Solid Hardbait Pattern for Florida Bassin'
Lately I've discovered a great one-two punch for cold weather Florida bass.
You can still flip, but let me offer a couple of fun alternatives:
The Rapala Glidin' Rap is a big bait that resembles a native wild Florida shiner, especially in the Golden Shiner color pattern offered by Rapala. Designed for northern toothy critters and saltwater fish, it may be a bit much for bass in other regions, but along peninsular Florida, bass frequently eat shiners that are one-third the length of their own bodies. I have confirmed this with biologists at the University of Florida and, more importantly, with the bass themselves.
I swam a Glidin' Rap over a deep grass bed the other day. It drew an absolutely violent reaction. What fun! If I had missed that fish I would have thought it was a 5-pounder. It may have actually weighed two.
The trick to that fish was a fast retrieve and a pumping rod tip. That was before a recent cold snap.
Here in North Florida we've seen overnight lows in the 30's recently. It was as cold here Sunday night as it was in Chicago, according to a TV meteorologist. When that happens, the topwater bite disappears quicker than cash at Christmas time.
I found a cure.
Similar to the Glidin' Rap, but smaller and with a tendency to run deeper, is the Rapala Sub Walk. I have used the Mossback color to pull largemouth up from water as deep as 14 feet in a lake where bluegill are the prime forage and the water is clear as the air we breathe.
It's a great change up in places where bass have seen too many jerkbaits. It will likely work in any region of the country as long as the water is not downright muddy. A big, knocking, internal rattle calls fish out of grass and helps them find the lure when visibility is reduced.
The Sub Walk sinks slowly when left on a slack line. You can count it down and work it back at a preferred depth. I caugth a limit of tournament size bass in a couple of hours with a more aggressive cadence. Use it as you would a fluke. Same places. Same conditions. Same retrieve. But with the Sub Walk you have the advantage of a pair of trebble hooks instead of a single hook.
Your strike-to-catch ratio will skyrocket.
And if you come to Florida armed with a Glidin' Rap and a Sub Walk this winter/spring, you'll have plenty of strikes to convert into catches.
-Good Luck!
Vance
Monster Bass Program Provides Monster Benefits In Denver Marine Winter Trail
Along with the Ranger Cup, the Monster Bass Money Program can pay monster dividends to winners in the Denver Marine Monster Bass Invitational Winter Trail on Lake Wylie, according to Anthony Williams with the Ranger dealership in Denver, N.C.
“The Ranger Cup is definitely in play and Monster Bass is something we do through the dealership,” said Williams who added that the Monster Bass program comes in three tiers. “They can purchase it to get discounts on service, parts and anything in house. It also gives them the opportunity win contingency money from Denver Marine.”
The three tiers of Monster Bass are memberships at the level of $50 for a Silver Membership, $199.95 for a Gold membership and $399.95 for a Platinum Membership.
All three provide a $250 cash award for winning a contingency paying event using a 2011 Ranger powered by a 115 horsepower or larger Evinrude, Mercury of Yamaha engine purchased from Denver Marine. A $100 cash award will be given for winning in an any-year and any brand boat powered by Evinrude, mercury or Yamaha purchased from Denver Marine.
The Silver Membership provides a 10 percent discount on labor, parts and oil; the Gold membership provides a 15 percent discount; and the Platinum membership provides a 20 percent discount. Silver members get Monster Bass stickers; Gold members get Monster Bass stickers plus a complimentary boat inspection at selected events; and Platinum members get the stickers and boat inspection, plus free winterization and complimentary use of a boat if the member's boat is in for repairs or service and is not ready in time to compete.
Entry fee for the tournaments is $100 per event, with an optional big fish competition, and there is a $30 membership fee. The first tournament was held Nov. 10, with the second scheduled this Saturday, Nov. 24, followed by tournaments Dec. 1, Dec. 22, Jan. 5, Jan 12, Jan. 19 and Jan 26, with the Fish-Off Feb. 2.
“The first tournament (Nov. 10) went well. We had 16 boats,” Williams said. “There are three different ways to qualify for the championship. The top 30 in points will qualify, with the top 10 receiving free entry into the championship. Or you can fish six tournaments.”
And, he added the third option was designed to make the series even more fisherman friendly.
“Everybody can't fish all the tournaments, so you can fish only five with the option to buy in the sixth tournament. Just pay the entry fee for the sixth tournament and that goes straight into the Fish-Off.”
Williams said anglers probably will find the fishing pretty tough in Saturday’s tournament.
“Fishing in tough on all the lakes around here. It's not a problem to catch a limit; the problem is catching keeper fish. But you are always going to have somebody go out and catch 13 to 15 pounds.”
The problem according to local anglers, Williams said, is the weather. Although there have been some cold spells in recent weeks, it just has not got cold long enough to put the fish on the move toward their winter patterns.
“According to the weather forecast, the low will be 28 degrees with a high of 54 for Lake Wylie on Saturday, so it's going to be interesting. Fishing is probably going to be just about like it was on Nov. 10. The morning is going to be a little cooler, but the daytime temperature will be about the same, so fishing is probably not going to change a whole lot.”
Denver Marine Monster Bass Invitational Winter Trail
Sat, Nov 24, 2012
Lake Wylie
Buster Boyd Access Area
Call Anthony Williams, 704-483-2628
Bass Are Feeding On Jordan Just In Time For Airport Marine Tournament
Tournament director Flynn Gerald is expecting to see some hefty bags of bass – both spotted bass and largemouths – in the Airport Marine EZ Fall Buddy Trail tournament Saturday on Lake Jordan.
“This time of year the big magnum spots are going to be feeding. We've had tournaments down there this time of year when they brought in huge bags of spots,” he said. “In one tournament we held on Jordan this time of year a guy named Danny Wiles brought in a bag of spots that weighed 24 pounds and change. That's almost a 5-pound average and that is huge.”
And, he added, somebody always brings in a big limit of largemouths.
“We've had several tournament down there this time of year when the largeheads dominated. People wonder where those big largeheads come from, but it is not unusual to have a 25-pound average on them.”
Or, it could be a mixed bag, Gerald said.
I look for at least 18 to 20 pounds to win Saturday and it could be all spots, all largeheads or a mix.”
The key Saturday is whether water is being pulled through the dam to generate power, he said.
“The generation of water will dictate a lot. If they run water you can bet a lot of big spots will be weighed in, but if they don't run water, we will just have to see what happens.”
Gerald said the majority of fish probably will be caught on a jig, but some anglers will also be throwing a swim bait or a fluke up by the dam.
“They go up there and throw a swim bait or a fluke and let it wash down to catch those big spots,” he said.
Although participation in the three tournaments held so far on Lay, Logan and Mitchell lakes has been slower than anticipated, Gerald said several factors were involved, not the least of which was scheduling some of those tournaments the same time other trails were holding their classics.
“We look to have a decent crowd Saturday, with 25 to 30 new boats fishing. Ours is a real simple, real easy tournament trial to fish and it is one of our most popular trails. The Solo trail is the most popular, but this Fall Trail is the second most popular. Everybody loves it.”
And, Gerald said, the 2013 Airport Marine tournament trails will be even more lucrative to the anglers than before.
“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.”
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
Sat, Nov 24, 2012
Lake Jordan
Bonner’s Landing
Call Flynn Gerald 205-678-9666
Big Bags Of Bass Expected For B.a.i.t Alabama Iv Tournament Saturday On Weiss Lake
The bass are feeding up for winter so some big sacks are expected for the weigh-in at the Bass Anglers Invitational Trail (B.A.I.T.) Alabama IV Division tournament Saturday on Weiss Lake.
“We just held a B.A.I.T. Tournament Saturday on Weiss and there were some big sacks of fish brought in,” said tournament director Herbert Dodd. “First place was 23 pounds, second place was a young guy fishing by himself and he had 20.9 pounds. Third place was 19 pounds, We had 16 pounds and thought we had a pretty good sack of fish, but, dadgum it there were some big bags of fish brought in Saturday, and we got fifth place.”
Those hefty bags held some hefty fish, Dodd said.
“The big fish of the day was a little over 7 pounds and we had quite a few 5-pounders brought in. Fishing was good this past Saturday and I hope it will be just as good this coming Saturday. The weather is supposed to be about the same, so we should have some more big sacks brought to the weigh-in Saturday.”
Mark Stewart and Damien Willis, padded their lead in the points standings with the 23-pound bag for first place. The pair had 19.62 pounds in the first tournament Oct. 27 to take the points lead.”
Dodd said the fish are in shallow water, feeding up for winter.
“They are catching them mostly shallow, but some are also catching them right on the ledges. I understand that last weekend in another tournament a couple of 21-pound bags were brought in and they came off the ledges.”
Most of the fish are being caught on big crankbaits and spinnerbaits fished mostly around wood, he said.
“Fishing this time of year is a lot of fun, if you like to fish in cold weather. You don't catch as many fish, but you catch a lot bigger fish. When you have 23, 21 and 19 pounds for the first three places in a tournament, that is pretty strong.”
Dodd said the good fishing should continue right on through December.
“In January it tends to drop off some, but there will be some strong bags brought in during December. If you want to go out and catch a big bass now is the time to be down there chunking and winding, for sure.”
B.A.I.T. Anglers across a number of states are competing for a chance to fish in the B.A.I.T. Classic to be held next October 11-12 on Lake Douglas in Tennessee, he said.
“The top 40 percent of these trails go to the Classic or you can fish all seven tournaments in your division. We run two divisions, winter and summer, in the Alabama IV Division. If somebody makes six tournaments in the winter division he can fish one in the summer division to qualify to fish the classic.”
