AnglersChannel

Freedom Tackle Corp sell remaining shares to American Baitworks Co. (ABW)

Toronto, Ontario January 12, 2024 - As part of a strategic evolution, Michael & Nick Tamburro proudly announces the sale of their Freedom Tackle Corp. shares to Robert Greenberg (ABW), marking a significant milestone in the company’s journey that began in 2012 for the two brothers from Toronto, Canada.

This move comes as a deliberate step towards embracing new opportunities and advancing into an exciting phase of growth and innovation. The decision to sell shares reflects Freedom Tackle Corporation commitment to fortifying its position in the market and capitalizing on emerging trends in fishing industry. This transition is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our team, as well as the support of our valued retailers.

“We are immensely grateful for the trust and support we’ve received throughout our journey building our fishing tackle brand” said Michael Tamburro, co-owner at Freedom Tackle Corp.
“This strategic move positions us to start a new chapter and give American Baitworks the foundation to grow & expand the “Freedom“ brand. “We want to thank all of our retailers, customers, anglers, employees, friends, & family who helped us take an idea, and build a brand that was proudly sold in retailers around the world” said Nick Tamburro, co-owner at Freedom Tackle Corp.

The sale of shares opens doors to fresh collaborations, enhanced resources, and opportunities to amplify Freedom Tackles impact on the fishing tackle landscape. It marks a pivotal moment as the company propels forward, fueled by a vision for continued success and excellence. Freedom Tackle Corp remains committed to its core values of innovation and assures
stakeholders of a seamless transition. The company will continue to deliver exceptional fishing tackle while fostering a culture of innovation and excellence.

American Baitworks Co. is an innovative American based fishing tackle company that provides custom manufacturing of fishing lures and products for our customer’s specifications. Our
family of brands includes:

• BaitFuelTM️
• NetBait®
• Halo Fishing®
• Snag Proof®
• Scum Frog®
• Freedom Tackle Corp.®
• STH Bait Co.TM️

Our passion for fishing runs deep at American Baitworks Co. where our focus on innovation and advancing the sport of fishing never ends. From our manufacturing and distribution center on the coast of Mississippi, USA and around the world, we want anglers of every level to have the best experience every time they’re on the water.

For more information or inquiries, please contact:
Tom Chopin / FTC General Manager
Tom@americanbaitworks.com
(905) 327-9095
www.americanbaitworks.com

by AnglersChannel

Fishin' Tip Friday - Lithium Winter Battery Care

With winter storms becoming the topic of conversation around here lately, we thought it would be a good time to revisit our “Winter Survival Tips”. We checked in with Dual Pro Chargers for some solid tips on lead-acid battery storage, earlier in the season. If you missed those, check them out, here.

This time, we’re leaning on the lithium experts at Relion Lithium Batteries for some lithium-specific storage tips for the cold months ahead. Overall, it’s surprisingly simple.

Make sure everything in the boat is truly OFF, and if you have a battery shut off switch, put it in the off positions as well. You don’t want any current draws on the batteries while storing.

Check the battery connections – Ensure that all terminal lugs are clean and tight. If the posts/terminals are dirty or show signs of corrosion, clean them up and then reconnect.

The BIG difference is that it’s better to store lithium batteries in a discharged state, than a fully charged state. We realize that is different than we’ve been taught with lead-acid, but it has to do with the battery chemistry.

Lithium batteries do not “like” to be stored at full voltage, so Relion recommends anywhere between 80% and 50% charge levels when you know the boat will be sitting for anywhere from weeks to months.

When it comes to charging up after a long winter’s nap, the recommendation is to actually discharge them further (i.e., just go use them) and then give everything a full charge when done.

There are some recommendations regarding charging temperatures. RELiON LiFePO4 batteries can safely charge at temperatures between -4°F – 131°F (0°C – 55°C) - however, they recommend charging in temperatures above 32°F (0°C). For a detailed charging breakdown, click here.

As far as operating your batteries in freezing temperatures, or using lithium for an ice fishing setup, you can rest assured the Relion lithium batteries are up to the task. Lead-acid batteries can lose up to 20% of their capacity in cold temps. Lithium iron phosphate batteries (LiFePO4), on the other hand, provide 95 to 98 percent of their rated capacity, even in the coldest temperatures. As a result, your lithium-ion batteries will last you for longer periods of time without having to be recharged compared to lead-acid batteries. In addition, lithium-ion batteries warm up when used, which helps to lessen the resistance in the battery, simultaneously increasing its voltage.

In summary, with Relion, it all boils down to don't plug in after your last trip...or two...and make sure it's above freezing when you plug back in to recharge. That process is much easier to handle than all these winter storms!

by AnglersChannel

Adrian College Claims 1-Ounce Win at 2024 Abu Garcia College Fishing Presented by YETI National Championship

KISSIMMEE, Fla. (Jan. 11, 2024) – The Adrian College duo of Braylon Eggerding and Lucas Washburn, both of Grand Rapids, Michigan, weighed a five-bass limit Thursday totaling 23 pounds, 9 ounces to win the 2024 Abu Garcia College Fishing Presented by YETI National Championship at Lake Toho . Eggerding and Washburn totaled 10 bass for 42-4 over two days of competition, edging out runners up Carter Doren and Ryan Lachniet of Campbellsville University (42-3) by just 1 ounce.

This is the first College Fishing National Championship win for the Bulldogs, who came from behind in the weather-shortened event to take home their first national championship title. The win earns the team a $43,500 prize package, including a new Phoenix 518 Pro bass boat with a 115-horsepower outboard and an additional $10,000, as well as automatic entry into the 2024 Toyota Series Championship to compete as pros for a shot to win up to $235,000 and the chance to compete in REDCREST 2025 – MLF’s most prestigious championship.

Although strong winds and inclement weather forced the cancelation of the first day of competition on Tuesday, the next two days proved lucrative on the water, with multiple 20-pound bags crossing the stage both days. After finishing Day 1 in 10^th place (8-9 behind leaders Nick Dumke and Easton Fothergill of University of Montevallo) the Bulldog duo’s 23-9 on the final day propelled them to the biggest final-day comeback at the National Championship since at least 2016.

When Eggerding and Washburn launched their boat Thursday morning, they believed they still had a chance to take home the trophy. Although they’d entered the second and final day of the weather-shortened event tied for 10^thplace and more than 8 pounds back of the leaders, they knew the Kissimmee Chain held enough giant bass to make up the deficit.

By the time they returned to Big Toho Marina for weigh-in, however, the Adrian College duo thought the opportunity had slipped away. It wasn’t that Eggerding and Washburn had struggled. They sacked up 23 pounds, 9 ounces — nearly 5 pounds more than the day prior — including a massive, 11-7 kicker. But with seven teams having topped 20 pounds on Day 1, including a 27-3 bag from Montevallo’s Dumke and Fothergill, they didn’t think it would be enough. Eggerding kicked himself over a big one that broke off late in the day.

“Honestly, we didn’t think we’d have enough to win,” Eggerding said. “We thought we’d get beat by at least a few pounds. I had lost a key fish that I broke off – a 6-,7-pounder – so we were kind of down.”

The feeling wouldn’t last long. Eggerding and Washburn watched from the hot seat on stage as each of the final 10 teams brought their fish to the scales. Each came up short. Their two-day total of 42-4 ultimately edged the Campbellsville University team of Doren and Lachniet by a single ounce.

“Utter disbelief,” Washburn said of his reaction. “I had no words. I mean, I had a million thoughts racing through my mind, but just nothing came out.”

