Pipkens joins BassCat Pro Staff
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Ranger Boats Brings Added Value to Tournament Anglers with New Ranger Cup Package
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Tournament-ready rig packaged for exclusive savings
FLIPPIN, Ark. (January 18, 2017) - New for 2017, Ranger® Boats is offering an exclusive Ranger Cup® Package to provide the ultimate tournament-ready rig for bass and walleye anglers at a more accessible price point. The package includes upgrades in performance, electronics and features to offer the most advanced tournament boat on the water.  The Ranger Cup Package delivers simplicity and value with pre-installed features and components necessary for anglers to perform their best in competitions. The package alleviates the hassle and high costs of adding aftermarket items before hitting the water."This new package brings together the most sought after products with our most popular models in one convenient and cost-effective platform," said Ranger Boats Sales Manager Ryan Patterson. "The Ranger Cup Packages provide tournament anglers premium upgrades at prices that were previously unattainable."
The Ranger Cup packages designed for bass anglers are available with Ranger's tournament-proven Z520C and Z521C models. Both Z500C packages are fitted with a Mercury 250 ProXS outboard for class-leading speed and reliability and also include upgraded electronics. At the helm, a Lowrance HDS 12-inch electronic display provides anglers with the most up-to-date fishfinding and navigation technology. A Lowrance HDS nine-inch display at the bow presents accurate information while actively fishing. Once on the fish, the included two eight-foot Power-Pole blades and Minn Kota Fortrex 112 trolling motor showcase the impressive fishability of the Ranger Z500C models.
Other upgrades and features include three trolling motor batteries, a four-bank battery charger, OXYGENATOR livewell system, external L.E.D. battery gauge, trailer parking brake, RIGID backup lights and a Raptor wheel upgrade.
All told, the Z520C Ranger Cup Package will retail for $69,995 while the Z521C Ranger Cup Package comes in at $71,195. Both options offer a significant savings to tournament anglers looking for the ultimate competitive edge.
 Likewise, the 620FS and 621FS Fisherman models share many of the same package upgrades of the Z500C models but in lieu of Power Poles, walleye anglers receive the addition of a walk-thru windshield and bow rails along with a Minn Kota 112 Terrova trolling motor in place of the Fortrex.The 620FS Ranger Cup package comes equipped with a 250 Verado outboard and will retail for $69,995. The 621FS package is available with a 300 Verado outboard at $73,995, or for added power and performance, can also be fitted with a 350 Verado outboard for $77, 195.
All of the Ranger Cup Package models will be available in virtually any color option. No other substitutions or customization will be available at these special price points. Like all Ranger boats, the Ranger Cup Package models will come standard with a custom, Road Armor Equipped® Ranger Trail® trailer for smooth trailering and lasting peace of mind.
In addition to the value represented by these new packages, for a limited time anglers can also take advantage of Ranger's Gear Up & Go retail promotion. The promotion, available until March 31st, provides up to $2,000 in extra incentives with a qualifying purchase.
For more information on these exclusive new packages, the Gear Up & Go retail promotion, or to see the complete line of 2017 models, anglers are encouraged to visit their nearest Ranger dealer or check out www.rangerboats.com.
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About Ranger Boats
Headquartered in Flippin, Ark., Ranger Boats is the nation's premier manufacturer of legendary fiberglass and aluminum fishing boats, with acclaimed models and series in the bass, multi-species, fish 'n play, saltwater, waterfowl utility and pontoon boat segments. Founded in 1968 by Forrest L. Wood, Ranger Boats continues its commitment to building the highest-quality, strongest-performing boats on the water. For more information, go to RangerBoats.com, RangerAluminum.com or RangerPontoons.com.
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Blaylock talks big move
It’s hard to look at Stetson Blaylock as a ‘rookie’ but on the 2017 Bassmaster Elite Series that is what he will be.
After 8 successful seasons on the FLW Tour Blaylock joins the Elite Series which will conclude on his 30th birthday this August with a tourney on Lake St Clair. Perhaps he’ll celebrate with his wife, Lindsey and their two young children who accompany him on tour.
That family support has been a huge boost, says Blaylock. “Both of my parents have been real supportive, they taught ‘keep your faith, live the best life you can’. My dad, he didn’t fish a whole lot, he did fish some, but it was more like ‘do what you want to do, make sure you enjoy what you’re doing and if you want to fish then I’m going to support you 100%’ – and that goes for both of my parents.”
The support is multi-generational, “It’s been the whole family. I’m very fortunate to still have a set of grandparents, my wife still has a set of grandparents, all of our family lives close to us and it’s a joy and a pleasure to get to enjoy everybody when we’re home and have the support when we’re on the road.”
Among his family members who do fish, Blaylock mentions his uncle, Anthony, as a driving force who introduced him to the sport. “It helps to have somebody who is, not only supportive, but who knows the ropes. You have to have family that supports you even if they don’t know how or what you’re doing and why you’re doing it but when you have those family members that actually have done it and been successful and know what it takes to make it, then that helps that much more.”
Blaylock of Benton, Arkansas counts Lake Ouachita as his home water. It has been a great teacher for the versatile young pro. “Here in Central Arkansas you can do anything you want. There are rivers, highland impoundments, grass lakes, there are all kinds of lakes to fish and the fishing’s tough – there are times when it’s great but it’s a place that, when you can learn how to catch them in Arkansas, you can do pretty good all over the country.”
Blaylock qualified for the Elites through the Bassmaster Southern Opens where he finished 2nd after missing the mark in 3 previous tries on that very competitive trail.
While Blaylock once listed deep cranking as his biggest weakness, today he would say that fishing Florida’s grass-filled lakes is his sore spot. “You just go forever and ever trying to find them,” he says of lakes such as Okeechobee, where the Elite Series will take him this year. He has spent time on Okeechobee with the FLW Tour as it has typically started off on that fishery each season. Maybe he’ll do well when the Elite Series visits the Big O.
But he will certainly be looking forward to the stop on Arkansas’s Lake Dardanelle. “I only live about 2 hours from it, and that’s not really the reason it will be my favorite. I just like the style of fishing that it offers and I’ll have a lot of family that normally won’t be able to be at these events that will get to go up there to watch. I’ll have lots of friends. It’s just going to be surreal to get to fish at the top of the food chain in my home state in front of a lot of people. It’s going to be fun to see all of the familiar faces in the crowd and get to compete against the best in the world and try to make something of it.”
The crowd will boost his spirits at Dardanelle. His equipment will boost his confidence everywhere. “Making the Elites, I felt like running a Toyota Tundra was the best decision because they’re such a huge supporter of B.A.S.S. and the anglers that fish B.A.S.S. I want to show off what they have to offer.
“Dick Cepek wheels and tires is one of my partners for the year. They make a great product, wheels and tires and they look good. Crossed Industries takes care of the angler and offers discounts on products for the angler to make it a little bit more affordable where we can be able to fix our stuff up.”
Speaking of fixing stuff up, Blaylock outfitted his Legend V20 boat with premium goodies. “Got that Mercury 250 Pro XS on the back. Power-Poles, my Garmin electronics . . . I feel like, when I’m out there on the water that I have the best equipment in the business. I know everybody is going to say that but it’s all between your ears and when you’re confident in what you have and what you’re working with, there’s nothing that can take that away.
“Confidence is 90% of this game.”
Blaylock has the confidence. He also has respect for his peers. “I’ve had the opportunity to compete against a bunch of those guys, including (Kevin) VanDam, more than once and their positivity and their drive and their attitude toward the sport and just the way they work so hard, it makes you better. It makes you explore your weaknesses and want to get better at them and it makes you want to utilize what you’re good at and prove to the world that you’re one of the best at what you’re doing.”
As for accomplishments past, Blaylock won an FLW Major in 2009. It came with a $200,000 pay day for the then-21-year-old. “When I won that event I was so young and it was so early in my career that I honestly didn’t even know what I had done. It didn’t sink in until a couple of years later that ‘hey, I won a tournament on my first year out on the pro circuit’. It’s hard to do. I’ve been doing it 8 or 9 years now and that’s the only win that I’ve had on the pro tour. I really didn’t know what I had done. It’s a huge accomplishment and one that I would love to do again.
“Winning that tournament was a highlight of my career but one thing a lot of people don’t think about with me is that my wife has gotten to come with me to about 80% of the tournaments that I’ve competed in since I started. Just having the family support there on the road and not having to leave them there at the house, that’s a huge accomplishment. That’s something that I really, really value and treasure in my career.”
His biggest advantage going into the new trail? “I still see myself as a kid trying to make a living fishing. Not the guy that’s almost 30 and been doing it 8 years and has qualified for the Elite Series. But my biggest advantage going into this is that time that I’ve spent fishing with so many different people, so many different quality anglers and fishing FLW for several years as pro and for 4 years as an amateur. I’ve learned so much.”
About the upcoming challenges associated with the Elite Series, “If you compete this long (on the FLW Tour) then there’s nothing that says you can’t do it over there.”
MARION COUNTY YOUTH WIN FLW/TBF HIGH SCHOOL FISHING LAKE OKEECHOBEE CHALLENGE
MARION COUNTY YOUTH WIN FLW/TBF HIGH SCHOOL FISHING LAKE OKEECHOBEE CHALLENGE
CLEWISTON, Fla. (Jan. 17, 2017) – The Marion County Youth Bassmasters duo of Brett Pearson of Gainesville, Florida, and Erik Van Dyke of Ocala, Florida, brought a five-bass limit to the scale Saturday weighing 20 pounds, 8 ounces, to win the 2017 FLW/TBF High School Fishing Lake Okeechobee Challenge tournament on Lake Okeechobee in Clewiston, Florida. The win advanced the team to the 2017 High School Fishing National championship, held June 27-July 1 at Pickwick Lake in Florence, Alabama.
A field of 61 teams competed in the no-entry fee tournament, which launched from Roland and Mary Ann Martin’s Marina and Resort in Clewiston. In FLW/TBF High School Fishing competition, the top 10-percent of teams competing advance to the High School Fishing National Championship.
The top six teams on Lake Okeechobee that advanced to the 2017 High School Fishing National Championship were:
1st: Marion County Youth Bassmasters – Brett Pearson, Gainesville, Fla., and Erik Van Dyke, Ocala, Fla., (five bass, 20-8)
2nd: Sebring High School – Briar Napier, Lake Placid, Fla., and Kyle Mercer, Sebring, Fla., (five bass, 20-1)
3rd: Fort Meade Middle-Senior High School/George Jenkins High School – Tyler Bazemore, Mulberry, Fla., and Shane Schmucker, Lakeland, Fla., (five bass, 18-3)
4th: Bartow High School – Trenton Coleman, Lakeland, Fla., and Connor Seay, Bartow, Fla., (five bass, 17-2)
5th: Okeechobee High School – Jorden Reyna and Parker Choate, both of Okeechobee, Fla., (five bass, 16-12)
6th: Creek Wood High School, Charlotte, Tenn. – Daniel Cheshire and Steven Mills, both of White Bluff, Tenn., (five bass, 14-1)
Rounding out the top 10 teams were:
7th: Sebring High School – Dalton Hooks, Sebring, Fla., and James Pearson, Lorida, Fla., (five bass, 13-13)
8th: Forest High School – Brad Powell, Ocala, Fla., and Austin Dodd, Silver Springs, Fla., (five bass, 13-12)
8th: Okeechobee High School – Kenny Whaley and Hunter Sills, both of Okeechobee, Fla., (five bass, 13-12)
10th: Okeechobee High School – Blake Everett and Alexandrea Fulford, both of Okeechobee, Fla., (five bass, 13-11)
Complete results from the event can be found at HighSchoolFishing.org.
The 2017 FLW/TBF High School Fishing Okeechobee Challenge was a two-person (team) event for students in grades 7-12, open to any Student Angler Federation (SAF) affiliated high school club in the United States. The top 10 percent of each Challenge, Open, and state championship field will advance to the High School Fishing National Championship. The High School Fishing national champions will each receive a $5,000 college scholarship to the school of their choice.
In addition to the High School Fishing National Championship, all High School Fishing anglers nationwide automatically qualify for the world’s largest high school bass tournament, the 2017 High School Fishing World Finals, held in conjunction with the National Championship. At the 2016 World Finals more than $60,000 in scholarships and prizes were awarded.
Full schedules and the latest announcements are available at HighSchoolFishing.org and FLWFishing.com.
About FLW
FLW is the world’s largest tournament-fishing organization, providing anglers of all skill levels the opportunity to compete for millions in prize money in 2017 across five tournament circuits. Headquartered in Benton, Kentucky, with offices in Minneapolis, FLW conducts more than 274 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: @FLWFishing.
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.
Humminbird® Introduces New SOLIX™ Series with Exclusive Technologies and Largest Screens in its Class
RACINE, Wis., January 17, 2017 – The biggest news in fishfinding sonar for 2017 is, quite literally, “big.” For decades, Humminbird has led the fishing world by putting new tools and innovations in the hands of anglers to help them find, and catch, fish. Now, Humminbird has combined its best features and placed them into one fishfinder, the SOLIX™. Offering the biggest display in the brand’s history - up to 15 inches – the SOLIX boasts technologies designed to make locating fish easier.
A truly revolutionary product, SOLIX delivers game-changing sonar, imaging and mapping capabilities in the largest fishfinder anglers have ever seen. In true Humminbird fashion, these technologies are packaged in an easy-to-use interface and system that can make any angler better.
Unprecedented screen innovation
SOLIX is setting the bar for the angling sonar category in display size with two variations – a 12- and 15-inch screen model. Both come standard with Humminbird’s Cross Touch® Interface, letting anglers operate the unit via touchscreen or keypad, all while customizing the screen with up to four independent viewing panes.
Cross Touch allows anglers to use the SOLIX either as a touchscreen or with the keypad for easier control in rough water conditions. Individual panes can be zoomed or moved to different screen locations based on angler preference or fishing situation.
According to professional bass angler Gerald Swindle, SOLIX gives him a serious advantage over his competition and the fish he’s after. “The size is amazing and allows me to see crucial screen information from anywhere in the boat. Plus, I can set up my panes to simultaneously show me MEGA Side Imaging, MEGA Down Imaging and how I’m oriented to key structure. I get all of that in a glance, so I know that every cast is a productive one,” said Swindle.
Never-before-seen image clarity
SOLIX units come in two versions. One is equipped with GPS and CHIRP Digital Sonar, the other adds Humminbird’s game-changing MEGA Imaging. This is the first Down and Side Imaging technology to enter the megahertz range with performance that’s nearly three times greater than traditional 455 kHz frequencies. It results in the clearest, sharpest imaging returns ever.
Anglers can choose MEGA Side Imaging for an incredible view to the left and right of their boat, while MEGA Down Imaging gives crystal clear pictures of what is beneath the boat. Both carry a range that covers the most popular fishing depths.
When asked to explain MEGA Imaging, Humminbird’s brand manager Ray Schaffart said, “The screen detail is so defined that that in some cases you can literally see each individual fish and make out their head or tail in the sonar shadow. Natural bottom structures like rocks and stumps almost look like photographs, while man-made structures like shipwrecks, road grades or sunken bridges, offer up imagery down to the individual beam. After people see it, they just can’t believe it.”
All SOLIX models include CHIRP Digital Sonar, firing more pulses than traditional transducers over a given period of time. More pulses mean more information, improved target separation and superior image clarity at greater depths.
The next generation in mapping
Also standard on all SOLIX models is Humminbird’s expanded AUTOCHART® Live technology that creates and saves structure maps on any body of water. AUTOCHART Live identifies and maps depth, bottom hardness and vegetation. Anglers know that fish relate to depth, weed lines and transition points in bottom type – for example where a soft, muddy bottom transitions to firm sand or rock. By collecting all that data on an AUTOCHART Live map, Humminbird helps anglers keep their boat in the strike zone on productive structure.
Fishing takes another huge step forward when AUTOCHART Live is used in conjunction with i-Pilot® Link™ from Minn Kota®. With both technologies cooperating, an angler can tell his Minn Kota trolling motor to “follow” a specific AUTCHART Live contour at a set speed, and with the press of a button the boat will precisely follow the exact path. Now, anglers no longer need to guess where fish-holding structure is located. They can precisely follow the weedline, bottom hardness or depth contour, and stay within easy casting distance of their target.
Unsurpassed connectivity
Bluetooth is built into every unit, allowing anglers to sync smartphones to the on-board SOLIX. Text messages, missed calls, signal strength and other notifications appear right on the Humminbird display, so phones can stay safely in pockets where they belong for hands-free fishing. It creates a flawless on-board network of electronics and connectivity.