The Alabama IV Division Winter Trail on Weiss Lake began Oct. 27, followed by a tournament Nov. 17. The rest of the season includes Nov. 24, Dec. 8, Jan. 26, Feb. 2 and Feb. 16.
Bass Anglers Invitational Trail (BAIT) – Alabama IV Division
Sat, Nov 24, 2012
Lake Weiss
Little River Marina
Herbert Dodd (Director) 706-578-2080 or Marvin McCullough (Assistant Director) 770-289-0971
Rose Tells How He Didn't Catch Fish - and How It Helped Him Win
FLW Tour Champion Mark Rose tells how the Strike King Sexy Spoon helped him win the FLW Tour Open on Wheeler Lake, even though he did not catch fish with it in that tournament. He also gives us another peek at the NEW Strike King 10XD crankbait!
Sportsman's Warehouse report with Roanoke Store Manager Justin Kijak!
Sportsman's Warehouse Roanoke store manager and former Columbia fishing manager Justin Kijak joins us for the first time at the new Virginia store to talk about some of the fantastic Trout opportunities that exist up there. He showcases some great Trout baits that you will need to have before heading out to the river!
Flw, Rayovac Sign Deal For 2013 Season
MINNEAPOLIS (Nov. 19, 2012) – FLW announced today that Rayovac, a worldwide leader in battery power and innovation, will return as a sponsor in 2013 and remain the official dry cell battery of the world’s largest tournament fishing organization. Financial terms of the deal were not released.
The Dream Reality Series Offers Special Opportunity For Anglers
Allison Shaw competes on The Dream
Just watched The Dream - the reality fishing show/competition on NBC Sports. Winner gets their $10,000 entry fee paid into the World Series of Bass which will take place in 2013.
The WSOB is an interesting concept based on the World Series of Poker. The Main Event will feature a $600,000 first prize and a total purse of $3,000,000. Anglers will qualify for the big tourney by placing among the top 35% in any of 3 qualifying tournaments. Competition is open to anyone with a pulse and a fishing rod, although the $10,000 entry fee presents a high barrier for many would-be competitors.
That's where The Dream comes in. And where it gets its name from. Free entry to the a qualifying tourney.
Among my favorite competitors on the show are Allison Shaw and Matt Pangrac. I've met them both. They're good people and excellent anglers. They're currently tied for 3rd place on the program. Good luck to both of y'all!
Anybody else catch the show? What do you think?
Evinrude Pro Denny Brauer Reflects on Career - Part 2
In part 2 of our sit-down with Denny Brauer he talks about his career and gives great advice for anyone thinking of a career in the sport of tournament fishing.
Carolina Coach & Marine Winter Trail On The Way To A Successful Tournament Series
If the first tournament is any indication, the 2012-2013 Carolina Coach &Marine Winter Trail on Lake Norman is poised to be a resounding success.
“Our first tournament (Sunday, Nov. 11) went really well. We had 74 boats and paid out over $4,000,” said tournament director Mike Chronister. “In fact, we paid nine places and the total payout was $4,640, plus $740 for big fish for a total of $5,380.”
Hank Cherry and Shane Lineberger earned $2,000 for first place with five fish that weighed 13.25 pounds. Nick Miller and Mac McCormick had five that weighed 12.35 pounds for second place and $660. Phillip Frady and Robert Webb were third with five that weighed 11.10 pounds to win $560, plus they had the first big fish at 5.15 pounds for an additional $500. Ernie Mayo and Charlie Brock finished out of the money in 26th place with just over 7 pounds, but most of that weight was the second big fish at 4.15 pounds which earned them $240.
“We are a 100 percent payback tournament, which the fishermen love and which is why I think they are supporting us,” Chronister said. “We actually paid out more than was guaranteed, plus we give out about 20 really good door prizes, things like steaks from Linebergers Steakhouse and items and parts from Dicks Sporting Goods and Carolina Coach and Marine.”
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 second Sunday Trail tournament will be held this Sunday, followed by tournaments Dec. 9, 16 and 30, and Jan. 6. The Saturday Trail opens Nov. 24, with tournaments scheduled Dec. 1, 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. “We expect about 150 boats at the Saturday tournaments – we cut it off at 150 entries – and the payout will 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 & Marine 2012/2013 Winter Trail
Sun, Nov 18, 2012
Lake Norman
Midway Marina
Mike Chronister 704-634-1157
Carolina
Reel ‘Em In For Rotary Bass Tournament to benefit boys and girls camps
What started out as a benefit event to provide funding for a boys camp, the Reel ‘Em In For Rotary Bass Tournament has now expanded to include a girls camp, too, according to tournament director Nigel Hill.
“Each spring we do a camp for boys and the boys camp was established in 1985, but what is exciting is that this year they had the inaugural girls camp,” Hill said. “These kids would never get a chance to go to a camp if we did not do these camps.”
The boys camp is held at the Circle F Dude Ranch near Lake Wales and the girls camp is held at Lake Aurora Christian Camp. Funding for the camps is provided by the annual bass tournament on the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes and the Big Kahuna Canoe Race, Hill said.
The 9th annual Reel ‘Em In For Rotary Bass Tournament will be held Saturday out of Camp Mack's River Resort, sponsored by the Lake Wales Breakfast Rotary. Hill, who retired from the Royal Navy, settled in Lake Wales and was invited to join the Rotary.
“I got asked to help out with the tournament and I got caught up in it,” he said. “I've run with it these last eight years.”
Hill said he is hoping to have over 50 boats for the tournament Saturday.
“As of Saturday, we had 32 pre-registered, which was our best start ever, so we are really excited. We'd love to beat our record of 56 boats set in 2009.”
Entry fee is $95 per boat the day of event, or $80 to pre-register. There is a $5 ramp fee. First place is guaranteed $1,500, with $750 for second, $500 for third and $250 for fourth. The big-fish pot will be a 75-25 percent allotment.
There will be a drawing for $100 for those who pre-register. The grand raffle prize is a stainless steel grill from the Lake Wales Home Depot.
Hill said that based on recent events held out of Camp Mack fishing is expected to be very good for Saturday's tournament.
“It took in excess of 30 pounds to win a tournament out of Camp Mack's a week ago,” he said.
Reel ‘Em In For Rotary Bass Tournament
Sat, Nov 17, 2012
Kissimmee Chain of Lakes
Camp Mack's River Resort
Call Nigel Hill at 863-224-4081
Email: [email protected]
SPONSOR: Lake Wales Breakfast Rotary
Claire Whaley Foundation Tournament Moved To Lake Springs On Clarks Hill
The first ever Claire Whaley Foundation Bass Tournament on Clarks Hill will be held out of Lake Springs instead of Wildwood Park, according to tournament organizer Trad Whaley.
“They closed Wildwood, but Lake Springs is just over the dam to the right before you get to Wildwood,” he said.
“We tried to put the tournament on Clarks Hill because we had not come here yet and we moved it to the fall because there are a lot of tournaments here in the spring. We could not find a good date then, so I moved it,” Whaley said. “We put it on the first open date I could find, but as long as there is a good bite everybody will be happy. If it works out this time of year we will put it down here more.”
And, he added, while checking out the fishing this week, the bass are biting, although a lot of them are small fish.
“Although there are some deep fish, most of the fish are shallow. They have not moved out yet. But a lot of fish are being caught right now, so it should be a good time for all.”
As long, he warned, as everybody is keenly aware of the extreme low water levels and operates their boats safely.
“The water was down 14.9 feet this morning, so there is a lot of stuff exposed and a lot more just under the surface, especially if you go way up the lake. Guys will need to use their best judgment on that. I'd like to advise everyone to be safe out here and pay attention.”
Whaley said a lot of fish are being caught on crankbaits, spinnerbaits and flukes on the shallow flats.
“There is also a decent jig bite. In fact there was a tournament last week that was won on a jig.”
Entry fee for the tournament is $150 with a payout to one in every ten places. Total purse is $5,000, based on 60 boats, said Whaley who noted the tournament held on different lakes in South Carolina has always drawn between 40 and 60 boats.
“We've never paid out less than $4,000. We do the best we can and so far we've satisfied everybody.”
Whaley said the Claire Whaley Foundation raises $6,000 to $8,000 annually to help families who have children like his daughter, Claire, who have special needs. His daughter, Claire, was diagnosed with Ischemic Hypoxic Encephalopathy which means that parts of her brain were deprived of oxygen when she stopped breathing right after birth. She has not been able to develop normally, has the most trouble with her vision, and also demonstrates characteristics of cerebral palsy.
Whaley and his wife Angie created the Claire Whaley Foundation when they were denied participation in some state and federal programs because their family income exceeded eligible limits. The foundation exists to provide support for middle class working families who have children with special needs.
“We've helped more than 15 families so far. This year we bought several weighted blankets, some braces, a helmet, things that insurance would not pay the full amount on. We also try to give around $2,000 to a family that needs it. We do anything we can to ease the burden on these families,” Whaley said.
“We all work for a living, so we don't qualify for government help. This is our fifth year of helping families in Middle Class America who have children with special needs.”
Claire Whaley Foundation Bass Tournament
Sat, Nov 17, 2012
Clarks Hill Lake
Lake Springs
Call Trad Whaley at 864-378-0952
Get Hooked-Up with KVD!
Kevin VanDam shows how easy it is to change trebble hooks. He also tells why it's so important. With a little practice you can do it as effortlessly as KVD!
