Looking back on the 35+ LB Winning bag on Toldeo Bend Sat-Holy COW!
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For Immediate Release. For more info, contact Greg Duncan, Editor's Note: Photo caption: First-place finishers James Benedict (left) and Bart Blakelock (right) show off their plaques at the TXTT event at Toledo Bend on Feb. 21. (To download a high-res image, please visit https://blueheronticker.files.wordpress.com/2015/02/img_74308.jpg) |
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Texas Team Trail Presented by Cabela's Wraps up Toledo Bend Event
Winning anglers weight a 35-pound, five-fish stringer |
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NORMAN, Okla. (February 23, 2015) - Bart Blakelock, of Lake Charles, Louisiana, and James Benedict, of Torbert, Louisiana, brought 35.56 pounds of bass to the scales to win the 2015 Texas Team Trail presented by Cabela's (TXTT) event at Toledo Bend on Feb. 21. The anglers won a fully rigged Triton 189 TRX powered by a Mercury outboard, valued at $28,500.
Historically, Toledo Bend has been known as a great place to go and catch numbers of largemouth bass. Its neighbor to the west, Sam Rayburn, owns the long-standing reputation of holding trophy fish, those rare giants that weigh over 8 pounds.
Blakelock and Benedict opted to fish a small ditch on the north side of the lake. The two anglers had a good feeling about the area, despite the wet and windy conditions.
"We fished it a week ago and the water temperature was up to about 58 or 59 degrees," said Blakelock. "Today, it was cooled down to about 53 or 54, which I thought was good for a Rat-L-Trap bite."
Blakelock explained that he and Benedict were targeting staging fish in six to eight feet that were on the way in. The area was protected from the blustery weather and the water clarity was perfect - stained, but not too dirty.
"There was a little patch of hydrilla at the end of the ditch," said Blakelock. "That was the best spot; it was about the size of two pickup trucks. We just went back and forth on that 25-yard stretch of ditch all day. I was throwing into about four and dragging into the six- to eight-foot ditch."
Benedict got the morning started off on the right foot. On just the second cast of the day, he loaded up on the 11.42 kicker.
"When he first hooked it, I got the net and thought it was about a seven- or eight-pounder," recalled Blakelock. "But when it got closer I tried to put it in the net and I didn't think it was going to fit in there at first."
The kicker fish earned the anglers an extra $1,270 for the Big Bass award.
Jonathan Simon of Orange, Texas, and Cade Durio, of Lake Charles, La., sacked a 26.28-pound limit to take home the $6,350 second-place prize. The anglers added $1,727 in Anglers Advantage cash and $250 for the boat bonus award.
Simon and Durio fished the mid-lake region and targeted points in 18 to 20 feet of water.
"We positioned the boat in 10 feet of water and used our Talons to pole down," said Durio. "That made it easy to make the right cast in that wind. And having a Ranger made getting to all those points a lot easier. Once we got set up, we caught everything on Carolina rigs with Bass Candy Flukes."
Clint West, of Beaumont, Texas, and Clay West, of Lumberton, Texas, finished third with a five-fish stringer weighing 26.09 pounds. The brothers took advantage of the Anglers Advantage and boat bonus contingency programs to add $1,570 and $250, respectively, for a total of $5,630 in total winnings.
"We started off throwing a trap and caught only one, so we changed to an Alabama rig and moved to some deeper water in the back of Housen Bay," said Clay West. "Right away I caught one about 3.5 pounds. Then there was another tournament that let out and it looked like a parade coming at us. But we stayed in our area and ended up having over 21 pounds by noon."
The two eventually changed spots and continued to catch quality bass, but no kickers.
"We decided to return and finish the day at that same spot. We caught a 6.5-pounder on a Carolina rig with 20 minutes left in the tournament."
The next tournament stop for the TXTT is set for March 28 at Lake Ray Roberts. The 2015 schedule includes some legendary Texas bass fisheries and features huge payouts with unprecedented contingency opportunities.
For additional information, anglers are encouraged to call 210-788-4143 or check out the TXTT website at www.texasteamtrail.com. Site visitors can register for events, review the television schedule, get official Texas Team Trail gear, view results and learn more about what's in store for 2015.
Texas Team Trail events are made possible through the sponsorship and continued support of these well-respected brands: Cabela's, Ranger Boats, Lucas Oil, Evinrude, RAM, Mercury, Minn Kota, Triton Boats, Power-Pole, Amphibia, Arctic Ice, Stratos Boats, Lowrance, Navionics, Protect the Harvest, General Tire, SuperClean, Mustang Survival, iON Cameras, Garmin, Valley Fashions and Powertex Group.
For full results, please go to www.texasteamtrail.com/tournaments/events-results.
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Classic bag's not the only impressive bags hauled in this weekend
ABA D-96 Tournament Results
Lake Greenwood – February 22, 2015
Division 96 2014-15 Season
Group picture from left to right; 1st place & Big Fish winner Jason Moyer of Greenwood, SC / 2nd place Curtis Temples of Saluda, SC / 3rd place Franklin Ramey of Abbeville, SC / 4th place Brad Fowler of Pendleton, SC / 5th place Don Kneece of Saluda, SC / 6th place Ben Little of Laurens, SC. Also pictured is Jason Moyer holding two of his fish including the tournament big fish.
First place, Jason Moyer was fishing the creeks in lower part of the lake. His fish came on crank baits, chatter baits and jerk baits giving him 5 fish weighing 20.29 pounds. That included two fish over 6 pounds with one being the 6.51 pound big fish of the tournament. Those fish were caught on a chatter bait and a crank bait. The first place finish, big fish pot and option pot earned him a payback of $ 850.
Curtis Temples finished second with 5 fish weighing 17.45 pounds. Curtis was fishing crank baits in creeks on the middle part of the lake. He was able to get on some schooling fish early to fill a limit. Curtis earned $450 with second place and the option pot.
24 anglers fished this Lake Greenwood qualifying tournament. It was another wet day and fishing was tough as 10 anglers did not bring fish to the scales. Only three 5 fish limits were brought to the scales and seven out of the twenty one anglers did not bring fish to the scales. It started out at 38 degrees and ended with the 3pm weigh-in at 56 degrees. It was raining when we started out with a 5 to 10 mph wind out of the SSW. The rain was never more than sprinkle and we got some breaks during the day but it continued again during the weigh-in. Water temperature was 44 to 47 degrees. The main lake was stained but reported clear on the very upper end.
Here’s how we finished:
1 – Jason Moyer, Greenwood, SC - 5 fish 20.29 lbs. BF 6.51 lbs. 200 pts. Cell # 864-344-9867
2 – Curtis Temples, Saluda, SC – 5 fish 17.45 lbs. 199 pts. Cell # 803-646-1503
3 – Franklin Ramey, Abbeville, SC – 5 fish 13.82 lbs. 198 pts.
4 – Brad Fowler, Pendleton, SC – 5 fish 13.37 lbs. 197 pts.
5 – Don Kneece, Saluda, SC – 5 fish 11.09 lbs. 196 pts.
6 – Ben Little, Laurens, SC – 5 fish 10.77 lbs. 195 pts.
7 – Rodney Cromer, Pomaria, SC – 5 fish 10.48 lbs. 194 pts.
8 – Andy Wicker, Pomaria, SC – 5 fish 10.31 lbs. 193 pts.
9 – Jay Treon, Greenwood, SC – 5 fish 9.05 lbs. 192 pts.
10 – Robin Whisenant, Aiken, SC – 2 fish 8.06 lbs. 191 pts.
11 – Steve Moeller, Waterloo, SC – 2 fish 7.91 lbs. 190 pts.
12 – Mark Richardson, Irmo, SC - 3 fish 6.67 lbs. 189 pts.
13 – Jeff Woods, Waterloo, SC – 1 fish 5.00 lbs. 188 pts.
14 – Shane Abbott, Ninety Six, SC – 2 fish 3.67 187 pts.
10 anglers did not weigh in fish - 50 pts.
Money
Jason Moyer – 1st place plaque $600 / Big Fish plaque $120 / 1st place option $130 Total - $850
Curtis Temples – 2nd place plaque $360 / 2nd place option $90 Total - $450
Franklin Ramey – 3rd place plaque $123
Brad Fowler – 4th place $94
Don Kneece – 5th place ALX Camo Hat
Ben Little – 6th place Parker Spinnerbait
D-96 2015 Angler of the Year
(Top 3 in points)
Sean Anderson – 799 pts.
Curtis Temples - 787
(tie)Gene Parker & Don Kneece – 779 pts.
ALX Rod Big Fish Leader for 2015
Andy Wicker – 7.18 lbs. Lake Murray, January 4, 2015
ALX Rods Big Fish Award for the 2015 Season (New ALX IKOS Series Rod for Season Big Fish Winner www.alxrods.com )
Local Sponsors:
Our local sponsors will be providing products or money for products for the anglers fishing Division 96 tournaments. Please give them your support by looking to them first when considering your purchases. They are supporting you!
Kneece Investigations, LLC Saluda, SC www.kneeceinvestigations.com (864-445-3713) (one stop for both your Investigative and Surveillance Equipment needs)
ALX Rods Aiken, SC www.alxrods.com (803-645-5392) Email: [email protected] (ALX Rods are available locally at Tomahawk Fishing Shop (5 Points - Columbia, SC), The Tackle Shop (Martinez, GA), Palmetto State Armory (Mt Pleasant, SC), Wacky Riggers (Salisbury, NC), Grady’s Great Outdoors (Anderson, SC) and direct at www.alxrods.com.)
Gene Parker’s Spinnerbaits Asheville, NC - the baits that Gene Parker used to win the 2011 ABA National Championship on Lake Murray, SC www.parkerbaittechnology.com (828-691-2277)
Results and news on www.aba-sc.com and see your photos on ‘facebook’ at D-96 American Fishing Tour
Upcoming ABA Tournaments:
SCWBS Feb. 28, 2015 Murray – Dreher Island State Park
D-94 March 7, 2015 Savannah River - Stokes Bluff
SC Couples March 7, 2015 Murray – Dreher Island State Park
D-26 March 8, 2015 Clarks Hill – Wildwood Park
D-25 March 15, 2015 Hartwell – Gum Branch Mega Ramp
D-96 March 22, 2015 Murray – Dreher Island State Park
SCWBS March 28, 2015 Hartwell – Green Pond
SC Couples March 28, 2015 Hartwell – Broyles Landing
AFT National Championship Oct. 17-23, 2015 Hartwell – Green Pond - Anderson, SC
Jason Moyer and part of his 1st place 20.29 Lb Haul!!
ABA Lake Greenwood Top 5
Bart Blakelock and James Benedict Crush the TTT on Toledo Bend with 35.56 Lbs-Full Results here!!
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Casey Ashley Wins 2015 Bassmaster Classic With Dad's Help
Ashley caught all of his 20-pound-plus winning stringer on a homemade blade runner jig head (similar in concept to the Buckeye Lures Suspin Blade or a horsey head) paired with a Zoom Super Fluke Junior.
“There may be a signature series coming, but my dad won’t be making them. He doesn’t have time or the interest to do that,” laughed the newly crowned Classic champ.
Ashley’s dad molds the simple lures for himself and his son. The key to the lure’s productivity, says Ashley, is the Sampo swivel that spins the small willow leaf blade no matter how slowly the lure is retrieved. And Ashley fishes it slower than most folks would ever imagine. “On the first day I was having to dip my rod twice on each cast to get the ice off my reel. That’s how slow I was fishing.”
He said he wishes he had scrapped the jig plan sooner. “I almost lost the tournament trying to make that work.”
Coming into the event he was certain it would be won under docks up shallow. There was a shallow bite, during the first hour of each day when bass gorged on blueback herring in small main lake pockets that drained from the bank.
But Ashley’s dock jigging pattern didn’t play well for him. It worked for Bobby Lane who made a hard charge at the Classic title today, finishing runner-up with 46 pounds, 15 ounces to Ashley’s 50-01.
Lane caught a 6 pound, 6 ounce bass from 2 feet of water beneath a dock. “I almost didn’t (fish) it because it was so shallow.” Lane said when he reeled a second fish in, about 20 bass over 3 pounds apiece followed it to his boat and then disappeared. They all came from beneath the very shallow dock.
After the morning blitz most successful anglers went to the 30-to-32 foot depth zone where Lake Hartwell’s flooded forests become a flooded desert the rest of the way in to shore. Jacob Powroznik (5th with a total weight of 43-01) and Mike Iaconelli (6th with 42-06) said their fish in this key zone were bellied tight to the bottom. “The fish I was catching had red bellies from rubbing that clay bottom,” said Powroznik.
The position of the fish along the bottom, as opposed to being suspended, is the reason Ashley wound his lure in so slowly.
Look for videos - wherein Ashley and his fellow competitors give more details - on AnglersChannel.com.
2015 Bassmaster Classic Day 2 Notes - Brought To You By Buckeye Lures!
Exactly 1 pound separates Omori (31-11 total weight) from the reigning Bassmaster Classic Champion, Randy Howell, who is in 4th place with 30-11.
Between the two former Classic champs are Dean Rojas in 2nd with 31-9 and Mike Iaconelli in 3rd with 31-even.
Casey Ashley is 5th with 29-14.
Can Howell repeat as Classic Champion? Considering that he is closer to the top going into the final day than he was last year when he launched from 11th to win it, the smart money says ‘yes’.
And he’s running the same pattern that paid off on Guntersville last year – riprap around bridges. Howell is covering the lake. He was spotted as far up as Clemson University today.
Ike made a move up the standings on the strength of a simple game plan that he says he’ll run again tomorrow – “I’m fishing shallow for about the first hour then I’m going deep for the rest of the day.”
Ike’s deep strategy revolves around brush in 40-to-50 feet of water. All different types of brush are in play from sunken whole trees to bamboo stake beds to the more typical man-made brush piles.
He doesn’t spend much time on a spot. “I’m positioning my boat about 204 or 40 feet away and trying to just make contact with the brush. If my lure goes through and doesn’t get bit, I move on. If I catch one, I throw back in quickly to see if there’s another in there. But I’m not trying multiple lures or anything like that.”
Bobby Lane did 17 pounds, 4 ounces to move into the cut. “I caught them in 22 feet of water, 32 feet, 44 feet, and then my biggest fish came from 4 feet,” said Lane.
Lane is among a handful of anglers that have found their biggest fish in shallow water this week.
But the biggest bag belonged to the biggest mover, Coby Carden, who was the only angler to approach 20 pounds with his 19-13 effort. Carden jumped to the 7th spot on the leaderboard.
Like Lane, Carden is catching quality bass up shallow. In fact, he’s catching all of his fish up shallow. He plans to do the same tomorrow.
Cut weight was 22-3 – held by Mark Davis.
Aaron Martens had the day’s big bass at 6 pounds, 11 ounces.
