Kevin VanDam Takes Early Lead At Bassmaster Elite At The St. Lawrence River
Kevin VanDam of Kalamazoo, Mich., took the lead on the first day of the Huk Bassmaster Elite at St. Lawrence River presented by Go RVing, bringing 24 pounds, 5 ounces to the scales on Thursday.
Photo by Seigo Saito/B.A.S.S.
July 20, 2017
Kevin VanDam Takes Early Lead At Bassmaster Elite At The St. Lawrence River
WADDINGTON, N.Y. — After one round of the Huk Bassmaster Elite at St. Lawrence presented by Go RVing, a familiar storyline has emerged.
Kevin VanDam, the Michigan superstar who already holds two B.A.S.S. victories on the St. Lawrence River, caught five bass Thursday that weighed 24 pounds, 5 ounces to take the lead in his latest chance at a big win on the fishery that splits upstate New York and Canada.
“Back when we used to have a lot of tournaments up here, I always fished the lake (Ontario),” said VanDam, who won two events on the St. Lawrence in 1995 and 1999. “I never really fished the river back then. So, every time I come here I learn a little bit more about it.”
Lake Ontario is off limits this year as it has been for the last two Elite Series trips to the St. Lawrence River.
VanDam said it was hard to gauge his chances of winning the $100,000 first-place prize after just one day because the fishing is so sporadic. He doesn’t know how his pattern will play out over a four-day event.
“There’s not huge numbers of fish,” he said. “It’s not like I’m working through hundreds of fish to get the ones I’m bringing to the scales. You pull up into a spot and you might catch one or two, but that’s it.
“You certainly can’t script it to know that you’re going to catch the kind of size I was able to catch today.”
The river is at its highest level in a century, but the conditions certainly didn’t seem to hurt the fishing. The Top 83 competitors in the 109-angler field caught at least 15 pounds of bass, and it took 20-1 to make the Top 20.
“The one thing the high water has done is changed the current,” VanDam said. “There used to be places where I would fish closer to the bank and the current would just be ripping. But now with the water higher, it seems slower in some of those places.
“With all of this water, it just seems like it’s fast in some places and slower in others — it definitely has changed.”
VanDam’s catch was only slight better than that of Virginia angler Bill Lowen, who placed second with 23-6.
Lowen — a noted shallow-water angler — brought all smallmouth to the scales Thursday, including two 5-pounders.
“I actually thought I had two 6-pounders, but they were just real long with no bellies,” said Lowen, who has 17 Top 10 finishes with B.A.S.S., but no wins. “In the area I was fishing, I think they were feeding on perch, crawfish and all kinds of little minnows.”
Third place was occupied by Seth Feider — a noted smallmouth specialist, whose fortunes took a big upward swing when the Elite Series schedule moved north last year.
“I didn’t execute that well today,” said Feider, who caught 22-11. “I could have done a little better, maybe another pound or so. But I’ve definitely got a lot of spots going.
“I was pretty much done by 10 a.m. today, so I went looking — and because of that, I found another really good spot around 2 o’clock.”
With the Toyota Bassmaster Angler of the Year race headed down its final stretch, the names at the top of the list shifted Thursday. South Carolina angler Casey Ashley caught 21-14 — good for sixth place in the tournament — and overtook Tennessee pro Ott DeFoe as the AOY leader.
VanDam moved into second in the AOY standings, with Jason Christie, Edwin Evers, Jacob Wheeler and DeFoe following close behind.
VanDam also moved into the early lead for the Phoenix Boats Big Bass Award of the week with a bass that weighed 6-1.
The tournament will resume Friday, with a 6:15 a.m. ET take off from Whittaker Park. The weigh-in will be held back at the park at 3:15 p.m.
At the end of Friday’s second round, the 109-angler field will be trimmed to the Top 51. After Saturday’s semifinal, only the Top 12 will advance to Championship Sunday.
The event is hosted by the Village of Waddington.
2017 Bassmaster Elite Series Platinum Sponsor: Toyota
2017 Bassmaster Elite Series Premier Sponsors: Minn Kota, Power-Pole, Shell Rotella, Skeeter Boats, Triton Boats, Yamaha, Berkley, Huk, Humminbird, Nitro Boats, Mercury
2017 Bassmaster Elite Series Supporting Sponsors: Advance Auto Parts, Livingston Lures, Academy Sports + Outdoors, Carhartt, Dick Cepek Tires & Wheels, Lowrance, Phoenix Boats, T-H Marine, Shimano
About B.A.S.S.
B.A.S.S. is the worldwide authority on bass fishing and keeper of the culture of the sport, providing cutting edge content on bass fishing whenever, wherever and however bass fishing fans want to use it. Headquartered in Birmingham, Ala., the 500,000-member organization’s fully integrated media platforms include the industry’s leading magazines (Bassmaster and B.A.S.S. Times), website (Bassmaster.com), television show (The Bassmasters on ESPN2), radio show (Bassmaster Radio), social media programs and events. For more than 45 years, B.A.S.S. has been dedicated to access, conservation and youth fishing.
The Bassmaster Tournament Trail includes the most prestigious events at each level of competition, including the Bassmaster Elite Series, Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Open Series, Academy Sports + Outdoors B.A.S.S. Nation Series presented by Magellan Outdoors, Carhartt Bassmaster College Series presented by Bass Pro Shops, Costa Bassmaster High School Series presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods, Toyota Bonus Bucks Bassmaster Team Championship and the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing, the GEICO Bassmaster Classic presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods.
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Media Contact: JamieDay Matthews, 205-313-0945, [email protected] or Dave Precht, 205-313-0931, [email protected]
2017 HUK Bassmaster Elite at St. Lawrence presented by Go RVing 7/20-7/23
St. Lawrence River, Waddington NY.
(PROFESSIONAL) Standings Day 1
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$
1. Kevin VanDam Kalamazoo, MI 5 24-05 110
Day 1: 5 24-05
2. Bill Lowen Brookville, IN 5 23-06 109
Day 1: 5 23-06
3. Seth Feider Isle, MN 5 22-11 108
Day 1: 5 22-11
4. Brent Ehrler Redlands, CA 5 22-09 107
Day 1: 5 22-09
5. Marty Robinson Lyman, SC 5 22-04 106
Day 1: 5 22-04
6. Casey Ashley Donalds, SC 5 21-14 105
Day 1: 5 21-14
7. James Elam Tulsa, OK 5 21-12 104
Day 1: 5 21-12
8. Bernie Schultz Gainesville, FL 5 21-12 103
Day 1: 5 21-12
9. Dave Lefebre Erie, PA 5 21-11 102
Day 1: 5 21-11
10. Jesse Wiggins Cullman, AL 5 21-10 101
Day 1: 5 21-10
11. Justin Lucas Guntersville, AL 5 21-08 100
Day 1: 5 21-08
12. Edwin Evers Talala, OK 5 21-02 99
Day 1: 5 21-02
13. Randall Tharp Port St. Joe, FL 5 20-11 98
Day 1: 5 20-11
14. Michael Iaconelli Pitts Grove, NJ 5 20-09 97
Day 1: 5 20-09
14. Jonathon VanDam Kalamazoo, MI 5 20-09 97
Day 1: 5 20-09
16. Keith Combs Huntington, TX 5 20-08 95
Day 1: 5 20-08
16. Russ Lane Prattville, AL 5 20-08 95
Day 1: 5 20-08
16. Brock Mosley Collinsville, MS 5 20-08 95
Day 1: 5 20-08
19. Alton Jones Lorena, TX 5 20-06 92
Day 1: 5 20-06
20. Takahiro Omori Emory, TX 5 20-01 91
Day 1: 5 20-01
21. Brett Hite Phoenix, AZ 5 19-14 90
Day 1: 5 19-14
22. Chris Lane Guntersville, AL 5 19-12 89
Day 1: 5 19-12
23. Jared Lintner Arroyo Grande, CA 5 19-11 88
Day 1: 5 19-11
24. Brandon Coulter Knoxville, TN 5 19-10 87
Day 1: 5 19-10
25. Dustin Connell Clanton, AL 5 19-09 86
Day 1: 5 19-09
25. Mike McClelland Bella Vista, AR 5 19-09 86
Day 1: 5 19-09
27. Jason Christie Park Hill, OK 5 19-09 84
Day 1: 5 19-09
28. Josh Bertrand San Tan Valley, AZ 5 19-07 83
Day 1: 5 19-07
29. John Crews Jr Salem, VA 5 19-07 82
Day 1: 5 19-07
30. Kelley Jaye Dadeville, AL 5 19-05 81
Day 1: 5 19-05
31. Gary Klein Mingus, TX 5 19-03 80
Day 1: 5 19-03
31. Britt Myers Lake Wylie, SC 5 19-03 80
Day 1: 5 19-03
33. David Walker Sevierville, TN 5 19-02 78
Day 1: 5 19-02
34. Greg Hackney Gonzales, LA 5 19-01 77
Day 1: 5 19-01
35. Jamie Hartman Newport, NY 5 19-00 76
Day 1: 5 19-00
36. Brian Snowden Reeds Spring, MO 5 18-15 75
Day 1: 5 18-15
37. Chad Pipkens Lansing, MI 5 18-15 74
Day 1: 5 18-15
38. John Murray Spring City, TN 5 18-14 73
Day 1: 5 18-14
39. Mark Daniels Jr. Tuskegee, AL 5 18-13 72
Day 1: 5 18-13
39. Koby Kreiger Bokeelia, FL 5 18-13 72
Day 1: 5 18-13
41. Gerald Swindle Guntersville, AL 5 18-12 70
Day 1: 5 18-12
42. Adrian Avena Vineland, NJ 5 18-10 69
Day 1: 5 18-10
42. Matt Lee Guntersville, AL 5 18-10 69
Day 1: 5 18-10
44. Brandon Card Knoxville, TN 5 18-05 67
Day 1: 5 18-05
44. Robbie Latuso Gonzales, LA 5 18-05 67
Day 1: 5 18-05
44. Jordan Lee Grant, AL 5 18-05 67
Day 1: 5 18-05
44. David Williams Newton, NC 5 18-05 67
Day 1: 5 18-05
48. Micah Frazier Newnan, GA 5 18-04 63
Day 1: 5 18-04
49. Greg Vinson Wetumpka, AL 5 18-03 62
Day 1: 5 18-03
50. Jacob Wheeler Harrison, TN 5 18-00 61
Day 1: 5 18-00
51. Mark Davis Mount Ida, AR 5 17-10 60
Day 1: 5 17-10
51. Matt Herren Ashville, AL 5 17-10 60
Day 1: 5 17-10
53. Skeet Reese Auburn, CA 5 17-07 58
Day 1: 5 17-07
54. Cliff Pace Petal, MS 5 17-06 57
Day 1: 5 17-06
54. Jason Williamson Wagener, SC 5 17-06 57
Day 1: 5 17-06
56. Scott Rook Little Rock, AR 5 17-05 55
Day 1: 5 17-05
57. Luke Clausen Otis Orchards, WA 5 17-04 54
Day 1: 5 17-04
57. Jacob Powroznik North Prince George, VA 5 17-04 54
Day 1: 5 17-04
59. Bradley Roy Lancaster, KY 5 16-15 52
Day 1: 5 16-15
60. Ott DeFoe Knoxville, TN 5 16-12 51
Day 1: 5 16-12
61. Todd Faircloth Jasper, TX 5 16-11 50
Day 1: 5 16-11
62. Hank Cherry Jr Lincolnton, NC 5 16-10 49
Day 1: 5 16-10
62. Aaron Martens Leeds, AL 5 16-10 49
Day 1: 5 16-10
64. Jesse Tacoronte Orlando, FL 5 16-07 47
Day 1: 5 16-07
65. Clifford Pirch Payson, AZ 5 16-05 46
Day 1: 5 16-05
66. Terry Scroggins San Mateo, FL 5 16-04 45
Day 1: 5 16-04
67. Cliff Crochet Pierre Part, LA 5 16-03 44
Day 1: 5 16-03
67. Kelly Jordon Flint, TX 5 16-03 44
Day 1: 5 16-03
67. Steve Kennedy Auburn, AL 5 16-03 44
Day 1: 5 16-03
67. Cliff Prince Palatka, FL 5 16-03 44
Day 1: 5 16-03
71. James Niggemeyer Van, TX 5 16-01 40
Day 1: 5 16-01
72. Brandon Palaniuk Hayden, ID 5 15-15 39
Day 1: 5 15-15
73. Fred Roumbanis London, AR 5 15-13 38
Day 1: 5 15-13
74. Brandon Lester Fayetteville, TN 5 15-10 37
Day 1: 5 15-10
75. Boyd Duckett Guntersville, AL 5 15-07 36
Day 1: 5 15-07
75. Randy Howell Guntersville, AL 5 15-07 36
Day 1: 5 15-07
77. Stetson Blaylock Benton, AR 5 15-06 34
Day 1: 5 15-06
78. Tommy Biffle Wagoner, OK 5 15-05 33
Day 1: 5 15-05
78. Jeff Kriet Ardmore, OK 5 15-05 33
Day 1: 5 15-05
80. Mark Menendez Paducah, KY 5 15-04 31
Day 1: 5 15-04
81. Stephen Browning Hot Springs, AR 5 15-04 30
Day 1: 5 15-04
82. Ish Monroe Hughson, CA 5 15-01 29
Day 1: 5 15-01
83. Alton Jones Jr. Lorena, TX 5 15-00 28
Day 1: 5 15-00
84. David Mullins Mt Carmel, TN 5 14-15 27
Day 1: 5 14-15
84. Fletcher Shryock New Philadelphia, OH 5 14-15 27
Day 1: 5 14-15
86. Shaw Grigsby Jr. Gainesville, FL 5 14-11 25
Day 1: 5 14-11
87. Drew Benton Panama City, FL 5 14-07 24
Day 1: 5 14-07
88. Clent Davis Montevallo, AL 5 14-06 23
Day 1: 5 14-06
89. Paul Mueller Naugatuck, CT 5 14-05 22
Day 1: 5 14-05
90. Brent Chapman Lake Quivira, KS 5 14-03 21
Day 1: 5 14-03
91. Morizo Shimizu Suita, Osaka JAPAN 5 14-01 20
Day 1: 5 14-01
92. Darrell Ocamica New Plymouth, ID 5 13-13 19
Day 1: 5 13-13
93. Bobby Lane Jr. Lakeland, FL 5 13-12 18
Day 1: 5 13-12
94. Tim Horton Muscle Shoals, AL 5 13-10 17
Day 1: 5 13-10
95. Chad Morgenthaler Reeds Spring, MO 5 13-09 16
Day 1: 5 13-09
96. Gerald Spohrer Gonzales, LA 5 13-07 15
Day 1: 5 13-07
97. Rick Clunn Ava, MO 5 12-14 14
Day 1: 5 12-14
98. John Hunter Jr Shelbyville, KY 5 12-07 13
Day 1: 5 12-07
99. Dean Rojas Lake Havasu City, AZ 5 12-06 12
Day 1: 5 12-06
100. Brett Preuett Monroe, LA 5 11-10 11
Day 1: 5 11-10
101. Andy Montgomery Blacksburg, SC 5 11-07 10
Day 1: 5 11-07
102. Paul Elias Laurel, MS 5 10-10 9
Day 1: 5 10-10
103. Skylar Hamilton Dandridge, TN 4 10-02 8
Day 1: 4 10-02
104. Chris Zaldain Laughlin, NV 4 10-01 7
Day 1: 4 10-01
105. Shane Lineberger Lincolnton, NC 3 09-12 6
Day 1: 3 09-12
106. Keith Poche Pike Road, AL 5 09-05 5
Day 1: 5 09-05
107. David Fritts Lexington, NC 5 09-02 4
Day 1: 5 09-02
108. Tyler Carriere Youngsville, LA 5 08-07 3
Day 1: 5 08-07
109. Chad Grigsby Maple Grove, MN 1 05-09 2
Day 1: 1 05-09
Marina Fire on Lake Texoma Consumes 10-to-15 'Big' Boats
A big fire broke out on a Lake Texoma marina dock Wednesday morning destroying 10-to-15 boats, including some yachts. Several explosions were also reported at the disaster that occurred at Highport Marina.
The Dallas-Fort Worth CBS affiliate reports:
POTTSBORO, Texas (CBSDFW.COM) – A fire and several explosions broke out at a marina on Lake Texoma Wednesday morning.
The fire, and subsequent explosions, started on U Dock at the Highport Marina in Pottsboro. Flames and thick, black smoke could be seen for miles.
Officials don’t yet know how the fire started but flames spread from boat to boat. Witnesses said that a maintenance crew was working on a boat when it caught fire.
Texas Game Warden Capt. Steve Stapleton said there are 10 to 15 “large boats” on fire and every one of them will like burn into the water.
Stapleton said most of the boats are ‘high-end’ and some of them are yachts.
One woman who owns a detailing business in the area said, “I feel very helpless for sure… I feel very sorry for a lot of clients [and] boat owners for sure.”
The Grayson County Fire Marshal is in charge of the investigation.
Officials said that up to 15 boats and a dock were destroyed. Boat owners said that the damage could top one million dollars.
A post on the marina’s Facebook page said that no one was hurt in the incident.
Y'all Play Nice and Follow Us on Instagram
“Put your best foot forward.” It was solid advice when your grandma gave it to you. It holds true today. And you know it.
So why all the negativity on social media when someone highlights a big fish in the most desirable light and at the best camera angle to show off its size and beauty?
In a word: Insecurity.
As we at @AnglersChannel have been following our fishing friends on Instagram we’ve noticed some disheartening comments from some, apparently, bitter souls.
Post a pic of a big one and most folks will appreciate your accomplishment, leave words of encouragement, and celebrate with you.
BUT then the armchair bass pros will emerge from their sofas to remark that the fish isn’t that big. You pulled a trick or two to make it look big. In fact, it’s probably a 3-pounder, not a 7. Never mind that many of these know-it-alls haven’t caught even a 3-pounder in a while.
I guess we’re supposed to take our 7-pound bass, run off 50 yards away and snug it up tight to our chest so it looks like a tiny bluegill. That might make some of these wise-crackers feel less insecure about the size of their . . . bass.
Seriously, would you want your wife or girlfriend to go out someplace special with absolutely no makeup? Some are gorgeous enough to do so, but they will always look better with just a touch here or there, the right clothes for their body type, etc.
Your truck probably has a coat of paint on it right? Well, maybe that’s not the best example. But you get my point.
Hold that fish up and out proudly! Make it look as big as you can. It’s more fun for all of us that way – even if we are laughing along with you a little.