Flw And Kellogg's Renew Partnership For 2013 Season
MINNEAPOLIS (Nov. 12, 2012) – FLW, the world’s largest tournament-fishing organization, announced today that the Kellogg Company has renewed its sponsorship in a multi-year deal. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Strike King Lure Company Renews As Flw Sponsor
MINNEAPOLIS (Nov. 9, 2012) – FLW announced today that Strike King Lure Company has re-signed as an associate sponsor of FLW for the 2013 season. Financial terms of the deal were not released. Strike King has been in business for more than 40 years with a wide selection of fresh and saltwater baits as well as polarized sunglasses and will receive exposure across all of FLW’s platforms, including its tournaments and Expos, multiple websites, FLW Bass Fishing magazine and the “FLW†television show on NBC Sports Network. “FLW†is broadcast Sundays in high-definition (HD) to more than 559 million households worldwide, making it the most widely distributed weekly outdoors-sports television show in the world.
Evinrude Pro Denny Brauer Reflects on Career - Part 1
Anglerschannel Insider Vance McCullough does a little fishing with Evinrude Pro Denny Brauer who reflects on a brilliant career. Denny recently decided to retire from Bassmaster Elite Series competition. He talks a bit about the early days and a couple of career highlights that no other angler boast. He also tells us what's next now that he has stepped away from the Elite Series.
Igloo Extends Sponsorship With Flw
MINNEAPOLIS (Oct. 7, 2012) – FLW announced today that Igloo Products Corp., the nation’s largest cooler manufacturer, has extended their associate sponsorship of FLW for the 2013 season. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Flw, 3M Sign Deal For 2013 Season
MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (Nov. 5, 2012) – FLW announced today that 3M, a long-term sponsor of the world’s largest tournament-fishing organization, will return as a sponsor in 2013. Financial terms of the deal were not released.
JB Custom Rods - Piedmont Bass Classics Fall Trail Championship - Shearon Harris - November 4, 2012
The 10 qualified teams arrived at the ramp for the Championship of the 2012 JB Custom Rods~Piedmont Bass Classics Fall Team Bass Tournament Trail, and the game was on!
31 keepers were brought to the scales weighing in at a total of 81 pounds! Several other teams had fish but decided not to weigh in after they saw the leader board. Hal Abshire of Cameron & Ethan Cox of West End had 5 bass that weighed 15.91 pounds, winning the 1st place prize of $1,700 along with the 1st Place TWT worth $315, for a grand total of $2,015! The 4 top teams weighing in were within ounces of tying or winning! It was really close!
The day started with 34 degrees at blastoff, and about 59 degrees at the weighin. The winds were blowing out of the NE at around 10 mph all day. Most fish were caught in 2 to 18 feet of water. Hot baits for the day were spinnerbaits, jerk baits and RatLTraps and Shaky Heads. Water temps were around 59 degrees. The Big Fish weighed in at 7.73 pounds! A great big thank you goes out to John Ballard, owner of JB Custom Rods in Dunn, for supporting our trail. I want to thank all the anglers that participated and that supported our trails in 2012. You guys & girls are the greatest!
Jerry Marshburn & Allan Parker finished a close 2nd Place with 5 bass weighing 15.79 lbsThe Points Winners for the Fall Trail were Chad Craven of Raleigh & Tommy Farley of Colonial Heights, VA. They each received a JB Custom Rod for their efforts and support! Good job guys.
Our 2013 tournament programs will begin February 16th at Shearon Harris. The Boats Unlimited NC Team Tournament Bass Trail will be the main event for the Spring and will feature an 8 tournament payout of over $100,000 in cash and prizes based on an average of 80 boats in each event. We averaged 62 boats this past Spring, so 80 boats with what Boats Unlimited is adding to the payout should be no problem! We also will have a mini-trail worked in on the dates where the Boats Unlimited Trail is idle. We also have plans for an Open at Hyco Lake! 2013 is looking to be a great year for our sponsors and trails! I'll keep everyone posted on the web.
All the information on our tournaments can be found at: www.piedmontbassclassics.com
Now here are the full results:
1st Place: Hal Abshire & Ethan Cox of Cameron & West End...5 bass...15. 91 lbs...$1,700
2nd Place: Jerry Marshburn & Allan Parker of Sanford & Linden...5 bass...15.79 lbs...$520
3rd Place: Jay Garrard & Mark Herndon of Durham & Bahama...5 bass...15.69...$280
1st Place Big Fish..2nd Place Team above...7.73 lbs...$140
2nd Place Big Fish..3rd Place Team above...6.43 lbs...$60
1st Place TWT..1st Place Team above: 15.91 lbs...$315
2nd Place TWT..2nd Place Team above: 15.79 lbs...$135
1st Place TWT..1st Place Team above: 15.91 lbs...$315
2nd Place TWT..2nd Place Team above: 15.79 lbs...$135
Later................... Phil McCarson~Tournament Director
919-471-1571.......919-971-5042
www.piedmontbassclassics.com
or email me at: [email protected]
JB Custom Rods - Piedmont Bass Classics Fall Trail Results - Shearon Harris - October 28, 2012
Even with the threat of hurricane type weather, 9 teams arrived at the ramp for the 7th and final qualifier of the
2012 JB Custom Rods~Piedmont Bass Classics $5,000 Fall Team Bass Tournament Trail.
31 keepers were brought to the scales weighing in at a total of 75 pounds! Rick Ohlson & Joey Davis of Garner had 5 bass that weighed 19.43 pounds, winning the 1st place prize of $540. Ohlson & Davis won $540 for 1st, $126 for the 1st place Big Fish and 1st Place TWT worth $245, for a grand total of $911! The bag included 3 over slots!!
The day started with 55 degrees at blastoff, and about 60 degrees at the weighin. The winds were blowing out
of the NE at around 20 mph all day. Most fish were caught in 2 to 20 feet of water. Hot baits for the day were
spinnerbaits, jerk baits and RatLTraps. Water temps were around 66 degrees. The Big Fish weighed in at 6.01
pounds! I want to thank all the anglers that participated and that support this trail.
Our next tournament will be the 2012 JB Custom Rods~Piedmont Bass Classics Fall Team Bass Trail
Championship, also at Shearon Harris, out of Holleman's Crossing Wildlife Ramp, Sunday, November 4th.
This will be our last event for 2012. The Championship is for Qualified Teams Only.
10 Team have qualified for the Championship and the projected 1st Place winnings will be $1,700 !!!
All the information on our tournaments can be found at: www.piedmontbassclassics.com
Now here are the full results:
1st Place: Rick Ohlson & Joey Davis of Garner...5 bass...19.43 lbs...$540 (Pictured Here)
2nd Place: Chad Craven & Tommy Farley of Raleigh & Colonial Heights, VA...5 bass...10.63 lbs...$180
1st Place Big Fish..1st Place Team above...6.01 lbs...$126
2nd Place Big Fish..Rick Sossaman & Randy Johnson of Oak Ridge & Hillsborough...4.89 lbs...$54
1st Place TWT..1st Place Team above: 19.43 lbs...$245
2nd Place TWT..2nd Place Team above: 10.63 lbs...$105
Call me if you have any suggestions or questions.
Contact Information:
Phil McCarson ... Tournament Director
919-471-1571 or 919-971-5042
email: [email protected]
web: piedmontbassclassics.com
Special Olympics North Shelby School Bass Tournament Results - Nov 3, 2012
Hank Cherry and Craig Chambers won this year's event with 5 bass weighing 12.8 lbs and a Big Fish that weighed 4.28 lbs.
Adam Waters and Shane Lehew finished in Second Place with 12.08 lbs. Their Big Fish was 3.66 lbs. Jerry Goble and Kenny Hoyle took Third Place with 11.69 lbs and Nick Miller finished in Fourth Place fishing by himself with a bag that weighed 11.57 lbs.
Here are the full results:
| Place | NAME 1 | NAME 2 | BOAT MFG. | MOTORMATE WEIGHT GUESS | TOTAL # BASS | BIG FISH | GROSS WEIGHT |
| 1 | Craig Chambers | Hank Cherry | Ranger | 14.1 | 5 | 4.28 | 12.8 |
| 2 | Adam Waters | Shane LeHew | Triton | 14.85 | 5 | 3.66 | 12.08 |
| 3 | Kenny Hoyle | Jerry Goble | Ranger | 14.67 | 5 | 3.83 | 11.69 |
| 4 | Nick Miller | Basscat | 12.1 | 5 | 3.79 | 11.57 | |
| 5 | Artie Phillips | Kevin Phillips | Basscat | 13.59 | 5 | 3.34 | 11.53 |
| 6 | Todd Auten | Pat Tierney | Ranger | 13.98 | 5 | 2.44 | 11.19 |
| 7 | Kelly Ruff | Travis Ruff | Triton | 17.65 | 5 | 4.1 | 11.04 |
| 8 | Jeff Johnson | Chuck Poovey | Stratos | 14.23 | 5 | 2.96 | 10.59 |
| 9 | Jeff Hager | Darrell Hager | Triton | 13.87 | 5 | 2.99 | 10.3 |
| 10 | Brian Morgan | Orlando Giles | Ranger | 14.56 | 5 | 10.07 |
Kreiger Pulls Out Victory At Everstart Championship On Ouachita River Presented By Castrol
MONROE, La. (Nov. 4, 2012) – For the second time in his career and for the first time in FLW history pro Koby Kreiger won the EverStart Championship presented by Castrol on the Ouachita River on Sunday with a five bass limit that weighed 9 pounds, 5 ounces. Kreiger of Okeechobee, Fla., had a four-day total of 20 bass that weighed 38 pounds, 5 ounces that earned him $50,000 plus a Ranger Z518 with an Evinrude or Mercury outboard motor and a berth in the 2013 Forrest Wood Cup. Kreiger beat second place Kent Ware of Wadmalaw Island, S.C., by 3 pounds, 15 ounces.
