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 talks Evinrude G2
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.
Dance, Houston, Martin Invite You To Lunch February 16Th
Brandon McMillan explains 'one-two punch' for Okeechobee bass in recent Rayovac FLW tourney
Local pro Brandon McMillan knows Lake Okeechobee, and its bass, well. He placed 6th in the recent Rayovac FLW Series event by using a 'one-two punch', combining a couple of effective techniques. Hear him tell about it in this video.
Trevor Fitzgerald talks about Rayovac FLW pattern on Okeechobee
Trevor Fitzgerald finished 5th in the recent Rayovac FLW Series tourney ao Lake Okeechobee. The owner of Fitzgerald Rods tells us about his productive pattern.
Scott Martin recaps Rayovac performance
Scott Martin breaks down his tournament game plan and results from the recent Rayovac FLW Series on Okeechobee. See why he says "I felt like I was 16 again."
Texas Team Trail Opens 2015 Season Saturday With Expanded Field, Outstanding Payouts
The Texas Team Trail, which already has the highest team tournament payouts in the State of Texas, kicks off the 2015 tournament season Saturday at Lake Sam Rayburn bigger and better than ever before, said Tournament Director Mike Hastings.
“We are building on great momentum and we are super excited about this year,” Hastings said. “We have revised our field size to accommodate more anglers. Now we consider a full field to be 250 teams and we fully expect to have 250 teams at our first event on Sam Rayburn.”
Hastings said more than 200 teams had already pre-registered by the first of the week for the series which has tremendous sponsorship and an outstanding payback.
“Like always, since year one, a fully-rigged boat is guaranteed for first place at every qualifying event and two boats will be awarded at the championship – one for first place and one for second place,” he said. “The optional Angler Advantage side pot is also 100 percent guaranteed.”
Hastings said all the bonus programs are still in place, including Ranger, Triton, Stratos, Mercury and Evinrude.
“There are a lot of ways to win. You can finish as far down as 50th place and if you are eligible for the Ranger Bonus, for instance, you can still get a check. Our payout is over 100 percent and we literally have the best payback out there.”
“We are excited, we are expecting a big tournament, a full field, and hopefully a whole bunch of fish caught Saturday,” Hastings said. “Rayburn offers the potential for some really huge sacks this time of year. Two weeks ago it took over 35 pounds for five fish to win a tournament, so we are expecting a lot of fish to be caught – a lot of quality fish to be caught.”
Typically this time of year, he said, most anglers will pattern the fish in the hydrilla, either on the edges or back inside the grass.
“The hydrilla is in good shaped this year on Rayburn,” he said. “There are a lot of different ways to catch them. Some of the staples include lipless crankbaits, Chatterbaits and swim jigs.”
Teams pay a one-time membership fee of $30 and then pay $250 entry fees for regular season tournaments. The 2015 schedule includes: Jan. 31, Sam Rayburn, Umphrey Family Pavilion (registration 3-6 p.m. Friday at Umphrey Pavilion); Feb. 21, Toledo Bend, Cypress Bend Park; March 28, Lake Ray Roberts, Elk's Lodge/ray Roberts Marina; and April 25, Lake Texoma, Highport Marina; with the championship June 13 on Lake Palestine, The Villages.
Texas Team Trail
Sat, Jan 31, 2015
Sam Rayburn Reservoir
Umphrey Family Pavilion
Call (210) 788-4143
Full Moon Just In Time For Rayovac Western Division Opener On Lake Havasu
Roy Hawk's knowledge of Havasu should be helpful in Rayovac Western Div tournament
The bass in Lake Havasu are in between the winter and spring mode right now, said veteran tournament angler Roy Hawk, but the full moon next week should speed up the process and send more fish shallow just in time for the Rayovac FLW Series Western Division opener on the lake next Thursday through Saturday.
“The full moon is coming on Feb. 3, right on tournament time. I don't think we will see any real good bedding then, but we should see some males getting up there in a false spawn. But I do think a lot of fish will come shallow around the full moon, especially with the warming trend.”
The bass are just staging to move up and several rare winter rains this week combined with a warming trend next week could push the fish up and scatter them out by tournament time, he said.
“If you went out fishing today it would be spotty,” said Hawk who lives a mile from the Havasu shoreline. “You might go hours without a bite, and then when you get on them you can catch them. When the water warms up those schools will break up and it will be better fishing for everybody.”
Hawk said Havasu is like a split fishery. Up the river fishing is current oriented with little backwater ponds with reeds, grass and some wood. Down in the main lake fishing is centered around man-made structure – brushpiles put out by anglers and big plastic habitat boxes stationed in the lake by the state fisheries agency.
“A lot of the same type lures are used in both places – jigs, Senkos, crankbaits, spinnerbaits. I liked cranking so in a tournament like this I will have an array of different crankbaits tied on, then I can adapt to whatever is going on – and that could change by the hour.”
Hawk, who fishes full-time, has won nearly $400,000 in FLW Outdoors tournaments. He finished second in the points standings in the Western Division last year. In recent tournaments on Lake Havasu he finished 13tgh in January 2014 and 18th in February 2012.
“The fish in Lake Havasu are really healthy,” he said. “In the last 10 years or so this lake has come from being a terrible fishery to being one of the best in the United States.”
Up to 300 pros and co-anglers will take to the water for the first stop of 2015 in the Western Division next week. Pros will fish for a top award of $40,000 plus a Ranger Z518C with a 200-horsepower Evinrude or Mercury outboard if Ranger Cup guidelines are met. Co-anglers will cast for a top award consisting of a Ranger Z117 with 90-horsepower Evinrude or Mercury outboard and $5,000 if Ranger Cup guidelines are met.
The Rayovac FLW Series consists of five divisions – Central, Northern, Southeast, Texas and Western. Each division consists of three tournaments and competitors will be vying for valuable points in each division that could earn them the opportunity to fish in the Rayovac FLW Series Championship. The 2015 Rayovac FLW Series Championship will be held Oct. 29-31 on the Ohio River in Paducah, Ky.
The Western Division will move to the California Delta for the second tournament May 7 and then to Clear Lake Sept. 24 for the final division qualifier.
FLW Rayovac Series
Feb 5-7, 2015
Lake Havasu
Lake Havasu State Park - Windsor Beach Access
Townend Hoping To Duplicate First Gator Division Bfl Success In Second Tournament On Okeechobee
Benny Townend won the first Gator Div tournament with 27 lbs, 9 oz
While practicing for the Gator Division BFL season opener on Okeechobee in early January, a buddy asked Ben Townend if he would mount a 10-pounder if he caught one.
“Yeah,” he quuipped, “if you loan me the money.”
Ironically, Townend hauled in a 10-pound, 2-ounce behemoth largemouth to ice his first win in BFL competition and he'd love nothing better than to have to find the money to mount it's twin after the second Gator BFL on the Big O this Saturday.
“They've been catching some big ones,” said Townend. “Val Osinski caught a 9-pound, 10-ounce bass in the Rayovac FLW Series Southeastern Division tournament last weekend.” (Osinski, of Pompano Beach, Fla., weighed in a three-day total of 15 bass at a whopping 70 pounds, 8 ounces, to win $40,000 for first place.)
“I can't recall them catching big ones like that on the south end of the lake in the last few years, but it shows just how good the fishery is,” Townend said.
While he and Osinski both won on the south end, Townend said the wild card in Saturday's tournament could be the matted vegetation on the north end of the lake.
“The water is warming up a little bit, but the problem is the wind has been blowing north to northwest for about four days and I think it is going to blow like that all through the tournament. That is definitely going to have an effect on the south end of the lake, so people will have to adjust.”
Hedging his bets, Townend practiced on the north end of the lake last weekend and did well, he said.
“It will probably be a game time decision. I will probably run down south first thing in the morning, then I might be on the north end in the afternoon,” he said. “Most of the guys have been getting on the fish first thing in the morning. The fish have been real active early and then the bite slows down in the afternoon. The last few weeks the winning bags have been coming out before 11 o'clock.”
Townend, 23, has had a spotty career in BFL competition, mainly because his job keeps him from practicing and sometimes from being able to participate in a tournament, he said.
“I own an ice company in Boynton Beach. Last year I got a huge order for ice and had to work seven days a week, so I never had time to do any pre-fishing. I did fish the first one last year because I was already entered, but did not get to pre-fish, and I pretty much bombed in that one.”
This year is a little different, he said. He has had time to practice most every weekend and it showed in that first BFL when he won it.