Put your best foot forward.
Or in this case, put your best fish forward. And ignore those petty, jealous, miserable souls in the peanut gallery.
And hey, be sure to tag @AnglersChannel in the pic so we can help you show it off. Yes, we’re among those who are happy to see big fish pics so share ‘em with us!
VanDam says look for more largemouth on the St. Lawrence
Much of the talk coming into the Bassmaster Elite on the St. Lawrence River centered on unusually high water on the massive seaway that connects the Great Lakes to the Atlantic Ocean.
However, Kevin VanDam says lofty water levels will only increase catches of largemouth from the 71-degree waters that create an aquatic buffet for up to 13 species of whales a couple hundred miles upriver from the Elite Series venue in Waddington, New York.
“Smallmouth definitely dominated and got the victory the last two times we competed here, but the high water we’re facing this week has sent far more largemouth shallow than what we’ve seen in the past,” says VanDam. “So largemouth will definitely play a bigger role in what guys will bring to the scales this year.”
Hence on the final day of practice, anglers must decide whether to focus on flippin’ and froggin’ for largemouth in the shallows, or draggin’ and droppin’ vertically for deeper water smallmouth on the main river.
As evidenced by the iconic soft plastic tube VanDam had tied to a Quantum Smoke spinning reel for dragging over deep water smallmouth, and in the other hand, a much contrasting swim jig for largemouth in the weedy shallows -- rest assured, the 7-time Bassmaster Toyota Angler of the Year will prepare for both.
MARTINKOVIC WINS T-H MARINE FLW BFL BUCKEYE DIVISION EVENT ON OHIO RIVER
Lindsey Earns Co-angler Title
LAWRENCEBURG, Ind. (July 17, 2017) – Chris Martinkovic of Hamilton, Ohio, won the T-H Marine FLW Bass Fishing League (BFL) Buckeye Division tournament on the Ohio River Saturday after catching five bass weighing 9 pounds, 2 ounces. For his efforts, Martinkovic took home $6,640.
“I only fished about five miles from the takeoff ramp because the main river is flooded and there was a lot of debris,” said Martinkovic, who notched his fifth career-win in BFL competition – third on the Ohio River. “I picked apart flooded wood in less than 2 feet of water and caught 10 to 15 keepers.
“The majority of my fish were caught on a black (D&L Tackle) Advantage Jig with a black (Zoom) Super Chunk Jr. trailer,” continued Martinkovic. “I hit about 20 small areas with debris and logjams and did a lot of culling.”
Martinkovic said his personal history on the river was a crucial part of his success.
“It’s my home pool, so I know just about every piece of wood out there,” said Martinkovic. “When it’s muddy like that you have to put your head down and fish. There weren’t too many secrets out there.”
The top 10 boaters finished the tournament in:
1st: Chris Martinkovic, Hamilton, Ohio, five bass, 9-2, $4,640 + $2,000 Ranger Cup Bonus
2nd: Chris Wilkinson, Farmersburg, Ind., five bass, 7-7, $1,730
2nd: James Hailstones, Cincinnati, Ohio, five bass, 7-7, $1,730
4th: Sean Wieda, Florence, Ky., five bass, 7-5, $970
5th: Ronald Nutter, Saint Louisville, Ohio, five bass, 7-2, $931
6th: Cody Seeger, Lewistown, Ohio, five bass, 6-15, $762
7th: Mike Combs, Frenchburg, Ky., five bass, 6-14, $693
8th: Dave Fricke, Hamilton, Ohio, three bass, 6-11, $623
9th: Josh Smith, Hamilton, Ohio, five bass, 6-10, $554
10th: Craig Burwell, North Baltimore, Ohio, five bass, 6-7, $485
Complete results can be found at FLWFishing.com.
Martinkovic’s limit included a 3-pound, 11-ounce bass – the heaviest of the event in the Boater Division – and earned the day’s Boater Big Bass award of $285.
Colton Lindsey of Raymond, Ohio, won the Co-angler Division and $2,178 Saturday after catching four bass weighing 5 pounds, 11 ounces.
The top 10 co-anglers were:
1st: Colton Lindsey, Raymond, Ohio, four bass, 5-11, $2,178
2nd: Kenny Mitchell, Franklin, Ohio, five bass, 5-7, $1,039
3rd: Gary Hoffman, Stoutsville, Ohio, three bass, 5-6, $691
4th: Jeffrey Yost, Zanesfield, Ohio, three bass, 4-15, $770
5th: Lawrence Clontz, Middletown, Ohio, four bass, 4-5, $416
6th: Brett Warrick, Westerville, Ohio, four bass, 4-2, $431
7th: Bill Cordle, London, Ohio, two bass, 3-14, $346
8th: Ryan Sykes, Hamilton, Ohio, two bass, 3-13, $312
9th: Hunter Fillmore, Waynesville, Ohio, two bass, 3-8, $277
10th: Herbert Jones, Cincinnati, Ohio, two bass, 3-5, $242
Yost caught the largest bass in the Co-angler Division – a fish weighing 3 pounds, 3 ounces – and earned the day’s Co-angler Big Bass award of $285.
The top 45 boaters and co-anglers in the region based on point standings, along with the five winners in each qualifying event, will be entered in the Oct. 12-14 BFL Regional Championship on the Barren River in Scottsville, Kentucky. Boaters will compete for a top award of a Ranger Z518C with a 200-horsepower Evinrude outboard and $20,000, while co-anglers will fish for a new Ranger Z518C with a 200-horsepower Evinrude outboard.
The 2017 BFL is a 24-division circuit devoted to weekend anglers, with 128 tournaments throughout the season, five qualifying events in each division. The top 45 boaters and co-anglers from each division, along with the five winners of the qualifying events, will advance to one of six regional tournaments where they are competing to finish in the top six, which then qualifies them for one of the longest-running championships in all of competitive bass fishing – the BFL All-American. Top performers in the BFL can move up to the Costa FLW Series or even the FLW Tour.
For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow the BFL on Facebook at Facebook.com/FLWFishing and on Twitter at Twitter.com/FLWFishing.
TENNESSEE’S BOGGS WINS T-H MARINE FLW BFL LBL DIVISION EVENT ON KENTUCKY LAKES
Pierce Claims Co-angler Title
GILBERTSVILLE, Ky. (July 17, 2017) – Drew Boggs of Lebanon, Tennessee, won the T-H Marine FLW Bass Fishing League (BFL) LBL Division tournament on Kentucky and Barkley lakes Saturday after catching a five-bass limit weighing 24 pounds, 11 ounces. Boggs took home $4,498 for his victory.
“Saturday was a special day on the water,” said Boggs, who earned his fifth career-victory in BFL competition. “I fished the same pattern recently in another tournament held on Kentucky Lake, but didn’t catch them like I did this weekend. I can’t tell you what made the difference. It was just a great day.”
Boggs said he spent his entire day fishing south of Paris Landing. He said he delivered a one-two punch of fishing ledges out deep and flipping wood up shallow to craft his limit.
“My two biggest bass came from the ledges on a prototype jig from Jenko Fishing,” said Boggs. “Around 9:30 (a.m.) I headed to main-lake shallows and flipped trees, laydowns and bushes to round out my limit.”
Boggs said he sat in 2 to 3 feet of water and threw a Tilapia-colored Big Bite Baits Craw Tube with a Jenko Creature Weight.
“I’d hop it up right under the surface and then let it fall freely,” said Boggs. “I put 20 good keepers in the boat just flipping the tube - it was nuts.”
The top 10 boaters finished the tournament in:
1st: Drew Boggs, Lebanon, Tenn., five bass, 24-11, $4,498
2nd: Ed Rounsaville, Indianapolis, Ind., five bass, 19-13, $1,981
3rd: Cole Floyd, Leesburg, Ohio, five bass, 19-4, $1,322
4th: Peter Merkel, Lynnville, Ind., five bass, 19-1, $925
5th: Harry Barber, Earlington, Ky., five bass, 18-11, $793
6th: Josh Malone, Alma, Ill., five bass, 17-8, $993
6th: Stephen Barga, Benton, Ky., five bass, 17-8, $893
8th: John Hopkins, Hendersonville, Tenn., five bass, 17-4, $694
9th: Dan Morehead, Paducah, Ky., five bass, 17-0, $528
10th: Billy Schroeder, Paducah, Ky., five bass, 16-11, $462
Complete results can be found at FLWFishing.com.
Boggs’ largest bass weighed 7 pounds, 1 ounce and was the heaviest caught in the Boater Division. The catch also earned him the day’s Boater Big Bass award of $535.
Jim Pierce of Medon, Tennessee, won the Co-angler Division and $2,081 Saturday after catching a five-bass limit weighing 16 pounds, 2 ounces.
The top 10 co-anglers were:
1st: Jim Pierce, Medon, Tenn., five bass, 16-2, $2,081
2nd: Jacob Greco, Edwardsville, Ill., four bass, 15-7, $991
3rd: Jim Dietel, Loami, Ill., five bass, 13-1, $662
4th: Daniel Pope Jr., Cincinnati, Ohio, five bass, 12-14, $462
5th: Travis Williams, Jackson, Mo., five bass, 12-13, $396
6th: Michael Swift, Alma, Ill., five bass, 12-10, $363
7th: Joseph Gulash, Edwardsville, Ill., four bass, 12-6, $330
8th: Kevin Lamb, Gallatin, Tenn., five bass, 12-4, $297
9th: Trevor Gooch, Yuma, Tenn., four bass, 11-13, $314
10th: Howard Dowdy, Livingston, Tenn., four bass, 11-10, $231
Scott Sims of Morgantown, Indiana, caught the largest bass in the Co-angler Division – a fish weighing 5 pounds, 9 ounces – and earned the day’s Co-angler Big Bass award of $267.
The top 45 boaters and co-anglers in the region based on point standings, along with the five winners in each qualifying event, will be entered in the Oct. 12-14 BFL Regional Championship on the Barren River in Scottsville, Kentucky. Boaters will compete for a top award of a Ranger Z518C with a 200-horsepower Evinrude outboard and $20,000, while co-anglers will fish for a new Ranger Z518C with a 200-horsepower Evinrude outboard.
The 2017 BFL is a 24-division circuit devoted to weekend anglers, with 128 tournaments throughout the season, five qualifying events in each division. The top 45 boaters and co-anglers from each division, along with the five winners of the qualifying events, will advance to one of six regional tournaments where they are competing to finish in the top six, which then qualifies them for one of the longest-running championships in all of competitive bass fishing – the BFL All-American. Top performers in the BFL can move up to the Costa FLW Series or even the FLW Tour.
For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow the BFL on Facebook at Facebook.com/FLWFishing and on Twitter at Twitter.com/FLWFishing.
HODGINS WINS T-H MARINE FLW BFL MICHIGAN DIVISION EVENT ON LAKE ST. CLAIR
Texas’ Cosculluela Takes Co-angler Title
HARRISON TOWNSHIP, Mich. (July 17, 2017) – Erick Hodgins of Amherstburg, Ontario, Canada, caught five bass weighing 23 pounds, 11 ounces, Saturday to win the T-H Marine FLW Bass Fishing League (BFL) Michigan Division tournament on Lake St. Clair. Hodgins earned $4,342 for his efforts.
Hodgins said he spent the tournament targeting bass on the Canadian side of the border. He said his two key areas were weed beds in 18 to 20 feet of water.
“I went to my best area first, but went two hours without a bite,” said Hodgins, who was fishing in his first career BFL tournament. “I moved to my second spot and was able to put together my first limit. I had about 19 pounds there, but I still wanted to get back to the first area. I knew that’s where the bigger fish would be.”
Hodgins said once weather conditions improved, he returned to his first area and culled most of his limit.
“The sun came out and there was just a little ripple on top of the water, which was perfect,” said Hodgins. “I took advantage of my (Minn Kota) Ultrex’s spot-lock feature and picked the weed bed apart.”
Hodgins said he primarily used green pumpkin- or watermelon-colored tubes by Mike’s Rx Baits and Xtreme Bass Tackle. He also threw a Baby Bass-colored Yamamoto Shad Shape Worm on a drop-shot rig.
“I used a really long fluorocarbon leader which I think works well for clear water,” said Hodgins. “I think that’s what made the difference for me. It was a good day out there, that’s for sure.”
The top 10 boaters finished the tournament in:
1st: Erick Hodgins, Amherstburg, Ontario, Canada, five bass, 23-11, $4,342
2nd: Michael Rhodes, Paw Paw, Mich., five bass, 22-1, $1,921
3rd: Jonathon Dewey, Port Huron, Mich., five bass, 21-12, $1,282
4th: Mark Modrak, China Township, Mich., five bass, 21-3, $996
5th: Brent Dunmyer, Weston, Ohio, five bass, 20-13, $768
6th: Kyle Greene, Ortonville, Mich., five bass, 20-12, $704
7th: Jesse Schwark, Athens, Mich., five bass, 20-8, $640
8th: John Lovin, Fayetteville, Ohio, five bass, 20-2, $576
9th: John Scalf, Goshen, Ohio, five bass, 20-0, $512
10th: Zach Maisch, Lima, Ohio, five bass, 19-13, $448
Complete results can be found at FLWFishing.com.
Tim Gillies of Union City, Michigan, caught a 5-pound, 6-ounce bass – the heaviest of the event in the Boater Division – and earned the day’s Boater Big Bass award of $510.
Hugh Cosculluela of The Woodlands, Texas, won the Co-angler Division and $1,921 Saturday after catching five bass weighing 22 pounds even.
The top 10 co-anglers were:
1st: Hugh Cosculluela, The Woodlands, Texas, five bass, 22-0, $1,921
2nd: Matt Vermilyea, Perrysburg, Ohio, five bass, 21-10, $960
3rd: Michelle Jalaba, Birmingham, Mich., five bass, 21-4, $741
4th: Josh Deyonker, Livonia, Mich., five bass, 20-12, $703
5th: Robert Busby, Fenton, Mich., five bass, 19-11, $384
6th: Daniel Holland, Beverly Hills, Mich., five bass, 19-2, $352
7th: Philip Borsa, Redford, Mich., five bass, 18-14, $320
8th: Curtis Hall II, Battle Creek, Mich., five bass, 18-5, $288
9th: Tate Compton, Hoopeston, Ill., five bass, 17-15, $256
10th: Mike Williams, Blanchester, Ohio, five bass, 17-13, $224
Deyonker caught the largest bass in the Co-angler Division – a fish weighing 6 pounds, 3 ounces – and earned the day’s Co-angler Big Bass award of $255.
The top 45 boaters and co-anglers in the region based on point standings, along with the five winners in each qualifying event, will be entered in the Oct. 12-14 BFL Regional Championship on the Barren River in Scottsville, Kentucky. Boaters will compete for a top award of a Ranger Z518C with a 200-horsepower Evinrude outboard and $20,000, while co-anglers will fish for a new Ranger Z518C with a 200-horsepower Evinrude outboard.
The 2017 BFL is a 24-division circuit devoted to weekend anglers, with 128 tournaments throughout the season, five qualifying events in each division. The top 45 boaters and co-anglers from each division, along with the five winners of the qualifying events, will advance to one of six regional tournaments where they are competing to finish in the top six, which then qualifies them for one of the longest-running championships in all of competitive bass fishing – the BFL All-American. Top performers in the BFL can move up to the Costa FLW Series or even the FLW Tour.
For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow the BFL on Facebook at Facebook.com/FLWFishing and on Twitter at Twitter.com/FLWFishing.
PENNSYLVANIA’S BUCK WINS T-H MARINE FLW BFL NORTHEAST DIVISION TOURNAMENT ON ONEIDA LAKE
Dubernas Earns Co-angler Title
BREWERTON, N.Y. (July 17, 2017) – Pro Grae Buck of Harleysville, Pennsylvania, caught a five-bass limit weighing 18 pounds even Saturday to win the T-H Marine FLW Bass Fishing League (BFL) Northeast Division tournament on Oneida Lake. For his win, Buck pocketed $5,303.
“I fished in 9 to 12 feet of water around grass and rock that were mixed together,” said Buck, an FLW Tour rookie who logged his third career-victory in BFL competition. “I rotated through seven areas and hit each one twice, focusing on individual fish that were cruising by themselves. Other anglers were catching them from schools, but I couldn’t get them going.”
Buck said he utilized a Yamamoto Shad Shape Worm on a drop-shot rig as his key bait. He preferred 7.3-pound test Seaguar Finesse Fluorocarbon line because it eliminated some of the twisting that comes with fishing a drop-shot rig.
“I did my best to make contact with the rock between the grass patches,” said Buck. “I was dragging the rig more than anything. If you weren’t dragging it, you weren’t getting bit. I’m pretty sure they were feeding on perch down there.
“I caught my heaviest fish with 20 minutes left in the day,” Buck went on to say. “It culled out a 2½-pounder, so it basically won me the tournament.”
The top 10 boaters finished the tournament in:
1st: Grae Buck, Harleysville, Pa., five bass, 18-0, $5,303
2nd: Kevin Park, Waymart, Pa., five bass, 17-9, $2,232
3rd: Ian Renfrew, Phoenix, N.Y., five bass, 17-6, $1,589
4th: Tyler Sheppard, Hermitage, Pa., five bass, 16-6, $1,041
5th: Tyler Morgan, Pine Grove, Pa., five bass, 16-3, $893
6th: Paul Kimball, Glastonbury, Conn., five bass, 16-1, $818
7th: Brandon Esterly, Forest, Va., five bass, 15-15, $744
8th: Jeremy Douglas, Rochester, N.Y., five bass, 15-10, $669
9th: Jason Shipton, Muncy, Pa., five bass, 15-8, $595
10th: Shaun Kucharski, Pittston, Pa., five bass, 15-5, $521
Complete results can be found at FLWFishing.com.
Buck’s 4-pound, 11-ounce fish was the heaviest of the event in the Boater Division, and also earned him the day’s Boater Big Bass award of $640.
Jason Dubernas of Old Forge, Pennsylvania, won the Co-angler Division and $2,232 Saturday after catching five bass weighing 18 pounds, 6 ounces.
