'rude Dudes Weren't Afraid To Run All Over Grand
Evinrude Pros David Walker and Pete Gluzek had a lot on their minds as they prepared for the coldest Bassmaster Classic in history. Engine reliability wasn't a concern. Their pattern-fishing plans meant they would be moving - A LOT. Hear why these two veteran pros didn't think twice about firing up the E-tec and running all over massive Grand Lake O' the Cherokees. From the Bassmaster Classic Media Day!
Sportsman's Warehouse Report with Fishing Manager Craig Baird on the upcoming BFL this Sat!
Sportsman's Warehouse Fishing Manager Craig Baird joins us this Thursday to talk BFL, and specifically the BFL coming to Lake Murray this Sat. Wx looks good, turnouts should be strong, and according to Craig, you better plan on bringing some Strike King Baits and 22 Plus Lbs to the scales if you're looking for the win!
Sc Division Tournament On Lake Wylie Expected To Have Biggest Cbc Entry Ever!
Tony Jackson and Clint Jackson brought in 24.78lbs to win the first SC Division tourney on Murray
The 2013 Carolinas Bass Challenge – SC Division – started out with a bang on Lake Murray Feb. 9 and the roar is only expected to get louder as the division moves to Lake Wylie Saturday for the second tournament of the season.
CBC owner/director Brett Collins reported the total purse paid out at Lake Murray was $42,600, with checks going to anglers through 33rd place. The winners, Tony Jackson and Clint Jackson, weighed in 24.78 pounds for a first place check of $12,000.
“Last year we had the largest field at Lake Wylie in March that we had at any CBC event with 159 boats and we've already eclipsed that mark twice in as many tournaments this year,” Collins said. “After the first two CBC tournaments so far this year, first place is averaging taking home over $13,000 and second is receiving $5,000. We paid back well over 20 places at both events so far this year.”
He also noted that the first winning team in a CBC tournament fishing in a Skeeter/Yamaha package at Lake Norman Feb. 16 won a total of more than $15,000 – $10,000 for first place, plus the $5,000 Skeeter Bonus.
With March prime time on Wylie and the bass expected to be moving up on the banks, Collins said he looks for close to 200 boats for the tournament Saturday.
With rain moving across the area over the weekend likely to provide some stain to the water, Collins said he expects a heavy bag to weigh in for first place on Saturday.
“We will most likely top the 16 1/2 pounds it took to win the tournament in March last year,” he said.
“Alabama Rigs and jerk-baits work well off the points this time of year on Wylie, but don't forget about the jig on docks. Crank baits and spinnerbaits should play a big part also. Of course the South Fork will see its share of boats but I look for the winning weight to be caught in the cooler waters.”
Collins said teams are encouraged to use the other ramps located near Ebeneezer Park and they can get their boat checked in on the water.
“You may come to the ramp by water from any other ramp on Lake Wylie. Nivens and Big Allison are close by and would be your best bet if you choose not to put in at Ebenezer,” he said.
The Carolinas Bass Challenge is sponsored by Skeeter Boats, Yamaha Outboards, Foothills Marine Center in Morganton, N.C., Palmetto Marine Center in Greenville, S.C., and Marshall's Marine Center in Lake City, S.C. Entry fee is $200 per team at each tournament and each angler must pay a one-time $35 membership.
Each CBC tournament has an off limit period starting the Sunday night before the event at 12 a.m. and extends the entire week up to Saturday morning. Winners at each tournament are polygraphed.
The highest placing Skeeter/Yamaha owner will take home a $5,000 bonus, no matter the year of the boat. The Skeeter Real Money Program sanctions all the CBC events.
“This year we added Lakes Hartwell and Clarks Hill to the South Carolina CBC schedule and we added Lakes Jordan and Falls to the North Carolina schedule,” Collins said.
“Two Skeeter TZX190/150 Yamaha HPDI boat rigs will be awarded with one going to the winning team at the South Carolina Championship at Lake Hartwell in September. Another will be awarded at the September North Carolina Championship on Lake Wylie. The winners of the Oct 26-27 Lake Murray CBC Classic will take home a ZX200/200Yamaha SHO rig worth $48,000.”
Collins said he is now accepting entries for the South Carolina and North Carolina Division Championships and the CBC Classic to be held on Lake Murray in October.
Carolinas Bass Challenge - South Carolina Division
Sat, Mar 2, 2013
Lake Wylie
Call Brett Collins 803-413-7521
www.carolinasbasschallenge.com
Facing Local Competition Helps Propel Cherry To 3Rd Place Finish In Bassmaster Classic
Hank Cherry at the 2013 Bassmaster Classic. Photo courtesy Bassmaster.com
A year ago Hank Cherry of Maiden, N.C., had his eyes set on finishing high enough in the Southern Opens to qualify for the Bassmaster Elite Series and, hopefully, earning a shot eventually at making the Bassmaster Classic.
He had finished 17th in the first Southern Open of the Year on the Harris Chain of Lakes in Florida and the next Open was to be on Lake Norman where he is one of the top anglers year in and year out in local tournaments.
Sometimes being the home lake favorite is more a curse than a help. As luck would have it Cherry managed to catch just a little over 18 pounds and finished 41st at Lake Norman.
Although his winning ways continued in BFL and other tournament series in the Carolinas, he knew he had to score in the last Open of the year or his dream of being an Elite angler would be dashed.
“I told my wife when I left for Smith Lake I would either make something happen there or I would pretty much just hang it up and fish around the house,” he said.
Well, he found a way to make something happen, winning the final 2012 Southern Open on Smith Lake at Jasper, Ala., by one ounce and earning a ticket to the 2013 Bassmaster Classic this past week on Grand Lake of the Cherokees at Tulsa, Okla.
And he made the most of his rookie appearance in the Classic, finishing third and earning a check for $40,000. Combined with the $50,000 he won at Smith Lake and a little over $3,000 he earned at the Harris Chain, Cherry has picked up $94,112 in B.A.S.S. tournaments in the past year.
In the first day of the Classic Cherry put the field on notice that he was there to make some noise, weighing in 21 pounds, 8 ounces, just 9 ounces back of the leaders.
“I thought about the first 10 minutes of fishing I really had a chance when I caught a bass that weighed a little over 6 pounds,” Cherry said.
After averaging almost 4 1/2 pounds a fish the first day his bag dropped off to about 2 1/2 pounds a fish the next day when he brought in five bass that weighed 10 pounds, 13 ounces.
“Every fish I weighed in the Classic came on a jerkbait and the second day I had absolutely no wind,” he said. “I actually got one good bite the second day on a jig, but I lost it. That was the only jig bite I had the whole tournament.
The third day he was right back in the ball game – his first fish was a 4 pounder.
“But then I went about four hours without a bite,” he said. “I switched areas and began running some corners than had wind on them and started catching them again.”
He brought in five bass that weighed 17 pounds, 4 ounces, to take third place in the Classic behind the winner, Cliff Pace of Petal, Miss., and runner-up Brandon Palaniuk of Rathdrum, Idaho, with a three-day total of 49 pounds even.
Cherry said fishing tournaments in Lake Norman and Lake Wylie near his home prepared him for fishing against some of the biggest names in bass fishing.
“Our area is full of some of the best fishermen around, in my belief,” he said. Some of them have just not had the opportunity to travel and fish, but week in and week out they are tough competition.”
“I love fishing around the house, just for bragging rights,” said Cherry who planned to take a day off when he gets home from Tulsa, “just to sleep,” before gearing up to head to the Sabine River at Orange, Texas, for his very first Elite Series tournament March 13-17.
Winter Weather No Problem For The Fish As Anglers Choice Launches 2013 Season At Smith Mountain
The winter weather – snow, freezing rain, freezing temperatures – doesn't matter; the fish are still eating in Smith Mountain Lake as the Anglers Choice Marine Team Trail prepares to launch the 2013 season with and expanded schedule to include both a Virginia and North Carolina Division.
“The fish are still biting, no matter how cold it gets,” said Chris Lucas, Anglers Choice Marine Tournament Trail Tournament Director. “We've had our winter series since December and it has been taking 16 to 18 pounds ever week to win it.”
The Anglers Choice Marine Team Trail was so popular with Virginia and North Carolina anglers that the decision was made to split it into two separate Divisions this year.
“We are excited about the two divisions,” Lucas said. “We're hoping having a North Carolina Division will help the Carolina guys. The Carolina side is kind of experimental this year just to see if we can get it up and running. But most of the guys I've talked to say the Virginia Division will be huge and the North Carolina Division will be bigger than expected.”