Eggerding and Washburn pulled off the victory by bucking the trend set by the other contenders.

Most of the top finishers on Day 1 used forward-facing sonar to target bass with jerkbaits, glide baits and other reaction baits — generally doing so in Lake Toho. However, that bite fizzled under Thursday’s chilly, overcast conditions. Doren and Lachniet were the only team who caught more than 20 pounds Wednesday to replicate the feat. Dumke and Fothergill mustered just 11-6 Thursday, opening the door for the rest of the field.

Eggerding and Washburn, meanwhile, ran to Lake Kissimmee and employed more traditional Florida methods. They plied lily pads and submerged hydrilla around the mouth of a pocket, targeting fish that were moving up to spawn with lipless crankbaits, vibrating jigs and swimming worms.

“I think with the area that we were in, the clouds and wind actually helped our bite,” Washburn said. “The wind, especially, helped to position those fish on the lily pad points and those hydrilla points and made it a lot easier for us to target them.”

Eggerding said the tandem made the run to Kissimmee because of its history of producing tournament wins. As the event progressed, they figured out the bigger bass weren’t interested in slow presentations, so they had to make the fish react.

Their starting spot Thursday didn’t yield a keeper. But on his first cast in their second area, Eggerding caught a 4-pounder. A few minutes later, he said it felt like his lipless crankbait “just ran into some standing timber.” After a nerve-wracking fight, Washburn scooped the 11-7 brute into the net. It would take home Berkley Big Bass honors with ease, weighing 2 ½ pounds more than the second-largest fish of the event.

“She grabbed it and pulled straight backwards, and it went really wherever it wanted,” Eggerding said. “It got into some lily pads, and obviously that’s really scary with treble hooks. So, we kind of just let it play itself out. We were going crazy when we finally caught it.”

In the moments after weigh-in, their future opportunities hadn’t really sunk in yet. But both Eggerding and Washburn noted their pride in bringing a championship back to Adrian College, which had a second team finish among the Top 10.

“It’s huge,” Washburn said. “Hopefully it’s the start of some momentum that we can keep rolling throughout the season. It’s going to be huge for our points. It’s going to be a huge morale boost for the team overall. And we’re excited that we were able to pull it off.”

The top 10 teams on Lake Toho finished:

1^st:     Adrian College – Braylon Eggerding and Lucas Washburn, both of Grand Rapids, Mich., 10 bass, 42-4, $43,500
2^nd:    Campbellsville University – Carter Doren of Las Vegas, Nev., and Ryan Lachniet of Gum Spring, Va., 10 bass, 42-3, $33,500
3^rd:     University of Montevallo – Brandon Berry and Hunter Bright, both of Helena, Ala., 10 bass, 38-13, $4,000
4^th:     University of Montevallo – Nicholas Dumke and Easton Fothergill, both of Grand Rapids, Minn., 10 bass, 38-9, $3,000
5^th:     Emmanuel University – Robert Miller of Savannah, Ga., and John Micheal Ortman of Douglas, Ga., 10 bass, 38-4, $2,000
6^th:     Florida Gateway College – Bryson O’Steen of Live Oak, Fla., 10 bass, 37-3, $1,000
7^th:     University of Montevallo – Neal Braddy of Ailey, Ga., and Merritt Arnold of Watkinsville, Ga., 10 bass, 37-0, $1,000
8^th:     Carson-Newman University – Ben Cully of Rockwall, Texas, and Hayden Gaddis of Seymour, Tenn., 10 bass, 36-8, $1,000
9^th:     Tarleton State-Stephenville – Garett Cadenhead of Fort Worth, Texas, and Jared Mizell of Pearland, Texas, 10 bass, 36-3, $1,000
10^th:   Adrian College – Gerald Brumbaugh of Martinsburgh, Penn., and Mitchell Straffon of Fenton, Mich., 10 bass, 35-0, $1,00

For a full list of results, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com.

Overall, there were 598 bass weighing 1,375 pounds, 10 ounces caught by 125 teams Thursday. The catch included 104 five-bass limits.

The 15^th annual College Fishing National Championship is a three-day event – hosted by Experience Kissimmee – featuring the top 135 college bass fishing teams from across the nation competing in an internationally televised, no-entry-fee tournament for a $43,500 prize package, including a new Phoenix 518 Pro bass boat with a 115-horsepower outboard and an additional $10,000.

For the first time ever at the College Fishing National Championship, teams only fished two days, with the full field of 135 teams competing on Wednesday and Thursday. The National Champions were crowned on Championship Thursday based on the cumulative two-day weight total.

In addition to the boat package, both members of the winning Adrian College team and the runners-up from Campbellsville University now advance to the 2024 Toyota Series Championship, where they’ll compete as pros for a top prize of up to $235,000. In addition, the winning Adrian College team’s highest finishing team member at the Toyota Series Championship will advance to REDCREST 2025 to compete against the world’s best pros for the sport’s top prize of $300,000.

Both members of the third-place University of Montevallo team from the College Fishing National Championship will advance to the 2024 Toyota Series Championship to compete as co-anglers for a shot at winning a $33,500 Phoenix 518 pro with a 115-horsepower outboard.

Abu Garcia College Fishing Presented by YETI teams compete in nine regular-season qualifying tournaments around the country. The top 12% of teams from each qualifying event advance to the following year’s Abu Garcia College Fishing Presented by YETI National Championship.

Proud sponsors of the 2024 MLF Abu Garcia College Fishing Presented by YETI include: 7Brew, Abu Garcia, B&W Trailer Hitches, Berkley, Bubba, E3, Epic Baits, General Tire, Lew’s, Mercury, Mossy Oak, Onyx, Phoenix Boats, Polaris, Power-Pole, Strike King, Suzuki, Tackle Warehouse, T-H Marine, Toyota and YETI.

For complete details and updated tournament information, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular College Fishing updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow MLF5’s social media outlets at Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

About Major League Fishing
Major League Fishing (MLF) is the world’s largest tournament-fishing organization, producing more than 250 events annually at some of the most prestigious fisheries in the world, while broadcasting to America’s living rooms on CBS, Discovery Channel, Outdoor Channel, CBS Sports Network, World Fishing Network and on demand on MyOutdoorTV (MOTV). Headquartered in Benton, Kentucky, the MLF roster of bass anglers includes the world’s top pros and more than 30,000 competitors in all 50 states and 17 countries. Since its founding in 2011, MLF has advanced the sport of competitive fishing through its premier television broadcasts and livestreams and is dedicated to improving the quality of life for bass through research, education, fisheries enhancement and fish care.

by AnglersChannel

Berkley Gives Anglers More Control of Their Baits Than Ever Before with All-New Forward-Facing Sonar Optimized Baits

COLUMBIA, S.C. (Jan. 11, 2024) – Like the rest of the world, the sport of fishing is evolving and forcing anglers to evolve with it. Forward-facing sonar, otherwise known as live sonar, has become a hot topic and is an incredible tool to allow anglers to evolve as fisheries change. It enables anglers to understand more about fish behavior than ever before by providing them with the ability to see how fish react to their baits in real-time. As forward-facing sonar advances, anglers using it are looking for baits that allow them to better interact with fish using this technology. Built on a tradition of innovation, Berkley is leading that charge, with three all-new baits that allow anglers to best interact with fish on forward-facing sonar and in ways never seen. Introducing the all-new Berkley Krej, Finisher, and Power Switch.