For plug-and-fish networking, high-speed ethernet provides easy connectivity to Humminbird 360 Imaging, Minn Kota i-Pilot Link, Humminbird CHIRP Radar, and additional SOLIX or select HELIX units. The new units are fully compatible with Humminbird LakeMaster® charts, SmartStrike™ and Navionics® Gold/HotMaps™.
Versatile mounting options
SOLIX owners can mount their large Cross Touch screens inside the boat dash, on the included gimbal or directly to an optional RAM Mount for multi-directional viewing.
Mark Gibson, Humminbird director of R&D, summarized the new Humminbird SOLIX technology by saying “SOLIX is the combination of decades of dedicated development in everything from the transducer to the touchscreen. It’s the best of the best and the most advanced fish locator ever created.”
For more information call Humminbird at 800-633-1468 or visit Humminbird.com.
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 offers a complete line of 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.
Iles & Shook top a record field at Bass Champs 2017 Season kick-off on Sam Rayburn winning over $20,000
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January 14, 2017 marked the season kick-off for Bass Champs, and a record field of 397 teams ponied up to win a portion of the $106,900 paid back to the top 53 teams. Sixteen sacks breached the 20 pound mark, with John Iles and Brian Shook topping them all with a 30.75 pound limit to take home the guaranteed $20,000 1st place check plus even more with sponsor bonuses!
The morning began with temperatures in the upper 60’s and fog blanketing the lake resulting in a slight delay for teams to be released to take off to head to their coveted fishing areas. “Due to the high number of participants, to take the best care possible of the fish and the fishery, we let everyone know that we were offering not one, not two, but three conservation bonuses at the end of the day,” explained Chad Potts, President of Bass Champs. The conservation bonus is for teams who do not have enough weight to garner a check and elect to release their fish in lieu of weighing them in. Those teams were then eligible to win $500 in a drawing for electing to release the fish directly back into the lake. Three teams who would not have otherwise won a check each took home $500 in winnings! The National Anthem was played, with reverence from the field, and the teams took off in numbered flights. As 3:00 neared, teams began lining up at the stage at the Umphrey Family Pavilion to tally their catch. The grill was lit to fix the traditional hot dogs that are made for everyone in attendance at every event, and the staff and volunteers took their positions, ready to process the record field and their catches. Rayburn didn’t hold back, as limit after limit crossed the scales, with top weights steadily climbing. Ben Matsubu and Brandon Davidson were the first to bring in a limit over 20 pounds, having five fish weighing 25.57 lbs taking the Big Bass lead with their 7.61 lb kicker. Before the weigh in was said and done, fifteen more teams would bring in over 20 pounds each and three kickers over 8 pounds were registered. When the scales closed, the team of John Iles and Brian Shook were declared winners with their limit weighing in at 30.75 pounds, their biggest being 7.44 lbs. “We stayed on secondary points outside the grass line using crank baits all day,” the team explained. “We didn’t catch a lot of fish, only seven or eight all day – but they were the ones we were looking for!” Bass Champs presented the team the guaranteed 1st place check for $20,000 then they added to their winnings as they qualified for sponsor bonuses from Lowrance GEN3 and Power Pole. The team would like to thank 6th Sense Lures, Power Tackle, Jordan’s Marine and Phoenix Boats for their support, “and my mom for always being there” Iles added. The 2nd place winners of Jaret Latta and Brian Lowrance had a hefty sack of 28.31 pounds with a nice 8.20 lb bass to anchor their win. Their fishing success was with Carolina rigs in 10-15’ along a ledge. “We caught about 10 to 15 fish, but the bigger ones bit early.” The team took home $10,000 for their finish. Matsubu and Davidson hung on to a 3rd place win with their 25.57 lb limit. They looked for grassy areas with big openings outside main lake coves using jigs to secure their catch. “All of our fish were caught in an hour and a half window,” the team reported. They enjoyed a $6,000 payday. Rounding out the top 10 teams: The biggest bass of the day was weighed in by Ronnie Bland and Malcolm Franks. The big sow tipped the scales at 8.48 lbs, adding another $1,000 to their overall 5th place winnings. They also won the Abu Garcia bonus for catching their big fish on an Abu Garcia reel! The Skeeter Bonus Cash went to Brian Schott and Scott Gill, doubling their winnings to a $5,000 payday. “With the number of participants, we had at this event, we were able to add substantially to the checks given out, and set a new record to the number of places paid at 53. We’d like to thank everyone for fishing with us, helping to make Bass Champs the #1 team trail in Texas!” All total, Bass Champs will host 24 events in 2017, and will pay anglers over $2 MILLION in cash and prizes before the end of the year. Mark your calendar to fish as many events as you can for your chance to win! Jan 14 – East Region – Sam Rayburn PAID $106,900
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University of Alabama Team of Anderson Aldag and Lee Mattox win YETI College Fishing Southeastern Conference opener on Seminole
BAINBRIDGE, Ga. (Jan. 16, 2017) – The University of Alabama team of Anderson Aldag of Birmingham, Alabama, and Lee Mattox of Bremen, Alabama, won the YETI College Fishing Southeastern Conference opener on Lake Seminole Saturday with five bass weighing 21 pounds, 15 ounces. The victory earned the club a $2,000 club scholarship and advanced the team to the 2018 FLW College Fishing National Championship.
“Our goal coming into this tournament was to qualify for the National Championship and we did it,” said Aldag, a junior majoring in business finance. “It’ll be my first time competing at that event, and I couldn’t be more excited.”
“It felt absolutely incredible to win this one,” said Mattox, a junior majoring in chemical engineering. “It is great exposure for our club and a nice win on our team’s resume.”
The duo said they spent the beginning of their day at a deep hole in a stump field they had found in practice. The area was a 50-yard stretch of water on the south end of the lake.
“The hole was near a spawning area and was 25- to 30-feet-deep in the middle,” said Mattox. “The stumps were right below the surface. We used a Sexy Ghost Minnow-colored Strike King KVD Jerkbait, which is a little unconventional this early in the season. Not many teams throw were throwing jerkbaits because the fish aren’t active enough yet.
“Within minutes we had a couple of bass that weighed around 5 pounds, and then I hooked into one that was 9 pounds,” continued Mattox. “By 10 a.m. we had four fish that weighed about 20 pounds and we were shaking from excitement.”
Mattox credited the clear water within their stretch as the key to their success. He said the rest of the lake was muddy, and their baits wouldn’t have produced as much in those conditions.
“We finished the day at some matted grass in the same creek, but about a half-mile away,” said Aldag. “It was also fairly deep – about 13 feet down. We flipped the edge using a green-pumpkin-purple Strike King KVD Perfect Plastic Rodent, and made a couple of culls toward the end of the day.”
“It’s never worked out this well for us before,” said Mattox. “It was an amazing day for the both of us.”
The top 10 teams that advanced to the 2018 College Fishing National Championship are:
1st: University of Alabama – Anderson Aldag, Birmingham, Ala., and Lee Mattox, Bremen, Ala., five bass, 21-15, $2,000 Club Scholarship
2nd: Mississippi State University – Caleb Hebert, Poplarville, Miss., and Jack Stegall, Carriere, Miss., five bass, 18-4, $1,000 Club Scholarship
3rd: Calhoun Community College – Jordan Reeves, Hillsboro, Ala., and Denver Satterlee, Athens, Ala., five bass, 16-7, $500 Club Scholarship
4th: University of West Alabama – Charles Lewis, Linden, Ala., and Andrew Warbington, Coker, Ala., five bass, 15-13, $500 Club Scholarship
5th: Bryan College – D.J. Barber, Gardendale, Ala., and Matt Brown, Corbin, Ky., five bass, 15-9, $500 Club Scholarship
6th: University of Central Florida – Jacob Romani, Orlando, Fla., and Cole Hewett, Orange Park, Fla., five bass, 14-12
7th: Auburn University – Cameron Mercer, Deatsville, Ala., and Cole Burdeshaw, Newville, Ala., four bass, 12-14
8th: University of Tennessee-Chattanooga – Gavyn Bridges, Thompson Station, Tenn., and Dylan Anderson, Mount Juliet, Tenn., four bass, 12-3
9th: University of South Carolina – Tyler All, Dorchester, S.C., and Patrick Walters, Summerville, S.C., five bass, 12-2
10th: Mississippi State University – Andrew Brown, Gordo, Ala., and Cody Peak, Centreville, Miss., four bass, 11-15
FLW also advances one additional team to the National Championship for every 10 teams over 100 that compete. A total of 140 teams participated in this event, so also advancing to the 2018 College Fishing National Championship are:
11th: Auburn University – Josh Oliver, Anniston, Ala., and Dalton Childers, Morris, Ala., five bass, 11-6
12th: Augusta University – Zachary Ramsey, Augusta, Ga., and Joshua Rockefeller, Harlem, Ga., five bass, 11-3
13th: University of Tennessee-Chattanooga – Patrick Hoskins and Dillon Falardeau, both of Chattanooga, Tenn., five bass, 11-3
14th: Valdosta State University – Max Gresham, Adel, Ga., and Zachary Blake, Guyton, Ga., five bass, 10-12
Complete results can be found at FLWFishing.com.
This YETI College Fishing Southeastern Conference opener was the first regular-season qualifying tournament of 2017. The next event for Southeastern Conference anglers is a tournament scheduled for Feb. 25 on Lake Guntersville in Guntersville, Alabama.
YETI 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, along with an additional qualifier for every 10 teams over 100 that compete, along with the top 20 teams from the annual YETI College Fishing Open will advance to the 2018 FLW College Fishing National Championship.
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.
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 274 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: @FLWFishing.
Scary Boating Accident captured on Action Cam - Reminder to wear your Lifejacket and Kill Switch!
From YOUTUBE of UF Bass Fishing Team and BlandBrothersFilms
Hunter Bland and Conner Young of the University of Florida Bass Fishing Team, get ejected from their boat while running approx. 57 mph during the FLW College Bass Fishing event sponsored by YETI.
This was due to a steering system part failure. Both young men were not injured and were able to get back in the boat on their own power
"Praise God they were okay!"
Guys, Please, its too early in the year for us to lose a fisherman or a team, please make sure and were your lifejackets AND Kill Switches and Tournament Directors, please make sure and enforce the use of both devices while the BIG motor is running, They just might save your life!
Beatty Wins T-H Marine BFL opener on Lake Okeechobee
CLEWISTON, Fla. (Jan. 16, 2017) – Robert Beatty of Clermont, Florida, weighed a five-bass limit totaling 27 pounds, 10 ounces, Saturday to win the first T-H Marine Bass Fishing League (BFL) Gator Division tournament of 2017 on Lake Okeechobee presented by Navionics. For his victory, Beatty took home $8,200.
“I started out the morning pitching into flattened reed clumps at the East Wall,” said Beatty, who earned his seventh career win in FLW competition. “I rotated between a couple of different baits that were the same shadow-blue color – a Gambler Lures BB Cricket and a Gambler Why Not. By 8:30 a.m. I had a limit that included two 4-pounders and a 5-pounder.”
Beatty said he preferred to use 1- and 2-ounce weights, depending on how thick the cover was.
“In the afternoon I headed up to the Shoal and targeted hydrilla and hyacinth,” said Beatty. “I caught two of my biggest bass there, and was culling 4-pound fish by the end of the tournament.”
Beatty said he ended up catching 20 to 25 keepers throughout the event.
“I’ve got to credit my Ranger boat and Minn Kota trolling motor for getting me to where I needed to be,” said Beatty. “They’re very reliable products.”
The top 10 boaters finished the tournament in:
1st: Robert Beatty, Clermont, Fla., five bass, 27-10, $6,200 + $2,000 Ranger Cup Bonus
2nd: Neal Stark, Davie, Fla., five bass, 23-2, $3,000
3rd: Justin Morgan, Okeechobee, Fla., five bass, 22-13, $3,100
4th: Don Demott, Boca Raton, Fla., five bass, 21-11, $1,400
5th: Jason Smith, Dawson, Ga., five bass, 21-5, $1,200
6th: Benny Townend, Boynton Beach, Fla., five bass, 20-9, $1,100
7th: Ken Fitton, Loxahatchee, Fla., five bass, 19-14, $1,000
8th: Cody Davis, Deerfield Beach, Fla., five bass, 19-12, $900
9th: Casey Martin, New Hope, Ala., five bass, 19-11, $800
10th: Greg Harp, Vero Beach, Fla., five bass, 19-8, $700
Complete results can be found at FLWFishing.com.
Morgan caught the biggest of the tournament in the pro division – a nice 8-pound, 5-ounce largemouth – and earned the day’s Boater Big Bass award of $1000.
Chadwick tops co-angler field
Michael Chadwick of Labelle, Florida, weighed in five bass totaling 18 pounds, 6 ounces, Saturday to win the co-angler divisionand earn $3,000.
The top 10 co-anglers were:
1st: Michael Chadwick, Labelle, Fla., five bass, 18-6, $3,000
2nd: Moses Wilson, Clewiston, Fla., five bass, 17-12, $1,500
3rd: Jay Trudel, Boca Raton, Fla., five bass, 15-7, $1,000
4th: Nik Kayler, Apopka, Fla., five bass, 15-3, $900
5th: John Trudel, Lighthouse Point, Fla., five bass, 14-13, $600
6th: Jake Stark, Davie, Fla., five bass, 14-9, $550
7th: Shawn York, Sarasota, Fla., four bass, 14-5, $1,000
8th: Loel Brandstrom, Jensen Beach, Fla., five bass, 13-11, $425
8th: Mitchell Layell, Sarasota, Fla., five bass, 13-11, $425
10th: Chris Baker, Wesley Chapel, Fla., five bass, 12-14, $400
York caught the biggest bass of the tournament in the co-angler division, weighing 7 pounds, 11 ounces, and earned the day’s Co-angler Big Bass award of $500.
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. 19-21 BFL Regional Championship on Lake Lanier in Gainesville, Georgia. 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.
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 274 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: @FLWFishing.
Elite Series Pro Dean Rojas kicks off 2017 Winning National Bass West event on Havasu
| 1 | DEAN ROJAS-AUSTIN ROJAS | 5/5 | 19.10 | 4.64 | 19.10 | 200.00 | 1,151.00 | |||||
| 2 | SHAUN BAILEY-MIKE WILLIAMS | 5/5 | 18.22 | 4.62 | 18.22 | 199.00 | 548.00 | |||||
| 3 | MARK WILLIAMS-CURTIS CRECELIUS | 5/5 | 17.60 | 4.44 | 17.60 | 198.00 | 447.00 | |||||
| 4 | JOE URIBE SR-RACHEL URIBE | 5/5 | 14.81 | 4.36 | 14.81 | 197.00 | 264.00 | |||||
| 5 | CRAIG MCCOY-BRYAN KUHN | 5/5 | 13.58 | 3.82 | 13.58 | 196.00 | ||||||
| 6 | CLINT GOODWIN-CLIFFORD RUBIN | 5/5 | 13.08 | 3.08 | 13.08 | 195.00 | ||||||
| 7 | PAUL TASSIE-MIKE HULSEY | 5/5 | 11.67 | 3.35 | 11.67 | 194.00 | ||||||
| 8 | AL ROBINSON-SHAD BERWEGER | 4/4 | 10.64 | 10.64 | 193.00 | |||||||
| 9 | LARRY MARQUEZ-JASON MARQUEZ | 5/5 | 9.92 | 9.92 | 192.00 | |||||||
| 10 | ANDY BECKER-ALAN BLACKMAN | 3/3 | 9.11 | 3.99 | 9.11 | 191.00 | ||||||
| 11 | JUSTIN KERR-TIM RATH | 5/5 | 8.77 | 8.77 | 190.00 | |||||||
| 12 | ED SHAVER-GARY PINHOLSTER | 2/2 | 6.51 | 4.18 | 6.51 | 189.00 | ||||||
| 13 | CHESTER BAXTER-KEITH KNIPP | 0/0 | 0.00 | 0.00 | ||||||||
| 14 | MARK HALL-CARLOS GARCIA | 0/0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
Bonner wins ABA AFT D41 Event on Tensaw River with 12.78 pounds
James “Rickie” Bonner of Mobile, Alabama won the AFT D41 event on Tensaw River in Mobile, Alabama held on January 14th. Bonner brought in five fish weighing 12.78 pounds. He also caught the Big Bass of the event weighing 4.02 pounds. Congratulations Rickie!
Second place went to Dennis Griffith of Stockton, Alabama with five fish weighing 12.69 pounds.
Third place went to Chip Lindy of Saraland, Alabama with five fish weighing in at 12.15 pounds.
Conditions were perfect for January with light winds with temperatures in the mid seventies.
