39. Marty Robinson
  40. Dean Rojas

 


Abu Garcia, Berkley Expand MLF Support to Include Bass Pro Tour

TULSA, Okla. (Jan. 24, 2019) - Major League Fishing (MLF) announced today that well-known fishing brands Abu Garcia and Berkley will sponsor the 2019 MLF Bass Pro Tour that begins its eight-event tournament series January 29 on Florida's Kissimmee Chain of Lakes.
"Abu Garcia rods and reels and Berkley baits and fishing line need no introduction ... they've long had a presence in fishing and have always been in the forefront of the premier marketing programs in our industry, including prior involvement with MLF," said MLF President and CEO Jim Wilburn. "We now welcome them to the Bass Pro Tour sponsor team where I know their participation will further enhance the overall experience of our participating pros and viewing audience alike."
"We have been investing heavily in Berkley and Abu Garcia and a big part of that investment is within the world of bass fishing," said Jon Schlosser, VP Marketing for Pure Fishing. "MLF is a great place for us to showcase our major new developments in bass fishing products and also allows us to highlight our alignment with several of the top pros in the sport."
MLF pro angler Bobby Lane eyes a scorable bass being weighed by his boat official. The MLF Bass Pro Tour uses a conservation friendly weigh and release-immediately back into the water format during all competition days.
The Pure Fishing brands will have promotional prominence throughout the tour. They will sponsor the show's post game programming, plus will present The Berkley Catch Count to the angler catching the most bass in each event, and also give the Berkley Big Bass award for the biggest bass per tournament.
Additionally, Abu Garcia and Berkley will have 30-second commercials and billboards on MLF television, and the Berkley Bait of the Week will be featured on the MLF NOW! live-streaming broadcast that delivers seven hours of Bass Pro Tour coverage each competition day.
Three Bass Pro Tour stops have been announced to date: Kissimmee Chain of Lakes in Florida, Jan. 29 - Feb. 3; Lake Conroe, Texas, Feb. 12 - 17; and North Carolina's Falls Lake, Shearon Harris Reservoir and Jordan Lake, all located near Raleigh, March 26 - 31.The 2019 Bass Pro Tour will culminate with a championship event held in August.
The Bass Pro Tour will use MLF's popular tournament format of allowing anglers to catch as many bass as possible in 7.5 hours of fishing during each competition day. "Scorable" bass will be weighed, scored and immediately released back into the water, a scenario that sets the Bass Pro Tour apart from bass fishing's other largest tournament trails.
Each Bass Pro Tour event will be developed into a 2-hour television show to air on Discovery Channel in the fourth quarter of 2019. The shows will repeat in first and second quarters 2020 on Sportsman Channel.
MLF also has programming on Outdoor Channel, World Fishing Network, CBS, CBS Sports Network and Discovery Channel, and all episodes are available on-demand on My Outdoor TV (MOTV).
For more information about Abu Garcia, Berkley and other Pure Fishing brands, visit www.purefishing.com.
For more information about MLF and its anglers, rules and sponsors, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com.

Fantasy Fishing Sign-up!

If you like Fantasy Fishing,  then we are challenging you to play Fantasy Fishing Challenge on Bassmaster Fantasy Fishing.

We give prizes to the top finisher in each tournament and at the end of the Year we give away a HUGE Prize pack for the Angler of the Year in the Group.

This game challenges you to build a roster of five anglers which will compete on your behalf in each tournament. The amount of points an angler can earn in a tournament are based on the Angler of the Year points system. Best of all, it's FREE to play.

Get in the action now: and join the Group: AnglersChannel.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Day 1 of Bassmaster Eastern Open on Harris Chain Cancelled due to weather

Courtesy of BASS

Storms Postpone Bassmaster Open Start On Florida’s Harris Chain

LEESBURG, Fla. — Inclement weather has postponed the scheduled start of the Basspro.comBassmaster Central Open on the Harris Chain of Lakes in Leesburg, Fla. Citing concerns for angler safety, Tournament Director Chris Bowes confirmed that the event will be shortened to two days of full-field competition with 225 boats, Friday and Saturday.

“Severe weather with winds in excess of 50 mph, hail and lightning moved through during the launch period for a scheduled 7 a.m. launch,” Bowes said. “Although we may have been able get started late, I felt it was in the best interest of the anglers and fair competition to fish the full field Friday and Saturday. Both days look clear of any weather that could impact the angler’s safety.

“We discussed last night with local officials and, of course, the tournament anglers, that this was a possibility. They were made aware an evaluation would be made at 4 a.m. and a text would be sent. Although there were still tornado warnings in the area (as of approximately 8 a.m.), the immediate Leesburg area seems to have the worse behind."

The event was originally scheduled to begin today and conclude with Saturday’s final weigh-in at the Bass Pro Shops on International Drive in Orlando. The revised schedule will see anglers launching from Venetian Gardens in downtown Leesburg, with both days’ weigh-ins held at 3 p.m. at Leesburg’s Ski Beach Park.


Randy Howell Teams with Gator Guards KeelShield

Farmington, IL (Jan. 24, 2019) - Gator Guards, the leading global innovator of boat protection products, and former Classic Champion Randy Howell, are teaming up to tackle the new Major League Fishing (MLF) Bass Pro Tour.

Randy Howell, the established Guntersville, AL angler, is best known as a Classic Champion and MLF Competitor, but what sets him apart is his genuine persona, and the strong commitment to his faith and family. The Howell family travels together across the country fishing and sharing their lives - making a positive impact in all the communities they visit and becoming a fan favorite on tour.

“We’re grateful to team up with Randy Howell and his family. We’ve supported Randy and been guarding his rigs for over 20 years since Triton Boats trusted us as their only keel protector.  It is exciting to partner on a national scale as he puts his equipment to the test and tackles the new MLF Bass Pro Tour.” said Gator Guards’ Scott Smith.

“I’m excited to officially partner with Gator Guards, the makers of KeelShield. These guys are the leaders in hull protection, and I’ve trusted the KeelShield to protect my Triton Boats for the past 20 years. The entire lineup of products are innovative and necessary to protect your investment, especially with how we as pros put our boats through the toughest of circumstances, and expect them to be in great shape as we pass them on to the next owner. In my case, the winner of our annual King’s Home boat giveaway.”

Randy looks forward to the new season and redefined fishing landscape. “I’m proud to be representing an American made family company to protect my Triton on the exciting new Bass Pro Tour and Major League Fishing circuit.” Which starts soon in Kissimmee, Fla., to kick off the inaugural season Jan 29-Feb 3. You can tune in and watch the innovative “MLF NOW!” Live stream for all the non-stop action at www.majorleaguefishing.com.

 


Strike King / Lews Tip of the Week with Major League Fishing Pro Jeff Sprague

Lews Pro Jeff Sprague gives us the run down on one of his favorite rod and reel set ups, the Lew's Custom Pro Speed Stick and Hyper Mag reel.


Ed Watkins Marine - Full Line up of Boats and Models

Ed Watkins with Ed Watkins Marine in Denver, NC talks about his great line-up of Ranger Bass Boats and Pontoons and introduces the new Sea Pro line up of center console boats to his dealership.


2019 TH Marine BFL Season Kicks off the Weekend!

 

While much of the northern United States is locked in a deep freeze, Southern bass anglers will be kicking off their 2019 T-H Marine FLW Bass Fishing League season with the Gator Division tournament at Lake Okeechobee in Clewiston, Fla., and the Cowboy Division tournament at Toledo Bend Reservoir in Many, La.

Okeechobee and Toledo Bend are legendary bass fisheries rated among the best in the country, and their respective contingents of BFL anglers are some of the most experienced and capable in the league.

Here’s a taste of what we can expect to see at the BFL’s opening events.

Lake Okeechobee tournament details

Toledo Bend tournament details

Complete FLW tournament schedule

 

LOTS OF FACTORS IN PLAY AT OKEECHOBEE

Okeechobee is probably the most famous tournament fishery in the Sunshine State, and this year, according to well-known Florida angler Robert Crosnoe, there will be a number of interesting conditions for Gator Division anglers to deal with.

First, the water level is down to 12.28 (as of Jan. 21), which is several feet lower than this time in 2018. The low water will make navigation in some areas tricky and change up the dynamics of the lake’s vegetated areas.

More critical to the fishing, however, is Mother Nature’s role. The region is just starting to see temperatures recover from a cold front that landed at the end of last week and led to lows plummeting into the upper 40s, and it’s still cold by south Florida standards. There’s another cooldown possibly in the works for the end of the week, too.

“The fish are wanting to spawn really bad, but these cold fronts are going to be a huge, huge factor in it,” says Crosnoe. “It all depends on if a wave moves up. If we had prime weather it would be fishing unbelievably good. Every fish in the lake is wanting to come in and spawn. You might see unbelievable weights if we have stable weather – high 60s or low 70s for highs.”

Crosnoe expects fish to be caught with the usual spawning patterns of pitching jigs and Yamamoto Senkos to isolated reeds and in traditional spawning areas, but he figures the cool weather might also halt some bass in prespawn waters where anglers will need to throw lipless crankbaits, swim jigs and other open-water presentations.

As of late afternoon Monday, Crosnoe wasn’t sure of the exact water temperature at Okeechobee, but he says his home waters on the Harris Chain have water temps in the 60s and trending down. He thinks it might dip as low as the upper 50s in the next day or so and wouldn’t be surprised to see similar conditions, give or take, at the Big O.

“Fish like 68 to 72 degrees for a major wave to spawn on the Harris Chain,” he explains. “It’s way too cold for that.”

The winning weight at Okeechobee should still be decent for this time of year. It is Florida, after all, and Crosnoe thinks we might see 27 pounds or so win it. He’s just not expecting a parade of 20-plus-pound bags like would be on tap if south Florida was in the grips of a late-winter warming trend.

 

TOLEDO BEND MIGHT SEE A 2016 REPEAT

This is only the third time since 2011 that the Cowboy Division has opened at Toledo Bend. In 2011, the opener was held in February. The Jan. 23, 2016 tournament is a better barometer of what to expect. That derby saw eight limits of more than 20 pounds and two more 19-plus bags. It took 13-12 to get a check.

Like in 2016, the water level at Toledo Bend is right at or a hair above full pool, which is 172 feet. Compare that to 2014, 2015, 2017 and 2018 when it was around 168 this time of year.

A cold front is going to impact the region midweek, bringing more rain to the already drenched area and forcing lows into the 30s, which should last into the weekend. That’s one major challenge. Another is that the water was about a foot and a half higher a couple weeks ago, and lake managers sucked the excess out pretty quickly. According to Louisiana pro Randy Deaver, that can sometimes pull muddy water into the main lake and hinder the deep bite.

Deaver’s team partner, Nick LeBrun, the 2018 BFL All-American champion and fellow Toledo Bend stick, isn’t fishing this derby, but he predicts a pretty typical mix of tactics will factor into the outcome.

“The water is probably going to be normal, if not high, and when it is normal or high you can always expect there to be a bush bite, a shallow bite,” LeBrun says. “I think you’re going to have guys north of Pendleton Bridge fishing stained, muddy water, flipping the bushes or throwing a ChatterBait or even a swim jig.

“The other phase of that is they have been generating a lot of water trying to get the high water down. That’s going to have some fish schooled up offshore somewhere. There’s going to be some prespawners down south on ridges or points. A guy doing that can get right in a hurry.”

LeBrun says that shallow-up-north, offshore-down-south split is “how it is” this time of year, with the Pendleton Bridge bisecting the lake at its north-south center and separating the two main sections of the fishery.

The results from January 2016 back up his claims. LeBrun finished fifth by flipping bushes up north. Tournament winner Cody Pitt, a local, won the tournament south of the bridge throwing an under-spin with a swimbait trailer and a Strike King 10XD. He fished the backs of ditches and the sides of humps near flats, as well as some deeper wintering areas.

More importantly perhaps than specific fishing conditions this weekend, LeBrun, an FLW Tour rookie this season, encourages BFL anglers to focus on the bigger picture of what’s at stake, starting with the 2019 openers.

“The BFL is a good start for where things can lead. I was a BFL guy who worked his way up,” LeBrun says. “That’s how I cut my teeth. And now I’m living the dream.”


CLEWISTON READIES FOR COSTA FLW SERIES AT LAKE OKEECHOBEE

Courtesy of FLW

CLEWISTON, Fla. (Jan. 22, 2019) – The 2019 Costa Fishing League Worldwide (FLW) Series Southeastern division is set to open next week at Lake Okeechobee, Jan. 31- Feb. 2, with the Costa FLW Series at Lake Okeechobee presented by Power-Pole. Hosted by Roland & Mary Ann Martin’s Marina & Resort and the Hendry County Tourism Development Council, the three-day tournament will feature 500 of the best regional bass-fishing pros and co-anglers casting for a top prize of up to $110,000, including a brand new Ranger Z518L boat with a 200-horsepower Evinrude or Mercury outboard in the pro division.

Water levels are down at Lake Okeechobee – nearly 3-feet low – according to local FLW Tour pro Brandon McMillan of Clewiston, and it has the world-renowned big-bass factory in a bit of a funk.

“The lake is fishing a little tough right now,” McMillan said. “The lake is lower than it has been in the last 4 or 5 years and the problem is that there is very little, if any, clean water right now. The key to this tournament will be figuring out how to catch them in the dirty water.”

With the water clarity being such a big factor, McMillan said he expects moving baits to play a large role for tournament anglers.

“Rat-L-Traps, squarebill crankbaits and ChatterBaits will be the ticket,” he said. “There will be some kind of flipping bite – off the grass reed line, flipping a big jig – but it seems like the more consistent anglers will be in the rim canals, just working down the bank. That being said, it’s always going to be won somewhere in the main lake.”

McMillan predicted that the winner would likely have a three-day total around 50 pounds.

“It’s really hard to give a good weight prediction because the fishing is tough, but it’s Lake Okeechobee and we know that there are giants that live here,” McMillan went on to say. “If a guy can catch one or two of those during the event it will really go a long way. One thing is for sure – someone is going to catch them, and it should be a pretty exciting event.”

Anglers will take off from Roland & Mary Ann Martin’s Marina and Resort, located at 920 E. Del Monte Avenue in Clewiston, at 7 a.m. EST each day. Weigh-ins will also take place at the Resort, and will begin at 3 p.m. each day. All takeoffs and weigh-ins are free to attend 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 Okeechobee, pros will fish for a top prize of up to $110,000 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 FacebookTwitterInstagramYouTube and Snapchat.


"LeBoom!!!"

This week the boys welcome in Sam Rayburn FLW Tour runner-up Nick LeBrun to talk about how he was so consistent when Rayburn wasn't and we get the scoop on his new "LeBoom" Spinnerbait from V&M Lures. All that & the usual shenanigans on the AC insider Podcast!


Niggemeyer Trusts his Boat to Gator Guards

FLW Tour Veteran protects his Ranger with KeelShield

Farmington, IL (January 21, 2019) – It’s our pleasure to welcome FLW Tour Pro James Niggemeyer into the Gator Guards family of American-made marine protection products.

James Niggemeyer, a Ranger Boats and Bass Pro/Cabela’s pro from Van City, TX has long excelled across the spectrum as a professional angler on both the FLW Tour and B.A.S.S circuits. As well as guide on Lake Fork. “James is a great role model for showing that you can take your passion for the water and make it a career. We’re glad to have such a hard working and salt of the earth angler like him on board” says Gator Guards’ Nick Barr.

James has trusted Gator Guards for his boat protection throughout his career. James needs few words to explain why he chose KeelShield®“Simply put my Ranger boat is a tool to help me be more successful on the water.” “I take pride in keeping my boat in great shape for the next owner and Gator Guards provides durable and lasting products like the KeelShield to protect my investment through a rugged season – I certainly wouldn’t start a tournament season without one on my boat.”