Lucas said the new schedule will include a five-qualifier format to make the classic. Anglers can do this by fishing five tournaments in either division. Also new for 2013 is that the top 5 teams in the points race for both divisions will receive a free entry to the Classic.
“I have had a really good response to this since fishermen can get two qualifiers in one weekend at some of our tournaments and cut down on some of their expenses,” he said. “I think things will go pretty good this year, if the price of gas doesn't get over $4.25 a gallon.”
The Virginia Division, which begins Saturday at Smith Mountain Lake out of Parkway Marina, will include : March 23, Lake Gaston, Americamp; April 6, Smith Mountain Lake, Parkway Marina; April 27 Kerr Lake, Occoneechee State Park; May 25, Smith Mountain Lake, Parkway Marina; and June 29, Kerr Lake, Occoneechee State Park.
The North Carolina Division, which kicks off March 10 at High Rock Lake out of Tamarac Marina, also includes: March 24, Lake Gaston, Americamp; April 7, Smith Mountain Lake, Parkway Marina; April 28 Kerr Lake, Occoneechee State Park; June 22, High Rock Lake, Tamarac Marina; June 30, Kerr Lake, Occoneechee State Park.
The two-day Classic for both divisions will be held Oct. 12-13 on Kerr Lake out of Occoneechee State Park.
Lucas noted that anglers have been catching bass deep at Smith Mountain.
“We have not had enough consecutive days to get them up there, but if we get a blue sky, sunny day they will be up in the water column,” he said. “Some anglers will be throwing a spoon and that will be the top tactic on deep structure, along with a deep crankbait, and in the cold, clear water a jerkbait works good. But some will be throwing soft plastics and I think there will be some colored water so there will be some good fish caught on a jig.”
It probably will boil down to where an angler is fishing and what he likes to do, Lucas said.
“I think guys will be catching them on all those baits.”
The only problem on the horizon for a possible large entry, he noted, will be the weather.
“I think they will come if the weather is all right. We've got some more winter weather coming this week and the forecast calls for another winter storm sometime between March 1 and March 3, so I am keeping a close eye on the weather.”
Anglers Choice Marine Team Trail - Virginia Division
Sat Mar 2, 2013
Smith Mountain Lake
Parkway Marina
Call Chris Lucas 276-358-0844
Fishing Tough, Weather Even Tougher As Ellis Prepares For Everstart On Guntersville
Ken Ellis of Bowman, SC will be fishing the Everstart on Guntersville. Photo courtesy FLW Outdoors.
After three days of practicing for the EverStart Series tournament on Lake Guntersville, Ken Ellis had caught four keeper bass. His practice buddy, Chuck Howard had caught three.
On top of that, the Weather Channel was predicting some pretty nasty winter weather for the area this week.
“It looks like it's going to be a tougth tournament for us,” said Ellis who has won almost $300,000 in FLW Outdoors tournament series. “It looks like it's going to be pretty dismal weather with rain and wind for the next few days and bitter cold for the tournament.”
With heavy rain and 30 mph winds predicted, Ellis, of Bowman, S.C, and Howard, from Elloree, S.C., said they probably would not even get to practice Monday.
“When you get as old as I am, you usually stay out of that kind of weather,” he said with a chuckle.
“I've never fished here this time of year,but they are probably going to catch some huge fish in this tournament. They had a BFL here two weeks ago and had four fish over 10 pounds. A co-angler weighed in a 13-pound, 1-ounce bass” Ellis said. “I expect it will take some pretty good weights to do well. There is a 15-inch minimum limit, so a lot of guys will struggle with that.”
The local anglers who fish Guntersville regularly and are familiar with locating the deeper fish should do well, he said.
“But the fish have not moved up to where I normally catch them,” he said. “I probably will target docks because that is what I usually do when I am here.”
Ellis has fished four EverStart tournaments and a BFL regional on Guntersville, earning a check in one EverStart and the regional, finishing 18th in both. However, his previous experience has been in tournaments held in May, June and October, never this early in the year – and never in the grip of a winter storm.
“Last year this time we had spring weather and the fish would have been right where I want them to be, but that is part of the game. You have to do the best you can when things are not in your favor,” he said.
“When I saw the schedule I knew it could go either way this time of year. But, I could still stumble onto something. I won't quit trying, that's for sure.
FLW EverStart Series
Feb 28-Mar 2, 2013
Lake Guntersville
Lake Guntersville State Park
Big Bite Re-Ups with Cabella's Collegiate Bass Fishing Series
San Antonio, Texas (February 28, 2013) - The Association of Collegiate Anglers has announced that Big Bite Baits will continue support of the 2013 Cabela's Collegiate Bass Fishing Series.
Collegiate anglers have come to know Big Bite Baits as a long-term supporter through their collegiate purchase program and prize support of ACA sanctioned events across the nation.
Big Bite Baits produces tournament winning soft plastic lures, designed by an elite group of professional anglers. From finesse baits, like the Squirrel Tail Worm, to unique flipping baits like the Fighting Frog, Big Bite Baits has something for every situation. Anglers such as Jeff Kriet, Dean Rojas, and Russ Lane have all helped develop products that are "Designed to bring the Big Bite to your line".
According to Wade Middleton, Co-founder of the ACA and President of CarecoTV, "It is great to have such a committed partner as Big Bite Baits. Their support over the years has allowed us to reward students, not only at our own events, but many of the student run events we assist as well. Our Discounts and Incentives Program is successful because of partnerships such as these and I know the students all appreciate the opportunity to save some money and try out new products."
Les Bratcher, of Big Bite Baits added, "We feel the Cabela's Collegiate Bass Fishing Series offers student anglers unprecedented opportunities. It is an exciting program for the industry to get younger anglers involved in the sport of bass fishing. We are going to continue to find new ways in 2013 to connect with and help collegiate anglers in this program."
Students may take advantage of special collegiate pricing, courtesy of Big Bite Baits and the Association of Collegiate Anglers, by emailing[email protected] from their school email addresses.
Complete details of the collegiate contingency and bonus programs can be found at: www.collegiatebasschampionship.com/discounts-incentives.html
More information regarding Big Bite Baits, including a complete line up of their products, can be found at: www.BigBiteBaits.com. You can also find them on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/BigBiteBaits
- Cabela's Collegiate Big Bass Bash - March 21-23, 2013
- Table Rock Lake - Branson, Missouri
- Collegiate Bass Fishing Open - April 18-20, 2013
- Kentucky Lake - Paris, Tennessee
- BoatUS Collegiate Bass Championship - May 23-25, 2013
- Pickwick Lake - Florence, Alabama
For more information on the ACA, or the Cabela's Collegiate Bass Fishing Series, visit www.CollegiateBassChampionship.com. From here, site visitors can register for events, review rules and detailed Angler Packets, as well as keep up with all things collegiate bass fishing.
Texas Team Trail heads to Sam Rayburn Lake this Sat to Kick off 2013!
Registration for the event is already underway – anglers can secure an opportunity to pre-fish Friday, March 1, by completing their registration online or via phone prior to midnight on Thursday, February 28. All anglers that pre-register will also be entered into a drawing for a Power-Pole Shallow Water Anchor.
Designed exclusively for team competition, the event offers anglers an unprecedented opportunity in terms of payout, sponsor bonuses and television coverage.
The Sam Rayburn event is the first of four 2013 qualifying events that guarantee a fully-rigged, Triton 18XS powered by an Evinrude 150 HO package as first-place prize. This plus a budget-friendly, $250 entry fee, plus multiple contingency bonus programs and over 100% payback leads to a buzz among TexasÂ’ anglers. Sights are set on the new Texas Team Trail event on Sam Rayburn Lake, as well as the championship tournament in October on Falcon Lake.
On-site registration is set for Friday, March 1, from 5-7 p.m. at Umphrey Pavilion (5438 RR 255 West, Sam Rayburn, TX 75951). We ask that one team member attend. The tournament will launch Saturday, March 2, at safe light from Umphrey Pavilion and weigh-in will begin at the same location 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 210-788-4143.
Along with title-sponsor Cabela’s, Texas Team Trail has also welcomed Lucas Oil®, Ranger Boats, Stratos Boats, Triton Boats, Evinrude®, Minn Kota®, Talon, RAM Trucks, Lowrance, Power-Pole, Boater’s Insurance®, Amphibia and Artic Ice as official partners.
2013 Scheduled Events
March 2 – Sam Rayburn Lake
April 6 – Lake Ray Roberts
May 4 – Belton Lake
June 1 – Cedar Creek Lake
Championship –
October 12-13 – Falcon Lake
Daiwa Pro Andy Montgomery Previews the hot new line of DAIWA Lexa Baitcasters for 2013!!