“Berkley is the leader in science-based bait development, and we take pride in providing anglers with the best solution to help them catch fish in any environment,” said Berkley’s Chief Brand and Product Officer Jon Schlosser. “We’ve known that forward-facing sonar was coming and have spent the past few years learning about the trend in anticipation of it catching on. Its impact on how anglers are approaching fisheries is advancing each day, and we at Berkley have made a conscious effort to take on the responsibility of providing those anglers with the best baits possible to interact with fish on forward-facing sonar. By taking our science-based approach to bait development and applying it to FFS the team at Berkley Labs has been able to create some truly special baits that are proven to catch more fish with FFS. It’s exciting to see how revolutionary these baits are, not only in their design, but in how they enable anglers to manipulate their baits in ways that have never been done before.”

Berkley Krej

With it’s innovative, upturned bill the Berkley Krej is one of the most unique baits anglers will see on the market this year. This revolutionary hard bait was designed to mimic the natural, upwards fleeing reaction of a baitfish from predatory strike. Contrary to conventional methods of fishing a jerkbait, the upturned bill of the Berkley Krej (that’s “Jerk” spelled backwards) allows it to work its way upwards in the water column, only to fall backwards towards the fish chasing the bait. Purposefully designed in Berkley Labs to excel with forward-facing sonar, this new style of fishing, or “krejing”, allows the angler to take advantage of being able to see how the fish reacts and work the bait up and away from the fish to better imitate a natural fleeing motion, or back towards the fish to trigger reaction strikes.

“The Krej is a bait that performs like no other hard bait, especially when paired with forward-facing sonar,” said Berkley’s Senior Project Engineer of Bait and Terminal Tackle, Dan Spengler. “It’s a bait that took over two years to develop, integrating key bait fish movements and predator-induced prey reactions like darting, erratic motion behavior, and changes in motion. Whether it’s on the rise or fall, the Krej is always in action. We implemented an upturned bill which allows this bait to conquer the water column in a way a standard jerkbait cannot, but yet it can do so much more than that. There are several ways to manipulate this bait to interact with fish and it gives anglers a solution to the current gaps when using forward-facing sonar.”

KEY FEATURES

Upturned bill delivers unique ascending & darting action when worked.
Backwards fall on pause (backslide) allows the angler to maintain presence in the strike zone longer and provides a triggering mechanism for reaction bites.
Combination of ascending action and backslide on the fall maximizes angler control & time in the strike zone.
Bait can be fished sub-surface or topwater to best imitate the natural progression of predator & prey.
Optimized for use with forward-facing sonar
Sinking (1ft / sec)
Sizes: 100mm
Colors: Blue Vapor • Stealth Shad • Stealth Minnow • Wakasagi • Chrome • OG Blue • Table Rock • Hankie Pankie • Nebu • Stunna Shad

MSRP: $14.99
Available: January, 2024

Berkley Finisher

Purpose-built for forward-facing sonar, the Finisher optimizes the bait’s time in the strike zone by “hovering” and moving laterally in the water column with minimal retrieve progression. This unique ability provides the angler with maximum control when using FFS to effectively maneuver the bait based on how the fish is reacting to it.

Whether fishing it like a modern style, fin-less glide bait for walleye or like jerk bait for bass, the Finisher delivers strike producing action day in and day out when attacking the various scenarios that forward-facing sonar unlocks. Its’ weight-forward design allows for precision casts, fast drop-ins and a wide range of actions that will draw a strike out of the moodiest fish. The modern finless double-treble design brings the Finisher to the forefront of modern hard bait design for fit, finish and performance.

“The Finisher is the first of its kind, a hovering hard bait we call it,” said Spengler. “It truly gives anglers ultimate control of their bait. Being able to manipulate it in several ways based on what fish are responding to, especially when pairing this bait with forward-facing sonar. What makes this bait unique is that it has no fin structure, which can allow it to do a multitude of actions. From erratic darting to natural minnow-like tail movement, what makes the Finisher deadly is its flat bottom which allows it to hover or hang in the water column. A bait with such diversity truly allows anglers to have control of how they’re interacting with fish on forward-facing sonar.”

KEY FEATURES

Pro Tip: Use subtle wrist snaps for medium glide. Long, harder strokes will produce longer darting and gliding actions.
Optimized for use with forward-facing sonar, giving the angler the control to put the bait where, when and how they want it to generate strikes.
Multiple ways to fish - like a glide bait for walleye, a sinking jerk bait for bass, or stroll it along the mid-water column.
Unique, meandering swim action on the fall, paired with body quiver/shimmy
Un-matched, minnow-like, tail swing when returning to center (resting position)
Ultra-premium colors and texture
Built to excel in casting or vertical presentations
Cover the water column vertically, laterally, and forwards/backwards
Arc-shaped body paired with a flattened belly allows anglers full control in the water column, allowing the bait to "hover" in position while being worked.
Perpendicular line-tie maintains knot locked and in position every time
Features two Fusion19™ treble hooks for maximum hook-up ratios
Sizes: 5cm • 7cm • 9cm
Colors: Chrome Red Perch • Wakasagi • Blue Smelt • Bad Anaconda • Black Gold • Black Silver • Chrome • Chrome Perch • Crazy Steel • French Pearl • Gold Chrome • MF Firetiger • Nebu • OG Blue • Perch • Pink Pearl • Prime Time • Purple Slime • Stealth Shad • Sunset 84

MSRP: $8.99 – $10.99
Available: January, 2024

Berkley PowerBait Power Switch

Built to interact with fish on forward-facing sonar, the Berkley PowerBait Power Switch gives anglers the control to “switch” methods or react to how the fish are behaving or the structure they see.

When a fish is located using forward-facing sonar, the window to catch the fish begins, and that window will close fast. Anglers need to react and present their bait as quickly and precisely as possible. The weight-forward design of the PowerBait Power Switch allows for precision casts, fast fall rates and a wide range of actions to make the most finicky of fish commit to biting. With such a design, it allows anglers to have total control, and the ability to interact with any fish at any depth in the water column utilizing a variety of “hover” and “stroll” techniques. Packed with PowerBait flavor and pre-rigged with a Fusion19 hook to ensure a positive hook-up ratio for every angler, the Power Switch’s baitfish design will appeal to a wide range of species, making it a bait to always have tied on and at the ready.

“The Berkley PowerBait Power Switch is one of the first baits that incorporates several different actions and techniques into one bait,” said Berkley’s Project Engineer of Bait, Kyle Peterson. “This bait can sink fast, hover at the angler’s desired water column, with each action working together in one profile. It gives anglers everything they need to best interact with fish, especially when paired with forward-facing sonar.”

KEY FEATURES

• Purpose-built for forward-facing sonar and ultimate angler control
• Heavy, weight-forward design allows for precision casts and fast sinking
• Control the fall rate or pause the fall with the new hovering technique
• On retrieve, “switch” techniques and actions whenever and however you want
• Packed with PowerBait flavor ensuring you have the chance to set the hook on every bite
• Natural baitfish profile and 3D eyes
• Pre-rigged with a high-quality, sharp Fusion19 hook
• Available in a range of sizes to accommodate all freshwater game species
• Available in standard, HD Tru Color and holographic “wizard” colors
Sizes: 1.75-inch • 2.5-inch • 3-inch • 3.5-inch • 4.25-inch • 5-inch
Colors: Clown • Firetiger • Green Pumpkin • HD Blacknose Shiner • HD Purple Wizard • HD Pink Wizard • Wonderbread • HD Blue Wizard • HD Red Belly Goby • HD Stealth Minnow • HD White Wizard • HD Yellow Perch • Lemon Head Glow • Silver Bullet

MSRP: $9.99
Available: September, 2023

To learn more about Berkley, click here.