 

You can follow James on his Facebook, Instagram, and throughout the FLW Tour season at www.flwfishing.com

 

About Gator Guards:

Gator Guards, a family business from Farmington, IL is celebrating its 25th anniversary protecting all types of watercraft with easy solutions for the everyday boater. With their innovative, durable product line they have become the trusted protection supplier of over 30 boat builders including Triton, Nitro, and Skeeter Boats. All our products are available through Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s (www.BassPro.com).

KeelShield®BowShield®SkegShield®GatorSkinz® – Hitch Guard® – and Gator Patch® are registered products of Gator Guards. For more information on how to protect your boat or kayak visit www.Gator-Guards.com


AC's John Byrne interviews Elite Series Pro Rob Digh

AC's John Byrne catches up with soon to be Elite Series Rookie Rob Digh to discuss Rob fishing the 2018 Elite Series.


Jai Hunter Sr. Wins ABA Open Series on Okeechobee with over 18 pounds for the win and $5500

Courtesy of ABA

 

ATHENS, Ala. – Jai Hunter Sr. of Deland, FL won the Bass Pro Shops Open Series Florida Central tournament, held January 19th on the Lake Okeechobee.  Running out of Roland Martin Marina & Resort in Clewiston, FL the Jai Sr. caught five-bass weighing 18.10-pounds. For the Boater Division victory, Hunter Sr. took home a check for $5500 for his win.

“I was fishing on the north end of the lake today. I found some fish on Wednesday and the fish changed up a little today. It was a later bite. I was flipping a Gambler Fat Ace to isolated pencil reeds. The fish would flurry for 30 minutes then quit for an hour. I didn’t expect to win with 18-pounds, I had a blast,” Hunter Sr. said.

In second for the boaters, Robert Wood of West Palm Beach, FL landed a five-bass tournament limit going 17.12-pounds including a big bass that weighed 7.60-pound.

“I caught my fish junk fishing. I caught the big bass flipping. Another one on a speed worm and the rest on a swim jig. I only had six bites today. I also fished the north end of the lake,” Wood said.

Gary Milicevic of Labelle, FL took third for the boaters with five bass going 16.67-pounds.

“I caught my fish today dragging a Senko. I left fish biting to look for a big fish but I probably should’ve stayed and caught a few more 3 or 4 pounders,” Milicevic said.

Finishing fourth, Joey Roberts of Jensen Beach, FL landed a five-bass limit for 15.83-pounds. James “Doug” Harris of Loxahatchee, FL rounded out the top five boaters with five bass at 15.52-pounds.

In the Co-Angler Division, John Morgan of Miami, FL won with three bass going 13.06-pounds that included an 8.07-pound big bass. He pocketed a check for $1900 for his win and an additional $395 for the big bass award.

“It was a slow bite with cold water temps. I want to thank Razor Baits, I caught them on the Fat Boy Stick. We were fishing the east wall dead-sticking the baits. You had to be precise with the bait placement or they wouldn’t bite. I caught 6-fish and culled 3 today. I’m a saltwater guy and I really enjoyed fishing today,” Morgan said.

Taking second for the co-anglers, Brandon St. Pierre of Lehigh Acres, FL brought in a three-bass division limit weighing 10.02-pounds.

“I caught all my fish today on a speed worm lower in the water column. Just making a lot of casts,” St. Pierre said. “

Roy Gentry of Ft. Lauderdale, FL placed third among the co-anglers with three bass going 9.26-pounds.

“We ran south today. I caught my fish on a Gambler Fat Ace and lost 2 big fish that would have helped me today. This is my first ABA event and I love it,” Gentry said.

In fourth place among the co-anglers, James Opetaia-Williamson of Dunnellon, FL brought in three bass for 8.96-pounds. Cornelius Llewellyn of Plantation, FL finished in fifth place with two bass for 8.74-pounds.

Slated for February 9th, the next tournament will be held on Lake Okeechobee out of Scott Driver Park in Okeechobee, FL. At the end of the season, the best anglers from across the nation advance the 2020 Ray Scott Championship to be held at Lake Hartwell in April 2020.

For more information on this tournament, call Billy Benedetti, tournament manager, at 256-230-5632 or ABA at 256-232-0406. Online, see www.americanbassanglers.com

About the 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.


Sanders & Oliver Win Fisher of Men Georgia South event on Lake Harding with over 19 pounds!

 

 

Place Team Members # Fish Big Fish Gross Penalty Net Wt Points
1 13156 Scott Sanders
Scott Oliver
5 4.99 19.63 0 19.63 200

2 16993 Tyler Morgan
Adam Byrd
5 4.24 16.72 0 16.72 199

3 23617 Jason Mitja
Jamie Wheeler
5 3.15 14.19 0 14.19 148

4 23613 Kris Moore
Wes Stevenson
5 4.42 13.83 0 13.83 197

5 23614 Tony O'Connell
Matt O'Connell
5 4.43 13.78 0 13.78 196

6 8162 Neil Stillwell
Don Duke
5 3.98 13.61 0 13.61 195

7 16994 Charlie Williams
Michael Smith Jr
5 3.71 12.46 0 12.46 194

8 23619 Matthew Peeler
Andrew Wade
5 3.37 12.12 0 12.12 143

9 23121 Richey Bolton
Darryl Adams
5 3.35 11.27 0 11.27 192

10 11730 Espy Odom
Heath Odom
5 4.95 10.86 0 10.86 191

11 22309 John Cook
Bill Boyette
5 5.09 10.19 0 10.19 190

12 23618 martie murphy
Kenny Carroll
5 2.89 9.95 0 9.95 139

13 22317 Lew Richardson
Clint Joyner
5 4.67 9.81 0 9.81 188

14 14404 Ken Jones
Jimmy Wood
5 3.21 8.51 0 8.51 187

15 18395 Jeremy Stevens
Rance Rex Mathis
5 2.79 8.1 0 8.1 186

16 16052 Randy Johnson
Michael Smith Sr.
4 3.47 7.59 0 7.59 185

17 635 John Adams
Robert Stewart
5 0 7.26 0 7.26 184

18 10205 Buddy Whitley
Greg Noles
3 3.44 6.99 0 6.99 183

19 19834 Brandon Carraway
Bo Washam
4 2.65 6.86 0 6.86 182

20 22313 Greg Hallford
Todd Schell
4 2.38 6.86 0 6.86 182

21 23615 Mark Succi
Justin Smallwood
5 0 6.85 0 6.85 180

22 1853 Steve Stewart
Johnny Creel
4 0 6.62 0 6.62 179

23 6492 Hubert Stafford
Steve Holt
5 0 6.59 0 6.59 178

24 641 Jim Pass
Jim Buntin
5 0 5.85 0 5.85 177

25 19830 Zach Ranew
Jacob Livingston
3 3.02 5.52 0 5.52 176

26 22318 Heath Rolling
Rick Jacobs
4 0 5.28 0 5.28 175

27 22513 charles Boyd
David Boyd
3 2.52 5.27 0 5.27 174

28 10204 Clayton Shoupe
Johnathan Sullivan
3 2.26 4.95 0 4.95 173

29 18384 Greg Kropat
Brian Willis
5 0 4.74 0 4.74 172

30 23610 Gene Flournoy
Randy Harris
3 0 3.56 0 3.56 171

31 13134 Alan Butch Jones
Shepherd Sawyer
3 0 3.48 0 3.48 170

32 23608 James Anderson
Joe McChesney
3 0 3.28 0 3.28 169

33 22311 Michael Delk
Ed Adams
2 0 3.01 0 3.01 168

34 22322 Jamie Thomas
Ted Hamilton
2 0 2.51 0 2.51 167

35 22310 Paul Cooper
Michael Smith
2 0 1.98 0 1.98 166

36 16980 Joel Hughes
Dean Robinson
2 0 1.53 0 1.53 165

37 23609 William Buttram
Kirby Rice
1 1.53 1.53 0 1.53 165

38 23612 Michael Howard
Jason Carpenter
1 0 1.52 0 1.52 163

39 11864 Richard Wilson
Debbie Wilson
1 0.94 0.94 0 0.94 162

40 23611 john gray
willie jackson
1 0.77 0.77 0 0.77 161

41 3621 Larry Gardner
David Grace
0 0 0 0 0 160

42 15711 Jeff Mills
Emory Walden
0 0 0 0 0 160

43 15715 Pat McCrackin
Randy Watford
0 0 0 0 0 160

44 16997 Chad Wise
Kevin Watford
0 0 0 0 0 160

45 22484 Charles Hutchinson
Mitchell Hutchinson
0 0 0 0 0 160

46 22514 Michael Dike Jr.
Michael Dike III
0 0 0 0 0 110

47 23616 Allen Gray
Mike Massey
0 0 0 0 0 110

Guetti & Carrilo Win Wild West Bass Trail AZ Team Event on Lake Pleasant with over 14 pounds!

 

 

PLACE BOATER NON-BOATER #FISH BIG WEIGHT WINNINGS PAYOUT
1 Scott Guetti Leo Carrillo 5 3.4 14.28 $5,000 $5,915
2 Michael Perry David Burns 5 4.13 13.08 $2,700 $3,865
3 Laron Porter Creston Carroll 5 0 10.34 $2,100 $2,100
4 Steven Boyce Julius Mazy 5 3.29 9.35 $1,500 $1,500
5 Steven Mack Seth Furmanek 5 0 9.25 $1,100 $1,100
6 Johnny Johnson Napoleon Andrew 5 0 9.23 $1,100 $1,100
7 Jamal Franklin Jeff Zills 5 0 9.09 $1,000 $1,000
8 Josh Ahlvin Ryan Wilson 5 0 8.45 $900 $900
9 Jay Mccandless Dan Zehring 4 3.12 8.12 $900 $900
10 David Stachowski Greg Valenzuela 5 0 8.08 $700 $700
11 Tai Au Daniel Elias 5 0 7.98 $700 $700
12 John Rmsey Justin Ramsey 4 0 7.35 $700 $700
13 Robert Hubler Shane Edgar 5 0 7.16 $600 $600
14 Zack Holwerda Dylan Maxon 5 2.53 7.15 $600 $600
15 James Salazar Sr. James Salazar Jr. 3 2.87 7.08 $600 $600
16 Chris Traver Michael Whitlock 4 2.6 7.05 $600 $600
17 Lyle Dalby Todd Graffa 5 2.28 7.04 $0
18 Thomas Loughran Dan Adams 5 0 6.7 $0
19 Michael Spain Dustin Robinson 3 0 6.13 $0
20 Justin Kerr Gunnar Stanton 5 0 5.94 $0
21 Gerald Kimzey Loren Bryant 3 3.6 5.93 $0 $415
22 Ian Boehm Derek Richards 4 0 5.93 $0
23 Jeff Pfundheller Sterling Pfundheller 5 0 5.85 $0
24 Chris Santana Ian Waite 5 0 5.83 $0
25 Lon Armel Matt Shura 4 0 5.73 $0
26 Matt Rupect Kevin Gross 5 0 5.65 $0
27 Richard Pratt Bruce Pearson 4 2.62 5.62 $0 $100
28 Jim Everette Clint Everette 3 0 5.56 $0
29 Luke Plante Jonny Pelto 5 0 5.42 $0
30 Marc Townsend Robert Kettner 1 5.4 5.4 $0 $415
31 Rich Kereny Dean Kreuzer 3 2.5 5.4 $0
32 Winston Massey Chris Massey 5 0 5.07 $0 $300
33 Derrick Amerson Joe Wheeler 5 0 5.06 $0
34 Jeff Purinton Grant Cooper 2 3.33 4.82 $0
35 Jason Ryan Ethan Ryan 2 3.83 4.72 $0 $415
36 Bobby Lanham Jason Stockon 2 2.58 4.54 $0
37 Murray White Taj White 2 0 4.49 $0
38 Jeffrey Erickson Ben Foster 3 0 4.04 $0
39 Joe Patz Jose Aguilera 3 0 4.02 $0
40 Steve Pike Jim Sullivan 2 0 4.01 $0
41 Jim Sleight Inder Lopez 2 2.56 4 $0
42 James Shaw Marty Lawrence 3 0 3.96 $0
43 Daniel Pecotte Mike Bidak 3 0 3.91 $0
44 Mike Elliot John Browning 2 2.74 3.77 $0
45 Todd Herman Brian Ravelo 2 0 3.49 $0
46 Timothy Roden Kyle Copingger 3 0 3.45 $0
47 Shaffer Pullen Hunter Fattaleh 3 0 3.27 $0
48 Sean Coffey Tommy Jonovich 3 0 3.21 $0
49 Forest Kirchner Alex Ferguson 2 0 3.02 $0
50 Courtney Copley Luke Agazzi 1 0 2.75 $0
51 Buddy Randall Keith Hunsinger 2 0 2.35 $0
52 Steven Bowlin Jack Lewis 2 0 2.26 $0
53 Delaney Dwyer Joe Dwyer 1 0 2.08 $0
54 Kevin Caruso Michael Caruso 1 0 2.06 $0
55 Richard Witt Max Hernandez 3 0 2.05 $0
56 Robert O'donnel Cody O'donell 1 0 2.04 $0
57 Tim Price Rick Barushok 1 0 1.72 $0
58 Robert Morales Damian Morales 1 0 1.48 $0
59 Jim Hawkes Tom Edwards 1 0 1.32 $0
60 James Howard Bobby Hamner 1 0 1.29 $0
61 Jordan Schwartzkopf Stephen Byrum 1 0 1.19 $0
62 Aaron Reese Tj Roach 1 0 1.19 $0
63 Scott Edwards Alex Palumbo 1 0 1.1 $0
64 Robert Ostercap Jordan Evekson 1 0 1.07 $0
65 Larry Holona Olivia Holona 1 0 0.88 $0
66 Nick Teschler Alan Tuberville 1 0 0.87 $0
67 Michael Tafoya Matt Adamson 0 0 0.01 $0
68 John Whaley Ron Bowman 0 0 0.01 $0
69 David Foreman Danny Clark 0 0 0.01 $0
70 Ryan Higgins Gunner Higgins 0 0 0.01 $0
71 Clifford Kinnney Jeremy Ruiz 0 0 0.01 $0
72 Stephen Price Brian Price 0 0 0.01 $0
73 Chad Davis Lance Cathcart 0 0 0.01 $0
74 Bruce Johnson Mack Johnson 0 0 0.01 $0
75 Tommy Lamanna Sam Lamanna 0 0 0.01 $0
76 Fred Krumsiek John Montoya 0 0 0.01 $0
77 Cliff Pirch Reese Randall 0 0 0.01 $0
78 Josh Petrucci Justin Patti 0 0 0.01 $0
79 Paul Matthews Nick Susuras 0 0 0.01 $0
80 Brian Senter Jessica O'quain 0 0 0.01 $0
81 Josh Selga Brad Smith 0 0 0.01 $0
82 Jerry Brown Joaquin Chavez 0 0 0.01 $0

Meeks & Short win Best Bass Coastal Division Opener on Nacimiento with 11.53 pound limit

 