The top 10 co-anglers were:
1st: Jason Dubernas, Old Forge, Pa., five bass, 18-6, $2,232
2nd: Henry McKee, Haddon Heights, N.J., five bass, 16-1, $1,116
3rd: Matt Maze, Johnsonburg, Pa., five bass, 14-5, $743
4th: Robby Zellers, Philadelphia, Pa., five bass, 13-11, $521
5th: William Allie, Wynantskill, N.Y., five bass, 13-10, $446
6th: Roy Bilby, Richmondville, N.Y., five bass, 13-8, $409
7th: Peter Longo, Neptune, N.J., five bass, 13-5, $372
8th: Thomas Dellinger, Myerstown, Pa., five bass, 13-2, $335
9th: Shawn Flynn, Dexter, N.Y., five bass, 12-15, $298
10th: Bryan Folino, Cheshire, Mass., four bass, 12-11, $460
Rick Hahn of Fulton, New York, caught the largest bass in the Co-angler Division – a fish weighing 4 pounds, 8 ounces – and earned the day’s Co-angler Big Bass award of $320.
The top 45 boaters and co-anglers in the region based on point standings, along with the five winners in each qualifying event, will be entered in the Oct. 12-14 BFL Regional Championship on the James River in Williamsburg, Virginia. Boaters will compete for a top award of a Ranger Z518C with a 200-horsepower Evinrude outboard and $20,000, while co-anglers will fish for a new Ranger Z518C with a 200-horsepower Evinrude outboard.
The 2017 BFL is a 24-division circuit devoted to weekend anglers, with 128 tournaments throughout the season, five qualifying events in each division. The top 45 boaters and co-anglers from each division, along with the five winners of the qualifying events, will advance to one of six regional tournaments where they are competing to finish in the top six, which then qualifies them for one of the longest-running championships in all of competitive bass fishing – the BFL All-American. Top performers in the BFL can move up to the Costa FLW Series or even the FLW Tour.
For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow the BFL on Facebook at Facebook.com/FLWFishing and on Twitter at Twitter.com/FLWFishing.
Jordan Lee on Sapphire, Diamonds, and Football Jigs
Alan McGuckin - Special to Anglerschannel.com
If life’s goodness were measured in pounds and ounces right now for young Bassmaster Classic Champion Jordan Lee, it’d be the equivalent of a monstrous 27-pound 4-ounce limit of bass.
Since his dramatic come-from-behind Classic win on Lake Conroe, he threatened to win Bassmaster Toyota Texas Fest last month, where he eventually finished 4th.
Away from the water, Jordan got engaged to his sweetheart of three years, Kristen, launched his own signature series Classic-winning football jig at ICAST, and discovered his new favorite fishing reel.
Diamond Rings
No surprise, Jordan first became smitten with Kristen at his first-ever Bassmaster Southern Open on Lake Toho, Florida where she was working the tournament registration as a marketing assistant at Power-Pole.
After a sweet three-year relationship that oozes cuteness each time they’re seen together, Jordan bought his bride-to-be a beautiful pear-shaped diamond engagement ring at Ed White Jewelers in his hometown of Cullman, AL.
“We actually looked a rings a year ago, but I’m proud to say I never pressured him to get married,” says Kristen. “I wanted him to propose when he was truly ready, not because so many other people were telling him he should, or asking us when we would get married.”
Lee was logical in his approach to making a lifetime commitment, often assuring Kristen he loved her, but wanting to make sure he was financially secure and standing on stable ground in the fishing industry before he asked her to be his wife.
His Bassmaster Classic win in March obviously brought the career stability the humble 25-year-old desired.
So on a trip home to North Georgia to see Kristen’s parents, that included a fishing trip to Lake Lanier of course, the two planned a date to a local vineyard where Jordan popped the question and presented the gorgeous diamond ring.
Sapphire Washers
Diamonds are not only a girl’s best friend, but are actually super tough, and at the top of the hardness scale, just above sapphire for natural gems and materials. And fresh off diamond shopping, Lee discovered a sapphire jeweled spool tension washer inside his favorite new fishing reel at ICAST.
The new $199 Quantum Tour S3 features a super-hard sapphire plated washer inside the spool tension knob, creates a smoother, harder surface for the spool shaft to turn against. That leads to much improved longevity in the reel Lee couldn’t keep his hands off during his time in the Quantum booth at ICAST.
Football Jigs
When not in the Quantum booth, Jordan and Kristen could often be found at the Strike King booth proudly sharing the new “J Lee Comeback Jig” with media and retail dealers.
“It’s made of round, old skool, living rubber strands as opposed to the silicone strands that most jigs are made of,” explains Lee.
“Living rubber has more action than silicone, even when the jig is sitting still on the bottom of the lake, and I think that played a big role in getting so many quality bites that final day on Lake Conroe,” he says.
“Living rubber just ‘breathes’ better, and big fish can’t stand not to bite it,” believes Lee. “This is a structure jig for casting in 8 to 30 feet of water, and dragging slowly across the bottom. We’re making it in 1/2, ¾ and 1-ounce.”
When asked to choose just two favorite colors of the new jig, he chose Peanut butter and jelly, and plain ‘ol brown. He ties the jig to 15-pound fluorocarbon, and fishes it on a 7.3:1 Quantum Tour S3 for plenty of speedy line pickup when a bass bites in deep water.
Sapphire reel parts, diamond rings, and football jigs. Indeed, life is shining right now for Jordan Lee.
TJ Svec Wins Third ABA Division Victory on Lake Gaston with Over 14 pounds!
On a hot windless day on Lake Gaston, most of the field found it difficult to come up with a five bass limit of fish. TJ Svec, however seized the opportunity to take his third division victory of the season by bringing in five bass that weighed in at 14.11 pounds. He anchored his catch with the big fish of the event at 5.06 pounds. He has been rolling through the season with three Division 13 victories and one division 17 win, all on different bodies of water.
Weights dropped off drastically with Tommy Marrow taking 2nd place with 12.82 pounds and Michael Sims coming in third with 7.60 pounds.
Rounding out the top 5 were Randy Ruffin at 7.40 pounds and Ken Mason with 6.68 pounds.
The Virginia division will next meet on Kerr Lake going out of Rudds Creek on 5 Aug.
For more information contact American Bass Anglers at 256-232-0406 or local Director Gary Conner at 757-293-8651
These anglers are earning valuable points toward the divisional angler of the year title. The points champion from each division will compete in the annual Ram American Bass Anglers AFT Angler of the Year Final Round at the Ram American Fishing Tour National Championship.
The Ram American Fishing Tour offers low cost, close to home bass tournaments that are designed for the weekend angler. All ABA 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 Ram American Fishing Tour National Championship. For more information on American Bass Anglers please visit www.americanbassanglers.com or call (256)232-0406.
American Bass Anglers, Inc. is supported by Ram Trucks, Triton Boats, Mercury Outboards, Carlisle Tires, GEICO, Berkley, Abu Garcia, T-H Marine, Livingston Lures, Best Western Hotels, Maui Jim, Power Pole, LiT Coolers, Simms, Garmin, and Divide-It. American Bass Anglers, Inc. can be contacted at (256) 232-0406 or by visiting americanbassanglers.com
YETI FLW COLLEGE FISHING NORTHERN CONFERENCE EVENT SET FOR CHAUTAUQUA LAKE
BEMUS POINT, N.Y. (July 11, 2017) – YETI FLW College Fishing is headed to Chautauqua Lake July 22 for the second of three regular-season stops in the Northern Conference. The tournament, presented by Bass Pro Shops, will feature college fishing clubs casting for $2,000 and an invitation to compete in the 2018 College Fishing National Championship.
“I think it’s going to take 16 or 17 pounds to win this event,” said Derek Horner, a Penn State University angler who has finished in the top five – including a win last year – in each of the last two FLW College Fishing visits to Chautauqua Lake. “It’s taken a little less to win on Chautauqua Lake in recent tournaments, but I think some teams are really going to catch them this year.”
Horner said he expects there to be three dominant patterns in play during this tournament.
“The first thing that comes to mind for Chautauqua Lake is fishing docks,” said Horner. “I think we’ll see a lot of teams picking them apart with a Texas-rigged worm or a jig with a craw trailer. I also see a lot of anglers targeting staging bass along grass lines with ChatterBaits and spinnerbaits. If all else fails, you can’t go wrong with throwing a frog near lily pads.”
Horner said that the algae bloom may also dictate where anglers choose to fish.
“This time of year, bass tend to congregate where algae is thickest,” said Horner. “On the south end of the lake it tends to be thicker, but if there’s a strong south wind competitors will have to stay up north where the water is deeper. Those teams will likely focus on smallmouth that are staging near submerged rocks.”
Competitors will take off from Long Point State Park, located at 4459 Route 430 in Bemus Point, at 6:30 a.m. EDT Saturday. Weigh-in will be held at the park beginning at 2:30 p.m. Takeoff and weigh-in are free and open to the public.
Schools are allowed to register up until the morning of the tournament. Entries may be made either by phone or at CollegeFishing.com.
Schools currently registered to compete in the Chautauqua Lake tournament, which is hosted by the Chautauqua County Visitors Bureau, include:
Bowling Green State University – Corey Miller, Perrysburg, Ohio, and Jason Bailey, Port Clinton, Ohio
Christopher Newport University – Connor Fenwick, Culpeper, Va., and Willson Baxley, Newport News, Va.
Fairmont State University – Jacob Smith, Martinsburg, W. Va., and Corey Straight, Barrackville, W. Va.
James Madison University – Blake Miles, Chesterfield, Va., and Jack Goodwyn, Powhatan, Va.
James Madison University – Daniel Jenkins, Midlothian, Va., and Xander Bradley, Vienna, Va.
Kent State University – Jordan Spiess, Bryan, Ohio, and Zachary Asher, Sunbury, Ohio
Kent State University – Tanner Ward, Coshocton, Ohio, and Alec Gabriel, New Philadelphia, Ohio
Kutztown University of Pennsylvania – Joe Tini, Archibald, Pa., and Corey Bechtel, Allentown, Pa.
Liberty University – Hunter Moore, Lynchburg, Va., and Zachary Phillips, New Hartford, Conn.
Mansfield University – Christopher Tanczos, Mansfield, Pa., and Logan Murray, Easton, Pa.
Mansfield University – Nicholas Hoffman, Dallastown, Pa., and James Grassi, Saxonburg, Pa.
Paul Smith's College – Jon Herrman, Oneida, N.Y., and Taylor West, Lakewood, N.Y.
Pennsylvania State University – Chris Trianosky, Phoenixville, Pa., and Lou Mocniak, Washington, Pa.
Pennsylvania State University – David Contrael, Kittanning, Pa., and Lance Brosious, Sunbury, Pa.
Pennsylvania State University – Derek Horner, State College, Pa., and Maurice Hudson Jr., Broomall, Pa.
Pennsylvania State University – Tom Oranzi, West Grove, Pa., and Stephen Jesso, Plymouth, Pa.
Pennsylvania State University-Harrisburg – Ryan Fox, Thornhurst, Pa., and Chad Burkholder, Palmyra, Pa.
Radford University – Joshua Greenberg, Montpelier, Va., and Adam Carter, Mechanicsville, Va.
Slippery Rock University – Cody Neal, Evans City, Pa., and Kyle Brown, Wexford, Pa.
Slippery Rock University – Evan Kretz, Allison Park, Pa., and Samuel Jenesky, Pittsburgh, Pa.
Slippery Rock University – Garrett Godlewski, Imperial, Pa., and Nathan Quince, Pittsburgh, Pa.
Slippery Rock University – Jason Frontino and Ryan Kozlowski, both of Cranberry Township, Pa.
State University of New York-Buffalo – Austin Ocwieja, Webster, Nev., and Daniel Peltier, North Tonawanda, N.Y.
University of Delaware – Brennan Chuprinko, Flanders, N.J., and Daniel Lopez, Cornwall-on-Hudson, N.Y.
University of Maine – Brian Volkernick, Dixfield, Maine, and Cody Rubner, Acton, Mass.
University of Southern Maine – Nick Deering and Ian Westphal, both of Portland, Maine
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University – Ethan Stone, Charlottesville, Va., and Junior Roberts, Ringgold, Va.
West Chester University of Pennsylvania – Tyler Canada, West Chester, Pa., and Thomas Arena, Carlisle, Pa.
Youngstown State University – Jalen Rich, Campbell, Ohio, and Stan Miketa, New Middletown, Ohio
FLW College Fishing teams compete in three regular-season qualifying tournaments in one of five conferences – Central, Northern, Southern, Southeastern and Western. The top ten teams from each division’s three regular-season tournaments and the top 20 teams from the annual FLW College Fishing Open will advance to the 2018 FLW College Fishing National Championship. Additional teams will qualify for the National Championship if the field size in regular-season events exceeds 100 boats.
College Fishing is free to enter. All participants must be registered, full-time students at a college, university or community college and members of a college fishing club that is recognized by their school.
For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow College Fishing on Facebook at Facebook.com/FLWFishing and on Twitter at Twitter.com/FLWFishing. Visit FLWFishing.com to sign up or to start a club at your school.
Vegan Harasses Fishermen, Throws Back Fish - What Would You Do?
Animal rights activists have a well-deserved reputation for taking things too far. Lack of rationale is not reserved for teenage girls. Apparently, it is becoming fashionable for grown men to act as if they have no common sense and no restraint.
And to even use small children as pawns in their attacks on a wholesome pastime.
Consider the case two days ago of a militant vegan who harassed two men while they fished in a public park on Crescent Lake in St Petersburg, Fla.
The perpetrator filmed his own antics. The video shows his small child approach the men as a fresh-caught tilapia flops on the ground. The child asks the men to stop fishing because fish feel pain.
When the men quietly continue about their business, the role model father steps in and tries his best to escalate the situation into a full-blown conflict. He eventually steals their fish and throws it back into the lake.
Keeping a cool head, one of the anglers makes a phone call, presumably to the authorities while most viewers want to step into the screen and deck the antagonistic, holier than thou attention seeker who repeatedly informs us that he eats no meat products what so ever.
Question is, what should be done about this problem - not just this specific incident, but the actions of a very vocal, very, very small minority of folks who would not only choose to not fish or hunt but would also choose for YOU not to do so?
There are laws in Florida against hunter harassment and they convey to fishermen as well. But we see how much good that did our fishing friends in this case. Their trip was already ruined. What further steps, if any should we take? What happens when they take to the water to mess with boating anglers? What if they start disrupting bass tournaments? Any pertinent laws need to have enough teeth to stop this nonsense cold. And they must be fully enforced before it will do any good.
Watch for yourself:
https://youtu.be/SFTeq-MAwMI
Elite Series ‘No Info’ Rule Too Vague Say Some Pros
Vance McCullough
It’s ICAST week in Orlando. That means the entire fishing world is hanging out, talking. There’s a lot of positive energy. But there’s also the occasional blurb of honesty.
I’ve personally overheard two different conversations in which anglers (who will remain unnamed) expressed dismay over the newest incarnation of the B.A.S.S. rule that prohibits Elite Series anglers from getting help or information. According to an email sent to the anglers from B.A.S.S. on Thursday, anglers may not solicit or collect waypoints from others. Specifics appear to be lacking. “So, somebody can tell me I should flip docks, as long as they don’t give me a waypoint?” questioned one pro.
Another wondered how to define someone who has ‘significant knowledge’ of the lake being fished.
The ripple effect is far-reaching.
For instance, one prominent lure company will be forced to cancel or move its annual writers conference from Kentucky Lake because the Elite Series will stop there next year. The conference would be held in October – many months before the tourney takes place, but still out of bounds according to the rule.
Then again, if none of the writers have ‘extensive knowledge’ of Kentucky Lake, is it legal for Elite Series pros to take them out on the lake?
Therein lies the problem for some – the rule appears to lack specificity.
Stay tuned as we learn more.
FLW ANNOUNCES 2018 FLW TOUR SCHEDULE
ORLANDO, Fla. (July 13, 2017) – Fishing League Worldwide (FLW) announced the 2018 FLW Tour regular-season schedule Thursday in a live press event held at the International Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trades (ICAST). The 2018 season will feature seven tournaments, broadcast in high-definition (HD) on NBC Sports Network, the Pursuit Channel and the World Fishing Network, which will showcase the best bass anglers in the world competing in the most competitive circuit in the sport.
2018 FLW Tour Regular-Season Schedule:
- January 25-28 Lake Okeechobee Clewiston, Fla.
Hosted by Roland & Mary Ann Martin’s Resort and Marina
- February 22-25 Harris Chain of Lakes Leesburg, Fla.
Hosted by Lake County, Florida
- March 8-11 Lake Lanier Gainesville, Ga.
Hosted by the Gainesville Convention & Visitor’s Bureau
- April 12-15 Lake Cumberland Burnside, Ky.
Hosted by the Somerset Tourist and Convention Commission
- April 26-29 Lewis Smith Lake Jasper, Ala.
Hosted by the Walker County Chamber of Commerce
- May 17-20 Kentucky Lake Gilbertsville, Ky.
Hosted by the Kentucky Lake Convention & Visitors Bureau
- June 28-July 1 Lake St. Clair Detroit, Mich.
Hosted by the Detroit Sports Commission, Macomb County, the Huron-Clinton Metroparks Authority and the Sterling Heights Regional Chamber of Commerce
The full schedule and expected patterns/details for each fishery can be found at FLWFishing.com.
In addition to the $125,000 paycheck that is awarded to FLW Tour winners, FLW will pay out at least $10,000 to pros down to 50th place along with one additional payout of $4,000 per boat over a 160-boat field.
In FLW Tour competition anglers are vying for valuable points in hopes of qualifying for the 2018 Forrest Wood Cup, the world championship of bass fishing. The date and location for the 2018 Forrest Wood Cup will be unveiled on-stage at the 2017 Forrest Wood Cup on Lake Murray in Columbia, South Carolina.
For details and updated information visit FLWFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow us on Facebook at Facebook.com/FLWFishing and on Twitter at Twitter.com/FLWFishing.
Strike King Suppa Fry!
This Isn’t Your Ordinary Fry, It’s SUPA!
Collierville, Tenn. (June 1, 2017) – One of the things that has made Strike King successful for over 50 years is that we are owned and run by anglers. We know what it takes to make a bait that functions and performs the way anglers expect. We also know that our customers and our pro staff are made up of some of the most discriminating anglers on earth. We count on that when it comes to designing our products. What do real fishermen want and need to do their job? That question is at the foundation of every Strike King lure. That question can be answered by every Strike King Lure as well. It certainly applies to the all-new KVD Supa Fry.
“Being competitive in the world of bass fishing means always evolving. It means being versatile enough to change things up and have confidence that you can win. The new KVD Supa Fry is one of those baits that allows me to do that. It is the kind of bait that I expect to get bit on. Even when it’s tough and bites are hard to get” says 15-time Bassmaster Classic Qualifier Todd Faircloth. “The Supa Fry is a finesse-style bait that is a game changer. The super-soft plastic and the awesome OPT colors combined with the perfect “floating” action get fish to bite. It will be hard to beat on a Carolina-Rig”.