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About Pure Fishing
Pure Fishing is a collection of the world’s favorite fishing brands. Every day, all around the world, someone experiences the joy of catching a fish with one of our products. From gear for epic battles at sea to a relaxing day with family at the lake, our portfolio includes the most recognized and admired brands in fishing tackle, lures, rods, reels and storage. Abu Garcia®, Berkley®, DAM®, Fenwick®, Fin-Nor®, Frabill®, Greys®, Hardy®, Hodgman®, Johnson®, JRC®, Madcat®, Mitchell®, Penn®, Pflueger®, Plano®, Prologic®, Savage Gear®, Shakespeare®, SpiderWire®, Stren®, Ugly Stik® and Van Staal®.

Media Contacts
Bailey Eigbrett – Gunpowder, Inc.
(585) 278-6869 or baileye@gunpowderinc.com

Ben Anderson – Gunpowder, Inc.
(612) 655-1122 or bena@gunpowderinc.com

by AnglersChannel

DAIWA: Free Swimmer EX Now Available!

Swims Freely, Hit Ferociously

DAIWA’s Free Swimmer EX feeds with kid gloves, punches with an iron fist, and is AVAILABLE!

FOOTHILL RANCH, CA (January 11, 2024) – If you haven’t live-lined, you haven’t lived. Like a kid seeing a bobber slide under the surface, watching line jump, or better, run, with free-lined live bait off the back of a nearshore or offshore vessel is adrenalizing. Whatever seized that live sardine or mullet wanted it bad and is presently finning away with hopes of digesting its catch.

But the joke is on them if that predator took a hook that was operated by DAIWA’s NOW AVAILABLE Free Swimmer EX live-lining spinning reel.

Free Swimmer EX features an Automatic Bite N’ Run clutch at the base of the body, allowing anglers to instantly disengage the spool so line can peel off with little or no resistance while the bail is closed. Simply pull down on the lever to place the reel in free-spool mode and flip it back instantly to reengage when a fish grabs your bait. A small Tension Control Knob at the back of the reel makes it easy to adjust spool tension to control the speed at which line plays out.

No one wants to get shut out on a tuna trip, notes DAIWA Marketing Manager Marc Mills, but big fish don’t spend much time next to the boat. So, if you have a difficult time casting a conventional reel, you can be at a significant disadvantage. With the Free Swimmer EX, though, it’s easy to cast energetic live bait away from the vessel, so it can swim freely where you’re most likely to draw a strike.

Indeed, whether live-lining Gulf Coast hardtails or sardines, feeding big baits to tarpon in the Florida Keys, targeting huge cobia in the mid-Atlantic region or swimming big bunker in Northeast waters for cow stripers, DAIWA’s Free Swimmer EX provides that extra edge. Using the tension control, you can moderate the speed your offerings swim, slowing overly active live bait to keep them centered in the strike zone. The ability to free-line with a closed bail also adds an extra degree of safety since you never have to keep a finger to a braided line to hold your bait in the perfect position.

The Free Swimmer EX is DAIWA’s next level reel into this category, upping the ante of DAIWA’s original Free Swimmer, which was introduced last year.

To that end, the Free Swimmer features an AIR ROTOR and AIR BAIL that stands out for its balance, toughness, and sensitivity. Its arched profile and 15% weight reduction compared to standard rotors offers optimal winding smoothness while eliminating vibration thanks to a lowered center of gravity. Its waterproof, waterproof carbon Automatic Tournament Drag (ATD) system uses an improved drag grease with low viscosity at rest that becomes more viscous immediately after drag start-up. The result is a super-smooth drag with low initial inertia and beast-stopping power.

Available in both 8000 and 10000 sizes, the Free Swimmer EX also sports a corrosion resistant light weight graphite frame and features DIGIGEAR technology. Compared to the competition, the gears are larger and digitally cut and polished, resulting in better meshing and longer gear life, up to three times that of similar reels. Add in a Machined Aluminum Screw-In Direct Drive Handle with a large aluminum handle know for generating extra leverage, and the power is in your paws.

MAGSEAL is unique to the enhanced Free Swimmer EX. MAGSEALED patented technology to applies magnetic oil that can change density and shape when a magnetic field is added. When MAGSEALED technology is applied to the main shaft and/or line roller of a spinning reel, it produces a low-friction seal that keeps water, dust and grit from disrupting the internal components of the reel. The result is a watertight seal with much lower resistance than conventional rubber seals.

“We think these reels have the potential to refresh the whole live-lining category,” sums up Mills, “and they’re great for casting lures or drifting out cut baits, too. They even have significant surf-fishing applications – think snag-and-drop live-bait fishing for stripers and gorilla blues, live-lining shark from the beach, or throwing eels around inlet jetties, bridge abutments and other hard structure.”

“A lot of new anglers have entered our sport recently,” concludes Mills, “and many have never tried this reel category. Once they see how versatile, easy to use and effective the Free Swimmers are, that’s likely to change.”

Saltwater driven and designed to battle trophy fish, DAIWA’s new Free Swimmer Saltwater EX reels feature a 4CRBB+1BB+1 ball bearing system – the key being corrosion resistant. Its 4.7:1 gear ratio brings up a significant amount of line per turn, 36.1-inches on the 8000-size, 39.7 on the 1000-size.

Swim free. Run free. Set the hook with gusto. That’s the Free Swimmer EX way.

Free Swimmer EX FEATURES:

Automatic Bite N’ Run Clutch
AIR DRIVE ROTOR
AIR BAIL
DIGIGEAR
Waterproof Carbon Automatic Tournament Drag (ATD)
MAGSEALED
4CRBB+1BB+1 Ball Bearing System
Aluminum Handle Knob
Machined Aluminum Screw-In Handle
4.7:1 Gear Ratio
Available in 8000- and 10000-sizes
Inches of line per handle turn: 39.6-inches (10000-size) and 36.1-inches (8000-size)
MSRP $299.99

by AnglersChannel

2024 TXTT Registration Officially Open!!!

SPRINGFIELD, MO. (January 11, 2024) – Registration is officially open to all teams wanting to enter and compete in the 2024 Bass Pro Shops & Cabela’s Texas Team Trail presented by Progressive.

With scheduled stops at legendary Texas fisheries Sam Rayburn Reservoir, Toledo Bend and Lake Fork, the opportunity at big limits and big prizes are greater than ever for team anglers competing in the Texas Team Trail events. At every regular season event teams will compete at a chance for over $50,000 in cash and prizes, including a brand-new 2024 White River Marine Group brand boat, motor, and trailer package.

Additional contingency opportunities are up for grabs through Nitro Rewards, Ranger Cup, Triton Gold, Garmin, T-H Marine, and Power-Pole. Signing up for the contingency programs is easy, and all of the information can be found here. At each event, teams weighing in the biggest bass of the tournament will win a new Power-Pole Pro Series II shallow water anchor system.

At the conclusion of the regular season the Top-75 teams in Progressive Team of the Year standings will qualify for the 2024 TXTT Championship on Toledo Bend, where over $100,000 in cash and prizes will be awarded. This include a new 2024 Ranger Z518 boat, motor, and trailer package for the 2024 Progressive Team of the Year.