Daiwa and Elite Series Pro Andy Montgomery previews the newest and hottest line of Baitcasters from Daiwa--the Lexa Reel Series. Affordable, durable, and effective for almost any tournament angler out there-Click here for more!!
Strike King and Elite Series Pro Andy Montgomery Previews this upcoming 2013 Season!
Strike King and Elite Series Pro Andy Montgomery sits down with us at the Great Outdoors in Cherryville, NC to discuss his upcoming 3rd year on the Bass Master Elite Series and how he has to approach each and every tournament to get to where he needs to be---and that's in the Winners Circle!!
Saturday Team ProBass Winter Trail Fish-Off sponsored by Carolina Coach & Marine won by Hank Cherry and Craig Chambers
Here are the results for the Team ProBass Winter Trail Saturday Fish-Off on Lake Norman. The Sun results were posted on Friday the 23rd of Feb.
| Saturday Winter Trail FISH OFF Results | ||||
| Place | Name | Big Fish | Total Weight | Winnings |
| 1 | Hank Cherry & Craig Chambers | 4.80 | 18.15 | $2,500 Plus 2BF $100 |
| 2 | Pete Betje & Doug Easton | 6.40 | 17.30 | $1,000 Plus BF $220 |
| 3 | Dave Snyder & Byron O’Daniel | 3.90 | 13.85 | $600 |
| 4 | Kevin Toler & Rodney Lambert | 2.90 | 13.45 | $500 |
| 5 | Justin & Shawn Foster | 3.40 | 13.35 | $300 |
| 6 | Scott Hamrick & Roger Hoover | 3.65 | 12.40 | $200 |
| 7 | Robert Stiltner & Alfred Kiesling | 3.65 | 11.65 | $160 |
| 8 | Rob Digh & Louie Hull | 3.05 | 11.50 | $100 |
| 9 | John Miller & Alan Whitaker | 2.95 | 11.40 | |
| 10 | Kenny Hoyle & Todd Phillips | 4.10 | 11.35 | |
| 11 | Ed Douthit & Kerry Murphy | 3.95 | 11.30 | |
| 12 | Shane LeHew & Adam Waters | 2.55 | 10.90 | |
| 13 | Andy & Chuck Montgomery | 2.95 | 10.90 | |
| 14 | Jason Wilson & Kelly Logan | 2.70 | 10.15 | |
| 15 | Matt Haywood & Donnie Cooper | 4.60 | 9.95 | |
| 16 | Steve Addington & Bucky Helms | 2.20 | 9.80 | |
| 17 | Dale Surrett & Brian Morgan | 4.30 | 9.25 | |
| 18 | John Brown & Russell Hoyle | 2.25 | 9.20 | |
| 19 | Jordan Newsome & Kevin Thomas | 2.55 | 8.60 | |
| 20 | Andrew Moretz & Kevin Stanley | 2.60 | 8.35 | |
| 21 | Paul Foley & Tim Watwood | 2.50 | 8.30 | |
| 22 | David Cooke & Dakota Lineberger | 1.90 | 8.25 | |
| 23 | Nathan Davis & Paul Huskins | 3.50 | 8.20 | |
| 24 | Randy Hedrick & William Snapp | 1.65 | 4.85 | |
| 25 | Todd Evans & Victor Blakenship | 2.15 | 2.15 | |
| 26 | Larry LeHew & Troy LeHew | 0.00 | 0.00 | |
| 27 | Cliff Kirby & Rick Dunstan | 0.00 | 0.00 | |
| 28 | Jerry Lineberger & Kenneth Stamey | 0.00 | 0.00 | |
| 29 | David Hildebran & Gary Little | 0.00 | 0.00 | |
| 30 | Matt McBee & Butch Holder | 0.00 | 0.00 | |
| 31 | Shawn Lawrence & Andrew Shundich | 0.00 | 0.00 | |
| 32 | Kenny Hoyle & Jerry Goble | 0.00 | 0.00 | |
2013 Bass Master Classic Re-cap and Regional Tournament Preview with AC Pro Staffer Rob Digh!
AC Pro Staffer Rob Digh checks in to help us look back at a great 2013 Classic on Grand Lake in OK, plus the tremendous finishes we had by 2 local anglers in Hank Cherry (3rd) and Tracy Adams (6th)!! We preview some of the biggest BFL's and Team Trails coming to a lake near you this weekend!!
Gerald Swindle on Tackle Organization - or NOT!
In less than a minute, Gerald Swindle shares a simple, important tip about the tackle organization system that has played such a big role in his success. Or, at least, he hopes to brighten your day and make you feel better about yourself. From 2013 Bassmaster Classic Media Day.
2013 Bassmaster Classic A Classic Indeed!
Needing 8 pounds and change, Pace only had 4 fish to weigh. They weighed 11-8.
He ran a pattern, something other anglers wish they had done more of. "I got caught up fishing history," said local favorite Jason Christie. Mike McClelland also lamented the fact that he focussed more on specific spots than on a pattern that could be duplicated around a section of the lake.
For his part, Palaniuk defined his pattern to a razor's edge. The only problem, there weren't enough similar spots in the part of the lake he chose to focus on. "I only had 7 or 8 spots. They were all 25-to-30 yards long. The good thing about it is that I didn't waste a lot time running around."
Specifically, Palaniuk keyed on transition areas where channel bend structure shifted from a 45-degree angle to roughly a 70-degree angle. And the structure had to be connected to a big spawning flat. Palaniuk found the pattern last February when he took 3 days to visit Grand Lake in anticipation of the 2013 Classic.
Palaniuk will get his chance again. Today he congratulated Pace, a deserving champion. photos courtesy James Overstreet/B.A.S.S.
Pace similarly keyed on prespawn areas adjacent to spawning pockets. His fish weren't way back in the pockets, but they were off the main lake for the most part. Pace used a football jig and dyed the tips of the trailer orange. You can see his break-down of the pattern and technique that won the 2013 Classic in video section of AnglersChannel.com. You can also watch Pace drag that jig in Horse Creek on an upcoming episode of the Progessive Weekend Bass Wrap Up TV Show on NBC Sports.
Hank Cherry of Maiden, NC placed 3rd in his first Classic. Cherry totaled 49 pounds on the week. Video on the jumbo TV at the weigh in showed him losing a 7-pounder at the boat after a prolonged fight. The crowd hurt for the young man who will almost certainly be abck to fish another Classic another day. He relied on experience on Carolina's Lake Norman, which Cherry says fishes similarly to Grand Lake O' the Cherokees.
Mike Iaconelli used the Berkley Havoc Beat Shad, which he showed us in an AnglersChannel.com video from Media Day earlier this week, to finish 4th with 48-5.
Mike McClelland placed 5th with a total weight of 45-5 that included a strong finish with 17--14 today.
Cliff Pace Wins 2013 Bassmaster Classic, Shares Details
After he hoists the trophy on stage, Cliff Pace sits down and gives details of his winning pattern and lure at the final press conference of the 2013 Bassmaster Classic.
Cliff Pace speaks at Day 2 Press Conference
Cliff Pace answers questions about his two outstanding days on Grand Lake. At the Day 2 press conference for the 2013 Bassmaster Classic!
Day 2 Bassmaster Classic Press Conference
Hear a few of the top contenders talk about the tournament. And find out why Ike cussed-out a dog.
Chris Lane Talks About His Big Day 2 Comeback!
Though he fell short of qualifying for the final day, Chris Lane's 18-pound sack today was a sight better than his 0 on day 1. Chris talks about the difference a day makes. Actually he talks about the similarities between the two days.
Palaniuk Changed-Up, Moved Up on Day 2 of Bassmaster Classic
Brandon Palaniuk took the lead mid-way through the day 2 weigh in. He said he made changed tactics and locations. He hopes to carry that momentum into day 3 and end up in the Super Six, yet again.
From the Water - 2013 Bassmaster Classic Day 2 Footage!
What a ZOO! Watch as the flotilla follows Ike when we roll up on Jason Christie. The two were close to each other for a few minutes. Matt Lee caught one for our camera at the 2013 Bassmaster Classic!
Ike, KVD at Press Conference
Mike Iaconelli jumped into a tie for the lead with 21-8. Kevin VanDam lurks nearby in 4th. They speak at the press conference, as does Hank Cherry, currently 3rd.
Jason Christie Reviews Solid Start to 2013 Bassmaster Classic
Local favorite Jason Christie shouldered the pressure and brought 18-12 to the Classic stage. He tells how he did it - you may be surprised at some of the things he has to say.
Hank Cherry Shares Day 1 Pattern Details
He had nearly 21 pounds on his first day of Classic competition and now Hank Cherry is in 3rd place at the 43rd Bassmaster Classic. He reveals quite a bit about his pattern and how his Carolina roots on Lake Norman helped him today.