Place Angler Angler Total Fish Big Fish Total Weight Winnings
1 Damon Meeks Jay Short 5 2.75 11.53 $1,920.00
2 Graham Grove Brandon Colombo 5 2.68 11.07 $1,080.00
3 John C Zillig Jr Erik M Zillig 5 3.23 9.77 $1,000.00
4 William Welle Miguel R Frias 5 3.00 9.69 $635.00
5 Matt Clausen Cory Woods 5 2.55 9.12 $360.00
6 Jason V Lazzerini Geno K Lazzerini 5 2.05 8.73 $215.00
7 Travis A Woolf Garett A Manion 4 2.89 7.64 $195.00
8 Sam James Jerry Rouse 5 0.00 7.45 $0.00
9 Jeremy Monn Jacob L Dilger 3 3.10 7.17 $220.00
10 Harlin L Gibson Mark Snow 4 2.29 6.70 $0.00
11 Lori C Hollister Mark C Scribner 5 2.33 6.70 $0.00
12 Brian Duncan Meade Hedricks 5 2.28 5.92 $0.00
13 Bryan Botts Rebecca Botts 3 2.50 5.65 $0.00
14 James B Keeney Tom Ryan 5 0.00 5.12 $0.00
15 Todd M Langston Margaret Langston 4 0.00 4.85 $0.00
16 Jay Rich Terry D Rawles 2 2.84 4.80 $0.00
17 Mike J Pierce Sean Morales 4 1.61 4.30 $0.00
18 Justin Johns Ray Gutierrez 2 2.19 3.67 $0.00
19 Tim Sharpe Tj Sharpe 2 0.00 3.38 $0.00
20 Peter Manfrina Chris Hawk 1 0.00 2.58 $0.00
21 Barry Gardner Sheldon Waters 2 0.00 2.30 $0.00
22 Dan Dostal Danny Conatser 2 0.00 2.27 $0.00
23 Jeremy D Hightower Joey Baldacchino 1 0.00 2.06 $0.00
24 Tom B Johnson Hannah M Johnson 1 0.00 1.57 $0.00
25 Hyon An Jon Mohnike 1 1.54 1.54 $0.00
26 Daniel R Tracy Sr Jason Maynard 1 0.00 1.46 $0.00
27 Dustin Selck Suzanne Musson 1 1.05 1.05 $0.00
28 Brad Samaniego Chad Samaniego 0 0.00 0.00 $0.00
28 Ron Morrison Derek Morrison 0 0.00 0.00 $0.00
28 Charlie Barrios Dan Barrios 0 0.00 0.00 $0.00
28 Randy Wallis Mike Hummel 0 0.00 0.00 $0.00
28 Michael Cardinalli Chaz E Johnson 0 0.00 0.00 $0.00
28 Darin Ferguson John Flynn 0 0.00 0.00 $0.00
28 Will Duncan Robert L Duncan 0 0.00 0.00 $0.00
28 Harry Delore Brad Austin 0 0.00 0.00 $0.00
28 Anthony Carroll John Phillips 0 0.00 0.00 $0.00
28 James Hall Rebecca Hall 0 0.00 0.00 $0.00

Ostrander & Heil Win Best Bass Mother Lode Opener on Don Pedro with over 18 pounds!

 

Place Angler Angler Total Fish Big Fish Total Weight Winnings
1 Christian Ostrander Ronnie Heil 5 7.10 18.51 $2,715.00
2 Anthony Pimentel Norval A Pimentel 5 5.68 16.35 $1,730.00
3 Bryan L Kane Heath C Lane 5 6.50 15.03 $1,090.00
4 Matthew P Ludwig Jacob Schmidt 5 7.78 14.72 $1,105.00
5 Bryan Cox Kevin Davidson 5 4.25 14.59 $440.00
6 Reece Wells 5 0.00 14.46 $255.00
7 Stephen Magill Chris A Lienau 5 4.35 14.09 $215.00
8 Mike Newton Steve Nincioni 5 3.59 13.74 $200.00
9 Brian Payne Jeremiah Payne 5 4.28 13.55 $180.00
10 Matthew L Hudson Casey R Taylor 5 2.73 13.03 $170.00
11 Don Hendrix Roger Cummings 5 0.00 12.34 $150.00
12 Gary Baldwin Rick Leal 5 4.77 12.15 $0.00
13 Mike Callahan Mike D Freudenthal 5 3.41 11.56 $0.00
14 Don Longton John Myers 5 2.66 11.35 $0.00
15 Jim Giancola Cindy Silacci 5 3.51 10.92 $0.00
16 Jeff D Frey Tyler D Frey 5 0.00 10.82 $0.00
17 Dalton A Tyler Jack Lightsey 5 4.02 10.81 $0.00
18 Douglas B Goodman Paul D Goodman 5 2.92 10.79 $0.00
19 Bruce Able William J Hartlett 5 0.00 10.66 $0.00
20 Al Karam Art Romero 5 2.41 10.41 $0.00
21 Sean Kimble Mario Marroquin 5 0.00 10.33 $0.00
22 John L Simpson Reynold H Hysell 5 0.00 9.94 $0.00
23 Daniel J McAlister Pat Ammerman 5 2.43 9.88 $0.00
24 Butch Bray Jeff S Whited 5 0.00 9.85 $0.00
25 Richard A Hamilton Jacob A Vigna 5 0.00 9.69 $0.00
26 Cody W Robinson Sean A Robinson 5 0.00 9.63 $0.00
26 Billy Davis Russ Trapp 5 0.00 9.63 $0.00
28 Bill K Goodman Mike P Goodman 5 0.00 9.61 $0.00
29 John R Scott Roger D Lockhart 5 2.69 9.40 $0.00
30 Don Bays Darren Urban 5 0.00 9.29 $0.00
30 Rich Ingram Ron Ingram 5 0.00 9.29 $0.00
31 Bryan Coy Mike Brossard 5 0.00 9.23 $0.00
31 Raul V Barajas 5 0.00 9.23 $0.00
34 Jeff Hobbs Keith McGraw 5 0.00 9.21 $100.00
35 Jeff Tonnesen Pat M Vaughn 5 0.00 9.14 $0.00
36 Scott Parsons Doug Naruo 5 2.92 9.13 $0.00
37 Ryan Accardo Larry Accardo 5 0.00 9.02 $0.00
37 Jim Griffin Angel C Delarosa 5 0.00 9.02 $0.00
39 Richard J Rodriguez Jr Timothy Ybarra 5 0.00 8.73 $0.00
40 Brian Orange Mike Martinez 5 0.00 8.67 $0.00
41 Richard Stephens Troy Duke 5 0.00 8.60 $0.00
42 Dan Byker Wilton Harvey 5 2.32 8.49 $0.00
43 Ryan Orozco Michael S Bryant II 5 0.00 8.23 $0.00
44 Gabriel S Cardenas 5 2.92 8.18 $0.00
45 Chris Peters Darryl Peters 5 0.00 8.11 $0.00
46 Robert Singleton 5 0.00 7.87 $0.00
47 Dustin Robinson Ali Robinson 5 0.00 7.83 $0.00
48 Ray Keenom Joanne Keenom 5 0.00 7.75 $0.00
49 Mike Ludwig Eric Peterson 5 0.00 7.67 $0.00
50 Tom Gomez Joey A Verna Jr 5 0.00 7.42 $0.00
51 Jeff Amstutz Sara Amstutz 5 0.00 6.95 $0.00
52 Albert L Anderson Jr Jared K Anderson 5 0.00 6.57 $0.00
53 Troy H Nakai Bryce M Nakai 5 0.00 6.48 $0.00
54 Troy Thomas Shad E Sullivan 5 0.00 6.25 $0.00
55 Billy Redding Austin J Harden 4 0.00 5.29 $0.00
56 Sean M Dryden Dane Christensen 3 0.00 5.20 $0.00
57 Kerry C Langley Anne Langley 2 0.00 2.87 $0.00
58 Chris Ward Jeff Short 0 0.00 0.00 $0.00
58 Pete A Rodriguez Manuel Martins 0 0.00 0.00 $0.00
58 Robert Mansor Brandon Silvey 0 0.00 0.00 $0.00

TXTT RESCHEDULES SEASON OPENER DUE TO RAYBURN’S HIGH WATER

Courtesy of Texas Team Trail
We’re replacing high water with high hopes; as a prudent and proactive decision by Texas Team Trail management postpones the season opener on Sam Rayburn from the original February 2 competition date and reschedules it to May 10.
With heavy winter rains swelling this Angelina River impoundment to near record levels — over 10 feet above normal pool of 164.40 feet — the impacts have become increasingly dramatic. Proving this point, a video shot the morning of Jan. 19 shows wind-driven waves breaking onto the 147 Bridge, which crosses the lake’s upper end. At normal lake levels, the bridge has approximately 12-14 feet of clearance.
Moreover, still-rising water has closed the majority of Rayburn boat launches and created significant navigational dangers with floating logs and debris displaced by the high water. Angler safety has always been Priority 1 for the Texas Team Trail, so management carefully considered all relevant details of the current situation and determined that avoiding potentially hazardous conditions was the right decision.
“We know how much our fishermen love to compete and we are firmly committed to giving them top-notch competitive opportunities, but we place a much higher priority on angler safety,” said TXTT Tournament Director Mike Hastings. “Considering the risks anglers could experience during practice, as well as the originally-scheduled event, we realized that the responsible decision was to reschedule the event.”
SEASONAL SHAKEUP
By comparison, mid-January, 2018 found Rayburn at 161.64, about 13 feet below its early 2019 level. Hemphill, Texas competitor and Rayburn guide Stephen Johnston agrees with the postponement and notes that the volume of water currently bulging in this East Texas lake surpasses anything he ever thought he’d encounter.
“It’s unbelievable; I’ve been here fishing full-time since 1989 and I’ve never seen anything like this,” he said. “There’s (usually) not that much water that runs into Rayburn; it’s just one of those freak years.”
As far as the high water’s impacts on traditional seasonal patterns, Johnston says current conditions have thoroughly shuffled the deck. One of the biggest considerations he points to is the high water’s impact on Rayburn’s grass.
“This past summer and fall, the hydrilla was just unbelievable. Some of the areas were 12-16 feet on the outside edge with big, green hydrilla. The lake’s still clear right now, but once they (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers) start releasing the water, that muddy water that will come out of the rivers and the creeks is really going to have a big effect on the hydrilla. You need sunlight for that grass to grow, but there’s so much water on top of it and I’m afraid that in the next couple of weeks to a month, it’s really going to put a hammer on that grass.”
TOURNAMENT DETAILS
Rescheduling the Feb. 2 event to May 10 enables the Texas Trail to provide two regular- season events on Rayburn. Typically, regular-season events are held on Saturdays, but the rescheduled event takes place on a Friday. The next regular season event immediately follows on Saturday, May 11. Official practice day for both will be Thursday, May 9.
These back-to-back tournaments will be conducted as separate events, each with its own entries, weigh-ins and prize purses. Both events will include nationally televised coverage on CBS Sports, Pursuit, FOX Sports Southwest, World Fishing network and others, including several streaming platforms including Outdoor Action. Additionally, extra incentives and schedule updates will be announced shortly.
With postspawn, shad spawn and early summer patterns possibly unfolding in May, the rescheduled event brings great promise for awesome Rayburn Fishing. Water levels should be significantly lower by then and this lake’s big bass bounty will likely be on full display.
"This change allows us to complete our schedule as close as possibleto the original plan, without having to hold an event on Mothers Day, but still host our championship on Lake Belton in June,” Hastings said. “There’s no simple solution when rescheduling events on a lake as popular as Sam Rayburn, but we believe we have a plan that will make the most of the challenging circumstances Mother Nature has presented.
“In the end, we felt this was the best solution possible for fulfilling all commitments without moving events all the way into November or December. Blending our profound concern for angler safety with consideration for travel costs and time requirements was not easy, but we’re confident that this was the right call.”

Mark Smith wins Media Bass LA North Individual Derby with over 15 pounds on Lake Claiborne

2nd Place - Chad Posey
3rd Place - Jeff Gregory
Jason Williams - Big Bass 5.13lbs

 

Place Angler Hometown # Bass Pounds Winnings Points
1 Mark Smith West Monroe 5 15.31 $1,000.00 165.31
2 Chad Posey Choudrant 3 11.09 $425.00 160.09
3 Jeff Gregory Marion 4 10.67 $300.00 158.67
4 Heath Crocker Calhoun 3 9.21 $225.00 156.21
5 Matt Jones Sterlington 4 8.33 $148.00 154.33
6 Jacob Hearne Choudrant 3 8.04   153.04
7 Greg Terzia * Ruston 4 6.89   150.89
8 Kenny Covington West Monroe 5 6.04   149.04
9 Jason Williams Libson 2 5.82   147.82
10 Scotty Herron West Monroe 2 4.30   145.30
11 Nick Sylvestri Monroe 3 4.04   144.04
12 Luke Herring Farmerville 2 3.79   142.79
13 Teddy Walthall Magnolia 2 2.61   140.61
14 Bonz Goyne Sterlington 2 2.25   139.25
15 Jimmy Wright JR Ruston 1 2.07   138.07
16 Jon Richardson Ruston 1 1.56   136.56
17 James Wooten Bastrop 1 1.45   135.45
18 Justin Webb Calhoun 1 1.39   134.39
19 Zachary Johnston Sterlington 1 1.36   133.36
20 Todd Eppinette Downsville 1 1.08   132.08
21 Kevin Jennings Calhoun 1 1.03   131.03
22 Stacy Little Calhoun 0 0.00   64.50
22 Sontus Mitchell Ruston 0 0.00   64.50
22 Allen Anders Sterlington 0 0.00   64.50
22 Chris Patton Farmerville 0 0.00   64.50
22 Ivan Diags Ruston 0 0.00   64.50
22 Greg Liner Simsboro 0 0.00   64.50
             
Place Little League Angler Hometown # Bass Pounds Winnings
1 Bradley Herring Farmerville 2 4.01 Reel
2 Cameron Spence Monroe 2 3.07 $20.00
3 Isaac Richardson Ruston 1 2.67 $10.00
         

Lusby & Rainwater Win Media Bass Team event on Lake Chicot with over 17 pounds!

 

        2nd Place - Dakotah Pennington & Ben Bryan
3rd Place - Jonathon Brockwell & Steven Cash
Big Bass - 4.68 - Billy Burchfield & Tony Harris

 

Place Angler 1 Angler 2 # Bass Pounds Winnings Points
1 Calvin Lusby Joe Rainwater 5 17.42 $2,000.00 167.42
2 Dakotah Pennington Ben Bryan 5 16.54 $700.00 165.54
3 Jonathan Brockwell Steven Cash 5 15.43 $414.00 163.43
4 Jeff Marks Chris Watkins 5 15.21 $250.00 162.21
5 Josh Burroughs Derek Davis 5 15.16 $180.00 161.16
6 Chris Clement Greg Duke 5 14.94   159.94
7 JR Grubb * Frank Fulmer * 5 13.26   157.26
8 Jon Craven Josh Tittle 5 11.59   154.59
9 William Hatton Ronnie Atkins 4 11.36   153.36
10 Brandon Dixon Tyler Rhodes 4 10.64   151.64
11 Jeff Gregory Matt Jones 3 9.42   149.42
12 Timothy Powell Cole Cantrell 3 8.76   147.76
13 Caleb Lane Brandon Lyon 3 8.66   146.66
14 Scott Pennington Ken McDonald 4 8.51   145.51
15 Rob Bland Matt Shepherd 3 7.52   143.52
16 Mike Pirtle Ernie Heckford 3 7.33   142.33
17 Rusty Linares Patrick Chapman 2 5.66   139.66
18 Billy Burchfield Tony Harris 1 4.68   137.68
19 Jimmy Farrar Grady Rinehart 1 4.61   136.61
20 Robert Adkins David Cameron 2 4.45   135.45
21 John Tilbury Tanner Caldwell 1 4.15   134.15
22 Zachary Oden Trevor Rodgers 1 3.29   132.29
23 Daryl Stapp Jeff Patterson 1 2.04   130.04
24 Raymond Cheek Michael Coolman 0 0.00   63.50
24 Robert Rush Bruce Johnston 0 0.00   63.50
24 AJ Morgan Gary Roberts 0 0.00   63.50
24 Timothy Comans Ralph Comans ll 0 0.00   63.50
24 Raymond Mosley Jesse Mosley 0 0.00   63.50
24 Justin Young Beaver Smith 0 0.00   63.50
             
Place Big Bass     Pounds Winnings
1 Billy Burchfield Tony Harris   4.68 $250.00
2 Jimmy Farrar Grady Rinehart   4.61 $0.00

Cold Front Could Have Major Impact On Bassmaster Eastern Open At Harris Chain

Courtesy of BASS

 

LEESBURG, Fla. — There’s a reason Florida-strain largemouth are stocked in major fisheries from Texas to California — their massive growth potential. But on the downside, these green monsters are a bit soft when it comes to cold weather, a truth that may impact the course of events during the Basspro.com Bassmaster Eastern Open at Harris Chain of Lakes.