“The lake is only 45 minutes from my home and with all of them begin on Okeechobee I can fish them all.”
He will be fishing for another huge lunker in every one of the tournament, he said. After all, he has already got a spot on the wall next to that first 10-pounder.
The top 50 boaters and 50 co-anglers based on point standings in BFL divisions will qualify for the Oct. 8-10 Regional Championship on Lake Sinclair in Milledgeville, Ga. Boaters will compete for a top award of a Ranger Z518C with a 200-horsepower Evinrude or Mercury outboard and $20,000, while co-anglers will fish for a new Ranger Z518C with a 200-horsepower Evinrude or Mercury outboard.
Walmart BFL - Gator Division
Sat, Jan 31, 2015
Lake Okeechobee
Roland Martin Marina & Resort
FLW signs Livingston Lures
FLW, the world’s largest bass tournament-fishing organization, has renewed their partnership with Livingston Lures, an industry-leading manufacturer of innovative, technologically advanced lures that catch fish in fresh and saltwater. The two organizations have partnered since 2013. Financial details of the agreement were not disclosed.
FLW Pro Billy McDonald signs with Team Lew's National Pro Staff
Lew's announces the addition of seasoned bass tournament angler Billy McDonald to its Team Lew's national pro staff, citing the amiable pro's passion for promoting the sport, more so than his many tournament successes, as being the distinguishing qualifier behind the new sponsorship agreement.
"Whether at a tournament weigh-in or sport show, Billy is easy to find because he's always the one in the middle of a crowd who's smiling big and talking excitedly about something to do with fishing ... he's what the sport is all about," said Lew's CEO Lynn Reeves in making the announcement. "We need guys like Billy McDonald in this industry and we're proud that he's now officially associated with Lew's rods and reels."
McDonald, from Greenwood, Ind., has been fishing professionally for more than 30 years, with most of his focus being on FLW Tour and FLW Rayovac Series tournaments. He has multiple top-10 finishes, a Rayovac win and an FLW Cup appearance to his credit.
"I love to compete and always want to win, but just having the opportunity to fish is rewarding regardless of where I finish. So in my mind there's no such thing as having a 'bad' tournament day," McDonald said. "Yes, I do like to help others learn about fishing, especially youth. It's important to me that I give back to this great sport. Lew's has the perfect range of equipment to take any angler fishing from beginner to expert. I'm proud to be part of such a legendary brand."
McDonald has selected the new Team Lew's Lite Speed Spool as his primary baitcast reel of choice. He will be using the just-introduced Lew's Custom Speed Stick series of rods that has a 7' 11" heavy action model among the lineup.
He said the various rod options in the Custom series match up well for his preferred techniques of pitching and flipping, and the upcoming springtime opportunities will put them to the test. The 2015 FLW Tour opener on Florida's Lake Toho in March can't get here fast enough for him.
"Anticipation is always high for the first event of the year, but going to a place like Toho where some giants live gets me really excited. Nobody will be working harder for a big bite there than me and my Lew's gear," he said.
McDonald joins a quality Team Lew's staff that consists of many top tournament anglers along both the FLW and BASS tours, including Glenn Browne, Stephen Browning, Jason Christie, Mark Davis, David Fritts, Guido Hibdon, Dion Hibdon, Payden Hibdon, Tim Horton, Mark Menendez, Michael Murphy, John Murray, Cliff Prince, Marty Robinson, Mark Rose, Terry Scroggins, Michael Simonton, Kevin Short, Peter Thliveros, Andrew Upshaw and Jay Yelas.
For more information on Lew's products and pros, visit www.Lews.com.
Joe Holland places 3rd, shares patterns for Okeechobee Rayovac FLW Series
One of the biggest personalities to emerge at the top pf the Rayovac FLW Series leaderboard this week was Joe Holland. The gregarious pro from Jefferson, Maine found the type of consistency that eluded most anglers. He spent the week near the top of the field where he finished - 3rd place. In this video Holland shows us how he got it done.
FLW Pro, Denali Rods pro-staffer Michael Murphy gives January jerkbait pointers!
January Chill
Unless you live in Florida or south Texas, the bass in your local lakes are likely swimming in some of the coldest water they see all year. Fishing for them can seem like an exercise in futility, not to mention a great way to expose yourself to some pretty unfriendly conditions.
As intimidating as the negatives of winter fishing can be, there are also some positives. The scenery can be amazing, there is little to no competition, and the fish you do catch are usually the right ones.
By focusing on those positives, FLW Tour veteran and Denali pro Michael Murphy has developed a healthy appreciation for winter bass fishing.
"We can talk all day about the cold, or how they don't always bite well in the winter." Murphy said. "But what I like to focus on is how refreshing it is to have the lake to yourself, see some beautiful scenery, and catch giant bass."
Murphy has always been a jerkbait fisherman, a trait bred into anglers that fish the clear, blueback lakes around his Lexington, S.C. home.
"I spend a lot of time on lakes like Murray, Hartwell, Clarks Hill, and Wateree. All of them have clear water and have dynamite winter jerkbait bites. The bass are suspended in that cold, clear water. A jerkbait just hanging in their faces triggers strikes on even the worst weather days."
Obviously, the first key to success with winter jerkbaits is to put on some cold weather gear and actually get out on the water. Once there, Murphy has the following tips to help you extend your bass catching season into the New Year.
1. Use the right rod
Murphy said that the number one thing anglers struggle with when fishing jerkbaits in cold water is getting the setup rod right. "Having a rod that is designed perfectly for your technique is more important in the winter than it is any other time of the year. It's already cold, your hands may not work as well, and you're likely wearing a bunch of gear. If you're frustrated from fighting with backlashes or missing and losing fish (which are all things that happen with jerkbaits when you don't have the right rod), you're not going to be successful or have fun."
Murphy uses the Denali Rosewood jerkbait rod (S802JBC) that he designed, and pairs it to a 6.4:1 Lews BB1 casting reel. As the primary designer of the rod, Murphy put a lot of time on the water testing to ensure that it has the absolute perfect flex and power for fishing jerkbaits in cold water.
"We built the Denali jerkbait rod as an alternative to the high dollar custom jerkbait rods lots of guys were using. We shortened the rod handle so it doesn't get in the way of heavy clothes, gave it the right parabolic bend to keep fish hooked up, and kept a good tip for getting the proper action."
Winter bass are lethargic and often just slash at jerkbaits, resulting in poorly hooked fish. If you've got a big bass hooked up with just a single hook or outside the mouth, having a parabolic action with some give is imperative to keep the hook buried.
In addition to the parabolic flex, Murphy also designed the rosewood jerkbait rod to have a fast tip to impart the perfect subtle flash required to draw strikes in cold water.
"A lot of crankbait rods have that good parabolic action we were after, but they are kind of dead in the tip which makes them less than ideal for jerkbaits. We kept the flex in the mid-section of our jerkbait rod but added a faster, more sensitive tip so that you don't lose the ability to precisely control your bait."
As far as baits go, Murphy has had experiences with a number of different baits over the years, and said that almost all of them can be successful if the conditions are right. The one he uses the most though is the Ima Flit, which he also had a hand in designing.
"I look at the Flit as one of the only jerkbaits out there that can be successful under any conditions." Murphy said. "It dives 6-8 feet deep like a Lucky Craft Staysee , has the subtle darting action of a Megabass Vision 110, the high pitched bb sound of a Rogue, and lacks the internal weighting system like a Husky Jerk. It does it all and I have a ton of confidence that it will catch fish no matter what conditions you're experiencing."
2. Work slow, fast
This might sound confusing at first, but winter bass often group up and suspend over different types of structures, making it important to fish a variety of different locations in a day to locate bass.
"I have seen winter bass suspend around almost any type of steep cover available." Murphy said. "Sometimes it's bluff walls, other times chunk rock points or dock pilings. Whatever it is though, it's important to hit a bunch of spots in a day to figure out where the bass are. That's where the fast comes in. I like to hit a spot for 15-20 minutes tops, and if I don't get a bite then I'm off to somewhere else."
The slow part refers to the actual fishing, and Murphy doesn't stray from convention. He recommended anglers move from a jerk to more of a slide as the water temperature drops, while increasing the length of pauses.
"In really cold water, I actually do more of a slide than a jerk. Baitfish don't really dart in cold water, so you need to mute it down some. The important thing is to start with slack and end with slack, then experiment with your pauses depending on how the fish react."