Cliff Sets the Pace
Cliff Pace smoked 'em on frigid Grand Lake. He put 21 pounds, 8 ounces on the scale, six-and-half of that in one bite. He talks about decisions that lead to his successful start in the 2013 Bassmaster Classic.
Adams, Carter Talk Classic Day 1
Tracy Adams of North Carolina and John Carter, a school teacher from up north, both smashed 'em today on Grand Lake. The two anglers talk.
Rapala Roles Out NEW Scatter Rap Line of Lures at Classic Expo!
As promised by Brandon Palaniuk at yesterday's Media Day, Rapala today unveiled the NEW Scatter Rap line of lures at the Bassmaster Classic Outdoor Expo. These dogs will hunt. And who better to give you your FIRST look at them than Rapala pro staffer and lure designer, Bassmaster Elite Series Pro Bernie Schultz.
NOT a Jerkbait! part 2
More fun from 2013 Bassmaster Classic Media Day - Ish Monroe leads the parade of pros who hope to catch a few bass on something other than a jerkbait in the cold water on Grand Lake this week.
NOT a Jerkbait! part 1
Jerkbaits are fine fish-catchers but a handful of Classic contenders have heard enough about them this week. In this segment G Man, Ike, Ish and others show us some lures that will work in the 43rd Bassmaster Classic. And they are NOT jerkbaits!
Mike Stephens and Hunter Hicks win the Team ProBass Winter Trail Fish-Off sponsored by Carolina Coach & Marine
Here are the results for the Team ProBass Winter Trail Sunday Fish-Off on Lake Norman:
| Sunday Winter Trail FISH OFF Results | |||||
| Place | Team # | Name | Big Fish | Total Weight | Winnings |
| 1 | 79 | Mike Stephens & Hunter Hicks | 4.1 | 15.75 | $2,600 |
| 2 | 19 | John Miller & Alan Whitaker | 3.65 | 13.95 | $1,200 |
| 3 | 65 | Cliff Kirby & Rick Dunstan | 4.6 | 13.45 | $700 |
| 4 | 27 | Brian Morgan & Anthony Lutz | 3.3 | 12.85 | $580 |
| 5 | 26 | Drew Montgomery & Kenny Seagle | 3.5 | 12.75 | $460 |
| 6 | 18 | Hank Cherry & Shane Lineberger | 2.6 | 11.65 | $300 |
| 7 | 47 | Scott Tate & Rick White | 3.2 | 11.65 | $220 |
| 8 | 57 | Shane LeHew & Adam Waters | 3.45 | 11.6 | $110 |
| 9 | 2 | Scott Hamrick & Roger Hoover | 3.65 | 11.25 | |
| 10 | 1 | Pete Bejte & Doug Easton | 3.55 | 11.1 | |
| 11 | 39 | Terry Royston & Graham Rushing | 2.95 | 10.8 | |
| 12 | 55 | Nick Miller & Brandon Brickweg | 2.75 | 10.45 | |
| 13 | 52 | Jason Wilson & Matt Stout | 2.3 | 10.25 | |
| 14 | 6 | Jerry Goble & Kenny Hoyle | 2.55 | 10 | |
| 15 | 28 | Tom Curtis & Chad Schroeder | 2.7 | 9.75 | |
| 16 | 74 | Brian Key & Hunter Key | 3.45 | 9.65 | |
| 17 | 44 | Shane Hawkins & Mark Bolding | 2.2 | 9.4 | |
| 18 | 62 | Tyler Beam & Eric Self | 5.7 | 8.7 | BF $240 |
| 19 | 76 | Rocky Franklin & Yank Latuche | 4.7 | 8.65 | 2BF $110 |
| 20 | 15 | Mike & Brian Branch | 2.35 | 8.6 | |
| 21 | 21 | Darin Fabiano & Jay Sherrill | 2.65 | 8 | |
| 22 | 22 | Mark Zoltanski | 2.3 | 6.6 | |
| 23 | 56 | Tim Harris & Glenn Jones | 4.05 | 5.35 | |
| 24 | 4 | Jeremy Joyner & Joe Robbins | 2.9 | 5.15 | |
| 25 | 58 | Larry LeHew & Troy LeHew | 0 | 0 | |
| 26 | 40 | Van Sexton & Rick McKenzie | 0 | 0 | |
| 27 | 48 | Johnny Allen & Bobby Bill | 0 | 0 | |
| 28 | 67 | Jeff O’Conner & Joshua Goode | 0 | 0 | |
| 29 | 29 | Matt McBee & Mark Weaver | 0 | 0 | |
| 30 | 61 | Jason Yount & Alton Rockett | 0 | 0 | |
| 31 | 69 | Michael Smith & Luke Horn | 0 | 0 | |
| 32 | 32 | Larry Neil & Mark Beaver | 0 | 0 | |
| 33 | 13 | Steve Addington & Bucky Helms | 0 | 0 | |
| 34 | 41 | Keith Westwick & Walter Warren | 0 | 0 | |
| 35 | 72 | Phillip Frady & Robert Webb | 0 | 0 | |
Bitter Cold, Biting Bass as Bassmaster Classic Gets Underway
Professional bass anglers are bad about sandbagging before a tournament. The 43rd Bassmaster Classic has been no exception. The usual poor-mouthing has been made all the easier by frigid weather conditions.
But the anglers have been catching some quality bass in practice. And these are northern strain fish that don't mind the cold as much as do the fishermen.
"It's still going to take 18 or 19 pounds a day to win," said Mike Iaconelli.
Fifteen pounds a day will put an angler near the top, but he will likely need more than that if he wants to hoist the trophy on Sunday.
Jerkbaits have been the the subject of much discussion this week. A handful of pros said today they hope to catch fish on other lures this week. Therefore, we put together a video today titled "This is NOT a jerkbait!" I tried to post it tonight but the internet signal was too weak. I will keep trying. I may have to wait until the media center opens tomorrow, but I will share the anglers' fun responses with y'all ASAP.
The temperature at blastoff tomorrow is expected to be 23 degrees, but thanks to the wind chill factor, it will feel like 13. That's before the anglers drop the hammer and run 70 mph across the water.
Everyone here is buzzing about the big warm up this weekend when Sunday's high might peak at 58 degrees.
Look for those jerkbaits to play a role, along with various types of jigs, crankbaits, Chatterbaits, even Rat-L-Trap type lures.
And look for some weight to hit the scale at the BOK Center in Tulsa Oklahoma!
Big Bags, Big Fish Expected At Spring Catt Opener On Wateree Saturday
Stevey Walker and Craig Matthews caught 18.03 to win the TOM CATT tournament on Wateree last week
The last Saturday in February has always been the opening date for the Carolina Anglers Team Tournament's Spring Trail on Lake Wateree and historically the fishing has been excellent, said CATT tournament owner Brett Collins.
Collins said he expects the same kind of outcome for the 2013 opener on Wateree Saturday.
“Last year the winning weight was almost 24 pounds and the big fish was just shy of 8 pounds,” Collins said.
“Look for some multiple bags over 20 pounds Saturday and plenty of 4- and 5-pounders to go around. Several of the guys in the TOM CATT on Wateree last Saturday reported catching 15 to 20 bass.”
In fact, Collins noted, Stevey Walker and Craig Mathews took 1st place in the TOM CATT at Lake Wateree with 5 bass that weighed 18 pounds, 3 ounces, and won $520. Butch Williams, who finished 7th with 8.04 pounds, had the big fish at 6.09 pounds.
“It does not take much to push the fish up shallow at Wateree,” Collins said, “and the water level has been just right this month for the bass to start pulling up on the points. Bass are being caught on a variety of baits right now, but the best bet is to stick with a jig and a shallow crankbait.”
Collins said the Wateree opener has been averaging about 50 boats and he expects about the same number for Saturday's tournament.
“In 2012 CATT paid back over $50,000 on Lake Wateree for the third years in a row and we hope to break that mark this year,” he said.
The Wateree Spring Trail includes five qualifiers: Feb. 23, March 2, March 9, March 16 and March 23, with the final April 6, all out of Clearwater Cove. The 2013 CATT Classic will be held May 18-19 on Kerr Lake.
The CATT Trail, Old North CATT Trail and Yadkin CATT pay back 100 percent of entry fees.
A team only has to enter one original CATT qualifier on a lake to be eligible to enter the final on that lake.
CATT Membership is $30 per person and the entry fee for a CATT qualifier is $80 per team by mail, $90 per team if paid at the ramp. The CATT Final entry fee is $120 per team, $130 if paid at the ramp.