Competition days will be Thursday through Saturday, with daily takeoffs at 7 a.m. ET from Venetian Gardens and weigh-ins Thursday and Friday at Ski Beach Park at 3 p.m. Saturday’s weigh-in will take place at the Bass Pro Shops in Orlando at 4 p.m.

With more than 75,000 combined acres, the Harris Chain offers a diverse array of habitat from offshore grass, humps and holes to shallow hydrilla, cattails, docks, wood and bridges. Spawning areas are plentiful, but South Carolina pro Jason Williamson is not looking for a lot of bed-fishing opportunities. Reason being, a major cold front making its way through the Eastern United States could send Central Florida air temperatures to below freezing during its Sunday or Monday arrival.

“It’s going to be warm by tournament time, but it’s not going to be a warming trend leading up to the event; it’s actually going to be an event starting on the tail end of a cold front,” said Williamson, who is also a regular on the Bassmaster Elite Series. “My outlook is that there are going to be a lot of big fish caught — it’s Florida, it’s the Harris Chain — but I don’t know if it’s going to warm up quickly enough to bring sight fishing into play.”

The area is expected to quickly recover, with daytime highs reaching the upper 70s again by Wednesday. The key, however, will be how quickly water temperatures regain what the front steals.

If Florida bass don’t have at least upper 50s — preferably 60-plus — they won’t be spawning.

“I think it will be a prespawn tournament,” Williamson said. “I’m sure some of the fish have already spawned, but the guy who finds the prespawn females that are fattened up and ready to go is the guy that’s going to weigh in a 30-pound bag and that’s going to carry him all the way to the final day.

“A lot of guys are going to have (smaller bags), but in Florida, you gotta get a big bite. I love to sight fish there, but I just don’t think it’s going to warm up enough for a bunch of fish to make a major move.”

Ultimately, Williamson says he believes the event will be won offshore by focusing on deeper grass with bait schools present. Intentionally snagging and ripping crankbaits or bladed jigs through the vegetation usually triggers reaction bites from staging prespawn bass, while dragging a lizard or creature bait on a long-leader Carolina rig will also deliver.

“If the weather were to stay warm, I think it would allow all the guys to compete by fishing shallow,” he said. “But in my opinion, the cold front will give the locals a little bit of an advantage by knowing where the offshore shell beds and isolated clumps of hydrilla are.”

The Harris Chain’s sheer vastness can be overwhelming, but Elite Series angler Chad Pipkens of Michigan says he’ll approach his first visit with a strategy focused on time management. He’s fared well in past Elite Series events in Florida, so he’s bringing the same disciplined game plan to this tournament.

“Florida is all about finding an area,” Pipkens said. “Those fish move up and down so much throughout the day, it’s not a place where you run and gun. It’s a place where you need to find your area, mill around and change with the conditions.

“My plan is to see which areas can funnel fish in to spawn and then pay attention to the details in front of those areas — the offshore grass lines, points and humps. I don’t want to have to run from one lake to another to another, but I’d like to find an area or two with the right habitat.”

Pipkens expects a jerkbait and bladed jig to produce, but he’ll also keep a topwater bait handy in case the late-week warmup spurs a surface bite. Elsewhere, pitching a stickbait and swimming a worm will handle his shallower searches.


Bass Champs Postpones East Region Sam Rayburn Event due to Flooding

*URGENT NOTICE**

January Amistad and Rayburn events have been rescheduled.
details below

1:   Due to expected high winds the 1/19 Amistad event has been rescheduled
to Saturday, June 1st on Lake Amistad, Diablo East ramp.

2: Due to extreme flooding the 1/26 Sam Rayburn event has been rescheduled
to Saturday, July 13th on Lake Sam Rayburn at the Umphrey Pavilion.

 

 

https://anglerschannel.com/tournaments/bass-champs-east-region-rayburn-january-26-2019/

 


Hunter Freeman - "I'm Ready for Round 2..."

On the Inaugural episode of the AnglersChannel Rookie Podcast, Host Jason Duran talks with FLW Tour Rookie Hunter Freeman about his debut as a Professional Angler. They talk the good, the bad and the ugly as Hunter puts Rayburn behind him and puts his focus towards the Sunshine State and Lake Toho for Stop #2


MLF BPT Anglers Competing for $100,000 Paycheck with no Entry Fees

Courtesy of Major League Fishing

By Mason Prince - January 17, 2019

TULSA, Okla.— When the first winner in MLF Bass Pro Tour history is decided Feb. 3 in Kissimmee, Florida at the league’s inaugural event, that angler will leave Toho Marina with both a first-of-its-kind trophy and a $100,000 payday.

Payout structure for the MLF Bass Pro Tour was approved by a majority vote of the league’s 80 anglers – a process that was historic in its own right. A handful of different payout structures were discussed, but the anglers ultimately decided on a pay schedule that awarded $100,000 to the winner of Bass Pro Tour events, and heavily weighted the Top 10 instead of distributing more money down below the Top 40.

“It’s special for that guy when he holds up a six-figure payday for winning,” said MLF veteran Ott DeFoe. “When you see the winner of the first event hold up a check for first place it’s going to be the same thing you see on other leagues. Major League Fishing was very open to hearing possible restructures of the payout.

“The way it was restructured, it really put the emphasis on the Bass Pro Tour where all 80 guys fish all season long. That’s what the majority of the guys wanted.”

Building around a no-entry system
One of the key factors in the payout structure was the elimination of entry fees. For the first time in 80 anglers’ careers, they didn’t have to pay a sizable entry fee to compete, something that MLF co-founder Gary Klein points to as a historical moment.

“Never in the history of this sport have any of us as professional anglers, been able to compete on a circuit without paying an entry fee,” Klein expressed. “(MLF) is still paying back $5.9 million to the anglers, with no entry fees. That just goes to show the power of the group, and that our league is angler-driven.”

Randy Howell – a 23-year pro – is a big fan of the new way the Bass Pro Tour payout is constructed.

“It’s revolutionary honestly,” Howell explained. “It’s never been done (before), and we’ve never had this opportunity in all of professional fishing. It’s always been the norm to hustle and scrape together $48,000 in entry fees to try and pay up front before you even made a cast.

“What’s so great about this set-up is that the anglers are kind of in control of their own destiny. We’re all working together for that common goal, which is to save each other money and to help us all make each other money.”


Megaware KeelGuard Signs "Worldwide" Watson to MLF Angling Team

OGDEN, Utah (Jan. 17, 2019) - Megaware KeelGuard, a global leader in innovative boat protection products for more than 25 years, announces the signing of Major League Fishing (MLF) Bass Pro Tour angler James "Worldwide" Watson to its pro team.
The Missouri-based angler has been a quick-

Bass Pro Tour angler James "Worldwide" Watson

rising star in bass fishing circles since going pro in 2010. His fishing successes - including three FLW Cups, one Bassmaster Classic and three wins among B.A.S.S., FLW and MLF events - and his entertaining personality have made him well known and a crowd favorite everywhere tournaments take him.

"James is a highly likeable guy that is simply an angler's angler," said Megaware KeelGuard's Tori Reed. "People can really relate to him because he's fun to watch, tells it like it is and has the kind of do-it-yourself common sense approach to everything he does. That makes him a great fit for representing our company and our lineup of DIY products."

It was Megaware KeelGuard that in 1992 introduced the way for boat owners to buy a self-application keel guard to address one of boating's most common encounters - damage to the keel.

"You know, I don't think these guys picked me because I tear my boats up, but rather because I take care of them," Watson said. "I'm thrilled with the association since they are the innovators of so many great and practical products to keep boats looking good and on top of the water where you always want your boat to be. It's also cool that I'll get to rub elbows with the KeelGuard folks at MLF events; they're as good as they're products."

Megaware's keel protectors have earned their places on watercraft of all kinds and sizes, including Coast Guard fleets. They come in several different colors and sizes to fit a wide range of boat lengths, and custom sizes are also available.

In 2016, the company developed a similar protective product for pontoons to protect sides of their aluminum tubes against scrapes by docks and other obstacles.

SkegGuard and SkegPro are additional products in the lineup, but are designed to protect a motor's most vulnerable-to-underwater-hazards parts, the skeg, and can even repair or replace a broken skeg.

The FlexStep Pro, an adjustable trailer step, is one of Megaware's newest products. The lightweight and easy-to-install accessory makes it easier and safer for anglers to get in and out of a boat on its trailer.On Watson's boat is the original Hamby's keel protector. Hamby's is part of the Megaware family of brands and is a popular professionally-installed choice of many tournament bass anglers across the country.

 Megaware KeelGuard invented a way for boat owners to protect their watercraft against the  common problem of keel damage with a protective product that can be applied by marine dealers and do-it-your-selfers.  (Click to enlarge/download)

"I don't know if it's my Army training or the fact that I've always had a 'take care of my equipment' attitude, but I can assure you'll always find Megaware KeelGuard products on my boats whether sponsored or not because they're the best on the market at protecting my 'office,'" Watson said about his boat.

Megaware KeelGuard is also one of MLF's longest-running sponsors.

"We've always liked the MLF format and for us to be involved with them is good for our company and the many retailers who carry our products," said Megaware KeelGuard President David Shumway. "James will be a good guy for fans to root for during the new Bass Pro Tour events and we're pleased to have him flying our colors."

For more information on Megaware products, visit www.keelguard.com.

For more information on James Watson, follow him on Facebook and Instagram.


Costa Sunglasses® Celebrated 35th Anniversary with 35 Beach Cleanups in 2018

Daytona Beach, Fla. – January 17, 2019 – In honor of its 35th Anniversary, Costa Sunglasses partnered with Surfrider Foundation to host beach cleanups in 35 locations throughout the U.S. The beach cleanups were a huge success thanks to everyone who participated and played a role in Costa's ongoing commitment to the health of our oceans and waterways.

The 35 beach cleanups took place between September 15 (International Coastal Cleanup Day) and December 22, 2018 with thousands of volunteers joining us to help Kick Plastic.

Here's a look at the impact of Costa's 35th Anniversary beach cleanup initiative:

  • Beaches: 35
  • Participants: 3,976
  • Pounds of trash removed: 7,698

For additional details or questions, visit CostaSunglasses.com
 
Thank you for your ongoing commitment to kicking plastic once and for all!

About Costa
As the leading manufacturer of the world's clearest polarized performance sunglasses, Costa offers superior lens technology and unparalleled fit and durability. Still handcrafted today in Florida, Costa has created the highest quality, best performing sunglasses and prescription sunglasses (Rx) for outdoor enthusiasts since 1983. Born on the water, Costa works hard to protect the waters it calls home. Through programs like its Kick Plastic campaign, where the brand seeks to raise awareness about the growing plastic pollution problem threatening oceans worldwide, to serving as a long-term partner to shark research organization OCEARCH, Costa encourages people to help protect the Earth’s natural resources in any way they can. Find out more on Costa’s website and join the conversation on FacebookInstagram or Twitter at @CostaSunglasses.


2 Wins in 2 Weeks for Strike King and Lew’s

Courtesy of Strike King/Lews

Collierville, Tenn. (Jan 17, 2019) – From the swollen shores of Lake Amistad to the near record high water levels at Sam Rayburn, Strike King pro Ray Hanselman and Lew’s pros Terry Bolton showed an unconventional way to victory, despite the high water. Both anglers stayed away from the flooded conditions and fished deep diving crankbaits on outside hydrilla lines for their victories. The age old theory that “bass rise with the rising water” wasn’t the case in the first two events of the season.

 

After years of guiding on Lake Amistad, Strike King pro Ray Hanselman proved he knew a thing or two about fluctuating water levels in route to a dominating win at the FLW Costa event held on Lake Amistad. Hanselman relied on a couple of techniques from drop shotting to deep cranking, with deep cranking being the main technique that earned him the win. Hanselman turned to a Strike King staple for his cranking efforts; the Strike King Pro Model 5XD. The 5XD dives about 15 foot deep on 10 pound line and that was exactly how Hanselman fished it. The top of the grass sat about 15 foot under the water and the 5XD would “tick” the top of the grass perfectly to entice a strike. Hanselman targeted isolated clumps of grass, instead of areas that had acres of submerged hydrilla like his competitors did. Beyond the technique, he also pointed out that color was key to his success. The 5XD comes in a wide variety of colors from Sexy Shad to Chili Craw, but Hanselman went with a subtler approach using the transparent color called Crystal Shad. He chose Crystal Shad because the water tends to be more clear at Amistad and the fish can see brighter colors from further away. The transparent color makes the fish react better when it comes by their face and is ripped out of the grass. Given the swollen water levels and the deep grass, Hanselman figured out that his best chance for a back-to-back win on Amistad would be fishing the deep hydrilla and he executed his game plan perfectly.

 

Known as one of the best deep water fishermen on the Tennessee River, National Lew’s pro Terry Bolton bested a field of some of the best pro’s in the country at the first FLW Tour event of the season on Sam Rayburn with a total weight of 91 pounds 3 ounces. Just like Hanselman at Amistad, Bolton scoured the inside and outside grass lines of Sam Rayburn with a deep diving crankbait. Sam Rayburn was nearing record high water levels throughout the event, leaving the majority of the lakes famed hydrilla much deeper than many had ever seen it. Typically, on Rayburn the outside hydrilla line is around 8-12 foot of water, but with the swollen lake levels the outside line ranged from 18-26 foot deep. Bolton believed that the best chance of the winning was fishing the hydrilla and figured out his two pronged approach early on in practice. Focusing on the Harvey Creek area of the lake, which is known to produce some of the biggest bass on Sam Rayburn, Bolton targeted the inside edge of the grass with a 10 ft range crankbait and 14 ft range crankbait in a red color. Beyond the crankbaits, Bolton relied heavily on his Team Lew’s Custom Pro Ledge Cranking Rod and paired it with a Lew’s BB1. When cranking grass in cold dirty water, slower always seems to work better. Bolton chose the BB1 for two reasons; 1: The casting distance on the BB1 is unmatched. In some cases, the BB1 can outcast competitor’s reels by 15 to 25 yards with a deep diving crankbait. 2: The BB1 comes in a 5.1:1 gear ratio, which allows you to slow your crankbait down to “snail’s pace” and helps you trigger bites from fish that aren’t really interested in eating. When fishing the outside hydrilla lines, Bolton used the same Lew’s rod and reel combo that he turned to for the medium running crankbaits but opted for a 16 ft range crankbait in chartreuse with a blue back. Bolton fished the deeper diving crankbait in sparse grass on the outside line and needed to make contact with the grass to trigger a strike.