3. Listen to the fish
Remembering the circumstances surrounding a fish catch can be important at any time of the year, but Murphy said that it's exceptionally important when throwing a jerkbait in the winter.
"Sometimes the bass will get really dialed in to a specific cadence or pause length. If you pay attention to what you were doing when a fish eats, you can often replicate it and score the rest of the trip. I've seen it before where they only eat a bait after a 5 second pause and won't touch anything different."
The same can be said for the type of cover or structure a bass is caught near. Even though winter bass are more lethargic, they will position on different structures depending on the weather, wind, or light penetration.
"You hear pros talk all the time about pattern fishing, and winter jerkbaiting is awesome pattern fishing." Murphy said. "If I catch a couple off a 45 degree pea gravel point, there are likely to be bass on other 45 degree pea gravel points all around the lake. I can then focus on those the rest of the day."
The Final Word
In addition to the pointers above, Murphy has one last one that he said may be the most important, and that's to not let cold and winter stop you from getting on the water.
"I can't believe how many fishermen put their rods and reels away when the calendar flips to January. It may be cold, but if you pick up a jerkbait and put some time on the water, you're going to catch a lot more bass than you will from your couch."
Powell Rods signs 1980 Gold Glove Winner Doug Flynn to pro staff
Being a former college athlete himself, Keith Bryan, president of Powell Rods, knows the dedication and commitment it requires to excel at high levels of athletics. He also knows that when athletes work to build a career in fishing, Bryan enjoys being a partner to that journey.
The most recent example of that is the addition of former Major League Baseball player and Outdoor Radio host Doug Flynn and his tournament and co-host Keith Munson to the Powell Rods promotional team.
Flynn played 11 seasons for five different Major League ballclubs, including the Big Red Machine days of the Cincinnati Reds which won World Series titles in 1975 and 1976. Throughout his career, he played in total of 1308 games and had 3853 plate appearances where he logged 918 hits. He was known as a true glove man. Playing primarily as a middle infielder, Flynn had 5629 chances and was so efficient that his career fielding percentage is .982. His excellence in the field earned him a Gold Glove Award in 1980.
These days, Flynn and his radio partner Munson have become known for their Fishing radio program Big League Fishing which is heard on 12 affiliates throughout Kentucky. They have also become known for competing in tournaments throughout the region together.
Flynn discovered Powell Rods by accident. He said he was looking to replace the set of rods he had been using, and went into a local retailer who introduced him to the brand. He purchased two initially, then added more, and when he sent an email to Powell Rods to tell them how much he liked the rods, the rest became history.
"I have really enjoyed getting to know Keith (Bryan) over the phone and I've enjoyed the rods so much, that when he asked me to join the team, I jumped at the chance," said Flynn. "Powell Rods are extremely light and well balanced, and they have actions for everything I love to do. Couple that with the reputation of the company - and Keith himself - I am truly blessed to be a part of the Powell Rods team."
Bryan also spoke highly of Flynn. "Doug is truly a class act and a well spoken man who impressed me with his knowledge and love of fishing," said Bryan. "I have great respect for anyone who can have such longevity in high level athletics, and he brings that same commitment to all of his ventures today. He and Munson, and their Big League Radio show, are tremendous and will be strong assets to the Powell brand, but more importantly, they are quality people I'm proud to have them representing our company."
Tune in to hear Big League Fishing early Saturday mornings throughout Kentucky.
Runner-up Brandon Medlock shares Okeechobee game plan - and NEW Thunder Dome Jig
What do you do when your dad makes one of the most effective jigs for fishing reeds and other heavy cover? You use it! "I don't try to use a bunch of different techniques," says Brandon Medlock, "I try to keep moving and find fish that will bite what I'm using." This week at the Rayovac FLW Series on Okeechobee Medlock finished 2nd out of 250 boats on the strength of his laser-focused game plan - and a brand new version of the Double Guard Flippin' Jig that will be called the Thunder Dome. Check it out!
Val Osinski shows us how he won Rayovac FLW Series on Lake Okeechobee!
Val Osinski dominated the largest field to ever fish a Rayovac FLW Series tournament (250 boats). On the final day he closed with a 25-pound limit that included 3 monstrous Okeechobee bass. He led all 3 days of the event. Take a peek into Osinski's boat, fresh off the lake, as he picks up the rods he used, shows us his lure choices, and explains why he chose the techniques that paid off so well for him.
Gambler Lures own Okeechobee; Gambler Owner, Osinski, owns lead at Rayovac FLW Series on Okeechobee
Val Osinski got into a 26-pound pile Okeechobee bass. photo by Curtis Niedermier
Val Osinski, owner of Gambler Lures, leads Day 1 of the Rayovac FLW Series season-opener on Lake Okeechobee.
Fishing has been described as ‘tough’ today, but Osinski made the most of a late morning bite and piled-up 26 pounds by pitching a Gambler Why Not to isolated reeds.
The best action came on his third stop of the morning and he culled everything in his livewell in about 45 minutes on “one good stretch with fish coming in.”
There are 250 pros in this derby, a Rayovac record, and Osinski said a bunch of them saw where he caught his best fish. He’s concerned about a crowd forming in his area and noted that he only one competitor near him today – Joe Holland, currently in 3rd place.
Trevor Fitzgerald, fresh off a Top 12 in last week’s Bassmaster Open up the turnpike on Lake Toho, got this tourney started off right. With 24-1, the owner of Fitzgerald Rods in in 2nd place.
Fitzgerald is on an afternoon bite. “I’m flipping mats and stuff like that. When the sun gets up in the middle of the day it positions them where I need them. They’re just too scattered in the morning.”
The aforementioned Holland of Jefferson, Maine is 3rd with 22-3. He is looking for less-pressured stuff to fish. “A lot of the weeds look like they have been in a barbershop because of how many trolling motors have been over them, and I’m just looking for places that don’t have that effect.”
Holland is not only fishing near Osinski, he’s using one of the same lures – the Why Not, along with a Gambler Lures Burner Craw.
Mike Surman used to be an owner of Gambler Lures. He won the first FLW tournament on Okeechobee 20 years ago. Today he put himself in 4th place with 20 pounds, 12 ounces.
Surman was surprised at just how tough the fishing was. He feels good about tomorrow but wouldn’t say much about how he fished today. He did mention that he caught his four biggest fish around 10 o’clock this morning.
Okeechobee is a famous lake, so it figures that an angler as famous Roland Martin, himself, would do well fishing out of his namesake marina, the launch site each morning of this 3-day event.
Martin is currently 5th with 20-10. He is less than a pound ahead of his son, Scott Martin, who is one spot behind in 6th.
The elder Martin is on schooling fish but flipped to upgrade his weight. He has some lonesome water which is unusual any time on Okeechobee, especially during a 250-boat tournament.
Daniel Beebe leads all co-anglers with 22-5, good enough for a 5-pound lead.
Flw Aligns With Quaker State
FLW, the world’s largest tournament-fishing organization, and Quaker State® motor oil announced today a multi-year agreement that will showcase the motor oil brand to millions of outdoor and fishing enthusiasts. The tremendous marketing benefits offered by FLW in digital advertising, social media, promotions on-site at the events and connections with top anglers in the world makes the organization a perfect fit for Quaker State.
Big Fish Bite Expected To Be On For Tomahawk Winier Trail Championship On Lake Murray
After four or five days of nearly spring-like weather, the temperature is going to drop back to normal winter conditions Friday and Saturday, with some rain and wind in the forecast for Lake Murray – just in time for the Tomahawk Team Trail Championship.
And that's just fine, said tournament director Gettys Brannon, who is a manager at the Tomahawk Fishing Shop in Columbia, because that means some good fish should be caught in the championship.
“There's just something about Lake Murray in the winter. When conditions are nasty you are not going to catch a lot of fish, but the big ones will come out to bite if you give them the right thing. It's more of a quality game than a quantity game,” Brannon said. “We had some big bags brought in last week. It took 20 pounds to win and 17 pounds to get a check.”
Another indication that the big fish have come out to play on Lake Murray this time of year he said, is that, “We had guys come in last week with just four fish, but they weighed 18 pounds. Once you key in on what the fish want, you just have to keep your head down and keep fishing.”
Brannon said the Tomahawk Trail on Lake Murray has averaged about 25 boats per tournament in its first winter season, but with a guaranteed $5,000 purse he expects there will be 40 to 50 boats in the championship which will be fished Friday and Saturday, not the usual two-day weekend tournament days.