The 4.5” KVD Supa Fry comes in 17 of our signature Open Pour Technology (OPT) colors. It will be found at better fishing retailers everywhere.
Minn Kota® Debuts New Portable Digital Battery Chargers at ICAST
technology to optimize charging and extend battery life
RACINE, Wis., July 12, 2017 – Getting the most from expensive marine batteries requires optimal charging, which is something Minn Kota® has perfected for years with their digital on-board charging technology. Now that digital advantage is available in two convenient, portable, single-bank battery chargers.
The new portable digital chargers have a built-in digital microprocessor that is the “brain” behind their performance. Among other things, the microprocessor facilitates automatic temperature compensation. High and low outside temperatures can greatly affect a battery’s ability to take a charge, often resulting in under- or over-charging which can damage expensive marine batteries. Minn Kota’s Portable Digital Chargers sense the outside temperature and automatically adjust the charge profile. This self-regulation ensures a faster, more precise charge every time. The benefits to anglers are extended battery life, maximum power for cranking and improved cycle life for marine electronics.
Minn Kota Portable Digital Chargers also recognize when the battery has achieved full power, and shut off automatically when the charge is complete. The new models deliver 5 or 10 AMPS of total output and work perfectly on flooded/wet-cell, maintenance-free, and AGM batteries. Anglers will appreciate the portable chargers’ light weight, generous carry handle and ease-of-use on all their on-the-go fishing adventures.
The 5 AMP MK-105PD will retail for $59.99 and the 10 AMP MK-110PD will retail for $84.99. For more information visit MinnKotaMotors.com.
Mossy Oak Becomes The Official Pattern Of B.A.S.S.
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Mossy Oak and B.A.S.S. have formed a partnership, which names Mossy Oak as the Official Pattern of B.A.S.S. The marriage of the fishing and hunting worlds through these two well-known outdoor brands comes in conjunction with the launch of Mossy Oak Elements, a line of patterns that offers designs specific to the angling community as well as hunters.
“As Mossy Oak expands into the fishing market with the launch of our new fishing lifestyle pattern, Elements, we knew we had to partner with a leader in that industry. B.A.S.S. was top of mind,” said Chris Paradise, Chief Sales Officer for Mossy Oak. “Bass fishing is immensely popular and B.A.S.S. is the clear leader in that space with a massive reach. Combining two iconic brands, the best lifestyle pattern in Mossy Oak Elements and a long list of leading manufactures, we are going to make waves in the outdoor industry.”
Bruce Akin, B.A.S.S. CEO, applauded Mossy Oak’s entry into the bass fishing arena.
“Bass fishing is a large and lucrative market, and we are excited about helping Mossy Oak reach that market,” Akin said. “Our 500,000 B.A.S.S. members and the 4.4 million readers of BassmasterMagazine are loyal to companies that invest in the sport. They appreciate innovative and quality products, and I know they will be eager to try out the new Elements pattern.”
To learn more about Mossy Oak Elements, visit www.mossyoak.com. For pattern licensing information, visit www.why.mossyoak.com.
About Haas Outdoors Inc.
Haas Outdoors Inc. is headquartered in West Point, Miss., was established in 1986 and is home of Mossy Oak. Celebrating 30 years in 2016, Mossy Oak is a leading outdoors lifestyle brand that specializes in developing and marketing modern camouflage designs for hunters and outdoors enthusiasts. The Mossy Oak Brand and patterns can be found on a multitude of products worldwide. Haas Outdoors Inc. is the parent company of Mossy Oak, BioLogic, Mossy Oak Productions, MOOSE Media, Nativ Nurseries, Nativ Living, GameKeepers, GameKeepers Kennels and Mossy Oak Properties. Mossy Oak is the official camouflage of the National Wild Turkey Federation and Ducks Unlimited. Follow Mossy Oak on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Google+, Pinterest and YouTube.
About B.A.S.S.
B.A.S.S. is the worldwide authority on bass fishing and keeper of the culture of the sport, providing cutting edge content on bass fishing whenever, wherever and however bass fishing fans want to use it. Headquartered in Birmingham, Ala., the 500,000-member organization’s fully integrated media platforms include the industry’s leading magazines (Bassmaster and B.A.S.S. Times), website (Bassmaster.com), television show (The Bassmasters on ESPN2), radio show (Bassmaster Radio), social media programs and events. For more than 45 years, B.A.S.S. has been dedicated to access, conservation and youth fishing.
The Bassmaster Tournament Trail includes the most prestigious events at each level of competition, including the Bassmaster Elite Series, Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Open Series, Academy Sports + Outdoors B.A.S.S. Nation presented by Magellan, Carhartt Bassmaster College Series presented by Bass Pro Shops, Costa Bassmaster High School Series presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods, Toyota Bonus Bucks Bassmaster Team Championship and the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing, the GEICO Bassmaster Classic presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods.
Seaguar - Winners Since Day One
New York, NY (July 12, 2017) – At no time will the words “nothing to see here; go on about your business” have any less meaning then when strolling by booth #986 at ICAST 2017.
The significance of that curtained cubical within the walls of the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida, July 12 through 14, 2017? That’s where the fine folks at Seaguar — the brand all other lines strive to be — will be presenting the very wares that have made their name synonymous with “the highest-quality fishing lines ever made”.
If you’re familiar with Seaguar, then you know the alternative expression isn’t anything new. They were the first to bring fluorocarbon line to angler’s reels, back in 1971. And since then, names like Flippin’ Fluoro, Tatsu, AbrazX and InvizX, as well a plethora of other superior fluoro main lines and leaders have been created since the original spool of Red Label hit the market place.
What many may not realize is Seaguar takes just as much pride in producing the strongest, most fishable monofilament and braided lines, as well. Stop by and chat about Flippin’ Braid, Smackdown and Threadlock braids. After that, check out Senshi and Rippin’ Premium Monofilament. You’ll be impressed with every line Seaguar constructs.
Something else to tête-à-tête about? How ‘bout the fact that Seaguar is still the only manufacturer to make their own fluorocarbon from beginning to end. No, really… from the first substance to the final stage, Seaguar is the one.
“There’s so much Seaguar does differently that helps our products perform better on the water,” says Brian Evans, assistant marketing manager for Seaguar.
St. Croix Rods Achieving Legend Status
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LIVETARGET New Concept and Lure Introduction, BaitBall Spinner Rig:
LIVETARGET once again breaks tradition with an innovative lure design with the presentation and announcement of the BaitBall Spinner Rig. This is an impressive new lure format that combines the premier design skills at LIVETARGET with the calculated use of nature’s own habitat rules, creating a true multi-dimensional lure offering. The fish definitely haven’t seen this before!
The BaitBall Spinner Rig is a multi-wire lure that incorporates “teaser” fish on three arms, a single spin blade for flash in the center, and a specially designed “target” fish armed with a single, sturdy black nickel hook. Think spinnerbait, yet better. Think Alabama Rig, but refined and castable. Think about penetrating dense hard cover like brush piles and blow-downs. Think about improving some of your all-time favorite lures and incorporating them into one design. And here is another huge plus to the Spinner Rig design: anglers can interchange both the “teaser” fish and the “target” fish onto the frame via a unique Interchange System which will allow colors and sizes of the replacements to be easily swapped on the water by anglers!
The action of the BaitBall Spinner Rig is intended to mimic a small cluster of fleeing baitfish. The combined action of the teaser bodies’ flicker, the flash of the spinner blade, the roll of the full rig, and the tuned vibration of the target fish make this truly a unique combination of fish attracting actions. The “target” fish are positioned without hooks and the strategic wire-arm placement creates unmatched ability to retrieve this design through heavy hard cover such as brush piles, deep timber, docks, blow-downs, rip-rap, etc. With frame sizes from ¼ ounce up to ¾ ounce, the Spinner Rig casts easily and can be fished for extended periods with minimal effort.
Baitball Spinner Rigs will be sold in three frame sizes (small, medium, large), with two weight options for each frame proportionally sized. All eight colors will be offered in each frame and weight.
The Interchange System was created to allow anglers the option to quickly change the color combinations to adjust to on the water lighting and water color conditions. Additionally, the Interchange System offers a cost effective way for anglers to refresh their lure with the soft-plastic portions as they become fatigued from fish catches and use. Interchange System components will be delivered in packages of three Teaser Fish and two Target Fish per package, and replacements will be sold alongside Spinner Rigs at retailers.
Grant Koppers, founder and President of LIVETARGET commented on the design work and uniqueness found in this innovative lure: “This is one of the most innovative and unique products we have ever designed. In fact, we’ve been working on this concept for several years. Every variable to make this lure function and trigger strikes has been meticulously considered. The flash and vibration is unlike any lure ever created”
The BaitBall Spinner Rig will become available to retailers in Q4 2017, and will be retail packaged as a single lure with a MSRP of $13.49 - $15.49 based on model size. Interchange System replacement units will have a MSRP of $7.99 for all sizes and combinations.
The All-New Minn Kota® Talon® Offers More Control Options, Deeper Anchoring and Added Versatility
RACINE, Wis., July 11, 2017 – Using a Minn Kota® Talon® for precise boat control has never been easier. In fact, there are now five ways for anglers to activate the Talon from anywhere in the boat. The newest way utilizes Bluetooth® communication to pair the Talon with Humminbird® units on the boat for total boat control on one console (including the ability to pair Humminbird units with select Minn Kota trolling motors). Anglers can also engage the anchor using a foot switch, with a wireless remote (every Talon comes standard with two), via the new Talon smartphone app, and with the Talon’s built-in control panel.
According to Minn Kota Brand Manager Brad Henry, “When it’s time to Talon down we give anglers options so they can lock on a spot no matter where they are in the boat or their style of fishing.”
Another major advancement is the introduction of Minn Kota’s new 15-foot Talon, the deepest shallow-water anchor ever made. It allows anglers to lock down on more spots to effectively unlock more water.
Hall of Fame angler Al Lindner explains how Talon’s depth delivers results for his multi-species pursuits. “I use it for catfish in rivers, for crappies in the spring, naturally for bass, and in more cases than I ever thought - for walleyes. Yeah, you heard me right, walleyes.”
Also new for 2017 is a clever work light built into the Talon top cap. When fishing in dark conditions, the work light illuminates the entire back deck of the boat to help anglers when rigging and landing fish at night. It has three brightness settings and white or blue LED light options for ideal illumination.
Talon allows anglers to anchor in any condition with three user-selectable anchoring modes – another exclusive feature. The AUTO-DRIVE MODE powers the spike into the bottom with three increasingly aggressive hits. A SOFT BOTTOM MODE is ideal for less aggressive anchoring and easier retraction in muddy or silted bottom. When the wind is blowing, the ROUGH WATER MODE performs three consecutive auto-drive sequences at 10-second intervals for a secure hold when the boat rises and falls in waves.
Talon’s electro-mechanical design keeps the motor above the waterline for silent stealth below the surface. Talon also deploys vertically and out of the way, helping eliminate unwanted tangles when fighting boat-side fish. Also, anglers can add the tilt bracket accessory for easy tilt function for passing under low-hanging obstacles.
In addition to the new 15-footer, Talons are also available in 8-, 10- and 12-foot models. They all feature Bluetooth technology with a variety of color combinations including red/black, blue/black, silver/black, silver/white, all black and all white. The new Talons will be available in October 2017 and will retail for $1,899.99 (8-foot), $1,999.99 (10-foot), 2,099.99 (12-foot) and $2,499.99 (15-foot).
For more information visit MinnKotaMotors.com/NewTalon.
About Johnson Outdoors Marine Electronics, Inc.
Johnson Outdoors Marine Electronics, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Johnson Outdoors and consists of the Humminbird®, Minn Kota® and Cannon® brands. Humminbird® is a leading global innovator and manufacturer of marine electronics products including fishfinders, multifunction displays, autopilots, ice flashers and premium cartography products. Minn Kota® is the world’s leading manufacturer of electric trolling motors, as well as a complete line of Talon® shallow-water anchors, battery chargers and marine accessories. Cannon® is the leader in controlled-depth fishing and includes a full line of downrigger products and accessories.
About Johnson Outdoors
JOHNSON OUTDOORS is a leading global outdoor recreation company that turns ideas into adventure with innovative, top-quality products. The company designs, manufactures and markets a portfolio of winning, consumer-preferred brands across four categories: Watercraft, Marine Electronics, Diving and Outdoor Gear. Johnson Outdoors' familiar brands include, among others: Old Town® canoes and kayaks; Ocean Kayak™ and Necky® kayaks; Carlisle®paddles; Extrasport® personal flotation devices; Minn Kota® fishing motors, batteries and anchors; Cannon® downriggers; Humminbird® marine electronics and digital charts; SCUBAPRO® dive equipment; Silva® compasses; Jetboil® outdoor cooking systems; and Eureka!®camping and hiking equipment.
LEXINGTON’S WRIGHT WINS T-H MARINE FLW BFL PIEDMONT DIVISION TOURNAMENT ON FALLS LAKE PRESENTED BY NAVIONICS
Virginia’s Cooke Earns Co-angler Title
CREEDMOOR, N.C. (July 10, 2017) – David Wright of Lexington, North Carolina, caught five bass weighing 23 pounds, 2 ounces, Saturday to win the T-H Marine FLW Bass Fishing League (BFL) Piedmont Division tournament on Falls Lake presented by Navionics. For his efforts, Wright pocketed $5,122.
“After jumping around trying to avoid boat pressure, I pulled up to a bar right off of the main-river channel that was near deep water,” said Wright, who notched his 12th career-win in FLW competition. “I noticed my co-angler was really catching them on a June Bug-colored (Zoom) Trick Worm, so I began throwing one as well. I put it on a shaky-head rig and caught two, including a 6-pounder.”
Wright said his bass were positioned on top of the bar and in the shallowest water.
“I didn’t fish the very tip of the bar because everyone had stopped there,” said Wright. “I sat right off of the edge, in 12 to 14 feet of water, and fished the back side. I preferred to throw the worm over the top of it if the section wasn’t too wide.
“At about 10:30 (a.m.), I hit a small piece of cover on the side of the bar and caught a 7-pounder using a black (Zoom) Magnum Worm,” continued Wright. “After bringing in one more 4-pounder, I moved on.”
Wright said he finished his day on a ledge with a Zoom ‘Ol Monster Worm, and caught his final bass with 15 minutes left in the event.
The top 10 boaters finished the tournament in:
1st: David Wright, Lexington, N.C., five bass, 23-2, $5,122
2nd: William Small, Wake Forest, N.C., five bass, 20-11, $2,436
3rd: Flash Butts, Roanoke Rapids, N.C., five bass, 20-2, $1,592
4th: Mike Miller, Trinity, N.C., five bass, 18-5, $1,043
5th: Dan Glosson, Rougemont, N.C., five bass, 17-10, $894
6th: Skeet Bennett, Wake Forest, N.C., five bass, 17-7, $820
7th: Aaron Bussard, Apex, N.C., four bass, 16-12, $745
8th: Bryan Elrod, Mechanicsvlle, Va., five bass, 16-8, $671
9th: Timothy Scott, Bassett, Va., five bass, 16-6, $559
9th: Tommy Little, Chester, Va., five bass, 16-6, $559
Complete results can be found at FLWFishing.com.
Wright’s 7-pound, 15-ounce catch was the heaviest of the event in the Boater Division, and earned the day’s Boater Big Bass award of $650.
Hank Cooke of Emporia, Virginia, won the Co-angler Division and $2,661 Saturday after catching four bass weighing 16 pounds, 15 ounces.
The top 10 co-anglers were:
1st: Hank Cooke, Emporia, Va., four bass, 16-15, $2,661
2nd: Thomas Hirsch, Powhatan, Va., five bass, 16-2, $1,168
3rd: Charles Curtis, Wake Forest, N.C., five bass, 16-1, $745
4th: Mark Whitman, Elon, N.C., five bass, 14-8, $522
5th: Stacy Metz, Staley, N.C., five bass, 12-5, $447
6th: Gilbert Brown, Fredericksburg, Va., four bass, 11-7, $410
7th: Greg Ravitsky, Ashburn, Va., five bass, 9-15, $373
8th: Matthew Noraas, Pamplin, Va., three bass, 9-8, $335
9th: Ronald Haley, Danville, Va., three bass, 8-12, $298
10th: Jason Hinger, Timberlake, N.C., four bass, 8-11, $261
Cooke also caught the largest bass in the Co-angler Division – a fish weighing 6 pounds, 2 ounces – and earned the day’s Co-angler Big Bass award of $325.
The top 45 boaters and co-anglers in the region based on point standings, along with the five winners in each qualifying event, will be entered in the Oct. 12-14 BFL Regional Championship on the James River in Williamsburg, Virginia. Boaters will compete for a top award of a Ranger Z518C with a 200-horsepower Evinrude outboard and $20,000, while co-anglers will fish for a new Ranger Z518C with a 200-horsepower Evinrude outboard.
The 2017 BFL is a 24-division circuit devoted to weekend anglers, with 128 tournaments throughout the season, five qualifying events in each division. The top 45 boaters and co-anglers from each division, along with the five winners of the qualifying events, will advance to one of six regional tournaments where they are competing to finish in the top six, which then qualifies them for one of the longest-running championships in all of competitive bass fishing – the BFL All-American. Top performers in the BFL can move up to the Costa FLW Series or even the FLW Tour.
For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow the BFL on Facebook at Facebook.com/FLWFishing and on Twitter at Twitter.com/FLWFishing.
Plano Introduces KVD 3600 Signature Tackle Bag
Like millions of other anglers, bass phenom Kevin Van Dam relies on Plano to keep his fishing gear protected and well organized – at home, in the truck and on the water. And for 2018, Plano’s new KVD 3600 Signature Tackle Bag packs all-new levels of KVD-grade performance and efficiency.
The KVD 3600 Signature Tackle Bag defies rain and spray with an innovative molded top and base, along with a water-resistant protective TPE coating. Elevated rubber feet on the waterproof base keep the bag firmly planted and above wet surfaces. Its Utili-TackleTM Rail System includes 34 accessory attachment points, plus tie-down slots. The molded top holds a 3600-size StowAway® secured by an elastic bungee for immediate access to hot baits, while up to four additional StowAways® fit inside the main compartment. A waterproof zippered pocket is specifically sized for phones and wallets. Additional upgrades include MOLLE attachment points, an integrated tool pocket and a bright red interior for improved visibility in low light conditions. A larger 3700 size is also available.
MSRP for the he KVD 3600 Signature Tackle Bag is $99.99.
