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.
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