“Lew's is giving providing a rod and reel for the championship, as well,” Brannon said.
“The crankbait bite should be on and the Alabama Rig, or Shane's Baits, bite should be a big factor. I think fishing in the wind is going to be key, fishing the riprap and just following the wind. There will still be some guys catching fish on a jig, too.”
The Tomahawk Fishing Shop at 613 Harden Street, Columbia, is a locally-owned fishing-themed store as well as a tackle shop. The store in Five Points launched the Tomahawk Team Trail 2014-2015 Winter Series on Lake Murray.
Participants pay a one-time membership fee each of $30, then $60 per boat for each qualifying tournament, plus an optional $10 Big Fish entry. Teams can enter at the ramp or they can register early at the Tomahawk Fishing Shop and get 15 percent off on their next purchase.
“Being in downtown Columbia it is a little different environment from a regular tackle shop,” Brannon said. “We have a little something for just about everybody, from local art and wood carvings by local artists to all types of locally-produced apparel. We even have ice cream sandwiches and later we will also have boiled peanuts.”
Brannon said the shop also targets everyday anglers as well as serious tournament anglers.
“We carry local and regional brands such as ALX Rods in Aiken, Greenfish Tackle in Augusta and Local Boy Outfitters, an apparel brand in Columbia.”
Brannon said the store is considering holding a summer nighttime fishing trial this summer because of the proliferation of other tournaments on the lake in the springtime.
“We are definitely looking at doing the same deal next winter, tweaking it some and possibly having a bigger purse,” he said.
Tomahawk Team Trail Championship
Jan 30-31, 20154
Lake Murray
Larry Koon Landing
Call 803.609.7673
Rapala Signs Randall Tharp
“Previously some of my favorite Rapala products were not even baits,” says Tharp, an Alabama native now living in Florida. “Down where I live, I clean fish with a Rapala fillet knife on a Rapala cleaning table almost every day. That’s how I prepare my dinner!”
Still, Tharp adds, he’s used Rapala baits “long before the last couple of years to put fish in my boat.” His favorites are “the whole DT® Series” of crankbaits and the Original Floating Rapala. The floater is one of his “all-time favorite” lures. “I’ve caught more bass on that little original Rapala balsa floating minnow lure than probably any other lure in my tackle box,” he says.
Tharp is the second Forrest Wood Cup champion on Rapala’s pro-staff. 2012 Cup Champion (and 2013 runner-up to Tharp) Jacob Wheeler signed with Rapala in 2012. Wheeler fishes on the FLW Tour. In 2014, Tharp fished both the FLW Tour and the Bassmaster Elite Series. As a B.A.S.S. rookie, he finished 13th in the Angler of the Year race and qualified to fish in the 2015 Bassmaster Classic Feb. 22-24 on South Carolina’s Lake Hartwell.
“Randall is one of the most talented anglers in the game right now, both on and off the water,” says Rapala Field Promotions Manager Dan Quinn. “He understands the promotional side of fishing as much as he knows how to catch ‘em, which makes him an excellent member of the Pro Staff.”
Tharp says “it’s an honor,” to represent such a well-respected company as Rapala, with such a huge catalog of baits and terminal tackle, which includes VMC, which he signed on last year to represent.
“It was really cool over the last season to learn more about an already great company in the fishing industry and I’m honored to part of the team,” he says. “It’s a big deal for me.”
The Rapala team is equally complimentary of Tharp.
“Randall showed what he could do this past year for VMC,” Quinn says. “and with Rapala lures being his confidence baits throughout his career, it was a natural progression to make him a part of the Rapala family. I look forward to a bright future with Randall and couldn’t be happier to be working with him!”
All the Rapala baits Tharp has long treasured — Original Floating Rapalas and DT-series crankbaits — are made from Rapala’s signature material, balsa. It’s what makes them so much better at catching fish than copycat baits made to look similar, he says.
“That’s one thing that separates Rapala baits from all other competitors on the market,” Tharp says. “Even as the company’s evolved, they’ve kept that balsa body as a key part of the arsenal. It definitely sets the baits apart. The buoyancy that balsa has, the things you can make a bait do when it deflects off of cover and stuff, it’s second to none.”
20-Pound-Plus Bags Anticipated For Rat-L-Trap Open On Sam Rayburn
In the Rat-L-Trap Open on Sam Rayburn last year this time it took 22 pounds for five fish to win, with several more bags in the 20-pound range – and weighmaster David Haas expects more of the same in the 2015 Open next Sunday on Rayburn.
“I haven't had the opportunity to go down there and fish myself, so I don't know what stage the fish are in, but they are catching some good fish down there right now,” said Haas, who is with Media Bass. “”I am kind of anticipating the same kind of weights as last year.”
Haas said the weather is the only thing that could throw a curve into the prospects of very good fishing.
“This time of year it's always a guess on the weather, but the long range forecast is for cold weather and moisture coming in next weekend.”
Entry fee for the tournament is $100 per team with an optional Big Bass Pot entry for $20.
“You can't beat it,” Haas said. “That's cheap for a team tournament with a 100 percent payback and we pay one in five places.”
The Rat-L-Trap Open on Rayburn drew 170 boats in 2014, he said, and he expects at least that many for Sunday's tournament.
Haas said only lures made by Bill Lewis Outdoors Rat-L-Trap may be used in the tournament, but custom painting is allowed and anglers can change the hooks. But adding or attaching soft-plastic baits to the lure is not allowed and neither is modifying internal shot loads. No umbrella rigs are allowed in the tournament.
Rat-L-Trap Opens
Sun, Jan 25, 2015
Sam Rayburn Reservoir
Umphrey Family Pavilion
Unique Rule Levels Playing Field For New Kissimmee Bass Series Out Of Camp Mack
With a select few anglers dominating tournaments on Kissimmee entries began to fall in recent years as other anglers felt they had little or no chance of winning, said Charlie Wynperle, who has started a new tournament trail – the Kissimmee Bass Series – out of Camp Mack's River Resort.
Wynperle launched the series, which kicks off Sunday, after Ted and Maxine Meyer decided to end the Camp Mack Tournament Series last year. He and his partner decided they needed to come up with a new wrinkle to get more anglers involved in their new series.
“The weights had got out of hand,” Wynperle said. “I saw a guy weigh in 33 pounds in a tournament last year and he did not get a check. All of a sudden the tournaments were going down.”
The premise they came up with was a five-fish limit – but only one can be over 22 inches long – which he believes will level the playing field considerably. No longer will a few anglers dominate the tournaments because they are the best in the area at locating and catching huge bass.
“Now you are really going to have to bring your A-game to bring in a 25-pound sack of fish,” Wynperle said. “And it's going to help conservation. Now you won't have to keep a lot of big fish alive. Now you will have just one big fish to keep alive.”
After posting the tournament rules on Facebook, Wynperle said the response has been “phenomenal.”
“I suggested we have a minimum of 50 boats,” he said, “but I won't be surprised if we have closer to 80 boats.”
There was, however, the expected griping from the consistent winners of past tournaments.
“I've already heard from some top-notch fishermen. They say, 'You can't let us bring in just one big fish.' But we wanted to make it fair for everybody,” he said.
“Now, if you come to the scales with 20 pounds I am going to send you home with a check. The same guys who won tournament after tournament – you are not going to see that anymore.”
Anglers will pay a one-time registration fee, then $50 per boat for each tournament with an optional $20 Big Bass Pot for a 100 percent payback. The schedule includes: Jan 25; Feb 22; Mar 22, the Kissimmee Bass Series SPRING FLING Apr 25-26; May 31; Jun 28; Jul 26; Aug 23; and Sept 27; with the Kissimmee Bass Series CLASSIC Oct 24-25; all out of Camp Mack's River Resort on the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes.
“I told everybody we are going to put the fun back into fishing,” Wynperle said
Kissimmee Bass Series
Sun, Jan 25, 2015
Kissimmee Chain of Lakes
Camp Mack's River Resort
Charlie Wynperle, 813-382-2187
2015 Oakley Big Bass Tour Schedule Is Out
Each event will feature thousands in guaranteed hourly cash payouts and a $30,000 Nitro Z7 powered by Mercury to the overall big bass winner. The tournament series will be open to amateur anglers only. One-day entry fees are $110 per angler and two-day entry fees are $160 per angler. Anglers may visit www.oakleybigbass.com for all registration, rules and payout information.