JOHNSON WINS T-H MARINE FLW BFL MUSIC CITY DIVISION TOURNAMENT ON OLD HICKORY LAKE PRESENTED BY NAVIONICS
Culleoka’s Andrews Earns Co-angler Title
GALLATIN, Tenn. (July 10, 2017) – Daniel Johnson of Lebanon, Tennessee, brought five bass weighing 18 pounds, 7 ounces, to the scale Saturday to win the T-H Marine FLW Bass Fishing League (BFL) Music City Division tournament on Old Hickory Lake presented by Navionics. Johnson took home $3,418 for his victory.
“I caught my fish on the upper end of the lake,” said Johnson, who earned his first career-win in FLW competition. “They were all from isolated wood – the bigger the wood, the better. I focused on bass in 1 to 3 feet of water and caught 11 keepers throughout the day.”
Johnson said he used tubes and beaver-style baits with a 5/8-ounce Jenko Fishing Creature Weight to catch his fish, and that he preferred black-and-blue and green-pumpkin colors.
“I had a limit early, but after the sun poked through I culled four of them out,” said Johnson. “The sunshine concentrated bass in the cover, which made them more predictable. I could hit the high-percentage areas and skip a lot more water. Everything just seemed to align with how I was fishing.”
The top 10 boaters finished the tournament in:
1st: Daniel Johnson, Lebanon, Tenn., five bass, 18-7, $3,418
2nd: Dwight Fox, Gainesboro, Tenn., five bass, 17-4, $1,909
3rd: Jason Lee, Baxter, Tenn., five bass, 14-9, $1,138
4th: Hunter Bouldin, McMinnville, Tenn., five bass, 13-12, $898
5th: Beau Grissim, Lebanon, Tenn., five bass, 13-11, $684
6th: John Hopkins, Hendersonville, Tenn., five bass, 13-3, $627
7th: Rodney Allen, Clarkrange, Tenn., five bass, 13-2, $570
8th: Terry Steele, Sparta, Tenn., five bass, 12-7, $933
9th: Steve Whitaker, Scottsville, Ky., five bass, 12-5, $456
10th: Josh Tramel, Smithville, Tenn., five bass, 12-0, $399
Complete results can be found at FLWFishing.com.
Steele caught a 5-pound, 13-ounce bass – the heaviest of the event in the Boater Division – and earned the day’s Boater Big Bass award of $420.
Jaylen Andrews of Culleoka, Tennessee, won the Co-angler Division and $1,709 Saturday after catching three bass weighing 11 pounds, 15 ounces.
The top 10 co-anglers were:
1st: Jaylen Andrews, Culleoka, Tenn., three bass, 11-15, $1,709
2nd: John Davenport, Huntsville, Ala., five bass, 9-6, $712
2nd: Joey Myers, Gallatin, Tenn., five bass, 9-6, $912
4th: Matthew Bouldin, Smithville, Tenn., five bass, 8-11, $399
5th: Greg O’Neal, Winchester, Tenn., four bass, 8-8, $342
6th: Edward Lovely, Manchester, Tenn., three bass, 7-12, $363
7th: Roland Wade, Rocky Face, Ga., three bass, 6-15, $285
8th: Mark Wedan, Freetown, Ind., three bass, 6-11, $256
9th: Corey Poss, Smithville, Tenn., two bass, 6-10, $438
10th: Joey D'Andrea, Knoxville, Tenn., three bass, 6-7, $199
Poss caught the largest bass in the Co-angler Division – a fish weighing 4 pounds, 13 ounces. The catch earned him the day’s Co-angler Big Bass award of $210.
The top 45 boaters and co-anglers in the region based on point standings, along with the five winners in each qualifying event, will be entered in the Oct. 12-14 BFL Regional Championship on Wheeler Lake in Decatur, Alabama. Boaters will compete for a top award of a Ranger Z518C with a 200-horsepower Evinrude outboard and $20,000, while co-anglers will fish for a new Ranger Z518C with a 200-horsepower Evinrude outboard.
The 2017 BFL is a 24-division circuit devoted to weekend anglers, with 128 tournaments throughout the season, five qualifying events in each division. The top 45 boaters and co-anglers from each division, along with the five winners of the qualifying events, will advance to one of six regional tournaments where they are competing to finish in the top six, which then qualifies them for one of the longest-running championships in all of competitive bass fishing – the BFL All-American. Top performers in the BFL can move up to the Costa FLW Series or even the FLW Tour.
For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow the BFL on Facebook at Facebook.com/FLWFishing and on Twitter at Twitter.com/FLWFishing.
DORSETT WINS T-H MARINE FLW BFL BAMA DIVISION EVENT ON NEELY HENRY LAKE
ODENVILLE’S DORSETT WINS T-H MARINE FLW BASS FISHING LEAGUE BAMA DIVISION EVENT ON NEELY HENRY LAKE
Powell Takes Co-angler Title
GADSDEN, Ala. (July 10, 2017) – Kyle Dorsett of Odenville, Alabama, caught a five-bass limit weighing 14 pounds, 7 ounces, Saturday to earn top honors at the T-H Marine FLW Bass Fishing League (BFL) Bama Division tournament on Neely Henry Lake. For his efforts, Dorsett pocketed $3,592.
Dorsett said he spent the tournament fishing a 20-mile stretch between Canoe Creek and the takeoff ramp.
“I targeted a couple of areas that I found in practice that had a lot of fish,” said Dorsett, who logged his second career-victory in BFL competition. “I put 30 or 40 fish in the boat throughout the event and culled four or five times.”
Dorsett’s bait of choice was a white Dirty Jigs Swim Jig with a White Pearl-colored Zoom Super Chunk trailer.
“A lot of the field was flipping a jig or throwing a crankbait,” said Dorsett. “The reaction bite was crucial for the bigger ones. I think the Super Chunk was also a big part of my success. The fish seemed lethargic and didn’t want something with a lot of action. The Super Chunk doesn’t kick much, so it was perfect.”
The top 10 boaters finished the tournament in:
1st: Kyle Dorsett, Odenville, Ala., five bass, 14-7, $3,592
2nd: John Jeter, Birmingham, Ala., five bass, 13-11, $2,256
3rd: Terry Tucker, Gadsden, Ala., five bass, 12-14, $1,219
3rd: Mark McCaig, Oxford, Ala., five bass, 12-14, $1,019
5th: Jason Hester, Phil Campbell, Ala., five bass, 12-13, $818
6th: Jason Nixon, Wetumpka, Ala., five bass, 12-9, $659
7th: Geoff McKnight, Rainbow City, Ala., five bass, 12-6, $599
8th: Kent Keys, Anniston, Ala., five bass, 12-1, $539
9th: Jack White, Vance, Ala., five bass, 12-0, $479
10th: Bradley Jones, Aragon, Ga., five bass, 11-15, $398
10th: Jake Roberson, Tuscumbia, Ala., five bass, 11-15, $398
Complete results can be found at FLWFishing.com.
Jeter caught a bass weighing 5 pounds, 13 ounces – the heaviest of the event in the Boater Division – and earned the day’s Boater Big Bass award of $460.
Mason Powell of Odenville, Alabama, won the Co-angler Division and $1,796 Saturday after catching a five-bass limit weighing 12 pounds, 8 ounces.
The top 10 co-anglers were:
1st: Mason Powell, Odenville, Ala., five bass, 12-8, $1,796
2nd: James Wooddell, Columbus, Ohio, five bass, 11-12, $898
3rd: Chris Harcrow, Dawson, Ala., five bass, 11-11, $598
4th: James Griffin, Pelham, Ga., five bass, 10-9, $419
5th: Harold Gauer, Phenix City, Ala., five bass, 10-6, $559
6th: Gary Marlowe, Montgomery, Ala., five bass, 10-4, $329
7th: Chris Hawkins, Adger, Ala., five bass, 10-3, $349
8th: Gregory Nunnelly, Ohatchee, Ala., five bass, 9-11, $269
9th: David Ramey, Kingsport, Tenn., five bass, 9-5, $239
10th: Wayne Kilgore, Attalla, Ala., five bass, 8-15, $199
10th: Logan Henderson , Trussville, Ala., five bass, 8-15, $199
Daniel Sullivan of Guntown, Mississippi, caught the largest bass in the Co-angler Division – a fish weighing 3 pounds, 15 ounces. The catch earned him the day’s Co-angler Big Bass award of $230.
The top 45 boaters and co-anglers in the region based on point standings, along with the five winners in each qualifying event, will be entered in the Oct. 12-14 BFL Regional Championship on Wheeler Lake in Decatur, Alabama. Boaters will compete for a top award of a Ranger Z518C with a 200-horsepower Evinrude outboard and $20,000, while co-anglers will fish for a new Ranger Z518C with a 200-horsepower Evinrude outboard.
The 2017 BFL is a 24-division circuit devoted to weekend anglers, with 128 tournaments throughout the season, five qualifying events in each division. The top 45 boaters and co-anglers from each division, along with the five winners of the qualifying events, will advance to one of six regional tournaments where they are competing to finish in the top six, which then qualifies them for one of the longest-running championships in all of competitive bass fishing – the BFL All-American. Top performers in the BFL can move up to the Costa FLW Series or even the FLW Tour.
For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow the BFL on Facebook at Facebook.com/FLWFishing and on Twitter at Twitter.com/FLWFishing.
2018 Bassmaster Elite Series Schedule Released, Slate Features Exciting Mix Of New And Familiar Fisheries
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Garmin® Expands Revolutionary Panoptix Sonar Capabilities
OLATHE, Kan./July 10, 2017/Business Wire – Garmin International, Inc., a unit of Garmin Ltd. (NASDAQ: GRMN), today announced the PanoptixTM PS22-TR, its newest Panoptix transducer with LiveVü Forward and LiveVü Down that offers a narrow 20-degree beam angle for crisp, improved resolution and clear images of what’s all around and below the boat – in real time and even while stationary. Paired with a compatible Garmin GPSMAP® or echoMAP® CHIRP chartplotter, Panoptix delivers a whole new perspective to fishing that lets anglers watch the movement of fish and the reactions to their bait, up to 100 feet away. Designed for trolling motor installation, the PS22-TR is the latest addition to the popular Panoptix product line, which now includes seven models with varying installation options for inland and offshore application.
“Garmin’s Panoptix all-seeing sonar technology continues to change the way people fish,” said Dan Bartel, Garmin vice president of global consumer sales. “It’s the only sonar of its kind that gives anglers the ability to see all around their boat in real time, and we’re excited to expand this unique capability to even more inland and near-shore fishermen with the introduction of the PS22-TR that provides two LiveVü modes in one transducer.”
With a Panoptix PS22-TR on board, fishermen can see real-time sonar imagery at video-like speed using the view of their choice – forward or down – and thanks to its simple design, it’s easy to change mounting configurations between the two. By providing both LiveVü scanning views, anglers have the ability to tailor the PS22-TR to best fit how they fish. Unlike traditional or scanning sonar that only provides historical data of what’s been passed over, LiveVü Forward shows an image of fish swimming and moving toward or away from the boat and LiveVü Down shows moving sonar images below the boat. The PS22-TR’s 20-degree narrow beam angle allows users to pinpoint fish and structure so they know exactly where to cast.
The Garmin Panoptix PS22-TR LiveVü Forward and LiveVü Down trolling motor transducer is expected to be available in the third quarter for $999.99. Mounting hardware is included to install the PS22-TR on the shaft or barrel of a trolling motor. It’s compatible with select echoMAP CHIRP 7- and 9-inch models, as well as the GPSMAP 8400/8600, GPSMAP 7400/7600, and the GPSMAP 7x2, 9x2, 10x2 and 12x2 series chartplotters. For more information, visit garmin.com/panoptix.
Garmin was recently named Manufacturer of the Year for the second year in a row by the NMEA, an honor given to the most recognized marine electronics company for support of products in the field. Garmin’s portfolio includes some of the industry’s most sophisticated chartplotters and touchscreen multifunction displays, sonar technology, high-definition radar, autopilots, high- resolution mapping, sailing instrumentation, and other products and services that are known for innovation, reliability, and ease-of-use.
For decades, Garmin has pioneered new GPS navigation and wireless devices and applications that are designed for people who live an active lifestyle. Garmin serves five primary business units, including automotive, aviation, fitness, marine, and outdoor recreation. For more information, visit Garmin's virtual pressroom at garmin.com/newsroom, contact the Media
Relations department at 913-397-8200, or follow us at facebook.com/garmin, twitter.com/garmin, or youtube.com/garmin.
About Garmin International Inc. Garmin International Inc. is a subsidiary of Garmin Ltd. (Nasdaq: GRMN). Garmin Ltd. is incorporated in Switzerland, and its principal subsidiaries are located in the United States, Taiwan and the United Kingdom. Garmin, GPSMAP and echoMAP are registered trademarks and Panoptix is a trademark of Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries.
All other brands, product names, company names, trademarks and service marks are the properties of their respective owners. All rights reserved.
Notice on Forward-Looking Statements:
This release includes forward-looking statements regarding Garmin Ltd. and its business. Such statements are based on management’s current expectations. The forward-looking events and circumstances discussed in this release may not occur and actual results could differ materially as a result of known and unknown risk factors and uncertainties affecting Garmin, including, but not limited to, the risk factors listed in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016, filed by Garmin with the Securities and Exchange Commission (Commission file number 0-31983). A copy of such Form 10-K is available at http://www.garmin.com/aboutGarmin/invRelations/finReports.html. No forward- looking statement can be guaranteed. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made and Garmin undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.
Strike King Tour Grade Mag Jighead
This Head Will Standup to Big Bass!
Collierville, Tenn. (June 1, 2017) – We have seen a trend in the last few years involving big, straight-tail worms. The proof of this is the success of our Bullworm in both sizes. The most common problem is that it’s hard to find the perfect head. The shape, weight and hook size of what’s out there almost never coincides to be what you would want. Until now. Introducing the all-new Tour Grade Mag Jig Head from Strike King!
“The effectiveness of a worm, or other style of plastic, on a standup-style jig head is something that most pros count on regularly. This type of presentation seems to be attractive to the bigger fish that it takes to win tournaments. The problem is that most of the existing heads are designed for big fish. The new Tour Grade Mag Jighead on the other hand, was designed for just that” explains Keith Combs, 6-time Bassmaster Classic Qualifier.
“This head is perfect in terms of head shape, how it attaches to whatever plastic you use, and especially the hook. When you stick them with this head, they’re coming in the boat!” says Combs.
The all-new Tour Grade Mag Jighead comes in 4 sizes (1/4, 3/8, ½ & ¾), 2 colors (Black & Green Pumpkin) and is offered with both a 5/0 and 7/0 premium black nickel hook. Look for it at better tackle retailers everywhere following ICAST!
T-H MARINE ADDS DEREK TROVILLION AS DIRECTOR OF DIGITAL MARKETING
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Cody Seeger Wins ABA Ram Trucks Open Series Ohio Division Event!!
Cody Seeger won the American Bass Anglers Ram Truck Open Series Ohio Division tournament held 07/08/2017. Running out of Tanner’s Creek park in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, Cody weighed in a five bass limit for 9.07 pounds. He anchored his catch with a bass that weighed 2.91 pounds. For the Boater Division victory, Seeger took home a check for $5000.00.
“I caught probably 17 fish today but most were shorts. I caught about seven keepers. What really helped me was I came up last week when the river was down and I marked some wood that’s now in 6-7 feet of water. I picked the wood apart using a tube and a beaver.” Said Seeger.
In second for the boaters, Christopher Combess of Cleves, Ohio weighed in a five bass limit weighing 9.05 pounds. He anchored his limit with a bass that weighed in at 2.55 pounds. He collected $600.00 for the effort.
“I caught six bass today culling once. I caught them on a worm and a buzzbait.” Said Combess.
Jake Poffenberger of Brookville, Ohio took third place with a five bass limit weighing in at 8.25 pounds. He anchored his catch with a bass that weighed 2.43 pounds. Jake collected $475.00.
“I caught probably eight keepers today along with 6-7 short fish. I was fishing shallow, flipping a tube and throwing a spinnerbait.” Said Poffenberger.
Finishing fourth, Josh Smith of Hamilton, Ohio weighed in a five bass limit weighing 7.69 pounds.
Rounding out the top five Garry Kincaid of Martinsville, Indiana weighed in a five bass limit weighing 7.62 pounds.
Josh Smith of Hamilton, Ohio weighed in the biggest bass for the boaters. Smith’s bass weighed in at 4.30 pounds. Smith collected $380.00 for the catch.
In the Co-Angler Division, Edward Backs of Troy, Ohio won with three bass weighing 4.03 pounds. Backs sealed his victory with a 2.07 pound kicker to pocket a check for $500.00
“I was fishing baits different from the baits my boater was using. I caught one on a crankbait, one on a worm and one on a hair jig.” Said Backs.
Taking second for the co-anglers, Jason Skipworth of Harrison, Ohio weighed in two bass for 3.90 pounds. Skipworth collected $350.00 for the effort.
“I was fishing a jig on the main river. I caught probably 20 fish but only had two that would keep.” Said Skipworth.
Taking third for the co anglers Tim Cukovecki of Dayton, Ohio weighed in three bass that weighed 3.39 pounds.
Finishing fourth was Dennis Cruse of Columbus, Ohio who weighed in two bass for 3.36 pounds. Also for having the biggest bass for the co anglers at 2.39 pounds Cruse won $65.00 for the catch.
Rounding out the top five was James Wilcox of Cincinnati Ohio who weighed in 2 bass for 2.20 pounds.
Slated for 07/29/2017 the next tournament for the Ohio Division will on Indian Lake out of Moundwood State Park . At the end of the season, the best anglers from across the nation advance the 2018 Ray Scott Championship, slated for the Red River in Shreveport-Bossier Louisiana in April 2018.
For more information on this tournament, call Rodney Michael, tournament manager, at 256-497-0967 or ABA at 256-232-0406. On line, see www.ramopenseries.com .
About American Bass Anglers: American Bass Anglers is committed to providing low cost, close to home tournaments for the weekend angler and at the same time offer each competitor an upward path for individual angler progression. For more information about American Bass Anglers, the Ram Truck Open Series, the American Fishing Tour or the American Couples Series, visit www.americanbassanglers.com.
American Bass Anglers, Inc. is supported by Ram Trucks, Triton Boats, Mercury Outboards, Carlisle Tires, GEICO, Berkley, Abu Garcia, T-H Marine, Livingston Lures, Best Western Hotels, Maui Jim, Power Pole, LiT Coolers, Simms, Garmin, and Divide-It. American Bass Anglers, Inc. can be contacted at (256) 232-0406 or by visiting americanbassanglers.com
Pescitelli - Kickin Their Bass on the Water and in the Classroom!
