Carhartt Bassmaster College Series Opens On Harris Chain
With rod guides freezing up around the country, college anglers welcomed the chance to head south to Florida’s Harris Chain of Lakes to try their hand at the Carhartt Bassmaster College Series Southern Regional set for Friday and Saturday, Jan. 4-5.
Teams from throughout the Southeast have made their way to the Harris Chain with one common goal — winning the Carhartt College Series opener and moving one step closer to a coveted Bassmaster Classic berth. Two-angler teams representing their respective universities will compete for two days on lakes Griffin, Eustis, Harris, Little Harris, Denham, Dora, Beauclaire, Carlton, Trout and Horseshoe.
The universities represented include : the University of Florida, Florida State, the University of Georgia, Auburn University, the University of Alabama, Jacksonville State, Troy University, the University of Tennessee and more than 20 other schools from Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, Florida and Mississippi.
Expecting an 80-boat field, anglers such as University of Alabama law student and Florida native Jake Gipson are preparing accordingly.
“As for which lakes to fish, it will be an interesting decision for the teams to make,” Gipson said. “Teams that stay in Dora will get a substantial amount of extra fishing time, but with a field this big, finding some water to yourself will be really helpful.
“Harris and Griffin are both good options, but with idle zones and locking, it will take 45 minutes to an hour to get to them.”
Anglers could burn as much as 4 hours running, locking and idling to and from the boundaries of this week’s tournament waters. With a cold front rolling through a few days prior to competition and water temps dropping from the 60s to mid-50s, curveballs have already been flung at the contenders.
“Fishing was pretty tough during practice, but it should improve the rest of the week based on the weather forecast,” Gipson said. “In fact, some fish will probably be moving up onto beds by the end of the week.”
Florida bass can be especially finicky in changing weather. Though bass may bust topwater baits one day, a water temperature drop of as little as 5 degrees might force anglers to switch to soft plastics or resort to “punching” thick weed mats for a handful of bites.
A warming trend, however, could have bass suddenly moving shallow to spawn. An area with only small male bass could be loaded with big females in a matter of hours.
“Overall, the lakes have similar vegetation, but there is some variation in the types of canals and spawning areas, as well as water color,” Gipson said.
The trick this week will be choosing the right lake and keeping abreast of the migration of the bigger bass. Anglers need to make sure they’re not one step ahead, fishing the spawning flats too early, nor one step behind, fishing deeper water where fish are no longer staging.
The entire field will compete Friday and Saturday, and the Top 10 finishers after two days will advance to the Carhartt College Bassmaster National Championship. The Top 10 qualifying list is based on a minimum field of 50 teams. With each additional 10 boats, an additional qualifying spot opens up, so the projected 80-boat field may qualify 13 teams for the championship.
The National Championship will be held during the summer of 2013 on a fishery that has not yet been revealed.
Daily coverage of this week’s event will feature a live video stream from the weigh-in, photo galleries, BASSCam videos and stories on Bassmaster.com.
Teams will launch at Wooton Park daily at 7:20 a.m. EST, with weigh-ins also at Wooton Park starting at 3:20 p.m. EST.
Fisher Hoping Bass Still Shallow For Berry's Tournament Trail On Sinclair Saturday
Bobby Jones and David Ellison won the 1st tournament Dec 8 on Sinclair
Pat Fisher and Mark Holloway weighed in a limit of bass at 15.40 pounds to take 5th place in the Dec. 8 Berry's Team Trail tournament on Lake Sinclair by fishing very shallow and they hope to do the same in the second tournament of the series this Saturday, also on Lake Sinclair.
“We caught all our fish in 2 to 3 feet of water around grass beds near docks in December,” Fisher said. “The key for us was that we found an area of the lake that was warmer, the mid-lake area. The water temperature there was about 60 degrees that day and everywhere else we would go it would drop into the low 50s. I think that is going to be a big key again this weekend.”
Fisher said he would use his practice time Friday to determine if the cold snap this week has changed the patterns of the fish.
“We really have not had any cold this year until this week,” he noted. “In practice I plan to go shallow and stay shallow, fishing grass and shallow docks. Then, if that does not work, we will have to back up and punt Saturday.”
Fisher said that if the shallow bite is not on he and Galloway probably will go with a ShadRap and a square-billed crankbait.
“They do pretty good this time of year,” he noted.
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.
After the Dec. 8 tournament on Lake Sinclair, the 2012-2013 schedule includes tournaments Saturday on Lake Sinclair, Feb. 16 on Lake Oconee, March 9 on Lake Oconee, March 30 on Lake Sinclair, April 13 on Lake Oconee, April 27 on Lake Sinclair, and May 18 on Lake Oconee, with the two-day classic June 1 on Lake Oconee and June 2 on Lake Sinclair. The Oconee tournaments are held out of Sugar Creek Marina and the Sinclair tournaments are held out of Little River Marina.
Anglers pay a $160 entry fee per boat with 75 percent paid back in cash the day of the tournament, while 12.5 percent is held for the Angler of the Year team award and the Classic.
Berry's Team Tournament Trail
Sat, Jan 5, 2013
Lake Sinclair
Little River Park
Call 770-787-6179
Fishing 'phenomenal' For Gator Division Bfl On Lake Okeechobee
Dan Blanchard won the Boater Division last Jan on Okeechobee. Photo courtesy FLW Outdoors.
The 2013 Walmart Bass Fishing League 2013 season kicks off Saturday with a full field in the Gator Division BFL opening on Lake Okeechobee out of Roland and Mary Ann Martin's Marina.
“This is the first BFL of the year and I have a full field of 200 boats already,” said tournament director Leroy Hensley, who noted that he kicked off the Gator Division schedule last year with a full field also. “That is a great start for the year.”
Hensley said the entry is helped by Southeast EverStart season opener the following Saturday on Okeechobee.
“I usually get a few of those guys who come and fish the BFL to get in a little more practice – and maybe win a little money,” he said.
Those 200 boats are going to find great fishing, Hensley said. The water level is at just over 15 feet, and that means there is water everywhere, giving both the fisherman and the bass access to almost anywhere on the lake. Warmer weather, light winds and healthy vegetation have recently created ideal conditions for catching large numbers of bass.
Anglers are expected to throw everything from jigs and creature-style baits to reaction-type baits, swimbaits and topwater baits during the tournament.
“Okeechobee is absolutely on fire. In the last week or so they have been pulling out some 9- and 10-pounders. It's absolutely phenomenal what's gong on down there,” he said. I think it will take 30-plus pounds to win Saturday – and that is strong.”
Hensley said his personal prediction is that 32 pounds will win – “but that is just a guess. We'll see how it shakes out.”
The 200 boaters will be competing for up to $8,000 and the 200 co-anglers will be fishing for a $3,000 first prize.
The Gator Division schedule includes Lake Okeechobee this Saturday out of Roland and Mary Ann Martin's Marina at Clewiston, Fla.; Feb. 16, Lake Okeechobee out of C. Scott Driver Park at Okeechobee, Fla.; March 9 and April 20, Lake Toho out of Big Toho Marina in Kissimmee, Fla; and back to Lake Okeechobee out of the Roland Martin Marina for the two-day finial Sept. 21-22.
BFL - Walmart Bass Fishing League - Gator Division
Sat, Jan 5, 2013
Lake Okeechobee
Roland Martin Marina & Resort
Points Race Tightens Up At Halfway Point In Denver Marine Monster Bass Trail On Lake Wylie
The Denver Marine Monster Bass Invitational Winter Trial should just get better and better in the new year, according to Anthony Williams with the Ranger dealership in Denver, N.C., which is hosting the Winter Trail on Lake Wylie.
“We had 16 teams competing in the last tournament (Dec. 22). Our crowd is starting to pick up and we are getting a lot of new members starting to fish with us. We are looking for good things in the future,” Williams said.
This is the first year of the Winter Trail, but Williams said it will be around in the future.
“We think we have to invest at least three years in it to get our name out there and let the fishermen know that we are going to do what we say we will do.”
Williams said the points race has tightened up halfway through the schedule. Todd Auten and Chris Baumgardner were leading the points for the first three tournaments, but Bill Grier and Robby Byrum won the Dec. 22 tournament to forge a tie.
Auten and Baumgardner finished 3rd Nov. 10, 2nd Nov. 24, 6th Dec. 6 and 5th Dec. 22. Grier and Byrum finished 7th Nov. 10, 6th Nov. 24, 5th Dec. 6 and won the Dec. 22 tournament
There are now four tournaments left before the fish-off Feb. 2 – all four on subsequent Saturdays in January, starting with this Saturday. Grier and Byrum picked up a check for $2,000 for their Dec. 22 win, but the payout schedule goes back to the normal prize money this Saturday, Williams said.
“That first place Dec. 22 was just a Christmas present for the anglers. The regular payout depends on how many show up for a tournament, with part of the money held back for the fish-off and big fish,” said Williams. Entry fee is $100 per team, which includes big fish, and each angler must pay $30 to join the Monster Bass Club.
Williams said he expects fishing to be good for Saturday's tournament.
“If it's anything like fishing at Lake Hickory they will be catching them on a jig. I was out on Hickory New Year's Eve and caught more than 20 pounds on a jig in 25 feet of water,” Williams said.
“I'd like to invite everybody to come out and fish with us. We have a great group of guys fishing. Everybody enjoys good fellowship and we feed the fishermen at the weigh-in.”
Williams also announced Denver Marine is preparing the Spring Trail which starts March 16.
“That first tournament will be on Lake Norman. Then on March 23 the tournament will be on Lake Wylie, April 26 we move to Lake Hickory, April 27 on Lake Norman, May 25 back on Lake Hickory,and June 29 on Lake Wylie. Then we will have a two-day championship Oct. 12-13 and the winners there will get brand new Ranger boat.”
Denver Marine Monster Bass Invitational Winter Trail
Sat, Jan 5, 2013
Lake Wylie
Buster Boyd Access Area
Call Anthony at 704-483-2628
www.denverrecreationalmarine.com
Plano Re-Ups with FLW, Including College Fishing Circuit
Andy Montgomery hopes to leave mediocrity behind in 2013
This past year on the tournament circuit was, in his own words, “a mediocre year” for BASS Elite pro Andy Montgomery of Blacksburg, S.C.
“I made a little money, but I only had one big tournament I finished 6th on Douglas Lake in Tennessee in May. Other than that I just got a check here and there and that was about it,” said Montgomery who finished 49th in the Elite Series point standings for the year.
The problem all year long, he said, was a lack of big bites.
“I was doing the right things and I caught a lot of fish, but I never did get the big bites. And I had a couple here and there that I lost, two in particular that would have really helped.”
Looking to the Elite Series in 2013, however, Montgomery said he plans to keep on doing what has worked for him in the past.
“I don't believe in saying, 'I'm gong to win.' Everybody does that. You just have to find what you think is the best pattern in practice and go with it in the tournament – and hope it is good enough.”
In his tournament career it has been a strategy that has worked fine and, Montgomery believes, 2012 was just a fluke year for him.
In fact, in the past decade he has won more than $655,000 on the various BASS and FLW circuits. During that time he notched 19 top 10 finishes in FLW Outdoors tournaments. He was Co-angler of the Year in the FLW Tour Majors Division in 2006 and he finished second in the Co-Angler Division of the Forrest Wood Cup that year. He also did well in the Forrest Wood Cup in the Pro Division, finishing 25th, 13th twice and 8th in the last one he fished in 2011.
Since moving to BASS three years ago, Montgomery has nine top 20 finishes, including six in the top 10. One of those was a first place in the Southern Open on Alabama's Smith Lake in 2010.
In 2012 Montgomery earned a check in four Elite tournaments, with his best finish 6th place in the Douglas Lake tournament in May. His best finish in the Southern Opens was 8th place on Smith Lake in October.
Montgomery's best year in BASS tournaments was 2011 when he won more than $67,000. He won $10,000 less than that in 2012, but he figures if he had got some of the big bites he expected and had not lost a couple of big fish at critical times he could have had an even better year than in 2011.
But 2013 is a new year and he has a new Ranger bass boat coming, so he anticipates getting back on the right track.
Between now and the first Elite of 2013 in March he plans to get in some rabbit hunting, organize his tackle, outfit his boat and do some winter fishing on nearby Lake Wylie.
“Fishing from now until mid-February is going to be basic winter fishing,” Montgomery said. “It's all about the bait. You have to find where the bait is and usually that is where the fish are going to be. They like to get in the mouths of the creeks – Crowders Creek, Seven Oaks, Allison and Mill Creek. You can catch them there on a suspending jerkbaits and a grub.”
Last year, he said, the Alabama Rig was a hot item on Wylie, but not so much so far this year.
“It used to be hard to catch bass on Wylie in the wintertime, but people started figuring out how to fish a chartreuse grub and a suspending jerkbait and found they can catch fish all over the lake this time of year.”
Montgomery operates the Rack & Reel Outfitters with fellow tournament angler Matt Arey of Shelby, N.C. Sponsored by Ranger Boats, Strike King Lure Company, and Evinrude Outboards, he guides on both Lakes Wylie and Norman. To book a fishing trip, call him at (704) 692-6642 or call (704) 484-7715. Check out the guide service website at: www.rackandreeloutfitters.com.