Day 2 Standings:
1. Takahiro Omori Emory, TX 10 31-11 0
Day 1: 5 15-00 Day 2: 5 16-11
2. Dean Rojas Lake Havasu City, AZ 10 31-09 0
Day 1: 5 21-02 Day 2: 5 10-07
3. Michael Iaconelli Pitts Grove, NJ 9 31-00 0
Day 1: 4 14-07 Day 2: 5 16-09
4. Randy Howell Springville, AL 10 30-11 0
Day 1: 5 15-05 Day 2: 5 15-06
5. Casey Ashley Donalds, SC 10 29-14 0
Day 1: 5 15-03 Day 2: 5 14-11
6. Brett Hite Phoenix, AZ 10 29-07 0
Day 1: 5 15-07 Day 2: 5 14-00
7. Coby Carden Shelby, AL 10 29-00 0
Day 1: 5 09-03 Day 2: 5 19-13
8. Paul Mueller Naugatuck, CT 10 27-15 0
Day 1: 5 13-12 Day 2: 5 14-03
9. Bobby Lane Jr. Lakeland, FL 9 27-14 0
Day 1: 4 10-10 Day 2: 5 17-04
10. Skeet Reese Auburn, CA 7 27-01 0
Day 1: 5 20-02 Day 2: 2 06-15
11. David Kilgore Jasper, AL 10 26-11 0
Day 1: 5 14-01 Day 2: 5 12-10
12. Chris Lane Guntersville, AL 9 26-01 0
Day 1: 5 14-00 Day 2: 4 12-01
13. Jacob Wheeler Indianapolis, IN 10 25-08 0
Day 1: 5 12-10 Day 2: 5 12-14
14. Brandon Lester Fayetteville, TN 10 25-06 0
Day 1: 5 11-00 Day 2: 5 14-06
15. Mike McClelland Bella Vista, AR 9 25-06 0
Day 1: 5 12-02 Day 2: 4 13-04
16. Jared Lintner Arroyo Grande, CA 10 25-03 0
Day 1: 5 10-09 Day 2: 5 14-10
17. Clifford Pirch Payson, AZ 9 24-06 0
Day 1: 5 11-13 Day 2: 4 12-09
18. Justin Lucas Guntersville, AL 8 24-02 0
Day 1: 3 08-04 Day 2: 5 15-14
19. Jacob Powroznik Port Haywood, VA 9 24-02 0
Day 1: 4 09-02 Day 2: 5 15-00
20. Todd Faircloth Jasper, TX 10 23-15 0
Day 1: 5 14-06 Day 2: 5 09-09
21. Jason Christie Park Hill, OK 8 23-14 0
Day 1: 3 07-06 Day 2: 5 16-08
22. Ott DeFoe Knoxville, TN 10 23-07 0
Day 1: 5 10-06 Day 2: 5 13-01
23. James Niggemeyer Van, TX 9 22-10 0
Day 1: 4 08-10 Day 2: 5 14-00
24. Keith Combs Huntington, TX 7 22-06 0
Day 1: 5 18-08 Day 2: 2 03-14
25. Mark Davis Mount Ida, AR 10 22-03 0
Day 1: 5 09-06 Day 2: 5 12-13
26. Greg Hackney Gonzales, LA 7 21-14 0
Day 1: 4 14-15 Day 2: 3 06-15
27. Gerald Swindle Warrior, AL 10 21-10 0
Day 1: 5 08-13 Day 2: 5 12-13
28. Bill Lowen Brookville, IN 9 21-04 0
Day 1: 4 07-11 Day 2: 5 13-09
29. Randall Tharp Port St. Joe, FL 6 20-11 0
Day 1: 2 04-08 Day 2: 4 16-03
30. Aaron Martens Leeds, AL 8 20-11 0
Day 1: 3 07-09 Day 2: 5 13-02
31. Matt Herren Ashville, AL 9 19-10 0
Day 1: 4 08-01 Day 2: 5 11-09
32. Edwin Evers Talala, OK 10 19-04 0
Day 1: 5 07-04 Day 2: 5 12-00
33. John Crews Jr Salem, VA 7 17-12 0
Day 1: 2 07-08 Day 2: 5 10-04
34. Cliff Prince Palatka, FL 7 17-11 0
Day 1: 2 03-09 Day 2: 5 14-02
35. Cliff Pace Petal, MS 7 16-14 0
Day 1: 2 04-05 Day 2: 5 12-09
36. Andy Young Mound, MN 7 16-09 0
Day 1: 2 03-08 Day 2: 5 13-01
37. Brandon Gray Bullock, NC 8 15-10 0
Day 1: 3 06-07 Day 2: 5 09-03
38. David Walker Sevierville, TN 5 14-15 0
Day 1: 4 12-03 Day 2: 1 02-12
39. Scott Rook Little Rock, AR 8 14-12 0
Day 1: 3 04-13 Day 2: 5 09-15
40. Stephen Browning Hot Springs, AR 5 14-02 0
Day 1: 1 02-13 Day 2: 4 11-05
41. Chad Pipkens Holt, MI 6 13-14 0
Day 1: 3 07-09 Day 2: 3 06-05
42. Shin Fukae Palestine, TX 8 13-03 0
Day 1: 5 06-14 Day 2: 3 06-05
43. Andy Montgomery Blacksburg, SC 5 11-08 0
Day 1: 5 11-08 Day 2: 0 00-00
44. Kevin Short Mayflower, AR 7 10-08 0
Day 1: 5 08-04 Day 2: 2 02-04
45. Chad Morgenthaler Coulterville, IL 5 10-00 0
Day 1: 2 03-04 Day 2: 3 06-12
46. Cliff Crochet Pierre Part, LA 3 09-14 0
Day 1: 1 02-12 Day 2: 2 07-02
47. Brian Snowden Reeds Spring, MO 5 09-06 0
Day 1: 4 08-08 Day 2: 1 00-14
48. Jeff Lugar Cross Junction, VA 4 09-02 0
Day 1: 1 02-04 Day 2: 3 06-14
49. Paul Elias Laurel, MS 3 08-08 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 3 08-08
50. Brett Preuett Monroe, LA 2 07-11 0
Day 1: 1 03-00 Day 2: 1 04-11
51. Teb Jones Hattiesburg, MS 3 07-09 0
Day 1: 3 07-09 Day 2: 0 00-00
52. Morizo Shimizu Suita, Osaka JAPAN 2 05-13 0
Day 1: 1 01-05 Day 2: 1 04-08
53. Brandon Palaniuk Rathdrum, ID 3 05-04 0
Day 1: 1 01-07 Day 2: 2 03-13
54. Steve Lund Glendale, AZ 1 04-15 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 1 04-15
55. Troy Diede Sioux Falls, SD 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
55. Van Soles Haines City, FL 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
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Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 24 195 490-09
2 31 208 571-05
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55 403 1061-14
2015 Bassmaster Classic Day 1 Press Conference Highlights
Hear the anglers tell it in their own words. Highlights from the Day 1 post-weigh in press conference featuring Casey Ashley, Skeet Reese, Randy Howell, Keith Combs, Brett Hite, and of course, tourney leader Dean Rojas.
2015 Bassmaster Classic Day 1 Notes - Brought To You By Buckeye Lures!
As the 2015 Bassmaster Classic got underway on Lake Hartwell near Anderson, SC conditions were cold but anglers were in good spirits. A huge crowd of spectators lined the frozen shore to watch the field launch from Green Pond Landing.
After a day of brutal exposure to the elements three guys separated themselves from the pack.
Dean Rojas leads with 21-2. Skeet Reese is exactly a pound behind with 20-2. Keith Combs is 3rd with 18-8 and then there’s a drop off in weight.
Brett Hite has 15-7. Defending Classic Champ Randy Howell has 15-5. Local favorite Casey Ashley is 6th with 15-3.
Just making casts was a challenge. Rojas noted that he had to dip his rod into the water to de-ice it so he could cast right up until 3 o’clock. While blastoff for the entire field was delayed for nearly two hours due to icy weather, Rojas endured an extra 28-minute wait in the proverbial ‘penalty box’.
Reese marveled at Rojas’ ability to take the lead with such a short fishing day and one that included a bunch of time wasted fighting iced-up equipment.
Rojas was penalized 28 minutes because that’s how late he was coming in from the final practice day. “I go my new Skeeter boat and my Lowrance unit on the console was set the Central Time. I thought I was coming in early, but I was 28 minutes late,” chuckled the veteran pro from San Diego, Cal. He can laugh about it now.
“My second cast I caught a fish and it was on from there,” said Rojas.
Reese also scored early. “Usually when you catch a fish on the first cast that means you’re gonna have bad luck the rest of the day, but today it meant 20 pounds.”
Another sign of struggle is getting only 5 bites. But Combs got the right 5. “I only got touched 5 times today. They were good fish. It’s that time of year when you can catch just a few but they’ll be big.”
Combs said he used 3 different lures but the banks he fished were similar, so he’s on a solid pattern. And because he mentioned fishing ‘banks’ you might think he’s fishing shallow. He is. He’s also fishing deep. Most pros said they caught fish in depths ranging from 2 feet to well over 50 feet.
Be sure to check out the video highlights from the post-weigh in press conference on the AnglersChannel.com videos page.
Dean Rojas Talks About Taking Lead At Bassmaster Classic Despite 28-Minute Penalty
Rojas was relaxed even though he spent 28 minutes in the 'penalty box' after a morning launch that was already delayed an hour and a half. He gives details about his day and the reason for his penalty.
2015 Bassmaster Classic Off To Frigid Start-Brought To You By Buckeye Lures
8:30 came and went with a dozen boats left to launch.
The 2015 Bassmaster Classic is off to a delayed start. B.A.S.S. had hoped to send the anglers off by 8:30. But boats were iced to their trailers and it took extended effort, and time, to free them and set them adrift. Boats were still leaving the dock at around 9:30.
The usual big crowd sprawled along the shore of Lake Hartwell at the newly renovated Green Pond Ramp.
The temperature was about 11 degrees, making this the coldest Bassmaster Classic launch in history.
Now the fun begins for 56 anglers. Word is that bites can be had if I guy can keep his mind on the fish rather than the weather.
See y’all at the weigh in show.
Jake Wheeler feels like it's "70 and sunny"
Jacob Wheeler is from Indianapolis. Understandable then that he would feel right at home as anglers launch for Day 1 of the coldest Bassmaster Classic ever.
Randy Howell Reflects On Year As Bassmaster Classic Champ
Randy Howell credits teamwork for his Classic title in a sport that many assume is an individual endeavor.
Brutal Conditions Push Odds In Favor Of Tough Guys At 2015 Bassmaster Classic
If the forecast holds true, this could be the coldest Bassmaster Classic ever. Mental toughness will count for a lot. So we posed the question to 11 top anglers: "Are you tougher than the rest of these guys? If so, does that give you an advantage?"
Van Soles Gives Back, Brings Lakeland Junior Bassmasters To Classic
Van Soles enjoyed support from the Lakeland Junior Bassmasters club en route to winning the Open on Lake Toho and punching his ticket to bass fishing's most major tournament. He's giving back by bringing a handful of these young anglers to experience the thrill of the 2015 Bassmaster Classic.
David Walker Saves Man from Drowning on Frigid Lake Hartwell
See and hear Bassmaster Elite Series Pro David Walker tell the story of how he rescued a boatless boater from the frigid waters of Lake Hartwell during practice for the 2015 Bassmaster Classic. The boarding ladder on Walker's Ranger boat was, litterally, a life-saver.
Angler Says Texas Team Trail Tournament On Toledo Bend Could Be A 'crazy Slug Fest'
The Texas Team Trail tournament on Toledo Bend Saturday could be a “really crazy tournament,” according to pro angler and Toledo Bend fishing guide Stephen Johnston of Hemphill, Texas.
“A lot of the fish have made a big move towards the bank. They had a 200-boat tournament this past Saturday and it was a really tough bite, but it still took 26 pounds to win and 18 pounds to get a check.”
Since then, said Johnston who has guided on Toledo Bend and Sam Rayburn Reservoir for more than 20 years, a big front has moved through, bringing 30-degree nighttime temperatures.
“That is going to lower the water temperature for those shallow fish and make them sluggish,” Johnston said. “We've got one practice day on Friday and there is a 70 percent chance of rain which is going to keep the water temperature cool.”
But that, he said, might not be enough to give the shallow bass lockjaw for the tournament.
“I think so many of those big females have pushed up towards the bank it could be really crazy Saturday,” said Johnston, who predicted there could be several bags in the 30-pound range weighed in Saturday.
“So many of those 6- to 8- to 9-pound fish are weighing 2 pounds more than at any other time of the year. This past week three was an 11-pounder caught and a 12-pounder was caught last Thursday. I can see the tournament Saturday being a crazy slug fest.”
The trail drew 300 boats in the first tournament of the year on Lake Sam Rayburn Jan. 31, and tournament director Mike Hastings predicted another big turnout for the Toledo Bend tournament. The tournament series features the biggest team payouts in the state of Texas, plus many sponsor bonuses.
“The trail is a pretty neat deal and it is pushing 300 boats again this Saturday,” Johnston said. That, he said, means getting a good draw and getting on the water early.
“We drew 150 the other day on Rayburn and by the time we got up the lake there were people sitting everywhere.”
Johnston guides on Toledo Bend and Sam Rayburn. His Johnston's Guide Service is located on the southern end of Toledo Bend. Check out his guide service at http://www.johnstonfishing.com/. To book a fishing trip or inquire about gift certificates, call him at 409-579-4213 or email [email protected].
Texas Team Trail
Sat, Feb 21, 2015
Toledo Bend Reservoir
Cypress Bend Park
Call (210) 788-4143
'tough' Fishing Expected For Flw College Fishing Southern Conference Tournament On Texoma
“Man, it's been really tough.”
That was Dwight Camp, a senior at Southeastern Oklahoma State University, describing the fishing in Lake Texoma in the days leading up to the FLW College Fishing Series Southern Conference tournament Saturday,
“”Last spring it was taking almost 30 pounds to win local tournaments. Last weekend it only took 13 pounds to win the Bud Light tournament on the lake. Fishing is just really tough right now.”
Camp, who teams with fellow senior Jonathan Furlong on the Southeastern Oklahoma Fishing Team, said whoever weighs in 12 to 13 pounds Saturday will probably be doing pretty well in the tournament.
“We had about a week and a half of really good weather, stable weather, and the water temperature got up into the upper 50s. Before that it was cold, in the high 40s,” Camp said. “Now, we've had about three days of really cold weather, 20-degree weather. We've not been out there yet to see what that dropped it to.”
Camp and Furlong plan to spend Thursday and Friday practicing on the lake which is only about 10 minutes away from their campus, although the launch site for the tournament is 35 minutes away.
“Some fish are moving up. They are not spawning yet, but they are wanting to. But they are catching some fish real shallow on a jerkbait,” Camp said. “That is what supposedly won the Bud Light tournament last weekend, a jerkbait in 5 feet of water.”
Camp said he and Furlong will probably spend their practice time looking for brushpiles on lake points, along with some stumps and rocky areas holding fish.
“The fish in the tournament will probably be caught on the Alabama rig and the jerkbait,” he said.
FLW College Fishing is the country’s largest tournament circuit for collegiate anglers with more than 600 clubs nationwide competing for lucrative awards plus a chance to fish against the world’s top anglers in the Forrest Wood Cup.
College Fishing teams compete in qualifying tournaments in one of five conferences – Central, Northern, Southern, Southeastern and Western. The top 15 teams from each regular-season tournament will qualify for one of five Conference Championship tournaments. The top 10 teams from each of the five Conference Championship tournaments will advance to the 2016 FLW College Fishing National Championship.
Saturday's tournament is the second of three regular-season stops in the Southern Conference. A full field of college teams will be competing for a top award of $2,000 and a berth in the Southern Conference Championship tournament.
FLW College Fishing Series – Southern Conference – 2015
Sat, Feb 21, 2015
Lake Texoma
Highport Marina
Five Fishing Daughters Cheering On Bfl Gator Division Points Leader
Jesus Villegas is leading the points going into the Gator Division's third tournament of the year on Lake Okeechobee, but if you ask him how he's catching fish he likely will tell you instead about his five daughters who love to fish.
“I can't tell you what I am doing, but I will say I am doing something different than most of the fishermen,” said Villegas who finished 16th in the first Gator Division tournament Jan. 3, but posted a 3rd place finish Jan. 31 to take over first place in the points.
Villegas grew up in New York and his first taste of bass fishing came when he was stationed in Texas in the Air Force.
“I did not catch a fish,” he said, “but throwing lures and casting intrigued me.”
He's had plenty of opportunity to cast for bass since moving to Florida in 1985 and he made sure his five daughters were exposed to fishing from an early age.
“I love my girls and all my girls fish,” said the proud father. “My oldest likes saltwater, but my 3-year-old just won her first kid's tournament and one of my daughters recently caught a 6-pound, 9-ounce bass. I've got girls that love to fish – and that makes me happy.”
Villegas said the Gator Division tournament Saturday is going to be a tough one because of the weather, and because the series is loaded with some top-notch anglers.
“There are some really good fishermen in this division, quite a few ex pros, FLW and B.A.S.S. guys,” he said.