To register for the 2024 Texas Team Trail tournaments, please read the updated 2024 RULES and then follow this link to get registered: https://www.texasteamtrail.com/register/

2024 Texas Team Trail Schedule:

For more information on the Texas Team Trail, including photos and official tournament results from the past, visit texasteamtrail.com. Be sure to also check out the tournament schedule for the 2024 Texas Team Trail and subscribe to the e-newsletter list for all the up-to-date information, registration announcements, sponsor incentives, and Outdoor TeamWorks news.

About Texas Team Trail

Texas Team Trail is a part of the Outdoor TeamWorks family of fishing tournaments. The OTW brand offers a wide range of fishing events from professional tournaments to grassroots fishing derbies. All events are supported by some of the top companies in the nation and include on-site activation and activities, as well as extensive media support. For additional live updates and information, follow TXTT on Facebook and Instagram.

2024 Proud Sponsors

Bass Pro Shops, Cabela’s, Progressive, Nitro Boats, Ranger Boats, Triton Boats, Mercury Marine, Aftco, Garmin, Power-Pole, TH Marine, Sunline, Gamakatsu, Rapala, VMC, Gemini G2, BeatDown Outdoors

by AnglersChannel

Bass Fishing Hall of Famer Mike Iaconelli Goes All In with Berkley

COLUMBIA, S.C. (Jan. 11, 2024) – One of the biggest names in professional bass fishing and recent Bass Fishing Hall of Fame inductee, Mike “Ike” Iaconelli has joined the Berkley hard bait and terminal tackle team for 2024. After being on the Berkley soft bait team for many years, Ike is becoming universally Berkley baits for the upcoming season.

Being affiliated with Berkley soft baits for many years, Ike recognizes Berkley’s innovation with cutting-edge new hard baits. Baits including the Money Badger, Stunna, Frittside, and Dime will become staples in Ike’s weaponry moving forward.

Ike has fished on the Bassmaster Elite Series since the year 2000, and has recorded eight career wins including the 2003 Bassmaster Classic on the Louisiana Delta along with winning the Bassmaster Angler of the Year title in 2006. To cap it off, Iaconelli has accrued over $2.7 million dollars in career tournament winnings with both B.A.S.S. and Major League Fishing.

“I am beyond excited to be joining the hard bait side of the Berkley team,” said Ike. “I have had the privilege of having a hand in developing some amazing Berkley soft baits over the years and this truly brings everything full circle for me to join this team and I couldn’t be more excited to have this opportunity.”

Having helped develop several popular Berkley soft baits, Ike looks forward to Berkley’s new launch of hard and soft baits that are specifically optimized for forward-facing sonar.

“With this forward-facing sonar craze happening right now, Berkley is creating innovative baits and techniques to help utilize this technology and change the way we fish,” said Ike. “Berkley is truly establishing themselves as a leader in dominating sight and technology. I look forward to helping assist in how we better interact with fish using such an advanced sonar.”

“Mike is someone who has paved his way as one of the most consistent and well respected anglers in the industry, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to have him join the Berkley hard bait and terminal tackle team,” said Berkley’s Vice President of Marketing Communications, Marc Kempter. “He has played a crucial role in the growth and development of some of Pure Fishing’s biggest brands and there's no question he will do the same for Berkley’s hard bait and terminal tackle team.”

###

About Pure Fishing
Pure Fishing is a collection of the world’s favorite fishing brands. Every day, all around the world, someone experiences the joy of catching a fish with one of our products. From gear for epic battles at sea to a relaxing day with family at the lake, our portfolio includes the most recognized and admired brands in fishing tackle, lures, rods, reels and storage. Abu Garcia®, Berkley®, DAM®, Fenwick®, Fin-Nor®, Frabill®, Greys®, Hardy®, Hodgman®, Johnson®, JRC®, Madcat®, Mitchell®, Penn®, Pflueger®, Plano®, Prologic®, Savage Gear®, Shakespeare®, SpiderWire®, Stren®, Ugly Stik® and Van Staal®.

Media Contacts
Bailey Eigbrett – Gunpowder, Inc.
(585) 278-6869 or baileye@gunpowderinc.com

Ben Anderson – Gunpowder, Inc.
(612) 655-1122 or bena@gunpowderinc.com

by AnglersChannel

University of Montevallo Grabs Early Lead Going into Final Day at 2024 Abu Garcia College Fishing Presented by YETI National Championship

KISSIMMEE, Fla. (Jan. 10, 2024) – After strong winds and inclement weather forced the cancelation of the first day of competition on Tuesday, the University of Montevallo duo of Nicholas Dumke and Easton Fothergill – both of Grand Rapids, Minnesota – grabbed the early lead Wednesday after Day 1 of the 2024 Abu Garcia College Fishing Presented by YETI National Championship at Lake Toho . The Falcons team brought a five-bass limit to the scale weighing 27 pounds, 3 ounces, giving them a 3-pound, 15-ounce lead over the second-place Adrian College team of Gerald Brumbaugh of Martinsburgh, Pennsylvania and Mitchell Straffon of Fenton, Michigan.

Dumke and Fothergill said when they pulled up to their first spot on Wednesday morning — the best area they’d discovered during practice on the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes — they found nothing. No keepers, no bites, no activity on forward-facing sonar. While that’s not an ideal start to the College Fishing National Championship, it didn’t take long for the University of Montevallo team to relocate some of Lake Toho’s big bass.

The high winds and storms the previous day had moved their fish, but Dumke and Fothergill located another school of baitfish and bass Wednesday on what Fothergill called “a wind-blown corner.” They stayed in the area for the rest of the day, which paid off in the form of a massive 27-pound, 3-ounce limit.

“It was a pretty wild day, definitely something I won’t ever forget," Dumke said. “There were some key times throughout the day and we just were fortunate to be in the right place at the right time.”

Fothergill and Dumke discovered during practice that the biggest bass on the Kissimmee Chain could be finicky, only willing to eat during a few key "bite windows” each day. So, once they found some quality fish, the duo hunkered down, targeting the bass using forward-facing sonar.

Dumke said they caught all their weight within three 30-minute periods. A 7-inch glide bait provoked the biggest bites, including a 7-11 brute caught by Fothergill that anchored the team’s limit and took home Berkley Big Bass honors.

“Our main deal is LiveScoping, so we’re throwing at fish every single cast we make,” Fothergill said. “We can tell how the fish are reacting to our baits and what we’ve seen from practice is they’ll just kind of react a few times and then all of a sudden, they’ll explode on your baits. It was like that for about a half hour, and then things would die off again. We found that we really had to capitalize on it when the bite windows opened up. When we noticed that happening today, we just made sure we were around where the big ones were, and it worked out.”

Dumke and Fothergill also competed in the 2023 College Fishing National Championship on the Kissimmee Chain last February, finishing 22^nd. While Dumke said that experience helped them get a feel for how the lakes in the chain set up and which areas to focus on, they’ve found the fishing to be quite a bit different this time around, largely due to the amount of aquatic vegetation they’ve had to work through.

“Last year, there wasn’t much grass and any grass you did find was pretty good,” Dumke said. “But this year, there’s grass absolutely everywhere.”

Dumke and Fothergill hope to replicate their Day 1 pattern on Thursday. But they also said if there’s one place where things can shift overnight, it’s Florida. Wednesday’s results illustrated the boom-or-bust nature of the Kissimmee Chain in early January. While seven teams topped 20 pounds, more than half the field failed to reach double digits. Especially with the full field of 135 boats taking the water again in the weather-shortened event, no lead is safe.