Dearal Rodgers Taking Next Step In His Tournament Career
“This is one of the best times of the year to catch a really big bass at Lake Wateree,” said local tournament angler and guide Dearal Rodgers of Camden, who is moving into a new phase in his tournament career in 2013.
Rodgers, who won the FLW Tour Co-Angler of the Year Award in 2009 and the FLW Tour's Forrest Wood Cup as a Co-Angler in 2010, plans to introduce his 9-year-old son, Fisher to tournament angling this year.
“We are going to fish three Fishers of Men Legacy Tournaments this year. He's excited about that, but I think I am more excited than he is,” said Rodgers who also plans to revive his guide business and expand it beyond Lake Wateree.
Rodgers deactivated his guide business while he was fishing the FLW Tour Majors and also starting up his own environmental assessment business, but he plans now to start guiding again.
“I've got my business going now and I've got some people helping me with it. The problem before was I could not be away from the job, but now I am looking forward to taking people out on Lake Wateree, Santee Cooper or Lake Murray, or wherever else they want to fish,” he said. “I also plan to fish the Carolina Bass Challenge tournaments this year and the PAAs (Professional Anglers Association) on a national level.”
Rodgers grew up fishing Lake Wateree and the skills her learned there propelled him to the top of the major tournament world. But he is still fascinated by the opportunities offered by his home lake.
“There are three things you need to be looking for in the month of January on Lake Wateree,” he said, “ rocks, access to deep water, and the cleanest water you can find. If you can find the big three, you'll find bass and often times a bunch of them.”
Rodgers said the bass at Wateree this time of year will suspend around the first break to deep water in these areas, then move shallow once or twice a day to feed.
“I like to target these fish with slow moving Shad Raps and suspending jerkbaits like the Lucky Craft Pointer. Shad patterns do the trick and don't underestimate the Buckeye Lures DR Edition 3/4-ounce spinnerbait slow rolled around the 10-foot zone.”
Rodgers said if you find a productive point, or bank it will typically produce through the winter into the early spring.
“This is also the only time of year that I fish sitting down. It helps me slow down and this time of year, that helps put more fish in the boat,” he said.
“Warming trends in between cold fronts can be very productive on Wateree, he noted
“The bass will move shallow to take advantage of the sun and the warmer temperatures in the upper water column. Crawdad colors work really well when we have warmer weather in the winter. Although crawfish hibernate during cold weather, when we have warmer weather a bass will eat a crawfish if he sees it.”
During those warmer days, he said a No. 7 or No. 8 ShadRap in crawdad color is an excellent choice.
“One reason the ShadRap is so good is that it is so subtle moving through the water. That bait coming through the water is good-sized and it will catch a big bass this time of year.”
Another option, he noted, is a Buckeye Mop Jig in green pumpkin color with a Zoom Super Chunk trailer.
“I will be fishing that jig around rocks , looking for water that gets a lot of sunlight. The sun may be out only 8 hours during the day, but you want to find the place that gets the most sun. You need deep water access and rock is key at Wateree this time of year.”
Rodgers is sponsored by Sportsman's Warehouse, AnglersChannel.com, Ranger Boats, Evinrude E-TEC, Buckeye Lures and Cutmaker Lures (www.Cutmakerlures.com). Check out his website at www.dearalrodgers.com. To book a bass fishing trip, call him at (803) 223-1117 or email: [email protected].
Guide Wendell Wilson Offers Basic Winter Patterns For Bass On Savannah River Lakes
The basic rule for winter bass fishing on two of the Savannah River Lakes – Hartwell and Russell – is to fish deep, but on Clarks Hill you need to fish much shallower, according to Wendell Wilson of Elberton, Ga., a veteran guide on all three lakes.
Wilson outlined his bass fishing strategy for all three lakes during the winter, noting that both largemouths and spotted bass are the targets in Hartwell and Russell while Clarks Hill harbors mainly largemouths:
Lake Hartwell: Here the basic pattern is to jig spoons around schools of baitfish in 30 to 40 feet of water. You can also cast jerkbaits into the centers of little pockets, although you will still be fishing over 30 to 40 feet of water. Sometimes the jerkbait will work better as the bass begin to move up a little bit out of the creek channels.
Another thing that works sometimes is to crawl a jig and pig on the bottom around brush in 30 to 40 feet of water. That is the way BASS pro Alton Jones won the Bassmaster Classic on Lake Hartwell in February about four years ago. He crawled a jig on the bottom most of the time and he also used a jigging spoon.
Those are the three basic ways to fish the clear water in the majority of the lake. But, if you run way up the rivers where the water has a little more color you will want to fish a little shallower with a small crankbait, like a No. 5 ShadRap or any other small crankbait that represents a threadfin shad.
Lake Russell: Start out with the same jigging school pattern around schools of shad in 30 to 40 feet of water. This will be the tactic that works day in and day out in the winter. Then where the water is stained, especially if the wind is blowing in, fish in 10 to 20 feet of water.
The jerkbait pattern will work in 20 to 30 feet of clear water in the pockets, but it will not be quite as good as it is on Lake Hartwell
You can also use a drop-shot worm in those same places, a 4- or 5-inch worm on a 2-foot leader with the weight 2 feet below the worm. Use that in places where the bait is in 30 to 40 feet of water.
That is about it on Lake Russell. The bass won't do much in stained water until spring.
Clarks Hill: Down on Clarks Hill, it's a totally different story. The water is stained compared to Russell and Hartwell and the fish are much shallower. Another reason is that the bass are mostly largemouths.
The best pattern is to fish 5 to 15 feet of water around the banks. Crawl a jig and pig around any wood cover you can see in the water along the sandy banks especially. That is a good pattern for some quality fish. At the same time, if you want to go for numbers, cast a lipless crankbait along the banks.
It helps if you get where there are a lot of baitfish. You can locate them by watching the seagulls. If you find a lot of bait activity in the creeks you will probably catch a mixed bag with bass, crappie, stripers and white perch.
The weather plays a role on all three lakes. They usually bite better on windy days than on flat, calm days. If you get three or four days of a warming trend, the jerkbait pattern and the Clarks Hill patterns will work better. If you have a cold front move through the jigging spoons and drop-shot work better.
Wilson guides for bass, crappie and stripers on all three lakes and for hybrids on Thurmond and Hartwell. You can check out his guide service at www.wilsonsguideservice.com. To book a fishing trip call him at (706) 283-3336.
Collegians Take to Okeechobee for FLW Southeastern Conference Opener
FLW College Fishing is headed to Lake Okeechobee Jan. 12 for the first of four stops in the Southeastern Conference. Fifty college teams will be competing for a top award of $2,000 and a berth in the Southeastern Conference Invitational tournament.
Potomac Guide, Capt. Steve Chaconas Uses World-Wide Web To Guide All Of Us
Merry Christmas Eve! I hope you all take time to enjoy your family before sneaking-in a fishing trip or two over the Christmas break.
I have to give credit where credit is due: Capt. Steve Chaconas, Potomac bass fishing guide and Boat US "Ask the Expert" contributor has shared the BEST fishing reports all year long. It makes me wish I lived close enough to D.C. to take advantage of the information.
On that note, Chaconas usually adds tidbits that any angler can use no matter where he fishes. Consider this from his latest on-line report -
"For plastics fishing, downsize to 8 or even 6-pound test to feel more bites when water gets colder and fish aren’t aggressive. They’ll feel the drag of “bigger lines” and let go, before you feel them . . . Thinner lines get to the bottom and stay in wind and current. You’ll feel bites better and have less drag in the water for hooksets."
Right there, in one paragraph, Chaconas gives 3 good reasons to use lighter lines in winter.
His mention of less drag against a hookset with lighter line really got me thinking about all the various things that are affected by the more efficient hook set. Sure, I'm giving up a little strength, but what good is extra strength if it is cancelled by a big bow in my line?
One thing I have noticed while fishing with regular Joes and Elite Series pros from Minnesota to Mexico is that little things are what separate the best anglers from the rest.
Thanks, Capt. Chaconas for sharing a bunch of 'little things" with us throughout the year.
Read his entire fishing report below or link to it at http://www.nationalbass.com/reports/fishreport.htm
http://www.csnwashington.com/fishing-potomac/news
DECEMBER 2012
Open the tacklebox and go fishing! You’ll be able to use spinnerbaits, crankbaits, jerkbaits and even possibly some topwater (primarily during the warmest part and lower tide of the day!). Bridges in DC are good for smallmouth, largemouth and stripers use pilings as current breaks and will be in the dead zone waiting for prey. Depth and how bass are using cover are more important now as water drops to 45 degrees and below. Slow down and keep baits into these zones. The Spoils, Smoot Bay (National Harbor), Fox Ferry, Hogg Island, Belle Haven, Oxen Cove, Blue Plains are the typical hangouts in the northern end of the Potomac River. Colder water, fish slower and generally deeper. Some fish are shallow and easier to catch just about every day especially in stable weather. Several techniques produce under most conditions. Most are slow presentations!
Start with main river points and work your way north ambushing them at the creek points of the shallow creeks like Piscataway and Broad. Into the deeper creeks, follow them in the ditches and channels. In the Wilson Bridge area, follow the excavation ditches rimming the Spoils and Smoots (National Harbor). Fish closer to drops near water 10 feet deep when temperatures get down to 45, and near 4-6 foot drops when water is 50 or above. Look for deep water close by and sharp drops in those areas to find wintering bass. In Blue Plains, expect more active fish. When water gets below 45, cast and work 1/2-ounce Silver Buddy’s down drops on the bottom with short “burps” on 12-pound test Gamma Fluorocarbon on a medium action Quantum casting rod. I prefer casting gear, as they are easier to cast while wearing Seal Skinz gloves.
For plastics fishing, downsize to 8 or even 6-pound test to feel more bites when water gets colder and fish aren’t aggressive. They’ll feel the drag of “bigger lines” and let go, before you feel them. Also, you’re fishing deeper and further from the boat than in summer. Thinner lines get to the bottom and stay in wind and current. You’ll feel bites better and have less drag in the water for hooksets. Downsized baits like Mann’s 3-inch avocado Stingray grub on a 1/4 ounce round jig head made with Mustad hooks worked slowly down drops will produce. A dab of PRO’s Soft Bait Glue keeps the Stingray on. A good soaking in garlic Jack’s Juice spray attractant keeps fish holding on longer with all soft plastics!
Drag 4-inch tubes with weedless R&R Custom Baits tube heads, gliding down drops. Green pumpkin Mizmo tubes are the best place to start. Other colors: Blue Craw, Green Pumpkin Copper. Try MIZMO 4 inch grubs with the tail rigged UP on a 1/4-ounce round jig head.
Use drop shot once fish are found. A 1/4-ounce Water Gremlin Bullshot weight is perfect in current on 8-pound test GAMMA Copoly line. A 2/0 Mustad wide gap Mega Lite worm hook works with Mann’s 4-inch Super Finesse worms. Feel pressure, set the hook. Remember, you’re using lighter line; you don’t need a giant hookset. This is a great way to catch them at Blue Plains. Probe flats near drops and points in Spoils and Smoots with split shot rigs with 3/16 ounce Water Gremlin Bullshot weights and Carolina rigs. Use a 2/0 Mustad Ultra Point Mega Lite hook with Mann’s 4-inch Super Finesse worms.
This month use Punisher Jigs in black/blue, green/orange and green-pumpkin/orange with plastic matching chunks. Insert a Punisher metal rattle, the loudest attachable rattle you can find and it will not come off! Pitch to cover, drops and flats near drops and let it sit, occasionally shaking. Really good at Blue Plains, just let current move the bait. Most bites are light pickups, watch line!
When water is a bit warmer to around 50, target shallower fish with a tight wiggle crankbait. Mann’s Loudmouth III dives about 4 feet deep with 10-pound test line. The Loudmouth has rattles, better in slightly stained water. You can also go deeper with Mann’s 15+ on 12-pound test.
Also Lucky Craft Pointer 78s are very effective in clear water around 50. Fish around hard cover that is warmer with the sun on it. Pointers are easy to cast in the wind. Baby Bass, Mat Pumpkin, Black Gold are my favorites. Use 12-pound Gamma fluorocarbon and a jerk, jerk, jerk, pause retrieve. Let it sit a while; vary cadence and length of pause. Works at Blue Plains around Spoils and Fox Ferry. Not a lot of guys throw jerkbaits, so you’ll have an edge.
When water warms above 45 degrees don’t put away spinnerbaits especially on windy days! Go to the bank the wind is blowing on and toss a 3/8-ounce Mann’s Classic with a white skirt, and a gold willow/Colorado tandem. Slowly retrieve, bumping bottom. You’ll catch the biggest fish of the season this way. To slow down, use a slower ratio reel with 12-pound test Gamma Fluorocarbon. A medium 7’ graphite rod has give for the subtle winter bite and enough backbone to set the hook! Dress in layers; protect your eyes with Maui Jim Polarized gray lenses.
Capt. Steve Chaconas, Potomac bass fishing guide, BoatUS “Ask the Expert” (http://my.boatus.com/askexperts/bassfishing/) Potomac River reports: nationalbass.com. Book trips/purchase gift certificates: [email protected].