“The weather is nice, but it is going to get a little cold. There is a front coming in and that will start driving the temperature down. The temperature Friday should be about 29 degrees. I've been on other lakes up north when it was that cold, but not on Okeechobee. It is going to be interesting, very interesting.”
While the cold front is probably going to make fishing tough this weekend, it could set the stage for better fishing, Villegas said.
“The cold weather encourages some of the bigger fish to come in, but we have not seen those 30-pound strings yet. Some of the bigger fish have come in and done their thing and left, but on the average we have not seen the massive weights.”
He believes the cold front will stir more of the bigger fish to start their move to the banks, but that migration probably won't occur until next week sometime.
“I am thinking that when the weather stabilizes there should be some awesome fishing,” he said.
So far the weather has kept the bass off their normal schedule and the flippers off their game, he said.
“The flippers are not finding what they like to find. I'm fishing around everybody and doing something different,” he said. “Somebody could find the right mat and some big females could move under them, but what I have been doing is the opposite of what the other guys are doing – and it's been working.”
Consistency has been the key for his fishing success in the two tournaments so far, he said.
“I always want to win, but I try to always be consistent. I am on a pretty good swing right now.”
And he's got a pretty good group of cheerleaders urging him on, too – five fishing daughters.
Walmart BFL Gator Division
Sat, Feb 21, 2015
Lake Okeechobee
Scott Driver Recreation Area
Pro Tips from Denali Rods
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Classic Title will be earned under brutally cold conditions
Somebody’s going to earn the title of 2015 Bassmaster Classic Champion. EARN it. From Wednesday evening until Saturday noon, temperatures are expected to stay below freezing for about 66 continuous hours.
Air temp at time of initial blast off on Friday will be about 11 degrees.
As possibility of snow gives way to near certainty of freezing rain Saturday afternoon, anglers will endure a day-long down pour in frigid conditions on Sunday. All day.
But forecasters often miss the details. This storm, however, is no detail. It’s going to be cold. Maybe the coldest Classic ever. That’s saying something considering the snow and ice that greeted contestants at Grand Lake in Oklahoma a couple of years ago.
Cliff Pace won that Classic.
Pace also nearly won in 2008 – last time the Classic was held here on Hartwell. Pace missed last year’s chance to become a back-to-back champion due to a hunting accident. I imagine is healed up and licking his chops at the chance to get back at. Pace loves these cold weather, slow bite conditions. He will be a very dangerous man among this field of the best anglers in the world.
Jerkbaits, jigs and finesse offerings will get the majority of the work here this week.
The lake is down just a few feet.
It was lower last time the Classic was held on Hartwell. Also, the lake was then dominated by largemouth bass. Now there is a viable population of spotted bass in excess of 3 pounds. Spots could be the winning ticket now that the weather has gone off the rails.
Spotted bass bite especially well under the nasty type of conditions we expect on days 2 and 3. Look for this species to contribute heavily to the winner’s weight total.
Meanwhile, go to the morning launches at Green Pond Landing near Anderson, SC and then thaw out at the huge Expo at TD Convention Center in Greenville. Weigh ins will take place daily at the Bon Secours Wellness Center arena in downtown Greenville. Doors opens at 3 o’clock each day. Get there early. This is going to be a jam-packed, exciting Bassmaster Classic!
Looking Ahead To The 2015 Bassmaster Classic On Lake Hartwell!
Vance McCullough is packed and ready for the 2015 Bassmaster Classic. Join him and many THOUSANDS of other bassheads in Greenville at the huge Bassmaster Classic Outdoor Expo, the morning launches at Green Pond and the daily weigh in shows at the arena. If you can't be there in person, or even if you can, follow along on Anglerschannel.com and the AC.com Facebook page where we invite you to chime-in!
Lew's launches loyalty program for BFL anglers
Lew's announces the launch of its new Speed Fishing Awards Incentive Program for anglers competing in any 2015 FLW Bass Fishing League (BFL) divisional tournament events.
The membership-based brand loyalty program is designed to benefit participating anglers who either win or are the highest Speed Fishing Awards member finisher in the "Top 20" of any of the 120 BFL divisional events held across the country.
To be eligible for the program's cash and product prizes, anglers must own and have registered both a Lew's rod and reel manufactured since 2010, be a current member of the Lew's incentive program and comply with participation rules that include displaying a Lew's logo on tournament wear and boat. The cost to join is $29.95 per calendar year, with 2015 being the first for the program. Membership includes a Lew's cap and decals.
The program's top award per BFL event for a win is $250 cash or a $500 Lew's gift certificate. The certificate is for exchange for Lew's products in that amount directly from the company.
If a Speed Fishing Awards member does not win, the highest eligible finisher placing in the event's top 20 has a choice of either $125 cash or a $250 Lew's product gift certificate.
At the conclusion of all BFL division events, and prior to the All-American Championship, the Speed Fishing Awards member who has accumulated the most points for his/her division among all program participants will be named the Lew's Speed Fishing Awards Angler of the Year and presented a $1,000 gift certificate to exchange for Lew's products of equal value.
"FLW's BFL has been one of the country's most prominent grassroots tournament fishing programs for a long time," said Lew's CEO Lynn Reeves. "These are serious anglers and include some of the country's very best fishermen in each region. We appreciate their participation in bass fishing and hope our new incentive program helps them along the way."
For online sign-up of the Lew's Speed Fishing Awards Incentive Program, visit www.lews.com and click on "Angler Resources," then "Rewards Program." The web site information also includes a full description of program rules and a frequently asked questions section.
The FLW Walmart Bass Fishing League consists of 24 divisions and five tournaments per division. For more information on the BFL, including tournament dates and venues, visit www.FLWoutdoors.com.
Hardwick and Williams win the CBC on Norman with 18.75 Lbs-Full results here!
Carolinas Bass Challenge NC Division Qualifier #1 - Lake Norman
Thomas Hardwick & Tommy Williams topped the 184 boat field with 18.75lbs of bass. Tournament Payout, Skeeter Bonus & Real Money gave them a total of $15,500 for the day.
Skeeter Owners Barry Bost and Will Petty caught a 6.56lb Big Fish earning them a $1,000 bonus!
Here are the full results:
| Place | Team Name | Team # | Fish Weighed | Net Weight | Big Fish | Points | Winnings |
| 1 | Thomas Hardwick - Tommy Williams * | 114 | 5 | 18.750 | 6.400 | 310 | $15,500* |
| * Includes $3,000 Skeeter Real Money & $2,500 Highest Finishing Skeeter Bonus | |||||||
| 2 | Artie Phillips - Graham Rushing | 71 | 5 | 18.320 | 0.000 | 309 | $4,250 |
| 2 | Aric Dwyer - Robert Anderson | 89 | 5 | 18.320 | 0.000 | 309 | $4,250 |
| 4 | Todd Garner - Shane Hartman | 127 | 5 | 17.550 | 5.380 | 307 | $2,500 |
| 5 | Nick Miller - Brandon Brickweg | 143 | 5 | 17.110 | 0.000 | 306 | $2,000 |
| 6 | Chuck Camp - Rob Digh | 18 | 5 | 16.390 | 3.840 | 305 | $1,700 |
| 7 | Louie Hull - Chuck Montgomery | 178 | 5 | 16.290 | 0.000 | 304 | $1,450 |
| 8 | Adam Waters - Dylan Fulk | 135 | 5 | 15.830 | 0.000 | 303 | $1,300 |
| 9 | Kenny Seagle - Thomas Simmerson | 162 | 5 | 15.810 | 5.010 | 302 | $1,100 |
| 10 | Marvin Godard - Robert Adams | 5 | 5 | 15.310 | 5.720 | 301 | $1,000 |
| 11 | Joshua Queen - Mike Queen | 139 | 5 | 15.220 | 0.000 | 300 | $750 |
| 12 | Wayne Hauser - Anthony Rife | 19 | 5 | 15.110 | 4.290 | 299 | $650 |
| 13 | Klaus Hadschin - Jerry Hadschin | 44 | 5 | 15.060 | 0.000 | 298 | $550 |
| 14 | Mike Stephens - Chris Gravely | 165 | 5 | 14.680 | 0.000 | 297 | $525 |
| 15 | Jason Wilson - Kelly Logan * | 21 | 5 | 14.580 | 0.000 | 296 | $1,975* |
| * Includes $1,500 2nd Highest Finishing Skeeter Bonus | |||||||
| 16 | Jeremi Beatty - Clint Benbow | 169 | 5 | 14.510 | 0.000 | 295 | $450 |
| 17 | Dale Duncan - Donnie Woody * | 58 | 5 | 14.380 | 0.000 | 294 | $1,400* |
| * Includes $1,000 3rd Highest Finishing Skeeter Bonus | |||||||
| 18 | Barry Bost - Will Petty | 144 | 5 | 14.240 | 6.560 | 293 | $1,350* |
| * Includes$1,000 Big FishBonus | |||||||
| 19 | Doug Easton - Pete Bejte | 79 | 5 | 14.080 | 0.000 | 292 | $330 |
| 20 | Randy Hall - Mike Seawright | 152 | 5 | 13.940 | 0.000 | 291 | $310 |
| 21 | Jacob Moore - Thomas Moore | 46 | 5 | 13.880 | 0.000 | 290 | $300 |
| 22 | brian morgan - anthony Lutz | 37 | 5 | 13.850 | 0.000 | 289 | $280 |
| 23 | Jeff Queen - Carroll Queen | 123 | 5 | 13.840 | 0.000 | 288 | $270 |
| 24 | Bill Grier - Robby Byrum | 1 | 5 | 13.800 | 3.980 | 287 | $260 |
| 25 | Bucky Helms | 12 | 4 | 13.780 | 6.180 | 286 | $250 |
| 26 | Robert Bauguess - Rodney Morrow | 116 | 5 | 13.710 | 0.000 | 285 | $240 |
| 27 | Chance Ratcliff - Allen Snyder | 175 | 5 | 13.650 | 0.000 | 284 | $230 |
| 28 | John Gutierrez - Joe Anders | 98 | 5 | 13.400 | 0.000 | 283 | $220 |
| 29 | Stacey Richards - Brian Triplett | 11 | 5 | 13.320 | 0.000 | 282 | $210 |
| 30 | Ted Newman - John Noonkester | 141 | 5 | 13.310 | 0.000 | 281 | $200 |
| 31 | Dwight Dellinger - Doug Dellinger | 130 | 5 | 13.180 | 0.000 | 280 | |
| 32 | Bryan LeFever - Wayne Sharpe | 173 | 5 | 13.140 | 0.000 | 279 | |
| 33 | Adam Fillmore - Matt Queen | 32 | 5 | 13.120 | 0.000 | 278 | |
| 34 | John parker - Scott Allison | 51 | 5 | 13.070 | 0.000 | 277 | |
| 35 | Mark Hollifield - Matt Lowe | 60 | 5 | 13.040 | 0.000 | 276 | |
| 36 | Brian Travis - Ashley Brotherton | 170 | 5 | 13.030 | 0.000 | 275 | |
| 37 | Kevin Toler - Rodney Lambert | 121 | 5 | 12.930 | 0.000 | 274 | |
| 38 | Keith Speece - Wendell Ireland | 59 | 5 | 12.920 | 0.000 | 273 | |
| 39 | Marcus Leech - Tim Chapman | 128 | 5 | 12.690 | 0.000 | 272 | |
| 40 | Eric Self - Tyler Beam | 147 | 5 | 12.620 | 0.000 | 271 | |
| 41 | Roy Barrow - Robert Morrison | 122 | 5 | 12.610 | 0.000 | 270 | |
| 42 | Rodney Bell - Tommy Jones | 38 | 5 | 12.570 | 0.000 | 269 | |
| 43 | Robert Mixon - Robert Lambert | 118 | 5 | 12.510 | 5.730 | 268 | |
| 44 | Josea Goble - Clint mccorkle | 129 | 5 | 12.460 | 0.000 | 267 | |
| 45 | Wayne Ingram - Chris Brown | 157 | 5 | 12.390 | 0.000 | 266 | |
| 46 | Steven Austin - Roger Wood | 97 | 5 | 12.300 | 0.000 | 265 | |
| 47 | Bryan Welch - Mark Inman | 136 | 5 | 12.280 | 0.000 | 264 | |
| 48 | Steve Addington - Matt Stout | 145 | 5 | 12.260 | 0.000 | 263 | |
| 49 | Robin Collins - Ronnie White | 82 | 5 | 12.180 | 0.000 | 262 | |
| 50 | Nathan White - Jason Jones | 54 | 5 | 11.970 | 0.000 | 261 | |
| 51 | Dale Surrett - Lee Endicott | 34 | 5 | 11.940 | 0.000 | 260 | |
| 52 | Todd Walters - Jason Threadgill | 10 | 5 | 11.810 | 0.000 | 259 | |
| 53 | David Wright - Jeff Coble | 74 | 5 | 11.770 | 0.000 | 258 | |
| 54 | George Lambeth - Ron Wolfarth | 57 | 5 | 11.720 | 0.000 | 257 | |
| 55 | Scott Wyatt - Tim Medlin | 107 | 5 | 11.670 | 0.000 | 256 | |
| 56 | Israel Gibson - Brian Silvers | 33 | 5 | 11.620 | 0.000 | 255 | |
| 57 | Terry Wike - Michael Kelley | 43 | 5 | 11.570 | 3.260 | 254 | |
| 57 | Dave Snyder - Edward Markham | 168 | 5 | 11.570 | 0.000 | 254 | |
| 59 | Roger Hoover - Scott Hamrick | 56 | 5 | 11.550 | 0.000 | 252 | |
| 60 | Michael Carver - Jason Barrazza | 53 | 5 | 11.440 | 0.000 | 251 | |
| 61 | Eddie Smith - Michael Carson | 154 | 5 | 11.400 | 0.000 | 250 | |
| 62 | Tony Stafford - Joshua Stafford | 183 | 5 | 11.360 | 0.000 | 249 | |
| 63 | Billy Jacobs - Allan Collins | 106 | 5 | 11.330 | 0.000 | 248 | |
| 63 | Robert Osborne - Bobby Osborne | 111 | 5 | 11.330 | 0.000 | 248 | |
| 65 | Mitchell Cook - Todd Huffman | 159 | 5 | 11.320 | 0.000 | 246 | |
| 66 | Mike Branch - Brian Branch | 87 | 5 | 11.310 | 0.000 | 245 | |
| 67 | Tyler Brown - Ron Weyersberg | 41 | 5 | 11.260 | 0.000 | 244 | |
| 67 | Stump Bledsoe - Glenn Elliott | 181 | 5 | 11.260 | 0.000 | 244 | |
| 69 | Jason Hathcock - Jon Barringer | 30 | 5 | 11.230 | 0.000 | 242 | |
| 70 | Michael Cribb - Roger Cribb | 67 | 5 | 11.160 | 0.000 | 241 | |
| 71 | Keith Porter - Mike Allman | 95 | 5 | 11.120 | 0.000 | 240 | |