By Vance McCullough
Collegiate Angler Noah Pescitelli had an outstanding freshman season on the water. He also took care of business in the classroom where earned a spot on the Dean’s List at Savanah College of Art and Design.
With a 3rd place showing at a Bassmaster Southern Regional Collegiate event Pescitelli proved he’s an avid angler. He also enjoys the academic experience at SCAD. “I really wasn’t much of an ‘artsy’ person at all, but I got offered a really great scholarship and the education you get here . . . 98% job placement, the degree I’ll get here is just absolutely amazing.
“I’ve learned a lot of things about computer programs and other things that are going to help me in my business, not just now, but in the long run.”
Originally from Bufford, GA, Pescitelli enjoys his surroundings at SCAD. “Savanah is amazing. I like everything around there. It’s a fun place to be.”
SCAD is unique in that it doesn’t have a fishing club run by students, but rather, the school itself established a varsity bass fishing team and hired a full-time coach, Isaac Payne, who actively recruits anglers.
How did Pescitelli become the first Georgia high school student to sign a bass fishing scholarship? The ‘business’ he referred to is his Kickin Their Bass TV which has a presence on every social media platform. His followers number in the hundreds of thousands. Couple that with Pescitelli’s on-water achievements and it’s easy to understand why Coach Payne extended the offer.
During his first year as a competitive angler Pescitelli narrowly missed winning the high school state title by 0.03 ounce.
Last year was the first for the SCAD team. Having Pescitelli, a freshman, lead the way for the new program seems appropriate. Indeed, he was the program’s Angler of the Year.
Coach Payne has some off-water considerations when it comes to crowning an Angler of the Year. These requirements speak volumes about Pescitelli’s character. “You’re going to college to graduate and to better your life. And to fish too. But just having all first-place finishes doesn’t get you a job. Being a well-rounded angler, a dynamic individual who encompasses all aspects, who brings it full circle – an Angler of the Year for me is someone who is able to do everything, not just fish.”
Coach Payne is especially impressed with how Pescitelli works with others. “Noah collaborates well. He gets his strengths to match with other peoples’ weaknesses and his weaknesses with other peoples’ strengths. Collaboration is a big thing. If you’re the catcher, you have to have a pitcher. Everybody is important on the team.”
Many young AOY recipients would dream of Bassmaster Elite Series fame. But Pescitelli? “Currently, it’s something I really enjoy doing. I’m doing tournaments. I’m building my own business, doing the whole marketing side of everything. I’m trying to think where, in the future, I’m gonna end up heading. Do I want to head toward pro fishing? Do I want to do TV? Do I want to continue doing social marketing for fishing companies on-line? It’s a lot to think about right now.
“I’m definitely going to keep pursuing my business in the social media side of fishing.”
As the old saying goes, the more deeply involved you are in the fishing industry, the less you time you get to spend fishing. Pescitelli is considering semi-pro competition sometime soon, but, “I was thinking about fishing some of the BFL’s as a boater or even as a co-angler. I’m still contemplating some of that but right now, with my business, I just haven’t had much time to do it. That is something that in the near future, I’ll probably try.”
Pescitelli is majoring in advertising which dovetails nicely with his current business pursuits that revolve heavily around marketing and brand awareness for fishing related companies.
In addition to pond-hopping with his grand dad, Pescitelli practiced his craft on Lake Lanier when he was younger. “Then I started fishing the high school trails and it kind of grew from there. We fished the FLW and B.A.S.S. circuits in high school and now fish both in college.”
Noah’s dad, Steve, is super supportive of his son’s efforts but he can’t fully participate in the fishing part of things. “He drove my boat during my high school fishing days,” said Noah. “He doesn’t fish too often, kind of does it with me and supports me along the way but he’s actually allergic to fish. He can’t even touch them or have them splash on him. But he’ll go out with me on the water.
“When I put a fish in the boat or touch a fish I have to wipe off the slime really good or if I touch him he’ll break out.”
Along with Dad and his mom, Patti, the family rallies around Noah, “Both of my parents and my grandparents show up to pretty much all of the tournaments we fish.”
As for style preferences, “I’m mostly a power fisherman,” says Pescitelli. “It’s kind of hard for me to slow down which is a good and a bad thing. If I have to slow down I will but I’m trying to hit as many spots as I can, trying locate fish and keep grinding; trying to figure out what the fish are doing.”
Most guys his age root for a favorite few anglers. Pescitelli, on the other hand, is friends with some of his favorites. “Mark Daniels Jr – I’ve done some TV shows with him. Scott Martin, I’ve done a few TV shows with him as well.
“Brandon Palaniuk is good. A lot of young kids look up to him. The Shryock brothers are pretty cool. Those would have to be my Top 5 favorite pros.”
Pescitelli has already gained valuable experience in the TV world. “Last summer we went to Canada and filmed a whole series up there for my social media stuff, filmed a whole week up there. Filmed a show as well and I got to fish with Roland Martin.”
Pescitelli’s ambitious outlook makes him a great fit for Coach Payne and the SCAD team. Of his coach, Pescitelli noted, “He started the fishing team. He has big dreams for us. We’re trying to figure everything out. I talk to him regularly, trying to plan things.”
Given that Pescitelli is only entering his sophomore season at SCAD, the future looks bright for the program and for the young man who is handling his business, on the water, in the classroom and, well, in the business world.
B.A.S.S. Extends ‘No-Info Rule’ For The Bassmaster Elite Series And Bassmaster Classic
July 7, 2017
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — From the earliest days of professional fishing a half-century ago, the most important skill an angler could have is the ability to find the biggest schools of bass. That, more than casting ability or lure selection and presentation, sets the greats in the sport, men like Roland Martin, Rick Clunn and Kevin VanDam, apart from the rest.
With the start of the 2018 Bassmaster Elite Series, that fish-finding wizardry will be even more vital, thanks to a new Elite Series rule that went into effect today.
“Beginning at the time the Elite Series schedule is announced next week, anglers are prohibited from soliciting or intentionally receiving any information about the locations of fish or fishing areas on those waters,” announced B.A.S.S. Tournament Director Trip Weldon.
Also effective immediately, Elite Series competitors may not obtain or solicit information about locating fish on Lake Hartwell, South Carolina, site of the 2018 GEICO Bassmaster Classic presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods. Anglers who earn an invitation to fish the Classic through other Bassmaster circuits or events will have to abide by the rule as soon as they qualify, even provisionally, for the event. For example, winners of Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Opens Series events must abide by the no-info rule beginning as soon as they win an Open.
According to current Elite Series rules — which are already among the most stringent in tournament competition — anglers may not be on a fishery or obtain information about fishing it for four weeks prior to an event. Under the new rule, anglers may still practice on the lake until 28 days prior to the start of official practice, but from the time the schedule is announced, they cannot have the help of anyone familiar with the fishery.
“This new rule is supported overwhelmingly by the Elite anglers themselves,” said Weldon, referring to a recent survey in which more than 80 percent of Elite Series anglers responding supported extending the “no-information” period to a much earlier date. “This change not only helps level the playing field, but it also puts a premium on the all-important ability to find, as well as catch, bass.”
B.A.S.S. will announce eight of the 11 Elite Series events for 2018 in a special video program on Bassmaster.com beginning at 11 a.m. CT Monday, July 10. The new no-information rule will become effective for those events at the same time. The rule will also apply to fisheries for three other Elite tournaments — the Toyota Bassmaster Texas Fest benefiting Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, the Toyota Bassmaster Angler of the Year Championship and the Bassmaster Classic Bracket tournament — as soon as they are announced later this year.
2017 Bassmaster Elite Series Platinum Sponsor: Toyota
2017 Bassmaster Elite Series Premier Sponsors: Mercury, Minn Kota, Power-Pole, Shell Rotella, Skeeter Boats, Triton Boats, Yamaha, Berkley, Huk, Hummingbird, Nitro Boats
2017 Bassmaster Elite Series Supporting Sponsors: Shimano, Advance Auto Parts, Livingston Lures, Academy Sports + Outdoors, Carhartt, Dick Cepek Tires & Wheels, Lowrance, Phoenix Boats, T-H Marine
About B.A.S.S.
B.A.S.S. is the worldwide authority on bass fishing and keeper of the culture of the sport, providing cutting edge content on bass fishing whenever, wherever and however bass fishing fans want to use it. Headquartered in Birmingham, Ala., the 500,000-member organization’s fully integrated media platforms include the industry’s leading magazines (Bassmaster and B.A.S.S. Times), website (Bassmaster.com), television show (The Bassmasters on ESPN2), radio show (Bassmaster Radio), social media programs and events. For more than 45 years, B.A.S.S. has been dedicated to access, conservation and youth fishing.
The Bassmaster Tournament Trail includes the most prestigious events at each level of competition, including the Bassmaster Elite Series, Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Open Series, Academy Sports + Outdoors B.A.S.S. Nation presented by Magellan, Carhartt Bassmaster College Series presented by Bass Pro Shops, Costa Bassmaster High School Series presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods, Toyota Bonus Bucks Bassmaster Team Championship and the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing, the GEICO Bassmaster Classic presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods.
Humminbird® Basemap Gets Anglers Fishing, Right Out of the Box
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MOUNT IDA HIGH SCHOOL WINS TBF/FLW HIGH SCHOOL FISHING NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP ON PICKWICK LAKE
FLORENCE, Ala. (July 5, 2017) – The Mount Ida High School duo of Hunter Davis and Tyler Allenbrand, both of Mount Ida, Arkansas, brought a five-bass limit to the scale Friday weighing 23 pounds, 10 ounces to win the 2017 TBF/FLW High School Fishing National Championship on Pickwick Lake in Florence, Alabama with a three-day total of 53-6. The win earned the team trophies, the title of national champions and each angler a $5,000 scholarship to their college of choice.
A field of 142 teams competed in the event, which launched from McFarland Park in Florence. The Mount Ida duo won by a 1-pound, 14-ounce margin over the second place team of Cal Culpepper and Mason Waddell from Georgia’s Harris County High School, who weighed in a three-day total of 51-8.
Coached by professional Bassmaster Elite Series angler Mark Davis, Hunter’s father, the youngsters from Arkansas fished two different areas to amass their heaviest stringer of the tournament. The younger Davis and Allenbrand were dragging ¾-ounce Strike King football jigs and Strike King Menace Grub trailers (green pumpkin) slowly across the bottom.
The top 10 teams on Pickwick Lake finished:
1st: Mount Ida High School, Mount Ida, Ark. – Hunter Davis and Tyler Allenbrand, both of Mount Ida, Ark., 15 bass, 53-6, $10,000 Scholarship
2nd: Harris County High School, Hamilton, Ga. – Cal Culpepper, Hamilton, Ga., and Mason Waddell, Waverly Hall, Ga., 15 bass, 51-8
3rd: North Mississippi Student Anglers – Hunter Nanney, Dumas, Miss., and Jake Kimbrough, Smithville, Miss., 15 bass, 50-11
4th: Fannin County High School, Blue Ridge, Ga. – Dalton Tankersley, Morganton, Ga., and Zack Nicholson, Epworth, Ga., 15 bass, 47-9
5th: Obion County Central High School, Troy, Tenn. – Blake Robb, Martin, Tenn., and Cody Gregory, Troy, Tenn., 15 bass, 43-1
6th: Tulsa Bass Club, Tulsa, Okla. – Taylor Hamburger, Tulsa, Okla., and Hunter Harrison, Jones, Okla., 14 bass, 42-4
7th: North Forsyth High School, Cumming, Ga. – Glenn Worley, Dawsonville, Ga., and Paul Marks, Cumming, Ga., 15 bass, 42-3
8th: Oviedo High School, Oviedo, Fla. – Fisher Omans and Steven Steinard, both of Oviedo, Fla., 11 bass, 35-1
9th: East Rowan High School, Salisbury, N.C. – Hunter Harwood, Gold Hill, N.C., and Paiton File, Salisbury, N.C., 12 bass, 32-0
10th: Arkansas Student Angler Federation – Cade Gartman and Jay Morgan, both of Trumann, Ark., 10 bass, 29-9
Complete results for the remaining teams and photos from the event can be found at HighSchoolFishing.org.
The 2017 TBF/FLW High School Fishing National Championship was a two-person (team) no-entry fee event for students in grades 7-12. The tournament featured the top anglers from the 2017 TBF High School Fishing State Championships and Bass Pro Shops FLW High School Fishing Open events.
Full schedules and the latest announcements are available at HighSchoolFishing.org and FLWFishing.com.
About FLW
FLW is the world’s largest tournament-fishing organization, providing anglers of all skill levels the opportunity to compete for millions in prize money in 2017 across five tournament circuits. Headquartered in Benton, Kentucky, with offices in Minneapolis, FLW conducts more than 258 bass-fishing tournaments annually across the United States and sanctions tournaments in Canada, China, Mexico, South Africa and South Korea. FLW tournament fishing can be seen on the Emmy-nominated “FLW" television show, broadcast to more than 564 million households worldwide, while FLW Bass Fishing magazine delivers cutting-edge tips from top pros. For more information visit FLWFishing.com and follow FLW at Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and Snapchat.
About The Bass Federation
The Bass Federation Inc., (TBF) is a member of the Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame. TBF is owned by those we serve and dedicated to the sport of fishing. The Federation is the largest and oldest, organized grassroots fishing, youth and conservation organization there is. TBF, our affiliated state federations and their member clubs conduct more than 20,000 events each year and have provided a foundation for the entire bass fishing industry for more than 45 years. TBF founded the Student Angler Federation and the National High School Fishing program in 2008 to promote clean family fun and education through fishing. Visit bassfederation.com or highschoolfishing.org and “LIKE US” on Facebook.
X Zone Lures Partners with Elite Pro Brandon Lester
Beamsville, Ontario – X Zone Lures has partnered with Bassmaster Elite Series angler Brandon Lester of Fayetteville, TN, to create a new Pro Series line of soft plastic baits.
X Zone Lures has helped anglers catch smallmouth for over a decade with its Slammer and Swammer hand-poured baits. Their following in northern fisheries is cult-like. Recently X Zone Lures has been investing in further lure design and production equipment to increase their footprint and impact in the soft plastic market by adding two new series.
X Zone Lures offers three series of baits which are:
- Classic hand Pour Series
- Pro Series
- Crappie / Panfish Series
The Classic Hand Pour Series is the original series of baits offered by X Zone that has provided anglers with many regional tournament wins. Each bait in this series is meticulously produced using the open mold, hand-pour technique, which allows X Zone to produce baits that replicate the subtleties of nature to a high degree. This series of baits currently offers 10 bait designs.
The Pro Series is a serious line of baits that will be expanding throughout the next year and is being developed with the help of Elite Series Pro Brandon Lester. This series will include bait designs that will be applicable to every situation. Holding to its heritage, the X Zone Pro Series baits will be very soft allowing them to provide the longest fish-holding times in the market. This series of baits currently offers 7 bait designs and 11 more bait designs have been approved and will be available in the coming months.
The Crappie / Panfish Series is a line of baits that consists of classic crappie and panfish designs that are sure to bring fish-catching joy to anglers at all levels. This series of baits currently offers 8 bait designs.
The selection of a Bassmaster Elite Series pro to lead the field portion of the bait design process reflects X Zone’s commitment to producing quality lures. Jim Van Ryn, President of X Zone Lures said “We started reading a lot of articles and watching videos and Brandon’s name kept popping up. And each time he was teaching people how to catch more fish and then mentioning the gear he used, including whatever bait was his favorite. We reached out to him to share our appreciation of his efforts and got to talking about baits. Turns out he has a past work history in the injection-molding process and has always been interested in designing his own lures. We put him to work and have really benefited from his expertise.”
Lester jumped in with both feet when given the opportunity to design lures that will work both on the pro tour and for anglers of all levels in North America. “Our first in-person meeting was last winter at the foundry where the plastic moulds would eventually be made so you could say we started at ground zero. X Zone’s commitment to quality production is critical to putting a fish-catching product out into the market. I’m excited about the lures we’ve designed and those that are coming down the line as well,” said Lester.
ABOUT X Zone Lures
X Zone Lures has rich history in meeting the needs of anglers in North America and throughout the world. Their most famous lure design is called the Slammer and has been a secret bait of the pros while fishing the northern lakes. Innovative bait designs and doing things that are subtly different has helped X Zone Lures stand out from the crowd. The company’s newly-redesigned website is www.xzonelures.com.
ABOUT Brandon Lester
A two-time Bassmaster Classic qualifier, Brandon Lester is currently fishing his fourth season on the Bassmaster Elite Series. He resides in Fayetteville, TN and can be found online at www.brandonlesterfishing.com and via Facebook @proanglerbrandonlester or on Instagram @blesterfishing.