"Take me fishing!" .·´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸.·´¯`·...¸> >
Koppers Brings Hard Baits To Bassmaster College Series
Koppers Fishing and Tackle Corp. of Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, is the newest sponsor of the seven-event Carhartt Bassmaster College Series.
“Koppers Fishing is very proud and excited to expand our relationship with B.A.S.S. by supporting the college fishing segment this year. We feel this is a natural progression for our growing company to support youth and grass-roots anglers who are vital to the future of our industry,” said Koppers Product Placement Specialist Tom Chopin.
As an official College Series sponsor, the maker of LIVETARGET lures will have a strong presence at the circuit’s events scheduled for 2013. The season kickoff will be Jan. 4-5 in Tavares, Fla., on the Harris Chain of Lakes. The competition not only will mark the collegiate season’s start, but also will be the first of 30-plus events scheduled for the entire 2013 Bassmaster Tournament Trail.
Koppers also will be on board for the other College Series stops of 2013: Texas’ Lake Amistad in Del Rio; California’s Clear Lake out of the city of Clear Lake; Santee Cooper out of Manning, S.C.; the Mississippi River out of Fort Madison, Iowa; a wild-card championship qualifier on Pickwick Lake in Florence, Ala.; and the season closer, the national championship, at a site to be announced. A schedule is available at www.Bassmaster.com/college.
“Koppers can expect a big welcome at College Series events,” said Hank Weldon, College Series manager. “Hard baits with cutting-edge design are always going to get the attention of any angler, but collegiate anglers are especially tuned in to how technology can help their fishing. Koppers makes that kind of lure.”
Among the hottest of those hard baits for the bass market are the new LIVETARGET Popper Frog and LIVETARGET Crappie.
Voted “best hard lure” at ICAST 2012, Popper Frog is part of the family that also garnered back-to-back ICAST product awards in 2010 and 2011. Those were a hollow body frog and field mouse, while the new lure is a hard topwater bait that features a lifelike leopard frog profile with an action that marks it as a serious popper.
Also new, LIVETARGET Crappie has the finish and shape of a real slabside. It is offered in two versions: a flat-side crankbait in 2 1/4 or 2 1/2 inches and a slightly larger lipless rattlebait of 2 1/2 or 2 3/4 inches.
Grant Koppers, an avid angler and lure maker since the age of 8, produced his first LIVETARGET model in 2005. A former professional fishing guide, he bases his creations on realistic finishes, lifelike colors and 3-D textures. Today the lures are available at major retail chains and at independent retail shops across the country. More information can be found at www.livetargetlures.com.
Owned by B.A.S.S. LLC and based in Birmingham, Ala., the College Series offers structured, quality competitions for college teams. In the few years since it was first operated by B.A.S.S., the collegiate division has grown to reach anglers from about 100 colleges and universities spread throughout the country.
In 2013, a new conference-style structure lends a coast-to-coast reach with the goal of making tournament participation easier for more anglers. The circuit offers a Bassmaster Classic berth to the successful angler in the postseason bracket competition between the top finishers of the annual College Series championship.
Evinrude Pro Denny Brauer to Fish Texas EverStarts
Brauer and wife, Shirley recently moved to the Lake Amistad area so he can spend time fishing and deer hunting in a frost-free environment.
While he shared with AnglersChannel.com in October that he is done with the grind of Bassmaster Elite Series competition and associated travel, Brauer also said he would be busy working with sponsors, particularly in the area of product development and testing, and that he will fish a few tournaments here and there.
If he fishes well enough in the EverStarts, Brauer could earn a spot in the 2014 Forrest Wood Cup.
ABA Announces Major Change for 2013 American Fishing Tour National Championship
ATHENS, Ala. – Friday, December 22, 2012, American Bass Anglers is announcing a major change to the registration of the American Fishing Tour National Championship. The top 250 national point holders will be invited to compete in the National Championship as a boater and be guaranteed boater status. The championship will be held October 23-25, 2013 on Clarks Hill Lake in Appling, Georgia.
American Fishing Tour anglers qualify for the National Championship by competing in divisional events all over the US. Anglers earn points within both their local division and nationally. Divisional points are just as important as national points. The top point holder from each division is invited to the Angler of the Year Final Round event to compete for a fully rigged TR21XS Triton/Mercury package. National standings determine who will qualify for a slot in the National Championship, and, starting this year, will also determine who will be eligible for guaranteed boater status.
A full field of 500 will be invited to the championship, and anglers will be linked together based on point standings as boaters and non-boaters. Boaters will be requested to register with a divisional non-boater to insure both anglers have a slot. To learn more read the 2013 rules posted at www.americanbassangles.com/rules.php
ABA anglers from across the country will be competing for cash, Triton and Mercury Boat Packages, and special Competition Team awards. The National Champion will be awarded a Triton Boats 21XS with a Mercury Marine 200 Pro XS rigged with Carlisle Tires with Black Rock Wheels, ODDESSEY batteries, MotorGuide Trolling Motor, Royal Purple Oil and BioBorEB. Cash will be paid to 75 places based on a full field of 500 contestants.
Special recognition will be given to the top five point leaders of each Competition Team and service branches. Members will fight it out to be in the top five of Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, Non-Military Members (Eagle), Lady Anglers and the Homeland Security Teams at the championship.
All National Championship contestants will also qualify for a drawing for a new Triton Boats 19XS with a Mercury Marine 150 Pro XS rigged with Carlisle Tires with Black Rock Wheels, ODDESSEY batteries, MotorGuide Trolling Motor, Royal Purple Oil and BioBorEB. All the anglers have to do is be a registered contestant and be present at the championship drawing.
Registration for the 2013 National Championship will begin on July 1, 2013 at 8:00 am CST. To learn more about the American Fishing Tour and both the National Championship and the Angler of the Year Final Round, visitwww.americanbassanglers.com or call (256) 232-0406.
It is easy to get started on your path to the American Fishing Tour National Championship and Angler of the Year Final Round. Find a local division, go over the schedule and just show up, register and go fishing! Whether you own a boat or not it’s a great way to meet and compete against other weekend anglers just like yourself.
About American Bass Anglers - The American Fishing Tour provides weekend anglers close to home, low cost weekend bass tournaments with a path to a National Championship. For more information about American Bass Anglers and the American Fishing Tour, The Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Weekend Series or the American Couples Series, visit www.americanbassanglers.com
Murphy & McCall Win CATT Hartwell Fall Final
We wrapped up the 1st ever edition of the CATT Trail held on Lake Hartwell and it turned out very good! We averaged 20 teams and paid back almost $10,000.00. Check out the Spring CATT schedules and we hope to see you in 2013. Check under CATT Upstate and you can view the 2013 Spring schedule.Charles Murphy and John McCall certainly are glad the CATT trail visited Lake Hartwell this Fall as they brought in 5 bass that tipped the scales at 20 lbs 3 ozs. They took 1st place and the BONUS $ for a grand total of $2,260.00!
Jim Sanders and Amy Tupper also had a very good day of fishing with 5 bass weighing 19 lbs 11 ozs. They collected $1,000.00.
Derrick Bridges and Bo Hill claimed 3rd with a limit weighing 16 lbs 5 ozs and also weighed in the 1st BF at 6 lbs 10 ozs. They took home $533.00.
David Whyte and Bobby Gaston received $57.00 for their 2nd Place BF that weighed 5 lbs 5 ozs.
We will kickoff the 2013 Spring SC Upstate trail on Lake Keowee January 29 and follow up with the rest of the SC Upstate qualifiers on Hartwell. Hope to see you and I will be at the Greenville Boat Show so drop by!
Brett Collins
Carolina Anglers Team Trail LLC
Sportsman's Warehouse Bass Report with Roanoke Store Mgr Justin Kijak!
Sportsman's Warehouse Roanoke Store Mgr Justin Kijak pulls out some great winter Bass baits you need to have handy for those colder water temps and changing conditions. Don't forget you can order all of the products you see here online at www.sportsmanswarehouse.com !
Sportsman's Warehouse Report with Roanoke Store Mgr Justin Kijak!
Sportsman's Warehouse Roanoke store mgr Justin Kijak joins us with some late fall/winter tips for you striper guys out there. Smith Mtn, Lake Murray, Lake Norman, ect provide some excellent opportunities to catch large, large quanities of Stripers right now.........take a look!
Colder Weather Could Light A Fire Under Wylie Bass For Denver Marine Tournament
The weather this weekend may be just what the fishermen on Lake Wylie have been waiting for – cold!
All fall, bass anglers have complained that it has not been cold enough to turn the fish on yet. But that could be about to change. It won't be a drastic change, but the forecast is for a nighttime temperature of 27 degrees with clear skies and a high of 56 degrees on Saturday.
“It looks like we are going to have a chilly morning and that could be what these fishermen are looking for,” said Anthony Williams with the Ranger dealership in Denver, N.C., which is hosting the Denver Marine Monster Bass Invitational Winter Trail. “They have been telling me they were looking for cold weather to turn on the fish in Lake Wylie.”
Although participation has been a little lower than anticipated, Williams said the Winter Trail has been going well so far.
“I know guys are loyal to certain lakes, but we want to offer anglers on Lake Wylie a good, honest trial and give them something to look forward to,” Williams said. The tournament Saturday, he noted, has a $2,000 guarantee for first place, regardless of how many boats show up.
“We're hoping that will help draw in a crowd. Paying a $100 entry fee for a shot at winning $2,000 is good odds for any fisherman.”
Williams said veteran pro anglers Todd Auten and Chris Baumgardner are leading the points race after three tournaments. Auten and Baumgardner finished 3rd Nov. 10, 2nd Nov. 24 and 6th Dec. 6. At this point a prize for winning the points title has not been determined, he said.
“After Saturday we'll take a break for the Christmas holidays and then have tournaments all four Saturdays in January and the fish-off, a one-day tournament, Feb. 2,” Williams said, noting that $20 of every entry fee is designated for the fish-off purse.
The Winter Trail will definitely return next winter, he said.
“This being our first year with the Winter Trail, we think we have to invest at least three years in it to get our name out there and let the fishermen know that we are going to do what we say we will do.”
Denver Marine is already gearing up for the Spring Trail which will start March 16.
“That first tournament will be on Lake Norman. Then on March 23 the tournament will be on Lake Wylie, April 26 we move to Lake Hickory, April 27 on Lake Norman, May 25 back on Lake Hickory,and June 29 on Lake Wylie. Then we will have a two-day championship Oct. 12-13 and the winners there will get brand new Ranger boat.”
Denver Marine Monster Bass Invitational Winter Trail
Sat, Dec 22, 2012
Lake Wylie
Buster Boyd Access Area
Call Anthony at 704-483-2628
www.denverrecreationalmarine.com
Bass Should Be On Ledges For Georgia Eufaula Division 12 Tournament Saturday
Deacon Collins, tournament director for the American Bass Anglers Georgia Eufaula Division 12, is expecting somewhere in the neighborhood of 30 boats for the qualifying tournament Saturday on Eufaula.
“Normally we run about 30 boats this time of year and it can go up or down from that, depending on the anglers who show up,” Collins said. “You don't have to have a boat to fish the tournament, but the ones who bring their boat are guaranteed to use their boat.”
If they do enter Saturday’s tournament, he noted, they can expect a good day on the water with nice weather in the forecast.
“It's going to be warm Saturday. The temperature is supposed to get down into the 30s Friday night and then it should be clear and in the 60s during the day. As for the fish, we'll have to see what they are doing. They were starting to get out on the ledges in our November 24 tournament, so they should be out there now.”
Wayne Gibson won that November tournament, he noted, with 19 1/2 pounds of bass, so the weights could be strong this Saturday.
“We've got some pretty good fishermen who fish the Eufaula Division,” Collins said. He said last year's points champion, Kenny Carroll, won the AOY title for both Eufaula Division 12 and for the ABA division on West Point Lake.
“He fished a lot of tournaments and he fished hard,” Collins said. Dee Paschal of Hawkinsville, Ga., is leading the points so far this year, with a 4th place Sept. 22, 12th place Oct. 27 and 11th place Nov. 24.
The division’s angler of the year will represent the division at the ABA national championship where he will be fishing for a new, fully-rigged Triton bass boat.
“We will run one-day qualifying tournaments each month all the way to June and then we will have our two-day tournament in June,” Collins said. “You don't have to be pre-registered to fish our tournaments. You have to be a member of the American Bass Anglers or a member of the Bassmaster Weekend Series. The entry fee is $70, plus there is a $5 late fee. And we pay back in cash.”
The format is a draw tournament, he said, with registration beginning about 3:30 the morning of the tournament and the drawing held about half an hour before safe light.
“Fishing our tournaments is like being in a bass club and not having to go to meetings,” he said. You just show up at the ramp and go fish. We have a great bunch of guys and we have a great time.”
After Saturday the schedule includes: Jan. 26, Feb. 23, March 9, April 27, May 11 and June 29-30, all out of Lake Point Marina on Lake Eufaula.