| 72 | Matthew McBee - Matt Haywood | 28 | 5 | 11.110 | 0.000 | 239 | |
| 73 | Donald Poteat - Johnny Allen | 115 | 5 | 11.100 | 0.000 | 238 | |
| 73 | Todd Sumner - Robert Parrish | 171 | 5 | 11.100 | 0.000 | 238 | |
| 75 | Tony Higgins - Joey Caison | 113 | 5 | 11.080 | 0.000 | 236 | |
| 76 | Chris Koons - Jennifer Nicol | 94 | 5 | 10.910 | 0.000 | 235 | |
| 77 | Darren Sigmon - Brian Huffman | 36 | 5 | 10.880 | 0.000 | 234 | |
| 78 | Dale Luckey - John Brown | 133 | 5 | 10.870 | 0.000 | 233 | |
| 79 | Rob Wright - Douglas Fowler | 146 | 5 | 10.860 | 0.000 | 232 | |
| 80 | Mac McLean - Brett McLean | 137 | 5 | 10.810 | 0.000 | 231 | |
| 81 | Scott Henley - Dean Minor | 99 | 5 | 10.800 | 0.000 | 230 | |
| 82 | Michael Kinard - Tony Lambert | 103 | 5 | 10.630 | 0.000 | 229 | |
| 83 | Larry Denton - Chris Guest | 182 | 5 | 10.620 | 0.000 | 228 | |
| 84 | Vince Parker - Mark Parker | 148 | 5 | 10.610 | 0.000 | 227 | |
| 85 | Chris Boehme - Fue Vang | 161 | 5 | 10.590 | 0.000 | 226 | |
| 86 | Ricky Self - Ben Stanton | 110 | 5 | 10.490 | 0.000 | 225 | |
| 86 | Steve Sink - Tony Foster | 151 | 5 | 10.490 | 0.000 | 225 | |
| 88 | Drew Stankwytch - Dave Whitehead | 64 | 5 | 10.170 | 0.000 | 223 | |
| 89 | Nick Beaver - Roger Beaver | 96 | 5 | 10.100 | 0.000 | 222 | |
| 90 | Reginald Pickett - Larry Kirk | 85 | 5 | 10.040 | 0.000 | 221 | |
| 91 | Jerry Craig - Bobby Lateuch | 3 | 5 | 10.030 | 0.000 | 220 | |
| 92 | Kyle Whisnant - Craig Chambers | 9 | 5 | 9.930 | 0.000 | 219 | |
| 93 | Russell Hoyle - Jerry Pruitt | 13 | 5 | 9.880 | 0.000 | 218 | |
| 93 | Chris Graham - Ricky Byrd | 50 | 5 | 9.880 | 0.000 | 218 | |
| 95 | Patrick Houpe - Jesse Smith | 65 | 5 | 9.740 | 0.000 | 216 | |
| 96 | Jessie Towery - David Fortenberry | 83 | 5 | 9.680 | 0.000 | 215 | |
| 97 | Nathan Webber - Dale Webber | 160 | 5 | 9.670 | 0.000 | 214 | |
| 98 | Tracy Brown - Matthew Bange | 27 | 5 | 9.660 | 0.000 | 213 | |
| 99 | Ricky Parrish - Rick Carson | 26 | 5 | 9.650 | 0.000 | 212 | |
| 100 | howard symonds - David Wray | 167 | 5 | 9.510 | 0.000 | 211 | |
| 101 | Phillip Frady - Dirk Porter | 176 | 5 | 9.500 | 0.000 | 210 | |
| 102 | Jimmy Cummings - Dean Collins | 62 | 5 | 9.370 | 0.000 | 209 | |
| 103 | Bernie Davis - Bobby Snyder | 163 | 5 | 9.190 | 0.000 | 208 | |
| 104 | Brian McDonald - billy bledsoe | 108 | 5 | 9.180 | 0.000 | 207 | |
| 105 | Derick Livingston - Jonathan Spivey | 7 | 4 | 9.110 | 3.500 | 206 | |
| 106 | Chris Dover - Robert Fowler | 174 | 2 | 8.940 | 0.000 | 205 | |
| 107 | Brian Stowe - Shannon Stowe | 102 | 5 | 8.910 | 0.000 | 204 | |
| 108 | Steve Dyer - Derek Lilley | 77 | 5 | 8.830 | 0.000 | 203 | |
| 109 | Wesley Cashwell - Shane Doughtie | 2 | 4 | 8.760 | 0.000 | 202 | |
| 110 | Cayce West - mike mcduffie | 75 | 5 | 8.750 | 0.000 | 201 | |
| 111 | Rich Szczerbala - Rick Dunstan | 164 | 4 | 8.550 | 0.000 | 200 | |
| 112 | Jerry Lineberger - Shane Lineberger | 40 | 5 | 8.490 | 0.000 | 199 | |
| 113 | Thomas Gavin - Bobby Winn | 66 | 4 | 8.350 | 0.000 | 198 | |
| 114 | Michael Smith - Roger Pope | 52 | 4 | 8.300 | 0.000 | 197 | |
| 115 | Kelly Homesley - Allen Eaker | 39 | 3 | 8.290 | 0.000 | 196 | |
| 116 | Thomas Richmond - Reggie Pollock | 184 | 4 | 8.260 | 0.000 | 195 | |
| 117 | Phil Hennessee - Lee Hoilman | 78 | 5 | 7.860 | 0.000 | 194 | |
| 118 | Mark Lamb - Robert Griswold | 166 | 5 | 7.760 | 0.000 | 193 | |
| 119 | Andrew Young - Wyatt Hammond | 109 | 4 | 7.660 | 0.000 | 192 | |
| 120 | Mike Ray - Chris Anderson | 91 | 4 | 7.630 | 0.000 | 191 | |
| 121 | Mike Davis - Gerald Ritchie | 31 | 5 | 7.610 | 0.000 | 190 | |
| 122 | Reggie Guffey - Tommy Chapman | 76 | 4 | 7.600 | 0.000 | 189 | |
| 123 | Buddy Black - Russell Kiser | 68 | 4 | 7.570 | 2.480 | 188 | |
| 124 | Zack Jeney - Mike Smith | 86 | 3 | 7.550 | 0.000 | 187 | |
| 125 | Lester Elton - Chris Martin | 134 | 4 | 7.440 | 0.000 | 186 | |
| 126 | Greg Whittington - Danny Hucks | 63 | 4 | 7.420 | 0.000 | 185 | |
| 127 | Jason Christle - Tommy Sitton | 4 | 4 | 7.370 | 2.610 | 184 | |
| 128 | Cody Andrews - Brent White | 6 | 4 | 7.250 | 0.000 | 183 | |
| 129 | Ben Parker - Gene Parker | 73 | 4 | 7.160 | 0.000 | 182 | |
| 130 | James Hobbs - Dustin Calloway | 61 | 5 | 7.030 | 0.000 | 181 | |
| 131 | James Perdue - Richard Coates | 177 | 4 | 7.020 | 0.000 | 180 | |
| 132 | Greg Bragg - Christopher Terry | 45 | 3 | 6.860 | 0.000 | 179 | |
| 133 | Bart Roberts - Stacy Metz | 55 | 3 | 6.740 | 0.000 | 178 | |
| 133 | Scott Threadgill - Dwayne Saunders | 172 | 2 | 6.740 | 0.000 | 178 | |
| 135 | Jason Anderson - Jimmy Hughes | 72 | 3 | 6.540 | 0.000 | 176 | |
| 136 | Chris Wagner - Chase Deal | 16 | 2 | 6.470 | 0.000 | 175 | |
| 136 | John Martin - Christopher Allard | 25 | 3 | 6.470 | 3.140 | 175 | |
| 138 | Brent Berry - Steve Shaw | 105 | 4 | 6.440 | 0.000 | 173 | |
| 139 | Chuck Morton - Kevin Sheppard | 158 | 3 | 6.080 | 0.000 | 172 | |
| 140 | Denny Parunak - Tony Blevins | 132 | 3 | 5.700 | 0.000 | 171 | |
| 141 | Butch Zadlo - Bryan Lewis | 119 | 3 | 5.430 | 0.000 | 170 | |
| 142 | Johnny Guffey - Wesley Bell | 126 | 3 | 5.400 | 0.000 | 169 | |
| 143 | Tyler Hoopaugh - Chris Hoopaugh | 81 | 5 | 3.920 | 0.000 | 168 | |
| 144 | Cory Leonard - Paul Rigsbee | 80 | 2 | 3.680 | 0.000 | 167 | |
| 145 | Gary Love - Ricky Todd | 104 | 2 | 3.060 | 0.000 | 166 | |
| 146 | Jesse Wise - Jonathan Phillips | 153 | 1 | 2.850 | 0.000 | 165 | |
| 147 | Dan Funderburk - Rod Cozart | 140 | 1 | 2.530 | 0.000 | 164 | |
| 148 | Robin Parker - Frank Letto | 101 | 1 | 1.910 | 0.000 | 163 | |
| 149 | Heath Pait - Tony Davis | 93 | 1 | 1.680 | 0.000 | 162 | |
| 150 | Ronald Farrow - Roger Farrow | 8 | 0 | 0.000 | 0.000 | 161 | |
| 150 | Mike Scott - Tommy Thompson | 14 | 0 | 0.000 | 0.000 | 161 | |
| 150 | Jason Dew - Steve Spivey | 15 | 0 | 0.000 | 0.000 | 161 | |
| 150 | Jerry Goble - Scott Griffin | 17 | 0 | 0.000 | 0.000 | 161 | |
| 150 | Tanner Stirewalt - Josh Brady | 20 | 0 | 0.000 | 0.000 | 161 | |
| 150 | Paul Guthrie - Robert Church | 22 | 0 | 0.000 | 0.000 | 161 | |
| 150 | David Brookshire - Nathan Royal | 23 | 0 | 0.000 | 0.000 | 161 | |
| 150 | Doug Punch - Rocky Franklin | 24 | 0 | 0.000 | 0.000 | 161 | |
| 150 | Larry LeHew - Greg Deal | 29 | 0 | 0.000 | 0.000 | 161 | |
| 150 | Dwayne Hughes - Micheal Gibson | 35 | 0 | 0.000 | 0.000 | 161 | |
| 150 | Jeff Hager - Darrell Hager | 42 | 0 | 0.000 | 0.000 | 161 | |
| 150 | John Paul George - Eric Weir | 47 | 0 | 0.000 | 0.000 | 161 | |
| 150 | John McBride - Rick Mcbride | 48 | 0 | 0.000 | 0.000 | 161 | |
| 150 | Roger Holtsclaw - Mike Holtsclaw | 49 | 0 | 0.000 | 0.000 | 161 | |
| 150 | Bo Morris - Ricky Roach | 69 | 0 | 0.000 | 0.000 | 161 | |
| 150 | Dennis Cable - Tim Harrison | 70 | 0 | 0.000 | 0.000 | 161 | |
| 150 | Dempsey Carter - Ted Mobley | 84 | 0 | 0.000 | 0.000 | 161 | |
| 150 | Adam Greer - Shae jones | 88 | 0 | 0.000 | 0.000 | 161 | |
| 150 | Bob Furstenberg - Sheldon Hipps | 90 | 0 | 0.000 | 0.000 | 161 | |
| 150 | Charlie Hanshaw - Jeffrey Hanshaw | 92 | 0 | 0.000 | 0.000 | 161 | |
| 150 | Robert Walser - Mack Lowe | 100 | 0 | 0.000 | 0.000 | 161 | |
| 150 | Thomas Vickers - Brian Huskins | 112 | 0 | 0.000 | 0.000 | 161 | |
| 150 | Hunter Hicks - Bobby Rice | 117 | 0 | 0.000 | 0.000 | 161 | |
| 150 | James Wall - Jimmy Wall | 120 | 0 | 0.000 | 0.000 | 161 | |
| 150 | Daniel Britt - Raymond Lovejoy | 124 | 0 | 0.000 | 0.000 | 161 | |
| 150 | Alan Fletcher - Ronnie McCoy | 125 | 0 | 0.000 | 0.000 | 161 | |
| 150 | Rodney Eller - Jonathan Morgan | 131 | 0 | 0.000 | 0.000 | 161 | |
| 150 | Travus Lovell - Joshua Lyalls | 138 | 0 | 0.000 | 0.000 | 161 | |
| 150 | Gary Cline - Terry Wien | 142 | 0 | 0.000 | 0.000 | 161 | |
| 150 | Eric Jeter - Darren Jeter | 149 | 0 | 0.000 | 0.000 | 161 | |
| 150 | Brian Hall - Doug Stallings | 150 | 0 | 0.000 | 0.000 | 161 | |
| 150 | David Clanton - Brent Sanders | 155 | 0 | 0.000 | 0.000 | 161 | |
| 150 | Adam Ridings - Chris Beaird | 156 | 0 | 0.000 | 0.000 | 161 | |
| 150 | Milton Yancey - Larry Yancey | 179 | 0 | 0.000 | 0.000 | 161 | |
| 150 | Chris Miller - Walt Brysiak | 180 | 0 | 0.000 | 0.000 | 161 | |
Browning, Walker, Others May Rely On Hfc Craw During Bassmaster Classic
The Bassmaster Classic is unlike any other tournament. There are no points to accumulate, no moral victories. Just the title of Bassmaster Classic Champion, along with the big check and the huge trophy. Anglers pull out all the stops to win this, the most prestigious prize in tournament fishing.
As such, anglers often look to gain an edge by fishing where others don’t or by using lures others don’t have. Some take the ‘everything old is new again’ approach and use vintage lures. Some have found suitable replacements for out-of-production favorites. Consider LIVETARGET’s HFC Craw:
“Last year our introduction of the HFC Craw (Hunt For Center) got over shadowed by the impact of the BaitBall launch, but this is one sweet little crankbait that has some real potential to be a productive lure, and to solve a dilemma that many anglers try to solve by searching for old, out of production lure types,” says LIVETARGET’s Gary Abernethy. “There is a boutique, cult following of the "pre-Rapala" Wiggle Wart style lures where anglers will search forums and message boards seeking this heritage lure and/or certain colors, often willing to pay upwards of $30 per lure for select baits.
“LIVETARGET has built a modern crawfish crankbait with many of the qualities revered in the older competitive products. The Hunt For Center Craw does in fact amble left and right of a straight line of retrieve, producing the "searching" action that is preferred in this style of crankbait.”
The HFC Craw will be on the decks of at least two pros during the Classic this week. Stephen Browning and David Walker are familiar with the lure’s characteristics and capabilities. The 3/8 oz. crankbait will dive from 6-to-9 feet based on line size.
Members of the LIVETARGET pro staff, Browning and Walker may well need to imitate crawfish along the steep-sloped banks of Lake Hartwell. The available color combinations will allow them to find a good match for the clear water conditions that dominate much of the lake as well as for the more stained upper reaches where anglers often find success during winter warming trends.
“Not only does the lure have this fantastic action, but it also incorporates modern LIVETARGET crawfish paint patterns and anatomy so that is provides the angler with lure options for clear, stained, and dirty water conditions via six color patterns,” notes Abernethy.
Want to get your hands on some? It has a MSRP of $14.99 and is available at Tackle Warehouse, Land Big Fish, and retail dealers nationwide.
You can also check it out at the Bassmaster Classic Expo in Greenville, SC later this week. LIVETARGET will have a booth at the show – look for Booth #5061. There you can see all the latest from LIVETARGET including the new Yearling BaitBall series and the HFC Craw!
Lew's partners with Missouri FOP in fundraiser for wounded Springfield police officer
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (Feb. 13, 2015) - Lew's and the Missouri Fraternal
Order of Police have teamed in a major fundraiser to benefit Springfield, Mo., police officer Aaron Pearson and his family. Pearson was seriously wounded late last month while responding to a burglary call.
The fundraiser, deemed the "Team Pearson Boat Raffle," is the result of Lew's officials providing the FOP with significant prizes to stimulate ticket sales in support of the Pearsons' needs. The grand prize is a fully rigged 2015 Ranger boat with trailer and a Mercury 250 horsepower outboard motor, a package valued at $75,000. The two runner-up prizes are considered "dream fishing trips," as each is with a nationally recognized angler.
One trip is with Hank Parker, host of the "Hank Parker's Outdoor Magazine" television show and a two-time Bassmaster Classic champion. The other trip is with Jason Christie, a highly successful Bassmaster Elite Series and FLW Tour bass tournament angler, who is currently ranked the #1 pro in the world by BassFan.com. Both trips are for the respective prize winners and a guest.
The Parker prize package is valued at $10,000 and the Christie trip $5,000. All three prizes also include an assortment of fishing rods, reels, tackle bags and lures. Raffle tickets cost $20 each and can be purchased at www.officerpearson.com.
Lew's is headquartered in Springfield. CEO Lynn Reeves says that Pearson is a true American hero, and the team at Lew's has a responsibility to help.
"Officer Pearson is an American hero," Reeves said. "He sacrificed to keep our community safe. We know that it's now our turn to make sure Aaron and his family have everything they need to see them through their challenges ahead.
While Pearson has been steadily improving, and is now out of the ICU, he will face long-term care and rehabilitation.