The optional CATT BONUS (side pot) is $25, with $20 of that going into the total paid back to the highest finishing team in the side pot with $5 going to pay for plaques for Final winners.
Teams from the original CATT 2012 Summer, 2012 Fall, and 2013 Spring Trails will be eligible to enter the 2013 CATT Classic. The Classic entry fee is $225 per team, $250 if paid at the pre- Classic meeting or at the ramp. The optional BONUS (side pot) fee of $50 will go into the total to be paid back to the top two teams in the side pot in a 70-30 split.
The CATT Classic is a 100 percent payback event. CATT Classic entry fees, BONUS dollars and the CATT Classic fund will make up the CATT Classic purse.
Carolina Anglers Team Trail
Sat, Feb 23, 2013
Lake Wateree
Clearwater Cove Marina
Call Brett Collins 803-413-7521
Boats Unlimited Bass Trail Qualifier #1 Results - Shearon Harris - Feb 16, 2013
1st Place team Jaime Fajardo and Phillip Eakes
60 teams showed up for the 1st qualifying tournament of the 2013 Boats Unlimited NC Team Tournament Bass ‪Trail. The weather man hit it just about on the nose with the forecast. 42 degrees in the morning and about 38
‪for the rest of the day with cold rain turning to big snowflakes with winds 5 to 10 mph. It was a very tough day ‪for these determined anglers! Turnout would have been more if the weather had been nicer.
‪Jaime Fajardo & Phillip Eakes took 1st place honors with 4 bass weighing 24.15 lbs. They won the 1st place money & the Tournament Within A Tournament for a total of $2,447 plus the BOATS UNLIMITED NC 1st
‪place $1,000 bonus for a grand total of $3,447. Upon verification, they will also receive the Stratos 2X bonus, $3,447, bringing their total winnings to a whopping $6,894 !! Billy & Stump Bledsoe won 2nd place, 1st Place ‪Big Fish and 2nd place TWT for a grand total of $1,977.
‪Only 92 fish were weighed in for a total weight of 258 pounds. Most fish were caught from 3 to 15 feet of water on a variety of baits including jerk baits, Senkos, big plastic worms, jigs & crankbaits for the most part. The ‪hot baits for the day reported to be crankbaits! Water temps were around 48 degrees. I want to thank all the ‪anglers that participated and that support this trail.
Our next tournament will be the CBS Quality Cars
‪NC Triangle Area Team Bass Spring Mini Trail Qualifier #1
‪at Shearon Harris, this Saturday February 23rd out of Holleman's Crossing Ramp.
All the information on our tournaments can be found at: www.piedmontbassclassics.com
2nd Place team Billy and Stump Bledsoe
Now here are the full results:
1st Place: Jaime Fajardo & Phillip Eakes of Fuquay-Varina & Rougemont...4 bass...24.15 lbs...$1,152
2nd Place: Billy & Stump Bledsoe of Fayetteville & Hope Mills...4 bass...18.04 lbs...$624
3rd Place: Stephen Lasher & Cody Shuffler of Bahama & Hickory...4 bass...13.82 lbs...$528
4th Place: Curtis & Charles Vaughn of Rougemont & Timberlake...2 bass...13.16 lbs...$480
5th Place: Jerry Marshburn & Rick Ohlson of Sanford & Garner...5 bass...12.99 lbs...$384
6th Place: Allen White & Drew Johnson of Clayton...4 bass...12.66 lbs...$336
7th Place: Geno McCree & Phillip Johnson of Durham...5 bass...11.37 lbs...$288
8th Place: Ricky Petty & Jason Michael of Gibsonville & Reidsville...4 bass...11.21 lbs...$240
9th Place: Neil Roberson & Jeff Barfield of Rocky Mount & Holly Springs...4 bass...11.18 lbs...$240
10th Place: Rodger Clary & Merle Knott of Butner & Durham...2 bass...10.55 lbs...$192
11th Place: John White & Jayme Herron of Wake Forrest & Smithfield...3 bass...10.15 lbs...$192
12th Place: KC Choosakul & Michael Allen of Cameron & Sanford...5 bass...10.01 lbs...$144
1st Place Big Fish..2nd Place Team above: 7.77 lbs...$798
2nd Place Big Fish..6th Place Team above: 7.61 lbs...$342
1st Place TWT..1st Place Team above: 24.15 lbs...$1,295
2nd Place TWT..2nd Place Team above: 18.04 lbs...$555
‪For all our tournament information contact:
‪Phil McCarson ... Tournament Director
‪919-471-1571 or 919-971-5042
‪email: [email protected]
‪web: www.piedmontbassclassics.com
Media Day at the Classic!
The delightful snow that had residents sledding down highway overpass embankments and kids engaging in snowball fights yesterday has turned into cold rain this morning and it's expected to continue throughout the day.
That means that while our Classic competitors are fielding questions at Media Day the lake is changing.
Grand Lake, 90 miles northeast of the festivities in Tulsa, will likely turn muddy. If it takes a couple of days to do so, as some locals expect, then we may see heavy weights out of the gate on day 1 followed by a changing bite as the tournament wears on.
There's much speculation that the big bass are eating right now. There have been reports of 25-pound stringers in practice.
We'll try to dig up some intel at the luncheon today and keep our AnglersChannel.com followers ahead of the game.
Right now, if you're playing fantasy fishing, go ahead and pick Kevin VanDam. He's not talking a lot, but he has a sly smile on his face and this is his type of tournament - pattern-based and with changeable conditions that require daily, if not hourly adjustments.
Jason Christie is also a no-brainer, as is Tommy Biffle. Those who've talked with him say Biffle is on some really good, really hard to find stuff in some unusual places. The home field advantage will be just that this week.
Well, I'm fixin' to go listen to a bunch of, "aw shucks, I'm not on anything real strong" and other tales from 50-some-odd guys who hope to win the Classic trophy and $500,000. As Rick Clunn once told me during a Media Day interview, "I am on auto pilot right now. I can sit here and answer your questions but my mind is out on the water still trying to put the puzzle together."
With the constant change in weather, our pros are likely to have their heads on Grand Lake's water near Grove, OK as their butts are in their boats at the Tulsa Expo Pavillion this morning.
Welcome to the White Classic!
AnglersChannel.com is on location in Tulsa, OK for the 43rd Bassmaster Classic. When the plane touched down it did so on a blanket of white.
No matter how Classic 43 ends, it has already made history before the first competition round takes place. This will be known as "The White Classic".
If it is snowing like this in Tulsa, it can only be more extreme up in Grove, OK where the anglers will launch to fish Grand Lake O' the Cherokees.
Water temperature will play a role, perhaps not as much as some of us expect.
And snow indicates a low pressure system which generally encourages bass to bite.
The jerkbait bite will be strong as long as water stays clear.
If the water takes a stain from melted snow and rain the next couple of days, we could certainly see the football jig take over as the dominant lure when bass lock down on hard structure.
Stay tuned. It's going to be an educational week.
Bassmaster Classic Preview With Ott Defoe
Deep Insights: To Cast or Not to Cast
How bass-fishing phenom Ott DeFoe uses Humminbird Side Imaging, and soon to be 360, in deep water to decide whether to fish or move on
Grand Lake, Oklahoma (02/20/2013) - Time is always of the essence during tournaments. Fish found throughout pre-fishing still might be there. Then again… maybe not.
There was an era when countless hours were exhausted casting into deep-water just to figure out whether the fish were in the area or had turned tail and absconded the scene. Not anymore, however, when using Humminbird Side Imaging and new 360.
Enter Tennessee Elite pro Ott DeFoe - Bassmaster’s 2011 Rookie of the Year, coming in 4th for Angler of the Year during that same time frame, as well an astonishing 2nd runner up for the esteemed title in 2012. The 27-year-old has been using Side Imaging, and will be using 360 in the future, to literally see firsthand whether he will be making a cast or moving on.
One fish two fish
“I first realized how crucial Side Imaging was in 2010, the only year I didn’t have it on my boat,” DeFoe says. “Immediately I noticed the amount of time I was spending fishing for bass that weren’t even there. And then I confirmed the importance of this technology in one single cast.”
It was in 2012 when DeFoe was pre-fishing his home waters of Douglas Lake, Tennessee, and came to a deep water area off a point that usually holds fish. “But I could see on Side Imaging there were no fish there, so I didn’t make a cast” he added. “And then I went around the corner and saw one single fish, made a cast to it and, Wham!, it whacked my bladebait. One fish. A single cast.” Defoe now understood the power of Side Imaging. A few feet down the rock-strewn bottom in deep-water and he spied another single fish. Three lobs later and that fish was in the boat, as well.”