American Bass Anglers – Georgia Eufaula Division #12
Sat, Dec 22, 2012
Lake Eufaula
Lake Point State Park
Call Deacon Collins at (404) 862-4233
http://www.americanbassanglers.com/districts2013.php?Division=12
2012 Yadkin CATT Tops $27,000 Payout Total
We’ve added Buckeye Lures to the 2013 CATT sponsorship team! They join a great group of sponsors so check em out! www.buckeyelures.com April 27th is a date to save as CATT will be on hand to run the 2013 Buckeye Lures Lake Murray Open at Dreher Island State Park! More info coming!
Boy what a year! A first year at that! This was CATTs 1st year on the Yadkin chain lakes and it was a good one! The total cash amount paid back on the Yadkin was $27,060.00! Thanks guys for fishing and I’m sure we can break the $30,000.00 mark next year. A HUGE Thank You goes out to Marty Williams who directed the Yadkin CATT Trails!
David Wright and Chris Brown put a smackin on the High Rock bass Saturday out of Tamarac Marina with 5 bass weighing 22.35 lbs taking 1st Place and a check in the amount of $2,200.00!
Gerald Beck and Jerry Davis claimed 2nd place and $1,140.00 with 5 bass weighing 19.31 lbs and they weighed the BF of the day at 5.65 lbs.
Howard Bean and Bobby Lovens finished in 3d with 5 bass weighing 19.11 lbs. They received $360.00.
The 2013 Yadkin CATT season is set so take a look at the Yadkin Schedule and we hope to see you there!
Brett Collins
Carolina Anglers Team Trail LLC
Bassmasters TV show Back for 30th Season
Since its debut in November 1984, The Bassmasters has taken viewers out on the water and up on the stage for all the drama from bass fishing’s most prestigious tournament trail. In 2013, the award-winning program is back for its 30th season with six hours of Bassmaster Classic coverage, plus hour-long episodes covering each Bassmaster Elite Series event, the Toyota Trucks Bassmaster All-Star Week programming and two special “Winning Ways” shows detailing the methods used by Elite tournament champions.
All of the programming will air on ESPN2, and all times listed are Eastern Time. Bassmaster Classic coverage begins on Saturday, March 2, at 10 a.m. and continues on Sunday, March 3, at 7 a.m. and 10 p.m.
Elite Series programming kicks off on Sunday, March 24, at 8 a.m. with coverage of the Sabine River Challenge presented by STARK Cultural Venues and continues through Toyota Trucks All-Star Week.
Winning Ways, two special editions of The Bassmasters, will divide the Elite season. The first edition will air on Sunday, May 19, at 8 a.m. and will cover the first four Elite tournaments. The second edition will air on Saturday, Sept. 7, at 7 a.m. and will cover the final four Elite contests.
Viewers should be aware that the programming schedule is subject to change. Please check your local listings for the date and time of each program, or visit www.Bassmaster.com.
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa Signs On As Bassmaster Classic Presenting Sponsor
A premier entertainment destination in northeastern Oklahoma has become the newest sponsor of the 2013 Bassmaster Classic.
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa has signed on to be the Presenting Sponsor for the Feb. 22-24 world championship of bass fishing in Tulsa. The resort’s brand will be prominent throughout the event and in the subsequent television broadcast of Classic competition scheduled to begin March 2 on ESPN2.
“We are proud to continue the Cherokee Nation’s legacy of being a good community partner by helping bring large events like the 2013 Bassmaster Classic to northeast Oklahoma,” said Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Bill John Baker. “This event will be an economic boost for the entire region, especially our Cherokee communities. We are pleased to partner with B.A.S.S. and the Tulsa Regional Chamber’s Tulsa Sports Commission to make this wonderful event possible.”
The deal was announced today in Tulsa by officials of B.A.S.S., LLC, the Cherokee Nation’s Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa, and Classic hosts the Tulsa Sports Commission, VisitTulsa and the Tulsa Regional Chamber. The Tulsa Sports Commission initiated the deal, coordinating its partner organizations to offer the most enhanced attendee experience for the world championship of bass fishing.
“The Tulsa Sports Commission worked with many people, local organizations and businesses to bring the Bassmaster Classic to northeast Oklahoma,” said Ray Hoyt, senior vice president of VisitTulsa and the Tulsa Sports Commission. “We’re excited to announce today that Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa, owned by the Cherokee Nation, has elected to join that group and will act as local Presenting Sponsor for the prestigious event. Their support is sure to amplify the Classic, and we’re excited to have them on board.”
The sponsorship will support both the B.A.S.S. organization and the Tulsa Sports Commission in execution of the three-day competition predicted to bring roughly 100,000 attendees and an economic impact of $26 million to the region.
Added Jeff Stava, chair of the Tulsa Sports Commission’s local organizing committee for the Bassmaster Classic and chief operating officer of Tulsa Community Foundation: “As the Presenting Sponsor of the Bassmaster Classic, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa will bring a new dimension to the world championship of bass fishing with exciting entertainment and world class gaming. We appreciate their support and are excited for Feb. 22-24 in Tulsa.”
The 2013 Bassmaster Classic Presented by Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa will pit 53 of the world’s best bass anglers against each other for a piece of a $1.2 million purse. Competition will be on Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees, which is new competition water for the Classic. The anglers will weigh their daily catches at the BOK Center in downtown Tulsa, another new Classic venue, as is the Tulsa Convention Center, where the concurrent Bassmaster Classic Outdoors Expo Presented by Dick’s Sporting Goods will take place.
“This newest Classic partnership is very fitting because we’re planning to rock Tulsa with the Classic,” said Bruce Akin, CEO of B.A.S.S. “We couldn’t do that without the help of the many partners we have from the Tulsa area. The instantly recognizable Hard Rock name is a great addition to what is quickly coming together to be one of our best Classic events ever.”
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa is a gaming resort with a musical flair. Its largest music venue is The Joint, a 45,000-square-foot theater with 2,700 amphitheater seats and a state-of-the-art sound and light system. Concert offerings run from jazz to hard rock, Vegas shows to country stars. In early December, for example, superstar and Oklahoma native Reba McEntire performed at The Joint.
Visitors have several other choices of clubs with top music acts, as well as nine restaurants. One can’t-miss dining experience — McGill’s on 19 — is on the 19th floor of the hotel tower. Diners enjoy a panoramic view and an enticing menu of steaks and seafood.
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa also offers meeting and event hosting, a golf course, and accommodations complete with amenities such as a fitness center, pool and shopping — including, of course, a shop stocked with Hard Rock-branded goods.
B.A.S.S., headquartered in Birmingham, Ala., operates four tournament circuits, including the professional Bassmaster Elite Series from which most of the 53 qualifiers for the 2013 Classic emerged. Berths also were awarded through other Bassmaster circuits: the 2012 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Opens Series, the B.A.S.S. Nation circuit, and the growing collegiate level of competition, the Carhartt Bassmaster College Series. In addition, the 2012 champ of the Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Weekend Series operated by American Bass Anglers was awarded a Classic berth.
The full field will compete the first two days. On the final day, the Top 25 anglers will return to Grand Lake to vie for a $500,000 first prize and the most coveted trophy in the sport. For more information about the Classic, go to www.Bassmaster.com.
For more on Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, go to www.HardRockCasinoTulsa.com. For information about attending the Classic in Tulsa, go to www.TulsaSports.org/Bassmaster.
Lake Eufaual Late Fall Report
Lake level - 185.53 msl
Water Temperature - 56 +
Water Clarity - Clear to slight stain
Lake remains very low, navigation is safe in marked river and creek channels. Use extreme caution when traveling to cover areas when crossing shallows.
Bass are hitting heavy spoons jigged over deep cover. Jig's worked over deep cover are also working. Slow presentations are the trick as the water cools down and fish become more lethargic.
Crappie are good on trolled jig's tipped with minnows. Setting up over drop's with cover and fishing live minnows are working for those not set up for trolling. Night fishing around the causeways and bridges under lights is also getting hot.
Cats are slower now but still hitting worms fished on the bottom on the creek or river drops, especially near cover of trash piles.
Be sure and check out www.leekingbenefit.org , we have filled the first flight now and we have folks buying entry fee's for grandchildren as Christmas gifts. Sigh up for our free news letter on the foundation site.
Merry Christmas, enjoy the outdoors God has given us to use and respect.
God Bless & Good Fishn'
Capt. Sam
Gamakatsu Hooks Ehrler
Redlands, Calif - FLW Tour angler Brent Ehrler has agreed to terms with Gamakatsu. Ehrler won the 2006 Forrest Wood Cup on Logan Martin Lake near Birmingham Alabama. Ehrler has amassed six total FLW Tour and FLW Series victories and he won the 2004 Everstart Championship on Lake Cumberland in Kentucky. Ehrler also won the inaugural Major League Fishing tournament on Lake Amistad in Texas.
Gamakatsu touts over 2300 different hook shapes and models and is the go to hook company for angler of all skill levels. Anglers from weekend fun fisherman to the top pros in the world rely on Gamakatsu to get fish in the boat.
Jeff Roberts of Gamakatsu looks forward to working with Ehrler, "Gamakatsu USA is very pleased to announce Brent Ehrler joining our pro staff for the upcoming tournament season. Brent is a consummate professional and a highly skilled angler who understands the rich tradition of quality that makes Gamakatsu the world's leading premium hook manufacture. We are confident Brent will add greatly to the future of Gamakatsu both on and off the water. We are looking forward to working closely with Brent, continuing our growth as a company and helping Brent meet his career goals with our combined efforts".
Ehrler looks forward to fishing with Gamakatsu hooks, "I am very excited about the opportunity to work with Gamakatsu. I have always put them on a pedestal in the fishing industry, and to be associated with their brand name and premier products is truly a privilege. I already use a lot of their hooks and can't wait to fish with some of the new models. I am ready to revamp my hook boxes, both worm hooks and trebles. In fact, I have several Plano boxes that I have labeled that are ready to be filled. I'm anxious to start the 2013 season with a fresh box of premier Gamakatsu hooks."
BRP Announces Evinrude E-TEC ‘Experience More’ Boat Show Sales Event!
BRP US Inc. announced today the Evinrude E-TEC “Experience More” Boat Show Sales Event for customers in the United States. During the period from Dec. 17, 2012 through Mar. 31, 2013, qualified U.S. consumers who purchase and take delivery of an eligible Evinrude E-TEC engine or boat package from a participating Evinrude dealer can take advantage of the retail offer.
Package Offer:
· 15 H.O. to 300 HP engines: Six (6) Year B.E.S.T. extended warranty coverage
Repower Offer:
· Option 1 for 40 HP to 300 HP engines: Five (5) Year B.E.S.T. extended warranty coverage or as low as 3.9 percent financing PLUS free rigging on 40 HP to 300 HP models
--OR—
· Option 2 for 15 H.O. to 300 HP engines: Six (6) Year B.E.S.T. extended warranty coverage
“The Evinrude E-TEC ‘Experience More’ Boat Show Sales Event provides consumers with the strongest incentives of the entire year,” said Christopher Berg, Director of Marketing and Strategic Planning for Evinrude. “Now is the best time to take advantage of these benefits and get out on the water with Evinrude E-TEC.”
For full details and conditions about this promotion, consumers should visit an authorized, participating Evinrude dealer. For full promotional details and conditions, or to find a local Evinrude dealer, visit www.evinrude.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.
Bassmaster Elite Series Field Set For 2013
The field for the 2013 Bassmaster Elite Series is set. With 102 top professional anglers from 25 states and Japan, the lineup is the strongest ever and the largest since 2008.
The group contains 11 Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Anglers of the Year (21 total titles), 11 Bassmaster Classic champions (17 Classic wins) and more than 200 B.A.S.S. tournament victories.
These anglers will vie for millions in prize money over the course of eight events in seven states covering four rivers, three reservoirs and one natural lake. The season begins on March 14 at the Sabine River Challenge Presented by STARK Cultural Venues in Orange, Texas, and ends in August at the Lake St. Clair Championship out of Detroit, Mich., where the 2013 Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Angler of the Year will be crowned and nearly 30 berths in the 2014 Bassmaster Classic on Alabama’s Lake Guntersville will be determined.
“We’re excited about the lineup for the upcoming season,” said Bruce Akin, CEO of B.A.S.S. “The Elite Series represents the highest level of competition our sport has to offer, and nowhere is that more evident than in the field of anglers who will be competing next year. They tell our members and fans that ‘Elite’ is not just a name — it’s a level of performance and of commitment.”
“Star-studded” might be the best way to describe the 2013 Elite field. It’s led by seven-time Angler of the Year and four-time Classic champion Kevin VanDam. He returns along with the legendary Rick Clunn (the only other four-time Classic champ), Skeet Reese, Michael Iaconelli, Aaron Martens, 2012 Classic winner Chris Lane and last season’s Angler of the Year, Brent Chapman.
Of the 25 states represented, Alabama leads the way with 16 anglers, followed by 13 from Texas and 12 from Oklahoma, site of the 2013 Bassmaster Classic on Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees out of Tulsa, Feb. 22-24.
New to the Elite field for 2013 are nine rookies who qualified via the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Opens: Hank Cherry of North Carolina; Chad Pipkens of Michigan; Jason Christie, James Elam and Chip Porche of Oklahoma; Kevin Hawk and Kelley Jaye of Alabama: and Josh Bertrand and Clifford Pirch of Arizona. One of them will earn the title of 2013 Bassmaster Rookie of the Year.