"Aaron's an outstanding officer and we're ready to stand by him," said Mike Evans, president of the Springfield Police Officers Association. "So many local businesses have come forward to help, and we're thrilled to see this effort from Lew's. With everyone coming together for this raffle, I think we'll be able to take great care of Aaron and his family. And that's what it's all about."
Reeves also said a number of outdoor industry companies in addition to Lew's helped make the prize packages possible, and extended a "thank you" to them on behalf of everyone in the Springfield area. Among the other prize contributors were Grosse Savanne Waterfowl and Wildlife Lodge, Gene Larew Lures, Plano, Onyx Lifejackets, Strike King, River2Sea, Rat-L-Trap, Owner Hooks, Bullet Weights, K2 Coolers, Ranger Boats, Mercury, Humminbird, MinnKota, Power Pole, TH Marine and HydroWave.
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| Mike Evans, president of the Springfield Police Officers Association, stands alongside the "Tournament Ready" 2015 Ranger bass boat that is the featured item of a grand prize package that local-based Lew's and many of its fishing industry friends helped provide for a raffle to benefit wounded Officer Pearson. (Click for hi-res image) |
Team Person Boat Raffle tickets are available for purchase during the period of Feb. 13 - May 31, 2015. A third-party accounting firm will conduct the drawing on June 5, 2015.
The Missouri Fraternal Order of Police Foundation is a 501c3 non-profit organization. The Missouri Constitution, Article 3, Section 39(f), states that any organization recognized as charitable or religious pursuant to federal law may sponsor raffles and sweepstakes in which a person risks something of value for a prize. Such laws vary by state. The Team Pearson Boat Raffle is void where prohibited.
Visit www.officerpearson.com for more details about Officer Pearson, the fundraiser and prizes.
Josh Powers And Cole Stewart Of Tennessee's Gundy County High School Win Costa Bassmaster High School Tourney
Josh Powers, left, and Cole Stewart of Tennessee's Gundy County High School won Saturday's Costa Bassmaster High School Southern Open on Lake Martin with five bass that weighed 14 pounds, 4 ounces. They caught their bass from 60 feet of water on jigs. Story coming soon..
Many of the anglers in Saturday’s Costa Bassmaster High School Southern Open talked of catching lots of bass in practice, only to strike out on tournament day.
But the opposite happened for Josh Powers and Cole Stewart.
After struggling most of the week to figure out Lake Martin in practice, the two juniors from Tennessee’s Grundy County High School Bass Team scored at just the right time, landing five fish Saturday that weighed 14 pounds, 4 ounces to top the 203-boat field.
They caught their fish from 60 feet of water, using D&L Jigs with Berkley Chigger Craws as trailers.
“We had a good, solid four days of practice here, and it was pretty rough,” Powers said. “But today, we finally got on some fish in some real deep water, 60 feet. It was a good jig bite, and we caught just enough good fish to win.”
Electronics played a big role in helping the anglers locate their fish – as did the patience that was mandated by their captain, Wesley Taylor.
Taylor had to force the anglers to rest and refuel during the mandatory 10-minute halftime period at 10:15 a.m., and he called seven of the eight allotted timeouts.
The halftime period is in place for anglers to drink fluids, eat snacks, rest and confer with their coaches, while timeouts are in the rulebook specifically to allow the anglers to ask the adults questions. Those are the only times anglers are allowed to talk with their adult coaches and captains about fishing strategy.
“They wanted to just keep fishing straight on through, and I had to make them stop,” Taylor said. “Those seven timeouts probably helped me as much as they helped them. I couldn’t stand it. I was living and dying with every cast.”
Stewart said things didn’t go their way all day.
“We lost a couple of good fish that could have really helped us in the long run,” he said. “They were big fish that would have really pushed our weight up.”
They were afraid the mishaps would hurt them at the scales, and they almost did.
One of the final few teams to weigh in was Bailey Fain and Justin Selvidge from Tennessee’s Lenoir City High School Bass Club. The two sophomores brought five bass to the scales that weighed 14-1, barely missing the mark set by Powers and Stewart.
“Our day was kind of slow until halftime,” Fain said.
“We only had two keepers at halftime, but we finished off a limit by about 12 o’clock and started culling by about 2:30. We only caught about six fish total all day.”
Besides the usual calculation of pounds and ounces, a new feature of the tournament was the “Costa Moment.” At each high school event, a moving act of courage, kindness or courtesy will be identified on stage and recognized for the honor.
The honor at this event went Mason Felps of the Cullman High School fishing team. Instead of his usual Cullman jersey, Felps wore the yellow jersey his father, Les, wore during his tournament days before he died of cancer back on Oct. 12, 2013.
Feb. 20 would have been his birthday.
“With his birthday coming up, I just felt like honoring him was the right thing to do,” Mason said. “He meant the world to me.”
A total purse of about $12,000 in cash and prizes was awarded to the field with checks made out to the high schools of the winning teams. A check in the amount of $1,500 was awarded to Grundy County High School in honor of Stewart and Powers’ victory.
The top five teams were also given sunglasses from Costa, the new title sponsor of the Bassmaster High School Series.
The top 20 boats in the field qualified for the national championship, which will be held at a site to be announced during next week’s GEICO Bassmaster Classic presented by GoPro.
Costa Bassmaster High School Series-Southern Open
2/14/2015 - 2/14/2015
Lake Martin - Wind Creek State Park - Alexander City, AL
STANDINGS BOATER DAY 1
Day's Activity Accumulative
Name FishLive s - Oz FisLives - Oz
1 Cole Stewart - Josh PowGCHS 5 5 4- 4 5 5 14- 4
2 Bailey Fain - Justin SeLenoir City High 5 5 4- 1 5 5 14- 1
3 Zeke Gossett - Hayden BPell City High S 5 5 2-11 5 5 12-11
4 Fischer Keel - Auburn Anglers 5 5 1-13 5 5 11-13
5 Ryan Winchester - JustiClinton High Sch 5 5 1-10 5 5 11-10
6 Lucas Lindsay - Logan PAuburn Anglers 5 5 1- 8 5 5 11- 8
7 David Gaston - John McKSylacauga Fishin 5 5 1- 7 5 5 11- 7
8 J T Russell - Jared TurBriarwood High S 5 5 1- 2 5 5 11- 2
9 Will Nichols - ChristiaAlexandria High 5 5 0-12 5 5 10-12
9 Haynes Waid - Will GarrAuburn Anglers 5 5 0-12 5 5 10-12
11 Taylor Cox - Ben Muse Carrollton High 5 5 0- 8 5 5 10- 8
12 Sean Hall - Kyler McKieNorth Augusta Hi 5 5 0- 5 5 5 10- 5
13 Noah Pescitelli - ChrisMill Creek High 5 5 0- 0 5 5 10- 0
14 Dustin Johnston - TrevoBeulah Bass Team 4 4 9-14 4 4 9-14
15 Cole Burdeshaw - Jacob Headland Bass Te 5 5 9-11 5 5 9-11
16 Alex Heintze - Justin WLivingston Paris 5 5 9-10 5 5 9-10
16 Tristan Thomas - DakotaEast Hall Angler 5 5 9-10 5 5 9-10
18 Justin Barnes - Sutton Monroe Student B 5 5 9- 0 5 5 9- 0
19 Jonathon Wilburn - ConnGuntersville Hig 5 5 8-15 5 5 8-15
20 Kyle Ingleburger - KyleGrundy County HS 5 5 8-13 5 5 8-13
21 Tripp Hodges - Trae WriSylacauga Fishin 4 4 8-11 4 4 8-11
22 Koby Littrell - Martin Killen Student A 5 5 8-10 5 5 8-10
23 Daniel George - Cody MeOdenville Bass C 3 3 8-10 3 3 8-10
24 Zane Loveday - Erik WilChelsea Anglers 5 5 8- 8 5 5 8- 8
25 Drew Mitchum - Alan StuNorthside High S 5 5 8- 5 5 5 8- 5
26 Hank Lowrie - Daniel StGCHS 5 5 8- 4 5 5 8- 4
27 Tristan Hendrix - Seth Hoover High Scho 5 5 8- 1 5 5 8- 1
28 Will Brown - Trent PruiGlencoe Fishing 5 5 8- 0 5 5 8- 0
28 Tanner Jones - Clay TeaTuscaloosa Count 5 5 8- 0 5 5 8- 0
30 Ryan Foster - Joseph ScBeauregard High 5 5 7-15 5 5 7-15
30 Brian Rosenbalm - JacobAlexandria High 5 5 7-15 5 5 7-15
32 McKinley Prickett - SamAlexandria High 5 5 7-13 5 5 7-13
33 Cole Wood - Will Wood Jefferson High S 5 5 7-12 5 5 7-12
34 Adam Higgins - Weston PArab High School 3 3 7-12 3 3 7-12
35 Blake Albertson - DylanSouthside Angler 5 5 7-11 5 5 7-11
35 Hunter Silverstrim - NaQueen City High 5 5 7-11 5 5 7-11
37 John Evans Thrower - DyArab High School 4 4 7-11 4 4 7-11
38 Justin Glass - Jack MarACA 5 5 7-10 5 5 7-10
39 Chad Simpson - Brad KinValley High Scho 5 5 7- 39 5 5 7- 9
39 Steven Younginer - JameSouth Florence H 5 5 7- 9 5 5 7- 9
41 Josh Wissinger - JustinHayden High Scho 4 4 7- 7 4 4 7- 7
42 Joseph Lacy - Breanna WPell City High S 5 5 7- 6 5 5 7- 6
43 Luke Barrett - Caz AndeWNC High School 5 5 7- 5 5 5 7- 5
44 Matt Holmes - Luker DavAuburn Anglers 4 4 7- 2 4 4 7- 2
45 Jesse Sconyers - Tyler ACA 5 5 7- 0 5 5 7- 0
46 Preston Crowley - WesleTuscaloosa Count 5 5 6-13 5 5 6-13
46 Grant Ray - Matthew RamTuscaloosa Count 5 5 6-13 5 5 6-13
46 Garrett Stevens - AndreOla High School 5 5 6-13 5 5 6-13
49 Daniel Coyle - Kory KieACA 5 5 6-12 5 5 6-12
49 Trevor Hull - Kyle HandBrookwood High S 5 5 6-12 5 5 6-12
49 Hunter Porter - Cade CrHillcrest High S 5 5 6-12 5 5 6-12
49 Corey Whaley - Dylan GiBeulah Bass Team 5 5 6-12 5 5 6-12
53 Dailus Richardson - TreIL - Benton High 5 5 6- 7 5 5 6- 7
54 Matthew Brown - ChristiCorbin High Scho 3 3 6- 7 3 3 6- 7
55 Noah Bentley - Dustin TBrookwood High S 5 5 6- 5 5 5 6- 5
56 Dozier Greer - Joe KoonEufaula High Bas 5 5 6- 2 5 5 6- 2
57 Ryan Nottingham - Seth Valley High Scho 5 5 5-15 5 5 5-15
58 Walker Davidson - Zach Auburn Anglers 2 2 5-15 2 2 5-15
59 Tanner Shelton - ReeceeHayden High Scho 5 5 5-13 5 5 5-13
60 Beau Ashcraft - Shawn ZWabash Valley Ba 5 5 5-12 5 5 5-12
61 Sam Barwick - Maximus BGuntersville Hig 5 5 5-11 5 5 5-11
62 Jake Smith - Kody Kite Cullman High Sch 3 3 5-11 3 3 5-11
63 Chace Gregory - Scott YHelena High Scho 5 5 5-10 5 5 5-10
64 Dalton Reeves - Evan BoNorth Augusta Hi 4 4 5-10 4 4 5-10
65 Caleb Dennis - Sloan PeFayetteville Hig 3 3 5-10 3 3 5-10
65 Payton Woolley - Davis Northridge High 3 3 5-10 3 3 5-10
67 Levi Burr - Caden BelchAmerican Christi 5 5 5- 9 5 5 5- 9
68 John Turner - Miller JaHillcrest High S 5 5 5- 8 5 5 5- 8
69 Colson McCool - Cole LaHillcrest High S 4 4 5- 8 4 4 5- 8
70 Jacob Graydon - Alec EtHelena High Scho 4 4 5- 6 4 4 5- 6
71 Colby Williams - Avery Hillcrest High S 4 4 5- 5 4 4 5- 5
72 Zach Weiss - Chase GuntAuburn Anglers 3 3 5- 5 3 3 5- 5
73 Bailey Nelson - John JuHillcrest High S 5 5 5- 4 5 5 5- 4
73 Stephen Williams - AmelVestavia High Sc 5 5 5- 4 5 5 5- 4
75 Davis Miller - Spencer Tuscaloosa Count 3 3 5- 4 3 3 5- 4
76 Jacob George - Ryan SweOdenville Bass C 4 4 5- 3 4 4 5- 3
77 Brandon Green - Race LaPlainview High S 5 5 5- 2 5 5 5- 2
78 Dylan Pugh - Chance DraEufaula High Bas 3 3 5- 2 3 3 5- 2
79 Sully Jeter - Delaney JBriarwood Christ 4 4 5- 1 4 4 5- 1
80 Brenn Holloway - ParkerHarris County Hi 3 3 5- 1 3 3 5- 1
81 Colton Mechan - Dylan BAlexandria High 2 2 5- 0 2 2 5- 0
82 Cassandra Gifford - JC Eufaula High Bas 5 5 4-15 5 5 4-15
83 Zach Martin - Cody ArmsHayden High Scho 3 3 4-15 3 3 4-15
83 Kyle Woodruff - Wesley Guntersville Hig 3 3 4-15 3 3 4-15
85 Caleb New - Dax Ewart Tuscaloosa Count 4 4 4-14 4 4 4-14
86 Joey Rush - Tyler OswalTuscaloosa Count 2 2 4-14 2 2 4-14
87 Jackson Elder - Drake MAmerican Christi 4 4 4-13 4 4 4-13
87 Seth Ward - Garrett WarHoover High Scho 4 4 4-13 4 4 4-13
89 Easton Samples - Drew SPlainview High S 1 1 4-12 1 1 4-12
90 Peyton McCord - Aaron CHeadland Bass Te 3 3 4-10 3 3 4-10
91 Laura Ann Foshee - JordGardendale Rocke 2 2 4-10 2 2 4-10
92 Blake Bomar - Chris WalAlexander High S 2 2 4- 9 2 2 4- 9
93 Austin Hamner - Northside High S 4 4 4- 8 4 4 4- 8
94 Dalton Tankersley - ZacWNC High School 3 3 4- 8 3 3 4- 8
95 DJ Barber - Reid ConnorGardendale Rocke 3 3 4- 5 3 3 4- 5
95 John Johnson - Dax MassSipsey Valley Hi 3 3 4- 5 3 3 4- 5
95 Dalton Summers - PeytonGCHS 3 3 4- 5 3 3 4- 5
98 Josh Jordan - Logan WilChiles High Fish 2 2 4- 5 2 2 4- 5
99 Zack Allen - Andrew ShaPlainview High S 4 4 4- 4 4 4 4- 4
99 Justin Fausnight - DaltACA 4 4 4- 4 4 4 4- 4
99 Hunter Shell - Ryan ParPell City High S 4 4 4- 4 4 4 4- 4
102 Ben Coots - Luke Kirby Plainview High S 3 3 4- 3 3 3 4- 3
103 Buck Burns - Clint DailSipsey Valley Hi 2 2 4- 1 2 2 4- 1
104 Austin Brown - Bailey DPlainview High S 3 3 3-15 3 3 3-15
105 David Ackerman - JoshuaSouth Florence H 3 3 3-12 3 3 3-12
105 Owen Kuhn - John Smith Chiles High Fish 3 3 3-12 3 3 3-12
107 Wes Gallops - Elliot ToACA 3 3 3-11 3 3 3-11
107 Will Miller - Connor EdAmerican Christi 3 3 3-11 3 3 3-11
109 Brandon Zark - Austin STuscaloosa Count 2 2 3-11 2 2 3-11
110 Tyler Presnell - CameroEFCA FISHING TEA 3 3 3-10 3 3 3-10
111 Justin Lowery - Jaiden Cullman High Sch 2 2 3-10 2 2 3-10