 

Despite rising water levels and two totally different fisheries, Amistad and Rayburn fished quite similar. Has the age old question do “bass rise with rising water” been debunked? Regardless if it’s right or wrong, both Hanselman and Bolton proved that sometimes fish stay deeper with rising water than many would expect.

 


MotorMate announces 2019 partnership with Timmy Horton Outdoors

January 17, 2019, FORT WAYNE, INDIANA - MotorMate is proud to announce another year of partnership with Timmy Horton Outdoors, one of the most popular outdoor programming shows on television.
MotorMate's 2019 partnership will include sponsor recognition in several episodes throughout the season, as well as several THO 365 spots. THO 365 spots are short clips of Tim highlighting fishing techniques, strategies and products to assist the audience in becoming better anglers. THO 365 spots are released weekly across YouTube, other social media sites and the Timmy Horton Outdoors website.
"Tim is one of the most recognized and respected anglers on the professional tournament series, and we are thrilled to be a part of THO again in 2019," said Jon Aichele of MotorMate. "His passion for and dedication to the sport inspires us to at MotorMate - and makes his program the perfect fit for us and our customers."
Since becoming the first angler to win both BASS Angler of the Year and Rookie of the Year in 2000, Tim has established himself as one of the most accomplished anglers on tour, qualifying for 11 BASSmaster Classics, a five-time BASSmaster champion, and current record holder of the Major League Fishing single day catch of 88 pounds 10 ounces.
Timmy Horton Outdoors began in 2013 and quickly became one of the highest-rated outdoor programming shows in the nation, a spot it has held to date. The show airs weekly Pursuit Channel, and World Fishing Network. To learn more, visit timmyhortonoutdoors.com.
MotorMate is made in the USA using marine-grade, high-quality stainless steel components and has high-impact nylon end caps. MotorMate has a lifetime warranty and is available online at MotorMateUSA.com or through its growing dealer and retail network, which now includes more than 250 locations throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Visit MotorMateUSA.com to view the entire MotorMate lineup, locate the nearest dealer, order online and determine which MotorMate product is the right fit for individual motors.
###

Evinrude becomes MLF BPT Sponsor

TULSA, Okla. (Jan. 17, 2019) - Major League Fishing (MLF) announced today that legendary boat engine manufacturer Evinrude has signed on as a sponsor of the new 2019 MLF Bass Pro Tour, and will be the title sponsor of one of the series' Stages in 2019.
The partnership is especially fitting because it brings together an iconic name that originated 110 years ago with one of bass fishing's hottest engines today in MLF. The two share a focus on innovation that is mutually driven by the common desire to ensure the long-term health of the sport.
Evinrude's E-TEC G2 direct injection engines are turning props and anglers' heads with their super efficiency, greater torque and stylish good looks. The 110-year old engine manufacturer is also an MLF Bass Pro Tour sponsor for its debut 2019 tournament season. (Click to enlarge/download)
"There is great synergy in this teaming," said MLF President and CEO Jim Wilburn. "Despite the disparity in age, Evinrude and MLF are a lot alike in how we got our starts from forward-thinking individuals and how each has continued to evolve since. The last three or four years have been a blur as our respective companies have worked feverishly to further enhance the angler experience and bring more participants into the sport."
"We are very excited to partner with the MLF Bass Pro Tour for its first season," said Tracy Crocker, president of the BRP Marine Group and senior vice president and general manager of Evinrude. "Professional bass fishing tournaments are an exciting way to attract new boaters to our industry, which is why we sponsor so many Bass Pro Tour anglers and the tournament itself. In addition to attracting new boaters, we are excited for the chance to help current anglers improve their technique. That's why this year we will be launching the First Fish Moment during all MLF livestreams and shows."
The First Fish Moment will highlight the best moments during the Bass Pro Tour that show anglers properly landing a bass, even under less than ideal conditions. Anglers competing on the MLF circuit are all about protecting their catch and being aware of how to do so effectively is very important. Evinrude launched the First Fish Moment to echo its core values of protecting the environment for future boaters to enjoy. Team Evinrude anglers are all equipped with the cleanest burning outboard on the market - the Evinrude E-TEC G2.
Evinrude's sponsorship includes 30-second commercials and graphic billboards in Bass Pro Tour television programming, and a brand presence among the tour's in-show and on-site opportunities, and MLF NOW!, the free live stream program that will deliver seven hours of real-time coverage during each competition day on www.MajorLeagueFishing.com.
The 80-angler MLF Bass Pro Tour field includes Bassmaster Classic champions, FLW Forrest Wood Cup winners, Anglers of the Year and top tour performers from throughout the world of competitive bass fishing. The 2019 Bass Pro Tour season opens Jan. 29 in Kissimmee, Fla. The tour concludes with a championship event in August.
Each Bass Pro Tour event will result in a two-hour television show that will air on Discovery Channel in the fourth quarter of 2019, and then repeat on Sportsman Channel in first and second quarters 2020.
MLF also has programming on Outdoor Channel, World Fishing Network, CBS, CBS Sports Network and Discovery Channel, and all episodes are available on-demand on
MyOutdoorTV (MOTV).

GRIGSBY EMPLOYS FUSION TECHNIQUE FOR TOUGH BITES

By David A. Brown

Football heads and swimbaits — both common bass tools, but they’re typically stated as separate techniques. However, for bass fishing legend Shaw Grigsby the two make one dynamite duo.

Specifically, the pro from Gainesville, Fla. pairs a Strike King Rage Swimmer swimbait with a Strike King Tour Grade Football Shaky Head. He may use an 1/8-, 1/4- or 3/8-ounce model depending on water depth; but regardless of the size needed for a given scenario, Grigsby knows he can count on a few key benefits.

“That football head allows you to fish your bait really slow, so you can get down in the bottom and dig up those shell bars, ticking the bottom and creating a commotion, but still have that swimming shad looking body,” Grigsby said. “But the football head design prevents your bait from rolling over. It holds your bait stable and keeps that hook upright so you pin almost every one of them in the top of the mouth — and it doesn’t get hung that much.”

Bottom line: Grigsby’s rig presents the ideal package for slow rolling a swimbait along the bottom with maximum contact and minimal snagging risk.

Another benefit: Line size diversity. No longer are you limited to stout line with swimbaits. So when shallow water, clear conditions or any tough-bite scenario calls for a lighter approach, Grigsby’s deal opens the door to opportunity.

“This is a great way to fish with an exposed hook on lighter line,”Grigsby said. “A lot of times, we want to use light line, yet the weighted hooks that we’d normally put in a swimbait are generally pretty heavy hooks; so you can’t really get a bigger hook to penetrate on lighter line.

“This a great way to use 10-, 12- or 15-pound line and be able to have great success.”

 

 

WHEN & WHERE

Spring prespawners feeding up for their upcoming reproductive session are prime targets for Grigsby’s football head/swimbait technique. Fall fish also dig this presentation, especially when their chasing shad in the backs of pockets. Come summertime, Grigsby’s definitely going to show this to fish lounging on the ledges and drops.

“This also excels greatly in smallmouth waters; they choke this thing,” he said. “They’re notorious for just slamming and running, but this gets them because of the exposed hook.

LOW AND SLOW

Now, if fishing swimbaits on football heads sounds novel, Grigsby points out that the bigger fish tend to come on slower swimbait presentations. His technique lines up well with a proven strategy — he just has a unique delivery method.

“It’s not (only) a speed thing; it’s an injured baitfish look,” Grigsby said. “That football head allows you to make some really slow presentations and catch some really big fish.”

 

TACKLE FOR THE TASK

Noting that he’ll try to match his swimbait size to local forage with Strike King’s 2.75-, 3.25-, 3.75-, or 4.75-inch Rage Swimmer, Grigsby said he likes a 7:1 reel for this presentation. And that’s not because he’s burning the bait; rather, it’s a more measured retrieve with occasional spurts for effect.

Grigsby typically spools with 12- or 15-pound Seaguar fluorocarbon. For shallower scenarios, he’d go with a one of the smaller heads, or bump up his line size for more resistance and slower fall.

In closing, Grisby advises against confusing this presentation with traditional football jigs and/or swimbait rigging. Blending these two worlds yields and incredibly productive presentation; but one requiring a different mindset.

“Don’t really horse them because the shaky head has a smaller hook and it penetrates really easy,” Grigsby said of the proper bite response. “I usually throw this bait on a long rod with a medium to medium-heavy action. I don’t want anything that’s too stiff; I just want a rod that can load up and then you just pull into them and take your time fighting them.”


James Agerton wins ABA AFT D41 Event on the Tensaw River

Courtesy of ABA

 

January 12, 2019 - Mobile, AL.  Twenty anglers launched from the Causeway near Mobile, AL due but when the scales closed James Agerton from Saraland, AL took the victory with five-fish weighing in at 8.79-pounds.  For the win, Agerton took home $543 in prize money.

Second amongst the competitors was Dennis Prickett with five-fish that locked in the scales at 6.87-pounds. For his efforts, he took home $329 in prize money.

Third place was claimed by Michael Hardin with three-fish and a total weight of 6.00-pounds.  For his efforts, he took home $108.

The Biggest Bass of the tournament was caught by James Agerton.  His fish locked in the scales at 3.21-pounds earning him $100 in prize money.

The launch site was changed from Live Oak Landing near Stockton to the Causeway due to river flooding.  Flooding made the fishing conditions difficult.

Top five finishers:

1st James Agerton 8.79-lbs
2nd Dennis Prickett 6.87-Lbs
3rd Michael Hardin 6.00-lbs
4th Dennis Griffith 5.58-lbs
5th Craig Hamilton 4.85-lbs

The next tournament in this division will take place on February 23, 2019.

For more information on this event or division please contact local director Barry Woodward 251-423-0753 or visit www.americanbassanglers.com

The Bass Pro Shops Fishing Tour offers low cost, close to home bass tournaments that are designed for the weekend angler. All anglers fish for money and points. The points advance the angler to their divisional championship and the top 500 anglers in the US are invited to the Bass Pro Shops Fishing Tour National Championship for this fall on Lake Eufaula, AL.


Stalnaker Takes ABA Win on Oconee

Courtesy of ABA

Brad Stalnaker of Eatonton, Ga took the win on January 12, 2019, for the Bass Pro Shops Fishing Tour  D72 tournament held on Lake Oconee.  Brad brought his five-fish limit totaling 19.13 pounds to the scale to take home $735 cash and a first place trophy.  He said he caught his fish flipping.  Brad anchored his sack with a 4.82 pounder.

Kip Carter of Mansfield, Ga was the only other angler of the 35 total fishermen to bring in a limit.  Kip took second place with a scale weight of 13.85 pounds to win cash of $461 and a trophy.  Kip likes to use a crankbait.

Danny Taylor of Buckhead, Ga was flipping a jig on a dock when he caught a lunker weighing 6.01 pounds!  Danny won the trophy for Big Bass, and $175 cash for the optional big bass pot.

The lake was very muddy from all the recent rain, and the water temperature was about 50 degrees. It was a cloudy day that started off cold in the 30's at blast off from Sugar Creek Marina, and only reached the low 40's by weigh-in at three o'clock. Conditions were tough for most of the 35 anglers, but everyone earned points, and all fish that were caught were released alive.

Congratulations to the Top Ten:

1st Brad Stalnaker 19.13-lbs
2nd Kip Carter 13.85-lbs
3rd Swinton Sikes 10.24-lbs
4th Sean Capes 9.63-lbs
5th David Lowery 9.31-lbs
6th Kim Carver 9.07-lbs
7th Lee Harrison 7.01-lbs
8th Chris Nelson 6.72-lbs
9th Danny Taylor 6.01-lbs
10th Derek Johnson 5.86-lbs

After the awarding of trophies and cash payouts, there were drawings for the anglers present.  A $50 Sugar Creek Marina gift card was won by Joshua Parrish, and two $50 bills were won by Anthony Widener and Joey Dobbs.  A T-H Marine trolling motor handle was won by Adam Wicks, and James Golden won an 8 ounce bottle of G-Juice. Thanks to Danny Taylor  for assisting with morning boat checks, and weighing fish  in the afternoon.

The next tournament for D72 will be January 26, 2019, on Lake Sinclair going out of Dennis Station DNR ramp .
Please contact Director Benny Howell at 770-365-4795 for more information.


FLW Marshall Timmy Beight Wins $2500 in Rayburn Opener

Courtesy of FLWfishing.com

 

The biggest tournament check Timmy Beight has ever earned didn’t require him to catch a bass or even make a cast.

Beight, an electrician from Katy, Texas, won $2,500 through the FLW Tour Marshal program at Sam Rayburn Reservoir last week because the combined weight of the pros he was paired with – Jordan Osborne on day one and Terry Bolton on day two – was highest among all marshals by a hefty margin of almost 18 pounds. Osborne’s day-one weight of 25 pounds, 1 ounce was impressive, but Beight got a big bump from Bolton’s 33-9 megabag on day two.

Watching Bolton put together the tournament’s best performance is something Beight (shown above with Bolton) will likely never forget.

“To be honest, when Terry caught that 10-pounder and he had 33 pounds, I had tears in my eyes,” Beight recalls. “He’s an awesome dude. He was about emotionless until he got up on the stage that last day. I think I had more emotions going than he did.”

 

As a local tournament anger, Beight says he’s been interested in marshaling for a major tournament for a while. He’s glad he finally got into the boat to enjoy the experience.

“I’ll tell you what, Jordan was fishing in one little spot the size of a picnic table, so we didn’t move. Then, when I got with Terry on the second day, he had his 33 pounds by noon, and he said, ‘Well, we’re gonna ride around and look for some new area.’ He taught me more in that three hours than I’ve probably learned in 10 years,” says Beight. “I loved everything about it, to be honest. I’m making plans to go to the one in Oklahoma [Grand Lake].”

Beight says winning money was the least of his concerns at Rayburn, but he’s certainly pleased with the paycheck. The marshal payout extended down to 10th place.

 

Marshal prizewinners

1. Timmy Beight – Katy, Texas – 58-10 – $2,500

2. Brandon Hefner – Flint, Texas – 40-13 – $1,000

3. Joseph Czekala – Homer Glen, Ill. – 40-3 – $750

4. Bryan Rennell – Montgomery, Texas – 37-12 – $500

5. Bryan Landers – College Station, Texas – 37-10 – $250

6. Ronnie Ray Jr. – McKinney, Texas – 37-5 – $100

7. Kent Abernathy – Gladewater, Texas – 36-11 – $100

8. Phil Smith – Orange, Texas – 36-8 – $100

9. Josh Rushing – Point Lookout, Mo. – 35-3 – $100

10. Jon Hawke – Lufkin, Texas – 34-15 – $100

 

Want to be a marshal?

FLW fielded a full roster of 170 marshals at Sam Rayburn. Thank you to all who participated. If you’d like to learn more about becoming a marshal, please call 270.252.1000, or visit flwfishing.com/marshals. Openings are available for the upcoming event at Lake Toho.


Bass Champs Amistad event postponed due to forecasted in climate weather and high winds

From BASS Champs

 

**URGENT NOTICE**
Due to forecast of winds Up to 50 mph for this Saturday (1/19) the event on Amistad has been rescheduled to Saturday, June 1st on Lake Amistad, Diablo East ramp.

Our first event of the South region will now kick-off at Lake Falcon, February 23rd.
The Sam Rayburn event next weekend has not been changed as of today.
However, if there are any changes that need to be made, we will notify anglers
immediately via our eNewsletter, facebook, Texas Fishing Forum, & text subscribers.

AC Insider Podcast - Breaking Down the Rayburn FLW Slugfest!