“Making the leap from the Bassmaster Opens to the Elite Series is one of the biggest and most challenging transitions in all of sport,” said B.A.S.S. Tournament Director Trip Weldon. “Our 2013 rookies are an extremely talented group, and they have been winners on just about every other tournament circuit in the country. I think they’re going to challenge our Elite veterans and make for some great competition.”
Also returning to the Elites next season are Kurt Dove (Texas), Byron Haseotes (Massachusetts) and Dennis Tietje (Louisiana). Dove, who last participated in 2008, requalified through the Bassmaster Opens, while Haseotes and Tietje come back from hardship exemptions.
Invitations to compete in the Bassmaster Elite Series are earned by performance in the previous year’s Elite circuit and the Bassmaster Opens.
Competing this year are:
Casey Ashley Donalds, S.C.
Scott Ashmore Broken Arrow, Okla.
Josh Bertrand Gilbert, Ariz.
Tommy Biffle Wagoner, Okla.
Brent Broderick Oregonia, Ohio
Stephen Browning Hot Springs, Ark.
Brandon Card Knoxville, Tenn.
Brent Chapman Lake Quivira, Kan.
Hank Cherry Maiden, N.C.
Jason Christie Park Hill, Okla.
Rick Clunn Ava, Mo.
Keith Combs Huntington, Texas
John Crews Salem, Va.
Cliff Crochet Pierre Part, La.
Mark Davis Mount Ida, Ark.
Ott DeFoe Knoxville, Tenn.
Kurt Dove Del Rio, Texas
Boyd Duckett Demopolis, Ala.
Paul Elias Laurel, Miss.
Edwin Evers Talala, Okla.
Todd Faircloth Jasper, Texas
Jami Fralick Martin, S.D.
Grant Goldbeck Boerne, Texas
Matt Greenblatt Port St. Lucie, Fla.
Shaw Grigsby Gainesville, Fla.
Greg Hackney Gonzales, La.
Charlie Hartley Grove City, Ohio
BJ Haseotes Centerville, Mass.
Kevin Hawk Guntersville, Ala.
Matt Herren Trussville, Ala.
Kenyon Hill Norman, Okla.
Davy Hite Ninety Six, S.C.
Jamie Horton Centreville, Ala.
Timmy Horton Muscle Shoals, Ala.
Randy Howell Springville, Ala.
Michael Iaconelli Pittsgrove, N.J.
Kelley Jaye Dadeville, Ala.
Alton Jones Lorena, Texas
Kelly Jordon Palestine, Texas
Steve Kennedy Auburn, Ala.
Kotaro Kiriyama Moody, Ala.
Gary Klein Weatherford, Texas
Jeff Kriet Ardmore, Okla.
Bobby Lane Lakeland, Fla.
Chris Lane Guntersville, Ala.
Russ Lane Prattville, Ala.
Kevin Ledoux Choctaw, Okla.
Jared Lintner Arroyo Grande, Calif.
Bill Lowen Brookville, Ind.
Aaron Martens Leeds, Ala.
Billy McCaghren Mayflower, Ark.
Mike McClelland Bella Vista, Ark.
Jared Miller Norman, Okla.
Yusuke Miyazaki Forney, Texas
Ish Monroe Hughson, Calif.
Andy Montgomery Blacksburg, S.C.
Rick Morris Virginia Beach, Va.
John Murray Phoenix, Ariz.
Britt Myers Lake Wylie, S.C.
James Niggemeyer Van, Texas
Takahiro Omori Emory, Texas
Cliff Pace Petal, Miss.
Brandon Palaniuk Rathdrum, Idaho
Chad Pipkens Holt, Mich.
Clifford Pirch Payson, Ariz.
Keith Poche Pike Road, Ala.
Pete Ponds Madison, Miss.
Chip Porche Bixby, Okla.
Cliff Prince Palatka, Fla.
Jason Quinn Lake Wylie, S.C.
Matt Reed Madisonville, Texas
Clark Reehm Shreveport, La.
Skeet Reese Auburn, Calif.
Derek Remitz Grant, Ala.
Marty Robinson Lyman, S.C.
Dean Rojas Lake Havasu City, Ariz.
Scott Rook Little Rock, Ariz.
Fred Roumbanis Bixby, Okla.
Zell Rowland Montgomery, Texas
Bradley Roy Lancaster, Ky.
Casey Scanlon Lenexa, Kan.
Bernie Schultz Gainesville, Fla.
Terry Scroggins San Mateo, Fla.
Morizo Shimizu Osaka, Japan
Kevin Short Mayflower, Ark.
Fletcher Shryock Newcomerstown, Ohio
Michael Simonton Fremont, Ohio
David Smith Del City, Okla.
Brian Snowden Reeds Spring, Mo.
Jeremy Starks Scott Depot, W.V.
Gerald Swindle Warrior, Ala.
Dennis Tietje Roanoke, La.
J Todd Tucker Moultrie, Ga.
Jonathon VanDam Kalamazoo, Mich.
Kevin VanDam Kalamazoo, Mich.
Byron Velvick Boerne, Texas
Greg Vinson Wetumpka, Ala.
David Walker Sevierville, Tenn.
Nate Wellman Newaygo, Mich.
Jason Williamson Aiken, S.C.
Chris Zaldain San Jose, Calif.
2013 Bassmaster Elite Series Official Sponsors: Toyota, Bass Pro Shops, Berkley, Evan Williams Bourbon, Humminbird, Mercury, Minn Kota, Nitro Boats, Skeeter Boats, Triton Boats, Yamaha
2013 Bassmaster Elite Series Supporting Sponsors: Carhartt, Livingston, Lowrance, Power-Pole, Ramada, Shimano
2013 Bassmaster Elite Series Proud Partner: Mustang Survival
About B.A.S.S.
For more than 40 years, B.A.S.S. has served as the authority on bass fishing. The organization advances the sport through advocacy, outreach and an expansive tournament structure while connecting directly with the passionate community of bass anglers through its Bassmaster media vehicles.
The Bassmaster brand and its multimedia platforms are guided by a mission to serve all fishing fans. Through its industry-leading publications — Bassmaster Magazine and B.A.S.S. Times — comprehensive website Bassmaster.com and ESPN2 and Outdoor Channel television programming, Bassmaster provides rich, leading-edge content true to the lifestyle.
The Bassmaster Tournament Trail includes the Bassmaster Elite Series, Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Open Series, Carhartt Bassmaster College Series, Cabela’s B.A.S.S. Federation Nation events and the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing, the Bassmaster Classic.
B.A.S.S. offers an array of services to its more than 500,000 members and remains focused on issues related to conservation and water access. The organization is headquartered in Birmingham, Ala.
High School Fishing Teams Lining Up To Fish In Bobby Lane Cup On Kissimmee Chain
The Student Angler Federation, the youth arm of The Bass Federation, has uncovered a simple truth: give a kid the opportunity to fish and he will find it is something he loves.
“You don't have to be a football player to fish,” said Derek Boswell, tournament director for the second annual Bobby Lane Cup, hosted by Bartow (Fla.) High School Saturday out of Camp Mack's on the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes.
“This is our second year and it is amazing how we have grown,” said Boswell who had 32 boats registered for Saturday's tournament by Wednesday and is expecting at least 40 teams for the event on Saturday.
“We have teams from Bartow High School, which is hosting the tournament, George Jenkins High School in Highland City, Fla., Kathleen High School in North Lakeland, Plant City High School, Lakeland Christian High School, Tenoroc High School in Lakeland, and we have four teams coming from Woodland Academy in Leesburg, Fla. We also have three teams coming from Kentucky,” Boswell said.
“High School fishing is now in 42 of the 50 states. To enter Saturday's tournament you have to be a member of the Student Anglers Federation,” he said.
First prize in Saturday's tournament on Kissimmee is a three-foot-tall trophy patterned after the Forest Wood Cup trophy, but it is the Bobby Lane Trophy, named after the Bassmaster Elite and FLW Tour winner Bobby Lane of Lakeland.
“Bobby will present the cup to the team that wins Saturday. He will also donate one of the rod and reel combos he won a major tournament with or one of his jerseys to be raffled off. The kids love it,” Boswell said.
“He will emcee the weigh-in and his sponsors, like Berkley, Yamaha and Spiderwire, are giving so much tackle to the anglers. Bobby also works with Big Toho Marina which will donate a dozen rods to the youngsters.
Each angler is allowed to weigh in three bass, so a team can weigh in a total of six fish and their combined weight is counted. The youth anglers are accompanied by a volunteer captain who operates the boat and verifies their catch.
Anglers must be in the Student Angler Federation. SAF membership is $25 per student (call 580-765-9031 for membership). Entry fee is $10 per boat. Fishing hours 6:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The registration meeting will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at D.B. Bait & Tackle in Bartow with free hot dogs and drinks.
Bobby Lane Cup
Sat, Dec 15, 2012
Kissimmee Chain of Lakes
Camp Mack's River Resort
Call Derek Boswell at (863) 513-8877
Changeable Weather Could Affect Aba Alabama North Division Tournament On Guntersville
Three weeks ago in the third tournament of the season on the American Bass Anglers Alabama North Division trail on Lake Guntersville, it took 28 pounds to win. But that was then and this is now. Things change – like the weather.
“It took 28 pounds to win, but it also took 24.40 pounds to take second place and 24.10 pounds for third place. Those are the weights for individual anglers,” noted Michael Garlen, tournament director for the Alabama North Division.
“But last month it was cold. It was 28 degrees when we took off that morning This week we are looking at lows in the 40s when we start. They are saying we'll have temperatures in the low 60s with a chance of thunderstorms, so the weather is not going to cooperate, as usual. But, that is fishing.”
Garlen said a front came through the Guntersville area Sunday night and Monday and the temperature just bottomed out, but now is coming back up.
“Last month most of the fish were caught from 10 to 15 feet of water on swim baits, but this is Alabama and Guntersville is famous for the Alabama Rig,” he said.
“We are looking for 20 to 25 boats and that is a lot better than last year and the year before. It's just that time of the year. Entries are picking up a little bit or people are fishing the smaller trails because they don't have the money for the bigger ones,” he said.
ABA tournaments are a draw format with partners paired the morning of the event. Boaters who bring their own boat will be able to use them. Boaters and non-boaters share locations and expenses for the day, but the boater does not give up operation of his boat.
Anglers are fishing for points to qualify for the national championship and they must fish four divisional qualifying events and one divisional championship to qualify for the national championship. They can earn points in more than one division to qualify for the national, but angler of the year points are held in each division so AOY champions are named in each division. In the national championship they will be fishing for a new Triton bass boat.
Entry fees are $70 for a divisional qualifier (includes big bass), $140 for a divisional championship (includes big bass) and $150 for the national championship (does not include big bass). ABA tournaments are Triton Gold sanctioned events, so there is plenty of bonus money to be won for qualified anglers.
“We launch at safe light and weigh in at 3 p.m. I will normally get to the ramp about 4 or 4:30 a.m. to start registration, then cut it off about 15 minutes before safe light and do partner pairing for anglers who show up,” Garlen said.
The Alabama North Division started out on Guntersville in September and followed with tournaments on Guntersville in October and November. Following Saturday's tournament on Guntersville, the division will also fish Jan. 26 and Feb. 16 out of Goose Pond on Guntersville, Garlen said. The division will fish Guntersville in March, Wheeler in April, Guntersville in May and June and the two-day season final will also be held on Guntersville at the end of June.
American Bass Anglers – Alabama North Division
Sat, Dec 15, 2012
Lake Guntersville
Goosepond Colony
Call Michael Garlen at (256) 998-0171
http://www.americanbassanglers.com/districts2013.php?Division=29
Anglers Will Be Fishing Around Duck Decoys In Aba Florida Seminole Division Tournament Sunday
Anglers in the American Bass Anglers Florida Seminole Division may be competing with duck hunters for the same real estate during the ABA tournament Sunday on Lake Seminole. It's duck season, the aquatic grass is as prolific as it has been in years and the ducks are flying everywhere on Seminole.
“The grass has really topped out from last year,” said Mitchell Oldnettle, Seminole Division tournament director. We had a really warm winter and the grass grew a lot this summer. People say this is the most grass they have seen in years and it has really helped the duck hunters.”
Mitchell said it has been rainy and windy all week, but weather reports are calling for temperatures to warm by Saturday. By Sunday temperatures are predicted in the 73-74-degree range with a 40 percent chance of rain.
“So you’d better bring all your cold weather stuff, your warm weather stuff and your rainy weather stuff,” he chuckled. “We are looking for a good turnout. We had 22 for the first Seminole tournament and we are expecting at least 24 or 25 for this tournament.”
Oldnettle said he has heard anglers on Seminole are starting to catch some really quality fish.
“Last month they were still flipping in the grass but guys are starting to catch some on the Alabama Rig and Rat-L-Traps. As the water temperature cools fishing will get a lot better,” he said.
Meantime, this weekend they will still have to contend with the duck hunters, he added.
“It's still duck season so the hunters will block all the points with their decoys. They are shooting before we take off in the mornings, but everybody seems to get along with no problems.”
ABA tournaments are a draw format with partners paired the morning of the event. Boaters who bring their own boat will be able to use them. Boaters and non-boaters share locations and expenses for the day, but the boater does not give up operation of his boat.