112 Braxton Williams - GageTuscaloosa Count 3 3 3- 9 3 3 3- 9
113 Davis Hammett - Nick ArHoover High Scho 3 3 3- 8 3 3 3- 8
114 Ean Davis - Chris MastePell City High S 2 2 3- 7 2 2 3- 7
115 Ace Johnson - Dawson DrCULLMAN HIGH SCH 3 3 3- 6 3 3 3- 6
116 Dakota Green - Steven DHayden High Scho 3 3 3- 4 3 3 3- 4
116 Adam Puckett - Keaton GBloomington High 3 3 3- 4 3 3 3- 4
118 Korin Lolley - Shelby PRehobeth Bass Cl 4 4 3- 2 4 4 3- 2
119 Preston Kendrick - GunnGardendale Rocke 3 3 3- 1 3 3 3- 1
119 MacKenzie Pennington - Fayetteville Hig 3 3 3- 1 3 3 3- 1
120 Hunter Rundquist - BradAuburn Anglers 3 3 3- 0 3 3 3- 0
122 Garrett Battles - TraviBrookwood High S 2 2 2-15 2 2 2-15
123 Cole Cranford - Andy KeArab High School 3 3 2-13 3 3 2-13
123 Clay Evans - Will O'RouJefferson County 3 3 2-13 3 3 2-13
125 Tanner Bohannon - Hillcrest High S 2 2 2-12 2 2 2-12
126 Dylan Corder - Landyn SBrookwood High S 1 1 2-11 1 1 2-11
127 Logan Shelton - Ethan PNorthside High S 3 3 2- 8 3 3 2- 8
128 Brock Ware - Tate Dark Auburn Anglers 2 2 2- 8 2 2 2- 8
129 Hunter Wilkins - DaltonHillcrest High S 2 2 2- 7 2 2 2- 7
130 Cade Holcomb - Andrew PHelena High Scho 2 2 2- 6 2 2 2- 6
131 Grant Rogers - Josh FonBrookwood High S 1 1 2- 6 1 1 2- 6
132 David Dueland - Mason FCullman High Sch 1 1 2- 5 1 1 2- 5
133 Chris Cygan - Hayden RiDar Fishing Patr 2 2 2- 4 2 2 2- 4
133 Laney Skipper - Taylor Rehobeth Bass Cl 2 2 2- 4 2 2 2- 4
135 Mitch Drummond - Colby Sipsey Valley Hi 2 2 2- 3 2 2 2- 3
135 Matthew Maynard - ConnoHoover High Scho 2 2 2- 3 2 2 2- 3
137 Matthew Kenedy - Logan Arab High School 1 1 2- 3 1 1 2- 3
138 Kaleb Ballard - Will DeHillcrest High S 2 2 2- 2 2 2 2- 2
138 Kaleb Davis - Dalton CrHelena High Scho 2 2 2- 2 2 2 2- 2
138 Drew Traffanstedt - JusHoover High Scho 2 2 2- 2 2 2 2- 2
138 Seth Utt - Kenda Moody WNC High School 2 2 2- 2 2 2 2- 2
142 Andrew Calvin - Will HaTuscaloosa Count 2 2 2- 1 2 2 2- 1
142 Cameron Glasscock - LawCullman High Sch 2 2 2- 1 2 2 2- 1
144 Connor Roberson - JustiSylacauga Fishin 1 1 2- 0 1 1 2- 0
145 Chase Heisler - CourtneCullman High Sch 2 2 1-15 2 2 1-15
146 Dylan Strawder - JosephBeulah Bass Team 1 1 1-15 1 1 1-15
147 Tommy Floyd JR - Chris South Florence H 2 2 1-13 2 2 1-13
148 Tyler Green - Hunter HaGardendale Rocke 2 2 1-12 2 2 1-12
149 Hunter Cullefer - MarkeHarris County Hi 1 1 1- 9 1 1 1- 9
150 Alex Cook - Adrian GoocGardendale Rocke 1 1 1- 8 1 1 1- 8
151 Logan Hallyburton - AndAuburn Anglers 1 1 1- 7 1 1 1- 7
152 Cole Dodson - Jordan McGardendale Rocke 1 1 1- 6 1 1 1- 6
152 Dara Hand - Caitlin KuyVinemont High Sc 1 1 1- 6 1 1 1- 6
152 Hunter Powers - Trent JRehobeth Bass Cl 1 1 1- 6 1 1 1- 6
155 Cade Barnes - Matt ShirTuscaloosa Count 1 1 1- 3 1 1 1- 3
155 Cal Culpepper - Bailey Harris County Hi 1 1 1- 3 1 1 1- 3
155 Jordan Mullis - Tyler MSouthside Angler 1 1 1- 3 1 1 1- 3
158 Troy Benefield - NathanHillcrest High S 1 1 1- 2 1 1 1- 2
158 Griffin Thrash - EveretHoover High Scho 1 1 1- 2 1 1 1- 2
160 Cody Rosen - Gage Mays Eufaula High Bas 1 1 1- 0 1 1 1- 0
161 Tyler Harless - Andy PeHelena High Scho 1 1 0-15 1 1 0-15
161 Zac Nix - Colby White Arab High School 1 1 0-15 1 1 0-15
163 Colin Nease - AUBURN ANGLERS 1 1 0-14 1 1 0-14
163 Gabe Sanford - Tyler BiNorthside High S 1 1 0-14 1 1 0-14
165 Web Sartain - Hayden KeSipsey Valley Hi 1 1 0-13 1 1 0-13
166 Drew Cumbie - Brandon QRehobeth Bass Cl 1 1 0-11 1 1 0-11
167 Brady Adcock - Calvin LGuntersville Hig 0 0 0- 0 0 0 0- 0
167 Taylor Ashley - Chase KHayden High Scho 0 0 0- 0 0 0 0- 0
167 Jared Baker - Jake StalWhitewater High 0 0 0- 0 0 0 0- 0
167 Zach Buchanan - Headland Bass Te 0 0 0- 0 0 0 0- 0
167 Owen Carpenter - BrandoAmerican Christi 0 0 0- 0 0 0 0- 0
167 Eli Chambers - Hunter HVinemont High Sc 0 0 0- 0 0 0 0- 0
167 Andrew Chapman - Ryan CHeadland Bass Te 0 0 0- 0 0 0 0- 0
167 Clay Coghlan - Terry KiGatlinburg-Pittm 0 0 0- 0 0 0 0- 0
167 Carl Cooke - Justin CamCarrollton High 0 0 0- 0 0 0 0- 0
167 Dru Davis - Jake Young Alexandria High 0 0 0- 0 0 0 0- 0
167 Jack English - Logan PhAmerican Christi 0 0 0- 0 0 0 0- 0
167 Peyton Erwin - Andrew FGardendale Rocke 0 0 0- 0 0 0 0- 0
167 Andrew Fisher - Chance Alexandria High 0 0 0- 0 0 0 0- 0
167 Tyler Franks - Coby McLGardendale Rocke 0 0 0- 0 0 0 0- 0
167 Chyna Gable - Grant HenVinemont High Sc 0 0 0- 0 0 0 0- 0
167 Grayson Hanson - Jesse Pell City High S 0 0 0- 0 0 0 0- 0
167 Samuel Hayworth - ParkeAuburn Anglers 0 0 0- 0 0 0 0- 0
167 Kalee Jones - Keegan JoHillcrest High S 0 0 0- 0 0 0 0- 0
167 William Knapp - Cooper Huntsville High 0 0 0- 0 0 0 0- 0
167 Taylor Manning - Ethan ACA 0 0 0- 0 0 0 0- 0
167 Jake Mims - Jace GarretAlexander High S 0 0 0- 0 0 0 0- 0
167 Levi Nelson - Tanner BrHillcrest High S 0 0 0- 0 0 0 0- 0
167 Beau Nelson - Cody PerkAmerican Christi 0 0 0- 0 0 0 0- 0
167 Tyler Price - Garrett HRhea County High 0 0 0- 0 0 0 0- 0
167 Devyn Putman - Gardendale Rocke 0 0 0- 0 0 0 0- 0
167 Ethan Reed - Shelton BaOdenville Bass C 0 0 0- 0 0 0 0- 0
167 Seth Roberts - Dawson HCampbell County 0 0 0- 0 0 0 0- 0
167 Sydney Shields - Vinemont High Sc 0 0 0- 0 0 0 0- 0
167 Ryan Shields - Austin HHazel Green High 0 0 0- 0 0 0 0- 0
167 Jaci Skipper - Tyler MeRehobeth Bass Cl 0 0 0- 0 0 0 0- 0
167 Chace Stancil - Markus Beauregard High 0 0 0- 0 0 0 0- 0
167 Andrew Stanley - TraytoAmerican Christi 0 0 0- 0 0 0 0- 0
167 Nathan Walley - Caleb PHeidelberg Acade 0 0 0- 0 0 0 0- 0
167 Garrett Whitney - CobieCullman High Sch 0 0 0- 0 0 0 0- 0
167 Austin Winter - Zac GibLenoir City High 0 0 0- 0 0 0 0- 0
167 Victoria Woods - Gabe OSylacauga Fishin 0 0 0- 0 0 0 0- 0
167 Allyson Wooten - Cole WGardendale Rocke 0 0 0- 0 0 0 0- 0
167 Craig Zoellner - TuckerWhitewater High 0 0 0- 0 0 0 0- 0
BIG BASS TOTALS
DayName City,StateLbs-Oz Day Fish Live Lbs-Oz Limits
1Adam Higgin ARAB, AL 4-14 1 557 557 66- 3 59
Anglers Choice Marine TT 2015 Preivew with Director Chris Lucas
Anglers Choice Marine Team Trail director Chris Lucas joins us at this years OPEN HOUSE to talk about what lies ahead for this 2 division trail in 15'.......First Tournament blastoff is March 7th at Smith Mtn-click here for more!
Sportsman's Warehouse Winter pattern product tips!
Sportsman's Warehouse fishing manager Craig Baird goes over some good COLD WX BAITS that you probably will need the next two weeks, as this Feb winter is in FULL FORCE!!
Outstanding Catches Expected For Carolinas Bass Challenge North Carolina Division Saturday On Norman
The 2015 Carolinas Bass Challenge is off to a resounding start with 173 boats entered in the South Caroling Division opener on Lake Murray and up to 200 expected for the North Carolina Division opener on Lake Norman this Saturday.
Anglers planning to fish Lake Norman Saturday will be looking to weigh in some outstanding catches, according to Brett Collins, founder and tournament director for the CBC.
“Fishing has been outstanding at Norman lately. A 20-pound limit of spotted bass won a tournament on the lake last week. Some 5-pound spots have been showing up recently, plus some very nice largemouths.”
Collins said the Alabama Rig and jerkbaits are key tactics on main lake humps and points and around docks.
“Lake Norman is clear and down 4 feet or more. The water temperatures have been running 45 to 50 degrees,” Collins said. “The very cold weather should bunch them up and if you fish the right size you can load the boat. I look for at least 17 pounds to win it.”
The CBC North Carolina Division kicks off Saturday on Lake Norman, then moves to Lake Wylie March 21, Jordan Lake April 4, Lake Hickory May 9 and then to High Rock Lake for a double-points tournament June 20. The North Carolina State Championship will be held Oct. 10, with the CBC Classic Oct. 23-24 on Clarks Hill Lake out of Wildwood Park.
The CBC operates a full tournament schedule in South Carolina and North Carolina with outstanding payback and rewards. First place in every CBC tournament is guaranteed a minimum of $8,000, more depending on the number of entries, Collins said. The big fish winner in each tournament earns a check for $1,000 and there is a $5,000 Skeeter Bonus for each tournament for registered owners of Skeeter Boats.
“The Skeeter Bonus is split three ways, $2,500 for the highest finishing Skeeter, $1,500 for the second highest finishing Skeeter and $1,000 for the third highest finishing Skeeter,” Collins said.
Skeeter Boats, Yamaha Outboards, Foothills Marine Center in Morganton, N.C., Marshall's Marine Center in Lake City, S.C., and Palmetto Marine Center in Greenville, S.C., teamed up to support the 2015 Carolinas Bass Challenge.
The top teams of the 2015 South Carolina and North Carolina State Championships will both win a Skeeter TZX190/150 with a Yamaha 150. A ZX200/200 Yamaha SHO will be awarded to the winning team in the 2014 CBC Classic.
The big payouts in both the state qualifying tournaments, the state championships and the CBC Classic are drawing a lot of attention from anglers all over, Collins said.
“We have a lot of teams signed up from Georgia and others from West Virginia, Virginia, Maryland, North Carolina and even Ohio,” he said.
Carolinas Bass Challenge - North Carolina Division
Sat, Feb 14, 2015
Lake Norman
Blythe Landing
Call Brett Collins 803-413-7521
www.carolinasbasschallenge.com
College, High School Classics To Feature Top Student Anglers During Bassmaster Classic
Professional and veteran tournament anglers will not be the only ones walking across the stage to have their fish weighed in the Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Downtown Greenville, S.C., during the 2015 Bassmaster Classic next week.
Top high school anglers and top college anglers will get a taste of what it's like to be a Classic contender during the annual bass world championship. Both groups will fish on nearby Lake Keowee while the pros and veteran tournament anglers are fishing in Lake Hartwell.
The high school anglers will weigh in on Saturday and the college teams will weigh in on Sunday, said Hank Weldon, director of the college and youth fishing programs for B.A.S.S.
“We will have 11 different schools represented in the Bassmaster High School Classic,” Weldon said, “from Georgia, Tennessee, Kentucky and South Carolina. These schools qualified from competitions last year and then we had one spot from the host state of South Carolina.”
Representing South Carolina in the High School Classic are Carter McNeil and Tucker Smith with the Abbeville high School Panthers and Andrew Mitchell and Christopher Bensel, members of the Dixie High School Hornets in Due West, also from Abbeville County.
McNeil and Smith are no strangers to high level competition, said their boat captain, Trad Whaley, veteran tournament angler and assistant fishing team coach from Abbeville.
“They have been to two national championships and have qualified for another one,. They came in second in the FLW High School Fishing Championship on Lake Keowee last year. They won the FLW Southeastern Conference Championship on Lake Lanier in October 2013, and they won the TBF South Carolina State Championship,” Whaley said.
“They won the B.A.S.S. State Championship on Lake Murray and that qualified them to fish the 6-man team in the Old Milwaukee B.A.S.S. Nation Southern Divisional on the Waccamaw River in April. It also qualified them to fish in their second B.A.S.S. High School National Championship this summer.”
Whaley said McNeil has signed a scholarship to fish with the Bethel University Fishing Team in McKenzie, Tenn., and several other anglers on the Abbeville fishing team are expected to get college fishing scholarships.
Weldon said eight teams will compete in the Bassmaster College Fishing Classic on Lake Keowee, including six teams from South Carolina universities – two teams from Clemson University, two teams from the University of South Carolina, one team from Coastal Carolina University and one from Lander University – plus the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, defending national champions, and the University of West Alabama, winners of the Bassmaster College Classic in Birmingham, Ala., last year.
“We limited the field in both the high school and college tournaments because we have to get them weighed in ahead of the Classic anglers, but we wanted also to provide something the Classic fans can enjoy as a pre-show attraction,” Weldon said.
“As for the student anglers, the main value is to be able to walk across the Classic stage. The sponsors will provide them with some pretty neat swag, but the main thing is getting bragging rights for their team while getting a taste of what it is like to be in a Bassmaster Classic,” Weldon said.
2015 Bassmaster Classic
Feb. 20-22, 2015
Lake Hartwell
Launch: Green Pond Landing, near Anderson, S.C.
Weigh-In: Bon Secours Wellness Arena, Greenville, S.C.