Top Five Finishers:
1. Rickie Bonner 12.78 lbs
2. Dennis Griffith 12.69 lbs
3. Chip Lindy 12.15 lbs
4. Scott Wiley Jr 12.09 lbs
5. Donald Griffith 10.36 lbs
The next event in D41 is scheduled for February 18, 2017 on Tensaw River out of Cliff’s Landing. For information about this division and future events visit www.americanbassanglers.com or contact the local director for Mobile, Alabama, Barry Woodward, at (251)423-0753.
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.
Satterwhite wins ABA AFT D96 on Lake Greenwood!l
James Satterwhite of Gray Court, South Carolina won the AFT South Carolina D96 1-day qualifier tournament held January 15, 2017 on Lake Greenwood running out Greenwood State Park near Ninety Six, South Carolina.
James had a five fish limit weighing 13.91 pounds that was anchored with a 4.44 pound kicker fish. He caught his fish with a football head jig and a shakey head worm fishing rocks on the middle part of the lake. For first place and first place option, James took home a total of $810.
Joey Miller was second with five fish weighing 9.88 pounds. His fish came on a spoon fished in the mid lake area. Joey took home $504 for second place and second place option.
Steve Christie finished in third place with five fish weighing 9.68 pounds. Steve fished the lower lake and caught his fish on a crankbait and a jerkbait. Steve took home $144.
Matt Mollohan took the Big Fish pot with a 5.88 pound largemouth bass. Matt caught the fish on a jig fishing docks in the middle part of the lake. He won $135 for Big Fish.
This day started out with fog and 52 degrees and was at 68 degrees by the 3 pm weigh-in. The wind was out of the SSW at 5 to 10 mph by the end of the day. Lake Greenwood was down 5.5 feet with surface temp in the low to mid 50s. Catching fish was tough for most of us. The most productive lures for this one were spinnerbaits, crankbaits, jigs, shakey heads, spoons and drop shot rigs.
Top Five Finishers:
1. James Satterwhite 13.91 lbs
2. Joey Miller 9.88 lbs
3. Steve Christie 9.68 lbs
4. Gary McGlohorn 9.29 lbs
5. Andy Lake 9.15 lbs
The next 1-day qualifier for D96 will be February 26, 2017 on Lake Murray out of Dreher Island State Park near Prosperity, South Carolina.
For more information, contact D-96 Director Phil Morris at (864)993-0346, email [email protected], or call ABA at (256)232-0406. On-line, see www.americanbassanglers.com or www.aba-sc.com for complete results. Also check out our facebook page at D-96 American Fishing Tour.
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.
TH Marine 2017 Atlas Awards and Contingency Program
Huntsville, AL – January 15, 2017 -- T-H Marine Supplies, Inc., of Huntsville, Alabama is continuing and growing it’s popular Atlas Awards Tournament Contingency program for 2017.
"We are excited to continue and expand the Atlas Awards program. For 2017, we have sanctioned even more tournaments." T-H Marine's president and CEO, Jeff Huntley said. "The Atlas Awards program provides a great way to reward our customers for being valuable representatives of our brand."
“2016 was an awesome year for the T-H Marine Atlas Awards program,” said Jimmy Mason, T-H Marine Director of Marketing. “We had our first Grand Slam winner in two years and then a few weeks later, we had another. In addition, we had a number of members’ cash in on numerous highest finisher awards. It is cool to see our customers use T-H Marine products to excel in their tournaments and then cash in some great bonus money.”
Mickey Beck of Hendersonville, Tennessee won an American Bass Anglers Ram Truck Open Series Tournament in July making him the first T-H Marine Atlas Awards Grand Slam winner in two years. Beck said, “Being a part of the Atlas Awards every year has helped me win a lot of extra lure money. The Atlas Awards is a no brainier for any level of competitive fisherman - but the biggest bonus is having T-H Marine products on my boat to help me catch that next fish to obtain this contingency.”
2017 PAYOUTS ATLAS AWARDS PROGRAM
• HOTFOOT - $50
• G-FORCE HANDLE - $50
• TWO-WAY ALARM - $50
• LOC-R-BAR - $50
• TROLL-TAMER - $50
• THE OXYGENATOR - $50
• G-Force Eliminator - $50
• KVD Kong and Dual Kong Mount - $75
• Hydrowave H2 - $100
• ATLAS™ HYDRAULIC JACKPLATE - $250
• GRAND SLAM BONUS - $500**
• Total Possible winnings - $1275**
**MUST HAVE ALL TEN PARTS TO QUALIFY FOR GRAND SLAM BONUS
For more information on the T-H Marine Atlas Awards Tournament Contingency program and to see a list of qualifying tournaments, please see http://thmarine.com/atlas-awards.
T-H Marine is celebrating its 42th Anniversary of business and has grown to be one of the largest manufacturers of boating and fishing accessories in the U.S. T-H Marine provides parts to every boat manufacturer in the country and distributes them thru virtually every major distributor and retailer of boating and fishing products. To learn more about T-H Marine, please visit www.thmarine.com. To learn more about Wave Away Sonar and GPS Screen Cleaner, go to www.waveaway.com.
De Monet Team wins National Bass West Event on Diamond Valley
Place Team Fish B/F TotWgt Winnings
| Place | Team | Fish | B/F | TotWgt | Winnings | |||
| 1 | *JOHN DE MONET-*JONATHAN DE MONET | 5/5 | 4.93 | 18.61 | $670 | |||
| 2 | *TODD MARTY-*TOM MARTY | 4/4 | * 7.06 | 14.45 | $435 | |||
| 3 | *RICH VINCENT-*GEORGE WAGNER | 2/2 | 6.19 | 9.66 | $295 | |||
| 4 | RICHARD FRANKLIN, JR.-JEFF BREWER | 2/2 | 6.00 | 8.78 | $70 | |||
| 5 | ROBERT CONRAD-JASON PABLICO | 2/2 | 5.78 | 8.77 | ||||
| 6 | HARRY JIORAS- | 2/2 | 6.39 | |||||
| 7 | RICHARD MILLER-*BRAD DAVIS | 2/2 | 3.63 | 5.50 | ||||
| 8 | MARTIN WALL-BILL NELSON | 2/2 | 4.28 | |||||
| 9 | *STEVE CHATWOOD-*STEVEN CHATWOOD | 1/1 | 2.66 | 2.66 | ||||
| 10 | *ELIAS ASSEF-*JOSE ASSEF | 0/0 | 0.00 | |||||
| 10 | *DAVID. BAKER-*CHRIS BOWMAN | 0/0 | 0.00 | |||||
| 10 | *ROBERT CASTNER-*ANTHONY HERNANDEZ | 0/0 | 0.00 | |||||
| 10 | *JOHN FALCONE-*JOHN W FALCONE | 0/0 | 0.00 | |||||
| 10 | *GREG MAXWELL-*NORMAN BRIERE | 0/0 | 0.00 | |||||
| 10 | *BOB RICHTER-*JOHN RICHTER | 0/0 | 0.00 |
"PRO-Files" - Meet FLW Tour Rookie Dylan Hays
As the 2017 tournament season approaches, I took a few minutes to speak with FLW Tour rookie Dylan Hays.
Hays, age 29, is embarking on the great American Dream. “I quit my ‘real job’ to go fishing.” He resigned from Mondi, a paper mill where he worked as a buyer. “I bought all of their raw materials. I also worked at Pradco before as a buyer.”
While Hays has worked in the fishing industry, so has his wife Melinda, daughter of professional anglers Jimmy Mize and Lucy Mize. A tournament veteran herself, Melinda currently runs the Costa fishing team, And Dylan will run a Costa-wrapped boat that promotes his biggest sponsor.
Dylan met Melinda at a fish fry. “A friend invited her and another friend invited me. We kind of hit it off. I had seen her around, tournament fishing you know, but I always honestly thought she was kind of too good for me, to be honest with you,” shares Hays about his best catch ever.
There’s a lot of good water around Sheridan, Arkansas where Hays hangs his hat when not on tour. If he had to pin-down a single ‘home’ lake it would be Dardanelle.
The variety available a short drive from his house has made him a versatile angler which he ranks as his biggest strength. Finesse fishing would be among his weaknesses. “I can catch them on a shakey head or drop shot, but I’d rather not fish that way.”
Hays has been fishing competitively since he graduated high school 11 years ago. He helped start the fishing team at the University of Central Arkansas. “I think I just have a competitive nature. My dad never really fished, no one in my family really fishes.
“I had a couple of really good buddies in high school. They fished. We would go to ponds after school. When I turned 16 I got a boat. I actually had a boat before I had a truck. I would make my dad take me places. It just grew from there. But I’ve always been competitive and been into sports and I think I just wanted that part of it. Honestly, I think that’s the biggest reason I fish – for the competition.”
While he’s proud to have helped start a college fishing team, Hays had another highlight last year. “My team partner, which is actually (Melinda’s) daddy, Jimmy Mize, we won a boat. It’s the biggest team trail in the state of Arkansas and we won the championship.”
Hays also been to the TBF National Championship twice, as well as the All-American.
Looking ahead Hays is excited about the Tour schedule. “I like Lacrosse. That’s supposed to be fun - shallow river fishing, lots of fish. And I’m really looking forward to the first one, Guntersville. I just love going to quality fisheries and that’s one of the best in the nation.”
Beaver Lake is in his home state but Hays is not really a ‘local’ there. “I like Beaver too. It’s close and I like that style of fishing – highland lakes.
“Those 3 for sure are my top 3. If I had to pick the one I’m looking forward to the most it would probably be the first one, Guntersville. It’s the first tournament of my rookie year and I’m ready to get it started.”
HALL OF FAMER PAUL ELIAS JOINS THE BASS CAT TEAM
MOUNTAIN HOME, AR (January 12, 2017) – Bass Cat is pleased to announce the addition of Paul Elias to their 2017 Pro Staff. Elias, a member of the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame since 2012 continues to set tournament records competing at the sport’s highest level well into his 60s. Since first competing in a Bass Anglers Sportsman Society (B.A.S.S.) competition in 1976, Elias has consistently been a trendsetter, titleholder, and record setter. He has six Bassmaster wins, including the 1982 Bassmaster Classic, and has amassed over $1 million in B.A.S.S. winnings. Additionally, his resume includes two FLW wins and nearly $400,000 in earnings from that circuit. Along the way, he’s qualified for 16 Bassmaster Classics and five Forrest Wood Cups, while introducing the world to techniques like “kneeling and reeling” and the Alabama Rig. At a 2008 Elite Series tournament on Falcon Lake, he set the all-time four-day weight record with a total of 132 pounds, 8 ounces. “I know that Rick Pierce works hard to maximize performance in every one of his boats,” Elias said. “When I look at a boat, I look for the quality of construction, the rough water ride, and speed capability – all of which Bass Cat delivers. I look forward to pairing my Bass Cat with a Honda outboard for the ultimate performance combination,” he added. Bass Cat President Rick Pierce stressed that this partnership has been in the works for quite a while and that while the company has recently added several younger anglers, Elias will round out the team as a voice of experience. “I’ve known Paul for many years and, of course, we are all very aware of his many achievements,” Pierce stated. “He’s one of the few guys still on tour who can bring the heritage of the sport to younger anglers like Adrian Avena, Brandon Card, and Seth Feider. We look forward to seeing his Honda-powered rig on tour and in the winner’s circle,” added Pierce. About Bass Cat: Bass Cat, owned by Correct Craft, manufactures the industry’s premier bass fishing boats from its headquarters in Mountain Home, Arkansas. Family operated since it’s founding in 1971, Bass Cat is the longest continuously operating tournament bass boat company in the United States. For more information visit www.basscat.com. About Correct Craft: Celebrating 92 years of excellence in the marine industry, Correct Craft is a Florida-based company with global operations. The Correct Craft family includes Nautique, Centurion, Supreme, Bass Cat, Yar-Craft, SeaArk, and Bryant boat companies, Pleasurecraft Engine Group, and Aktion Parks. For more information please visit www.correctcraft.com.
The Prodigy, Brandon Palaniuk joins ZOOM Bait Company!!!
Brandon Palaniuk, from Hayden, Id 29-year-old professional angler on the Bassmaster Elite Series. Palaniuk is a two-time Bassmaster Elite Series Champion and the 2010 BASS Nation Champion. He has qualified for the Bassmaster Classic seven times and earned nearly $750,000 in a six year career as a professional angler. His sponsors include; Rigid Industries, Skeeter Boats, Huk Performance Fishing, Yamaha Outboards, Rapala, Buck Knives, Go Pro, Storm Lures, Pro Sites Unlimited, Rayjus, Toyota Bonus Bucks, Oakley, Cabelas, Humminbird, Terminator, Bolt, Crossed Industries, Minn Kota, Bass Mafia, PROcise Outdoors, Cull Keeper, Angler Innovations, Volant Performance, Alpha Angler Rods, Seaguar and ZOOM Bait Company. For more about Palaniuk visit him at http://www.bmpfishing.com and on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.
ZOOM opened its doors in 1977, and now ZOOM baits have been catching fish for almost forty years. The ZOOM "faithful", our legion of loyal customers who catch fish after fish with our products, can attest to the superiority and reliability of the baits. With more than 60 industry-leading products and more than 350 unique colors, ZOOM continues to push the boundaries of innovation and design. Find out more at https://zoombait.com
FLW Announces 2017 Tour Roster
FLW ANNOUNCES PRO FIELD FOR 2017 FLW TOUR
MINNEAPOLIS (Jan. 10, 2017) – Fishing League Worldwide (FLW) announced today the complete professional angler roster of 165 for the upcoming 2017 FLW Tour season, the 22nd season of the FLW Tour. The 2017 FLW Tour will feature seven regular-season tournaments with competition kicking off Feb. 2-5 at Lake Guntersville in Guntersville, Alabama.
The 2017 FLW Tour roster is headlined by three-time reigning Angler of the Year (AOY) Andy Morgan of Dayton, Tennessee, and 2016 Forrest Wood Cup champion John Cox of DeBary, Florida. They’ll be joined by nine former FLW Tour AOY winners, six former Forrest Wood Cup champions, and 30 Tour rookies in 2017.
Also making their FLW Tour debut at Lake Guntersville in February will be former Bassmaster Elite Series competitors Carl Jocumsen, Billy McCaghren, Matt Reed, Casey Scanlon and Dennis Tietje. Those newcomers bring a combined 33 top-10 finishes and career earnings of more than $1.6 million to the Tour.
“The talent level of the professional anglers on the 2017 FLW Tour roster is second to none,” said Bill Taylor, Senior FLW Tournament Director. “We are extremely excited to kick off the season next month at Lake Guntersville and I anticipate that this season will be one of the most competitive seasons that we have ever had in FLW Tour history.”
The top 100 pros and top 10 co-anglers from the 2016 FLW Tour, the top 10 pros from each of the five 2016 FLW Series divisions, the 2016 TBF National Champion, and the 2016 BFL All-American champion all received priority invitations to join the Tour.
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. The season opener on Lake Guntersville, scheduled to fish 165 boats, will pay out 55 places.
In FLW Tour competition anglers are vying for valuable points in hopes of qualifying for the 2017 Forrest Wood Cup, the world championship of bass fishing. The 2017 Forrest Wood Cup will be in Columbia, South Carolina, Aug. 11-13 on Lake Murray and is hosted by the Capital City Lake Murray Country Regional Tourism Board.
For complete 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.
2017 FLW Tour Anglers
Jason Abram Piney Flats, Tenn.
Tracy Adams Wilkesboro, N.C.
Dean Alexander* Georgetown, Texas
Matt Arey Shelby, N.C.
Scott Ashmore Broken Arrow, Okla.
Justin Atkins* Florence, Ala.
Todd Auten Lake Wylie, S.C.
Evan Barnes* Hot Springs, Ark.
Clayton Batts Macon, Ga.
Robert Behrle Hoover, Ala.
Cody Bird Granbury, Texas
Zack Birge Blanchard, Okla.
Daryl Biron South Windsor, Conn.
Derrick Blake* Rockwood, Tenn.
Randy Blaukat Joplin, Mo.
Greg Bohannan Bentonville, Ark.
Terry Bolton Paducah, Ky.
Christopher Brasher Longview, Texas
Jimmy Brewer Marshall, Texas
Aaron Britt* Yuba City, Calif.
Chase Brooks Iraan, Texas
Keith Bryan* Novato, Calif.
Grae Buck* Harleysville, Pa.
Jamey Caldwell* Carthage, N.C.
Jeff Cannon* Douglasville, Ga.
Scott Canterbury Springville, Ala.
Peter Cherkas* Des Moines, Iowa
Joey Cifuentes* Clinton, Ark.
Brandon Cobb Greenwood, S.C.
Ramie Colson Jr. Cadiz, Ky.
Kyle Cortiana* Broken Arrow, Okla.
John Cox Debary, Fla.
Wade Curtiss* Meadow Vista, Calif.