Anglers are fishing for points to qualify for the national championship and they must fish four divisional qualifying events and one divisional championship to qualify for the national championship. They can earn points in more than one division to qualify for the national, but angler of the year points are held in each division so AOY champions are named in each division. In the national championship they will be fishing for a new Triton bass boat.
Entry fees are $70 for a divisional qualifier (includes big bass), $140 for a divisional championship (includes big bass) and $150 for the national championship (does not include big bass). ABA tournaments are Triton Gold sanctioned events, so there is plenty of bonus money to be won for qualified anglers.
After Saturday's tournament, the schedule includes: Jan. 27, Feb. 24, March 24, April 28, May 26, June 29-30, all on Lake Seminole out of Seminole Lodge.
American Bass Anglers – Florida Seminole Division
Sun, Dec 16, 2012
Lake Seminole
Seminole Lodge
Call Mitchell Oldnettle at (850) 376-2628
http://www.americanbassanglers.com/districts2013.php?Division=114
2012 Ryan Newman Foundation Tournament Champs On Stage
Travis Rulle and Don Rulle walk across the big stage at this years Ryan Newman Foundation Tournament and weigh-in 16-4 that earns them a $50,000 boat-motor-trailer package...........check em out here with Zona and KVD!
Robby B Talks About The Conditions At This Past Weeks Ryan Newman Tournament
We grab AC Pro Staffer Robby Byrum as he and his partner come off the stage at this past weeks Ryan Newman Foundation Tournament on Lake Norman. They had just over 9 Lbs on what turned out to be a spectacular Dec day....
Power-Pole Expands Role As Bassmaster Sponsor For 2013 Season
For the third consecutive year, JL Marine Systems, manufacturers of the Power-Pole brand shallow water anchors, will partner in 2013 with B.A.S.S. LLC as a strong supporter of the Bassmaster Tournament Trail.
Power-Pole will continue in 2013 as an official Supporting Sponsor of the Bassmaster Elite Series and the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Opens Series. For the first time, Power-Pole will be an official Supporting Sponsor of B.A.S.S. Nation events and the Carhartt College B.A.S.S. Series.
The Tampa, Fla., company also will be the Presenting Sponsor of the June 20-23 Bassmaster Elite Series event out of La Crosse, Wis. The Mississippi River Rumble Presented by Power-Pole will be the sixth tournament of the regular Elite season.
“We’re excited about expanding our relationship with B.A.S.S. in 2013 to include B.A.S.S. Nation and College B.A.S.S. events, as well as being the Presenting Sponsor in La Crosse,” said Robert Shamblin, vice president of JL Marine Systems.
Power-Pole will offer its Captains Cash contingency program in the Bassmaster Opens Series, as well as in the Bassmaster Elite Series. At Elite events, the highest-finishing pro registered for the program will earn a bonus of $1,000. At each of the nine Opens events in 2013, the highest-finishing angler registered for the Captains Cash program will receive a $500 bonus.
“Power-Pole has been an important partner of B.A.S.S. for the past several years. We are extremely proud of the success Power-Pole has enjoyed since entering the freshwater market and look forward to doing our part to continue that growth,” said B.A.S.S. CEO Bruce Akin.
When Power-Pole introduced its shallow-water anchoring system to the bass market in 2006, the only bass anglers familiar with the product were those who had noticed the name in the saltwater market. The Power-Pole name now can claim instant recognition among bass anglers who value how the device quietly and steadily positions a bass boat in shallow water. For the past three seasons, almost all Bassmaster Elite Series anglers have had Power-Pole systems installed on their rigs. Power-Pole was the title sponsor of Elite pro Chris Lane even before he won the 2012 Bassmaster Classic.
Power-Pole is available in five types of units: the Sportsman, Sportsman II, Pro Series II, Signature Series and the newest, the Blade, made in two versions for 8-foot and 10-foot depth capabilities.
Other recent advancements include the C-Monster Control System, an Android app that offers customized performance options like speed, synchronization and bottom sensing. Another new item is the Drift Paddle, made to be attached to an existing Power-Pole installation. For drift fishing in windy, rough conditions in deeper water, the new accessory controls drift speed and boat angle. The Drift Paddle won the Best Boating Accessory Award at the 2012 ICAST trade show.
Shimano Signs On As Supporting Sponsor Of Bassmaster Tournaments
Bass fishing fans will be seeing a new name linked to Bassmaster tournaments in the 2013 season: Shimano.
Maker of precision fishing tackle, Shimano has become an official Supporting Sponsor of the 2013 Bassmaster Elite Series, Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Open, Cabela’s B.A.S.S. Nation and Carhartt Bassmaster College Series.
“Two of the best names in bass fishing just joined forces, and I think B.A.S.S. members and bass fans are the biggest winners here,” said Bruce Akin, CEO of Birmingham-based B.A.S.S. LLC. “Shimano will be a great addition in 2013 to all Bassmaster events and media.”
Shimano and B.A.S.S. have partnered before. One recent collaboration was in early 2012 in the creation of bassmaster.com/Shimano, a site that helps educate anglers about Shimano products, then directs them to local retailers to make a purchase. Sponsorship of Bassmaster events is a further step into the bass market.
“While we have relied on the support of B.A.S.S. and its members for a good number of years in order to become a prominent brand among bass anglers, this new sponsorship takes Shimano to a new level,” said Carey Graves, fishing division vice president for Shimano. “We’ll be interacting with anglers and fans at most of the B.A.S.S. tournament venues and events, plus we’re very pleased to be able to support the B.A.S.S. efforts with its live-release boats. It’s inherent to our success to do all we can to ensure a thriving, healthy bass fishery.”
Shimano will wrap Bassmaster live-release boats, continuing a long-standing tradition of support of smart catch-and-release practices, and especially of the use of release boats, which Shimano helped to pioneer. Shimano also will wrap the giant video screen on the Bassmaster stage used at Bassmaster Elite Series events.
At many of the more than 30 Bassmaster tournaments of 2013, fans will be treated to displays and demos of the company’s newest products. With events across the country in 20 different states, fans will have multiple chances to cast the company’s bass reels.
“B.A.S.S. members and others can expect to see a Shimano demo team exhibit at all the Elite Series events, and select Opens, B.A.S.S. Nation and College Series tournament sites,” noted Bob Mahoney, Shimano’s fishing division marketing manager. “We want anglers to be able to experience Shimano reels — the feel, the sensitivity, the smoothness, the power — rigged and ready to cast, whether they’ve come to watch their favorite pro anglers or are competing themselves in an event.”
Up first in 2013 will be the Jan. 31-Feb. 2 Bassmaster Southern Opens on Florida’s Lake Tohopekaliga. Next will be the Bassmaster Classic, Feb. 22-24, on Grand Lake out of Tulsa, Okla. Then the Bassmaster Elite Series season gears up March 14 in Orange, Texas, on the Sabine River System. Shimano plans to be there, too, with its well-known reel series bass anglers instantly recognize, like the new Calcutta D and proven Curado baitcasters, and Sustain and Stradic spinning reels.
“We’re anxious to showcase Shimano to bass anglers everywhere,” Mahoney said. “We obviously think we make the best bass reels out there, and we can’t wait to take our message to the best bass anglers in North America.”
Cherry And Partners Leading Carolina Coach Saturday And Sunday Trails On Lake Norman
Hank Cherry is lining up as the man to beat in both the Carolina Coach and Marine's Saturday and Sunday Winter Trails.
With the third Sunday Winter Trail tournament scheduled this Sunday, Dec., 9, Cherry and Shane Lineberger are leading the points in the Sunday Trail. Cherry and Lineberger won the Nov. 11 tournament and placed third in the Nov. 18 tournament .
After the second tournament this past Saturday, Cherry and Craig Chambers moved into the points lead in the Saturday Trail. Cherry and Chambers placed third in the Nov. 24 tournament and second in the Dec. 1 tournament to take over first place.
“We are running between 60 and 75 boats in the tournaments,” said Mike Chronister with Carolina Coach and Marine, who directs the tournaments. “We invite everybody to come fish with us. We are doing a 100 percent payback – plus. We're probably the only tournament series that gives all the money back to the anglers and then some of ours. We guarantee at last $4,000 a tournament and first place pays $2,000 on both Saturdays and Sundays.”
The Winter Trail is actually a dual series, Chronister explained, with one series running on Saturdays and another on Sundays. The top 30 teams from each series will face off in a Fish Off.
“Anglers can weigh in three fish 14 inches and larger, but they can also weigh in two fish under 14 inches. The points start at 150 and go on down, determined by the place of finish. That makes you have to fish consistently to stay in the top 30,” Chronister said. “So, if you catch fish weigh them in. Even if you have two small fish they might be the ones that put you into the Fish Off.”
The third Sunday Trail tournament will be held this Sunday, followed by tournaments Dec. 16 and 30, and Jan. 6. The Saturday Trail opened Nov. 24, with the second tournament on Dec. 1, and the rest of the schedule includes Dec. 15, 22, and Jan. 5 and 12. The Fish Off will be held Saturday, Feb. 2, and Sunday, Feb. 3.
“The more boats we get the bigger the payout,” Chronister said, adding that if the field reaches the 150-boat cut-off the payout would be $9,000.
Chronister noted that the series is also sanctioned for the Triton Gold Program which means a Triton owner can win up to $7,000 extra. In addition, in any of the tournaments if the first place winner owns and fishes from a Triton Boat, new or use, purchased from Carolina Coach & Marine, he gets another $500 bonus. And if the fist place winner in any of the tournaments is fishing from any other brand of boat bought from Carolina Coach & Marine, he will get a $200 bonus.
Carolina Coach and Marine 2012/2013 Winter Trail
Sun, Dec 9, 2012
Lake Norman
Midway Marina
Call Mike Chronister 704-634-1157
Warm Weather Stymies Fish And Fishermen In Wylie Catt Trail Tournaments
Brett Collins was hoping for some real winter chill to sneak in this week and perhaps wake up the bass in Lake Wylie, but with springlike temperatures predicted through the weekend, anglers could still be scratching their heads after the fourth Lake Wylie CATT Trail Division tournament Saturday.
“Fishing has really been tough on Lake Wylie this fall,” Collins said. “Who knows what's going on? Some of the best fishermen on the lake are struggling and can't figure the bass out.”
Collins said first place at the majority of tournaments this fall is taking 11 or 12 pounds at the most and a bass over 3 pounds is a huge catch.
“For whatever reason the bait did not move to the backs of the coves like they normally do in the fall. Very few fish are seen schooling in the coves this fall. Some anglers think it's a lack of rain that usually gives the water some color, but the guys who are fishing out deep are not doing any better than the ones who are fishing shallow.”
As a result of the poor fishing participation in the fall trail has been off, Collins said.
“The fish are in hiding and this is probably going to be one of the lowest Wylie Fall Trails as far as participation goes. We’ve never seen the lake fish this tough and that no doubt is the cause for the low turnout.”
Collins said Tom Russell and Doug Gilmer, who have won two of the qualifiers so far this fall, are leading the points. They have also won a couple of finals over the years so they are probably odds on favorites to take the points title. The Lake Wylie Final will be held Dec. 15.
“Maybe the fish will be easier to find, but for now it's a job just to catch a limit,” said Collins who announced that he is increasing the Spring Final first place guarantee to $3,000.
Collins also issued a plea for anglers and anyone else to donate to CATT Babies, a CATT Trail charity created to provide financial support to children in need in the Carolinas.
“Men and women who fish are some of the most generous people you will meet. CATT's total membership is more than 2,500 anglers in the Carolinas and we've decided to tap into the CATT 'army' to help out children in South Carolina and North Carolina who are in need,” Collins said,.
Anglers can make a donation while participating in any CATT event, he said, and checks may also be sent to: CATT BABIES, P.O. Box 368, Ridgeway, SC 29130.
2012 Fall CATT Trail – Lake Wylie Division
Sat, Dec 8, 2012
Lake Wylie
Buster Boyd
Call Brett Collins at 803.413.7521
Will Spotted Bass Or Largemouths Win Airport Marine Final Qualifier On Lay Lake Sunday?
What will the winning sack in the Airport Marine EZ Fall Buddy Trail tournament on Lay Lake be this Sunday – spotted bass or largemouths?
“I've not been down to Lay Lake lately so I don't know what the fish are doing down there,” said Flynn Gerald, tournament director for the Fall Buddy Trail. “The water is getting colder and if they run water the spots will have a good chance of winning. The boys who fish for spots will go upriver and fish the tailwaters.”
But, he said, if someone can find the largemouths they could dominate.
“The boys that flip a lot, I'm sure they are going to have a good shot at catching a good bag of fish. This is the time of year to catch the big fish and if you are in the right place you can catch some grown largeheads.”
Gerald said he thinks it will take 16 to 18 pounds to win the tournament, and he is looking for some new boats to enter the trail.
“This is the last chance to qualify for the Classic, so I look for several new boats to enter. This is a pretty unique trail in that you only have to fish one tournament to qualify for the Classic. We do it that way because some much is going on, so we try to make it easy for the fishermen. That's why we call it the 'EZ' Trail.”