"We are excited to kick off our sixth season," says Scott Gordon with Oakley Big Bass Tour. "This promises to be a big year for the Tour and I’m sure we will see some big fish cross the stage throughout the 2015 series." added Gordon.
The Oakley Big Bass Tour is the nation’s premier amateur big bass tournament series. We provide anglers of all skill levels with an exciting tournament format and event experience on some of the nation’s best bass fisheries. Established in 2010 our tour is focused on the promotion of bass fishing and bass conservation at the grass roots level through our tournament events. For more information regarding tour events please visit www.oakleybigbass.com or call (877) 958-TOUR (8687).
FLW signs Minn Kota
FLW, the world’s largest tournament-fishing organization, has announced a sponsorship agreement with Johnson Outdoors, owner of Minnesota-based trolling motor manufacturer Minn Kota. Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.
FLW Tour will now field 154 pros
FLW decided has added 2 more Tour pros to its roster. Lionel Botha and Nick Prvonozac were left on the outside, looking in after a 'processing delay' occured. The brings the Tour field to 154 for the 2015 season. The official word from FLW:
Morgenthaler Wins Bassmaster Southern Open On Lake Toho
"This was the worst day I've ever had on Lake Kissimmee, and I fish here every weekend," said Daniel Lanier, Jr. who placed 6th among the co-anglers in this event. Year-before-last Lanier fished as a boater, lost a fish-off to Rich Howes on the day following what would have been the final weigh in, and finished runner-up.
Lanier's assesment of the lake was echoed by others. "The lake is healthy," said Trevor Fitzgerald who finished 9th in the pro division. "They (B.A.S.S.) just always come here too early for it to show what it's capable of producing." Fitzgerald nearly always produces anyway and he did so again. Still, anglers and fans alike would like to see a stronger showing from the local bass population.
BUT somebody always wins. Today that was Elite Series Pro Chad Morgenthaler. He hoisted the hardware and took home the check. Following is the official press release from B.A.S.S. :
Standard opinion among the anglers fishing the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Southern Open #1 presented by Allstate was that the tournament couldn’t be won on Toho.
If you wanted big bass, Kissimmee was the place to fish.
Chad Morgenthaler proved them wrong, spending all three days on the host lake and rallying from ninth place to win the season opener.
In a tournament laced with some of Florida’s top anglers, the Coulterville, Ill., veteran Elite Series pro sneaked into the back door with a big sack on a day when the frontrunners struggled.
His last-day catch of 22 pounds, 3 ounces was more than enough to carry him to the top and give him a 52-7 total.
Kissimmee expert Bobby Lane, who had the second biggest bag of the day (14 pounds), finished second with 48-13, and Todd Auten of South Carolina was third with 48-1. Gerald Swindle of Alabama and second-day leader Brandon McMillan rounded out the Top 5 with 46-9 and 46-4, respectively.
“Being hard-headed and staying on Toho was really a key to my success,” said Morgenthaler, who punched his ticket to the 2016 Bassmaster Classic, providing he fishes the remaining two Southern Opens. “Everyone said you can’t win on Toho, but all of my big fish in practice came up here.”
Morgenthaler said he didn’t like dealing with the locks that provided entry into Kissimmee. Given the large field of anglers fishing the event, he feared locking down would cost him fishing time since most competitors would be fishing Kissimmee.
He stuck with one bait all three days — a Missile D Bomb soft plastic creature bait — that he pitched into isolated cover in 3 to 4 feet of water far offshore. The color was bruiser flash, a black/blue variety.
“It’s a good mid-sized bait, so I didn’t have to worry about whether it was too big or too small, and it would slither through the matted vegetation easily,” he explained.
He rigged it with a 3/0 straight shank Gamakatsu heavy flipping hook and a 1 1/2-ounce tungsten weight. Most anglers use 4/0 hooks with the D Bomb, he noted, but switching to the 3/0 improved his catch ratio considerably.
“I was targeting the main-lake areas that the fish were moving to from the wintering holes,” Morgenthaler described. “These were fish just starting to move up and the cold fronts we’d been having were holding them back. Some guys were catching fish that moved up but I suspected the majority of big fish were still in transition. The sunny, warm day today put them right where I was fishing.”
The victory earned him more than $48,533, including a Nitro Z9 bass boat and tandem Nitro trailer rigged with a Mercury 225 Pro XS, Minn Kota Maxxum Trolling Motor and Lowrance HDS-7C electronics.
Floridian Alan Agnoli blew out the co-angler division with 32 pounds, 3 ounces, while Robbie Anderson of Crystal River, Fla., was second with 22-11. Terry Law of Tavares, Fla., was third with 22-3. Agnoli, who caught 17 pounds, 11 ounces (three fish) to take the second-round lead on Friday, won a Nitro Z7 bass boat rigged with a Mercury 150 Pro XS, Nitro Single Axle Trailer, Minn Kota Maxxum Trolling Motor and Lowrance Mark 5X electronics.
Lane’s second-place finish earned him the $500 Power-Pole Captain’s Cash for being the highest finisher using Power-Poles and the $1,500 Toyota Bonus Bucks award for being the highest placing pro owning a Toyota.
McMillan’s lead on the second day earned him the $250 Livingston Lures Leader Award. Agnoli captured the same title among co-anglers, pocketing a $250 Livingston Lures gift pack.
Ohioan Charlie Hartley recovered from a bad first day to win the Allstate Good Hands, Great Day award ($250) for moving from 158th place to 17th, thanks to a 20-pound, 15-ounce limit, the largest in the pro division.
Among the co-anglers, Mike Spears of Jasper, Ala., moved from 115th to 30th to garner $150 from Allstate.
Also Saturday, B.A.S.S. issued the following statement:
"Based on an investigation of an incident Friday during the tournament on Lake Tohopekaliga, B.A.S.S. today disqualified two anglers from the event. Pursuant to B.A.S.S. rules, Ish Monroe of Hughson, Calif., and Keith Poche of Pike Road, Ala., were disqualified from the Open. Additional penalties for both anglers may be imposed pending the outcome of additional investigations that are ongoing at this time. Because of those investigations, B.A.S.S. will not comment further on the decisions."