Hope Is For Big Increase In Entries For Special Olympics North Shelby School Bass Tournament
Early entries for the Special Olympics North Shelby School Bass Tournament on Lake Norman have been off so far from previous years but tournament director Ricky Peace is hoping for a surge in applications before the weekend and for a good entry at the ramp Saturday morning.
“We a looking for good weather Saturday. Right now the weatherman says we will have about normal temperatures for this time of year – 32 degrees in the morning and up to 60-62-63 degrees by the afternoon,” he said.
“We might have a slight breeze, so that will be good. At least it will be better than what we have been experiencing.”
Peace said over last weekend and early in the week the region was buffeted by wind gusts up to 35-40 mph.
“They said the wind killed them in the C&S Motorsports Tournament last weekend. A lot of people did not show up for the tournament. I think it's just a combination of the economy still being bad, high gas prices and the fact that a lot of people are hurting. They are just not able to afford to fish.”
How the fish will react to the weather is a big question, he said.
“In years past it has taken from 12-something to about 14-something to win the tournament, so I think it will probably be about the same for Saturday,” peace said.
The colder weather this week might actually pick the fishing up, he said.
“The water has been a little warmer than normal, so it might excite the fish if it cools down some. A lot of the fish are in the transition phase where they have not really come out of their summer patterns. The bait has not got balled up much and the fish are not in the backs of the creeks yet. Maybe this cooler weather will help push them on up in there.”
“We'll feed the guys for a donation. They are usually pretty hungry when they come off the water,” he said. Peace said a barbecue sandwich will go for a $3 donation and $1 will buy a drink and chips.
Peace said the tournament grew out of a small fishing club at the Eaton Corporation. Once the club members decided to hold the tournament to benefit Special Olympics the company provided financial support and the first year the tournament raised $14,400.
The tournament really took off once some of the top names in bass fishing from around the area began fishing in it – and helping find good sponsors, Peace said. The tournament raises funds for Special Olympics and for the North Shelby School which specializes in serving children with special needs.
The total payout for the tournament is $14,350, with $2,500 for first place, and prize money will be paid back through 20 places. There will be special awards for the top parent-child team, husband-wife team and senior (62 years and up) team. Entry fee is $100 per team.
“I want everybody to know how much I appreciate all the support we have had over the six years now of doing the tournament. I really appreciate all the fishermen who participate. In the five years we've held the tournament so far we have raised $104,000 for these kids.”
Special Olympics North Shelby School Bass Tournament
Sat, Nov 3, 2012
Lake Norman
Pinnacle Access
Call Ricky Peace at 704-434-7573
Good Fishing Expected For Camp Mack's One-Man Trail Classic This Weekend
“We've got 24 teams qualified for the Camp Mack's Open One Man Trail Classic this weekend and they will be fishing for about $7,500,” said Bob Eddy, owner of Camp Mack's River Resort on the Kissimmee River just two miles north of Lake Kissimmee.
Eddy said anglers had to fish seven tournaments to automatically qualify for the Classic, but if an angler only fished four or five and is in the top 10 percent in total weight for the series, he got an automatic entry into the Classic, too.
“The fishing looks good. The weather is supposed to be back in the 80s and the wind is supposed to be gone, so we are looking for a really good weekend,” Eddy said.
And, he added, he expects some impressive bags of bass to come to the weigh-ins.
“In our last two one-day tournaments it took 30 pounds-plus to win. We could have a 60-pound total weight for the weekend. If you hit 30 pounds with a five fish limit that is a helluva sack of fish.”
Eddy said most of the anglers will be fishing mussel beds and grass lines.
“Most of the open water fish have started moving im and this cold snap will increase that. The open water brush-pile fishing has fallen off the last two months, which it does this time of year.”
Eddy said most anglers will be throwing stick-baits on the grass beds. Others will be casting Rat-L-Traps and spinnerbaits on the mussel beds.
“Some will also be flipping 9-inch worms in the grass lines,” he said.
Eddy said the season champions will be announced this weekend. That team will be the one with the most total weight for the season and they will be the first team to take off in the championship.
“We will hold a dinner Saturday night for the anglers and give out various prizes, including a trip for two to Las Vegas,” he said.
“We normally don't do this, but the Lakeland Junior Bassmasters Classic is the same two days as our championship. They will have about 40 kids qualified for it. We'll do our weigh-in, then weigh them in and take them all and feed them, too.
Eddy also announced Camp Mack's will launch a two-man trail in January to replace the Accent Marine Trail that has been held out of Camp Mack's for 25 years.
“They are retiring that trail and turning it over to Camp Mack's,” he said. “The only difference between our new trail and the Accent Marine trail is that we will offer more money. They had a 70 percent payback and we will have a 100 percent payback. We think it will be another really good trail going out of Camp Mack's.”
Camp Mack's Open 1 Man Trail Classic
Nov 3-4, 2012
Kissimmee Chain of Lakes
Camp Mack's River Resort
Call 1-863-696-1108 for more details!
www.campmack.com/home/campmackopen
Fishing Off, But Still Good, For Jb Custom Rods Piedmont Bass Classic On Shearon Harris
By Shearon Harris Lake standards for this time of year fishing “has been terrible this fall,” according to Phil McCarson, tournament director of the JB Custom Rods Piedmont Bass Classics Fall Trail, but it took almost 20 pounds to win the final qualifier Sunday for the Fall Trail Championship this coming Sunday.
“We probably had some of the smallest weights come in for the fall trail I've ever seen,” McCarson said. “But that is just normal here on Shearon Harris.”
The 19.43-pound 5-fish limit that Rick Ohlson and Joey Davis weighed in Sunday to win the qualifier was “a small bag for Shearon Harris,” McCarson said.
“Normally, it takes a 25-pound bag of fish to win on Shearon Harris, but that is usually during spring and summer.”
McCarson said fishing is tough right now, with anglers reporting the bass “scattered everywhere.”
“There is no rhyme or reason for any kind of pattern. The guys think the bass are just staying with the baitfish. They were catching them on spinnerbaits off the points last weekend, anywhere from 2 feet deep out to 20 feet.”
The water temperature needs to cool on down to make the shad ball up tighter, he said.
“When they do that the bass will start piling up. Usually, bass fishing on Shearon Harris is pretty strong in December, January and February. You just have to find them.”
McCarson said 10 teams are qualified for the championship Sunday and first place will win about $1,700.
The field will be small, he said, because, “This time of year it's hard to get a crowd together, especially during hunting season. But, we've got some good guys fishing with us, some quality bass fishermen.”
He warned anglers to make sure they reset their clocks because the time changes Saturday night.
“I'll be at the ramp at 5:30 to take entries and blastoff will be approximately 6:20 a.m., so have your boat in the water by 6:10,” he said.
The Fall Trail was sponsored by JB Custom Rods, which also sponsored the Piedmont Bass Classics Summer Trail this year.
“We were lucky to have a sponsor for the Fall Trail. The Spring Trail is looking really good for next year,” he said. “We had our best year with the Spring Trail this year and next year's Spring Trail is going to be a really good one. It will run February through June and we have a min-trail lined up to coincide with it.”
JB Custom Rods in Dunn, N.C., owned by John Ballard, creates technique specific bass rods, each design having it’s own unique purpose. Every individual rod is painstakingly handcrafted.
JB Custom Rods - Piedmont Bass Classics Fall Championship
Sun, Nov 4, 2012
Shearon Harris Lake
Holleman's Crossing
Call Phil McCarson at 919-471-1571(H) or cell 919-971-5042
Entry Dates For 2013 Bfl Tournaments Announced
FLW has announced BFL entry dates for the 2013 season.
Hackney on Soft Jerkbaits
Greg Hackney does more than flip. Here he shares how he uses the Strike King Caffeine Shad, including how he sets the hook. Speaking of hooks, get a good look at the hook Hackney uses with the Caffeine Shad!
Carolinas Bass Challenge Championship Kerr Lake Results
We wrapped up 2012 Championship of the inaugural Carolinas Bass Challenge Trail on Kerr Lake this past weekend with 90 teams competing for a 1st place 2012 Skeeter ZX200/Yamaha SHO 200 package. Before we get to the full results let’s look back on the 2012 season and see how it shaped up.The grand total number of teams that participating in at least one 2012 CBC event was 425. The South Carolina Division accounted for 213 teams while the North Carolina Division was close behind at 212 teams. We averaged 125 teams over eight qualifiers. Four of the eight qualifier winning teams took home at least $10,000.00 with the highest 1st place team taking home $12,500.00 at Lake Norman.
1st Place prize money at the qualifiers averaged out at $9,600.00. 2nd place averaged a $4,000.00 check. 3rd place totaled up at $2,500.00 with the 4th place team averaging a $1,700.00 payday. 5th place teams saw a minimum of $1,200.00. Each CBC event BF winning team was awarded $1,000.00 which was provided by Marshalls Marine, Foothills Marine and Palmetto Boat Center.
On top of huge cash awards two 2012Skeeter TZX 190 /150 Yamaha HPDI packages was awarded plus the 2012 Skeeter ZX200/Yamaha200 SHO package at the Kerr Championship. We look forward to the 2013 schedule and no doubt the CBC will see new faces as we expand across the Carolinas…and we can’t leave out the FOOD!