“I’m guessing things are going to change,” Dumke said. “It’s that time of the year, plus it’s Florida. That’s the magic recipe for things completely flipping on you. A cloud goes in front of the sun, and all of a sudden things are really good or really bad.”

If Dumke and Fothergill can hold on, it would mark the second straight title for Montevallo. Peyton Harris and Dalton Head took home the trophy at the 2023 College Fishing National Championship and the Falcons had 11 teams qualify for this year’s championship, more than any other school.

Fothergill admitted that adding a trip to Wheeler Lake for the Toyota Series Championship — where he and Dumke would duke it out for a berth to REDCREST 2025 — to his 2024 schedule has crossed his mind. But he’s learned by now not to get ahead of himself. He said his focus Thursday will be “catching the fish that’s in front of us” and enjoying the moment.

“I’m super excited,” Fothergill said. “I had a blast today. It was actually some of the best glide bait fishing I’ve had. I’m not expecting them to hit it as good tomorrow with less sun, but we’ll just keep an open mind, and hopefully we can run into a couple more.”

For the first time ever at the College Fishing National Championship, teams will only fish two days, with the full field of 135 teams competing on Wednesday and Thursday. The National Champions will be crowned on Championship Thursday based on the cumulative two-day weight total.

In addition to the boat package, both members of the winning team and the runners-up at the 2024 Abu Garcia College Fishing National Championship will advance to the 2024 Toyota Series Championship, where they’ll compete as pros for a top prize of up to $235,000. In addition, the winning team’s highest finishing team member at the Toyota Series Championship will advance to REDCREST 2025 to compete against the world’s best pros for the sport’s top prize of $300,000.

Both members of the third-place team at the College Fishing National Championship will advance to the 2024 Toyota Series Championship to compete as co-anglers for a shot at winning a $33,500 Phoenix 518 pro with a 115-horsepower outboard.

The top 10 teams after Day 1 on Lake Toho are:

1^st: University of Montevallo – Nicholas Dumke and Easton Fothergill, both of Grand Rapids, Minn., five bass, 27-3
2^nd: Adrian College – Gerald Brumbaugh of Martinsburgh, Penn., and Mitchell Straffon of Fenton, Mich., five bass, 23-4
3^rd: Tarleton State-Stephenville – Garett Cadenhead of Fort Worth, Texas, and Jared Mizell of Pearland, Texas, five bass, 22-15
4^th: Campbellsville University – Carter Doren of Las Vegas, Nev., and Ryan Lachniet of Gum Spring, Va., five bass, 21-15
5^th: Emmanuel University – Robert Miller of Savannah, Ga., and John Micheal Ortman of Douglas, Ga., five bass, 21-11
6^th: University of North Alabama – Dylan and Carter Nutt, both of Nashville, Tenn., five bass, 21-7
7^th: Northeastern State University-Tahlequah – Levi Juby and Cooper Park of Sperry, Okla., five bass, 20-7
8^th: Lander University – Kaleb Brown of Northfield, Mass., and Cole Moulton of Enfield, N.H., five bass, 19-7
9^th: Erskine College – Lane Clark of Anderson, S.C., and Adam Seagle of Lincolnton, S.C., five bass, 18-12
10^th: Carson-Newman University – Ben Cully of Rockwall, Texas, and Hayden Gaddis of Seymour, Tenn., five bass, 18-11
10^th: Adrian College – Braylon Eggerding and Lucas Washburn of Grand Rapids, Mich., five bass, 18-11

For a full list of results, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com.

Overall, there were 598 bass weighing 1,412 pounds, 2 ounces caught by 132 teams Wednesday. The catch included 104 five-bass limits.

Anglers will take off from Big Toho Marina (located at 69 Lakeview Dr. in Kissimmee) at 7:30 a.m. ET on Thursday. Championship weigh-in will be held at the marina starting at 3:30 p.m. and will be livestreamed. Fans are welcome to attend the event or tune in to the weigh-in and follow the online coverage at MajorLeagueFishing.com .

The MLFNOW!® broadcast team of Chad McKee and Rob Newell will break down the extended action on Championship Thursday from 8 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. ET. MLFNOW!® will be livestreamed on MajorLeagueFishing.com and the MyOutdoorTV (MOTV) app.

by AnglersChannel

GSM Outdoors To Present The Bassmaster Classic Outdoors Expo

Birmingham, AL — B.A.S.S. announced that GSM Outdoors will be partnering with the worldwide authority on bass fishing to present the 2024 Bassmaster Classic Outdoors Expo to be held in conjunction with the 2024 Bassmaster Classic March 22-24 on Oklahoma’s Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees. Recognized as fishing’s biggest consumer show, the Bassmaster Classic Outdoors Expo presented by GSM Outdoors annually draws more than 200 exhibitors from around the world.

“We are excited to promote our brands and products during the premier venue in all of professional fishing” says Crispin Powley, senior vice president of fishing at GSM Outdoors. “Having attended over 20 Bassmaster Classic Outdoors Expos in my career, I fully appreciate the significance and opportunity of having this many avid anglers in one place and the opportunity to interact with them. We look forward to this chance to talk fishing and fishing products with our fellow anglers and the core of who we build our products for.”

The GSM Outdoors family represents some of the industry’s most iconic fishing brands, including Yamamoto Baits, Bill Lewis, Buckeye Lures, Big Bite Baits, Steel Shad, Phenix Rods and Cuda.

“We are thrilled about this partnership with GSM Outdoors,” said Chase Anderson, CEO of B.A.S.S. “It’s a perfect match, pairing the sport’s most exciting consumer show featuring the most rabid bass fishing fans on the planet with a company that is on the cutting edge of building products to support this passion. Plus, both our organizations place a sharp focus on preserving the legacy of the outdoors and responsible stewardship of the resource, which will be highlighted on bass fishing’s biggest stage.”

The Outdoors Expo is the crown jewel of the Bassmaster Classic, which drew a record-breaking 163,914 fans from across the world last year in Knoxville, Tenn. The Bassmaster Classic won the 2023 SportsTravel Award for Best Professional Event, and the Outdoors Expo was in large part responsible for the $35.5 million economic impact from the event, which produced more than $2.85 million in state and local taxes.

About B.A.S.S.

B.A.S.S., which encompasses the Bassmaster tournament leagues, events and media platforms, is the worldwide authority on bass fishing and keeper of the culture of the sport, providing cutting-edge content on bass fishing whenever, wherever and however bass fishing fans want to use it. Headquartered in Birmingham, Ala., the 500,000-member organization’s fully integrated media platforms include the industry’s leading magazines (Bassmaster and B.A.S.S. Times), website (Bassmaster.com), TV show, radio show, social media programs and events. For more than 50 years, B.A.S.S. has been dedicated to access, conservation and youth fishing.

The Bassmaster Tournament Trail includes the most prestigious events at each level of competition, including the Bassmaster Elite Series, St. Croix Bassmaster Opens Series, Mercury B.A.S.S. Nation Qualifier Series presented by Lowrance, Strike King Bassmaster College Series presented by Bass Pro Shops, Strike King Bassmaster High School Series, Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Team Championship, Yamaha Rightwaters Bassmaster Kayak Series scored by TourneyX, Yamaha Bassmaster Redfish Cup Championship presented by Skeeter and the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing, the Bassmaster Classic.

by AnglersChannel

Travel Tuesday - Why You Should Join Us on a Hosted Bass Fishing Trip to Mexico

By Pete Robbins - Half Past First Cast

As I’ve written before, the best time to go on a fishing trip to Lake El Salto or Lake Picachos is any time you can.