Point made.
“Nowadays, during tournaments with a deep-water bite, I find myself moving along at idle speed looking for fish while watching the screen of my Humminbird in Side Imaging mode more than I am casting,” DeFoe claims. “If I don’t see fish, I don’t cast. The technology’s that good. I’m covering more water and catching more fish because of it. Basically, if I’m in someone else’s boat without it, I feel like a golfer’s lost ball in high weeds.”
Look out below… and above
DeFoe’s probed the depths with Side Imaging for bass in water as deep as 70 feet—the technology working wonders in water fathoms deeper for fish that live lower yet.
But the majority of his deep water casts are made in water up to 40 feet, where he sets his sonar to search 100 feet to the sides for a better defined look at what lies below. If DeFoe finds heavy cover like a freshly-made crib or brush pile he’ll still make a few casts, just in case fish are tucked deep within its innards. But if cruising over open water with structure like rocks or slab wood, he’ll move on until he marks fish.
The Elite pro has also used Side Imaging to scan the upper reaches of the water column for schooling fish suspended over deep water flats, as well.“Humminbird’s new 360 is really going to open up this bite to anyone willing to use it,” he says.
Thank goodness for catch and release.
Believer
Although Ott Defoe’s career hasn’t been long in the making, he’s the rich cream that’s instantaneously risen to the top. And Humminbird Side Imaging has been there the majority of his professional time on the water. Seeing fish firsthand, casting to them and catching them has made a believer out of this phenomenal bass fisher. And it will for you, too.
About Johnson Outdoors, Inc.
Johnson Outdoors Marine Electronics, Inc. consists of the Humminbird, LakeMaster, Minn Kota and Cannon brands. Humminbird® is a leading innovator and manufacturer of fishfinders, fishfinder/GPS combo units, ice flashers and digital depth gauges. LakeMaster® is the premier brand of high-definition electronic fishing charts. Minn Kota® is the world’s leading manufacturer of electric trolling motors, as well as offers a complete line of shallow water anchors, battery chargers and marine accessories. Cannon® is the leader in controlled-depth fishing and includes a full line of downrigger products and accessories.
Big Bass Biting For Airport Marine Opener On Jordan Lake, But Fishing Will Be Crowded
Here's a pic from the Feb 2012 tournament on Jordan. It took 20.65 lbs to win it!
The big bass have been on a feeding frenzy in Alabama's Jordan Lake, so the fishing should be very good for the opening tournament in the 2013 Airport Marine Tournament Trail Saturday. But, anglers might have to wait in line to cast at a bass, said tournament director Flynn Gerald.
“There are about five or six other tournaments down there on the Jordan River besides us this weekend, so it's going to be crowded,” Gerald said. “I don't know what effect that might have on our tournament.”
However, Gerald noted that Airport Marine has the biggest tournament payout in the region.
“I think the other tournaments pay maybe $1,000 for first place at most and then maybe four or five places. We are paying up to $6,000 for first place and paying 15 or 16 places.”
What makes that big purse even more attractive, he noted, is that it comes with only a $100 entry fee per boat.
“We actually pay back more money than we take in and no other tournament does that. If you buy a boat from us and win we give you $3,000 just for buying the boat from Airport Marine. If it's a Triton you get another $7,000. If you run an Evinrude that's $5,000 more, and if you tow your boat with a truck from Gilmore Ford you get another $5,000. That adds up to a possible $23,000. And, if you fish with a kid or as a mixed couple you get another $500.”
Another bonus, he said, is anglers only have to fish one tournament in the six-tournament series to qualify for the Classic which also has a $100 entry fee and carries a potential first place prize of $50,000.
Some anglers, he said, want to double up Saturday and fish one of the other tournaments along with the Airport marine tournament.
“I will work with anybody as much as I can. But our tournament pays back so much they will have to blast off with us Saturday morning. If they can make arrangements with the tournament across the river to sign up with them and then blast off with us, fine. I've set our scales up where they can weigh in with us and then with the other tournament.”
Gerald said the weather is expected to be good for the tournament, with a slight chance of rain Saturday. Some rain fell Monday night which could muddy the water a little, he added.
“I think we are going to have really good fishing Saturday. The weather is going to dictate a mixed bag and I don't believe the spots (spotted bass) will dominate in this tournament. For whatever reason the big fish are feeding right now so the fishing will be great.”
The only problem, he said, is all the anglers that will be on the lake this Saturday.
“But the following Wednesday we will be right back down at Jordan and there won't be anybody fishing but us,” he said. The Airport Marine Midweek EZ Solo Trail, which annually draws a large number of boats on Wednesdays – starts Feb. 27.
“No skiers, No jet skis, no pontoons and no partners that always causes you to lose. Just us fishermen that don't have to work or won't work. We can fish alone and have the opportunity to be a hero or a zero” Gerald said.
“Entry fee for the mid-week trail is $70 per boat with an optional $5 big fish pot. There is a one time $30 initiation fee to be paid back in full at the Classic.
Airport Marine Tournament Trail
Sat, Feb 23, 2013
Jordan Lake - AL
Bonner's Landing
Call Flynn Gerald 205-678-9666
Barn Burner Expected For Chattanooga Bass Association Opener On Chickamauga Saturday
Here's a nice football from a previous CBA tournament!
Tournament director Justin Medley has predicted an “absolute barn burner” for the Chattanooga Bass Association’s first tournament of the year on Chickamauga Lake Saturday – and with good reason.
“There have been tons of fish over 8 pounds and a good many fish over 10 pounds caught in Chickamauga in the past few weeks. There was a dogfight on the lake last Sunday in a 19-boat tournament. Four bags over 30 pounds were weighed in and three fish over 10 pounds were weighed in.”
The Chattanooga Bass Association tournament will be the first tournament on the lake this year with the caliber of fishermen it draws regularly, so the weigh-in should be really impressive, he said.
“We expect to see some really heavy weights. It will probably take 35 pounds to win the tournament and 30 pounds to even get in the top 15.”
Anglers can weigh in largemouth bass at least 15 inches long and Kentucky spotted bass at least 12 inches long. Each contestant may also weigh one smallmouth bass at least 18 inches long. The big fish in a tournament will win 60 percent of the big fish pot with 20 percent paid to anglers who have the biggest fish in the other two species.
Medley said between 80 and 100 boats are expected for the season opener.
“Everybody is ready to get the season started. This is our 36th consecutive year and it's an open event. We are attracting anglers from more than 150 miles away. Even people who don't fish will be at the weigh-in Saturday at Chester Frost Park.”
First place in the CBA tournaments pays $2,000. Fishermen must fish seven of the regular season events to qualify for the classic at the end of the year. At the classic first place is guaranteed $10,000. Last year more than $60,000 in cash and prizes was awarded at the classic, Medley said.
The tournaments are family-friendly, he noted, with special divisions for adult-youth teams and new teams.
“Both the new and youth teams will compete against other new and youth teams. The youths in youth teams get to fish at half the entry fee and the highest finishing youth team in an event wins free entry into the following tournament The same applies to the new teams. The highest finishing new teams get free entry into the next event.”
The Chattanooga Bass Association requires a one-time $50 process feet for each participant who wants to receive points towards entry into the year-end classic and receive year-end prizes and new team prizes. The entry fee is $120 per boat for each tournament, $60 for a youth division team.
A youth division team must have one participant who is 16 years or younger at the time he purchases his process number. A new team is one that did not compete in more than one CBA open event during the 2012 season.
The Chattanooga Bass Association is a non-profit community service organization founded by community leaders in 1976. It was designed to offer a top quality open fishing circuit to Chattanooga and surrounding areas; while enhancing Chattanooga’s economic growth and recreational potential.
Chattanooga Bass Association
Sat, Feb 23, 2013
Chickamauga Lake
Chester Frost Park
Call Justin Medley 423-667-5054
RANGER BOATS SENDS STRONG FIELD INTO 2013 BASSMASTER CLASSIC
Ranger Pros in the 2013 Bassmaster Classic:
Tommy Biffle – B.A.S.S. Elite Series qualifier
Jason Christie – B.A.S.S. Opens qualifier
Mark Dove – B.A.S.S. Nation Championship qualifier
Jared Knuth – B.A.S.S. Nation Championship qualifier
Ish Monroe – B.A.S.S. Elite Series qualifier
Takahiro Omori – B.A.S.S. Series qualifier
David Walker – B.A.S.S. Elite Series qualifier
In addition to its field of qualifiers, Ranger Boats enters the 2013 Bassmaster Classic Outdoors Expo with one of the industry’s most sought-after displays. The Expo will serve as the official unveiling of Ranger’s all-new Tournament Series aluminum line, offering customers a first-hand look at the new 17-foot-8-inch and 18-foot-8-inch models. The factory display is further highlighted by the Z520C Comanche, the all-new Ranger flagship many of the Classic pros will be fishing from this season. Visitors to the booth will also be eligible for Ranger’s 45th Anniversary retail promotion, offering up to $1,450 in bonus benefits with a qualified purchase.