Alex Davis Albertville, Ala.
Bill Day Frankfort, Ky.
John Devere Berea, Ky.
Jim Dillard West Monroe, La.
Jeff Dobson* Bartlesville, Okla.
Bradley Dortch* Atmore, Ala.
Josh Douglas* Mound, Minn.
Kurt Dove Del Rio, Texas
David Dudley Lynchburg, Va.
Luke Dunkin Lawrenceburg, Tenn.
Charlie Evans Berea, Ky.
Ronald Farrow* Rock Hill, S.C.
Austin Felix Eden Prairie, Minn.
Mark Fisher Wauconda, Ill.
Tim Frederick Leesburg, Fla.
Shinichi Fukae Palestine, Texas
Anthony Gagliardi Prosperity, S.C.
Nick Gainey Charleston, S.C.
Chris Gosselaar* Fresno, Calif.
Matt Greenblatt Port St Lucie, Fla.
Buddy Gross Chickamauga, Ga.
Jeff Gustafson Keewatin, Ontario, Canada
Bradley Hallman Norman, Okla.
Dylan Hays* Sheridan, Ark.
Jonathan Henry* Grant, Ala.
Billy Hines* Vacaville, Calif.
Joe Holland Jefferson, Maine
Todd Hollowell Fishers, Ind.
Jamie Horton Centerville, Ala.
Jimmy Houston Cookson, Okla.
Rex Huff Corbin, Ky.
Bill Hutchison* Bessemer, Ala.
Eric Jackson Walling, Tenn.
Carl Jocumsen Frisco, Texas
Jason Johnson Gainesville, Ga.
Chris Johnston Peterborough, Ontario, Canada
Cory Johnston Cavan, Ontario, Canada
Jim Jones Big Bend, Wis.
Cody Kelley Conway, Ark.
Powell Kemp Scotland Neck, N.C.
Jay Kendrick Grant, Ala.
J.T. Kenney Palm Bay, Fla.
Mike Kernan Wylie, Texas
Rob Kilby Hot Springs, Ark.
Brad Knight Lancing, Tenn.
Daniel Kweekul* Bryant, Ark.
Jason Lambert Pickwick Dam, Tenn.
Brian Latimer Belton, S.C.
Jeremy Lawyer* Sarcoxie, Mo.
Shane Lehew Catawba, N.C.
Richard Lowitzki Hampshire, Ill.
Scott Martin Clewiston, Fla.
Lendell Martin Jr. Nacogdoches, Texas
Billy McCaghren Mayflower, Ark.
Chris McCall Palmer, Texas
Johnny McCombs Morris, Ala.
Michael McCoy* Mentor-on-the-Lake, Ohio
Bill McDonald Greenwood, Ind.
Tim McDonald Prestonsburg, Ky.
Brandon McMillan Clewiston, Fla.
Brandon Medlock Lake Placid, Fla.
Jason Meninger Gainesville, Ga.
Cody Meyer Auburn, Calif.
Kerry Milner Bono, Ark.
Kurt Mitchell Milford, Del.
Tom Monsoor La Crosse, Wis.
Drew Montgomery Maiden, N.C.
Harry Moore Valley, Ala.
Dan Morehead Paducah, Ky.
Andy Morgan Dayton, Tenn.
Bob Morin Seymour, Tenn.
Troy Morrow Eastanollee, Ga.
Brandon Mosley* Choctaw, Okla.
Jim Moulton* Merced, Calif.
Jim Moynagh Carver, Minn.
Shawn Murphy Nicholasville, Ky.
Michael Neal Dayton, Tenn.
Chris Neau New Orleans, La.
Blake Nick Trussville, Ala.
Larry Nixon Bee Branch, Ark.
Jordan Osborne Longview, Texas
Stephen Patek Dallas, Texas
Robert Pearson Herndon, Va.
Pete Ponds Madison, Miss.
Chad Randles* Elkhorn, Neb.
Tom Redington Royse City, Texas
Matt Reed Madisonville, Texas
Clark Reehm Huntington, Texas
Jimmy Reese Witter Springs, Calif.
Jason Reyes Huffman, Texas
Curtis Richardson Belleville, Ontario, Canada
Darrel Robertson Jay, Okla.
Mark Rose West Memphis, Ark.
Zell Rowland Montgomery, Texas
Casey Scanlon Lenexa, Kan.
Bryan Schmitt Deale, Md.
Braxton Setzer Montgomery, Ala.
Alvin Shaw Roaring Gap, N.C.
William Shelton III La Crosse, Va.
Blake Smith Lakeland, Fla.
David Smith Del City, Okla.
Bill Smith Jr. Burlington, Ky.
Jeff Sprague Point, Texas
Matthew Stefan Junction City, Wis.
Wesley Strader Spring City, Tenn.
Scott Suggs Alexander, Ark.
Mike Surman Boca Raton, Fla.
Austin Terry San Angelo, Texas
Peter Thliveros Saint Augustine, Fla.
Rodney Thomason Maumelle, Ark.
Timmy Thompkins Myrtle Beach, S.C.
Bryan Thrift Shelby, N.C.
Dennis Tietje Roanoke, La.
Rusty Trancygier Hahira, Ga.
Jim Tutt Longview, Texas
Andrew Upshaw Tulsa, Okla.
John Voyles Petersburg, Ind.
Chad Warren* Sand Springs, Okla.
James Watson Nixa, Mo.
Joshua Weaver Macon, Ga.
Joseph Webster Fulton, Miss.
Kyle Weisenburger* Ottawa, Ohio
Clark Wendlandt Leander, Texas
Chris Whitson Louisville, Tenn.
Scott Wiley Bay Minette, Ala.
Barry Wilson Birmingham, Ala.
Matt Wittekiend Angleton, Texas
Kenneth (Boo) Woods London, Ky.
Michael Wooley Collierville, Tenn.
Gary Yamamoto Palestine, Texas
Jay Yelas Corvallis, Ore.
Andy Young Mound, Minn.
(* denotes FLW Tour rookie)
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 274 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: @FLWFishing.
Mike Jones wins ABA Ram Truck Open Series Event on Okeechobee with 23.51 pounds!
Running out of Scott Driver Park in Okeechobee, Florida, Mike caught five bass weighing 23.51 pounds. For the Boater division victory, Jones took home a check for $5,000 for his win.
“I was fishing Eagle Bay and it was a little rough so I ran up Grassy and threw a SPRO popping frog and a Charlie’s Big Dipper. Every little willow bush had a fish in it. I stayed out in the open water and hit the little willow bushes. Right at the end of the day we went to a section that I had not fished all day. I threw the frog up against some dead stick-ups and when she hit it jerked my arm and I never got a chance to set the hook.” Jones said.
In second for the Boaters, Gary Milicevic of Labelle, Florida landed a five-bass tournament limit weighing 23.41 pounds. He collected $1,700 for the effort. “I caught all my fish on a popping frog and I didn’t have a fish until 10:30 am. My partner was culling and I didn’t even have a fish. I went hunting big fish and the first one I stuck was probably an 8-pounder. But I was out here trying to tie last night with the mosquitos and I guess I didn’t tie on the frog good because I broke her off. I caught a limit on the frog then I went flipping. I lost a couple 4-pounders and one about 5, I should have had about 28-pounds, but that’s fishing.” Milicevic said.
Jeff LeDroux of Tamarac, Florida took third for the Boaters with five bass weighing 22.64 pounds. He earned $1,130. “I was fishing in the rim ditch and threw a Zara Spook all day.” LeDroux said.
Finishing fourth, Matt Wieteha of Miami, Florida landed a five-bass limit weighing 21.09 pounds including a 6.46-pound kicker.
Austin Schroeder of Zephyrhills, Florida rounded out the top five Boaters with five bass weighing 20.75 pounds topped by a 6.24-pound kicker.
The biggest bass for the Boaters was caught by Steve Stinson of Pickering, Ontario that weighed 9.02 pounds and pocketed $940.
“I flipped all day today so when it gets cold like this or even when it gets hot, I flip. I come down to Florida to flip. I threw a 2-ounce tungsten weight, 5/0 Gamakatsu hook, with just a beaver. I was flipping mats and didn’t get many bites but this was one of them. I missed a few other fish today but it was a slow bite. ” Stinson said.
In the Co-Angler division, Michael Gonzalez of Apopka, Florida won with three bass weighing 13.40 pounds. He pocketed a check for $1,800 for his win.
“I was fishing the north side of the lake. I caught about 12 to 15 fish today. I had my limit by 8:45am. I was culling 2 ½ -pounders trying to get better fish. I was throwing Bitters speed worms and caught my last good fish around 1:45pm.” Gonzalez said.
Taking second for the Co-Anglers, Doug Staetter of Sanford, Florida brought in a three-bass division limit weighing 13.10 pounds with a 7.75-pound kicker. He collected $600 for the effort and $315 for the big bass.
“I wasn’t able to keep up with my Boater today so I picked up a skinny dipper and used all of the skinny dippers I had. I probably caught 25 bass today. My boater said he was going to put away his rods and sit down for a minute and that’s when I threw to the perfect spot on our pattern and Ka-Baam, it was on. I said, "Mike get the net it’s a hawg!" It jumped completely out of the water and I fought it for a little bit but was able to get it in the net.” Staetter said.
Donald Dunnam of Okeechobee, Florida placed third among the Co-Anglers with three bass weighing 12.50 pounds. He earned $450 for his catch. “I threw a Senko and a speed craw all day. I lost two big ones that took me down in the weeds and I couldn’t get them out.” Dunnam said.
In fourth place among the Co-Anglers, Jerry Neuner of Rutherfordton, North Carolina brought in three bass weighing 11.69 pounds.
Roy Delozier Jr of Okeechobee, Florida finished in fifth place with three bass weighing 11.49 pounds.
Slated for February 18th, the next tournament will be held on Lake Okeechobee out of Scott Driver Park in Okeechobee, Florida. At the end of the season, the best anglers from across the nation advance the 2018 Ray Scott Championship, Location to be announced.
For more information on this tournament, call Billy Benedetti, tournament manager, at (256)230-5632 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.
Nic Brown wins the ABA AFT D114 event on Lake seminole with over 22 pounds!
Nic Brown of Sneads, Florida is one step closer to the Ram American Fishing Tour National Championship with a first place win in the Ram American Fishing Tour Seminole Division 114 bass tournament held on Lake Seminole January 8th, 2017. Nic’s limit weighed in at 22.58 pounds. Big Bass was awarded to Nic Brown for catching a 5.98 pound largemouth. Nic's pattern was fishing a CB on in deep water!
Top Five Anglers:
1. Nic Brown 22.58 lbs
2. Bradly Enfinger 15.62 lbs
3. Trent Hill 14.47 lbs
4. Mitch Oldnettle 10.79 lbs
5. Steve Raines 7.24 lbs
Clear skies and cold with strong wind for most of the day. Waters temperatures were in the middle 50's. Water was stained to clear.
Nic's pattern was fishing a CB on in deep water!
This division’s next tournament will be February 5th on Lake Seminole at Seminole Lodge. For more information on this or any future event in this division contact Mitch Oldnettle (850)376-2628 or Len Lindahl (850)272-5305.
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.
Garmin® adds 21 anglers to its 2017 Marine Pro Team
OLATHE, Kan./January 10, 2017/Business Wire – Garmin International Inc., a unit of Garmin Ltd. (NASDAQ:GRMN), today announced the addition of 21 professional anglers to its 2017 marine pro team. The new additions will round out the Garmin team of 70 professional bass, walleye, and crappie fishermen who will be representing Garmin in tournament circuits across North America, including the B.A.S.S. Elite Series and FLW Tour.
“For the past several years, Garmin has continued to attract elite anglers from across the country,” said Dan Bartel, Garmin vice president of global consumer sales. “They’ve taken notice of the quality of our products, our innovative technology, and the reliability of our service in the field, and they’ve made the decision to switch to Garmin because of that proven track record. We couldn’t be prouder of the team representing Garmin in the inland fishing industry and we look forward to celebrating their many successes this year.”
The new Garmin pro anglers include: Jimmy Bell (Walleye); Luke Dunkin (FLW); Paul Elias (B.A.S.S.); Anthony Gagliardi (FLW); Jeff Kriet (B.A.S.S.); Bradley Hallman (FLW); Jamie Horton (FLW); Alton Jones Jr. (B.A.S.S.); Alton Jones Sr. (B.A.S.S.); Shane Lehew (FLW); Billy McCaghren (FLW); Justin McClelland (B.A.S.S.); Mark Menendez (B.A.S.S.); Chad Morgenthaler (B.A.S.S.); Brock Mosley (B.A.S.S.); David Mullins (B.A.S.S.); Keith Poche (B.A.S.S.); Darrel Robertson (FLW); Bryan Schmitt (FLW); Peter Thliveros (FLW); and Andrew Upshaw (FLW).
The new anglers bring many impressive accolades to the Garmin team, including previous Bassmaster Classic wins by Alton Jones Sr. and Paul Elias.
They join the dozens of world-class professional fishermen already running Garmin electronics on the tournament trail, including Jason Christie (two-time Elite Series champion), Greg Hackney (2014 Bassmaster Angler of the Year), Chris Johnston (2016 FLW Rookie of the Year), Jason Lambert (2014 FLW Rookie of the Year), Scott Martin (2015 FLW Angler of the Year), Andy Morgan (three-time FLW Angler of the Year), bass fishing’s elder statesman and ambassador, Bill Dance, and many more. Meet the entire 2017 team here.
The 2017 pro team will use Garmin electronics on their boats and during tournaments, television shows, and in public appearances. They’ll be equipped with detailed lake maps and best-in-class electronics and technology, including the National Marine Electronics Association (NMEA®) award-winning GPSMAP 7600xsv series chartplotters ranging in size from eight- to 16-inches, and the Garmin Panoptix™ PS-21-TR all-seeing sonar. Garmin was the first to bring Panoptix sonar imaging to the water, giving anglers the ability to see all around their boat in real time.
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 is a registered trademark 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 26, 2015, 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.
Day's Boat Sales of Kentucky Offering Contingency Program!
Days Marine, one of the largest Ranger / Mercury dealers in the country is offering up to $5,000 contingency prize in its 2017 Contingency Program.
Win a FLW BFL, Costa Series or BASS Open in a boat bought at Days Boats Sales and you could be eligible!
Valid 1 year from purchase date of boats bought January 2017 - March 31, 2017
Visit Days Boat Sales for more info.
Terry Bennett wins the CTT Lake Berryessa Pro Am, James Matsuoka takes Amateur win!
2017 Lake Berryessa Pro/Am RESULTS
PRO RESULTS
| PLACE | PRO | BF | TOTAL | WINNINGS |
| 1 | Terry Bennett | 6.70 | 19.19 | $2,725 |
| 2 | Mark Borges | 5.64 | 16.39 | $1,675 |
| 3 | Don McBride | 14.01 | $1,000 | |
| 4 | Tony Bothelo | 13.82 | $775 | |
| 5 | JP Gano | 13.59 | $600 | |
| 6 | Brett Leber | 4.16 | 13.55 | |
| 7 | Mario Saucedo | 13.50 | ||
| 8 | Mac McCullough | 3.43 | 13.41 | |
| 9 | Jim Griffin | 3.39 | 12.60 | |
| 10 | Scott Head | 3.65 | 12.31 | |
| 11 | Alan Welch | 12.20 | ||
| 12 | Wayne Breazeale | 12.12 | ||
| 13 | Mark Lassagne | 11.64 | ||
| 14 | Sean Wayman | 10.76 | ||
| 15 | Mike Nichelini | 10.56 | ||
| 16 | Moe Martinez | 10.48 | ||
| 17 | Matt DalPorto | 4.04 | 9.92 | |
| 18 | Kelly O’Ward | 4.95 | 9.73 | |
| 19 | Danny McElroy | 9.62 | ||
| 20 | Sherwin Williams | 9.28 | ||
| 21 | Randy Trampush | 3.58 | 8.01 | |
| 22 | Keith Diffey | 7.51 | ||
| 23 | Christopher Beck | 7.20 | ||
| 24 | Michael Coleman | 6.60 | ||
| 25 | Glenn Hashimoto | 3.04 | 4.02 | |
| 26 | Tony Gold | 2.89 |
AM RESULTS
| PLACE | AM | BF | TOTAL | WINNINGS |
| 1 | James Matsuoka | 3.24 | 19.19 | $1,000 |
| 2 | Joe George | 16.39 | $625 | |
| 3 | Jason Wiggington | 4.59 | 14.01 | $1,150 |
| 4 | Donald Armstrong | 3.39 | 13.82 | $388 |
| 5 | Bailey Hurst | 3.87 | 13.59 | $300 |
| 6 | James Adair | 13.55 | ||
| 7 | Noel Lacson | 4.03 | 13.50 | $400 |
| 8 | Kenny Carlotta | 3.06 | 13.41 | |
| 9 | Shawn Nash | 2.72 | 12.60 | |
| 10 | Fred Preston | 12.31 | ||
| 11 | Austin Head | 2.97 | 12.20 | |
| 12 | Anthony Sanchez | 12.12 | ||
| 13 | Luke Johns | 3.35 | 11.64 | |
| 14 | Sheldon Reese | 10.76 | ||
| 15 | John Metzler | 10.56 | ||
| 16 | Tyler Bounds | 3.55 | 10.48 | |
| 17 | Duke Kanaya | 9.92 | ||
| 18 | Carlos Delgado | 9.73 | ||
| 19 | Angel Nava | 9.62 | ||
| 20 | Angelo Alloro | 2.79 | 9.28 | |
| 21 | Grant Koontz | 8.01 | ||
| 22 | Daron Brown | 7.51 | ||
| 23 | Carl Crutchfield | 7.20 | ||
| 24 | Lee Busolo | 6.60 | ||
| 25 | Mike Tremont | 4.02 | ||
| 26 | John Lundeen | 2.89 |
Contingense partners with Jason Johnson for 2017 FLW Tour Season
January 5, 2017 – Mansfield, AR – We are pleased to announce our partnership with FLW Touring Pro, Jason Johnson of Gainesville, Georgia.