We’re happy to help arrange your visit to Anglers Inn at any time you want. Fortunately, even if you’re a newbie to Mexican bass fishing, or international travel altogether, the trip pretty much runs itself. The staff is a well-oiled machine. They’ll never miss a pickup at the airport, they’ll have all of your paperwork in order, and your drink will never go dry. The only thing you really need to bring is a good attitude and a willingness to have an experience that ranges from great to really great.

However, Hanna and I usually go South of the Border twice a year, and we’re normally accompanied by a group of no fewer than eight anglers – and often as many as twenty-something.

Again, you don’t have to join us, but there are certain advantages in doing so.

A lot of that is the result of the fact that Hanna and I have complementary skill sets. She’s the details person, the money person, the one who ensures that the trains run on time and that everyone has what they need in terms of arrangements. No man (or woman) gets left behind or doesn’t have all of the information that they need. On the flip side, I’m the fishing guy. I want to know every new lure, every proven lure, what is likely to work, where to get it and how to pack it properly. Combined, that’s a recipe for success.

Before the trip, if you have questions about process, ask her. If she doesn’t know, she’ll find out, with certainty, in a hurry and get back to you. If you have questions about gear, historically I’d say contact me, but she’s getting better and better at knowing the right answers. Sometimes I hear her talking on the phone describing particular lure sizes and colors and I’m absolutely shocked that it’s the same woman I married 18 years ago.

Our groups sit together at meal times (unless you’re dying to be alone, which we understand on occasion – e.g., if you just farmed a 10-pounder at the boat before lunch). That means that we’re constantly sharing not just fish stories, but also education. We encourage radical honesty and a minimum of exaggeration. If someone tells you they had five fish over 7 pounds in a single session you can generally believe it, and not worry that you’re shooting for an unreasonable goal.

You’ll also be privy to information beyond just what we’re catching them on – also how we’re catching them. So if they’re eating a Megabass Vision 110, but only if you pause it for over 5 seconds, you’ll have that piece of info. It’s not that we don’t share it with others at the lodge, but rather that we extend it especially freely to our groups.

And what if someone in one of our groups is really struggling? We’ll get in the boat with them to diagnose the problem. The Anglers Inn guides are exceptional teachers, but sometimes they’re timid about correcting people who don’t seem to want to be corrected. We (and Hanna in particular) have no such qualms. A few years back we were having a great trip but one first-timer complained that he couldn’t catch much of anything and thought it might be his guide. Hanna insisted on fishing a session with him and immediately saw that he had problems with casting and equipment. After she quickly caught a couple of fives and sixes, it was apparent that the guide was on fish, and her partner for the day let her adjust his
reels, took one of her offered lures, and listened to how she said to fish it. He went on to catch his personal best. We’re definitely not professional anglers or guides, but we’ve all ridden the struggle bus and know how much it sucks. We want you to get over that hump.

As noted above, we also have a wide selection of tackle at the lodge, which we continuously restock and supplement. Even if you follow our pre-trip packing instructions, you might not have exactly the right lure, or you may run out of them. We share freely if we have what you need. At this point, after 20 or so trips, we get as much of a thrill out of watching you succeed as we do catching fish ourselves. I hope that carries over. When we get back to the lodge for lunch or dinner, we are thrilled when someone is waiting at the bar to tell us about a PB, especially if something we said or a lure that we gave them made the difference.

Even better, we love fishing with new people and if we can be there firsthand for a breakthrough or a trophy fish, it makes the trip for us.

Most importantly, by joining us on a hosted trip you become part of our network and extend your own. We’ve built a “family” across the country and across the globe of our El Salto friends. If you need a fishing contact in Odessa, Texas or Wauwatosa, Wisconsin or Australia, for that matter, we’re never more than two degrees of separation away. Some of our closest friends in the world are people who we never would have otherwise met – and who are different from us in so many ways – but we’ve bonded through our time in Mexico. We have running text threads and Facebook chats, we exchange cards and gifts, and we celebrate each other’s life achievements – and it’s all about getting back to the lake where it all started.

If you’d like to join us on one of our hosted trips, email us today at fishmore@halfpastfirstcast.com and let’s get you booked and make you part of our circle.

by AnglersChannel

Central Florida Teens Win MLF Abu Garcia High School Fishing Presented by Tackle Warehouse Open on Harris Chain of Lakes

LEESBURG, Fla. (Jan. 8, 2024) – The MLF High School Fishing team of Dylan Quilatan of Windermere, Florida, and Tommy Rust of Winter Springs, Florida, representing Club Florida, brought five bass to the scale Sunday weighing 29 pounds even to win the MLF Abu Garcia High School Fishing Presented by Tackle Warehouse Open at Harris Chain of Lakes in Leesburg, Florida.

A field of 38 teams competed in the no-entry fee tournament, which was hosted by Discover Lake County Florida. In MLF High School Fishing competition, the top 10 percent of teams competing advance to the High School Fishing National Championship.

The top three teams that advanced to the 2024 High School Fishing National Championship are:

1st: Club Florida – Dylan Quilatan, Windermere, Fla., and Tommy Rust, Winter Springs, Fla., five bass, 29-0
2nd: Alcoa Fishing Team, Alcoa, Tenn. – Walker Larue and Joe Vaulton, five bass, 17-8
3rd: Heard County High School, Franklin, Ga. – Blalock Eskew and Ellis Turner, five bass, 17-6

Rounding out the top 10 teams were:

4th: Covington Catholic High School, Park Hills, Ky. – Phoenix Parks and Brandon Smith, five bass, 14-1
5th: Central Florida Youth Anglers – Ryder Krueger, Myakka City, Fla., and Carson Yero, Lake Placid, Fla., five bass, 14-1
6th: Kaneland High School, Maple Park, Ill. – J.D. McBroom and Carter Pjesky, four bass, 11-2
7th: Lakeland Junior Hawg Hunters, Lakeland, Fla. – Jaxon Johnson and Brody Kauffman, five bass, 10-0
8th: Williston Middle High School, Williston, Fla. – Wylie North and Wyatt North, five bass, 9-4
9th: HS Potomac River Bass Master – Jarren Crowder, Clearspring, Md., and Zach Schrock, Williamsport, Md., five bass, 8-13
10th: Denmark High School, Alpharetta, Ga. – Diego Alea and Carson Taylor, four bass, 8-8

Complete results from the event can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.

MLF Abu Garcia High School Fishing presented by Tackle Warehouse tournaments are free, two-person (team) events for students in grades 7-12 and are open to any MLF and TBF Student Angler Federation-affiliated high school club. The top 10 percent of teams at each Open event, along with the TBF High School Fishing state championships, advance to the High School Fishing National Championship. Tournaments held on or before May 6, 2024, advance teams to the 2024 National Championship. Tournaments held after May 6, 2024, advance teams to the 2025 National Championship.

The 2024 Abu Garcia High School Fishing National Championship & World Finals events will take place June 19-22, at Lake Hartwell in Anderson, South Carolina. The High School Fishing National Champions each receive a $5,000 college scholarship to the school of their choice and advance to the 2024 MLF Toyota Series Championship to compete as co-anglers.

Proud sponsors of the 2024 MLF Abu Garcia High School Fishing Presented by Tackle Warehouse include: 7Brew, Abu Garcia, B&W Trailer Hitches, Berkley, BUBBA, E3, Epic Baits, General Tire, GSM Outdoors, Lew’s, Mercury, Mossy Oak, Onyx, Phoenix, Polaris, Power-Pole, Strike King, Suzuki, Tackle Warehouse, T-H Marine, Toyota and YETI.