Bassmaster Classic Outdoors Expo: TD Convention Center in Greenville
Bassmaster High School Classic
Bassmaster College Classic, Feb. 20, 2015
Both on Lake Keowee, Feb. 21, 2015
Launch: South Cove Ramp
Consistency Will Be Key Again In Quest For Alabama Bass Trail Angler Of Year Title
The Alabama Bass Trail's Southern Division 2014 Anglers of the Year Team are ready to defend their title, but they admit fishing in the division opener Saturday on Jordan Lake is going to be a tough challenge.
“It's kind of hit or miss right now,” said Robbie Robinson. “ We came up to the lake a couple of weeks ago and fished one day – and caught one fish. Then we came back one weekend and caught eight and we had five good ones that would have weighed 15 to 17 pounds. Today (Wednesday) we caught one fish.”
The problem, he said, is that the water temperature is hovering around 47-48 degrees and the bass are ganged up in big schools offshore.
“We have a cold front pushing through and that is going to change things,” he said. “It's supposed to be 21 to 24 degrees Saturday morning at blastoff. That will throw a wrench in the works. You might make three or four casts and the guides will freeze up on your rods.”
Robinson and Jeston Anderson, both of Mobile, Ala., teamed up for the first time last year to win the Southern Division points. While he and Anderson so far have not developed a sure-fire strategy for the opener, Robinson said somebody will catch fish Saturday.
“We've got two more days to practice, so hopefully, we can figure something out,” he said.
The new collaboration between Robinson and Anderson last year resulted in a string of steady finishes, with a season high fourth place finish at the ABT Championship in October at Lewis Smith Lake, and a trip to the Bassmaster Team Championships at DeGray Lake in Arkansas.
“We tried to stay consistent and we did decent in a couple of tournaments,” Robinson said. “We did nothing fancy, everything just worked out.”
Anderson said they are ready to defend their title and this year they want to move up one spot higher in the overall standings and claim the overall Alabama Bass Trail Angler of the Year title.
It won't take a first place finish Saturday to start on that goal, just a consistent day on the water. Nothing fancy required.
Alabama Bass Trail - South Division
Sat, Feb 14, 2015
Jordan Lake - AL
Bonner's Landing
Call Kay Donaldson 855-934-7425
Terry 'Big Show' Scroggins, Bernie Schultz weigh-in after town hall meeting on future of Rodman Reservoir
"I've held more than a couple of town hall meetings before and rarely have I seen so many pick up trucks waiting in the parking lot for me to get done," joked Jacksonville's Daniel Davis. "I know I'm not the most popular person in the room." His good humor was enjoyed even by those opposed to him in an emotional meeting. Several members of Save Rodman Reservoir addressed Davis during this meeting in Palatka, Fla. regarding the proposed breaching of the Kirkpatrick Dam which forms Rodman Reservoir. Bassmaster Elite Series Pros Bernie Schultz and Terry Scroggins sumarize their impressions of the situation and what went on at the meeting. Peter Thliveros and Glenn Browne were among the cadre of professional anglers in attendance.
Long story short, a group of Jacksonville politicians made a deal with a 5-member extreme enviro-political group to appeal to the Army Corps of Engineers to bust the dam. The tradeoff is that the River Keepers will refrain from filing law suits that would delay the dredging needed to deepen JaxPort - 60 miles and 2 counties away from Rodman Reservoir.
Texas Team Trail Presented By Cabela's Heads To Toledo Bend
The Texas Team Trail (TXTT) presented by Cabela's will host its second regular-season event of the 2015 tournament season on Saturday, Feb. 21, at Toledo Bend Reservoir.The fishery straddles the Texas/Louisiana border and is one of the world's premier bass fishing destinations.
Registration for the event is already underway - anglers can secure an opportunity to pre-fish Friday, Feb. 20, by completing their registration online or via phone prior to midnight on Thursday, Feb. 19. Additionally, all anglers that pre-register online at www.texasteamtrail.com will be entered into a drawing for a $100 Cabela's gift card.
The Toledo Bend event is the second regular-season event of four 2015 qualifying events that guarantee a fully rigged, 18-foot boat, motor, trailer package as first-place prize. The winning anglers at Toledo Bend will walk away with a brand-new Triton 189 TRX powered by a Mercury 150 outboard, valued at $28,495.
In addition to the payout, the event offers anglers an unprecedented opportunity in terms of sponsor bonuses and television coverage. The budget-friendly $250 entry fee, plus multiple contingency programs and a guaranteed, over-100% payback at every event provides tremendous value to the weekend angler.
On-site registration is set for Friday, Feb. 20, from 4-6 p.m. at Cypress Bend Park (3462 Cypress Bend Dr., Many, LA 71449). At least one team member must attend, as boat numbers will be assigned during this time. The tournament will launch Saturday, Feb. 21, at safe light with the weigh-in set to start at 3 p.m.
Anglers with questions or anyone interested in more details on the event are encouraged to visit www.texasteamtrail.com or call 210-281-1752 or 210-788-4143.
Texas Team Trail events are made possible through the sponsorship and continued support of these well-respected brands: Cabela's, Ranger Boats, Lucas Oil, Evinrude, RAM, Mercury, Minn Kota, Triton Boats, Power-Pole, Amphibia, Arctic Ice, Stratos Boats, Lowrance, Navionics, Protect the Harvest, General Tire, SuperClean, Mustang Survival, iON Cameras, Garmin, Valley Fashions and Powertex Group.
2015 TXTT scheduled events:
February 21 - Toledo Bend
March 28 - Lake Ray Roberts
April 25 - Lake Texoma
Championship - June 13-14 - Lake Palestine
Justin Bach wins the Lake Norman Pro Tournament this past Sat-Full results here!
Here are the results of the (Lake Norman Pro Tournament)
Team B&S Outdoors Lake Norman Pro Results
1. Justin Bach-5 Fish-11.00lbs
2. Josh Cannon-5 Fish-10.80lbs
3, Simon Patterson & Curtis Lail-5 Fish- 9.05lbs
4. Mark Potter-4 Fish- 5.20lbs
5. Robbie Stamey & Jake Baker-1 Fish- 3.75lbs
6. Bill & Billy Willoughbly-1 Fish- 2.10lbs
7. Keith Wood-0 Fish-
Big Fish Winner= Robbie Stamey 3.75lbs
Justin Bach weighing in on Sat!
Greene Boat And Motor Open House This Sat 9A-3P
Anglers Choice Marine-Spindale (Formally Greene Boat and Motor) Open House will take place tomorrow (Sat) in Spindale 9A-3p and with some of the best anglers in the region coming by. Come out to see Marty Stone, John Crews, Ben Parker, and Guy Eaker!!Rick Pierce, President of Bass Cat Boats, will also be here for this event. Free Hot Dogs for all as well as some of the best Nitro, Bass Cat, and Tracker Boats around, all at great prices!! Now that Greene has partnered with Anglers Choice Marine, the selection and product choices have never been better. Come on out to Spindale and join in the fun! Here is a sample of some of the great boats that will be on display:
Bass Cat Pantera II
Triton 19XS
Tracker Pro Team 175TF
Nitro Z-8
The power of the A-Rig this coming weekend, with SW Pro Anthony Gagliardi
Sportsman's Warehouse Pro Anthony Gagliardi breaks down why the A-Rig could be such a huge weapon this weekend not only at Murray but accross the entire region!!
To Spot Or Not In The Bassmaster Classic On Lake Hartwell, That Is The Question
Bassmaster Elite Series Pro Stephen Browning
When Alton Jones won the 2008 Bassmaster Classic on Lake Hartwell, spotted or Alabama bass were mostly brought to the weigh-ins as limit fillers. Anglers tried to catch a couple of quality largemouths and then pad their limit with decent fish, so a lot of 2- to 3-pound spots and largemouths were weighed in.
That scenario is expected to change drastically in the 2015 Bassmaster Classic on Lake Hartwell Feb. 20-22. In the seven years since the last Classic on the upstate South Carolina/Georgia reservoir, the spotted bass – now called Alabama bass by biologists – have grown up.
“Three- and 4-pound-plus fish are not uncommon in Lake Hartwell now,” said Dan Rankin, S.C. Department of Natural Resources regional fisheries biologist who noted that netting surveys indicate so far that the Alabama bass have not begun to displace largemouth bass like they appear to have in Lakes Russell and Keowee.
Jones averaged just under 3 1/2 pounds per bass in his three-day catch in 2008, so landing spotted bass that size will be well worth going after, said veteran Bassmaster Elite pro Stephen Browning, who will be competing in his 10th Classic.
“I think you are going to see a mixture of bass. The spots on Lake Hartwell are big enough to definitely be the type of fish you need to fill a limit, even possibly catch a limit,” Browning said. “I don't think anybody will come in with a limit of spots over 20 pounds, but a limit at 17 or 18 pounds would not surprise me. I would certainly take a couple of those days.”
The Hot Springs, Ark., pro added that tournament reports from Lake Hartwell indicate spotted bass have played a prominent role recently.
“Guys in some FLW Outdoors tournaments over there have caught some really nice spotted bass, including some 4-pounders. You know, a 4-pound spot weighs the same as a 4-pound largemouth, so I will take either one of them.”
FLW Tour pro Brandon Cobb of Greenwood, S.C., who has won tournaments on Lake Hartwell, said there are plenty of both species in the offshore schools. There are plenty of largemouths out deep with the spotted bass and both species will be chasing bait, primarily blueback herring, he said.
“If you can find the herring that is the key,” Cobb said. “The bass are kind of mixed together. It is predominately spots, but there are a bunch of solid 3 1/2- to 4-pound largemouths mixed in with the spots.”
Browning is hoping to cash in on a combination of both species and have a better showing in the 2015 Classic than he has had in the others he fished in. He finished 37th in the 2008 Classic on Hartwell and last year he finished 54th in the Classic on Lake Guntersville. His best finish was 7th in the 1997 Classic on Alabama's Logan Martin Lake.
“For some reason my best Classic was my first Classic,” Browning said. “Now it's time to right the ship and get things going in a better direction.”
That will mean he has to fish smarter on Lake Hartwell than he has in other Classics, he said.
“”I'll have to fish like I like to fish, just get in certain areas and grind them out. I am not worried about getting a ton of bites each day. I think if I can muster seven or eight good bites a day that is the type to fish for,” he said.
“The Classic is winner-take-all. It's all about the guy who maximizes the weight and those 3-pound-plus fish are the type of fish you need to win.”
And it does not matter one bit whether they are largemouths or spotted bass, he added.
2015 Bassmaster Classic
Feb. 20-22, 2015
Lake Hartwell
Launch: Green Pond Landing, near Anderson, S.C.
Weigh-In: Bon Secours Wellness Arena, Greenville, S.C.
Bassmaster Classic Outdoors Expo: TD Convention Center in Greenville
Big Turnout Expected For Carolinas Bass Challenge Sc Division Opener On Lake Murray
Thomas Hardwick and Tommy William won the 2014 tournament on Murray with 23.67lbs
With more than 110 teams already signed by the first of the week, Brett Collins is looking for an outstanding first tournament of the year for the South Carolina Division of the Carolinas Bass Challenge Saturday on Lake Murray.
“We should have between 175 and 200 boats,” said Collins, founder and tournament director for the CBC, which operates a full tournament schedule in South Carolina and North Carolina, with outstanding payback and rewards.
First place in every CBC tournament is guaranteed a minimum of $8,000, more depending on the number of entries, Collins said. The big fish winner in each tournament earns a check for $1,000 and there is a $5,000 Skeeter Bonus for each tournament for registered owners of Skeeter Boats.
“The Skeeter Bonus is split three ways, $2,500 for the highest finishing Skeeter, $1,500 for the second highest finishing Skeeter and $1,000 for the third highest finishing Skeeter,” Collins said.
Skeeter Boats, Yamaha Outboards, Foothills Marine Center in Morganton, N.C., Marshall's Marine Center in Lake City, S.C., and Palmetto Marine Center in Greenville, S.C., teamed up to support the 2015 Carolinas Bass Challenge.
The top teams of the 2015 South Carolina and North Carolina State Championships will both win a Skeeter TZX190/150 with a Yamaha 150. A ZX200/200 Yamaha SHO will be awarded to the winning team in the 2014 CBC Classic.
The big payouts in both the state qualifying tournaments, the state championships and the CBC Classic are drawing a lot of attention from anglers all over, Collins said.
“We have a lot of teams signed up from Georgia and others from West Virginia, Virginia, Maryland, North Carolina and even Ohio,” he said.
The South Carolina schedule includes: Feb. 7, Lake Murray, Dreher Island State Park; March 7, Lake Wateree, Clearwater Cove Marina; April 11, Santee Cooper, John C Land Landing; May 30, Lake Hartwell, Portmans Marina; June 13, Clarks Hill Lake (Double Points), Wildwood Park; Sept. 19, 2015 SC Championship, Santee Cooper, John C Land Landing; Oct. 23-24, 2015 CBC Classic, Clarks Hill Lake, Wildwood Park.
As for the opening tournament on Lake Murray Saturday, Collins said the fishing should be very good.
“Fishing has been great for some,” he noted. “The last couple of weeks there have been tournaments won with 25 pounds, so I expect we will have several bags over 20 pounds this weekend.”
Collins said the water level is stable, which is a must for Lake Murray, and the weather is expected to be very good for the tournament.
“The fish seem to be in the 8- to 12-foot range and crankbaits and jigs have been working very well,” he said.
Carolinas Bass Challenge - South Carolina Division
Sat, Feb 7, 2015
Lake Murray
Dreher Island State Park
Call Brett Collins 803-413-7521
www.carolinasbasschallenge.com
Big Bass Hungry For Rat-L-Traps Just In Time For Guntersville Rat-L-Trap Open
There is good news and then there is more good news for the Rat-L-Trap Open on Lake Guntersville this Sunday.
The first good news is that the bigger fish have started to bite in Guntersville, and the top lure for the big bass is – you guessed it! – the Rat-L-Trap.
The second good news is that anglers can launch wherever they want to on the lake and they can trailer their fish to the weigh-in.
The third good news is that the weather is expected to be outstanding for the tournament.
“The last couple of weeks the bigger fish have started to bite,” said tournament director Jamie Shay at The Bait, Tackle and Grill at Goose Pond where the weigh-in will be held. “Nobody is really wearing them out yet as far as catching big numbers, but 7- and 8-pound bass are starting to show up regularly the last few weeks.”
Those bigger fish are being caught on Rat-L-Traps, Shay said.
“The Trap bite has been producing the bigger fish. The guys fishing the last couple of weeks, including myself, we are using the Rat-L-Trap to get those fish. We are not catching 20 to 30 fish, but you get 5 to 10 fish and they are in that 3- to 8- or 9-pound range. When you get bit it is a good fish and the Trap is producing that bite.”
Shay said bitter winter weather for the Guntersville Rat-L-Trap Open the last few years has brought a change in rules this year to allow anglers to launch anywhere they want to and trailer their boat and fish to the weigh-in.
“Last year it was 15 degrees when we started. Boats were frozen to their trailers. Trying to get everybody in the water in the same area made it a two-hour blast-off. This year we won't have all that,” he said.
But anglers won't even have to contend with that winter weather for the Open on Guntersville this year, he noted.
“It's supposed to be around 35 to 40 degrees for a low and it will be pushing 50 degrees both days this weekend, beautiful for what we have had to deal with normally this time of year,” he said.
“I just want to wish good luck to everyone. It should be a fun weekend and we can enjoy a 50-degree day in February.
Entry fee for the 4th annual Rat-L-Trap Open on Guntersville is $100 per boat with an optional $20 Big Bass pot. Payback is one in five. All current Bill Lewis Outdoors lures are eligible.
There will be a mandatory meeting at 6 p.m. Saturday at Guntersville Middle School Gym. On-site registration will be held 4-6 p.m. Saturday at the Gym or starting at 5 a.m. Sunday at Civitan Park.
Rat-L-Trap Open
Sun, Feb 8, 2015
Lake Guntersville
Civitan Park Ramp
Weekend Preview With Ac Pro Staffer Rob Digh
AC Pro Staffer Rob Digh joins us to preview one of the BIG WEEKENDS of this early season.............CBC on Murray, the Rat-L-Trap Open on Guntersville, plus much more right here!