This week the Boys welcome in Ranger / Lew's Pro Terry Bolton to the show to breakdown his recent $125,000 win on a swollen Lake Sam Rayburn for his first ever FLW Tour Win. Terry also talks Humminbird & Minn Kota equipment and how it helped him catch over 91 pounds of fish in 4 days. We also talk News & Notes, Progressive Bass Wrap up and More!


Nominations Now Open For 2019 Class Of Bassmaster High School All-Americans

Jan. 14, 2019

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — B.A.S.S. is seeking nominations for the best and brightest high school bass anglers in the country.

The Bassmaster High School All-American Fishing Team recognizes the 12 most outstanding high school anglers in the nation. The program is designed to reward young athletes for their performance in tournaments, leadership in their communities and involvement in conservation efforts.

Applications for the team, which is now in its fifth year, will be accepted today through Feb. 8.

To be considered, a student must be nominated by a parent, coach, teacher or other school official. Students currently enrolled in grades 10 through 12 with a current grade point average of 2.5 or higher are eligible.

Judges will select up to two student anglers in each state. These All-State Fishing Team members will become semifinalists in the selection of the 12-member All-American Team. Criteria include success in high school fishing tournaments and involvement in conservation efforts and other community service activities.

The anglers chosen will compete in a one-day Bassmaster High School All-American fishing event to be held in conjunction with the 2019 Toyota Bassmaster Texas Fest benefiting Texas Parks and Wildlife Department — one of nine regular-season Bassmaster Elite Series tournaments being held this year. Elite Series anglers will serve as “coaches” for the student anglers in the one-day fishing event near Emory, Texas. The high school standouts and Elite Series coaches will be honored before the weigh-in crowd.

“The applicants for our High School All-American program continue to amaze me with their dedication to the sport, as well as academic excellence and community involvement,” said Hank Weldon, senior manager of the Bassmaster High School program. “We’re very proud to offer a platform that recognizes successful student athletes on their many accomplishments, and we can’t wait to see what this 2019 class of anglers has in store.”

All students who compete in high school fishing events are eligible, regardless of whether they are affiliated with B.A.S.S. or another fishing organization.

Notices have been sent to youth fishing directors of the B.A.S.S. Nation and other organizations, as well as leaders of state high school fishing programs. Adults can nominate students by filling out an online form at Bassmaster.com/allamerican. Nominations must be submitted before midnight on Feb. 8.


Cast your cold water crankbaits with spinning tackle

Courtesy of Alan McGuckin / Dynamic Sponsorships

Bass fishing’s funniest man, Gerald Swindle, said it best on the Classic weigh-in stage a couple years ago. “I’m headed for a hot shower. I’ve been standing in a cold wind all day casting a Rapala Shad Rap, which is about like trying to cast a potato chip in a hurricane.”

If you know Swindle, you know that a Shad Rap might very well be his favorite cold water lure. But if you’ve ever tried to throw the legendary balsa bait, or a suspending jerkbait, on baitcasting equipment, especially when the wind is more than a whisper, you may find yourself cussing under your breath, or heck, possibly even out loud.

I’ve been there and done that more than I’d like to admit, and amid a recent bout of maddening backlash based frustration I flashed-back to 25 years ago, when I first learned to throw suspending jerkbaits for cold water bass – on spinning tackle.

Yes, believe it or not, the best anglers in the Ozark Mountain region who helped make these wintertime baits famous, used spinning tackle in nearly equal proportion to baitcasting equipment. And then, for whatever reason, spinning sticks and ‘egg beater’ reels seem to fall out of winter fashion.

And that’s unfortunate; because spinning tackle truly offers a multitude of performance-based reasons to be paired with your favorite cold-water treble hook laden lures.

Basic physics favor spinning tackle for lighter lures

With lighter lures like a Shad Rap, it’s tough to generate enough momentum on a baitcasting reel’s spool to spin sufficiently. So in turn, the friction slows the lure’s launch through the air. And by the time the spool finally does get up to speed, the momentum in the lure is too low, and the result is often a backlash.

 

Longer casts, and fewer backlashes

 The positive result of pairing lighter balsa baits and jerkbaits with spinning tackle is simple, you’ll get far fewer backlashes, plus, much longer casts. And longer casts help increase your catching success, not only by allowing these diving lures to stay in the strike zone longer, but also to spook fish less in the clear cold waters where these visually oriented lures work best.

 

Upsize your spinning reels

 Size 25 and 30 are the most popular spinning reel sizes for bass anglers, but legendary pros like Kevin VanDam nearly always use a size 40 spinning reel.

Why? Back to that physics class we spoke of a minute ago.  Larger spools provide even less friction as the line leaves during the cast. Plus, you’re able to pick up more line with each turn of the handle during the retrieve while fighting that 5-pounder.

Fully capable of fighting big fish

Finally, speaking of 5-pounders, don’t ever believe you can’t fight big fish on spinning tackle. As proof, Bass Fishing Hall of Fame member Shaw Grigsby has lost count of the bass over 5-pounds he’s landed on spinning tackle, and the number of freight train tugging smallmouth caught on spinning tackle annually is staggering.

The key is to make sure you’re using a quality reel with the drag set just loose enough to allow big fish some tugging room. Pair it with a 6’ 10” to 7’ medium action rod with plenty of tip. A rod of this length and action will provide added launch momentum on the cast, and necessary amounts of forgiveness, so as not to tear hooks free from the mouths of big fish.

Lastly, take your time and be patient during the fight, but by all means, don’t be afraid of spinning tackle. Instead, embrace its advantages. Spool up a size 30 or 40 reel with 8 or 10 pound line, tie it to your favorite cold water crankbait, and let ‘er rip, Tater Chip. 


Adrian College Anglers Win Ranger Cup University Team of the Year Challenge

Adrian College anglers Jack Hippe (left) and Nick Czajka (right) display their winning check from the Ranger Cup University Challenge at Fayette County Lake, Texas. 
 

Collegiate anglers take home $2,000 and other prizes in winner-take-all challenge

   

FLIPPIN, Ark. (January 14, 2019) - Jack Hippe and Nick Czajka, collegiate anglers from Adrian College, won the Ranger Cup University Team of the Year Challenge in a winner-take-all, made-for-TV event on Texas' Fayette County Reservoir, a power plant lake located in south central Texas. The tournament, which utilized a rules format where all legal fish are weighed and released from the boat, pitted the Adrian College anglers against a team from Bethel University - two of the biggest schools in the sport today.

Hippe and Czajka qualified for the expense-paid competition by being the highest placed Ranger Cup University qualified team in the FLW College Fishing National Championship. The duo topped Bethel University anglers Cole Floyd and Carter McNeil, who qualified for the event by winning the BoatUS Collegiate Bass Fishing Championship presented by Cabela's.

Both teams faced the challenge of landing as many legal fish (over 14 inches) as possible in a single day to take the title. The teams went into the event with only one hour of pre-fishing right before the start of the competition.
Coming from Michigan, where Adrian College is currently covered in ice and snow, the anglers had to quickly adjust to the warm weather and warm water conditions of the power plant lake.
"I have only fished a power plant lake once, and that was in July," said Hippe. "It was something that was totally different for us completely. Fishing in Texas and how the body of water played out. Near 80-degree water temperatures in January were something that neither of us were accustomed to by any means."
"We spent a lot of time looking at maps and planned spending a fair amount of time out deep," said Hippe. "We had one hour to go around and look at the lake and realized the water was a lot warmer than we had expected. We went to the bank and covered as much water as we could. We got lucky and found a few fish."
The team started their day just a few hundred yards from the launch, targeting the fish found during their previous hour on the lake.
"I started in the morning throwing a jig to the edges of the cattails while Nick threw a buzzbait," said Hippe. "There for a minute, I picked up a Chatterbait, which I caught four or five fish.
The team started fast by boating a key fish early in the morning - a 5-pound, 4-ounce, largemouth on a black buzzbait. With an early lead, Hippe and Czajka leaned heavily on flipping into the cattails to strengthen their lead.
"We were catching them up in cattails," said Hippe. "We can across a handful of beds but didn't see any locked on per se. Once it got high sun, they pulled in tight to those cattails."
Going shallow to pitch jigs in the cattails proved critical to taking the title, as the anglers from Bethel opted to fish deep early in the morning, which put them behind from the start. The Bethel anglers matched the Adrian anglers for most of the day, but the early deficit was too much to overcome. In all, Hippe and Czajka boated approximately 87 pounds to take the title of Ranger Cup University Team of the Year.
"We are super stoked," said Hippe. "We were so excited. To be able to win that event was fantastic and so cool for us."
As part of the competition, both teams fished from brand new, fully rigged Ranger Z519's powered by Yamaha 225 SHO outboards.
"Nick and I are both very aggressive anglers," said Hippe. "We both like to fish up front and we were able to comfortably fish next to each other all day. The storage is great too. It was awesome to have all that space to keep everything organized. We brought 35 rods and packed them all in there."
With this win, the team took home won $2,000 as well as bragging rights for their university. For competing in the challenge, both participating teams received a grand-prize package that included travel, lodging and meals.
The made-for-TV fish off will be televised nationally on future episodes of "Americana Outdoors" and the "Cabela's Collegiate Bass Fishing Series."
Modeled after Ranger Cup, the most lucrative contingency rewards in the industry, Ranger Cup University is the first program designed exclusively for collegiate anglers and is open to those fishing in either FLW- or BoatUS-affiliated competitions. Signup is free, regardless of which brand of boat the anglers own. To remain qualified in the program, anglers need only adhere to clothing and logo requirements. As part of the Ranger Cup University program, participants will be able to receive specially discounted tournament gear through Gemini Custom Apparel, with no artwork or set-up fees. Through this partnership, Ranger Cup University anglers can purchase fully customized tournament jerseys for as low as $48.
For complete program guidelines and details on Ranger Cup University, including payout, clothing requirements and informational videos, go online to www.rangercup.com.

‘Big Bass. Big Stage. Big Dreams.’ 

Jan. 14, 2019

Courtesy of BASS Communications

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — It’s T-minus 24 days and counting to the launch of one of the most momentous seasons in the history of professional bass fishing. With the biggest bass on the biggest stage in the sport, the 2019 Bassmaster Elite Series is making dreams reality.

“I’m really excited,” said Elite angler Bill Lowen of Brookville, Ind. “I’ve been in the Elite Series for 12 years, and today I feel just like I did right before my very first season. I can only imagine how exciting this has to be for the new guys over what I feel is fixing to take place.”

What is “fixing” to take place is a 10-event series of tournaments on some of the best big-bass lakes in the nation. The trail features a smaller field, bigger payouts per angler, lower entry fees and more media coverage than ever in the 14-year history of the nation’s premier bass fishing circuit.

Elite No. 1 gets underway Thursday, Feb. 7, on the St. Johns River at Palatka, Fla. — a storied fishery where, three years ago, four-time Bassmaster Classic champion Rick Clunn won his 15th B.A.S.S. competition at age 69. Clunn’s tournament heroics included a five-bass limit weighing 31 pounds, 7 ounces. The St. Johns River is also where Florida-native Cliff Prince landed the largest bass in Elite Series competition since 2016, weighing 10 pounds, 8 ounces.

Monstrous catches like that are part of the reason B.A.S.S. and the Elite anglers have adopted the mantra, “Big Bass. Big Stage. Big Dreams.” to describe the Elite Series in 2019.

Big Bass

“We’re visiting some of the hottest fisheries at the best times this year to catch the biggest bass,” said B.A.S.S. CEO Bruce Akin.  “If you want to talk ‘Big Bass’, this is the tried-and-true tournament format that rewards anglers who have the skill to catch the heaviest five-bass limits each day. We can’t wait to see what our anglers bring to the scales from the waters of places like the St. Johns River, Lake Guntersville, Lake Fork and the St. Lawrence River.”

Big Stage

With more than 130,000 fans attending Elite events on average the past five years and the unparalleled media exposure for the Bassmaster Elite Series, B.A.S.S. continues, by far, to be the “Big Stage” in professional fishing. Bass fishing’s digital flagship, Bassmaster.com, averages 1.8 million page views on competition days, while Bassmaster LIVE in Elite events (excluding the Classic) reach more than 2.2 million fans. In addition, the 2019 Elite Series will include 214 hours of television coverage on ESPN networks and the Pursuit Channel, reach millions of readers of Bassmaster and B.A.S.S. Times magazines, and receive extensive coverage by independent media nationwide.

Elite angler Chris Zaldain said media coverage already has been remarkable. “I was averaging one major interview per day leading up to the Christmas break,” he said. “My social media following has been growing every single day. Fishing fans will have a lot to see and digest this year.”

Big Dreams

Part of the buzz is attributed to the new field size, with 75 anglers now competing on the Elite Series. The lineup includes 40 Elite anglers returning from the 2018 season joined by a mix of top-ranked Basspro.com Bassmaster Opens anglers, former Elite Series anglers and a handful of accomplished pros from other circuits. Five new international anglers from three continents also add a new element to the competition.

Akin added, “For many, if not all of them, this season fulfills a lifelong dream. At least six of the new Elite anglers worked their way up from our grass-roots program, the B.A.S.S. Nation, and 15 out of the 75 are former standouts on their college fishing teams who clawed their way to the pinnacle of professional fishing through the Bassmaster Opens.”

Elite angler Matt Herren says he’s pleased to see the “new blood” in the Elite Series.  “I’m really looking forward to it. I’m really excited about the year. There are a lot of fresh faces and fresh attitudes — positive attitudes — among the anglers. The fans are positive, too. I looked around Lake Lanier and the St. Johns River a couple of days before the cutoff, and the folks I ran into in both areas are really looking forward to us coming to their areas.”

A two-time tournament champion and four-time Classic qualifier, Zaldain is impressed with the newcomers’ fishing skills, as well.

“I’m waiting for that one tournament finish where someone says, ‘Oh, the competition is diluted,’” he said. “It’s not diluted. It’s just as fierce as it has been. Maybe we’ve never heard of some of these guys, but a quarter of the way through this season, the fishing community is going to know who these guys are. They’re no slouches, and there won’t be any ‘gimmes.’”

Adding to the thrill of the approaching season is the knowledge that 40 of the 75 Elite anglers will qualify for the 2020 Bassmaster Classic, the 50th edition of what is inarguably the Super Bowl of Bass Fishing.

Lowen, a nine-time Classic qualifier, said he is motivated to return to the world championship.

“As a kid growing up, all I wanted was to fish the Classic,” he said. “That’s where you want to be. It’s the biggest stage there is.”

For more information and to follow the 2019 Bassmaster Elite Series action, visit Bassmaster.com.

2019 Bassmaster Elite Series Schedule

Event                                                    Fishery                        City                              Dates
Elite No. 1                                             St. Johns River             Palatka, Fla.                Feb 7-10
Elite No. 2                                             Lake Lanier                  Gwinnett, Ga.             Feb 14-17
Elite No. 3                                             Lake Hartwell             Anderson, S.C.            April 4-7
Elite No. 4                                             Winyah Bay                 Georgetown, S.C.        April 11-14
Toyota Bassmaster Texas Fest              Lake Fork                     Emory, Texas              May 2-6
Elite No.6                                              Fort Gibson Lake         Tahlequah, Okla.         May 16-19
Elite No. 7                                             Lake Guntersville        Scottsboro, Ala.          June 21-24
Elite No. 8                                             St. Lawrence River      Waddington, N.Y.       Aug. 15-18
Elite No. 9                                             Cayuga Lake                Union Springs, N.Y.     Aug 22-25
Toyota Bassmaster AOY Championship                                   TBA

About B.A.S.S.
B.A.S.S. is the worldwide authority on bass fishing and keeper of the culture of the sport. With more than 510,000 members internationally, B.A.S.S. is not only home to the nation’s premier fishing tournament trails, but it also boasts the most expansive and comprehensive media network in the fishing industry. Its media include The Bassmasters on the ESPN networks, more than 130 hours of tournament programming on the Pursuit Channel, 250 hours of on-the-water streaming coverage on Bassmaster LIVE and 1 million monthly visitors to the flagship website on bass fishing – Bassmaster.com. B.A.S.S. also provides more than 4.4 million readers with the best in bass fishing coverage through Bassmaster and B.A.S.S. Times, and its radio and social media programs and events reach hundreds of thousands each month.