Gerald said there are a good many anglers already qualified for the Classic which will be held Jan. 12 at the anglers' choice of lakes fished during the fall season – Lay Lake, Lake Logan Martin, Lake Jordan or Lake Mitchell.
“We've also got a good amount of money in the Classic fund. We will pay back in excess of $4,000,” he said.
He also noted that Airport Marine customers have a good shot at winning major money with some of the manufacturer bonus programs tied to the boat dealer's tournament trails in 2013.
““We've got a sale on boats at Airport Marine and in our tournaments next year if you buy a boat from Airport Marine the least amount of money you can win for first place will be $13,000. Then Evinrude is putting $5,000 more on it,” he said.
“I just got off the phone with a fellow wanting to buy a Triton with an E-Tec. He could win $18,000 in one of our tournaments. That's a good selling point.”
Airport Marine bonuses for 2013 include : qualifying Triton, up to $18,000; qualifying Stratos, up to $17,000; qualifying Airport Marine Ranger, $11,000, plus the Gilmore Ford bonus of $5,000.
Airport Marine EZ Fall Buddy Trail 2012-2013
Sat, Dec 8, 2012
Lay Lake
Beeswax Creek Boat Ramp
Call Flynn Gerald 205-678-9666
Bassmaster Extends Marshall Program To Classic
For the first time, B.A.S.S. members will be offered the exclusive opportunity to ride along with a 2013 Bassmaster Classic angler during actual competition, B.A.S.S. LLC announced today — just in time for the Bassmaster Classic Marshal Program to take top ranking on any angler’s ultimate holiday wish list.
Modeled after the Bassmaster Elite Series Marshal program, the new Classic version will launch in Tulsa, Okla., Feb. 22-24. Those are the dates of the 43rd Bassmaster Classic during which 53 anglers will vie for a first-place prize of $500,000 and the most coveted crown of pro bass fishing.
“B.A.S.S. is pleased to offer the marshal experience at the highest level of professional bass fishing. Classic week is as exciting as it gets in this great sport of ours,” said B.A.S.S. Tournament Director Trip Weldon.
As a thank you to the host state of Oklahoma, B.A.S.S. will provide priority marshal registration to members of the Oklahoma B.A.S.S. Nation from Dec. 11-13. Then, on Bassmaster.com at 9 a.m. on Dec. 18, registration will open to all B.A.S.S. members. The cost is $350, which includes a special Bassmaster Classic marshal uniform, as well as a minimum of two days on the water having fun and learning from the techniques and tactics of a Classic qualifier.
But marshals do more than sit and watch. They actually become part of the event (although, of course, they aren’t allowed to fish or to offer a competitor any type of help or advice). A marshal’s first assignment is to be the angler’s official observer. That fact alone gives the marshal a view of the action and a perspective on the competition that a fan could not find in any other way.
Not to mention that a marshal gets to climb aboard what, in all probability, will be a state-of-the-art bass boat and meet a Classic competitor. Then the marshal can get into the excitement of waiting for the start of competition, of being next to the Classic angler as he lines up for his take-off time — all the while being close enough to other Classic anglers to observe them, too. When the fishing starts, marshals can expect a front-row seat for what could turn out to be a game-changing hookup (or missed fish).
A marshal also serves as the crucial link in BASSTrakk, Bassmaster’s electronic catch-reporting system that tells fans on shore what’s happening on the water. Every time a Classic angler boats a fish, his marshal will log the catch on the pre-programmed device that’s been issued to him. A few minutes of training are all it takes to learn how to operate the unit, which is much like a cell phone.
Marshals can sign up for the first two days of competition, Friday and Saturday, Feb. 22-23. On the third and final day (Sunday, Feb. 23), when the field is cut in half, marshal opportunities will be offered for available marshal openings on a first-come, first-served basis to those registered marshals.
For more information, go to Bassmaster.com.
2012 Ryan Newman Foundation Tournament Preivew with AC Pro Staffer Rob Digh on Lake Norman
AC Pro Staffer Rob Digh takes us on the water at Lake Norman this afternoon to preview what promises to be a BIG and challenging day Sat for the RYAN NEWMAN FOUNDATION TOURNAMENT, which blasts off out of Blythe Landing at 7:30am this Sat, Dec 8th. Come on out and be a part of the action!
Flw, Shop-Vac Extend Sponsorship Agreement
FLW, the world’s premier tournament fishing organization, and Shop-Vac® Corporation, the recognized world leader in wet/dry vacuum cleaners, announced today the extension of their associate sponsorship agreement through the 2013 season. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Bobby Barrack's Color Considerations for Froggin'
Why is Bobby Barrack such a great frog angler? Details! Check out this weird, powerful pattern the frog master uses in open water - what to look for on the lake and what color frog to throw.
Livingston Lures Signs On As Bassmaster Sponsor
With exclusive new lure technology for bass anglers, Livingston Lures has signed on as official Supporting Sponsor/Hard Baits of the 2013 Bassmaster Tournament Trail.
Livingston Lures plans to be active at events within all the Bassmaster circuits: Bassmaster Elite Series, Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Opens, Cabela’s B.A.S.S. Nation and Carhartt Bassmaster College Series. The San Antonio, Texas-based company is planning on-site giveaways, product demos, contests and educational events for fishing fans, according to Fred Battah, CEO of Livingston Lures and its parent company SPFM L.P., a 27-year-old consumer products distributor.
“We see the Bassmaster Tournament Trail as a way to introduce our lures to bass anglers,” Battah said. “Fishermen are instantly intrigued when they see the craftsmanship, detail and realistic swimming actions of our lures. When they have a chance to experience the difference that our exclusive vibration and sound technology makes, they’ll get hooked — and so will the fish.
“We’ve also signed a sponsorship agreement with Jeff Kriet, Bassmaster Elite Series angler, and we are confident that Jeff will help to make anglers across the country aware of Livingston Lures’ ability to call the fish to you.”
“We are very pleased to have Livingston Lures on board as an official Supporting Sponsor,” said Bruce Akin, CEO of B.A.S.S. LLC, owner of Bassmaster events. “I’m confident that our new partnership will be a great marketing tool for Livingston as we both work to grow fishing.”
All of Livingston Lure’s new crankbaits and topwaters are equipped with proprietary technology that activates when the lure hits the water. The lures produce a sound that mimics the croak made by a real baitfish in distress. In addition, a proprietary chamber produces vibration during retrieve. All models contain this audio technology, and most are enhanced with the additional visual trigger of an LED light that subtly fades in and out intermittently.
“This exclusive combination of lure action, vibration, sound and flash help Livingston Lures accurately mimic an injured or panicked, fleeing bait fish,” Battah said.
Inventor Robert Castaneda developed the products over several years of research, design and testing. A lifelong angler, Castaneda said the idea occurred to him while fishing. “I observed that fish make sounds under distress and that always stuck in my head. I realized that if I could duplicate those sounds and vibration patterns in an artificial form, I would have something truly special and joined forces with SPFM.”
Livingston exhibited at its first ICAST trade show in July 2012. “It was gratifying to hear the reaction of fishing pros and anglers who confirmed that we have set a new standard in the industry,” Castaneda said.
Battah describes the new Livingston Lures as “technology mimics biology.” He expects the products to appeal especially to younger, tech-savvy anglers who look for the latest in technology in all their gear.
The Livingston lineup for 2013 includes Dive Master in three depth ranges; Pro Ripper, a lipless crankbait; Pro Sizzle, a walk-the-dog topwater; Pro Wake, a wake bait; and Stick Master, a jerkbait. All have the croaking sound and rattle chamber. The LED lights that naturally fade in and out are built into larger body styles. Many of the models are offered in saltwater versions, featuring specially developed patterns for popular inshore gamefish.
Also in the bass lineup is Livingston’s Scuttle Buzz, the industry’s first inline multi-lure rig. “This hybrid design of an inline spinner, buzzbait and umbrella rig puts the hurt on big bass without tiring the angler,” said Castaneda. Compact and lightweight (about one-fifth as heavy as a typical umbrella rig), the Scuttle Buzz gets into tighter areas where big bass hang and typical multi-rigs can’t reach.
For in-depth information about Livingston products, visit www.livingstonlures.com. Go to Bassmaster.com for more about Bassmaster events in 2013.
Flw, Rapala Renew Sponsorship Agreement Through 2013
FLW, the industry’s premier tournament fishing organization, announced today a sponsorship renewal with Rapala USA through the 2013 season. Rapala offers anglers high-quality lures, line and hooks along with outdoor tools and accessories. Financial terms of the deal were not released.
Actual Footage Of The Ramps At Blythe Landing On Lake Norman
Here is some actual footage taken today, Monday Dec 3rd, on how low the water level is at Blythe Landing. With the upcoming Ryan Newman Foundation Tournament this Sat Dec 8th, please get there early as gates open at 4am!!
Ramp Access For Ryan Newman Tournament This Weekend Is Tight!
Give yourself some more time to load this coming Sat am on Lake Norman for the Ryan Newman Foundation Tournament.........several ramps are closed at Blythe Landing and everyone needs to plan accordingly-
Zona Chimes In On The Ryan Newman Foundation Tournament Coming Up This Sat 12/8!
Here is Mark Zona on this weeks upcoming Ryan Newman Tournament
Ryan Newman Tournament All For Fellowship And Helping Raise Money For A Good Charity
Big time tournament pro anglers like former Bassmaster Classic Champion Davy Hite don't line up to fish the Ryan Newman Foundation Bass Tournament on Lake Norman just for the possibility of winning a new boat package.
“It's really all about being there for a good cause, supporting the Ryan Newman Foundation, and for the fellowship with the other fishermen,” said Hite, who also owns two B.A.S.S. Angler of the Year titles. “Ryan is also a good friend and I am glad to do anything I can to help out a friend and help with a charity”
The tournament is strategically scheduled, Hite noted, after both the B.A.S.S. and FLW seasons are over and NASCAR has run it's last race of the year, so pro anglers and race drivers can participate.
The seventh annual charity fishing tournament will be held Saturday, Dec. 8, out of Blythe Landing on Lake Norman near Charlotte, N.C.
Emcees for the weigh-in are 4-time Bassmaster Champion and 7-time Angler of the Year Kevin VanDam and Mark Zola, Elite Series host and star of Zona’s Awesome Fishing Show. The weigh-in will be trailered and golf carts will be provided to get anglers to the stage in order to not jeopardize the safety of the fish.
Registration is $200 per team. Two Outback Steakhouse Boat Ramp dinner tickets are included in the registration fee. Fisherman may also enter a Big Fish Contest for $50 per team. The maximum number of boats allowed is 350. Register online at www.ryannewmanfoundation.org/events.
Guests at the weigh-in and vendor area can purchase tickets for the steak/chicken plate for $15. Each boat ramp dinner ticket purchase can be redeemed the day of the event (only) for a complimentary signed copy of Pit Road Pets, NASCAR Stars and Their Pets.
The grand prize is a 2012 Nitro Z9 boat equipped with a motor and electronics. Other prizes include cash awards, trolling motors, GPS systems, depth finders, rod and reel combos, gift cards and more, valued at over $60,000. The top 12 spots will be paid, with the 13th as a consolation prize. Three additional $500 prizes will be awarded for top husband and wife, senior citizen and adult/child teams.
Fisherman may also enter a Big Fish Contest for $50 per team. The maximum number of boats allowed is 350. Register online at www.ryannewmanfoundation.org/events.
The 2011 event was the largest tournament to date with 197 boats registered to compete for the top honors. Last year's tournament and charity dinner raised $333,000 for humane efforts. Earlier this year the Ryan Newman Foundation announced $560,000 in grants have been awarded to 142 organizations involved in spay/neuter and animal rescue across the United States for calendar year 2012. In addition to the animal welfare grants, donations were made to conservation efforts and the Rich Vogler Scholarship Fund, which is near and dear to Ryan’s heart. Ryan was a recipient of the scholarship and committed the Foundation to helping in the future fund the scholarship which encourages members of the racing community to further their education, from university to vocational training, or for special needs education.
Fishing success on Lake Norman this time of year depends on the weather, Hite said.
“It could be tough fishing. It could be 20 degrees at takeoff and 70 degrees at weigh-in, but there will be a lot of fish caught. It's just going to be a matter of who catches a big fish or two. There are a lot of keeper fish to be caught, but winning will be a matter of catching a couple of 4- or 5-pounders.”
2012 Ryan Newman Foundation Bass Tournament
Sat, Dec 8, 2012
Lake Norman
Blythe Landing
http://www.ryannewmanfoundation.org/fishing-tournament
Good Fishing Expected For Fish The Fall Tournament On Lake Russell
Dennis Landrum expects the fishing in the Fish the Fall Team Trail tournament on Lake Russell Saturday, Dec. 8, to be a lot better than it was in the third tournament of the season last month on Lake Greenwood.
“It was awful. Everybody was shocked. We had 27 boats and 17 were zeros at the weigh-in,” he said. “It was one of the toughest tournametns we have ever had. Our fishermen are some of the best but that front came in on Friday before the tournament and just killed the fishing. We had some 5-, 6- and 7-pound fish on Thursday, but on Friday it was like turning the light switch off.”