Classic Competitor Brandon Lester Will Use Rods He Built Himself With Winn Grips
What will he use? Among other things, 3 rods that he built himself. With a world of materials to choose from, Lester picked Winn Grips for the handles.
“It seems that, ever since the beginning of time, fishermen have used grips made from cork or EVA foam,” said Lester. “Now it’s 2015 and it’s time for something new. Winn grips put control in the angler’s hands and relieve fatigue. Their tacky feel is unlike anything fishermen have had before and they get even tackier when the weather is cold and wet. It is exciting to be on the cutting edge.”
Winn Grips, known worldwide for its high-tech golf grips, introduced its first full line of fishing grips from the patented WinnDry polymer last year during its industry bow at China Fish.
Lester has joined the pro staff team of the Huntington Beach, California company and made his debut for his new sponsor at the Bassmaster Southern Open on Lake Tohopekaliga earlier this month.
“I am looking forward to this opportunity,” said Lester.
“We are very pleased to work with a talented professional angler like Brandon Lester,” said Dr. Ben Huang, Winn Grips Founder and CEO. “That he is a student of fishing and makes his own rods will help us all the more and make fishermen aware of the advantages our ‘space age’ grips bring to their sport.
T-H Marine renews with FLW
ABA signs LEER to Sponsor Big Bass and 'Leer Cover Cash'
(Athens, AL) -- ABA announced today the addition of the LEER “Cover Cash” contingency program, and LEER will sponsor a big bass award too of $500 at all 100% Plus Team Tour events. LEER manufactures the best in class truck caps and tonneau covers to provide anglers with dry and secure storage for all their gear.
The LEER “Cover Cash” program pays highest finishing qualified anglers who purchase a LEER truck cap and tonneau covers at qualifying bass tournament events. LEER has also made it easy for anglers to save money on their initial purchase of a new truck cap or tonneau cover by making exclusive angler coupons available. Simply carry the coupon into your local LEER dealer, save money up-front, and then get ready to win additional funds when you do well in supported tournaments – but you have to sign-up either on line at LeerCoverCash.com, or by calling (918) 742-6424
100% Plus Team Tour LEER Cover Cash Payout
• $150 – Highest placing eligible angler
• $150 – 2nd Highest placing eligible angler
Ray Scott Championship
• $250 – Highest placing eligible angler
• $150 – 2nd Highest placing eligible angler
The LEER “Cover Cash” program will sponsor a guaranteed $500 for big bass at all 10 team tour events for 2015.
“LEER is the leader in truck caps and tonneaus and they have been a great supporter of the weekend bass angler”, said David Hagood, American Bass Anglers, Inc. “Not only does LEER make the best-in-class, they offer special program coupons and the contingency money at bass tournaments that anglers are looking for. We are proud to have LEER as the official Truck Cap on the 100% Plus Team Tour and the sponsor of big bass award at each event”.
LEER will have a presence at each 2015 team tour event with LEER Pro Staff showing the latest LEER truck caps and talking to anglers about the LEER “Cover Cash” program.
About the Tour: The 100% Plus Team Tour is a new era in Team Bass Tournaments with a 100% plus payout at every event. With a full field of 200 teams, events will payout $60,000 in cash and prizes. First place at each event will be a new 2015 Triton Boat with a Mercury Outboard, MotorGuide Trolling Motor fully rigged with sponsor product valued at over 20,000 and is guaranteed.
The 100% Plus Team Tour will offer 2 divisions for 2015, one located in North Alabama and the other in Tennessee/Kentucky. The North Alabama division will hold 5 events to be held on Guntersville and Wheeler Lake. The Tennessee/Kentucky division will hold 5 events to be held on Kentucky Lake out of Paris Tennessee and Old Hickory Lake out of Hendersonville Tennessee.
About American Bass Anglers: The ABA’s commitment is 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. American Bass Anglers, Inc. is supported by Triton Boats, Mercury Outboards, Royal Purple Lubricants, Carlisle Tires, Odyssey Batteries, Berkley, Abu Garcia, T-H Marine, Livingston Lures, Best Western Hotels, Dolphinite, Wicked Pissah Lures, Maui Jim, Power Pole, Dr. Dan's, Navionics, Garmin, and North American Fishing Club.
Leer Cover Cash Logo - https://anglerschannel.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/covercash-logo.jpg
ABA Logo - http://www.americanbassanglers.com/images/ABA_Logo.jpg
Big Weekend Coming Up For Tournaments In The Region!!
The Rat-L-Trap Open on Guntersville kicks off Sat as well and that should be more than a litte interesting. Low 20's winning down there lately and it should also take 25+ to win on the big G. Finally, we have the Lake Norman Pro #1 on Sat and that is intersting from the standpoint that the fishing on Norman has NEVER BEEN BETTER. It's been taking 20+ to win up there, and 16+ to cut a check. Really??? Holy cow things have changed on that lake the past 5 years!! We look fwd to covering some of these events and look fwd to a great 2015 season. Good luck to all and be safe on the water!! Here is a video link with CBC Director Brett Collins:
No Sheetz!
Some IMPORTANT numbers from Kumar and Keep America Fishing:
NC: Worst ethanol ever coming.
> Convenience store chain Sheetz announced on January 21 that it would offer E15 fuel - gas containing up to 15% ethanol - at 60 of their North Carolina locations beginning in early 2015.
Just say no to Sheetz.
From cradle to grave, corn ethanol is more polluting than gasoline by 33%, according to recent research by the EPA.
- From a KeepAmericaFishing.org post. More:
> ...5 gallons of water are needed to refine 1 gallon of gasoline compared to 170 gallons needed for one gallon of E10. [This is nuts!]
#ethanolsux
Rayovac FLW Series on Amistad will test anglers
Rayovac FLW Series anglers planning to fish the lake in a couple of weeks have their shoulders set for a heavy task - and some light bags.
With much of the lake's productive structure high and dry, big schools of bass are suspended. Anglers who dial-in the suspended bite have a shot at catching some big female bass.
The wild card is hydrilla. Word is, the Rat-L-Trap bite is strong in the grass. If an angler can catch bigger-than-average fish from hydrilla, he may exceed 40 pounds in total weight over 3 days - an aggregate that expert say will likely win this grind fest.
Here's the official press release from FLW:
Scott Ashmore signs deal with Ferguson, hosts fishing trips to Bienville Plantation
Ferguson is partnering with Scott Ashmore, Bassmaster Elite Series Contender and 2014 Major League Fishing Selects Survival Round Winner, continuing their long-standing relationship with the professional angler.
As part of the partnership, Scott attends several Ferguson Rewards bass fishing events at Bienville Plantation in White Springs, Fla. Ferguson customers, associates and vendors have the opportunity to fish alongside Scott during the event, which takes place six times each year.
"Scott's tenacity as a professional angler resonates with both our associates and our customers," said Ferguson's National Counter Alignment Manager Jeff Puckette. "His humility, strong values and genuine personality parallel with our brand, making him ideal to represent our organization."
"My partnership with Ferguson has allowed me to do what I love each day and has given me a way to touch thousands of people through the events I'm able to attend with the company, such as their Bienville Plantation rewards trips," said Scott Ashmore. "I look forward to my partnership with Ferguson each year, and I consider myself lucky to work alongside such a great company."
Fishing fans can tune in to the Outdoor Channel now through March to watch Scott Ashmore, 2014 Major League Fishing Selects Survival Round Winner, and 23 other anglers compete for the 2015 title.
Ferguson chose to sponsor Scott Ashmore because he aligns with their trade customer base. This is the company's fourth year partnering with Scott Ashmore.
Cbc Kicks Off 2015 At Lake Murray This Sat-Full Preview With Director Brett Collins Right Here!
CBC Tournament director Brett Collins joins us to talk about kicking off their 4th season down on Lake Murray this coming Sat.....get ready for some sacks as its taken 25+ Lbs lately to win on this 50,000+ acre fishery!!
Massive Lake Hartwell Presents Challenges, Opportunities For Classic Anglers
Serving as a border between Georgia and South Carolina, the lake has 56,000 surface acres and 962 miles of shoreline. That makes it one of the Southeast’s largest and most popular fishing destinations.
“It’s a lot bigger than I remember it being when we were there for the Classic that Alton Jones won (in 2008),†said Aaron Martens, who will be making his 16th career Classic appearance. “I don’t think I even saw half of the lake back then. It’s got a lot of acreage, and the amount of fishable water in that acreage is pretty large.â€
The size of the lake combined with its diverse structure could make it hard for anglers to form a solid game plan that’s likely to withstand three days of the area’s often-erratic winter weather. The lake has everything from long, sloping points and underwater islands to standing timber, rocky banks, man-made brushpiles and deep underwater channels.
“There’s so much to look at – a little bit of everything, everywhere,†Martens said. “You can catch them shallow to deep. You have to be ready for it all, but that’s what we do. I think the fish will bite. But depending on the weather, it could be hard to present certain techniques to them.â€
Along with diverse structure, Hartwell has two species of black bass that could both be helpful to anglers. First, there are the largemouth that have been the staple of most tournaments on Hartwell for decades. Then there’s the spotted bass that have steadily increased in size the past four or five years since making their way downstream from Lake Keowee, where they were introduced more than a decade ago.
Classic competitor Casey Ashley, who lives just 35 minutes from Lake Hartwell in Donalds, S.C., believes spots could play a major role in the outcome of the tournament.
“It could possibly be won off spots,†said Ashley, who won an FLW Tour event on Hartwell in March 2014. “The 3- to 5-pound spots are there, and there are a lot of them. I’ve just now gotten to where I’ll actually target spots. I wouldn’t in the past because for years, you just couldn’t win with spots. That’s just not the case anymore.â€
Elite Series pro Stephen Browning of Arkansas, who will be appearing in his 10th Classic, isn’t sure the event can be won with spotted bass. But he believes they could make for an excellent “Plan B†if the largemouth prove too stubborn.
“Personally, with the exception of the Coosa River (in Alabama), I’ve never seen a lake where a guy can win a multiday tournament exclusively on spotted bass,†Browning said. “But mixing five or six of them in with largemouth may help you survive. I feel like if a guy gets to struggling, those will definitely be the fish to turn to.â€
Those anglers and the rest of the field will be aiming to do more than survive — they’re gunning for the $300,000 winner’s prize and the almost instant fame and fortune that go with winning.
Weigh-ins will be held daily at the Bon Secours Wellness Center Arena in downtown Greenville, with the winner to be crowned there Sunday afternoon, Feb. 22.
Plenty of activities are available to fishing fans prior to the weigh-ins. For those willing to brave the morning chill, the Green Pond Landing at Anderson, S.C., provides a fan-friendly setting for watching the pros take off each morning. And one of the country’s largest consumer fishing shows, the Bassmaster Classic Outdoors Expo presented by Dick’s Sporting Goods, will be open all three competitions days. All three venues are free admission.
The local host for the 2015 GEICO Bassmaster Classic presented by GoPro are VisitGreenvileSC, Visit Anderson, Greenville County, Anderson County and the state of South Carolina.
About B.A.S.S.
B.A.S.S. is the worldwide authority on bass fishing and keeper of the culture of the sport. 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 presented by Allstate, Old Milwaukee B.A.S.S. Nation events, Carhartt Bassmaster College Series, Bassmaster High School Series, Toyota Bonus Bucks Bassmaster Team Championship and the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing, the GEICO Bassmaster Classic presented by Diet Mountain Dew and GoPro
Inside The 1St Ttt Win On Sam Rayburn
Approximately one month ago, Rambo and Clark found a mid-lake staging area that was loaded with prespawn bass. The spot was special because it had both numbers and big fish, and it would continually replenish.
"We've been sitting on this one spot," said the 38-year-old Rambo. "We knew it was good because the fish we've been catching are white and pale. That told us they were coming and it has just kept reloading."
As boat No. 103 this morning, the two were worried somebody else would arrive there first. To their surprise, nobody was on it and the early bite was as good as they anticipated.
"We had a limit first thing this morning," recalled Rambo. "Rusty caught a 5-pounder and a little bit later I picked up an A-rig and caught a 7-pounder. At 8:30 the bite slowed a little and then we'd catch a good one every half hour or so. At about 1:30 we had a 7, two 6's, a 5 and a 3 1/2-pounder. Right then Rusty caught another 5-pounder on a Carolina rig and we were done."
Rambo said he and Clark caught approximately 40 keepers total and it was almost an even split between the Carolina rig and the Alabama rig. More specifically, the Alabama rig was a Yumbrella Flash Mob Jr. and behind it ran Zoom Swimmin Flukes. The Carolina rig was used with standard Flukes. Both had 25-pound test Sunline Structure fluorocarbon tied on and were fished in water 14 to 16 feet deep.
"It was a classic staging deal. It wasn't the baits so much as the area. We were just on top of the fish," added Rambo.
This is Rambo and Clark's seventh season fishing together as a team. They've claimed several tournaments and Angler of the Year titles in the area, but they said winning on Rayburn is always special.
"Man, it's hard to win here. There are so many good anglers and teams. There are easily 20 teams that could have come in with 30 pounds today. We knew were around fish, but it's pretty exciting to put it all together and win."
In addition to thanking their sponsors, Rambo and Clark wanted to extend sincere gratitude to their wives.
"They are really our biggest supporters."
Penney and Fowler take second
Chad Penney and Skeeter Fowler sacked a 26.65-pound limit to finish the opener in second place. The two earned $7,500 without any bonuses.
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2nd place finishers Chad Penney and Skeeter Fowler hauled in over 26 lbs and earned $7,500
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"We had a limit by 9:45 this morning with four good ones," said Penney. "We just could not get rid of that fifth fish. We culled our little one twice, but just by a tiny bit."
Penney said he and his partner were not targeting grass. Instead, the two were jigging a 30-foot drain.
"We were trying to catch them as they move from deep water to shallow water. Skeeter did all the prefishing and he found them."
Penney said he used a 1-ounce jig with a soft plastic craw trailer.
"We figure we were a 5-pounder away (from winning)," added Penney. "That's what we were aiming for. We're certainly happy with second though; we're not greedy."
Harvey brothers finish third
Brothers Rusty and Chris Harvey finished third with a five-fish stringer weighing 25.06 pounds.
"We caught a limit early on Carolina rigs with Zoom Brush Hogs and Lizards (green pumpkin color)," said Rusty, the older brother. "Then we switched and went to slow rolling the deep grass edges."
Out deep the Harvey brothers employed a white, 1-ounce Oldham spinnerbait with a white Little Dipper as a trailer.
"We used the swimbait trailer so we could slow it down. We were always in contact with the grass or the bottom. Most of the strikes came off the grass. We were sitting in about 15 feet and throwing back to about 12 to 13."
The Harvey brothers caught roughly 15 keepers on the day, culling out all the Carolina rig bass with spinnerbait fish.
"We had one 7-pounder and the rest were just solid fish. We did have a 2-pounder that we couldn't get rid of and we lost a few fish too. I don't think we had a chance to win and you're going to lose some fish; that's part of it. We're happy with what we had."
Mire-Matsubu fourth, father-and-son team fifth
In fourth place with five fish for 24.82 pounds was Brannon Mire and Ben Matsubu. Narrowly behind them was the father-and-son team of Robert Case Jr. and Robert Case III with 24.81 pounds.
Rest of the best
Rounding out the top 10 teams at the 2015 Cabela's Texas Team Trail event on Sam Rayburn:
6th: Jerrel Pringle and Keith Keele, 23.54
7th: Clay West and Clint West, 22.86
8th: Billy Guinn and John Lemaire, 22.29
9th: Randy Patin and Scotty Reynolds, 22.04
10th: Larry Byrd and Dave Bushnell, 21.87
Up next...
The next Cabela's Texas Team Trail event is slated for Feb. 21 on Toledo Bend in Many, La., the second of four qualifying tournaments.
Rambo and Clark win the TTT on Sam Rayburn with 29.77 Lbs-Full results here!
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Joe Holland smoked the competition with a long rod and short line. He also outran them with a NEW Evinrude G2! Hear him tell how the hottest outboard on the market gave him a game-changing advantage.