KENTUCKY’S BOLTON WINS FLW TOUR AT SAM RAYBURN RESERVOIR

Courtesy of FLW

 

23-Year FLW Tour Veteran Earns First FLW Tour Win of Career, Earns $125,000

BROOKELAND, Texas (Jan. 14, 2019) – After fishing the FLW Tour for 23 years, competing in his 168th career event, Rapala pro Terry Bolton of Benton, Kentucky, finally got it done. Bolton earned his first career victory in a dramatic final-day weigh-in Monday at the FLW Tour at Sam Rayburn Reservoir presented by Polaris after bringing a five-bass limit totaling 17 pounds, 6 ounces to the scale. Bolton’s four-day total of 20 bass weighing 91-3 earned him the victory by a 12-ounce margin over second-place pro Nick LeBrun of Bossier City, Louisiana, and the $125,000 first-place prize.

“This is pretty big for me,” said Bolton, a 13-time FLW Cup qualifier. “I was going to retire at the end of last year, but my wife talked me into coming back. I didn’t think that I’d ever see this moment and today, it finally happened. This is only 30 years in the making right here.”

Bolton caught most of his fish throughout the event – including his entire 33-pound, 9-ounce Day Two limit – in an area that he described as a drain or void in a grassline. He said the key for him was working his crankbaits at different depths around the grasslines.

“I threw a Rapala DT10 (demon), DT14 (demon) and DT16 (Caribbean shad) to make sure that I could hit the different depths,” Bolton said. “I had one drain that was really special that I found at 3:30 on the last day of practice. I idled across it and saw them all on the depth finder, made two casts and caught a 6-pounder and a 2½-pounder. I left right away and didn’t really know what was there.

“I caught 20 pounds, 10 ounces there the first day and left it at 12:30,” Bolton continued. “Then, I pulled in the next day and got up to 27-28 pounds and was going to leave but I was afraid that a local boat would get in there. I decided to stay and then, lo and behold, I catch the 9-8 and end up weighing in 33 pounds. I don’t know if you call it dumb luck or a good decision, but staying there Friday is what won me this tournament.”

Bolton said that he also mixed in a chartreuse and white-colored ¾-ounce Accent Lures spinnerbait with double-willow blades to catch a couple of keepers throughout the week. He credited his 7-foot, 11-inch Lew’s rod paired with a Lew’s BB1 Pro reel as being crucial to his success.

“That Lew’s crankbait rod and reel combo is truly the best on the planet,” Bolton said. “The key for me was definitely the crankbaits. I had to put the bait just above them in order to get bit.”

The top 10 pros on Sam Rayburn Reservoir finished:

1st:          Rapala pro Terry Bolton, Benton, Ky., 20 bass, 91-3

2nd:         Nick LeBrun, Bossier City, La., 20 bass, 90-7

3rd:         Bryan Thrift, Shelby, N.C., 15 bass, 88-13

4th:         Chad Warren, Sand Springs, Okla., 20 bass, 83-13

5th:         Evinrude pro Jim Tutt, Longview, Texas, 20 bass, 78-7

6th:         Colby Schrumpf, Highland, Ill., 20 bass, 70-7
7th:         Jordan Osborne, Longview, Texas, 20 bass, 67-10

8th:         Tom Redington, Royse City, Texas, 20 bass, 67-10
9th:         Sam George, Athens, Ala., 15 bass, 67-10

10th:       Charles Sim, Nepean, Ontario, Canada, 19 bass, 60-2

Complete results for the entire field can be found at FLWFishing.com.

Overall there were 49 bass weighing 160 pounds, 6 ounces caught by pros Monday. Nine of the final 10 pros weighed in five-bass limits.

Television coverage of the FLW Tour at Sam Rayburn Reservoir presented by Polaris will premiere on the World Fishing Network (WFN) in 2019. The exact air-date will be announced soon. The Emmy-nominated "FLW" television show airs each Saturday night at 7 p.m. EST and is broadcast to more than 63 million cable, satellite and telecommunications households in the U.S., Canada and the Caribbean on the WFN, the leading entertainment destination and digital resource for anglers throughout North America. FLW television is also distributed internationally to FLW partner countries, including Canada, China, Italy, Korea, Mexico, Portugal, Spain and South Africa.

The total purse for the FLW Tour at Sam Rayburn Reservoir presented by Polaris was more than $860,000, including $9,000 through 65thplace in the Pro Division. The tournament was hosted by the Jasper County Development District. The next event for FLW Tour anglers will be the FLW Tour at Lake Toho presented by Ranger Boats, in Kissimmee, Florida, Feb. 7-10. The tournament will be hosted Experience Kissimmee and the Kissimmee Sports Commission.

In FLW Tour competition, the full field of 170 pro anglers competed in the two-day opening round Thursday and Friday. The top 30 pros based on their two-day accumulated weight advanced to fish on Saturday. Competition was postponed on Sunday due to inclement weather, so the top 10 pros continued the competition Monday, with the winner determined by the heaviest accumulated weight from the four days of competition.

For complete details and updated information visit FLWFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow the sport’s top anglers on the FLW Tour on FLW’s social media outlets at FacebookTwitterInstagramYouTube and Snapchat.


Ford & Lynch win Texas Tournament Zone Opener with 16.93 limit on Lake Travis


Zieska & Eddings Win Best Bass Opener on Lake McClure with over 14 pounds!

Courtesy of Best Bass Tournament Trails

https://youtu.be/RFT0t58Oxsk

 

Place Angler Angler Total Fish Big Fish Total Weight Winnings
1 Brent Zieska Jeff Eddings 5 5.19 14.29 $2,525.00
2 Kevin Nunes Scott Taylor 5 3.32 13.23 $1,380.00
3 Kirk R Marshall Will Wyman 5 2.71 11.75 $765.00
4 Richard A Hamilton Jacob A Vigna 5 0.00 11.61 $560.00
5 Bryan Coy Mike Brossard 5 2.79 11.01 $405.00
6 Brian S Burton Kari Burton 5 3.11 10.91 $245.00
7 Garrett Bradshaw Josh Gonzales 5 2.61 10.68 $210.00
8 Brian Orange Mike Martinez 5 3.79 10.67 $740.00
9 Reece Wells Orlindo F Diaz Jr 5 0.00 10.56 $180.00
10 Jeffrey R Horn Dave Sarginson 5 2.38 10.44 $0.00
11 Brian Herman Jeremy Nagy 5 2.48 9.72 $0.00
12 Pete A Rodriguez Manuel Martins 5 2.43 9.64 $0.00
13 Dennis E Papike Jeff W Barnes 5 2.66 9.60 $0.00
14 Randy S Whited Michael D Gaston 5 2.25 9.49 $0.00
15 Chris Peters Darryl Peters 5 3.03 9.37 $0.00
15 Carey Edwards Jeremy Edwards 5 2.24 9.37 $0.00
17 Jeff Amstutz Sara Amstutz 5 2.17 9.20 $0.00
18 Scott Parsons Doug Naruo 5 0.00 8.95 $0.00
19 Michael P Soriano Blanca Inez Soriano 5 2.57 8.83 $0.00
20 Jason Sanchez Joshua Sanchez 5 2.03 8.74 $100.00
21 Rick S Whited Chad M Whited 5 0.00 8.60 $0.00
22 Mike Van Guilder Justin Steelman 5 0.00 8.32 $0.00
23 Joey A Verna Jr Rodney Regert 5 2.50 8.27 $0.00
24 John J Whitacre John C Whitacre 5 2.63 8.14 $0.00
25 Marlan D Huebert Tim J Penner 5 1.93 8.09 $0.00
26 Dale Mchaley Carrie Mchaley 5 0.00 8.07 $0.00
27 Al Karam Art Romero 5 0.00 7.99 $0.00
28 Angel Nava Moises C Martinez 5 0.00 7.98 $0.00
29 Lee Miller Jim Miller 5 2.39 7.97 $0.00
29 Bill Alves Jr Mark Lucas 5 0.00 7.97 $0.00
31 Douglas B Goodman Shawn A Carmo 5 0.00 7.87 $0.00
32 Billy Davis Claudio M Silva Jr 5 2.44 7.69 $0.00
33 David A Oneal Derek Gray 5 0.00 7.61 $0.00
34 Don Bays Darren Urban 5 2.05 7.56 $0.00
35 Steve D Miller Sr Jaydee Watson 5 0.00 7.52 $0.00
36 Dustin Robinson Ali Robinson 5 0.00 7.50 $0.00
37 Garth Jantz Derek Jantz 5 2.24 7.40 $0.00
38 Lori C Hollister Mark C Scribner 5 0.00 7.38 $0.00
38 Shad E Sullivan Troy Thomas 5 0.00 7.38 $0.00
40 Mike Hummel Randy Wallis 5 0.00 7.37 $0.00
41 James Miller Jamie Miller 5 1.76 7.35 $0.00
42 Ray Keenom Joanne Keenom 5 1.88 7.31 $0.00
43 Jacob D Souza Ryan W Malm 5 0.00 7.04 $0.00
44 Travis N Schaefer Daniel Contreras 5 1.86 7.02 $0.00
45 Danny Peluso Sean D Donges 5 0.00 6.86 $0.00
46 Kenny Warnock Kolby Warnock 5 1.92 6.82 $0.00
47 Brian J Ortiz Frank Castillo 5 0.00 6.49 $0.00
48 Mike Ludwig Eric Peterson 3 0.00 4.50 $0.00
49 Mark Fishburn Tom Fishburn 3 0.00 3.31 $0.00
50 Todd K Rocha Jordan Rocha 0 0.00 0.00 $0.00
50 Jerrod M Voight Steven Larussa Jr 0 0.00 0.00 $0.00

Panzironi Wins $5600 in ABA Florida Central Season Opener with over 26 pounds!

Courtesy of American Bass Anglers

ATHENS, Ala. –   Eric Panzironi of Longwood, FL won the Bass Pro Shops Open Series Florida Central tournament, held January 12th on the Lake Toho.  Running out of Kissimmee Lakefront Park in Kissimmee, FL Eric caught five-bass weighing 26.67-pounds. For the Boater Division victory, Panzironi took home a check for $5600 for his win.

“I stayed on Toho all day. I found a big school of fish last weekend, and they stayed in the same area. I pulled up to that spot and was done by 9:30 am. Last week they were smaller, but the bigger fish moved up to that area. It feels great to start the season with a win,” Panzironi said.

In second for the boaters, Russ Osborne of Orlando, FL landed a five-bass tournament limit going 22.84-pounds. He collected $1500 for the effort.

“I caught my fish flipping heavy cover. I lost one fish about three pounds, but it would not have helped me,” Osborne said.

Ted Sullivan of St. Cloud, FL took third for the boaters with five bass going 22.44-pounds. He earned $1100 and qualified to receive an additional $500 Triton Gold contingency money for his finish.

“I caught my fish today on a jig around grass. It seemed like the fish were reacting to the jig hitting the grass. It was a slow bite, but when I got bit, it was a good fish,” Sullivan said.

Finishing fourth, Dustin Smith of Grand Island, FL landed a five-bass limit for 18.99-pounds.  Ronnie Green of St. Petersburg, FL rounded out the top five boaters with five-bass at 17.94-pounds.

The biggest bass for the boaters was caught by James Stephens III of Osprey, FL that weighed 8.38-pounds. James pocketed $1040 for his big fish.

“I caught that fish on a swim jig around 11:30 am on the south end of the lake real shallow,” Stephens said.

In the Co-Angler Division, Keith Farrell of Tampa, FL won with three-bass going 13.25-pounds. He pocketed a check for $2000 for his win.

“We stayed in Toho all day. I caught all my keepers before 9:30 am this morning flipping grass and throwing a chatter bait around hydrilla. My first win, I’m very excited,” Farrell said.

Taking second for the co-anglers, Jesus “Buck” Gutierrez of Haines City, FL brought in a three-bass division limit weighing 10.97-pounds that included a 6.74-pound big bass. He collected $950 for the finish and an additional $500 for the big bass award.

“We were fishing on Toho all day. I caught that big bass flipping a senko in the lily-pads. I lost a big fish early and missed several fish today. It was tough,” Gutierrez said. “

Richard “Jamey” Nash of Chiefland, FL placed third among the co-anglers with three-bass going 10.49-pounds. He earned $750 for his catch.

“We also stayed on Toho today. I was fishing a trap on the south end of the lake. I lost one about four pounds, and I had a dead fish penalty that really hurt me today,” Nash said.

In fourth place among the co-anglers, Chad Schroeder of Zephyrhills, FL brought in three-bass for 9.32-pounds. Uby Rossell of Davenport, FL finished in fifth place with three-bass at 8.75-pounds.

Slated for February 23rd, the next tournament will be held on the Kissimmee Chain out of Camp Mack in Lake Wales, FL. At the end of the season, the best anglers from across the nation advance the 2020 Ray Scott Championship to be held at Lake Hartwell in April 2020.

For more information on this tournament, call Billy Benedetti, tournament manager, at 256-230-5632 or ABA at 256-232-0406. Online, see www.americanbassanglers.com


Remmers & Niapas win Wild West Cali Team event on Shasta with over 27 pounds!