Ranger founder and Hall of Famer Forrest L. Wood will also be present at the display, along with some of the greatest anglers to ever take to the weigh-in stand. Visitors to the Ranger booth can meet with and gain professional insight from a collection of Ranger loyalists, who, between them, have amassed several Bassmaster Classic titles and millions of dollars in combined career winnings.
Appearing in the Ranger Boats booth:
Forrest L. Wood
Hank Parker
Jimmy Houston
Denny Brauer
Jay Yelas
For Bassmaster Classic attendees – and those who wish they were – who want behind-the-scenes access to the tournament, inside looks at Ranger products and personalities or a chance to win prizes, follow Ranger Boats on Twitter (@RangerBoats) or become a fan on Facebook.
About Ranger Boats
Headquartered in Flippin, Ark., Ranger Boats is the nation's premier manufacturer of legendary fiberglass and aluminum fishing boats, which include series of bass, multi-species, fish 'n play, water fowl utility and saltwater boats. Founded in 1968 by Forrest L. Wood, Ranger Boats continues its commitment to building the highest-quality, strongest-performing boats on the water. For more information, go to RangerBoats.com.
"retired" Evinrude Pro Denny Brauer Wins Everstart On Toledo Bend!
Oddly enough, the fish-close strategy played into his hands as the day 1 start was delayed by a 3-hour fog delay.
When the fog lifted, many anglers endured painful rides over big waves as they ran to far-flung reaches of the monstrous reservoir.
Brauer just pitched a Strike King Premier Pro Model Jig and Rage Craw Trailer around nearby docks for three days.
He piled-up 56 pounds, 8 ounces and won by a margin of 2-12.
Way to enjoy retirement, Mr. Brauer!
2013 Carolina's Bass Challenge brings SNOW and $15,000 to winners-Full results here!
With 170 teams showing up on a cold morning in Feb, you had to expect the stakes were high. It's just not normal to see these types of turnouts for a team trail even in early spring with the Spawn at full tilt. Well, times have changed, and the CBC has created one heck of a following and some incredible payouts to boot. Jason Wilson and Kelly Logan brought in 15.44 Lbs to win the $10,000 1st place prize, but because they were also in the highest place finishing Skeeter/Yamaha rig, they collected another $5,000 to bring their one day haul to $15,000! Congrats to all who fished, and click on the attachment at the bottom for a full breakout of the weights, with BF included as well.
2013 CBC Lake Norman Champions Kelly Logan and Jason Wilson
2013 CBC 2nd Place Team of Jerry Goble and Todd Phillips: ALL SMILES WITH THIER $5000 Check in Hand!!
Anglers Will Petty and Barry Bost hold up their Snow Stringer!
2013 CBC Lake Norman Snow Covered BOAT!!
Cbc Lake Norman Champions Jason Wilson And Kelly Logan Take Home $15,000!!
On one of the wildest weather days ever, 170 teams turned out for the 1st CBC NC Div event on Lake Norman and with snow falling throughout the weigh-in, Jason Wilson and Kelly Logan take home ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS for every LB they weighed in.....15.44 Lbs equated to a $15,000 payday--Click to hear them talk about it!
Snowfall Weigh-In? Thats Exactly What We Had At The Cbc Lake Norman Event This Afternoon
Ever seen or been at a weigh-in with snowfall? Well, neither had we until today out at Lake Norman for the 2nd event of this years Carolina's Bass Challenge. This is not long but gives you a real good idea just how unique this really was!!
2013 Anglers Choice Marine Team Trail Preview With Director Chris Lucas
Anglers Choice Marine Team Trail Director Chris Lucas checks in before kicking off what most think will be one of the top team trails in the country for 2013. With almost a 200 boat average last year, and the addition of a North Carolina division, turn outs and paybacks look to be at all time highs starting in March at Smith Mtn Lake!
FLW Pros Entertain School Kids, and Vice Versa
The day before competition began at Lake Okeechobee, a few FLW Tour pros visited Westside Elementary School in Clewiston, Fla. They read books and introduced kids to the sport of tournament fishing, along with the boats and equipment used by modern anglers. it's hard to say who had more fun, the kids or the grownups.
Soft Plastics Ban - Coming to Your State Next?
On January 17th in the state of Maine, State Representative Paul Davis introduced a bill to outlaw the use of all “rubber” lures.
Representative Davis is so disconnected from the outdoors lifestyle that he thinks rubber is a standard material in the production of fishing lures. That’s the level of ignorance we, as anglers, are fighting just to protect our sport and our opportunities to engage in it.
All soft lures would likely be lumped into the “rubber” category by bureaucrats who don’t know any better and simply don’t care.
The politicians in this story are separated from most of us by distance. But, as the theory goes, none of us is separated from anyone else on the planet by more than just a few contacts. The faulty logic exhibited by Representative Davis will, without doubt, be embraced by other politicians in other states who desperately want to prove to their ultra-liberal constituency that they too are working for ‘CHANGE’.
It’s happening in Maine now. But no state is immune from the current wave of bias against wholesome family recreation.
Now is the time for action, no matter where you live. If you’re reading this and you don’t take 15 seconds to click a couple of buttons on your computer screen . . .
And to the vast majority of sportsmen who do care and do respond to this call for help – THANKS!
Click below to help:
http://keepamericafishing.salsalabs.com/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=8vndooeBSDLf%2F74sUfuKEYtY9Jdl4baM
Robinson Looking For A Reason To Dance Again In His Second Bassmaster Classic
Marty Robinson of Lyman, SC. Photo credits Bassmaster/James Overstreet
Marty Robinson was so pumped for the first day weigh-in of his first Bassmaster Classic last year on the Red River in Louisiana that he started dancing on the deck of his boat.
Robinson, who loves to dance with his wife, had told her jokingly that when he made his first Classic he was going to dance, “and she held me to it,” he said. “ Anytime you come out on the big stage like that, you see all the fans and start feeling the music and adrenaline takes over.”
That was his first Bassmaster Classic and he finished 29th. The 2013 Bassmaster Classic next week on Oklahoma's Grand lake of the Cherokees will be his second and the Lyman, S.C., pro hopes he has a lot more to inspire some dancing moves than adrenaline.
“In your first Classic it's hard to take in everything. I think the second time around you are over the jitters and can fish a little more relaxed, make better decisions and don't rush yourself like the first time,” he said.
And BASS could not have picked a better lake for the Classic, Robinson said, because not only does it fish to his strengths, it has been very, very good to him in previous tournaments. He finished 7th in his first Elite Series tournament on the lake in 2007, his first top 10 finish in the series, and last November Robinson and his partner James Blythe topped the field at the 4th annual Fish & Chips combination fishing and Texas Hold’em Poker tournament on Grand Lake. In two days of tournament competition, he brought in a total of 35.93 pounds that included a day two limit of 20.04 pounds, the only 20-pound bag of the tournament.
Even the 2007 Elite tournament, which was held in the hot summer, should help him in this Classic, Robinson said.
“The pattern I fished then probably won't come into play a whole lot in the Classic, but some of the areas I caught those fish in will. In that tournament I weighed in several 20-pound bags and when you catch them like that in a pretty good area you know they live there,” he said.
“Each day I would have fish follow up. I'd catch a 4-pounder and there would be 10 to 15 bass with it, so there are a lot of quality fish in those areas. I might have to catch them a little different, but I know there are some good fish there – and any time you do well on a lake it builds your confidence.”
Grand Lake matches his style of fishing, Robinson said.
“It's got a lot of rock and it's a really good jig lake. It's also a good cranking lake and those are the two ways I like to catch fish. It's also got a lot of docks and I like to fish docks.”
Robinson said many of the places he caught fish in the Fish & Chips tournament last November should also be good spots to fish next week.
He plans to spend the pre-Classic practice period Friday-Sunday looking for fish in medium depth areas, the 10- to 15-foot zone, he said. Then on the final practice day next Wednesday before the start of the Classic he'll be doing some last minute checks on potentially productive spots.
“The fish in those deeper zones are a little harder to find, so I'll look for them in practice. In the Classic I can always run down a stretch of bank and check the shallow water fishing.”
Robinson, who earned the nickname Marty the Party with his dancing moves in the 2012 Classic, is hoping for a good reason to bust some moves on-stage next week.