We had a ton of cash to hand out Saturday at the New Nutbush Ramp on Kerr Lake and Chris McDuffie of Raeford, NC and Greg Creech of Red Springs, NC cashed in on the bonanza. They brought in a 5 bass limit weighing 14.53 lbs and took 1st Place by almost ½ lb over the 2nd Place team. They also were fishing out of a Skeeter/Yamaha package and took home another $5,000.00 for the highest placing Skeeter/Yamaha owner. Add in $2,000.00 from the Skeeter Real Money program plus two Cashion rods valued at $200.00 each their total winnings in cash and prizes totaled up to $55,400.00.
2nd place went to Larry and Shane Lehew both of Charlotte with a limit weighing 14.08 lbs. They received $7,000.00. Larry and Shane were our 1st Lake Norman winners and had already collected $11,000.00 for that win.
Coming in 3rd were Chris Bullock and Glenn Altman of Marion, SC. Their best 5 weighed up at 13.21 lbs and they earned $3,000.00. Chris and Glenn were our SC Final winners and have already taken home a brand new Skeeter.
Miles Hair and Terry Toler both of Elizabeth City, NC weighed in 5 bass at 13.11 lbs to finish in 4th and they collected $2,000.00.
Jeff and KJ Queen both of Catawba claimed 5th with 5 bass weighing 12.95 lbs and they received $1,300.00.
Shane Lineberger and Hank Cherry took the BF money worth and extra $1,000.00 with a fat 6.09 lb bass.
We drew out Bobby Hunter and he won $1,000.00 for taking one of the over 100 Skeeter Demo rides!
The rest of the field finishing in the money:
6th Harold Drew – Jackie Reilly 12.76 lbs $1,000.00
7th Josh & Mike Queen 12.63 lbs $725.00
8th David & Gerald Williams 12.52 lbs $575.00
9th Tony Woodard – Wally Szuba 12.38 lbs $450.00
10th Steve Sink – Robert Mixon 12.32 lbs $375.00
11th Shane Linberger – Hankl Cherry 12.31 lbs 6.09 BF $1,325.00
12th George Lambeths – Ron Falworth 12.00 lbs $300.00
13th Barry Bost – Will Petty 11.93 lbs $275.00
14th David Wright – Jeff Coble 11.66 lbs $225.00
15th Brian Huskins – Thomas Vickers 11.65 lbs $200.00
See you next year! We will be at most of the local boat shows in 2013. Drop by and see what we have in store for 2013.
Brett Collins
CBC Trail
Hackney Shows Us How He Attacks Grass!
Elite Series pro Greg Hackney shows us how he uses a heavy jig and the right trailer to quickly dissect huge grass beds and find groups of quality bass.
2012 Carolina Coach And Marine Monday Night Fish Off Champions
2012 Carolina Coach and Marine Monday Night Fish Off Champions Cliff Kirby and Eddie Black weigh-in 18+ Lbs to take home an impressive $3000 after an all night affair on Lake Norman!!
Combs Talks Rayburn; New Recon Worm!
Keith Combs nearly won the recent FLW Tour Open on Sam Rayburn. Here he talks about his pattern in that tourney and how he used the NEW Strike King Recon Worm!
Ware Wins Aoy First Year Back In Southeast Division Everstart Series
Kent Ware was Southeast Division EverStart Strike King Angler of the Year. Photo courtesy FLW Outdoors.
After a layoff from fishing major tournament series for a few years Kent Ware was hoping to make a little noise when he returned to the Southeast Division EverStart Series this year. He did that and more, finishing the season as the Southeast Division's EverStart Strike King Angler of the Year.
“I had a good, solid season,” said Ware, whose professional career is in saltwater, rather than freshwater. As manager of the Bears Bluff National Fish Hatchery on Wadlamaw, Island, S.C., Ware works with redfish, sturgeon, cobia, American shad and even oysters. But his passion is bass fishing, especially bass tournament fishing.
“It was nice to be able to fish four weeks this year. I don't get to fish a whole lot, but I was able this year to take leave and be off four or five days and practice – and I had a good season as a result.”
Ware, who will lead Southeast Division anglers in the FLW EverStart Series Championship on the Ouachita River near Monroe, La., next week, earned a check in every tournament in the division this year, finishing the season with $20,878 in win money.
He finished 6th at Lake Okeechobee in the season opener Jan. 19, 19th at Lake Seminole March 22, second at Santee Cooper April 19, and, even though he dropped to 46th at Lake Guntersville in the final event May 3, he tallied enough points to earn the AOY title.
“I've made one short trip over there and spent two days on the water,” said Ware. “I was able to learn a little bit about the fishery, but not a whole lot. It is hard to get around with the low water level and there is the potential for a lot of equipment to get torn up in the tournament because of the stumps.”
Ware said the water is too low and there are too many stumps to access the backwaters off the main river.
“On top of that it looks like we are going to have the first major cold front of the year coming through that area,” he added.
However, although he is primarily a shallow water angler, he said he feels pretty comfortable going into the championship.
“Being a shallow water fisherman, a cold front is not conducive to my kind of fishing, but it looks like it will be a shallow water fishery,” he said. “I found numbers of fish, but did not get on any quality fish so that is my concern. I should be able to fish four days in practice before the tournament so I will cover as much diverse water as I can and try to locate and build on whatever quality fish I can find.”
Ware said he will fish mainly with jigs and soft plastics and use faster moving baits such as spinnerbaits and crankbaits to locate fish.
“I'll start out with the fast-moving baits and if that does not work I will have to slow down. Fall tournaments are notoriously tough, at least the ones I've been involved in,” he said.
Ware's work with saltwater species has been very productive the last few years. Last year the lab spawned sturgeon for only the second time that has ever been done in captivity. The redfish program has gone really well, he said, and the cobia program has reached a milestone.
“We had a good season with cobia. We produced the first fingerling cobia we'd ever done. Now we are starting to focus more on habitat than in the past, both in saltwater and with some native aquatic grass restoration in the Santee Cooper System.”
Ware said he also plans to fish the EverStart Series next year, if he can make his fishing schedule fit into his work schedule.
“I had a great time this year and got to fish more than I have in years. I really enjoyed it. Most of the fisheries were shallow water fisheries. I told myself a long time ago I would focus on what I am good at and stay shallow. That seemed to work out for me this year, but there is no telling about next year,” he said.
FLW EverStart Series Championship
Nov 1-4, 2012
Ouachita River near Monroe, LA
Forsythe Park
Weather Front Expected To Improve Fishing For Xtreme Bass Championship On Lake Guntersville
All Hadley Coan and Donnie McElvoy have to do to get a free ride for all the tournaments on the 2013 schedule of the Xtreme Bass Series Guntersville Division is show up and fish the Division Championship Friday and Saturday on Lake Guntersville.
“They pretty well kept the points lead for most of the year,” said tournament director Jamie Shay. “They won the points; now all they have to do to fish for free next year is fish the championship this week.”
Coan and McElvoy only finished once out of the top five all year long. They started off with a bang by winning the opening tournament of the series Feb. 26. They finished 3rd March 25, 8th April 15, 4th May 20, 3rd June 10, 3rd July 22, 5th August 19, and capped the season with their second win Sept. 2.
Shay said 17 teams have qualified to fish the championship and first place will earn in the neighborhood of $3,500. He anticipates half the field will win either cash, gift certificates or other prizes this weekend.
“We will give away about $7,500 total in the championship,” he said.
Fishing on Lake Guntersville has been tough recently, Shay said, but a cold front moving into the area could put the fish on the move.
“Fishing is better when there are clouds, wind or drizzling rain, anything besides beautiful skies. The forecast is calling for a front to move in Friday, so I anticipate good fishing Friday and Saturday,” he said.
“The change in weather could change everything and that is what we are all waiting on. It should be pretty good. We've got some really good fishermen and if anybody can find them these guys can. I anticipate some good weights in the championship.”
One factor that could come into play with a change in conditions is the Alabama Rig, Shay said.
“Everybody is just waiting on the Alabama Rig to work. If there is no Alabama Rig situation I'd say we will have probably 18 pounds a day, but if the Alabama Rig comes into play it could be 28 to 30 pounds a day. It just changes the game when that happens; It just has not happened yet.”
There will also be another factor at play on Lake Guntersville Friday and Saturday, Shay noted. The Walmart Bass Fishing League is headed to Lake Guntersville those same two days for the Chevy Wild Card event, where boaters and co-anglers will compete for berths in the Walmart BFL All-American.
Up to 200 boats are expected for the Wild Card tournament, which is open to anglers who entered all five tournaments in a BFL division this season, and paid their entry fees but did not qualify for a regional.
“It should not be too bad as they are going out of the state park 30 miles south of here, but there will be a lot of boats on the water those two days for sure,” he said.
Shay said the championship will cap a very good season for the Xtreme Bass Series on Lake Guntersville.
“In the spring we averaged 30 boats and in the summer we averaged 20 to 25 boats per tournament. We had good participation and everyone loved our format,” he said.
Xtreme Bass Series - Guntersville Division Championship
Oct 26-27, 2012
Lake Guntersville
Goose Pond Colony
Call Jamie Shay at 256-599-0132
Priority Entry Now Open For 2013 Everstart Series
WHAT: FLW has announced priority entry for the 2013 EverStart Series season is now open.