“I knew after talking with Jason, that Contingense isn’t a product that emulates an existing product. It’s contributing a positive role in our industry, and one that both companies, and consumers can benefit from. This is an idea that’s been overlooked for too long and completely unique,” stated Johnson.
Johnson will be competing as a Pro, in the 2017 FLW Tour, from a Phoenix 920 powered by an Evinrude G2 250, and outfitted with TH Marine accessories. His choice of platform will benefit Contingense from both a Marketing and tangible aspect by being a working example of bonus program benefits.
“This partnership came from multiple conversations since our early 2016 launch, where Jason showed his passion for our brand, and the future growth of the fishing industry. We feel with Jason’s work ethic, and positive reputation, he’ll be a great asset to our growing brand,” stated Jason Baggett, CONTINGENSE Owner, and Developer.
About Contingense: Contingense is a unified approach, unlike any other that collectively lists all contingency programs on one website, where anglers can find, and register for programs that align with their personal choice of products. Additionally, it serves as educator, promoter, and development firm for companies who want to incentivize their consumers, and those consumers who want to “stay in the loop” on bonus related information, and strategies.
For more information, please visit the company’s website:
Resolve to be good at something
"I was really good at being a bad guy."- Ric Flair
So how many resolutions have you already broken in this new-born new year? I resolved some years ago to stop making resolutions. THAT’s one I can keep.
But I do reflect, at the top of the year, on how things have gone; how they might have gone otherwise – you know, just the way we do on a long drive home from a tournament we didn’t win.
When it comes to fishing I think of what worked well, what didn’t, how the weather played a role. I assess my strengths and my weaknesses. I might worry for 5 seconds about my weaknesses. Then I embrace my strengths.
At this time of year when others are saying ‘correct your flaws’ I encourage you to do just the opposite. Identify your strengths and hone them to a razor’s edge. A competitive edge.
You can spend all your time doing damage control or you can invest in your strong suit and make a statement. Be known for something, like winning, for instance. You rarely win by being average at a bunch of techniques. You win by being outstanding at something and then recognizing when there’s an opportunity to push that technique.
How many times have we heard a winning angler say ‘I just fished my strengths’.
You’ll likely have to grind your way through a slow bite with ‘Plan B’ or even ‘Plan C’ in any tournament. After all, Denny Brauer and Tommy Biffle both have used topwater techniques when bass were not tight to flippin’ cover. But when your bite turns on you need to cash in on what makes you unique – that one thing you do better than anybody else.
Often it’s others who notice. When a partner asks, “How do you get that fluke to stay down while working it so fast?” or “How can you skip a lure that far back under there on baitcasting gear?” or “How are you seeing those fish in these conditions?”, such statements are strong hints at strengths you should explore.
As a radio show host once said, nobody ever wrote a book titled ‘Great Moderates in American History’. We respect the bold. For better or worse, we remember the exceptions rather than the rules, especially exceptional performances.
Instead of losing 10 pounds, I say ‘go add 10 pounds to your bench press max’. That means you’ve got to eat. And workout. And so it goes with your fishing. Figure out what you’re good at and get better at it. Be the absolute best there is at it.
If it involves a certain lure, fish it on all kinds of line, especially one you never thought you would. Topwater plug on fluoro? Absolutely, if only to rule that out. Fish it in water that is too cold or too shallow for it. Tourneys have been won on buzzbaits in winter and deep cranks in 4 feet of water. Find quirks that nobody else has. That’s what makes it your thing.
If your strength revolves around a presentation skill rather than a particular lure, say, pitching for instance, then try it with oddball lures. I have caught good bass flippin’ a swimbait into thick reeds. When working quickly and closely to a line of targets such as laydowns some guys have been known to pitch a squarebill crankbait the way others would a jig. I knew a guy who caught fish behind Gary Klein by flipping a spinnerbait into brush.
Perhaps your strength is simply the efficiency and fast pace with which you work. That’s the case for guys like Kevin VanDam and Bryan Thrift. Figure out which lures and techniques can catch fish at warp speed. Forget the rest. You’ll be bored with them and your performance will suffer. Stay on pace and odds are you’ll find some fish.
On the other hand, maybe you've got the patience of Job. Like watching cob webs form between your rod and line? If you have that unshakeable faith that you can wait 'em out until they bite then you indeed have a strength few others possess. It's a great way to catch big fish.
If sight fishing is your thing then you’ll cash in during bedding season, but find opportunities to do it outside of the spawn so you can play to your strength year-round. Bernie Schultz once told me how he watched wolf packs of bass swim around a shallow point and just threw a Senko out in front of them. Did he catch every one he saw? No. But he caught enough. And that’s the point of having a strength. You’re never going to catch all of the fish anyway so just figure out what brings you the most joy on the water.
And be great at it.
Costa releases 5 new styles to its Core Collection
Costa Sunglasses, manufacturer of polarized sunglasses for all fishing pursuits, announces the release of five new sunglasses to its Core collection. Styles include the Bloke, Reefton, Kiwa, Tasman Sea, and Whitetip and will all be available Spring 2017 and can be seen at Outdoor Retailer Winter Market at booth #33065.
Manufactured from biodegradable resins sourced from reclaimed castor oil, these Costa sunglasses are more resilient and durable than those made of petroleum based plastics to withstand the outdoor elements while simultaneously providing a comfortable fit. The 2017 Core collection features Costa’s patented 580™ lens technology designed specifically to filter out harsh yellow light and harmful shortwave blue light, while enhancing red, green, and blue hues, making for a great experience on and around the water, especially when sighting fish. All of the new frames can be fitted for either glass or impact resistant polycarbonate lenses and can also be customized for the needs of prescription sunglass wearers.
The Bloke is an extra-large frame that’s built for any environment thanks to its bi-lateral fusion technology, which creates a durable chip-proof finish. The Reefton also uses this same fusion of style and function but comes in a large frame. Both Bloke and Reefton feature co-molded temples, Hydrolite™ nose and temple pads and cam-action hinges that will remain on the face even in rough waters.
Kiwa is made from Costa’s durable bio-based nylon and gripping Hydrolite rubber on the nose and temple pads. These extra-large frames have an aviator-eye shape that provide coverage protecting your eyes so you can See What’s Out There.
Stemming from the success of the José frame, Tasman Sea features gripper temple holes in combination with Costa’s Hydrolite rubber keeping these large sized frames in place.
Whitetip’s medium-size and core styling has the same features as the Tasman Sea but also includes cam action pin hinges and a vented frame front to maximize experiences on and around the water.
“All five of these new Core styles are not only exceptionally functional on the water but also provide comfort and style for time off the boat,” says John Sanchez, vice president of product design for Costa. “We focused on creating durable frames with technical design elements that increase coverage and reduce glare. This provides our core anglers with the features they need for comfort and the technical advantages for improved performance on the water.”
Like all Costas, each frame has been constructed with quality and built for adventure. These five new styles are 100 percent polarized and come equipped with Costa’s patented 580 technology. All styles offer various frame colors and Costa’s five glass and polycarbonate lens options built with changing light and water conditions in mind. All 2017 core styles range in price from $159-$249, with prescription sunglass prices varying.
About Costa
As the leading manufacturer of the world's clearest polarized performance sunglasses, Costa offers superior lens technology and unparalleled fit and durability. Still handcrafted today in Florida, Costa has created the highest quality, best performing sunglasses and prescription sunglasses (Rx) for outdoor enthusiasts since 1983.
Born on the water, Costa works hard to protect the ocean it calls home. Through programs like its Kick Plastic campaign, where the brand seeks to raise awareness about the growing plastic pollution problem threatening oceans worldwide, to serving as a long-term partner to shark research organizations like OCEARCH, Costa encourages people to help protect the Earth’s natural resources in any way they can.
Find out more on Costa’s website and join the conversation on Facebook or on Twitter at @CostaSunglasses.
Ranger Boats Announces 2017 Retail Sales Programs
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Retail incentives available for a limited time to buyers of qualified models
FLIPPIN, Ark. (January 4, 2017) - Ranger Boats is providing additional incentives for potential boat buyers this year with the announcement of their 2017 retail sales promotions. With limited-time-only offers geared for both fiberglass and aluminum customers, qualifying purchases will receive benefits up to $3,100 in combined retail value for eligible models.
For freshwater fiberglass boat buyers, the 2017 Gear Up & Go sales promotion runs from Jan. 3 to March 31, 2017 and is designed to benefit the buyers of Ranger's most popular models. Any new, qualifying Z500 Comanche Series or Fisherman Series model sold during this time will receive a deluxe Ranger boat cover (retail value: $1,000), as well as two custom Mustang inflatable PFDs, (retail value: $600) and a $400 credit towards premium Ranger clothing and accessories available through RangerWear.com.
Meanwhile, buyers of any new, qualifying Z500/ Z100 Series, Angler or Fish-N-Play models sold during the 2017 Gear Up & Go promotion will also receive a deluxe Ranger boat cover (retail value: $1,000), along with one custom Mustang PFD, (retail value: $300) and a $200 credit towards premium Ranger clothing and accessories available through RangerWear.com. Additionally, Ranger's recently announced Reata by Ranger pontoon line will feature a limited time consumer cash discount up to $3,000 for eligible models. The 2017 Pontoon Series promotion will run Jan, 3 to March 31, 2017 and will include a cash discount in addition to a $100 credit towards premium Ranger clothing and accessories available through RangerWear.com. Customers are encouraged to visit rangerpontoons.com for a complete list of specific model offerings.
For Saltwater enthusiasts, the 2017 Saltwater Series promotion runs from Jan. 3 to March 31, 2017. Any new, qualifying Bay Ranger or Bahia sold during this time will receive the choice of a $2,000 consumer cash discount plus a $100 credit towards premium Ranger clothing and accessories available through RangerWear.com.
Finally, Ranger aluminum customers will also have exclusive purchase incentives available with the 2017 RT Series & Deep V Series Bonus Offer. The offer, available from Jan. 3 to December 31, 2017, includes an aluminum wheel upgrade and a $100 credit towards premium Ranger clothing with the purchase of any qualifying RT Series or Deep V Series model.
All programs are limited to the purchase of new, qualifying Ranger boats powered by Evinrude, Mercury or Yamaha engines that are sold by participating dealers during the promotion's timeframe and cannot be combined with other offers, with the exception of Ranger's Operation Troop Salute military appreciation incentives. For more information on Ranger's 2017 retail promotions, including a complete list of specific model offerings, customers are encouraged to visit www.rangerboats.com, www.rangerpontoons.com or www.rangeraluminum.com.
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Headquartered in Flippin, Ark., Ranger Boats is the nation's premier manufacturer of legendary fiberglass and aluminum fishing boats, which include series of bass, multi-species, fish 'n play, waterfowl utility and saltwater boats. Founded in 1968 by Forrest L. Wood, Ranger Boats continues its commitment to building the highest-quality, strongest-performing boats on the water. For more information, go to RangerBoats.com. |
Buckeye Lures signs reigning BASS AOY winner Gerald Swindle
2016 Bassmaster Angler of the Year, Gerald Swindle joins Buckeye Lures Pro staff for the 2017 season. “Gerald’s resume speaks for itself and he will bring many new and exciting ideas to our product development. We are already working on a weedless ballhead jig and a finesse swimbait head inspired by Gerald that he has used for years in the competitive arena.”- Jeremy Altman with Buckeye Lures.
Gerald joins a prostaff including Davy Hite, Russ Lane, Marty Robinson, Jason Williamson, Anthony Gagliardi, Micah Frazier and others as he sets out to defend his Angler of the Year Title.
Dirty Jigs Tackle has announced the addition of John Cox to their growing pro-staff.
Cox is the 2016 Forrest Wood Cup Champion, a two-time winner at the FLW Tour level and is currently ranked #3 in the BassFan.com World Rankings.
Although this is a new signing, Cox has been using Dirty Jigs Tackle since he began his FLW Tour career in 2011. “These are the same jigs I have been using and I have always wanted to be part of the team,” says Cox. He is known for his prowess with jigs and is particular about what he uses. “The main thing is the quality of Dirty Jigs. They don’t skimp on anything and everything about them is the best; the colors, the durability and components.”
The Dirty Jigs Tackle team is excited to add an angler like Cox. “I have known him for a few years and we have swapped tips on building our MHX rods. I am glad we were able to do something officially and I am looking forward to seeing what ideas he has for new products,” says Curtis Demerath, owner of Dirty Jigs.
For more information on Dirty Jigs Tackle, visit dirtyjigstackle.com.
For more information on John Cox, visit johncoxprofishing.com.
2016 in the rear view
Well, another year has zipped steadily by like a buzzbait churning past a Lake Norman dock piling. And what a year it was. From the Bassmaster Classic in Oklahoma’s winter winds to the Forrest Wood Cup in Alabama’s August heat, there’s been much to talk about.
One of the things the AnglersChannel.com staff has been most excited about is the addition of industry veteran Chris Brown as company president. Chris has made a tremendous impact on our web presence with a renewed focus on social media and a recently-unveiled new incarnation of the AnglersChannel.com web site. But y’all aint seen nothing yet. Stick around!
On the FLW Tour a couple of minimalists ruled. Andy Morgan, who does what he does and lets 5 fish-per-day come to him, won his 3rd Angler of the Year title. In 4 years. And John Cox, who fishes from an aluminum rig and eschews electronics (except for GPS), won the Forrest Wood Cup.
Morgan began the year with a 40th place showing on Lake Okeechobee – better than he usually fares on that lake. One more mediocre finish on Hartwell was followed by 4 Top 20’s, including 2 Top 10 performances. He didn’t win an event. Morgan has claimed the AOY crown in 3 of the last 4 seasons without winning a tournament in that time span. You have to reach back to 2007 to find a Tour level win on Morgan’s resume. But the guy nearly always spends the weekend pushing his boat across the water with his Evinrude outboard after so many competitors have missed the cut and are towing their boats over the asphalt with their trucks.
How does Morgan maintain that level of consistency? I’ll steal a quote from Curtis Niedermier’s excellent interview with Morgan in FLW’s Bass Fishing magazine: Morgan notes, “I stick to what brung me, pretty much. I’ll put a new twist on things, but it’s very seldom. I don’t modify much. If Livingston, Zoom or War Eagle makes it, that’s it. They’ve bit a damn plastic worm for 100 years, and they’re not going to stop in the next 100 years.”
In contrast to Morgan, Scott Martin did win a Tour tourney. His victory on Lake Champlain this past summer gives Martin the record for the most FLW Tour wins in history, at 6. Three of them have come on Champlain. By the way, that one AOY title Morgan didn’t win in the past 3 years – Martin won that in 2015.
We look forward to seeing those two gentlemen pick right back up in 2017. Should be another hot race.
The Cup could have been a deep water affair. Except, there was little current so the bass suspended and a topwater derby ensued. Popular areas on the lower third of Lake Wheeler were often crowded. Feelings got hurt. Frustration reigned. A few nice fish were caught. Meanwhile, a handful of anglers went up the creeks as far as they could. Those willing to work their way back into these shady stretches found solitude. And bass.
The tactic played well, especially for John Cox who could get farther up a creek than anybody else in the field. “The place I’m fishing doesn’t even show up as water on the chart,” chuckled the affable Tour veteran as he talked with media members after Thursday’s opening round. Due to his boat choice he gave up some speed and some range, but Cox’s decision to fish from an aluminum Crestliner enabled him to find a honey hole that carried him to the title.