Jeff Cannon Wins Kyle Mabry Memorial Event, Classic Champ Lee finishes 2nd!
| Finish | Name | Boat | Boat # | Total | ||||||||||||
| 1 | Jeff Cannon | 188 | 12.6 | |||||||||||||
| 2 | Jordan Lee / Will Davenport | 15 | 12.45 | |||||||||||||
| 3 | Zackery Quinn / Josh Mims | 102 | 12.24 | |||||||||||||
| 4 |
Tommy Bridges / Chris Kitzinger
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103 | 12.02 | |||||||||||||
| 5 | Chad Bennett / Chas Moore | 80 | 11.6 | |||||||||||||
| 6 | Mark Cannon / Steve Winslett | 118 | 11.37 | |||||||||||||
| 7 | Sambo Fish / Johnathan White | 51 | 11.32 | |||||||||||||
| 8 | John Richardson / Jon Tubbs | 183 | 11.15 | |||||||||||||
| 9 | Joe Lay / Nick Turner | 184 | 10.7 | |||||||||||||
| 10 | Zach Martin / Josh Wissinger | 115 | 10.66 | |||||||||||||
| 11 |
Daniel White / Durwood Henderson
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34 | 10.31 | |||||||||||||
| 12 | Will Bulleu / John Belleu | 171 | 10.17 | |||||||||||||
| 13 | Nick Harris / Walker Kent | 92 | 10.04 | |||||||||||||
| 14 |
Zeke Gossett / MacKinze Pennington
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123 | 10.03 | |||||||||||||
| 15 | Brandon McCombs / Evan Nash | 53 | 10.02 | |||||||||||||
| 16 | Lacey Owens / Travis Wyatt | 22 | 9.95 | |||||||||||||
| 17 | Dell Oswalt / Andrew Oswalt | 157 | 9.93 | |||||||||||||
| 18 |
Rodney Duncan / Duncan Clardy
|
160 | 9.75 | |||||||||||||
| 19 |
Matt Vansant / Jennifer Vansant
|
181 | 9.62 | |||||||||||||
| 20 | Blaine Junkin / Micah Eaterling | 87 | 9.58 | |||||||||||||
| 21 | Walt White / Kelley White | 139 | 9.55 | |||||||||||||
| 22 | Marty Giddens / Kim Giddens | 112 | 9.48 | |||||||||||||
| 23 | Josh Butts / Laura Ann Foshee | 147 | 9.47 | |||||||||||||
| 24 | Aaron Owens / Josh Holcomb | 177 | 9.44 | |||||||||||||
| 25 | Chris Mason / Jeremy Mason | 159 | 9.03 | |||||||||||||
| 26 |
Jake Turnbloom / Jared Turnbloom
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70 | 8.99 | |||||||||||||
| 27 | Kyle Dorsett / Cooper Dorsett | 151 | 8.97 | |||||||||||||
| 28 | Aaron Smith / Walt Tatum | 162 | 8.95 | |||||||||||||
| 29 | Lanny Guthrie / Bobby Brown | 155 | 8.85 | |||||||||||||
| 30 | Matt Herren / Evan Salter | 45 | 8.82 | |||||||||||||
| 31 | Chris Talton / Logan Talton | 60 | 8.72 | |||||||||||||
| 32 | Larry Hill / Zach Norton | 48 | 8.7 | |||||||||||||
| 33 | Chris Rutland / Coby Carden | 166 | 8.68 | |||||||||||||
| 34 | Randall Carter / Bobby Foshee | 145 | 8.61 | |||||||||||||
| 35 | Danny Parker / Gage Parker | 67 | 8.6 | |||||||||||||
| 36 | Kyle Yeilding / Jason Frost | 89 | 8.39 | |||||||||||||
| 37 | Brandon Smith / Chase Dorsett | 140 | 8.36 | |||||||||||||
| 38 | Brian Hughes / Heather Parnell | 187 | 8.36 | |||||||||||||
| 39 |
Joseph Webster / Porter Beasley
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29 | 8.25 | |||||||||||||
| 40 |
Derek Hicks / Parker Montgomery
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46 | 8.23 | |||||||||||||
| 41 | Daniel Hill / Justin Hill | 91 | 8.18 | |||||||||||||
| 42 | Johnny Jones / Tim Harbison | 33 | 8.14 | |||||||||||||
| 43 | Blake Nick / Evan Mabrey | 5 | 8.09 | |||||||||||||
| 44 | Chad Nichols / Tonya Nichols | 150 | 7.98 | |||||||||||||
| 45 | Timmy Horton / Sam Smith | 57 | 7.97 | |||||||||||||
| 46 |
Stephen Chandler / Logan McEwen
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107 | 7.92 | |||||||||||||
| 47 | Neal Parker / Tracy Parker | 132 | 7.88 | |||||||||||||
| 48 | Dustin Connell / Seth Gregory | 10 | 7.77 | |||||||||||||
| 49 |
Barry Wilson / Drake Montgomery
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56 | 7.74 | |||||||||||||
| 50 | CJ Knight / Howdy Thornburg | 85 | 7.74 | |||||||||||||
| 51 | Matt Webb / Matt McClung | 26 | 7.71 | |||||||||||||
| 52 | Scott Canterbury / Cole Davis | 25 | 7.71 | |||||||||||||
| 53 | Scott Phillips / Greg Phillips | 186 | 7.7 | |||||||||||||
| 54 | Jeremy Wyatt / Trent Minor | 110 | 7.49 | |||||||||||||
| 55 | Boyd Hodge / Buddy Coleman | 94 | 7.38 | |||||||||||||
| 56 | Todd Trammell / Doug Beach | 97 | 7.32 | |||||||||||||
| 57 | Scott Webb / Heath Waldrop | 178 | 7.29 | |||||||||||||
| 58 | Richard Wehby / Joseph Wehby | 31 | 7.2 | |||||||||||||
| 59 | Ryan Davis / Reed Horton | 146 | 7.14 | |||||||||||||
| 60 | Jeremy Mabrey / Brian Mabrey | 44 | 7.12 | |||||||||||||
| 61 | Clay Downer / David Nail | 3 | 7.11 | |||||||||||||
| 62 | Greg Vinson / Ridge Mullis | 38 | 6.94 | |||||||||||||
| 63 |
Jason Shockley / Mike McCullers
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41 | 6.91 | |||||||||||||
| 64 | Rickey Campbell / Cathy Cox | 83 | 6.62 | |||||||||||||
| 65 |
Stephen Lawrence / Tracie Lawrence
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121 | 6.61 | |||||||||||||
| 66 |
Mark Daniels Jr / Payton Mitchell
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30 | 6.53 | |||||||||||||
| 67 | Steve Pauley / Nick Frye | 109 | 6.49 | |||||||||||||
| 68 | Rick Otts | 27 | 6.47 | |||||||||||||
| 69 | Kelly White / Keri Talley | 62 | 6.28 | |||||||||||||
| 70 | Luke Andress / Justin Kyle | 76 | 6.2 | |||||||||||||
| 71 | Josh Dees / Parker Woods | 161 | 6.14 | |||||||||||||
| 72 | Butch Barger / Butch Barger Sr. | 95 | 6.01 | |||||||||||||
| 73 | Chris Gregory / Chase Gregory | 12 | 5.8 | |||||||||||||
| 74 | Jay Cain / Tyler Cain | 66 | 5.79 | |||||||||||||
| 75 | Jimmy Mason / Jon Raper | 55 | 5.76 | |||||||||||||
| 76 | Sam Fish / Billy Shavers | 101 | 5.68 | |||||||||||||
| 77 | Gill Steven / Stephen Goin | 9 | 5.63 | |||||||||||||
| 78 | Lou Cobb / Jim Bell | 69 | 5.38 | |||||||||||||
| 79 | Mark Rose / Barrett Thomas | 54 | 5.19 | |||||||||||||
| 80 | Jeremy Freeman / Trevor Ezell | 17 | 5.01 | |||||||||||||
| 81 | Waylon Mullis / Cody Ezell | 47 | 4.91 | |||||||||||||
| 82 | Jay Carroll / Jesse Holcomb | 61 | 4.87 | |||||||||||||
| 83 |
Alen Davenport /Shawn Edmonson
|
18 | 4.84 | |||||||||||||
| 84 | Reed Montgomery | 138 | 4.82 | |||||||||||||
| 85 | Matt Lee / Bricen Dees | 24 | 4.79 | |||||||||||||
| 86 |
James Schweer / Carson Schweer
|
164 | 4.78 | |||||||||||||
| 87 | Charles Warren / Genie Warren | 37 | 4.71 | |||||||||||||
| 88 | Chis Clanton / Chelsea Clanton | 86 | 4.28 | |||||||||||||
| 89 | Franklin Beard /Joey McGinnis | 21 | 4.21 | |||||||||||||
| 90 | Joe Wester / David Buckelew | 78 | 4.14 | |||||||||||||
| 91 |
Cody Coffee / Heather Holsomback
|
149 | 4.06 | |||||||||||||
| 92 | Michael Smith / Shelby Smith | 14 | 3.4 | |||||||||||||
| 93 | David Mabrey / Skyler Stevens | 6 | 2.48 | |||||||||||||
| 94 | Tanya Clark / Morgan Beaver | 122 | 1.51 | |||||||||||||
| 95 | Kyle Mabrey | 1 | 0 | |||||||||||||
| 96 |
Dale Montgomery / Clay Womble
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2 | 0 | |||||||||||||
| 97 | David Hicks / Wilson Scott | 4 | 0 | |||||||||||||
| 98 |
Brian Stricklin / Mark Whittaker
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7 | 0 | |||||||||||||
| 99 | Rob Kyle / Charles Kyle | 8 | 0 | |||||||||||||
| 100 | Bobby Foster / Todd Rooker | 11 | 0 | |||||||||||||
| 101 | Jeff Jones /Rory King | 13 | 0 | |||||||||||||
| 102 | Brad Stevens / Alison Stevens | 16 | 0 | |||||||||||||
| 103 | Adam Bozarth /Peyton Golden | 19 | 0 | |||||||||||||
| 104 | Clent Davis / MatthewBell | 20 | 0 | |||||||||||||
| 105 | Daryl Burchfield / Skip Watts | 23 | 0 | |||||||||||||
| 106 | Brandon Arnett / Luke Arnett | 28 | 0 | |||||||||||||
| 107 | Chip Bradley / Jeremy Christian | 32 | 0 | |||||||||||||
| 108 | Bob Blackerby / Conner Neal | 35 | 0 | |||||||||||||
| 109 | Jeff Clark / Hunter Odom | 36 | 0 | |||||||||||||
| 110 |
Robert Behrle / Trace Montgomery
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39 | 0 | |||||||||||||
| 111 | Brian Harbison | 40 | 0 | |||||||||||||
| 112 | Victoria Allen / Ty Cox | 42 | 0 | |||||||||||||
| 113 | Shane Welch / Shane Cox | 43 | 0 | |||||||||||||
| 114 | Ben Etheredge / Gabe Aldridge | 49 | 0 | |||||||||||||
| 115 | Chris Payne / Zebrah Payne | 50 | 0 | |||||||||||||
| 116 | Lucas Black / Lee Black | 52 | 0 | |||||||||||||
| 117 | Russ Lane / Logan Kyle | 58 | 0 | |||||||||||||
| 118 | Scott Dupriest / James Dupriest | 59 | 0 | |||||||||||||
| 119 |
Roger Perkins / Crystal Patterson
|
63 | 0 | |||||||||||||
| 120 | Wendell Hickman | 64 | 0 | |||||||||||||
| 121 | Patrick Sylestine / Brad Dill | 65 | 0 | |||||||||||||
| 122 | Garrett Carter / Landon Tucker | 68 | 0 | |||||||||||||
| 123 | Evan Robbins / Justin Coker | 71 | 0 | |||||||||||||
| 124 | Ashley Brasher / Misty Headley | 72 | 0 | |||||||||||||
| 125 |
Wayne McDade / Carson Stringfellow
|
73 | 0 | |||||||||||||
| 126 | Shane Horton / Brandon Horton | 74 | 0 | |||||||||||||
| 127 |
Anthony Goggins / Jennifer Bryant
|
75 | 0 | |||||||||||||
| 128 | John Pollard / Katie Pollard | 77 | 0 | |||||||||||||
| 129 | Josh Piper / Erin Piper | 79 | 0 | |||||||||||||
| 130 | Josh Herren / Jacob Herren | 81 | 0 | |||||||||||||
| 131 | Shane Paul / Jeffery Reeves | 82 | 0 | |||||||||||||
| 132 | Brian Jones / Barry Jones | 84 | 0 | |||||||||||||
| 133 | Tony Hubka / Justin Davis | 88 | 0 | |||||||||||||
| 134 | Johnathan Young / Bo Quinnie | 90 | 0 | |||||||||||||
| 135 | Dustin Sellers / Dustin Warren | 93 | 0 | |||||||||||||
| 136 |
Hunter McKinley / Aubrey Booth
|
96 | 0 | |||||||||||||
| 137 | Timmy Ward / Hunter Ward | 98 | 0 | |||||||||||||
| 138 | Alex Sherrill / Reed Parriett | 99 | 0 | |||||||||||||
| 139 |
Brandon McCullough / Brandon Sager
|
100 | 0 | |||||||||||||
| 140 | Bill Weidler / Tucker Weidler | 104 | 0 | |||||||||||||
| 141 | TJ Justice / Jim Deramus | 105 | 0 | |||||||||||||
| 142 |
Michael Harper / Madison Harper
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106 | 0 | |||||||||||||
| 143 | Kenny Malone / Tony Harris | 108 | 0 | |||||||||||||
| 144 | John Cook / Matt Oliver | 111 | 0 | |||||||||||||
| 145 | Roger Morse / Adam Morse | 113 | 0 | |||||||||||||
| 146 | Chris Dill / Vern Moody | 114 | 0 | |||||||||||||
| 147 | Larry Franks Sr | 116 | 0 | |||||||||||||
| 148 | Tommy Land / Jamie Andrews | 117 | 0 | |||||||||||||
| 149 | Russ Sapp / Justin Barnes | 119 | 0 | |||||||||||||
| 150 | Kas Kimbrell / Alex Stinnett | 120 | 0 | |||||||||||||
| 151 | Jason Quick / Jake Quick | 124 | 0 | |||||||||||||
| 152 | Taylor Parker / Bailey Boutries | 125 | 0 | |||||||||||||
| 153 | Tony Mashon / Todd Mashon | 126 | 0 | |||||||||||||
| 154 | Leland Johnson / Breze Johnson | 127 | 0 | |||||||||||||
| 156 | Darrel High / Terry Pennington | 128 | 0 | |||||||||||||
| 156 |
David Morrison / Braxton Morrison
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129 | 0 | |||||||||||||
| 157 | Max Haygood / Ronald Hynson | 130 | 0 | |||||||||||||
| 158 | Braxton Setzer / Tim Hatcher | 131 | 0 | |||||||||||||
| 159 | Jon Maddox / Skyler Roy | 133 | 0 | |||||||||||||
| 160 | Scott Roy / Grant Humphries | 134 | 0 | |||||||||||||
| 161 | Rickie Harp | 135 | 0 | |||||||||||||
| 162 | Matthew Pugh / Randy Pugh | 136 | 0 | |||||||||||||
| 163 | Bryce Cook / Ryan Williamson | 137 | 0 | |||||||||||||
| 164 | Allen Branham / Brad Norred | 141 | 0 | |||||||||||||
| 165 | Larry Wallace / Randy Dalton | 142 | 0 | |||||||||||||
| 166 | Daniel Dillon / Dale Barnett | 143 | 0 | |||||||||||||
| 167 |
Jonathan Stuckey / Bryan Lambert
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144 | 0 | |||||||||||||
| 168 | Shay Penney / Hunter Penney | 148 | 0 | |||||||||||||
| 169 | Allen Oliver / Drew Manuel | 152 | 0 | |||||||||||||
| 170 | Caleb Scott / Christy Scott | 153 | 0 | |||||||||||||
| 171 | Kevin Cook / Kayla Reynolds | 154 | 0 | |||||||||||||
| 172 | RJ Seevers / Kasey Seevers | 156 | 0 | |||||||||||||
| 173 | Heath Rolling / Brad Sanders | 158 | 0 | |||||||||||||
| 174 | Bryan Asey / Chris Blair | 163 | 0 | |||||||||||||
| 175 | Willie Kizziah / Brandon Cain | 165 | 0 | |||||||||||||
| 176 | Ryan Kelley / Ab Argen | 167 | 0 | |||||||||||||
| 177 | Ben Black / Brian Stiffler | 168 | 0 | |||||||||||||
| 178 | Barry Isbell / Jackson Isbell | 169 | 0 | |||||||||||||
| 179 |
Jonathan Hammond / Ashley Hammond
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170 | 0 | |||||||||||||
| 180 |
Josh Stracner / Alan Yarborough
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172 | 0 | |||||||||||||
| 181 |
Jamie Higdon / Courtney Higdon
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173 | 0 | |||||||||||||
| 182 | Ronnie McDonough | 174 | 0 | |||||||||||||
| 183 |
Billy Reynolds / Kane Richardson
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175 | 0 | |||||||||||||
| 184 | Jeff Goodson | 176 | 0 | |||||||||||||
| 185 |
David Davenport / Blake Davenport
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179 | 0 | |||||||||||||
| 186 | Dwight Walden / Zack Alre | 180 | 0 | |||||||||||||
| 187 | Johnathan Henry / Daniel Kent | 182 | 0 | |||||||||||||
| 188 | Shiloh Crowder / Brian Boyd | 185 | 0 | |||||||||||||
| 189 | Trent Fondren / Tyler Fondren | 189 | 0 | |||||||||||||
| 190 | Dillon Falls / Kelcie Falls | 190 | 0 | |||||||||||||
Our Sport Lost a Great One Today
Vance McCullough
“Max Leatherwood wasn’t just the guy who measured your fish right before you walked on stage,” said Elite Series Pro Russ Lane via Instagram today. “He did so much more. He would give you a smile and a ‘good job babe’ when you really had them and a genuine look of caring and encouragement when you didn’t.
“Soft spoken, fair and one hell of a nice guy. Bassmaster, the Elite pros and our hometown of Prattville, AL lost a great one today. We will miss you babe.”
Lane’s sentiments were echoed many times over as the bass fishing community learned of the loss.
Fellow Alabamian and reigning Bassmaster Classic Champ Jordan Lee shared, “He always made me smile coming into weigh in. I can hear him say, “what you got for me today Jordan” or “Babe”. Breaks my heart that we won’t be seeing Max around. It definitely won’t be the same. Our prayers are with his family.”
The Bassmaster web site reported: “B.A.S.S., Tournament Team employee Max Leatherwood passed away peacefully this morning after a battle with cancer.”
No matter what job you perform, be it on stage or behind the scenes, you may never know how many people you impact. Let’s all hope we are as missed as Max is when we are gone.
Opens Pro Patrick Pierce Can Walk Again, Won’t Be Able to Fish for Months
As the pros fished the Bassmaster Northern Open on New York’s Lake Oneida this weekend one veteran angler was missing from the action.
Patrick Pierce was recently hospitalized for emergency back surgery.
“I was playing soccer, we were kicking goals and stuff and I was moving around ok but the next day I was getting my boat ready to go to Oneida,
I removed a couple of 75-pound batteries and set them off to the side.
I didn’t really feel bad when I went to bed but when I woke up I couldn’t move. I was in so much pain.”
One of the disks in Pierce’s back was putting pressure on a nerve. “Without surgery, there was a risk that I could have lost use of my leg.,” said Pierce.
Two old lessons highlighted by Pierce’s experience: persistence pays, and behind every good man is a good woman.
“They said it would be weeks before I could be seen but (wife) Lara called and said ‘no, y’all need to look at the MRI’.
The next day I was seen and the next day after that I had the surgery.”
The procedure went well and Pierce was soon home. But as for soccer and bass fishing:
“I can walk now but the doctor says, ‘no fishing for 3-to-4 months’. And I won’t be playing any soccer any time soon,” chuckled Pierce.
“My foot still feels numb and I’m stumping my toes when I walk, but the feeling will come back over the next couple of weeks or a month.”