DETAILS: The top 40 pros and co-anglers from each division of the 2012 EverStart Series and the top 40 boaters and co-anglers from each division of the 2012 BFL must pay their deposits for all four tournaments in a division by December 3 in order to secure their priority entry position. For Ranger boat owners (Ranger owners with current registrations who will use their Ranger boat in EverStart Series competition) and sponsor entries (FLW may reserve sponsor spots in each qualifying tournament), deposits will be accepted beginning at 8 a.m. Central time, December 4. For TBF members, deposits will be accepted beginning at 8 a.m. Central time, December 5. For other entries, deposits will be accepted beginning at 8 a.m. Central time, December 6. Top entry priority goes to pros and co-anglers who enter all four EverStart Series tournaments in a division by December 19 for the Central, Southeast, Texas and Western divisions and February 6, 2013, for the Northern Division. All other entry priority will be assigned by the date and time of entry.
NOTES: Entries may be made either by mail at 30 Gamble Lane, Benton, KY 42025, phone at (270) 252-1000 or on the Internet at FLWOutdoors.com.
ABOUT FLW
FLW is the industry’s premier tournament-fishing organization, providing unparalleled fishing resources and entertainment to our sponsors, fans and host communities. FLW is offering anglers of all skill levels the opportunity to compete for millions in prize money nationwide in 2013 over the course of 231 tournaments across five tournament circuits, four of which provide an avenue to the sport’s richest payday and most coveted championship trophy – the Forrest Wood Cup. FLW is committed to providing a lifestyle experience that is the “Best in Fishing, On and Off the Water,” through a variety of platforms including tournaments, outdoor expos and FLW Fantasy Fishing. For more information about FLW and FLW Fantasy Fishing, visit FLWOutdoors.com or FantasyFishing.com and look for FLW on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest and YouTube.
Murdock and Fofi win the Powers Swain TT Event on Jordan-Full Results here
Dropshoting with JVD!
Bassmaster Elite Series Green Bay Challenge Champion Jonathan VanDam shows us his tourney-winning dropshot system. From transducer angle, to line/leader material, to how much (or how little) action he imparts to his lure, JVD will have you dropshoting like a pro in no time!
Mark Rose Talks Ledge Lures, Including Strike King's NEW 10 XD!
FLW Tour powerhouse Mark Rose shares the tactics and lures he used to win the recent FLW Tour Open on Wheeler Lake. Rose took the lead on Day 1 and never looked back. As dominant as he was at Wheeler, there's a lure Rose wishes he'd had sonner - the Strike King 10 XD - it's a CHUNK of a crankbait!
Carolinas Bass Challenge Championship could be financial bonanza for anglers
Paybacks in the inaugural year of the Carolinas Bass Challenge have been outstanding and the total cash prize awarded in the CBC Championship on Kerr Reservoir on Oct. 27 could well exceed $80,000, according to tournament director Brett Collins.
“First place at the championship will take home a new ZX200 Skeeter/Yamaha SHO valued at $44,000 and more than 100 percent of the entry fees for the championship will be paid back to the rest of the field,” he said. The winning team will also receive two Cashion Rods valued at $200 each.
“This was a very good first year for the CBC,” Collins said. “At the conclusion of the Kerr championship we will ave paid back more than $400,000 in cash and awarded three brand new Skeeter/Yamaha boat packages.”
Collins said the series that pits top anglers from South Carolina against those from North Carolina in a showdown at the end of the season has average more than 130 teams at each tournament and paid back more than 100 percent of entry fees.
“We also fed the anglers at each event,” he added.
At the championship big fish winners will take home $1,000 in cash and another $1,000 will go to the lucky angler who participates in the Skeeter demo rides at Nutbush Ramp Thursday through Saturday and has his name drawn.
“At the championship and at all of the CBC events of the entire 2013 season we will award $5,000 to the highest placing Skeeter/Yamaha owner which means someone could finish 10th and still take home a big chunk of cash,” Collins said.
He said former B.A.S.S. pro and television fishing personality Fish Fishburne will be a special guest at the championship weigh-in Saturday, Oct. 27.
“I think it will take anywhere form 14 to 17 pounds to win the championship,” Collins said. The water level is down 5 to 6 feet. I think it will be won with a crankbait, probably a square-billed crankbait.”
Collins said 192 teams have qualified for the championship. A list of eligible team is posted at www.carolinacatt.com.
Entry fee for the championship is $200, but teams cannot pay entry fees online for the championship, he said. Teams can pay at the ramp the day of the event or at the meeting the night before. Monday, Oct. 22, is the deadline for mail in entries. For details, check the Carolinas Bass Challenge website: www.carolinasbasschallenge.com
The 2013 CBC schedule is posted on the website and Collins said he will start taking payments for next year's tournaments soon. The 2013 championship will be held on South Carolina’s Lake Murray Oct. 25-26 of next year.
“From the feedback we've got, it looks like we will have a much larger crowd next year,” he said.
Carolinas Bass Challenge Championship
North Carolina & South Carolina Divisions
Sat, Oct 27, 2012
Kerr / Buggs Island Lake
Satterwhite Point Public Access
Call Brett Collins 803-413-7521
www.carolinasbasschallenge.com
Fishing Is Therapy For Division Leader In Bfl Regional On Pickwick Lake
Tim Hicks, left, of Kingsport, TN. Photo courtesy FLW Outdoors.
Ten years ago Tim Hicks was practically living on the street. “I had lost everything,” he said.
Lost everything. To drugs and alcohol.
Somewhere along the way in the last few years he found himself and began climbing back out of the deep hole of drug and alcohol addiction. He was aided by rekindling a passion he had lost two decades ago when he descended into the hellish life of an addict – a passion for fishing..
“I used to fish 20 years ago,” the Kingsport, Tenn., bass angler said, “but I quit fishing for quite a few years. I got back into fishing about four years ago and it has been my little thing to replace that (addiction).”
Some of his friends helped him find the joy in fishing again, he said, and he started back floating rivers and fishing.
“Once I went fishing one time it was on,” he said. “Then I got a jet boat and the next thing I know I had a Ranger bass boat. I started out fishing small tournaments.”
He fished the Lone Wolf Trail, a local solo tournament series back home, for a couple of years and decided to take the step up to the Walmart Bass Fishing League's Volunteer Division. Hicks capped his first year in BFL competition by winning the points title in the Volunteer Division.
He finished a consistent year on the circuit with $2,822 in prize money, finishing 8th in the first tournament on Watts Bar in March, 5th on South Holston Lake in April, 19th on Douglas Lake in May, 22nd on Lake Cherokee in June and 3rd on Watts Bar last month in the two-day division final.
“I had a blessed season, but I worked really hard at it. I enjoyed it and it was a lot of fun,” he said.
Hicks has been fishing Alabama's famed Pickwick Lake daily since he came to the lake for the fist time this past Saturday, practicing for the Walmart BFL Regional Tournament featuring anglers from the Bulldog, LBL and North Carolina Divisions, as well as his Volunteer Division.
“I like the lake, but the water is a lot clearer than I expected and I have never fished current that runs this hard,” said Hicks who normally fishes Cherokee, Douglas and Holston Lakes back home in Tennessee.
Another thing he said he never faces back in Tennessee is the constantly changing weather in Alabama right now.
“It can change in 30 minutes. The wind will blow out of the northwest for a while and then all of a sudden it will change and blow out of the south. I'm not used to fishing in a place where the weather changes so drastically.”
And, he noted, an even more drastic change in the weather is on the way.
“Rain is moving in with a front this evening and that could really cool things down for tomorrow, so that will probably change the fishing even more.”
Hicks said the bite is already slow, so it may take two or three patterns to put together a successful day on the water this weekend.
“Pickwick is noted for ledge fishing and I love fishing deep, so I came down here with the full intention of fishing deep. I've found a few deep fish, so I plan to stick with it. I'm catching a few good fish on swim baits and an Alabama Rig, but no great numbers. But you can go up in the grass and catch numbers of fish on a frog of flipping, although most of them are smaller fish.”
If he does well on Pickwick this weekend, Hicks would love to move on up to higher level tournaments. He's already demonstrated the resolve it takes to be a winner by his recovery from addiction and he's shown he can fish head to head with the best in the Volunteer Division, so don't be surprised if his name starts showing up soon among top anglers in big time tournaments.
“You never know where you will end up. I am just going with the flow,” he said.
Walmart BFL Regional Tournament
Bulldog, Volunteer, LBL and North Carolina Divisions
Oct 18-20, 2012
Pickwick Lake
McFarland Park
Kings Home And Randy Howell Update
CHELSEA, AL-- King's Home and the family of Professional Angler Randy Howell are holding a 2nd annual giveaway for Howell's 2012 Bassmaster Elite season boat. The Triton 21HP powered by a Mercury 250 Pro XS, the same boat Howell used in his 2012 season, will be awarded to one lucky person at Kampfire for The King. Kampfire for the King is a special King's Home event in Chelsea, Ala. near Birmingham on November 18th, 2012.
For over 30 years, King's Home has helped children and families at risk from all over the United States. Formerly known as the The King's Ranch and Hannah Homes, King's Home provides hope and loving homes for hundreds of abused, neglected, abandoned and homeless children and teens. With four campuses in Alabama, King's Home also offers refuge and healing for women, moms and children escaping domestic violence.