2015 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Southern Open - Lake Toho Presented by Allstate 1/15-1/17
Lake Toho, Kissimmee, FL
(BOATER) Standings Day 3
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$
1. Chad Morgenthaler Coulterville, IL 15 52-07 200 $48,533.00
Day 1: 5 16-07 Day 2: 5 13-13 Day 3: 5 22-03
2. Bobby Lane Jr. Lakeland, FL 15 48-13 199 $20,267.00
Day 1: 5 14-07 Day 2: 5 20-06 Day 3: 5 14-00
3. Todd Auten Lake Wylie, SC 14 48-01 198 $15,200.00
Day 1: 4 16-02 Day 2: 5 20-06 Day 3: 5 11-09
4. Gerald Swindle Warrior, AL 15 46-09 197 $13,600.00
Day 1: 5 14-12 Day 2: 5 19-07 Day 3: 5 12-06
5. Brandon McMillan Clewiston, FL 15 46-04 196 $12,117.00
Day 1: 5 24-09 Day 2: 5 13-15 Day 3: 5 07-12
6. Kelley Jaye Dadeville, AL 15 42-08 195 $10,133.00
Day 1: 5 17-05 Day 2: 5 11-13 Day 3: 5 13-06
7. Andrew Slegona Jr Walker Valley, NY 9 41-03 194 $8,533.00
Day 1: 5 31-02 Day 2: 2 03-07 Day 3: 2 06-10
8. Ed Loughran Mechanicsville, VA 15 40-06 193 $6,800.00
Day 1: 5 15-15 Day 2: 5 15-12 Day 3: 5 08-11
9. Trevor Fitzgerald Belleview, FL 15 40-03 192 $5,067.00
Day 1: 5 13-06 Day 2: 5 17-13 Day 3: 5 09-00
10. Brock Mosley Collinsville, MS 15 39-13 191 $4,667.00
Day 1: 5 19-09 Day 2: 5 11-11 Day 3: 5 08-09
11. Garrett Rocamora Lithia, FL 10 38-02 190 $4,767.00
Day 1: 5 24-04 Day 2: 1 04-15 Day 3: 4 08-15
12. Brad Knight Lancing, TN 15 35-15 189 $4,000.00
Day 1: 5 20-13 Day 2: 5 08-02 Day 3: 5 07-00
BIG BASS PRO OR CO-ANGLER
Garrett Rocamora Lithia, FL 11-09 $500.00
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 131 837 1726-07
2 102 733 1504-15
3 10 56 130-01
----------------------------------
243 1626 3361-07
2015 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Southern Open - Lake Toho Presented by Allstate 1/15-1/17
Lake Toho, Kissimmee, FL
(NON_BOATER) Standings Day 3
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$
1. Alan Agnoli Chiefland, FL 8 32-03 200 $25,000.00
Day 1: 3 07-04 Day 2: 3 17-11 Day 3: 2 07-04
2. Robbie Anderson Crystal River, FL 9 22-11 199 $6,533.00
Day 1: 3 05-11 Day 2: 3 12-02 Day 3: 3 04-14
3. Terry Law Tavares, FL 8 22-03 198 $4,933.00
Day 1: 3 07-11 Day 2: 3 09-15 Day 3: 2 04-09
4. Steve Jarrett Valrico, FL 8 21-07 197 $3,333.00
Day 1: 3 11-02 Day 2: 3 07-00 Day 3: 2 03-05
5. Larry Mullikin Lauderhill, FL 9 21-05 196 $3,067.00
Day 1: 3 09-08 Day 2: 3 04-08 Day 3: 3 07-05
6. Daniel Lanier Jr. Winter Springs, FL 8 20-08 195 $2,933.00
Day 1: 3 11-09 Day 2: 3 06-00 Day 3: 2 02-15
7. Jeffrey Worth Longwood, FL 9 19-06 194 $2,800.00
Day 1: 3 06-09 Day 2: 3 06-08 Day 3: 3 06-05
8. Greg Crumpton Ocala, FL 9 19-03 193 $2,667.00
Day 1: 3 07-05 Day 2: 3 08-02 Day 3: 3 03-12
9. Amy Leitch Denver, CO 9 17-08 192 $2,533.00
Day 1: 3 04-12 Day 2: 3 07-14 Day 3: 3 04-14
10. Linda Higginbotham Palm Coast, FL 9 17-05 191 $2,267.00
Day 1: 3 03-15 Day 2: 3 09-02 Day 3: 3 04-04
11. Barry Hughes Plant City, FL 7 14-07 190 $2,000.00
Day 1: 3 08-13 Day 2: 3 04-02 Day 3: 1 01-08
12. Eulon Lee Jr. Montgomery, AL 6 13-09 189 $1,867.00
Day 1: 3 06-14 Day 2: 3 06-11 Day 3: 0 00-00
BIG BASS PRO OR CO-ANGLER
Alan Agnoli Chiefland, FL 09-06 $0.00
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Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 104 414 736-07
2 81 331 619-10
3 6 27 50-15
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191 772 1407-00
Mcmillan Leads As Bassmaster Southern Open On Toho Heads Into Final Day
Brandon McMillan of Clewiston, Fla., lead on Day 2 of the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Southern Open #1 presented by Allstate held on Lake Tohopekaliga out of Kissimmee, Fla. McMillan brought 13 pounds, 15 ounces to the scales at Friday's weigh-in for a two-day total of 38-8.
Florida’s fickle bass not only played with the heads of the first-round leaders in the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Southern Open presented by AllState, but they also scrambled the leaderboard.
On a day when the sun shined and the fish were supposed to bite, big bags were few and far between. That was just fine for Brandon McMillan of Clewiston, Fla., whose 13-pound, 15-ounce limit gave him a two-day total of 38-8, good enough to move him from third to first.
To illustrate how goofy fishing was Friday, New York’s Andrew Slegona – who caught 31 pounds to lead the event after the first day, only had two small bass Friday but fell no further than fourth (34-9).
“Man, hard to believe that I could stay in the Top 5 with a day like that on a lake like this,” Slegona marveled.
Meanwhile, Todd Auten of South Carolina jumped from 13th to second (36-8), Bobby Lane of Florida moved from 18th to third (34-13) and Gerald Swindle of Alabama climbed from 17th to fifth (34-3). Only 4 pounds, 5 ounces separate the Top 5 who will join seven other anglers in Saturday’s final.
In the co-angler division, Floridian Alan Agnoli stunned the crowd with three bass weighing 17-11 to take the lead with 24-15. Other Floridians in the Top 5 among co-anglers include Steve Jarrett (18-2), Robbie Anderson (17-13), Terry Law (17-10) and Daniel Lanier (17-9).
McMillan admits he was just “scrounging round” to catch the fish that put him in the lead Friday.
“I knew I couldn’t duplicate what I did yesterday because I beat on them pretty hard,” he noted. “So today I was doing a little bit of everything from flipping to swimming a jig to catch what I caught.”
Lane, who calls the Kissimmee Chain his home waters, said the water temperature dropped 5 degrees after Thursday night’s cool-off and rain, and that left the bass in a tizzy. His 20-pound, 6-ounce sack Friday was one of the biggest and was anchored by a 9-8.
“It really helps knowing the lake and how these fish react when you get fishing conditions like this,” said Lane. “The fish really want to spawn, but the water just hasn’t been right for them to get it going.”
McMillan’s second-day leadership earned him the $250 Livingston Lures Leader Award. Agnoli captured the same title among co-anglers, pocketing a Livingston Lures gift pack worth $250.
Ohioan Charlie Hartley recovered from a bad first day to win the Allstate Good Hands, Great Day award ($250) for moving from 158th place to 17th, thanks to a 20-pound, 15-ounce limit, the largest in the pro division.
Among co-anglers, Mike Spears of Jasper, Ala., moved from 115th to 30th to garner $150 from Allstate.
The tournament takeoff on Saturday is at 7 a.m. ET at Big Toho Marina. Saturday’s final weigh-in will be held at the Bass Pro Shops in Orlando at 4 p.m.
FLW TV Show to air on Pursuit Channel
Zoom Baits signs on as FLW sponsor
FLW, the world’s largest bass-fishing tournament organization, has announced a sponsorship agreement with Zoom Bait Company, a leading manufacturer of soft-plastic fishing baits. 2015 marks the first season that Zoom Bait Company will join the FLW sponsorship lineup. Terms of the agreement were not released.
Auten Looking For Change In Weather For Rayovac Series On Okeechobee
Todd Auten is looking for better conditions on Okeechobee
Todd Auten is hoping for warmer weather, warmer water and, hopefully, more fish when he gets to Lake Okeechobee next week for the 2015 FLW Rayovac Series Southeast Division opener.
Auten has been further north in Florida, practicing for and fishing in the first B.A.S.S. Southern Open of 2015 on Lake Tohopekaliga this week and fishing has been “kind of tough,” with rain, cold and hard to find fish. The Open runs through Saturday and Auten will leave Toho to go straight to Okeechobee and start practice for the Rayovac tournament.
He finished 51st in the first Southeast Division Rayovac tournament on Okeechobee last year, then followed that with 7th place on Santee Cooper in March and 42nd on Lake Guntersville in April to finish 8th in the Southeast Division points for the year. Auten then finished 4th in the Rayovac FLW Series Championship on Wheeler Lake held in late October and early November.
“The tournament on Okeechobee is about the same time as last year,” he said. “I've already checked my good spots and it is going to be different. The water is high and everything is going to be changed, for sure. With the water down a foot it would help put them in certain places; now they can be anywhere. They are kind of scattered.”
If that is the case, he said, he expects reaction baits, like Speed Worms and flipping Brush Hogs to be the best tactics.
“But, I have never fished down there with the water being this high,” he said. “Every year it seems like it is different. You have to go out and find new fish every year. They will be in kind of the same areas, but not in the exact same places.”
When he gets to Okeechobee Auten said he will be looking for clean water and possibly some bedding fish.
“I heard they were spawning pretty good down there the last week or so. I hope the cold weather has pushed some of them off because that means more fish will go up shallow for sure next week when we are there.”
While he won't pass up bedding fish, Auten said he will also concentrate on those areas just off the bedding places where the fish will be staging to move up.
“If they are not on the bed they will be out at the next depth,” he said. “I'll get in stuff a little further out and work my way in.”
One thing he can count on. The weather is expected to be a lot nicer on Okeechobee next week than it was on Tohopekaliga this week, with temperatures ranging from the mid- to high 70s under partly cloudy to sunny skies.