Edwin Evers won the Bassmaster Classic on Grand Lake of the Cherokees in his home state of Oklahoma. Evers brought 60 pounds, 7 ounces to the big stage and surpassed runner-up and fellow Okie Jason Christie by more than 10 pounds.
The Classic was followed by the first Elite Series stop of 2016 on Florida’s St. Johns River. This tourney was a real ‘classic’ in its own way. Rick Clunn – 69-year-old, 4-time Bassmaster Classic Champ, Rick Clunn – who hadn’t won a B.A.S.S. tournament since 2002, was accompanied by his 12-year-old son, River, who was not yet born the last time his dad won, as he hoisted a big blue trophy. Grown men cried. All the trophies, the awards, the accolades acquired across decades meant less to Clunn than to be able to validate his career before his son. Most dads can relate to that.
Covering that tourney for AnglersChannel.com, I was on the water watching Clunn as he slowly but steadily built that final limit of bass. On stage later that day he would remind us all, “Don’t ever accept that your best moments are behind you.” That was my favorite moment from the tournament world this year.
I also spent some time following Drew Benton on the St. Johns River. I fished with Drew during his first FLW Tour win a couple of years back. I fish with a lot of folks. Benton is the real deal. He is also a good guy. He looks out for others but he knows how to compete. I am not a bit surprised he won Rookie of the Year honors. He had his sights set on something bigger – Angler of the Year.
Gerald Swindle took B.A.S.S. Angler of the Year honors. Benton finished 11th. Look out for him in the future, but this was Swindle’s year. It was well deserved and he earned it through an interesting new format wherein B.A.S.S. had a shootout of sorts – the AOY Championship tournament. Nobody caught Swindle, so the tourney was just sort of a spectacle of no real consequence.
B.A.S.S. did venture into a new format that was loads of fun for those of us who watched it unfold on Bassmaster.com and ESPN.com. The Bassmaster Classic Bracket featured head-to-head match play and more drama than fake wrestling. If you didn’t see it, you should have.
Some highlights: Dean Rojas made a big comeback in the last 15 minutes of his opening round to advance past Jordan Lee. Brett Hite took nearly 15 minutes playing several of his smallmouth in the Niagara River current on light line. Jacob Powroznik ‘laid up’ and laid down his rods in an effort to let his buddy Koby Kreiger win so he could advance and perhaps make the Classic. Kreiger almost didn’t catch a fish anyway, but eventually did before time ran out. He still didn’t win the golden ticket to the Classic – ran into KVD. And Kevin VanDam found yet another format under which he could crush all other competitors. Oh, and even when it was over it wasn’t over as Hite protested VanDam’s victory. KVD’s win was upheld.
On a sad note, we, as a fishing community, lost outdoors writer Wade Bourne in the last month of 2016. He was a giant in the field and will be sorely missed by many, including us here at AnglersChannel.com.
FLW ANNOUNCES SPONSORSHIP AGREEMENT WITH YETI®
Premium Cooler and Drinkware Brand Agrees To Multi-Year Deal, Becomes Title Sponsor of FLW College Fishing
MINNEAPOLIS (Dec. 21, 2016) – Fishing League Worldwide (FLW), the world’s largest tournament-fishing organization, and YETI®, a leading premium cooler and drinkware brand, announced today a multi-year sponsorship agreement, including title sponsorship of the FLW College Fishing series. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
In addition to their title sponsorship, YETI will receive exposure across multiple FLW platforms, including more than 235 tournaments and Expos, FLW Bass Fishing magazine, FLWFishing.com, newsletters, social media outlets, and the Sports Emmy-nominated “FLW” television show.
"As the interest and popularity of College Fishing continues to grow, we’re excited to start our partnership with YETI, a brand known for their creativity and innovation," said Trish Blake, FLW President of Marketing. "The team at YETI is committed to helping expand the sport at the collegiate level and leverage the FLW brand to increase their reach across all channels."
The 2017 YETI FLW College Fishing series features three regular-season tournaments in each of the five conferences – Central, Northern, Southern, Southeastern and Western – along with the annual College Fishing Open. Top teams from each conference’s regular-season tournaments and the annual FLW College Fishing Open advance to the YETI FLW College Fishing National Championship.
“We’re extremely proud to be the official sponsor of the FLW College Fishing series,” said Corey Maynard, Vice President of Marketing at YETI. “YETI is dedicated to the expansion and progression of tournament fishing, and we look forward to multiple years on the water with collegiate anglers.”
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.
The 2017 YETI FLW College Fishing series will kick off on Jan. 14 at Lake Seminole in Bainbridge, Georgia.
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 235 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, YouTubeand Snapchat: @FLWFishing.
About YETI
Founded in Austin, Texas in 2006, YETI is a leading premium cooler and drinkware brand. The world’s top hunters, anglers, outdoor adventurers, BBQ pitmasters, and ranch and rodeo professionals trust YETI to stand up to the world’s harshest conditions. For more on the company and its full line of products and accessories, visit yeti.com.
Ranger Boats Introduces All-New Pontoon Line for 2017, Legendary Ranger quality with unmatched features
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FLIPPIN, Ark. (December 21, 2016) - Ranger Boats, the nation's largest manufacturer of premium fiberglass fishing boats, announces an all-new line of pontoon boats for 2017-Reata® by Ranger®. The line pulls inspiration from Ranger's acclaimed Reata series of fish-and-play designs and features the same quality and unmatched features that consumers have come to expect from a Ranger boat. "With so much versatility and comfort, we've seen the pontoon segment attract more and more families each year," said Ranger Boats Director of Product Development Lance Newton. "We're excited to offer these customers a product paired with the same craftsmanship and attention to detail we put in all Ranger designs, as well as the long list of 5-Star advantages that come with it."
 The Reata by Ranger pontoon line combines Ranger's fishing heritage with sporting capabilities to offer a versatile package for families and anglers alike. The new Reata pontoon series consists of seven models ranging in length from 20 to 25 feet in both Fish and Cruise designs. Each design has been carefully crafted to fit the needs of both the avid angler and families looking to relax. The product offering includes three Fish models - 200F, 220F and 223F - and four Cruise models - 200C, 220C, 223C and 243C. Both series also include high performance, triple tube models with 26-inch diameter logs complete with lifting strakes.
The new designs feature a long list of amenities that will stand out among other pontoons on the market. Most notably, this includes beautiful, powder-coated pontoon logs, premium vinyl flooring, fiberglass consoles, automotive-inspired dash designs and fully-wrapped custom upholstery. All models also feature wheelchair-accessible interior swinging gates, phone management systems and thicker, extended side panels for added safety and comfort.
As with all Ranger boats, these new Reata models will include loads of standard equipment, complete with many items considered upgrades by other manufacturers. Features such as a snapless mooring cover, easy-to-deploy top, stainless steel boarding ladder, reclining captain's chairs and tilt steering all come standard. Both the Fish and Cruise series offer a multitude of configurations to fit each customer's needs.
The Fish models feature high-capacity, aerated livewells, Lowrance® Hook 5 electronics, ample rod storage and are pre-wired for easy installation of trolling motors available from Minn Kota® and Motorguide®. A fishing station with tool and rod holders, lockable 7 foot, 6 inch rod box with organizer and multiple livewells are also available, dependent upon model.
The Cruise models sport full-width swim platforms, abundant storage, custom upholstery, a stowable changing enclosure, L.E.D. courtesy lighting throughout, port and starboard bow lounges, stowable table, 12V and USB outlets, Kicker® stereo with Bluetooth® input and built-in L.E.D. navigation lights and docking lights.
Each Reata by Ranger model is available with the choice of a factory rigged Mercury, Evinrude or Yamaha outboard and comes in several rich color packages. The Reata by Ranger models are competitively priced for a variety of budgets and are backed by one of the strongest warranties in the pontoon business. For more information on the new line, customers are encouraged to visit www.rangerpontoons.com or call 800-373-BOAT (2628).
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 About Ranger BoatsHeadquartered in Flippin, Ark., Ranger Boats is the nation's premier manufacturer of legendary fiberglass and aluminum fishing boats, which include series of bass, multi-species, fish 'n play, waterfowl utility and saltwater boats. Founded in 1968 by Forrest L. Wood, Ranger Boats continues its commitment to building the highest-quality, strongest-performing boats on the water. For more information, go to RangerBoats.com.
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Michael and Danni Fox win ABA NC D4 Couples Trail on Mountain Island Reservoir
Michael and Danni Fox of Statesville, North Carolina won the second event for North Carolina D4 Couples Trail on Mountain Island Reservoir near Charlotte, North Carolina on December 17th, 2016. The Team took first place with a bag weighing 11.16 pounds which included a 3.14 pound kicker. Michael and Danni were a new couple for division 4. We would like to welcome them to the family. This was they’re first time fishing a tournament together and it was a good one for them as they took first place.
Take second place was John and Angela Mayo of Maiden, North Carolina. The team came in with five fish weighing 9.29 pounds.
David Gunderman and Elizabeth Bank came in third with a total weight of 9.23 pounds.
The team of Mike and Lori Langford came in fourth place and took home the Men’s and Ladie's Big fish pots. Mike’s largemouth weighed 4.35 pounds and Lori’s weighed 1.90 pounds.
It was a balmy 28 degrees at take off with water temperatures in the low 50’s. The weather forecast all week had been calling for freezing rain and sleet the morning of the tournament. Leisa and I struggled with the decision of postponing the tournament for safety reasons. As it turned out, the bad weather missed Mountain Island all together and it reached the upper 40’s by 11:00 am. Everyone had a great time. There were 32 bass weighed in with a total weight of 54.18 pounds. All 32 were released alive.
Nine couples braved the weather to join us. We would also like to welcome the teams of John and Angela Mayo and JD and Karan Barber back this year. We all missed them and were happy to get to spend time with them again.
We would like to thank everyone who came out for the tournament and extend an invitation to anyone that would like to join our family of fishing couples to contact us and become part of a great group of friends. North Carolina Couples will hold their next tournament in February 2017 on Lake Norman near Mooresville, North Carolina. Take off will be from McCrary Creek Access Area just off Hwy 150 at 8:00am. The safety meeting will begin at 7:30am at the landing. Please check the ABA website for the specific date of the tournament, it will be posted soon.
For more information on this event, or any future events for this division, please contact Keith and Leisa Morgan at (828)659-4268 or email at [email protected].
All ABA American Couples Series events involve a team format with each team composed of one man and one woman. Contestants between the ages of 14 and 16 years old may participate with a parent’s written permission.
The top angling couples from across the nation earn the right to compete in the annual American Bass Anglers Couples Series National Championship Tournament.
American Bass Anglers commitment ts to provide low cost, close to home tournaments for the weekend angler and at the same time offer each competitor an upward path for individual angler progression. For more information about American Bass Anglers, the Ram American Fishing Tour, the Ram Weekend Bass Series, or the American Couples Series, visit www.americanbassanglers.com or call (256)232-0406.
Gary Hubble wins ABA AFT D47 event on Lake Maumelle
Gary Hubble of Alexander, Arkansas wins the third tournament of the AFT D47 2017 season held on December 17th and contested on Lake Maumelle. Gary topped the field with five fish for a total weight of 14.97 pounds. Gary threw a jerkbait and jig to catch his fish. Gary earned $451 for his efforts.
Coming in second place was Doug Shrum who sacked up five fish for a total weight of 11.69 pounds. Doug also relied on a jerkbait and jig to fill his livewell. Doug took home $254 for second place.
Rounding out the top three was Matthew Hedrick who caught three fish for a total weight of 9.96 pounds, however, his bag was anchored by a 6.20 pound Maumelle Melon. Matthew caught all his fish on jigs.
Top Five Finishers:
1. Gary Hubble 14.97 lbs
2. Doug Shrum 11.69 lbs
3. Matthew Hedrick 9.96 lbs
4. Cody Bryant 9.87 lbs
5. Rob Stone 7.06 lbs
The next tournament in this division is on Lake Hamilton on January 14, 2017 launching out of the AGFC ramp.
The next tournament in the D42 division is on the Arkansas River/Little Rock Pool April 8, 2017 launching from the Verizon ramp.
For more information on this event or any future events for D42 and D47, please contact John Simonof at (501)772-493.
I’d like to thank our local sponsors who provide great support throughout the year.
Fish N’ Stuff
H2O Sportz & Marine
I-40 Transmission
NIFE Marine
Temple Fork Outfitters
Window World of Little Rock
Zimmerman’s Sports Center/Exxon
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.
Elite Series Pro Micah Frazier joins Fitzgerald Rods Pro Staff
Fitzgerald rods continues to expand its rapidly growing brand by adding another Bassmaster Elite Series Pro to its staff in Micah Frazier. The Newnan, Georgia pro will be entering his 3rd year on the Elite Series in 2017.
"I'm excited to join the Fitzgerald team. I love the no-nonsense build of the rods and the actions of the rods that will be suited to my style of fishing" explains Micah, “Fitzgerald Rods has quickly built a reputation of having some of the strongest and most sensitive rods on the market.”
Bassmaster recently ranked the young angler the 7th best fisherman under the age of 30. Micah has already qualified for a Bassmaster Classic and has 2 top 10’s after only 2 years fishing the Elite Series.
Fitzgerald Rod’s looks forward to Micah utilizing Fitzgerald Rod’s versatile lineup of rods to compete on the Bassmaster Elite Series in 2017.
Strike King Pro Andy Montgomery talks about the new Strike King Magnum Rage Bug
Strike King Pro Andy Montgomery talks about the new Strike King Magnum Rage Bug. The perfect cold water or muddy water big profile bait, the Magnum Rage Bug can be Texas rigged or used as a Jig Trailer. Check them out here at www.sportsmanswarehouse.com
Angler’s Choice Marine Named to 2016 Boating Industry Top 100 list for 3rd Year in a Row
Pictured left to right:
Kyle Loganadan (Sales), Nick Loganadan & Sandi Loganadan (Owners) and Andy Greene (General Manager) all of Angler’s Choice Marine
Recognized as one of the top boat dealers in North America
MARTINSVILLE, VA (December 13, 2016) Angler’s Choice Marine has been named one of the Top 100 dealers in North America by Boating Industry, the leading trade publication for the marine industry. This is the third consecutive year the company has received this prestigious award. Owners, Sandi and Nick Loganadan, were honored during the recent Boating Industry’s Top 100 Dealers black tie event in Orlando, Florida.
“From the thousands of dealers in North America – and hundreds of nominations – these 100 dealers are the best of the best,” said Boating Industry Editor in Chief Jonathan Sweet. “These dealers excel not only at the business of selling boats, but also delivering a great customer experience.”
The Top 100 is an annual list of boat dealerships that are unsurpassed in business operations, professionalism, marketing tactics, customer service and more. The Boating Industry Top 100 has recognized the top dealers in North America every year since 2005.
“What a great honor to be selected by Boating Industry as a Top 100 Dealer in North America for the third year in a row,” says Sandi Loganadan. “We owe it all to our dedicated employees and loyal customers who have supported us for many years in the marine industry. I would like to say thank you to all of them.”
“As the Boating Industry Top 100 celebrates its 12th year, the dealers on the list are stronger than they have been since before the Great Recession,” Sweet said. “The Top 100 and Hall of Fame reached nearly $2.7 billion in total revenue in 2015, surpassing last year’s total by more than $100 million. These dealers also faced stiff competition to make the list, with the highest number of applications since the recession.
Family owned and operated, Angler’s Choice Marine features a full line of bass, pontoon, skiff and pleasure boats with over 20 years of serving fishing and boating enthusiasts. They offer certified service at all three dealerships which are located in Martinsville, Virginia; Lexington, North Carolina and Spindale, North Carolina. For more information, visit them on the web at www.anglerschoicemarine.com or call 800-632-4665.
FLW and The BASS FEDERATION Expand Partnership
FLW to Debut 24-event High School Fishing Open Series
MINNEAPOLIS (Dec. 14, 2016) – Fishing League Worldwide (FLW) and The Bass Federation (TBF) today announced a multi-year extension to their strategic partnership, bolstering the relationship between the world’s largest tournament-fishing organization and the nation’s oldest broad-based grassroots fishing, youth and conservation organization. Terms of the agreement were not released.
As part of the extended partnership FLW will undertake the largest expansion of the co-managed High School Fishing program since launching the state-championship series of High School Fishing events in partnership with TBF in 2011. The expansion includes facilitating a new series of 24 High School Fishing Open tournaments to complement the existing State Championships and High School Fishing World Finals coordinated by TBF. TBF will also debut two High School Fishing Challenge events to meet growing demand from the more than 15,000 young anglers that participated in the program in 2016. All told, students will now have 76 FLW and TBF High School Fishing events in which to compete in 2017.