"There are no limits to the amount a person can donate, but we only want people to donate what they can afford. For every tax-deductible $100 of donations made to King's Home the donator will receive an entry into the boat drawing. Donate $1000 and we'll give you ten entries into the boat drawing." explained Howell. "It will be great for someone to win my boat, which is valued at over $70,000. This Triton Boat powered by the best motor in the business a Mercury 250 Pro XS will run for decades for the lucky donator. That's a great prize, but the greatest part of this fundraiser is what that $100 donation will do for women, children and mothers in dire need." Howell continued, "Last year we raised over $52,000 for King's Home and this year we hope to beat that, but we need your help. We want the people to see the good things the King's Home does with their donations so we prepared a video that will share a few of the great things King's Home does for people in need." Visit RandyHowell.com or KingsHome.com to see a video describing what King's Home does and how your donations can help. CLICK TO SEE VIDEO
Howell and King's Home will give away the Triton/Mercury boat package at the Kampfire for The King, a special Christmas celebration and fundraising event set for Sunday, November 18, 2012 at the King's Home main campus in Chelsea, Ala. While the donor who wins the boat does not need to be on site to win, Howell and King's Home encourage entrants to attend Kampfire for The King to show their support for the youth, women, moms and children being helped by their donations.
To donate to King's Home and receive an entry into the boat sweepstakes visit KingsHome.com. There you can also learn more about King's Home's faith-based mission to provide spiritual development while helping youth, women and moms with children heal from their devastating pasts, break the cycle of abuse, build healthy relationships and become independent, productive members of society. November 16th is the last day donations will count toward the drawing.
About Randy Howell: Randy, his wife Robin and two sons (Oakley and Laker) live in Springville, Ala. Randy finished the 2012 Bassmaster Elite Series in 5th place and has qualified for 11 Bassmaster Classics including the 2013 Bassmaster Classic to be held in February in Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees in Tulsa, Okl. Randy's sponsors include King's Home, Triton Boats, Mercury Marine, Daiwa, Yamamoto Baits, Lunker Lure, Do It Molds, Molix, Bluewater L.E.D., Lowrance, Odyssey, Daiichi Hooks, Power Pole, Save Phace, Costa, Zeko, Frogg toggs, ATX, Gamma, Bass King and Valley Fashions, LTD.
2012 Fall Fishing Trends with AC Pro Staffer Rob Digh
AC Pro Staffer Rob Digh joins us on the water at Lake Norman for a true FALL FISHING UPDATE. The bags are better, quality is picking up, and Rob says now is the time to get back out on the water and catch some quailty fish!! His lures of choice are detailed right here-
2012 Anglers Choice Marine Team Trail Classic Champs Robert Hoyt And Craig Blankenship
Robert Hoyt and Craig Blankenship win the 2012 Anglers Choice Marine Team Trail Championship on Smith Mtn Lake beating out 170 other teams to take home a brand new fully rigged Ranger Z118!! These anglers had a 2 day total of 29.75 and talk about their approach to winning such a big tournament.....................
It takes almost 60 Lbs to win the Accent Marine TT Classic-Full results here!
What a great Classic for all the anglers that came out to fish this final Accent Marine event of 2012..........if anyone knows of a lake anywhere (outside of Sam Rayburn!) that had these types of weights in October for 2 days, please let us know! Congrats to Wayne and James on one heck of a weekend!
Accent Marine Classic Results
October 13 –14, 2012
1st Place Wayne Yohn & James Watkins 57.94 lbs $1250.00
2nd Place Scott Perry & Rich Anthony 51.32 lbs $1050.00
3rd Place Dustin Bozeman & Chris Maxwell 45.71 lbs $ 838.00
4th Place Tim (Doc) Swango & Brian Malys 40.97 lbs $ 625.00
5th Place Roger Brown & Levi Brown 40.60 lbs $ 418.00
6th Place Larry West & Kenny Trimble 39.20 lbs $ 360.00
7th Place Gary Niemi & Jame Dyer 37.14 lbs $ 300.00
8th Place Chuck Pons & Casey Gonzalez 34.51 lbs $ 240.00
9th Place William Farmer & William Wiel 33.40 lbs $ 180.00
10th Place Anthony Montoto & Charlie Wynperle 32.86 lbs $ 120.00
Big Bass
Day 1 Dustin Bozeman & Chris Maxwell 9.34 lbs $ 660.00
Big Bass
Day 2 Wayne Yohn & James Watkins 9.61 lbs $ 660.00
Strike King Pro Phil Marks wins final Tour Event on Rayburn with Monster Sack!
LUFKIN, Texas – Phil Marks of Dallas, Texas, marked his spot in the FLW record books by catching a 32-pound, 12-ounce sack on the final day of competition at the Walmart FLW Tour on Sam Rayburn Reservoir presented by Mercury giving him a 16-pound, 5-ounce margin of victory, the third largest in FLW Tour Open history. EverStart pro Randall Tharp of Gardendale, Ala., holds the current record for largest margin of victory, 23-9, which he set at the 2012 season opener on Lake Okeechobee.
Marks’ five-bass limit Sunday gave him a total weight of 82 pounds to win the tournament and $125,000. The catch gave him the win in impressive fashion over Keith Combs of Huntington, Texas, who caught a total of 20 bass weighing 65-11 and earned him $25,710.
Marks started the day with a mere 14-ounce lead over Combs, and he knew he needed a monster bag to claim victory. He believed the tournament would be won offshore and knew the early-morning bite was his most prolific all week, so he was confident all he needed was some wind and rain to turn on his fish, and Mother Nature obliged.
“The old man had a couple of tricks left,” said Marks. “I knew the wind and rain would fire up my bite, and it did. I had four or five spots in a one-mile circle, and that’s where all my fish came from today. I could see all the activity on my Lowrance unit, and this morning it was on fire.
“I was fishing a pattern all week,” Marks went on to say. “I was targeting ditches with main-lake flats, looking for subtle changes within the flats. During practice I discovered a high spot in the middle of the drain, and yesterday I caught a 5- and 7-pounder in back-to-back casts. This morning I caught four bass in 20 minutes in that same area.
“I have had a couple of dream days like this in the past, but none of this magnitude. After I caught my third fish I knew I had about 20 pounds and thought I probably had a good chance of winning and could relax a little. But then I started to think about it and realized that days like this just don’t come very often, so I kept fishing. I had what I weighed today by about 10 or 10:30 a.m.
“My key baits this week have been the Strike King 6XD and a prototype Strike King 10XD. The 10XD has the frame design of the 5XD and is designed to give off a lot of rattle and displace a lot of water. It’s a big bait designed to catch big bass. Four of my 20 bass were caught with the 10XD. Today I caught three bass on the Strike King crankbaits and two on the Strike King 1-ounce football (head) jig. My 8-pounder came on the 10XD.”
Marks referred to Sam Rayburn as a gem and said he has been fishing the lake for more than 20 years. Despite the high pressure the lake gets year after year, he said that his sack today was more typical of what Rayburn is capable of giving up on a regular basis. He also added that the 10XD is scheduled to be out in stores, including Walmart, in February.
Final top-10 pros standings:
1st: Phil Marks, Dallas, Texas, 20 bass, 82-0, $125,000
2nd: Keith Combs, Huntington, Texas, 20 bass, 65-11, $25,210
3rd: Fatheadz pro Jacob Wheeler, Indianapolis, Ind., 20 bass, 53-13, $21,543
4th: Landan Ware, Jewett, Texas, 20 bass, 52-14, $17,877
5th: Goodwill pro Chad Grigsby, Maple Grove, Minn., 20 bass, 52-8, $14,210
6th: Matt Herren, Trussville, Ala., 19 bass, 50-9, $12,010
7th: Jason Wells, Center, Texas, 19 bass, 48-4, $11,277
8th: EverStart pro Randall Tharp, Gardendale, Ala., 20 bass, 47-9, $10,543
9th: Darrell Davis, Dover, Fla., 19 bass, 46-15, $9,810
10th: Ray Hanselman, Del Rio, Texas, 20 bass, 46-5, $9,077
Overall there were 49 bass weighing 138 pounds, 15 ounces caught by 10 pros Sunday. The catch included nine five-bass limits.
Clint Farris of Joshua, Texas, won the co-angler division and $25,000 Saturday with a three-day total of 13 bass weighing 33 pounds, 15 ounces followed by Jeff Gengler of Fort Collins, Colo., in second place with 13 bass weighing 33-14 worth $5,657.
The Tour stop on Sam Rayburn presented by Mercury was hosted by Lufkin Convention and Visitors Bureau, and was the final FLW Tour tournament of the 2012 season.
In FLW Tour Open tournaments, pros and co-anglers were competing for valuable points that ultimately helped them qualify for the 2013 Forrest Wood Cup which is being held at the Red River in Shreveport, La., Aug. 15-18. The top five pro and co-anglers in the 2012 point standings from the four FLW Tour Open tournaments that qualified for the 2013 championship event are:
Pros:
1st: Chevy pro Larry Nixon, Bee Branch, Ark.
2nd: John Cox, Debary, Fla.
3rd: Kellogg’s Frosted Flakes pro Dave Lefebre, Erie, Pa. Keith Honeycutt, Temple, Texas
4th: Bill McDonald, Greenwood, Ind.
5th: Chevy pro Bryan Thrift, Shelby, N.C.
Co-anglers:
1st: Mark Horton, Nicholasville, Ky.
2nd: Theo Corcoran, Kansas City, Mo.
3rd: Keith Honeycutt, Temple, Texas
4th: Ben Todd, Pierson, Fla.
5th; Dave Shively, Butler, Pa.
Coverage of the Sam Rayburn Reservoir tournament will be broadcast in high-definition (HD) on NBC Sports Network when “FLW” airs Nov. 18 from 1 to 2 p.m. ET. "FLW" is hosted by Jason Harper and is broadcast to more than 559 million households worldwide, making it the most widely distributed weekly outdoors-sports television show in the world.
For complete details and updated information visit FLWOutdoors.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow us on Facebook at Facebook.com/FLWFishing and on Twitter at Twitter.com/FLWFishing.