He enjoys support and understanding from those in the fishing industry. “B.A.S.S. worked with me on the entry fee. And all of my sponsors understand and they are behind me.
“Now I’m just looking forward to a full recovery in time to get out on the St Johns River and enjoy that fall schooling bite.”
Sypeck Targets Green Fish and Jumps to Win BASS Open on Oneida!
Stanley Sypeck Jr. of Sugarloaf, Pa., wins the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Northern Open No. 1 held on Oneida Lake out of Syracuse, N.Y., with a three-day total weight of 55 pounds, 8 ounces.
Photo by James Overstreet/B.A.S.S.
July 1, 2017
Sypeck Targets Largemouth For Comeback Victory At Northern Open On Oneida Lake
AUBURN, N.Y. — The smallmouth bass bite on Oneida Lake was incredible this week.
The smallies already were fat, and yet they still were hungry. Just about every angler in the field was hammering them, and it was that bite that figured to make or break an angler’s chances of winning the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Northern Open No. 1.
Stanley Sypeck Jr. had other plans, though.
From the start of the three-day tournament, he figured largemouth would be key. It certainly wasn’t the most-popular strategy, but it definitely was the most effective.
Sypeck weighed the big bag of the tournament Saturday when he presented a five-bass limit that tipped the scales at 20 pounds, 7 ounces. That was enough to vault him from seventh place into first, and it sealed the victory for the Pennsylvania pro.
Sypeck won more than $9,000 in cash as well as a Nitro Z20 bass boat with a Mercury 225 Pro XS engine. He also earned a spot in the 2018 GEICO Bassmaster Classic presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods provided he fishes the final two Northern Open events on the James River in August and on Douglas Lake in September.
It was a thrilling come-from-behind win for the 50-year old Sypeck. He started the tournament Thursday with an 18-1 bag that put him third place. He slipped to seventh place Friday with 17-0, but was only 27 ounces out of the lead with a day of fishing remaining.
Had Sypeck caught a lighter bag Saturday, he still would have been well within striking distance of the anglers ahead of him, many of whom struggled on the final day as heavy rain and strong winds from the east fell on Oneida.
Sypeck’s bite continued despite the foul weather. He had five fat largemouth in his sack Saturday; the heaviest weighing 5-4 which won the Phoenix Boats Big Bass Award of $750 in the pro division.
Sypeck’s was the only bag of the week that topped 20 pounds, and it helped him blow past the competition in what had been an extremely close tournament. He wound up winning by more than 3 pounds when the Top 12 was separated by less than that margin heading into the final day of fishing.
Sypeck said he decided to fish for largemouth just before the tournament started, even though he had just spent $300 on drop shots preparing to fish for smallmouth. He fished for smallies for three hours during the opening round, but the results were disappointing.
“I didn’t get a bite when I was out deep drop shotting,” he said. “So I switched up and went after largemouth. I caught 18 pounds on Thursday. But still the next day, I spent the first two hours with a drop shot, and didn’t get a bite again.
“So that was it. I switched to largemouth for good. I knew that’s what I would do all day today.”
Sypeck fished isolated rock piles and weed lines in 6 to 9 feet of water. When the water level rose nearly a foot overnight Friday, he had to move to shallower water.
“At one point this morning, I had five fish in the boat for 6 pounds,” Sypeck said. “I had to go even shallower. I was at 5 or 6 feet today, and I probably hit 25 or 30 different spots.”
Sypeck threw one lure all week to catch the largemouth — a 7/16-ounce jig in the Cumberland craw color. He tried to mimic the forage crawfish present throughout the lake, and the plan worked.
“A local guy here in New York makes them for us,” Sypeck said. “That was the one thing that I went to all week. It worked.”
Sypeck lives about three hours from Oneida in Sugarloaf, Pa., but he has a camp here and he said he fishes on the lake about 100 times a year. He’s won numerous tournaments at various levels on Oneida through the years, but he’d never won a Bassmaster Open — until Saturday.
“It finally worked out” Sypeck said, choking back tears. “Your dream is to go to the Classic. You see it on TV and think it would be nice. Now to say you’re going; it’s just unbelievable.”
Wesley Strader of Spring City, Tenn., finished second with 52-3, and Glynn Goodwin of Marietta, Ohio, placed third with 51-14. Goodwin had the same overall weight as Connecticut pro Alex Wetherell, but Goodwin claimed third with the heaviest-sack tiebreaker.
Strader also earned the Power-Pole Captain’s Cash Award of $500 for being the highest-placing angler who is registered and eligible and uses a client-approved product on his boat in the pro division.
Mike Elkins of Kalamazoo, Mich. won the co-angler division with 29-9. He was the last co-angler to weigh-in Saturday, and his three-bass limit of 10-3 edged him into the top spot. Elkins won a Triton 179 TrX boat and Mercury 115 ELPT 4-stroke outboard with the win.
Bryce Baker of Sherrill, N.Y., received the Phoenix Boats Big Bass Award of $250 for the co-angler division with a 4-11 bass. Barry Brandt Jr. of Newport News, Va., received the Livingston Lures Leader Award of $250 in merchandise for being the Day 2 leader in the co-angler division.
The tournament started with 396 anglers (198 pros and the same number of co-anglers.) Each field was trimmed to the Top 12 for Saturday’s competition.
The Syracuse Convention and Visitors Bureau hosted this Bassmaster Northern Open.
2017 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Opens Series Title Sponsor: Bass Pro Shops
2017 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Opens Series Platinum Sponsor: Toyota
2017 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Opens Series Premier Sponsors: Shell Rotella, Minn Kota, Nitro Boats, Skeeter Boats, Triton Boats, Yamaha, Berkley, Huk, Humminbird, Mercury, Power-Pole
2017 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Opens Series Supporting Sponsors: T-H Marine, Advance Auto Parts, Carhartt, Dick Cepek Tires & Wheels, Livingston Lures, Lowrance, Phoenix Boats, Shimano
About B.A.S.S.
B.A.S.S. is the worldwide authority on bass fishing and keeper of the culture of the sport, providing cutting edge content on bass fishing whenever, wherever and however bass fishing fans want to use it. Headquartered in Birmingham, Ala., the 500,000-member organization’s fully integrated media platforms include the industry’s leading magazines (Bassmaster and B.A.S.S. Times), website (Bassmaster.com), television show (The Bassmasters on ESPN2), radio show (Bassmaster Radio), social media programs and events. For more than 45 years, B.A.S.S. has been dedicated to access, conservation and youth fishing.
The Bassmaster Tournament Trail includes the most prestigious events at each level of competition, including the Bassmaster Elite Series, Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Open Series, Academy Sports + Outdoors B.A.S.S. Nation presented by Magellan, Carhartt Bassmaster College Series presented by Bass Pro Shops, Costa Bassmaster High School Series presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods, Toyota Bonus Bucks Bassmaster Team Championship and the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing, the GEICO Bassmaster Classic presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods.
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Media Contact: JamieDay Matthews, 205-313-0945, [email protected] or Dave Precht, 205-313-0931, [email protected]
2017 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Northern Open No. 1 6/29-7/1
Oneida Lake, Syracuse NY.
(BOATER) Standings Day 3
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$
1. Stanley Sypeck Jr Sugarloaf, PA 15 55-08 200 $54,198.00
Day 1: 5 18-01 Day 2: 5 17-00 Day 3: 5 20-07
2. Wesley Strader Spring City, TN 15 52-03 199 $20,564.00
Day 1: 5 17-10 Day 2: 5 18-02 Day 3: 5 16-07
3. Glynn Goodwin Marietta, OH 15 51-14 198 $15,048.00
Day 1: 5 15-15 Day 2: 5 19-02 Day 3: 5 16-13
4. Alex Wetherell Middletown, CT 15 51-14 197 $13,464.00
Day 1: 5 18-09 Day 2: 5 17-06 Day 3: 5 15-15
5. Patrick Walters Summerville, SC 15 51-03 196 $11,748.00
Day 1: 5 17-14 Day 2: 5 17-01 Day 3: 5 16-04
6. JT Kenney Palm Bay, FL 15 50-00 195 $10,032.00
Day 1: 5 17-02 Day 2: 5 17-04 Day 3: 5 15-10
7. Chad Pipkens Lansing, MI 15 49-05 194 $8,448.00
Day 1: 5 17-02 Day 2: 5 16-15 Day 3: 5 15-04
8. Steve York Bronson, MI 15 49-04 193 $6,982.00
Day 1: 5 17-01 Day 2: 5 19-11 Day 3: 5 12-08
9. Josh Douglas Mound, MN 15 48-03 192 $5,016.00
Day 1: 5 17-14 Day 2: 5 17-01 Day 3: 5 13-04
10. Kyle Kempkers Hamilton, MI 14 47-05 191 $4,620.00
Day 1: 5 17-13 Day 2: 5 17-11 Day 3: 4 11-13
11. John Garrett Union City, TN 14 46-14 190 $4,224.00
Day 1: 5 16-14 Day 2: 5 18-04 Day 3: 4 11-12
12. Jason Putman Cicero, NY 14 46-13 189 $3,960.00
Day 1: 5 17-03 Day 2: 5 17-03 Day 3: 4 12-07
PHOENIX BOATS BIG BASS
Stanley Sypeck Jr Sugarloaf, PA 05-04 $750.00
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 150 893 2607-05
2 144 842 2437-15
3 9 57 178-08
----------------------------------
303 1792 5223-12
2017 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Northern Open No. 1 6/29-7/1
Oneida Lake, Syracuse NY.
(NON_BOATER) Standings Day 3
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$
1. Mike Elkins Kalamazoo, MI 9 29-09 200 $30,000.00
Day 1: 3 09-02 Day 2: 3 10-04 Day 3: 3 10-03
2. John Scipione Jr Brewerton, NY 9 28-14 199 $6,468.00
Day 1: 3 10-07 Day 2: 3 09-03 Day 3: 3 09-04
3. Michael Yarema Phoenix, NY 9 28-07 198 $4,884.00
Day 1: 3 09-07 Day 2: 3 10-00 Day 3: 3 09-00
4. Beanie Leuer Lockport, NY 9 28-07 197 $3,300.00
Day 1: 3 09-13 Day 2: 3 09-07 Day 3: 3 09-03
5. Bill Wiley III Joppa, MD 9 28-04 196 $3,036.00
Day 1: 3 09-02 Day 2: 3 09-15 Day 3: 3 09-03
6. Jason Hannah Dingress, WV 9 27-15 195 $2,904.00
Day 1: 3 09-09 Day 2: 3 10-02 Day 3: 3 08-04
7. James Miller Pittsboro, IN 9 27-03 194 $2,772.00
Day 1: 3 09-10 Day 2: 3 09-13 Day 3: 3 07-12
8. Richard Agostinoni Monroe, NY 9 27-00 193 $2,640.00
Day 1: 3 10-05 Day 2: 3 09-00 Day 3: 3 07-11
9. Chad Smith Minnetonka, MN 9 26-13 192 $2,508.00
Day 1: 3 09-09 Day 2: 3 09-13 Day 3: 3 07-07
10. Barry Brandt Jr. Newport News, VA 6 20-06 191 $2,244.00
Day 1: 3 10-13 Day 2: 3 09-09 Day 3: 0 00-00
11. Michael Saganich Sr Lincoln University, PA 6 20-04 190 $1,980.00
Day 1: 3 09-08 Day 2: 3 10-12 Day 3: 0 00-00
12. Ricky Congero Windermere, FL 6 19-12 189 $1,848.00
Day 1: 3 11-03 Day 2: 3 08-09 Day 3: 0 00-00
PHOENIX BOATS BIG BASS
Bryce Baker Sherrill, NY 04-11 $250.00
Mixed Bag Of Largemouth And Smallmouth Lift York Into Lead At Bassmaster Open On Oneida Lake
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The Under Armour® Fish Hunter Collection Provides Anglers with Innovative Performance, Style and Comfort
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a stain-release material that prevents stains from soaking in. Another key feature in the new UA Fish Hunter shirts is the 50+ UPF protection to keep the sun’s harmful rays at bay.
with UA Storm Technology, these cargo pants repel water while remaining extremely breathable. In addition to resisting salt, chlorine and fading, the UA Fish Hunter Cargo features anti-odor technology that prevents the growth of odor-causing microbes. For supreme comfort that never limits mobility, the Fish Hunter Cargo pants feature Under Armour’s signature stretch-engineered waistband and articulated knees for added durability. The multi-pocket design, complete with a convenient knife pocket, ensures the utmost in personal gear management.
Wetherell Takes Lead At Bassmaster Northern Open On Oneida Lake
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Mille Lacs Leaps To No. 1 Lake In The Nation
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Yamaha Launches 2017 National Hunting and Fishing Day Sweepstakes
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All-New Kodiak 450 ATV Sweepstakes at YamahaSweepstakes.com/NHFDay
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Kennesaw, Ga. (June 28, 2017) - Yamaha Motor Corp., USA, the Proven Off-Road leader in powersports and supporting outdoorsmen and women, is celebrating 10 years of teaming up with National Hunting and Fishing Day (NHF Day). This year's partnership features an all-new, built in the USA Kodiak 450 ATV sweepstakes at http://YamahaSweepstakes.com/NHFday.
For a decade, Yamaha has sponsored NHF Day, working to raise funds and awareness for their mission. This year, Yamaha is again working to support NHF Day through the sweepstakes, as well as its Yamaha Outdoor Access Initiative grant program, aiding NHF Day's Live It! grants.
"Yamaha has been, and continues to be, committed to public land access and safe, responsible use while giving back to the outdoors community in significant, impactful ways," said Steve Nessl, marketing manager for Yamaha's ATV / SxS group. "Yamaha's partnership with National Hunting and Fishing Day is a great example of the work we can do together to support the outdoor, adventure, and family recreation lifestyle."
NHF Day serves as the most effective grassroots effort ever taken to promote outdoor sports and conservation. Yamaha, through its relationships with organizations such as Ducks Unlimited, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Safari Club International, Buckmasters, Tread Lightly!, National Wild Turkey Federation and NHF Day, among others, is a continued supporter of conservation efforts for outdoor recreational enthusiasts. For 45 years, NHF Day has been scheduled annually on the fourth Saturday of September. This year the celebration of hunting, fishing and conservation is set for September 23rd.
"We're honored to be celebrating our 10-year anniversary partnering with Yamaha in support of outdoor recreation across the country," said Misty Mitchell, director of conservation programs for Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium in Springfield, Mo. - the official home of National Hunting and Fishing Day. "It's exciting for NHF Day entrants to have a chance to win an all-new vehicle that outdoorsmen and women will love, and we're anticipating a record turnout on the online sweepstakes and at our events in September thanks to Yamaha's support."
One lucky entrant, 18 years-of-age or older, will win a 2018 Kodiak 450, the highest value mid-class 4x4 ATV providing the best off-road capability, comfort and confidence for all-day riding. No purchase necessary. Sweepstakes ends 11:59 PM Pacific Standard Time on October 31, 2017. Winner will be determined by random drawing.
For more information on NHF Day, visit their website at NHFday.org. Complete rules, entry details and additional information are available by visiting http://YamahaSweepstakes.com/NHFday. Follow Yamaha Outdoors at Facebook.com/YamahaOutdoors, Twitter.com/YamahaOutdoors or Instagram.com/YamahaOutdoors. #Yamaha #YamahaOutdoors #NHFDay #ProvenOffRoad #YamahaAdventure
About Yamaha Motor Corp., USA
Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA, (YMUS) a leader in the motorsports market, makes the toughest, most capable and versatile ATV and Side-by-Side vehicles. The company's ever-expanding product offerings also include motorcycles, outboard motors, personal watercraft, snowmobiles, boats, outdoor power equipment, accessories, apparel and much more. YMUS products are sold through a nationwide network of dealers in the United States.
Headquartered in Cypress, Calif., since its incorporation in 1976, Yamaha also has facilities in Wisconsin and Georgia, as well as factory operations in Tennessee and Georgia. For more information on Yamaha, visit www.yamahamotorsports.com.
ATVs over 90cc are recommended for use only by riders 16 years and older.
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TENNESSEE ANGLERS PACE HSF DUAL EVENT
June 29, 2017 by Colin Moore
Catching five keepers out of Pickwick Lake in a day’s fishing is seldom a major obstacle for most experienced anglers, but catching a limit with some weight behind it can be an issue. A team representing Tennessee’s Student Angler Federation solved that problem here on the first day of the 2017 High School Fishing World Finals by taking a 7-pound, 14-ounce toad to the scale that provided it with a tournament-leading total of 20 pounds, 12 ounces.
Bolstered by the day’s heaviest bass, the limit stringer caught by Jon David Bedford of Lawrenceburg, Tenn., and Walker Brown of Loretto, Tenn., gave that duo a lead of more than 1 1/2 pounds heading into the tournament’s second round.
Hunter Bryant and Jordan Mungle of Arkansas’ Cobra Bass Club are trailing Bedford and Brown with 19-02 in the World Finals, but are leading the High School Fishing National Championship event, which is running concurrently. The World Finals is an open tournament, whereas the National Championship event features qualifying teams from this season’s High School Fishing tournament series. National Championship qualifiers are entered in both events.
Wes Rollo and Kade Busby of the Natchitoches (La.) Central Fishing Team posted the third highest overall weight with 18-14. They’re competing in the World Finals.
Both Cobra Bass Club and Natchitoches Central owe their placement to big bass as well. Rollo and Busby had a 7-pound, 1-ounce largemouth, while Bryant and Mungle brought in a 5 1/2-pounder.
As was expected, the tournament is settling into a ledge-fishing duel, with anglers strung out for miles along Pickwick’s Tennessee River channel and using a variety of jigs, soft plastics and crankbaits to entice offshore bass that are largely unresponsive after weeks of being pounded by successive waves of tournament anglers. Though several of the competitors culled at least a few fish during the day, they reported that in most cases each replacement fish only added an ounce or so to their sacks. A 15-inch size limit is being enforced.
Whether the average weight will get better over the next two days is questionable, as cloudy weather and rain are in the forecast for Friday and Saturday. If the sky darkens and bass roam away from the ledges, the fishing is likely to deteriorate.
“All we can do is put our heads down and fish,” says Busby of the likely routine, come rain or shine.
The tournament continues Thursday. The top 10 teams from the National Championship compete Friday for the title. The top two teams from each state in the World Finals continue to Friday’s standard round. All teams from both events that miss the cut compete in a second chance World Finals round Friday. Top finishers from both events Friday will finish up the World Finals on Saturday.
Click here for day one results from the National Championship.
Click here for day one results from the World Finals.