“High School Fishing is the foundation on which our sport will continue to grow,” said FLW President of Operations Kathy Fennel. “With the continued erosion of traditional pathways into fishing, the industry is taking note of High School Fishing’s recruitment, retention and reactivation potential. All it takes is one visit to a High School Fishing tournament to see that FLW and TBF have tapped into something special that unites generations in a way our sport has never seen before.”
No changes will be made to the existing program for adult TBF anglers. Fourteen TBF anglers (seven boaters and seven co-anglers) will advance to the BFL All-American from the TBF National Championship. The TBF National Champion boater will also advance to the Forrest Wood Cup and continue to receive the life-changing “Living the Dream” package to fish the entire season as an FLW Tour pro using a TBF-wrapped Ranger boat and tow vehicle without paying a single entry fee. TBF members will also continue to receive priority entry into all FLW tournaments.
“TBF is proud to partner with FLW in providing the nation’s most extensive network of grass-roots fishing opportunities from our TBF junior program through high school and college to the TBF National Semi-Final Series for adult anglers and ultimately our ‘Living the Dream’ package on the FLW Tour,” said TBF President Robert Cartlidge. “No two organizations work more closely to provide more fishing opportunities for more anglers nationwide than FLW and TBF. We are proud of that tradition and what it means for future generations.”
Veteran Bass Fishing League (BFL) tournament director Dave Maxfield has been tapped to lead the new series of High School Fishing Opens as FLW High School Fishing tournament director. Working closely alongside Maxfield will be Scott Ellison, who has been promoted to FLW Youth Director and Promotion’s Manager.
Going forward, High School Fishing will operate on a school calendar with the National Championship being held in the summer in conjunction with the High School Fishing World Finals. The top 10 percent of teams in each State Championship, Challenge and Open will advance directly to the High School Fishing National Championship. The High School Fishing national champions will each receive a $5,000 college scholarship to the school of their choice.
All participants must be Student Angler Federation (SAF) members to participate. SAF membership includes both TBF and FLW membership plus a digital subscription to FLW Bass Fishingmagazine, online training courses and more.
SAF members never pay an entry fee to participate in FLW or TBF High School Fishing tournaments and all clubs are covered by SAF insurance, which means there is no added expense for schools with sanctioned High School Fishing clubs.
2017 High School Fishing Open & Challenge Schedule:
Jan. 15 Lake Okeechobee Challenge Lake Okeechobee
Feb. 19 Lake Hartwell Early Bird Challenge Lake Hartwell
March 4 South Carolina Open Lake Murray
March 11 Mississippi Open Columbus Pool
March 25 Arkansas Open Lake Hamilton
April 1 Texas Open Lake of the Pines
April 22 Alabama Open Logan Martin Lake
April 29 North Carolina Open High Rock Lake
May 6 Wisconsin Open & Iowa State Championship Mississippi River @ La Crosse
May 13 Missouri Open Truman Lake
May 14 California Open & State Championship California Delta
May 20 Virginia Open & State Championship Claytor Lake
June 3 Minnesota Open Mississippi River
June 10 Michigan Open & State Championship Detroit River
Sept. 9 Louisiana Open Ouachita River
Sept. 16 Maryland Open Potomac River
Sept. 23 Pennsylvania Open Raystown Lake
Sept. 30 Indiana Open Lake Monroe
Oct. 7 Illinois Open Lake Springfield
Oct.14 New York Open Oneida Lake
Oct. 21 Oklahoma Open Grand Lake
Oct. 28 Ohio Open Caesar Creek
Nov. 4 Kentucky Open Lake Cumberland
Nov. 18 Tennessee Open Norris Lake
Dec. 2 Georgia Open Lake Lanier
Dec. 9 Florida Open St. Johns River
2017 High School Fishing State Championship Schedule:
Jan. 29 Texas State Championship Sam Rayburn Reservoir
Feb. 11 Georgia State Championship West Point Lake
Feb. 26 Florida State Championship St. Johns River
March 25 Louisiana State Championship Cross Lake
April 1 Kentucky State Championship Lake Cumberland
April 1 Mississippi State Championship Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway
April 2 Illinois State Championship Clinton Lake
April 9 North Carolina State Championship Kerr Lake
April 9 Missouri State Championship Table Rock Lake
April 29 South Carolina State Championship Lake Murray
May 6 Ohio State Championship Alum Creek Reservoir
May 7 Arkansas State Championship Lake Dardanelle
May 7 Idaho State Championship C.J. Strike Reservoir
May 7 Tennessee State Championship Norris Lake
May 20 Arizona State Championship Lake Pleasant
May 21 Alabama State Championship Lake Neely Henry
June 3 Indiana State Championship Brookville Lake
June 3 Massachusetts, Rhode Island & Connecticut
Tri State Championship Mashapaug Pond
June 11 Colorado & New Mexico Dual State Championship Lake Pueblo
July 8 Wisconsin State Championship Lake Winnebago
July 9 Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland & New Jersey
Quad State Championship Chesapeake Bay
July 15 New York State Championship Mohawk River
July 15 South Dakota State Championship Lake Cochran
July 16 Minnesota State Championship Mille Lacs Lake
July 16 Ontario Province Championship Georgian Bay
July 22 Nebraska State Championship Lake Merritt
Aug. 13 Washington State Championship Potholes Reservoir
High School Fishing World Finals and National Championships:
June 3, 2017 National Championship Wheeler Lake
(2016 qualifiers)
June 27-July 1, 2017 2017 World Finals/National Championship Pickwick Lake
(qualifiers from events held Jan. 1 - June 10, 2017)
June 26-30, 2018 2018 World Finals/National Championship TBA
(qualifiers from events held June 11, 2017 to June 9, 2018)
Complete rules can be found online at FLWFishing.com and Highschoolfishing.org.
For State Championships, each team must compete in the state in which their school is located. Teams from all states can participate in Open tournaments and Challenge events. Entries for State Championships and Challenge events should be made at Highschoolfishing.org or by calling TBF at (580)-765-9031. Entries for Opens should be made at FLWfishing.com or by calling FLW at (270)-252-1000. Entries for all events will be accepted beginning January 3. There is no limit to the number of teams accepted into a tournament from each school or club.
Full schedules, including additional state championships, and latest announcements will be available on Highschoolfishing.org and FLWFishing.com.
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.
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 235 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, YouTubeand Snapchat: @FLWFishing.
How much tech is TOO much tech?
How much technology is too much tech?
It’s a personal thing. I used the Internet to order some frogs and when they arrived I went to the lake and caught some fish on them. For me, that’s the perfect marriage of technology and the outdoor world.
Polarized sunglasses are my favorite fish-finders. GPS is awesome. I love satellite maps. Otherwise, I have little interest in the digital world when I am on the water.
I do a lot of wade fishing and I use a kayak quite a bit. And I catch more fish than most guys in motorboats.
Even if you have a $70,000 rig and all the latest electronics, I’m guessing the AguaDrone is too much tech for you, as a bass fisherman. The waterproof, remote-controlled aircraft can deliver a lure to a distant spot, but hey, so can the 10-foot rods that B.A.S.S. recently approved for tournament competition.
Billed as “the world’s first fishing-optimized drone” the AguaDrone has a depth-finder. It takes video. It has more accessories than Barbie.
It remains unclear as to whether the drone will make a pulled pork sandwich and deliver it to you on the water, but it could keep you busy for hours doing something other than fishing. No thanks. I have a wife for that.
There are applications for a waterproof drone that could benefit anglers and anybody who likes to fish, but I watched a video of the AguaDrone and when they used it to actually present a lure to fish they totally lost me. Lure placement is part of our sport.
Therein lies the basis of most backlash against technology – when mechanization replaces human performance we lose the very essence of art, of sport, of anything that sets an individual apart and gives him a platform on which to live out his potential, to show us what we might become, to add his mark on that sport, on that art form, on the world, in the short while that any of us has to live in it.
To the extent that technology helps an individual find better ways to perform his craft, that is true genius. As soon as it crosses the line and say, eats said pulled pork sandwich for you, it is no longer an aid to human performance, but a crutch that breeds dependence and insulates people from the types of challenges needed to develop skills.
The AguaDrone has a KickStarter.com page, which means it is not readily available for sale yet. You can help fund the dream and then get in line to buy one. Go check it out. I’ll just be over here with a flippin’ stick and that technological marvel known as a baitcasting reel.
Murray State, Auburn University and University of North Alabama Hold Top Three Spots in the Cabela’s School of the Year Race
The Murray State University Bass team has long been a contender since the beginning of the school of the year standings and by all accounts have always had their eye on winning Cabela’s School of the Year title.
Ryan Lancaster, President of the Murray State bass team, said, “Leading the Cabela’s School of the Year points race this early in the year is surreal. Typically, we find ourselves somewhere between 15th and 25th in the race going into Christmas break. However, this fall we have been extremely fortunate and managed to put together some really high finishes. The Murray State Bass Anglers, as a whole, have fished extremely well this fall. We have been fortunate enough to win the last four sanctioned school-run tournaments that we have entered, including two on the same weekend. Now we move into Christmas break with momentum and high hopes to continue our winning streak into the spring season.”
When it comes to their successful season thus far, Lancaster attributes that to the growth of the team saying, “With our recent success in the past few Cabela’s School of the Year races, we have attracted high caliber anglers to our team. Last year, our team had approximately 47 members, however this year we are currently up to approximately 60 members. Our increase in membership has also brought a higher interest in traveling to fish collegiate tournaments. This enables us to send multiple boats to many different tournaments throughout the season, even if there are multiple tournaments scheduled on the same day. Also, being located next to Kentucky Lake has helped us become very versatile anglers, as you can be successful fishing multiple patterns on Kentucky Lake. We wouldn’t be near as competitive fishing collegiately if it weren’t for this lake that we still believe to be one of the best bass fishing lakes in the country.”
Murray State University Bass team knows that they still have a lot of work to put in the Spring, but they are focused and have only one goal in mind. “Our team goal year in and year out is to win Cabela’s School of the Year title. Although we have never been fortunate enough to win, our team has been close the past four years with two 4thplace finishes, a 2nd place finish, and a 3rd place finish. It would mean the world to us to be able to finally win SOY. Our plan is to fish as many tournaments as we can in the spring season and continue our fall success into the spring. We are all extremely excited to see what the spring holds for our team and where we end up after the race ends June 30,” Lancaster said.
Sitting in second are the winners of this past year’s Collegiate Bass Fishing Championship, the University of Auburn, and in third is two-time Cabela’s School of year winners, University of North Alabama. Both of these teams know how to win and have placed emphasis on winning the title.
Darrel High, coach of the Auburn University Bass Sports Club, reveals, “Our club is very excited and determined to get to the top of the points. Winning the Cabela’s Collegiate Bass Fishing National Championship has really sparked this Auburn University Bass Team to improve as well as continue the tradition since we formed back in 2006, as one of the Nation’s Top Programs.” With 20+ more events come this spring, Auburn University knows they still have a lot of work to put in. “So many outstanding college teams throughout the country, so our focus and determination will be to stay on top, to be respected for achievements, and show our respect to the other great collegiate teams,” High said.
As many teams, have found out over the years, in order to be competitive in the Cabela’s School of the Year presented by Abu Garcia race, teams must work together and share the same mind set in order to accomplish their goals. With well over 20+ events remaining in this season’s race, it’s going to be an exciting ride to the end of the season for all the teams vying for the title, but also to end the season ranked in the top 20 in the nation.
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1 |
Murray State University (Murray, KY) |
317 |
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2 |
Auburn University (Auburn, AL) |
316 |
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3 |
University of North Alabama (Florence, AL) |
304 |
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4 |
Bethel University (McKenzie, TN) |
285 |
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5 |
University of South Carolina (Columbia, SC) |
271 |
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6 |
McKendree University (Lebanon, IL) |
260 |
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7 |
University of North Georgia (Dahlonega, GA) |
257 |
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Bryan College (Dayton, TN) |
257 |
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9 |
University of North Carolina - Charlotte (Charlotte, NC) |
250 |
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University of Alabama (Tuscaloosa, AL) |
250 |
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11 |
Georgia College (Milledgeville, GA) |
243 |
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12 |
Jacksonville State University (Jacksonville, AL) |
242 |
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13 |
University of Tennessee - Chattanooga (Chattanooga, TN) |
224 |
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14 |
University of Tennessee (Knoxville, TN) |
220 |
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15 |
Middle Tennessee State (Murfreesboro, TN) |
219 |
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16 |
Mississippi State (Starkville, MS) |
217 |
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17 |
Western Carolina University (Cullowhee, NC) |
214 |
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18 |
Dallas Baptist University (Dallas, TX) |
213 |
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19 |
University of Central Florida (Orlando, FL) |
212 |
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20 |
University of Tennessee - Martin (Martin, TN) |
207 |
To see a list of complete School of the Year Rankings, click here: 2016-2017 Cabela’s School of the Year presented by Abu Garcia Standings
To see additional coverage on our Facebook, click here: https://www.facebook.com/CollegiateBassChampionship
Also, follow us on Instagram and Twitter at @CollegiateBass
About the ACA
The Association of Collegiate Anglers, a division of Careco TV, is a sanctioning body developed to facilitate growth, development, and structure within competitive collegiate bass fishing. The ACA provides support to dozens of school operated regional events nationwide and owns the Cabela’s Collegiate Bass Fishing Series, the largest participatory collegiate tournament circuit in the country. With dedicated collegiate fishing programming on several television networks, three nationally televised collegiate bass fishing events, and thousands of members, the ACA is the leader in competitive collegiate bass fishing. For more information on the ACA, or the Cabela’s Collegiate Bass Fishing Series, visit www.CollegiateBassChampionship.com. For more information on Cabela’s visit Cabelas.com, for more information on CarecoTV, visit www.carecotv.com.
FLW Veteran Pro Bill McDonald Partners with Bob’s Machine Shop
TAMPA, Fla.— FLW veteran Bill McDonald has partnered with Bob’s Machine Shop to get an edge on the upcoming Walmart FLW Tour season. McDonald will take to FLW’s premier tournament trail this year with a custom, carbon fiber-coated Bob’s Machine Shop jack plate onboard his Ranger.
“It’s going to allow me to get up in shallower water and get on plane a whole lot quicker this year,” says McDonald, a 20-year tournament fisherman and 18-time FLW Top 10 finisher. “Our first tournament is at Lake Guntersville, and the entire circuit this year has a lot of shallow water. Being primarily a shallow water guy, I’m going to have an advantage at every event.”
For Bob’s, the addition of Pelini bolsters an expanding pro staff presence that’s making renewed inroads in the bass fishing world after growing their name as one of the top brands in racing.
“Bob’s Machine is growing our bass fishing presence,” adds Bob’s Machine Shop V.P. of Sales Steve Pelini. “Bill’s reputation for supporting quality products and friendly outreach throughout FLW make him a great asset to our team!”
“We are extremely happy to add Bill McDonald to our pro staff lineup,” adds Pelini. “Bill will be running a 6” carbon fiber-coated Action Series Jack Plate, holding his 250HP Evinrude G2. He’s also adding our new Deck Plugs in carbon fiber and the new Bob’s ‘Big D’ trolling motor handle.”
The Action Series Jack Plate allows anglers to adjust trim under power—even at full speed—enabling quick adjustments to boat dynamics for varying water levels or water conditions. McDonald says he’s excited both about the performance of the new products, but also the ability to customize the look of each to match his carbon fiber pattern boat wrap.
He also notes the partnership with Bob’s Machine is the perfect compliment to his existing work with Lucas Oil. “Everything we test, we test through the racing world,” McDonald says. “You can guarantee that if it works there, it’s going to work for me. Bob’s Machine Shop has an excellent reputation in racing. They make a quality product, right here in the U.S.A. It’s an outstanding jack plate to say the least.”
McDonald returns to Bob’s Machine after starting his pro fishing career behind the helm of a Ranger fitted with the Tampa-based company’s jack plate in the early 1990s. “My first plate was with them,” he says. “And I’m really excited to be back with them.”
Bill MacDonald is a 9-year FLW veteran who has competed at virtually every level of professional bass fishing, look for him on the Walmart FLW Tour this season. Bob’s Machine Shop has been building custom jack plates in Tampa, Florida since 1978. For more information, visit BobsMachine.com.
Live Target lands FLW Pro Anthony Gagliardi
LIVETARGET announces that it has enhanced its Pro Staff team with the addition of FLW Tour pro and exceptional angler Anthony Gagliardi to a promotional sponsorship agreement.