 

FINAL RESULTS Courtesy of WIldWestBassTrail.com

PLACE BOATER NON-BOATER BIG FISH #FISH WEIGHT WINNINGS BIG FISH PAYOUT
1 Jason Remmers Alex Niapas 8 7 27.27 $9,000 $1,160 $10,660
2 Jason Castaneda Kyle Gray 3.85 7 20.5 $6,000 $6,500
3 Bryant Smith Dustin Tacker 3.72 7 19.9 $4,000 $4,500
4 Mark Crutcher Jason Kincanon 4.02 7 19.02 $3,000 $3,000
5 Tory Mihalenko Gary Collins 4.17 7 18.63 $2,500 $1,160 $3,660
6 David Homen Gerry Johnson 7 17.51 $1,900 $1,900
7 Dale Shirley Dave Tencati 3.75 7 17.2 $1,700 $1,700
8 Scott Bern Gary Haraguchi 7 16.95 $1,500 $1,500
9 Randy Pierson Glenn Pierson 2.87 7 16.74 $1,300 $1,300
10 Joe Pereira William Mclaughlin 7 16.62 $1,200 $1,200
11 Gerard Flanigan Nick Flanigan 3.83 7 16.59 $1,100 $1,100
12 Shawn Mock Jay Williams 7 16.52 $1,100 $1,100
13 Ron Tobey Frank Harris 7 16.39 $1,100 $1,100
14 Steve Mellow Steve Burroughs 7 16.33 $1,100 $1,100
15 Jr Wright Cody Meyer 7 16.28 $1,100 $1,100
16 Mike Carney Patrick Cardoza 4.69 7 16.26 $1,000 $1,160 $2,160
17 Jody Jordan Dan Sweat 7 16.19 $1,000 $1,000
18 Wayne Breazeale Mike Menne 2.96 7 16.17 $1,000 $1,000
19 Travis Huckaby Roy Desmangles 3.41 7 16.13 $1,000 $1,000
20 Jim Riley Bob Benson 7 15.96 $1,000 $900
21 Cliff King Colby King 7 15.96 $800 $900
22 Mike Saso Larry Vignolo 3 7 15.88 $800 $800
23 Jimmy Sweeney Ryan Contos 3.54 7 15.78 $800 $800
24 Christopher Gosselaar Paul Lucich 7 15.74 $800 $800
25 Jason Milligan Jake Boomer 7 15.7 $800 $800
26 Paul Buccola Ron Berg 7 15.69 $800 $800
27 Dallas Chadwick Michael Chadwick 7 15.66 $800 $800
28 Justin Farrington Dave Church 7 15.59 $800 $800
29 Mark Mello Pat Leiser 7 15.58 $800 $800
30 Cameron Ewing Clint Groenewold 4.15 7 15.55 $600 $1,160 $1,760
31 Beau Joudrey Josh Reublin 7 15.53 $600 $600
32 Ryan Cool Ryan Duchi Duchi 4.27 7 15.49 $600 $1,160 $1,760
33 Chris Fancelli Arnold Fancelli 7 15.48 $600 $600
34 Patrick Kearney Steve Tosh Jr 7 15.46 $600 $600
35 Mike Mccartney Chuck Mccartney 7 15.39 $600 $600
36 Clayton Eslick Brian Eslick 7 15.37 $600 $600
37 Mark Borges Anthony Borges 3.09 7 15.36 $600 $600
38 Jason Sherman Jerry Johnson 7 15.35 $600 $600
39 Vince Hurtado Jarod Ballerdo 7 15.21 $600 $600
40 Ron Howe Kevin Cornwell 7 15.16 $600 $600
41 Willie Church K.c. Harris 7 15.1 $600 $600
42 Joseph Orozco Beau Allen 7 15.08 $600 $600
43 Drew Gosselaar Jordan Brendel 7 15.02 $600 $600
44 Robert Nakatomi Larry Noss 7 15.02 $600 $600
45 Alex Klein Steve Klein 7 14.98 $600 $600
46 Dennis Chartier Jest Syvirathphan 7 14.87 $600 $600
47 John Pearl Ronald Bruggeman Jr 7 14.86
48 Nick Fasiano Zack Thurman 7 14.84
49 Matt Cicisly Alex Tran 7 14.79
50 Tony Franceschi Nick Welton 7 14.71
51 Cheng Xiong Steve Her 7 14.62
52 Dale Green Chris Mccabe 7 14.62
53 John Fernandes Eric Fernandes 7 14.6
54 Scott Burke Garrett Maddex 7 14.57
55 Greg Gutierrez Ryan Brewer 7 14.57
56 Nathan Bromley Peter Gobel 7 14.57
57 Joe Karlowsky Bryan Trudau 7 14.57
58 Jodie White Mark Lassagne 7 14.56
59 Brent Shores Nick Young 7 14.54
60 Troy Gray Mike White 7 14.53
61 Mathew Saavedra Bill Townsend 7 14.52
62 Jeff Michels Tony Zanotelli 7 14.51
63 Yevgeniy Savitskiy Joshua Lerche 7 14.5
64 Chris Martin Doug Jones 7 14.49
65 Anthony Pimentel Norval Pimentel 7 14.49
66 Joe Gatie Dustin Plummer 7 14.45
67 Justin Gordon Nick Wood 7 14.41
68 Bob Boyd Mike Haroutunian 7 14.4
69 Brian Cogburn Justin Crain 7 14.37
70 Sean Wayman Michael Tremont 7 14.32
71 Mike Frederick Chad Dibble 7 14.31
72 Chris Carpenter Travis Starnes 7 14.31
73 Luke Wilson Dustin Maraviov 3.44 7 14.3
74 Brad Bonino Kim Bonino 7 14.3
75 Ryan Pearson Jaramy Riddle 7 14.3
76 Jay Bradshaw Brandon Cook 7 14.28
77 Steve Ericksen Jarrod Page 7 14.28
78 Jesse Slaton Kevin Bigby 7 14.27
79 Jared Walker Jesse Martin 7 14.25
80 Kyle Porter Bud Porter 7 14.23
81 Jonathan Kenyon Drew Forrister 7 14.2
82 Thomas Vue Thomas Vang 7 14.19
83 Rod Cree Matt Silveira 7 14.18
84 Anthony Prophet Sam West 7 14.1
85 William Hume Mike Kuhlman 7 14.1
86 Brian Fesler Ernie Haro 2.27 7 14.09
87 Howard Hughes Jim Lyon 7 14.06
88 Ryan White John Maes 7 14.06
89 Adam Belmont Stephan Magill 7 14.05
90 Jay Culver Aubrey Halloway 7 14.04
91 Richard Alcantar Eric Castro 7 14.03
92 Scott Chappell Jimmy Wade 7 14.03
93 George Rosales Ray Grammer 7 14.02
94 Lane Olson Clint Messner 7 14.01
95 Luke Johns Bailey Hurst 7 13.99
96 Stuart Minugh Scott Green 7 13.96
97 Jacob Mcclellan Ryan Mcintosh 7 13.95
98 Ed Christo Mark Casey 7 13.94
99 Chuck Mann Jr Chuck Mann Sr 7 13.94
100 Phillip Leazer John Kidder 7 13.94
101 Chao Vang Mong Lee 7 13.94
102 Matt Lindsey Mike Sanders 7 13.87
103 Cesar Laguna David Poteras 7 13.86
104 Tanner Spohn Michael Bryant 7 13.81
105 Mike Malinao Michael Pair 7 13.78
106 Kelly O’ward Mark Young 7 13.7
107 Matthew Plymouth Mat Clark 7 13.68
108 Rick Kraft Michael Kraft 7 13.68
109 Luke Lipanovich Joe Mariani 7 13.67
110 Chris Dalporto Jeffrey Klinstiver 7 13.65
111 Ryan Habenicht Tyler Firebaugh 7 13.61
112 Terry Snyder Bill Ponting 7 13.58
113 Alvin Borba Jaime Caratachera 7 13.56
114 Joe Hinkle Glen Lockhart 7 13.56
115 Travis Archer Eric Urstad 7 13.56
116 Josh Mchone Jacob Jimmerson 7 13.55
117 Vijay Malhotra Glyne Johnson 7 13.55
118 Kevin Turner Thaddeus Vinson 2.51 7 13.54
119 Jimmy Johnson Dante Ray 7 13.54
120 Garrett Charter Ron Lorenzo 7 13.54
121 Craig Main Jason Shy 7 13.51
122 Daniel Wilder Daryn Avalos 7 13.48
123 Edward Lynch Gary Pepperdine 7 13.47
124 John Mcclellan Matt Mckenzie 7 13.43
125 Mason Lewis Joseph Durling 7 13.42
126 Luke Diener Jeb Bunker 7 13.38
127 Joe Bitker Mike Gordon 7 13.38
128 Ryan German Nick Nurot 7 13.37
129 Oscar Sarnecki Eric Parra 7 13.28
130 Jerry Fournier Cris Vanclef 3.56 7 13.22
131 Richard Dobyns James Avalos 7 13.18
132 David Raper Rick Hawley 7 13.17
133 Matthew Frazier Josh Paris 7 13.15
134 Terry Devincenzi Seth Bowman 7 13.13
135 Ryan Tripp Blake Alexander 7 13.05
136 Mario Gardea Dave Romar 7 13.05
137 Ron Diacon Damon Witt 7 13.04
138 John Morla Clarence Morla 7 13.04
139 Austin Padgett Owen Nolan 7 13.03
140 Frank Ono Mark Mariani 7 13.02
141 Edward Zinda Jr. Brian Conder 7 13.01
142 Emmett Lovelace Jj Cascarina 7 13.01
143 Jim Elliott Vern Richard 7 13
144 Ryan Scott Aaron Scott 7 12.99
145 Devin Brown Keith Kadell 7 12.97
146 Firuz Gizatullin Logan Huntze 7 12.94
147 Earl Dalton Iii Christopher Gambol 7 12.87
148 James Thurber David Shafer 7 12.84
149 Jared Stone Marc Brown 7 12.84
150 Carl Keller Ryan Lauwers 7 12.84
151 Brent Cline Paul Foor 7 12.81
152 Stephen Penrod Stanley Penrod 7 12.81
153 Eric Kennedy Shon Mckinney 7 12.78
154 Jamie Clifton Dave Cole 7 12.77
155 Mark Gomez Juan Acosta 7 12.72
156 Gary Souza Mike Klemm 7 12.72
157 Angelo Alorro Jp Gano 7 12.71
158 Chuck Kavros Brett Leber 7 12.68
159 Robby Chikasawa Neil Lum 7 12.66
160 Kevin Brown Anthony Sierra 7 12.61
161 Dennis Sisto Timothy Rhyme 7 12.59
162 Fidel Campos Elias Yadao 7 12.57
163 Miles Hanson Brett Hanson 7 12.55
164 Thomas Cilluffo Doug Slaton 7 12.54
165 Paul Tillery Bam Miller 7 12.53
166 Travis Bounds John Bounds 7 12.5
167 Edison Hicks Paul Howard 7 12.47
168 Martin O'neal Kerry Harris 7 12.44
169 Doug Hutchison Blake Dyer 7 12.43
170 Dj Von Bima Jered Brendel 7 12.41
171 Gregory Troughton Carter Troughton 7 12.39
172 Paul Arias Art Nubaryan 7 12.38
173 Frankie Mendes Richard Rodriguez 7 12.36
174 Paul Dunlap Robert Tibbetts 7 12.34
175 Jason Webb Elliott Turner 7 12.25
176 Jeff Boom Jared Boom 7 12.24
177 Terry Odom Dennis Wainwright 7 12.22
178 Robert Couts Bobby Couts 7 12.22
179 Steven Scates Jason Fookes 7 12.17
180 Matt Atkins Josh Peard 7 12.15
181 Stacy Gee Bob Flink 7 12.14
182 Bill O'shinn Steve Consalvi 7 12.1
183 Daniel Eckhart Orrin Turold 7 12.08
184 Antonio Gold Terry Bennett 7 12.06
185 Jeremy Mckay Mike Boyd 7 12.06
186 Rico Flores Robert Litton 7 12.04
187 Nathan Johnston Michael Konidakis 7 12.03
188 Jacob Vanpool Randall Doyle 7 12.03
189 Kenneth Phillips Chris Delamain 7 12
190 Robert Cloutier Richard Benzler 7 11.99
191 Nathan Sellers Jordan Kunde 7 11.97
192 Derik Dalton Thomas Dodd 7 11.96
193 Brian Ruthman Matt Hudson 7 11.9
194 Ryan Petersen Toa Her 7 11.9
195 Hayden Lee Dennis Lee 7 11.89
196 Craig Groves Tim Domingues 7 11.88
197 John Garrett Tony Vaughn 7 11.88
198 Khu Yang Kong Chang 7 11.86
199 Donald Adams Darin Adams 7 11.8
200 Nicholas Hough Nathan Ghilotti 7 11.78
201 Scott Farley Mike Kotur 7 11.76
202 Jason Austin Ken Mah 7 11.72
203 Bob Dettling Matthew Dettling 7 11.7
204 Deric Benefield Robert Balderaz 7 11.61
205 Mike Sperbeck George Seefken 7 11.52
206 Patrick Friedman Philip Friedman 7 11.46
207 Wyatt Woolery Austin Taff 7 11.44
208 Justin Kraft Steve Bierman 2.49 7 11.32
209 Manuel Nevarez Manny Nevarez Ii 7 11.31
210 Dave Mercado James Snyder 7 11.28
211 Jerry Lee Vince Reiser 7 11.24
212 Vince Vella James Vella 7 11.24
213 Joseph Reekers Travis Averill 7 11.21
214 John Bell Logan Bell 7 11.13
215 Tom Beaty Paul Buccellato 7 11.06
216 Stephen Adams Blaine Christiansen 7 11.04
217 Mike Birch Kenny Cassettari 7 10.91
218 Mike Goncalves Brandon Silvey 7 10.85
219 Daniel Shelton Matthew Ross 7 10.62
220 Sean Hayes Thomas Featherston 6 10.59
221 Nick Tourville Jackson Brasisco 7 10.39
222 Chris Ashby Ron Skibinski 7 10.05
223 Allen Todd Louis Ferrante 6 9.87
224 Ron Six Luke Vannorman 6 9.79
225 Ryan Wong Scott Caven 7 9.45
226 Trever Hagedon Lonny Hagedon 7 9.42
227 Stephen Gatewood Ron Rushing 7 9.06
228 Travis Gifford Burke "blain" Perkins 6 8.46
229 Jason Brown Josh Whitman 4 6.91
230 Jim Vretzos Ryan Mcginnis 0.01
231 Oscar Friend Clint Isbell 0.01
232 Shane Peirson Tom Peirson 0.01

 


Mark & Kaden Mueck Win Anglers Quest on Rayburn with over 28 Pound Limit!!

Write up courtesy of Barbara Long - Anglers Quest Facebook Page

Twenty-one boats that showed up to fish in the flooded waters of Big Sam Rayburn this morning.
With the lake way over its banks at almost ten feet above normal pool, it made the fishing hard for some, but not the father and son team of Mark Mueck & Kaden Mueck. They brought in 5 awesome bass that weighed a total of 28.83 lbs. and won $1,590.00 for their day on the water. Mark reported that they fished out of their Phoenix / Merc Boat / motor with Strike King Lures on Carolina Rigs in 12 to 14 feet of water. Mark said that Kaden caught their biggest fish of the day a nice 7.94 lb’er. Way to go Kaden !!!

The team of Luke Reed & Zack Gagnard brought five fish to the scales that weighed 18.61 lbs. and that was good enough to take the second place check for $790.00. Luke reported that they fished out of a Skeeter / Yamaha rig dragging big worms in 12 to 14 feet of water and would like to thank; Lowrance, Power Pole, Minn Kota, Jakked Baits, Pennington Plumbing, K9 Fishing, Haviz Safety, Rattletrap, and Phoenix Boats.

Third place was won by Roy Wade. He fished out of a Hawk boat with a Mercury motor on the north end of the lake with Crank Baits in 12 to 14 feet of water. He took home $475.00 for his day on the water.

Skeeter Fowler hooked a GIANT, it just wasn’t a fish. It was his Partner Ben South. He got him in the left ear with a spinner bait… That had to hurt, but they were laughing about it at the weigh-in so I guess big Ben didn’t hold it against him……LOL….. Skeeter and Ben brought in 5 fish for fourth place that weighed 16.10 lbs out of a Ranger boat with a Mercury motor. They reported catching probably 60 or more fish on the North end of the lake mostly on Carolina rigs and that was enough to take the last place check of $320.00. They would like to thank mostly the good Lord and also, M J Pipeline, Sixth Sense Lures, K9’s for Cops, and the Brian Robinson Reel ‘em in Foundation.

Jesse Sherlock and his son Seth Sherlock brought in one fish to the scales that weighed 8.24 lbs. That was the biggest bass of the tournament and they took home the $200.00 big bass money for that one bite. Jesse reported catching it DEEP on a jig out of his Champion boat powered by a Yamaha motor and would like to thank the good Lord for all his Blessings!

I want to thank all the Fishermen & Women who fish with and support Anglers Quest. I also want to thank the AQ Sponsors; Crawford Technical Services Inc. owner Mr. Greg Crawford a long time friend of Anglers Quest, Superior Paint Works owned by Mr. Wayne Miller another long time friend, Larry the Lizard Baits, Lake Houston Marina, Cunningham’s Kickapoo Bait & Tackle, LakeView Motel RV and Grocery, Stowaway Marina, Fishingworld.com, DENALI Rods and The LakeCaster Magazine.

Barbara Long
Anglers Quest
Owner / Tournament Director