Peter T Talks About Lew's Reels
FLW Tour and Bassmaster Elite Series veteran pro Peter 'T' Thliveros talks about the quality reels Lew's offers at super affordable prices. From ICAST 2012!
Combs Takes Lead At Walmart Flw Tour On Sam Rayburn Reservoir
Huge Entry Expected For Anglers Choice Marine Team Trail On Smith Mountain Lake
In a time of high gasoline prices and a down economy – two major cripplers of bass tournament participation – the Anglers Choice Marine Team Trail just keep growing and rolling along. There are already 130 teams pre-registered for the Anglers Choice Championship on Smith Mountain Lake this weekend, said Chris Lucas, tournament director.
“We've got about 175 teams qualified and we usually sign up 45 to 50 teams the morning of the tournament, so we are on pace to get about all of them for the championship.”
But, that is how it has been all season. While most tournament series saw entries drop this year with rising gas prices, Anglers Choice just kept drawing entries – 170 boats at Buggs Island once and more than 200 in two tournaments on Smith Mountain Lake.”
In fact, the series has got so big that it has become cumbersome to accommodate all those anglers, so Lucas has decided to split the series into two divisions for 2013 – a Virginia Division and a North Carolina Division, each featuring six tournaments with the annual lunker challenge in September on Smith Mountain Lake and the two-day classic for both divisions in October on Kerr Reservoir. A tentative schedule is already posted on the Anglers Choice Marine website.
Meantime, Lucas said fishing is expected to be good “in spots” for the 2012 Classic on Smith Mountain Lake this weekend.
“Some guys are finding schooling fish and catching some pretty good ones. The ones not finding the schools are catching 2-pounders,” he said. “This is the time of year when, if you pull up on the right place and have a school of fish come up you can load your boat.”
The cold front that moved through the first part of the week has moved on out, he said, and sunny skies are expected for the rest of the week, but low water may present a problem, he said.
“It looks like the weather will cooperate, but I say that cautiously. Around here it can change in a day. However, I think today was the last cold day of the front, so hopefully everything will be stable and the fish will be cooperating this weekend,” he said.
“The water is down a lot and that may mess with the fish a little bit as far as where they are going to be. That said, I think the fishing will be pretty good this weekend. I don't think the guys will have any trouble catching fish.”
The low water will create an inconvenience in launching, he noted, with only one boat ramp open at Parkway Marina.
“If water conditions stay the same all anglers who plan to launch there should plan to come early to get their boats in the water. We will only be able to launch one boat at a time which will cause delays each morning. I will launch at the regularly scheduled time unless the conditions are deemed to be unsafe for boat operation.”
Teams had to fish a minimum of four tournaments to qualify for the Classic where the winners will take home a new Ranger Z118 boat with a Mercury Opti Max motor and trailer and Lowrance electronics.
“We have a tie again for the Jiffy Automotive Points Championship,” Lucas said, “so we will have a fish-off at the Classic The team between the two tied for first place that finishes with the highest weight at the Classic will be declared points champions for the 2012 season.”
Tied for first place for the second year in a row are Kenny and Brandon Reynolds and Mike Altizer and Mike Pendleton. Kenny and Brandon Reynolds also won the Jiffy Automotive Big Bag of the Year award, a five-fish limit caught in the first tournament of the year at Smith Mountain Lake that weighed 23.31 pounds.
“Geoff Hill and Chris Vaught won the Jiffy Automotive Big Fish of the Year award with an impressive largemouth caught at Smith Mountain Lake on June 16 that weighed 7.10 pounds,” Lucas said.
Anglers Choice Marine Team Trail Championship
Oct 13-14, 2012
Smith Mountain Lake
Parkway Marina
Call Chris Lucas 276-358-0844
Fishing May Be Tough On Lake Hartwell This Weekend For Greene Boat And Motor Championship
Hank Cherry and Craig Chambers took 1st Place and Big Fish prizes in the 2011 Championship on Norman
Bass fishing reportedly is “pretty tough” on Lake Hartwell, but somebody always figures them out enough to win. The question is, who will it be in the Greene Boat and Motor Team Trail Championship this weekend on the upstate South Carolina lake?
Will it be the hottest team on the trail – Artie Phillips and Thomas Richmond who just wrapped up the points title with another win on Lake Wylie two weeks ago?
Or, will it be an angler who just notched a major tournament win on Lake Hartwell three weeks ago – Don Poteat, who won the Walmart Bass Fishing League Savannah Division Super Tournament, who will be joined by teammate John Allen for the Greene Championship?
Or, will it be one of the teams that challenged Phillips and Richmond for the points lead all season long?
Here's how it all lays out:
Phillips and Richmond, who finished the regular season with five top 10 finishes, including two first places, won the points title in the final qualifier Sept. 29 in a super-tight three-way race for the top spot. They started slow in the first tournament on Feb. 25, but roared back for 6th place March 10, a win April 7, 7th place May 19, 4th June 9, and won the final Sept. 29. They will split the $1,000 prize for the points championship.
Ron Farrow and Mike Allman, who trailed Phillips and Richmond by just four points going into the Sept. 29 tournament, finished second in the points race and will receive a Minn Kota Trolling Motor. Those two teams, along with the teams pushing them in the points race, could be considered strong contenders for the championship this weekend.
However, said tournament director Jeremy Cabe, “If I had to pick a pre-tournament favorite it would be Don Poteat who just won the BFL Super Tournament on Lake Hartwell.”
Poteat of Morganton, N.C., had a two-day total of 10 bass that weighed 28 pounds, 13 ounces, to win the Walmart BFL Savannah Division Super Tournament on Lake Hartwell Sept. 23, earning $5,690 plus a $1,000 Evinrude bonus.
Not having fished a tournament with FLW since 2006, Poteat’s wife bought his entry fee as a birthday present and what a present it turned out to be!
“I fished the same 200-yard stretch in Gumlog Creek for two days straight,” said Poteat. “All the fish I weighed were caught with a Zoom Old Monster on 20-pound-test line with a 1/8-ounce sinker, Texas rigged. This is the kind of fishing that I like to do.”
“We have 16 teams qualified for the championship,” said Cabe. “They will be fishing for a fully-rigged Tracker Pro 165 boat with a Mercury outboard, valued at around $11,000. Second place will be paid in cash from entry fees.”
Greene Boat and Motor Team Trail Championship
Oct 13-14, 2012
Lake Hartwell
Broyles Landing
Call Jeremy Cabe 803-322-1794
Weather Shaping Up For Accent Marine Team Trail Classic On Kissimmee
A lot of factors affect fishing – the weather, water levels, even the price of gasoline.
A sudden change in weather patterns may change the way fish are feeding; a really hard change, such as a cold front with freezing temperatures, may give them lockjaw.
Fluctuating water levels can hurt, or even help, fishing. A sudden drop in the lake level can pull fish off their normal habitats and make them suspend, thus harder to find and catch. Conversely, a rise in water levels can open new feeding territory for fish and make them easier to catch sometimes.
The price of gas can also have an adverse effect, often determining how much an angler will run in a day of fishing to reach a prime fishing spot, or even if he goes fishing at all.
This time of year another factor enters the picture. It's deer season across most of the South and a lot of guys who normally would be casting from the deck of their bass boat on Saturdays find themselves sitting in a tree stand waiting on a big buck to walk within range.
All of that figures into the Accent Marine Tournament Trail Classic this weekend on the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes, said tournament director Ted Meyer.
However, one of the problems foreseen by Meyer apparently is not longer a threat to fishing this weekend. Meyer thought the cold front that blanketed the Carolinas earlier this week was on the way to Florida, but it apparently has fizzled out and dissipated.
“This will be the first major weather change we are supposed to have. It's the one coming down from the North and it might change things a little bit if it gets cold here,” he said Tuesday.
However, the Weather Channel now shows temperatures ranging from 85 to 87 degrees on through the weekend, with nighttime temperatures almost as steady, 65 degrees tonight, up to 71 degrees by Saturday.
The water level problem, however, could have an effect on the outcome of the tournament.
“We've been having rain something fierce,” Meyer said, “4-5 inches at a time, like in the summertime. So far the rain has not bothered them too much. The water is way up. They have been letting it out during the week, then close it down on the weekend, which changes the whole attitude of the fish. When the water is running they get active and when it stops they don't know which way to go.”
Fishing has been good, with most anglers finding success by flipping the outside edge of the grass lines and casting into the hydrilla, he noted
Meyer said that although the series has been very successful this year, the down economy and the rising cost of gasoline has hurt the series more than anything else.
Teams had to fish at least seven of the nine regular season tournaments to make the Classic and 38 teams have qualified, Meyer said.
“Of that 38 maybe 35 will show up this weekend. Some will probably go hunting,” he said.
Those that do come will need to bring their A-Game. Although there are factors at play that could affect fishing, Meyer predicted it will take around 55 pounds for the two days to win the Classic.
“A couple of weeks ago it took almost 29 pounds, to win our last tournament,” he noted.
Accent Marine Tournament Trail Classic
Oct 13-14, 2012
Kissimmee Chain of Lakes
Camp Mack's River Resort
Call 813-620-1042 or 1309
Kenney Leads Walmart FLW Tour Open on Sam Rayburn
Sportsman's Warehouse hosts the 2012 Berkley Big Bass on Lake Murray this Sat!
We join fishing manager Craig Baird from Sportsman's Warhouse in Columbia, SC to discuss the upcoming Berkley Big Bass Tournament this coming Sat on Lake Murray where they are guaranteeing $18,000 in cash and prizes for one day on the Lake!!