FLW Rayovac Series – Southeast Division
Jan 22-24, 2015
Lake Okeechobee
Roland Martin Marina & Resort
Simoneaux Hoping For More Rayburn Magic In Flw College Fishing Southern Conference Tournament
The Lamar University team of Brandon Simoneaux and Josh Bowie
Lamar University teammates Brandon Simoneaux and Josh Bowie won the FLW College Fishing Southern Conference Invitational tournament on Sam Rayburn last October to advance to the 2015 College Fishing National Championship this spring on South Carolina's Lake Murray.
Now Simoneaux is hoping that same magic that propelled him and Bowie to the win then will carry over next week on Sam Rayburn again as he and new teammate Colby Ogden begin the journey towards a potential berth in the 2016 College Championship.
“Josh is graduating in May,” said Simoneaux, of Bridge City, Texas,a junior majoring in mechanical engineering. “But Colby and his partner, Quinton Evans, finished 6th in the regional on Sam Rayburn in October. We have fished together for sun a few times and we fished a tournament in December and had the opportunity to to do really well.”
Simoneaux explained that in that tournament he and Ogden, of Kountze, Texas, were fishing heavy cover and knew the chances of fish getting hung up and getting off were high , but they did manage to boat four solid keepers both days.
“We fish together extremely well,” he said. “We both really want to do good and we both pretty much approach everything differently, so it works out really well.”
He noted that recent rains have raised the water level by a couple of feet in Sam Rayburn and fishing has been tough in practice as a result.
“The fish we had been catching we could not get to bite anymore, so we have to practice again this week and see if we can relocate them. We hope the water clears up some,” Simoneaux said. “The water is still pretty cold, too. It was in the mid 40s when I was up there last weekend.”
He said he and Ogden are picking up a fish “here and there,” and they are catching “one fish on this and one on that.”
“We will probably do a lot of junk fishing,” he said, “not necessarily banking on any particular kind of lure, but using an assortment of lures.”
While he is concentrating on Sam Rayburn this month, Simoneaux is already looking forward to the 2015 FLW College Fishing National Championship, which will be held April 16-18 at Lake Murray in Columbia, S.C., in conjunction with the University of South Carolina baseball team’s three-game series against Vanderbilt.
“Our region is proud to host the 2015 FLW College Fishing National Championship,” said Miriam Atria, President and CEO of the tournament host Capital City/Lake Murray Country Regional Tourism Board. “We look forward to welcoming college teams from across the nation to Lake Murray. The last time we hosted the FLW College Fishing National Championship in 2012 it provided national exposure for Columbia, Lake Murray and the University of South Carolina baseball program.”
The championship will feature the top 10 teams from each of the five 2014 FLW College Fishing Conference Championships for a total field of 50 boats. The winning team will receive a Ranger Z117 and advance to the 2015 Forrest Wood Cup in Hot Springs, Arkansas.
FLW College Fishing Series – Southern Conference
Sat, Jan 24, 2015
Sam Rayburn Reservoir
Umphrey Family Pavilion
Xtreme Bass Series Opens On St. Johns With Big Entry And Big Bags Anticipated
The 2015 Xtreme Bass Series on the St. John's River opens Saturday with hefty bags expected at the weigh-in and expanded opportunities to fish for new Blazer Boats in two different championships.
“Right now it's looking like it will take 25 to 30 pounds for a five-fish limit to win Saturday,” said tournament director Mike Oglesbee. “We've got some bedding fish already and the bedding fish fishermen are already bringing in some nice bags of fish. We are expecting some huge fish to be brought in Saturday afternoon.”
Oglesbee said teams must fish seven of the nine tournaments to qualify for the Xtreme Bass Championship Nov. 5-7 on Lake Okeechobee. First place in the Xtreme Championship will be a new Blazer 595 Pro Elite Bass Boat with a 200 hp outboard and trailer.
“You can finish last in all seven of those tournaments and still qualify for the championship,” he said. “But the top four teams in points also qualify to fish the Florida State Team Championship.”
The Florida State Team Championship will be held in early 2016 and top prize will be another Blazer 595 Pro Elite bass boat.
The schedule for the 2015 Xtreme Bass Series on the St. Johns River includes: Jan. 17, Feb. 21, March 28, the Haven Hospice Tournament on April 25, the Wolfson Children's Hospital Tournament on May 16, June 29, July 25, Aug. 22 and Sept. 26. All tournament swill be held out of Crystal Cove Resort except for The Haven Hospice Tournament and the Wolfson Children's Hospital Tournament, both of which will be held out of Palatka City Dock.
Oglesbee said teams fishing any of the Xtreme Bass Series can count the Haven Hospice and Wolfson's Childrens Hospital tournaments towards their seven tournaments to qualify for the championship.
“The entry fee to the Hospice tournament is $120 and is open to anyone who wants to pay the entry fee and fish,” Oglesbee said. “For those members of the Xtreme trail who want credit and points for fishing the benefit tournament they will pay an additional $10 processing fee at the ramp to Xtreme Bass Series.”
Oglesbee said the Hospice tournament has a $3,000 guarantee for first place and $1,000 for big bass.
“The Wolfson tournament is the same deal. You don't have to be a member to fish, but if you are a member and want credit and points one can pay the $10 processing fee to have that done. Entry fee for the Wolfsons tournament must be sent to Wolfsons to get your boat number it cost $100 to enter the tournament,” he said.
“A lot of guys fish the Wolfson's tournament anyway. That tournament draws 500-600 boats every year and the payback is $50,000, with $10,000 for first place,” he said. “Anybody can fish the Wolfson for a $10 processing fee. They can mail it to me or (Xtreme Bass President) Mike Blocher or pay at the ramp. Hopefully, this will make things better for the fishermen and benefit these charities, too.”
The Xtreme Bass Series is a tournament series for grass roots tournament anglers throughout the state of Florida. Teams pay a $35-per-angler membership fee and $120 per tournament,which includes big fish. The payback is around 86 percent to one in every seven boats, said Ogelsbee who anticipates a strong turnout for the first St. John's tournament Saturday.
“We've been getting a lot of feedback from anglers. We are hoping for good weather and a great crowd.”
Xtreme Bass Series
Jan 17, 2015
St. Johns River
Crystal Cove Resort
Call Mike Oglesbee or Gene Crossway at (386) 546-3614
Bassmaster Open On Kissimmee Chain - Pros Predict Tough Tourney
The Bassmaster Southern Open season is set to start hours from now on Florida’s Kissimmee Chain of Lakes.
Mark Lassagne of Bass Angler Magazine fame is competing in the pro division this week. Being from California, he didn’t really know what to expect. “I heard the water was high and that a lot of the grass was dead. Being a guy from out-of-town, I don’t have a lot of preconceived notions so, to me, it looks like there’s a lot of vegetation out there.”
Lassagne found a spot he liked early in the week and then left it alone in hopes that it will pay off when it counts. “I caught a 7 and a couple of 4’s. I started shaking them off and they all felt like good fish. I could have done 25 pounds there.”
If his ‘A’ plan doesn’t come together, Lassagne knows this tournament could become a grind. “Overall, the fishing is pretty tough. I think a lot of guys will struggle. You can throw a Senko and catch numbers, but big fish are hard to come by.”
J.P. Prouty has seen the Kissimmee Chain before. A lot. Prouty has been based in Vero Beach, Fla. for years but now gets his mail Jacksonville, Fla. He has spent most of the winter down on Lake Toho and her sister lakes. Like Lassagne, Prouty predicts a low weight tourney.
“54 pounds, 18 per day, that’s what I think it will take to win this. Probably 30 to make the cut.”
Those are low numbers for a Florida fishery in winter. “I’ve done everything you can do on Toho and it’s ‘no bueno’. Somebody might find a wad of fish offshore and whack them good, but otherwise, I think 18 pounds per day is going to be tough to beat.”
As for tactics, Prouty expects a junk fest. “Guys will catch a couple flippin’ a couple off beds, a couple on swimbaits like the Gambler Big EZ. I can catch a bunch of fish casting (as opposed to flipping or sight fishing) but they may weigh 10 pounds or they might weigh 25. I just don’t know.”
He said the water temp reached that magical 68-degree mark today. That’s generally the temperature needed to kick off a reliable spawn for Florida strain bass. “But I don’t think we’ll have much sun the next couple of days.” Lack of sunlight and an ‘off’ moon phase will likely prevent the type of major spawn that gives birth to record-setting weights.
Patrick Pierce, of Saint John, Fla. is a veteran Opens pro. He said practice has “not been great. It’s kind of random. I found a few little wads of fish but being around them at the right time is everything.