Landrum, who owns Portronics, a fishing bait and tackle store, in Greenville, S.C., also runs the Fish the Fall Tournament Trail on lakes in upstate South Carolina. Entry fee for each tournament is $200 and teams must pay a $200 one-time membership. There is also a $20 big fish pot at each tournament. First place in the regular tournaments pays $3,000, Stone said.
The spotted bass in lake Russell started pulling up in the creeks several weeks ago and the largemouth bass are moving in now, Landrum said.
“They are on the bait, so it's going to be a drop-shot, jigging spoon and Bladerunner tournament.”
After tournametns in September of Lake Keowee, October on Lake Hartwell, and November on Lake Greenwood, Terry Kelly and Haskell Durham are still leading the points, Landrum said.
“But, it is a tight race now, so anglers need to weigh their fish in, even if they only have one. If they don’t it could cost them 100 points.
Kelly and Durham finished second in the first tournament of the trail on Lake Keowee, then won the second tournament on Lake Hartwell. They only weighed a little over 5 pounds in last month's tournament on Lake Greenwood, but it was enough to hold them in the points lead, Landrum said.
The series continues after Dec. 8 on Lake Russell with tournaments Feb. 2 on Clarks Hill, March 2 on Lake Russell, March 29-30 on Lake Murray and April 27 on Lake Hartwell. Teams must fish all eight regular tournaments to qualify to fish the end-of-year championship which will be held May 17-18 on a lake to be determined in a drawing.
“The lakes we fished the championship on this year – Keowee and Hartwell – will not be in the hat for the draw for next year's championship,” Landrum said. “We will draw from Lakes Russell, Greenwood, Murray and Clarks Hill.”
Fish The Fall Team Trail
Sat, Dec 8, 2012
Lake Russell
Call Dennis Landrum at 864-979-1567
Georgia-Alabama National Bass District Looking For Members, Especially Juniors
WANTED: A few good youngsters to go fishing.
The National Bass Fishing Trail's Georgia-Alabama District Championship will be held on Lake Eufaula this weekend with 16 anglers qualified – all adults.
“Our junior program has been way off,” said tournament director Jeff Gordy. “One of our main deals in National Bass is to get kids fishing, get them outdoors and off the streets. But we have not been able to accomplish that lately, for some reason.”
According to its Mission Statement, the purpose of NB's Junior Program “is to provide young people 17 and under the opportunity to participate in tournament bass fishing. Adult anglers provide mentoring while improving angling skills and knowledge that builds a foundation for a lifetime.”
The Junior membership fee is $15 a year and anyone under 17 can fish as a junior angler. Juniors fish with an adult angler, but compete against other juniors.
“We've tried several different things to attract juniors, but for the past few years participation has been off,” Gordy said. He urged anyone to contact him with the names of potential junior anglers
“We welcome all new members, and we'd absolutely love to have some new junior members,” he said.
It also has been an off year in terms of participation by adult anglers, who only have to fish three tournaments during the 10-tournament season to qualify for the district champions, he added.
“I think participation has been off for a lot of clubs and tournament trails,” he said. “It's a combination of gas prices, the economy and the fact that a lot of people are out of work. A lot of our members are retired military on fixed incomes and that has a lot to do with it, too.”
But, he noted, the 16 who will compete on Lake Eufaula this weekend should enjoy some really good fishing.
“The water is low because we have a long-standing drought in the Southeast and also because they are working on a big white water project on the Chattahoochee River upstream and have held the water back. But we are going to have good weather with mild temperatures this weekend, so maybe that will help.”
Gordy said some of the anglers he has talked to are fishing very shallow right now.
“One guy told me he was fishing in two feet of water. But Eufaula has a lot of variance. Usually in December the fish are on a winter pattern – deep water and Carolina rigs. A couple of people will be fishing jigging spoons and they usually bring in pretty good stringers, too. So, hopefully we will see a mixed bag, both shallow and deep water fishermen, and everybody will catch fish.”
National Bass Fishing Trail Georgia/Alabama District Championship
Dec 1-2, 2012
Lake Eufaula
Lakepoint State Park
Call Jeff Gordy, 334-297-6003
Seaguar Supports Toyota Bassmaster Weekend Series
Athens, Ala. (December, 2012) – Seaguar®, the inventor and world leader in fluorocarbon fishing lines, has joined the American Bass Anglers family as a Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Weekend Series product showcase sponsor, announced ABA officials. Seaguar fishing lines will be promoted at more than 100 different bass fishing events during the 2013 tour.
“Seaguar fluorocarbon line has been my personal choice for years,” said Morris Sheehan, ABA president. “Recently, they’ve added braid and monofilament lines to become a single source of fishing line for anglers everywhere,” Sheehan added.
When it comes to line, it’s the little things that make a big difference, and Seaguar delivers all the right characteristics, with each line such as thinner diameters. “For example, TATSU™ fluorocarbon fishing line features a thin diameter yet is amazingly strong and extraordinarily castable. The weekend bass angler is always looking for an edge on the competition, and Seaguar will be the edge they need in the line category hands down. We are proud to be associated with Seaguar, who make best-in-class products,” commented Sheehan.
In 1966, two Japanese chemical engineers determined that the attributes of fluorocarbon, such as absorbing less water than nylon monofilament and low visibility in the water, would produce excellent material for fishing line. They received a patent on their product in 1969. Three years later, Seaguar fluorocarbon fishing lines hit the market.
Today, Seaguar still leads the world in manufacturing fluorocarbon fishing lines of various sizes, but the company has introduced two new products – Kanzen™ braid and Senshi™ monofilament main lines. Made from advanced microfibers, Kanzen high-performance braid features ultra-thin strands in a high-density weave for maximum strength, abrasion resistance and super sensitivity in a thin diameter for long, smooth casts. Senshi monofilament gives anglers an excellent balance of strength and sensitivity, with the extraordinary knot and tensile strength anglers expect from Seaguar products in a soft, supple, thin line.
Anglers can buy Seaguar products from major retailers across the United States. For more information visit www.seaguar.com
About American Bass Anglers – The Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Weekend Series provides weekend anglers a professionally operated competitive tour with a path to the world championship of bass fishing at the Bassmaster Classic. American Bass Angler’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. For more information about American Bass Anglers and the American Fishing Tour, The Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Weekend Series or the American Couples Series, visitwww.americanbassanglers.com
Plano Molding Acquired by Teachers'
The Ontario Teachers' Pension Fund (Teachers') must have been paying attention when recent survey numbers indicated a spike in fishing and hunting activity over the past year. Canada's largest single-occupation pension fund has just acquired Plano Molding Company, Inc. - the guys who likely built your first tackle box and many others you've owned over the years.
Terms of the transaction are not being disclosed.
"Plano has exceptionally strong brands and product categories supported by attractive market characteristics. It also benefits from its long-standing relationships with top North American retailers," said Jane Rowe, Senior Vice-President of TPC. "Plano's proven management team has a record of solid organic growth and has strongly positioned the company to benefit from acquisition opportunities. We look forward to supporting their success."
"The Plano management team and I are extremely excited to be partnering with Teachers'," stated Tom Hurt, the Company's President and CEO. "Together we look forward to growing Plano's heritage brands to their full potential and continuing our dedication to exceeding our customer expectations in product innovation, market leadership and world-class customer service. An exciting new journey has just begun for Plano, our valued associates and the many market leading brands under our umbrella. The Teachers' partnership in Plano promises to yield more exciting opportunities than ever before."
An independent organization with $117.1 billion in assets as of December 31, 2011, the Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan invests the pension fund's assets and administers the pensions of 300,000 active and retired teachers in Ontario.
Bobby Lane Cup A Special Event For Florida Students
Emcee Bobby Lane interviews anglers from the Bartow High School Yellow Jackets Fishing Club at inaugural event in 2011.
Bartow High School(in Bartow, FL) is hosting the event. The kids at Bartow High chose to name the event for pro angler Bobby Lane of Lakeland, Florida, a 5-time Bassmaster Classic qualifier, FLW Forrest Wood Cup qualifier and 3-time Toyota Texas Bass Classic qualifier.
“I feel honored to have the tournament named after me,” said Lane who will emcee the weigh-in.
This high school fishing tournament is in its second year and growing. Last year, 30-35 anglers participated. This year, 50-60 anglers between the ages of 9 to 16 have already signed up. The kids will be coming from several high school fishing teams and fishing clubs throughout the surrounding area.
“We’re starting to get a great youth program down in Florida,” said Lane. “The high schools are getting better fishing programs and getting more kids on their school teams. The students are real excited about this event. It’s something they’ve been looking forward to all year at school. The winning team gets a trophy as big as the Bassmaster Classic trophy. It’s nice to give them something they can look at and say, ‘Wow! I earned this.’ It lets them know that their abilities to fish all year come down to winning a giant trophy like this. I didn’t have this kind of opportunity when I was younger and it’s neat for the kids to have it now.”
World Class Barbecue and Raffle
Local businesses in the area as well as Lane’s national sponsors are really getting behind the event this year.
A great barbecue will be put on for everybody that evening by Chad Wall, rated third in the USA for his barbecue.
Bobby Lane recently signed on with Phoenix Boats, and Joe Clements of Toho Marine, the Phoenix Boats dealer in Orlando, will give away twelve fishing rods and quite a few baits.
Brian Nelson of Tents and Events will give away five $100 Bass Pro Shops gift certificates.
A biologist from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and KP Clements, the FWC’s TrophyCatch coordinator, will speak about Florida’s new big fish program called TrophyCatch. The program rewards anglers for catching and releasing trophy largemouth bass. Florida pros Bobby Lane and Shaw Grigsby have donated a couple of fishing trips as TrophyCatch rewards.
Two anglers weigh in at the inaugural Bobby Lane Cup in 2011.
Lane’s marketing manager from SpiderWire, Sherri Gasparon will be there, giving out SpiderWire hats and spools of SpiderWire line to everyone.
The Bobby Lane Cup pairs two student anglers who fish as a team with an adult boat captain/coach. The boat captains are avid local fishermen from Lakeland, Tampa, Clermont, Osceola County and the surrounding counties, towns and cities. They volunteer their time to be a part of this special event for the kids.
“It’s really neat to have the support of so many people coming forward to make this a great event. We’ve got to keep our youth happy and healthy of course…and what better way to do that than by having a tournament,” said Lane. “As I said, I feel honored the kids named it after me, and as an Elite angler, an FLW angler, a PAA angler and a MLF angler, it feels really, really good to give something like this back to the kids.”
Lane’s three children, ages 3, 5 and 8 are too young for the event, but they’ll be helping Dad emcee the weigh-in. “Yamaha will be giving out some hats, and my 8-year old, Alexis Lane, and my 5-year old, Bobby Lane III, will be up on stage with me. They’ll throw the hats out and help me with the raffle.” Lane’s wife along with his sister, Kellie Jo Snyder are helping with the event too.
“For me, my family, and the kids of Florida to have this opportunity, it’s an awesome experience – and to have the support it’s getting this year – it’s very nice.”
For more information, visit www.campmack.com or call Derek Boswell at (863) 513-8877.
Evinrude Signs Multiyear Sponsorship Deal With Flw
Sturtevant, Wis., Nov. 29, 2012 – BRP announced today a multi-year sponsorship for its Evinrude brand with FLW. As the longest active partner of FLW, Evinrude will have on-site visibility at FLW Tour, EverStart, Bass Fishing League (BFL) and high school and college events. In addition, for the first time in the 12-year sponsorship history, Evinrude also will receive naming rights to an upcoming 2013 FLW Tour event.
“BRP and the Evinrude brand are proud to be a partner of FLW, a premier professional sports organization that has set the standard for competitive fishing,” said Christopher Berg, Director of Marketing and Strategic Planning for Evinrude. “This sponsorship allows us to showcase the power, performance and low maintenance of our Evinrude E-TEC outboards while engaging with fishing enthusiasts who love the sport as much as we do.”
BRP’s sponsorship agreement also includes and Evinrude presence in several high-profile FLW broadcast, print and digital properties including FLW Bass Fishing magazine, NBC Sports Network’s coverage of FLW events, exclusive access to FLWOutdoors.com for promotional content, and social media opportunities on Facebook and Twitter.
“FLW and Evinrude have shared a longstanding and mutually beneficial partnership spanning 12 years,” said Trisha Blake, President of FLW’s Marketing Division. “BRP’s support of the FLW organization and professional tournament fishing exemplifies their deep commitment to the sport, anglers and fans. We are very proud of our association with Evinrude and look forward to deepening our relationship even beyond what it is today.”
During the past 16 years, FLW has become one of the most recognizable names in professional fishing. Anglers from across the U.S. competed for a total purse of more than $26 million during 246 sanctioned tournaments in 2012.
Team Evinrude anglers have won more than 35 FLW Tour events and approximately $50 million in prize money – more than any other brand of outboard. Angler Larry Nixon has earned $1.5 million on the FLW Tour since 1998, including four wins and 15 top 10 finishes.
“The strong relationship between FLW and Evinrude is really important to me and the other tournament anglers,” said Nixon. “To know that I have the support of two magnificent organizations is reassuring. Already having qualified for the Forrest Wood Cup, I’m very excited to fish next year.”
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 atwww.facebook.com/brpevinrude.