“It just depends on how the first day goes,” he said. “If I have something good to bring in I probably will be dancing.”
Bassmaster Classic Preview
Feb 22-24, 2013
Grand Lake
Entries And Payback Keep Growing As Carolinas Bass Challenge Heads To Lake Norman
Shane Lehew and Larry Lahew won on Norman in 2012!
The Carolinas Bass Challenge keeps flying skyward like a rocket to Mars with big entries and even bigger paydays for fishermen – and it's expected to keep right on sailing Saturday with the North Carolina Division qualifier on Lake Norman.
“Last year we had over 140 teams enter the Lake Norman tournament and it was the biggest payout over the qualifiers,” said Carolinas Bass Challenge owner-director Brett Collins. “Shane Lineberger and Hank Cherry took home $12,500 for the win in that tournament.”
Collins said that with entries coming in at the pace they have been the tournament Saturday could top 200 teams.
“Several teams from Virginia have entered and some South Carolina teams will be in there along with the North Carolina guys,” he said.
The official launch site is Pinnacle Landing on Highway 150, but Collins said teams will be allowed to put in at other sites and come to the launch by water.
“Fishing has been good at times on Lake Norman and in February it is always good,” he said, adding that he expects it will take 16 to 18pounds to win.
“Alabama Rigs are still taking a lot of bass, but the jig and crankbaits will bring in their share,” he said.
Each CBC has an off limit period starting the Sunday night before the event at 12 a.m. and extends the entire week up to Saturday morning. Winners at each tournament are polygraphed.
“We are guaranteeing First Place a minimum of $8,000 at each CBC Qualifier,” Collins said. “In 2012 First Place winners at CBC events averaged taking home $10,000.”
Also new for 2013, he added, the highest placing Skeeter/Yamaha owner will take home a $5,000 bonus, no matter the year of the boat. The Skeeter Real Money Program sanctions all the CBC events.
“This year we added Lakes Hartwell and Clarks Hill to the South Carolina CBC schedule and we added Lakes Jordan and Falls to the North Carolina schedule,” Collins said.
“Two Skeeter TZX190/150 Yamaha HPDI boat rigs will be awarded with one going to the winning team at the South Carolina Championship at Lake Hartwell in September. Another will be awarded at the September North Carolina Championship on Lake Wylie. The winners of the Oct 26-27 Lake Murray CBC Classic will take home a ZX200/200Yamaha SHO rig worth $48,000.”
Carolinas Bass Challenge - North Carolina Division
Sat, Feb 16, 2013
Lake Norman
Call Brett Collins 803-413-7521
www.carolinasbasschallenge.com
Fishing Getting Good Just In Time For Bassmaster Weekend Series On Lake Murray
Fishing is heating up on Lake Murray just in time for the Bassmaster Weekend Series South Carolina Division tournament this Saturday.
“In a tournament last weekend it took about 25 pounds to win,” said Kevin Rake, a BWS pro staffer who lives near Lake Murray. In fact, it took 24.78 pounds for first place in the Carolinas Bass Challenge qualifier on Lake Murray last Saturday and the top 12 teams had over 20 pounds. The CBC paid through 33rd place which had over 15 pounds.
“The fish are starting to move up on the points real good,” said Rake. “You can catch them on crankbaits and some guys are catching them on spinnerbaits and jerkbaits.”
Rake said the fishing is a little better up the rivers, but anglers have to know the water up there to fish it effectively.
“Generally, down the lake they are starting to move up on secondary points and moving back in the creeks. They are not far back in the creeks yet. It is just a matter of finding the right point,” he said.
“If the weather holds fishing should be good this weekend,”
Billy Benedetti, BWS tournament manager, said he expects 50 to 60 boats to fish the tournament, “maybe more.”
Getting a fix on how many anglers have registered has been hard because the computers have been down at their headquarters, he said.
“Registration will be held from 4 to 6:30 p.m. Friday at Dreher Island State Park with the meeting to follow at 7 p.m.,” he said.
The anglers are fishing both for money and for the opportunity to advance to higher levels of competition, said Benedetti, who noted that the payback is based on the number of boats entered.
“The goal for these anglers is to make it all the way to the National Championship and on to the 2014 Bassmaster Classic. A win in the BWS National Championship would bring the pro angler $100,000 and a win for a co-angler would mean $50,000, Benedetti said.
Bassmaster Weekend Series - South Carolina Division
Sat, Feb 16, 2013
Lake Murray
Dreher Island State Park
Call Billy Benedetti 256-230-5632
From Bassmaster Southern Open - White Refuels Ranger, Reviews Day 1
Danny White made the long run to the south end of sprawling Lake Kissimmee. As he refuels his Ranger for another high-speed race on day 2, White talks about how day 1 went and how he adjusted to finicky fish with a one-two lure combination that put a limit in his livewell.
BRP Launches Optimus 360
BRP LAUNCHES OPTIMUS 360 BY SEASTAR POWER STEERING AND JOYSTICK DOCKING CONTROL TECHNOLOGY
Optimus 360 delivers state-of-the-art power steering and joystick docking control to V6 engines in Evinrude E-TEC lineup
Sturtevant, Wis., Feb. 14, 2013 – BRP announced today the introduction of Optimus 360 by SeaStar, an integrated power steering and joystick docking control specifically designed for boats running twin Evinrude E-TEC V6 outboard engines that are equipped with the Evinrude ICON electronic shift and throttle (EST) system.
With customizable steering resistance and response along with speed-sensitive helm turn ratios, Optimus 360’s revolutionary power steering system provides virtually effortless shift and control at all RPM speeds – from idle to wide-open throttle. Consumers can set the lock-to-lock steering ratio according to boat speed in order to fit their unique needs.
The three-axis joystick docking control with Optimus 360 offers improved control of the boat in docking, launching and retrieving the boat from the trailer and maneuvering the boat in crowded harbors and marinas. SmartCylinders with rudder position sensors allow twin Evinrude E-TEC engines to be controlled independently or in tandem to maneuver the boat sideways, diagonally, forward and backwards, or rotate on its axis.
“Integrated into the Evinrude E-TEC platform, Optimus 360 by SeaStar will give boat operators a new level of control for their vessel and confidence in their own maneuvering skills,” said Larry Koschak, Senior Product Specialist at BRP’s Evinrude Outboard Engine Division. “This technology will improve the overall steering experience at all speeds and greatly reduce the stress level felt by operators as they maneuver in tight situations.”
Suitable for many applications such as offshore center consoles, catamarans, high performance cruisers and other popular twin and triple engine boats, Optimus 360 integrates seamlessly into the Evinrude ICON system to eliminate bulky controls and system complexity, leaving consumers with an affordable choice of rigging options.
“The market for joystick and power steering options for both the new package and repower segments is growing, and we are excited to be working with SeaStar engineers to bring this advanced technology to Evinrude E-TEC enthusiasts,” said Thomas Mason, Evinrude North American PAC Business Unit Manager.
Optimus 360 by SeaStar will be available for installation from authorized Evinrude E-TEC boat builders and dealerships beginning April 2013. Visitors to the Miami International Boat Show can stop by the BRP booth at the Miami Convention Center from Feb. 14-18 to take a virtual test drive of Optimus 360 technology. Consumers also can try out the technology first hand, which will be rigged on an Andros Offshore 32’, at Sea Isle Marina during the show.
For more information on Optimus 360 by SeaStar for Evinrude E-TEC engines, visit www.teleflexmarine.com.
BRP's Evinrude engine line-up from 3.5- to 300 horsepower offers customers superior value across a full range of applications. Engines are available at authorized Evinrude dealerships worldwide. Become part of the online Evinrude community at www.evinrudenation.com and follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/brpevinrude.
BRP US Inc.
Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. (BRP), a privately-held company, is a world leader in the design, development, manufacturing, distribution and marketing of motorized recreational vehicles. Its portfolio of brands and products includes: Ski-Doo and Lynx snowmobiles, Sea‑Doo watercraft, Evinrude and Johnson outboard engines, Can-Am all‑terrain and side-by-side vehicles and roadsters, as well as Rotax engines. BRP products are distributed in more than 100 countries.
Sea-Doo, Ski-Doo, Lynx, Evinrude, E-TEC, Johnson, Can-Am, Rotax and the BRP logo are trademarks of Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. or its affiliates. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
FLW Rookie Prouty Dissects Decisions from First Tour Tourney
JP Prouty took to Lake Okeechobee a day after missing the FLW Tour top 20 cut (by 1 pound, 7 ounces) to do a postmortem exam of his first-ever tour-level event. What he found, and what he didn't, will help him sleep better and have confidence in his decision-making abilities.