Gary Abernethy, Marketing Manager at LIVETARGET commented on the addition of Anthony Gaglairdi to the LIVETARGET team: “Anthony is a highly proven angler with 17 years of experience at the pro level and both an FLW Angler of the Year and Forrest Wood Cup titles to his credit. We’ve talked to Anthony over the years, and with our ongoing growth at LIVETARGET, it was the right time to add Anthony onto our team.”
Abernethy continued, “Anthony gives LIVETARGET another marquee, veteran Pro Staff angler who is adept at many techniques and fisheries, and thus is a great match for LIVETARGET and our over 750+ lure models. Anthony really excels at Swimbait techniques and we look for him to become a leader in techniques and tips for using the new Swimbait Series of lures introduced this past July at ICAST. We also like the fact that he is involved with the selling side of the tackle industry via his rod brand Level that he operates. Gagliardi will be able to effectively coach anglers on what rod actions and types work best with specific techniques and applications for all the LIVETARGET lure products.”
Gagliaridi commented on what he likes about the LIVETARGET brand; “I’ve been looking at LIVETARGET for a good while and as a Tour angler we face conditions that require a full portfolio of lure products to match the forage types and fisheries we visit in a season and LIVETARGET definitely has that depth of product line. I’m so impressed with their degree of detail in lures and unique offerings that I look forward to using them for the over the full fishing season. The new Swimbait Series has some very unique and appealing designs.”
In addition to Gagliardi, the current roster of LIVETARGET Pro Staff includes: Dave Mercer host of Facts of Fishing; Patrick Campeau, Canadian journalist and author; Henry Waszczuk host of Fishing the Flats; Scott Martin host of Scott Martin Challenge, Jason South host of Florida Adventure Quest, Chip Leer of Fishing the Wildside, two Bassmaster Elite Pros, Stephen Browning and David Walker, and fellow FLW Tour Pros Todd Auten, Scott Martin, and Jeremy Lawyer. See ProStaff content online at: http://www.livetargetlures.com/livetarget-pros
Sportsmans Warehouse Product Spotlight - Cody Meyer talks SKL Rage Swimmer
On this weeks Sportsman's Warehouse Product Spotlight, FLW Tour pro Cody Meyer talks about the new Strike King Rage Swimmer and how he likes it compared to other swimbaits and why this needs to be in your arsenal this winter! Check them out here and more at Sportsmanswarehouse.com!
SPOTTED BASS SOLUTIONS - Jimmy Mason Shares A Solid Game Plan for Late-Fall and Winter
By David A. Brown
Late fall through winter — this can be one of the best times to catch a bunch of spotted bass — often a couple chunks, to boot. But the year’s conclusion will also bring challenges, complications, vexations. Yes, we’re talking about cold fronts and the resulting meteorological mayhem, which inevitably ensues.
Changing skies, falling temperatures, rising barometers; it’s enough to put any fish in a foul mood, but Jimmy Mason offers this hope: You can catch spotted bass throughout the fall-winter transition — even on the bad-hair days.
“The cooler months can be some of the most fun fishing of the year,” Mason begins. “It’s not quite as good as it is in the spring when the fish are just getting on the beds, or just coming off the beds; however, you can expect a good number of bites. So it’s the time of year I really enjoy fishing Smith Lake and other deep water, spotted bass lakes.”
Notwithstanding the fairly mild conditions of the this year and last, normal late-fall through early-winter patterns typically bring meteorological and atmospheric fluctuations that can significantly affect the fish.
“The fronts are probably the biggest challenge,” Mason said. “The immediate pre-front, when you have a south or southwest wind and a falling barometer, there’s generally a really good feeding period.
“Then as the front passes, you transition to that north or northeast wind, a rising barometer with bluebird skies. Especially that second day after a front, a lot of times, that’s the toughest day. That becomes more of a finesse fishing day where you’re fishing slower and tighter to cover; trying to force them to bite.”
PLAN OF ATTACK
No doubt, late-fall through winter can be a moody period, but the potential for rod-bending revelry more than justifies a diligent effort. You simply need to equip yourself with an arsenal of baits that’ll adeptly address
Here’s how Mason approaches this season.
Big Topwater — The introduction of blueback herring has altered the dynamics of several southern lakes with a mix of positives and negatives. A plus — the hardy baits thrive in cold water, so they often extend the surface action well into the winter season. On the challenging side, these fast-movers often keep the spots running, so it may be tough to reach breaking fish before they’re gone.
Mason addresses this with a 6-inch Cotton Cordell Pencil Popper — a hefty bait, but one that enables him to reach distant fish with a profile that serves direct and indirect advantages. For one thing, hungry spots have no problem choking down thick-bodied bluebacks.
Mason points out this additional benefit: “A lot of times, when a spot comes up to the surface, he’s chasing on individual herring. What you’re initially trying to do with that big plug is knock that one baitfish out of the way so the fish will eat your bait.”
Mason looks for surface activities at the mouths of short pockets with well-defined drains and expects a good morning flurry from spots that overnight in the backs of these areas. He’ll monitor his sonar for bait pods and watch mapping chart for sharply sloping points with flat tops where spots will likely feed — often in groups.
“The spots will use those points to corral the herring, it’s like running them into a wall so they can’t get away,” Mason said. “Those spots will definitely work together to push the bait.”
Wakebait — When the topwater bite dwindles, Mason remains in those early schooling areas, but switches to a Bomber Long A or a Cotton Cordell Redfin. The waking presentation, he said, tempts hesitant fish that may linger near the surface.
“The wakebait gives the slow appearance of a crippled herring or a cold-stunned baitfish,” Mason said. “Just being an inch below the surface sometimes will make a huge difference.
“It’s not that aggressive side-to-side walking the dog, it’s just that very slow V-wake. When that water temperature gets in the 50’s you can smoke some really big spotted bass.
Crankbait — Once the surface and near surface deal is done, it’s time to hit the 45-degree banks, especially those chunk rock banks that break into flat points. Often, Mason won’t have to leave his topwater areas, he simply adjusts the targeting.
“A lot of those flat points where you were catching them on topwater, you can crank the sides of those as well,” he said. “You can catch those fish that are suspended over that deeper water right there on that break on the crankbait.”
Favoring a Norman Deep Little N and a DD22, Mason recalls faring well in an Alabama Bass Trail event on Smith Lake by targeting the sides of a long, flat point. Sitting in 90 feet and casting a crankbait to 10 feet, he and his partner brought their baits off the sides and found several fish that were looking up to that drop-off point.
Lavender Shad is Mason’s go-to color but into winter he’ll switch to red to match the dominant crawfish forage.
Light Jig — For probing bluffs, stair step banks, piers, etc. Mason puts a lot of faith in a shaky head worm with a YUM Mighty Worm or the new Genie Worm. In moderate clarity, he likes green pumpkin purple flake, while translucent colors like watermelon red get the call in higher clarity.
When he comes across any wood on those bluffs or steps, Mason likes to pick it apart with a 1/2-ounce Booyah Finance Jig with a green pumpkin/purple YUM Christie Craw.
Jerkbait — As the season wears on, and the water temperature becomes too cold for spots to hit a topwater bait or even a wakebait, Mason shows them an easier target with a deeper, vulnerable baitfish profile. Blustery days make great jerkbait opportunities and on deeper canyon lakes, Mason intentionally targets the high windward banks with as much wave crashing as he can find. This is where baitfish will be driven and disoriented, so expect opportunistic spots to be watching.
Mason likes foxy shad and foxy lady colors for his 4 1/2-inch Smithwick Suspending Pro Rogue, but he keeps a blueback chrome/orange belly jerkbait handy for sunny times. Whatever he throws, Mason uses longer pauses, up to 10 seconds, with downward adjustments as dictated by fish response.
If the spots are more aggressive, if they’re spitting up big herring, or if the day’s exceptionally windy; Mason may switch to a 5 1/2-inch Rogue. With either, he’ll add three Suspend Dot
In closing, Mason offers this tip for maximum spotted bass efficiency: Change crankbait hooks to Mustad KVD Triple Grips to keep those hyper dudes buttoned up. For topwaters and jerkbaits, he goes with round bend trebles for better hook ups with the slashing bites common in cold weather.
Hill wins ABA AFT D114 Event on Lake Seminole
Trent Hill of Sneads, Florida is one step closer to the Ram AFT National Championship with a first place win in the Seminole D114 event held on Lake Seminole December 4th, 2016. Trent’s limit weighed in at 25.52 pounds. Trent's pattern was fishing a lipless CB on grass lines.
Big Bass was awarded to Bill Payton for catching a 6.62 pound largemouth.
Top Five Anglers:
1. Trent Hill 25.52 lbs
2. Brad Enfinger 24.49 lbs
3. Nicholas Brown 19.35 lbs
4. Bill Payton 19.34 lbs
5. Steve Bushmore 19.12 lbs
Cloudy skies with strong wind for most of the day. Waters temperatures were in the low 60's. Water was stained to clear.
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.
Anderson wins ABA AFT D96 on Lake Russell with 11.59 pound Bag
Phillip Anderson of Saluda, South Carolina won the Ram AFT South Carolina D96 1-day qualifier event held December 4, 2016 on Lake Russell, running out of the Hwy 72 Ramp near Calhoun Falls, South Carolina. Phillip caught five fish weighing 11.59 pounds. He caught his fish with a jig fishing rocks and a spinnerbait on the upper part of the lake. Phillip won first place and first place option for a total of $466.
Jonathan Botts was second with five fish weighing 10.15 pounds. His fish came on a drop shot rig in the mid lake area in 20 to 30 feet of water. Jonathan took home $232 for second place and second place option.
Phil Morris took the big fish pot with a 4.29 pound spotted bass. He won $60 for Big Fish.
The most productive lures for this one were spinnerbaits, crankbaits, jigs, shakey heads, spoons and drop shot rigs. The big fish was taken on a spinnerbait.
This day was one of those raw miserable days with rain all day and temps not getting out of the mid 40s. The wind started out at 10 mph from the NE and by mid morning was at 20 mph out of the N. The temperature started at 42 degrees and was at 44 degrees for the 3pm weigh-in. The lake was clear and full. Twelve anglers fished despite the weather.
Top 5 finishers:
1. Phillip Anderson 11.59 lbs
2. Jonathan Botts 10.15 lbs
3. John Wilson 9.89 lbs
4. B.J. Ballard 9.55 lbs
5. Don Kneece 8.15 lbs
The next D96 tournament qualifier for Division 96 (2017 Season) will be January 8, 2017 on Lake Greenwood out of Greenwood State Park near Ninety Six, SC.
For more information contact D96 Director, Phil Morris, at (864)993-0346; email [email protected], or call ABA at (256) 232-0406. On-line, see www.americanbassanglers.com or www.aba-sc.com for complete results. Also check out our facebook page at D96 American Fishing Tour.
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.
Scott Clift Punches Final Ticket To Bassmaster Classic Through Team Championship
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Missouri's Scott Clift Charges into Lead in the BASS National Team Championship fish off for a Classic berth with over 17 pound limit.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Dec. 2, 2016
PARIS, Tenn. — Perhaps you’ve heard the phrase, “It’s not how you start, but how you finish that really counts.”
That may be true, but boy, oh boy, did Scott Clift have a fantastic start to the Bassmaster Team Championship Classic Fish-Off today on Kentucky Lake.
The 39-year old Dadeville, Mo., resident boated a five-bass limit that weighed 17 pounds, 8 ounces, which put him well ahead in the six-man field with one day of competition remaining.
Now, Clift’s hoping he can match the catch on Saturday and finish the job that will earn the winner of this contest a berth in the 2017 GEICO Bassmaster Classic next March.
As he sat in his boat at Paris Landing State Park waiting to weigh-in, Clift estimated he had about 15 pounds in his bag — maybe less.
“Sometimes your eyes get big out there,” Clift said. “I may even have only 14 pounds or so. But I’m hoping for as heavy as possible.”
Turns out the haul was significantly heavier than his guess. That was a pleasant surprise to him, and surely a letdown to the other five men chasing him.
Clift caught the only limit on Friday. He is followed by Barron Adams (four bass, 9-2); Ty Faber (two, 8-7); Ashley Medley (three, 6-2); Trevor Prince (two, 4-12); and John Gardner (0 fish weighed).
After 186 two-person teams competed in the Toyota Bonus Bucks Bassmaster Team Championship on Wednesday and Thursday, the field was whittled to the Top 3 teams. Those tandems were separated and the six surviving anglers had their weights zeroed. They began a two-day fish-off on Friday, and the individual with the heaviest total after Saturday’s weigh-in will earn the last available spot in the Bassmaster Classic on Texas’ Lake Conroe March 24-26.
The anglers were met by a morning frost here in the northwestern corner of the Volunteer State. But the sun broke through and warmed Kentucky Lake a bit soon after daybreak.
That’s when Clift took advantage. He had five bass in his livewell by 9:15 a.m., and didn’t upgrade from that point. He did miss a big fish — “in the 5-pound class,” he estimated — and another fish he didn’t see. He had about 10 bites today, and with each keeper of his limit in the 3 1/2-pound range, that was more than enough to stake a sizable lead.
Like most anglers in the team championship, Clift started the week fishing rocks and underwater structure in about 10 feet of water. Colder conditions scattered the bass, however, and Clift appears to be the only remaining angler who has squarely located them.
Still, he was nervous as could be on Friday morning, especially when he lost his first three bites.
“I told my marshal my hands were really shaky,” Clift said. “But then I got my first bite, and it kind of went well from there. The fish changed, too. Everything early today was kind of lipped (hooked only in the lip), but they really went to chewing on it for about an hour. That’s when I caught them, then it pretty much shut down.”
Clift and Medley, his team championship partner who both fish on the Joe Bass Team Trail, flipped a coin to see who would have first choice of their best spots from the first two days of the tournament.
“Both of our spots were about the same the first two days,” Clift said. “After the start, (all water) was fair game.”
Adams, who hails from Blue Ridge, Ga., and fishes with the Chattanooga Bass Association, said it took him all day to boat his four bass. He’s making a long run on the sprawling 160,000-acre lake, and plans to do so again on Saturday. He had a big bass on his line in the final minutes of angling time, but it dropped off.
“It looked like it was about 5 or 6 pounds,” Adams said. “That fish would have made it interesting.”
Faber and Gardner won the team championship on Thursday, but both men struggled on Friday. Faber weighed the biggest bass today, a 6-3 lunker he caught early in the morning. His bites have produced quality fish, but he failed to boat a limit for the third consecutive day.
“I’m just not getting the bites I need, and I only had five bites today,” Faber said. “But whatever we’ve found, they’ve been big ones.”
With fish that heavy biting in December, the half dozen remaining anglers know they all technically remain in the hunt for that spot in the Bassmaster Classic.
But Clift certainly is in the pole position. He plans to fish the same area on Saturday and hope he can, as the saying goes, finish what he started.
“I just have to go hit ’em, and hit ’em hard,” Clift said.
Launch for the final day of the Bassmaster Team Championship Classic Fish-Off will begin at 6:30 a.m. CT at Paris Landing State Park. Weigh-in is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. CT.
The tournament is presented by the Henry County Alliance.
2016 Bassmaster Team Championship Title Sponsor: Toyota Bonus Bucks
2016 Bassmaster Team Championship Premier Sponsors: Mercury, Nitro Boats, Skeeter Boats, Yamaha, Huk, Humminbird, Minn Kota, GoPro
2016 Bassmaster Team Championship Supporting Sponsors: Livingston Lures, Academy Sports + Outdoors, Carhartt, Phoenix Boats, Rapala, Shimano, Shell Rotella
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), 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.
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Media Contact: JamieDay Matthews, 205-313-0945, [email protected] or Dave Precht, 205-313-0931, [email protected].
Toyota Bonus Bucks Team Championship Classic Fish Off
12/2/2016 - 12/3/2016
Kentucky Lake - Paris Landing State Park - Paris, TN
STANDINGS BOATER DAY 1
Today's Activity
# Fish Lbs - Oz
Accumulative
Name # Live # Fish # Live Lbs - Oz
1 Scott Clift - Joe Bass TT 5 5 17- 8 5 5 17- 8
2 Barron Adams - Chattanooga Bass Association 4 4 9- 2 4 4 9- 2
3 Ty Faber - Ultimate Bass TT 2 2 8- 7 2 2 8- 7
4 Ashley Medley - Joe Bass TT 3 3 6- 2 3 3 6- 2
5 Trevor Prince - Chattanooga Bass Association 2 2 4-12 2 2 4-12
6 John Gardner - Ultimate Bass TT 0 0 0- 0 0 0 0- 0
Name City,State Lbs-Oz
BIG BASS
Day
1 Pagosa Springs, CO 6- 3
Day # Live Lbs-Oz # Limits
TOTALS
# Fish
1 16 16 45-15 1
2 0 0 0- 0 0