“I don’t feel as good about it as I usually do.
“We’ll know more about it tomorrow.”
Noting the diminished amount of cover in the lakes, Pierce said crowds will form in key areas. “I looked for some out-of-the-way stuff. I think it’s out of the way, but there could be 20 boats on it when I get there tomorrow.”
His weight prediction made Prouty’s look optimistic. “Fifty pounds. I think 15 or 16 a day will be really strong. It’s Toho, so somebody will catch an 8-or-9-pounder and I believe a 20-pound bag will be caught, but I would be very happy with 15 pounds a day.”
Again, the offshore bite was mentioned as the wild card that could change things. “I looked around out there and didn’t find anything I liked,” said Pierce. I think that’s how the American Bass Anglers tournament was won this past weekend, but I’m going to do what I do. For Pierce, that means flippin’.
Much of the field will flip.
And it looks as if much of the field will make the long run down to Lake Kissimmee where flippin’ cover is still fairly plentiful. This makes boat numbers more of a factor.
Normally, an angler would want a lower number. But with the afternoon bite often being the best in winter, Lassagne is happy with his high number. “I don’t have to weigh-in until 4 o’clock tomorrow.”
Pierce will enjoy a similar advantage, “I’m boat #191 so I will just spend the first hour on Toho and let the crowds work their way through the locks. Then I’ll head down that way and fish the way I like to fish.”
Prouty is pleased with his draw. “Nobody will get to fish more than I will. I am boat #105 tomorrow, so the next day I will be something like ‘99’ or so.”
Extra minutes on the water, especially during the relative warmth of afternoon, could make a huge difference if the angling is as tough as most folks think it will be this week.
Buckeye Lures adds Shawn Murphy to pro staff
Buckeye Lures has added FLW Tour Pro Shawn Murphy to its stable of professional anglers.
“My go-to is the Mop Jig,” shared Murphy, noting that he used the lure extensively to win the 2011 FLW Rookie of the Year title – when he chose to buy and use Buckeye Lures because he believed in them.
The 35-year-old contractor from Nicholasville, Kentucky expects the unique jig to work well again on this year’s FLW Tour. “I’m looking at Chickamauga, Eufaula, and a couple of other places with a good ledge bite and I just can’t wait to get out there with the Mop Jig. That’s definitely my money-making lure!”
By ‘ledge bite’ Murphy doesn’t always mean ‘deep bite’. “I have caught bass on it in 3 feet of water. I’ve also caught them in 45 feet of water with it.”
What makes the Mop Jig so productive? “The skirt. It looks like it has a breeze blowing across it all the time. It just keeps waving.”
Though Murphy chuckles at the occasional 8-incher that will attack the lure, the Mop Jig is a big bait for big bass and he dresses it accordingly. “For a trailer, I like either a big brush hog or a Strike King Rage Craw.”
If the jig bite slows, Murphy can often get the fish fired up again by swimming a soft plastic lure on a J-Will Swimbait head.
Of course, there are times when Murphy has to check-down to his numbers bait. “When we go to Smith or Beaver Lake, that Spot Remover is the deal.”
When conditions call for an aggressive approach (Lake Toho and the Potomac River come to mind) "Buckeye makes a great buzzbait," said Murphy.
“Shawn is a great fisherman,” said Jeremy Altman of Buckeye Lures, “and he used Buckeye Lures anyway - even before we signed a deal with him - which says a lot about his commitment to the product line. When we decided to add to our pro staff, Shawn was a natural choice.”
Explore the classic, Tour-tested Buckeye lures, as well as the newest product offerings at BuckeyeLures.com.
And follow Shawn Murphy and his fellow Tour pros on AnglersChannel.com and the Progressive Bass Wrap Up TV Show.
Anthony Gagliardi signs with Sportsman's Warhouse
FLW Cup Champion Anthony Gagliardi joins us at Sportsman's Warehouse with the news that he is now a member of the Sportsman's Warehouse Team! We talk to Anthony about this and much, 2015, and much more right here!
FLW Announces Pro Field for 2015 Tour
Strike King picks up Meyer, Lee Brothers
Strike King Lure Company only signs the best anglers with the best reputations in the sport. If you get a chance to join their team, do it.
FLW Tour standout Cody Meyer got that chance and accepted. He will represent Strike King going forward into 2015 and, likely, beyond.
Jordan Lee and Matt Lee, brothers who will fish the Bassmaster Elite series in 2015 have also signed-on with the lure giant. What an incredible opportunity for two young anglers!
Good luck to Cody, Matt, Jordan and the entire Strike King pro staff in 2015!
Yamamoto signs Elite Series Pros Fletcher Shryock, Davy Hite
Gary Yamamoto has ventured into hard baits with his new line 'Gary Yamamoto Custom Baits'. And to help promote the product line, GYCB has signed Bassmaster Elite Series Pro Fletcher Shryock.
The company likes Shryock's youth and energy, as well as his ability to connect with fishing fans.
Shryock likes the 'ground floor' opportunity with the new line of lures.
Yamamoto has an established reputation with soft baits. Davy Hite has an established resume with a Bassmaster Classic win, a Forrest Wood Cup championship, and a 2 Bassmaster Angler of the Year titles.
The two compliment one another well and so Hite will represent Yamamoto soft baits this year.
Good call on both signings - matching youth with opportunity and experience with a proven reputation.
Cotton Cordell Dies
Born Carl Richey Cordell, Jr. and known better as "Cotton" due to the color of his hair, Cordell invented some of the fish-catchingest lures ever designed.
The Red Fin, Hot Spot and Gay Blade have filled tackle boxes for decades. Cordell even helped Fred Young with the Big O which started the crankbait craze in 1973.
Cordell supported the industry in many ways, including sponsorship of Bill Dance's first TV fishing show.
Cordell was inducted into the National Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame in 1988, the Arkansas Outdoor Hall of Fame in 1997 and the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame in 2002.
He died in his home town of Hot Springs, Arkansas at age 86.
Arctic Blast Will Affect Fish And Fishermen In Berry's Trail Tournament On Sinclair
Sean Dunn and Jeremy Beatenbaugh won the first tournament Dec 13 on Sinclair
The blast of Arctic air that blanketed Georgia this week will definitely have an effect on the second Berry's Tournament of the 2014-2015 season Saturday, said tournament angler Pat Fisher of Dacula, Ga. The question, he said, is whether the frigid temperatures will affect the fish or the fishermen more.
“We are going to have four solid days of cold, but Sinclair has a warm water system so probably 80 percent of the field will concentrate there around mid-lake,” Fisher said. “We did have a pile of rain last week which did finally stain the lake up and that will help the shallow bite.”
Fisher said it took 17 pounds to win a tournament on Sinclair last Saturday and the lake is fishing tougher than expected already.
“But somebody will catch them,” he added. “It will probably take 17-18 pounds to win this Saturday.”
Fisher said the jigging spoon bite should be on down the lake, and with the lake as clear as it is that kind of fishing should be good, especially with the colder weather.
“But I don't plan on doing any of that,” he said. “I am going to stick with the docks at mid-lake with a ShadRap, a Shakey Head and probably a small finesse jig. However, I will target deeper docks this time, 3 to 5 feet deep.”
Fisher added that it helps when there are brushpiles in front of the docks.
“This tournament is usually won this time of year out in front of the docks,” he said. “Somebody usually gets them pretty good with a worm or a jig in front of the docks.”
The Berry’s Tournament Trail, founded in 2003 by Bobby Berry and his two sons, is somewhat unique in that all eight of the tournaments, plus the season-ending classic, are held on Lakes Oconee and Sinclair. Four regular season tournaments are held on Oconee and four are held on Sinclair, with anglers having to fish at least five tournaments to qualify for the classic, which means they have to fish both lakes at least once.
“It equalizes things,” noted Berry who started the series on Oconee and Sinclair when local anglers tired of driving all over Georgia to compete in bass tournaments. Most of the participants in his series are all local anglers.
The schedule for the 2014-2015 Berry's Tournament trail includes: December 13, 2014, Sinclair; Jan. 10, 2015, Sinclair; Feb. 7, Oconee; March 7, Oconee; March 21, Sinclair; April 11, Oconee; April 25, Sinclair; and May 9, Oconee; with the championship May 30 on Oconee and May 31 on Sinclair.
Berry’s Tournament Trail
Sat, Jan 10, 2015
Lake Sinclair
Dennis Station DNR Ramp