For complete details and updated tournament information, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular High School Fishing updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow MLF5’s social media outlets at Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

About Major League Fishing
Major League Fishing (MLF) is the world’s largest tournament-fishing organization, producing more than 250 events annually at some of the most prestigious fisheries in the world, while broadcasting to America’s living rooms on CBS, Discovery Channel, Outdoor Channel, CBS Sports Network, World Fishing Network and on demand on MyOutdoorTV (MOTV). Headquartered in Benton, Kentucky, the MLF roster of bass anglers includes the world’s top pros and more than 30,000 competitors in all 50 states and 13 countries. Since its founding in 2011, MLF has advanced the sport of competitive fishing through its premier television broadcasts and livestreams and is dedicated to improving the quality of life for bass through research, education, fisheries enhancement and fish care.

by AnglersChannel

University of North Alabama Wins MLF Abu Garcia College Fishing Tournament on Harris Chain of Lakes

LEESBURG, Fla. (Jan. 8, 2024) – The University of North Alabama duo of Dylan Nutt and Carter Nutt, both sophomores from Nashville, Tennessee, won the MLF Abu Garcia College Fishing Presented by YETI event on the Harris Chain of Lakes with a five-bass limit weighing 21 pounds, 12 ounces. The victory earned the Lions’ bass club $2,000 and a qualification into the 2025 MLF College Fishing National Championship.

“Right off the bat, we hit a wave, and I lost my hat,” Dylan said. “It was a pretty negative way to start the day. We got into the lock to go into Lake Griffin and one of my buddies gave me a nice University of Tennessee visor to wear.

“I think that was the thing that made the difference,” Dylan added with a laugh. “I had the Clifford Pirch look.”

With headwear properly settled, the Nutt team started catching bass in Lake Griffin – the first was a 5-pounder. Dylan said the team relied heavily on a Scottsboro Tackle Company ½-ounce top-hook swimbait that Dylan said was “amazing” for fishing grass. They added a few additional bass on a Z-Man Evergreen Chatterbait Jack Hammer and a Carolina rig.

The team rotated through a couple of fishing areas and culled up to an estimated 19 pounds before locking back down to Big Lake Harris to finish the last two hours of competition.

“In the last 10 minutes before we were about to check in, Carter caught a 4½-pounder,” Dylan said. “At that point, we thought that we had secured a top-10 finish. We had no idea we had the tournament won at the time – it’s the Harris Chain, and it takes big weights to win here. There very easily could have been a 30-pound bag caught.”

“This is just an indescribable feeling,” Carter added. “For us to win our first major college tournament – it’s pretty special. The Harris Chain is one of the hardest lakes to win a tournament on.”

The top 10 teams finished:

1st: University of North Alabama – Dylan Nutt and Carter Nutt, Nashville, Tenn., five bass, 21-12, $2,000
2nd: Lander University – Anderson Jones and Hampton Shull, both of Greenville, S.C., five bass, 20-13, $1,000
3rd: Bethel University – Colten Drawdy, Plant City, Fla., and Hunter Shelton, Cadiz, Ky., five bass, 17-14, $700
4th: Carson-Newman University – Nicholas Dellaporta, Pequannock, N.J., and Drew Pitts, Lutz, Fla., five bass, 17-0, $600
5th: University of Louisiana-Monroe – Kade Hillestad, Grayson, La., and John Kyle Pearce, Frierson, La., five bass, 16-15, $500
6th: LSU-Shreveport – Ian Carter, Bastrop, La., and Levi Thibodaux, Thibodaux , La., five bass, 16-12
7th: University of South Carolina-Union – Jacob Butts, Starr, S.C., and Mark Kershaw, Fort Mill, S.C., five bass, 15-15
8th: University of Tennessee – Joseph Bissing, Libertyville, Ill., and Jackson Paden, Knoxville, Tenn., five bass, 15-11
9th: Murray State University – Jonah Potts, Albion, Ill., five bass, 15-8
10th: Campbellsville University – Evan Fields, Shelbyville, Ky., and Karsten Raney, London, Ky., five bass, 15-6

A total of 225 teams participated in the event, meaning 27 teams now advance to the College Fishing National Championship. The full list of National Championship Qualifiers and complete results for the entire field can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.

The Abu Garcia College Fishing Presented by YETI event on Harris Chain of Lakes was hosted by Discover Lake County Florida. The next tournament for MLF College Fishing anglers will be the Abu Garcia College Fishing Presented by YETI event on Clear Lake, March 8, in Lakeport, California.

The 2024 MLF Abu Garcia College Fishing Presented by YETI season features college teams from across the country competing in nine regular-season tournaments. The top 12 percent of teams from each regular-season tournament advance to the 2025 Abu Garcia College Fishing Presented by YETI National Championship.

Proud sponsors of the 2024 MLF Abu Garcia College Fishing Presented by YETI include: 7Brew, Abu Garcia, B&W Trailer Hitches, Berkley, BUBBA, E3, Epic Baits, General Tire, GSM Outdoors, Lew’s, Mercury, Mossy Oak, Onyx, Phoenix, Polaris, Power-Pole, Strike King, Suzuki, Tackle Warehouse, T-H Marine, Toyota and YETI.

About Major League Fishing
Major League Fishing (MLF) is the world’s largest tournament-fishing organization, producing more than 250 events annually at some of the most prestigious fisheries in the world, while broadcasting to America’s living rooms on CBS, Discovery Channel, Outdoor Channel, CBS Sports Network, World Fishing Network and on demand on MyOutdoorTV (MOTV). Headquartered in Benton, Kentucky, the MLF roster of bass anglers includes the world’s top pros and more than 30,000 competitors in all 50 states and 13 countries. Since its founding in 2011, MLF has advanced the sport of competitive fishing through its premier television broadcasts and livestreams and is dedicated to improving the quality of life for bass through research, education, fisheries enhancement and fish care.

by AnglersChannel

MLF Cancels Day 1 of Abu Garcia College Fishing National Championship Due to High Winds and Inclement Weather

WHAT:
Major League Fishing (MLF) announced today that Day 1 of the 2024 Abu Garcia College Fishing Presented by YETI National Championship at Lake Toho has been cancelled due to high winds and inclement weather.

The full field of 138 teams will battle it out on Wednesday, Jan. 10 and Thursday, Jan. 11, with the winner determined by heaviest two-day cumulative weight.

NOTES:
Anglers will launch at 7:30 a.m. ET on Wednesday and Thursday from Big Toho Marina, located at 69 Lakeview Drive in Kissimmee, Florida. Weigh-ins will be held at the marina starting at 3:30 p.m. and will be livestreamed daily. Fans are welcome to attend and encouraged to follow the event online through the “MLF Live” weigh-in broadcasts and daily coverage at MajorLeagueFishing.com.

The MLF NOW!® broadcast team of Chad McKee and Rob Newell will break down the competition Thursday, Jan. 11 from 8 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. ET. MLF NOW!® will be live streamed on MajorLeagueFishing.com and the MyOutdoorTV (MOTV) app.

Hosted by Experience Kissimmee, the 15^th annual College Fishing National Championship will feature 138 teams of the nation’s best collegiate anglers competing for a $43,500 prize package, including a new Phoenix 518 Pro bass boat with a 115-horsepower outboard, an additional $10,000 and the chance to advance to the 2024 Toyota Series Championship and REDCREST 2025 – MLF’s most prestigious championship – to fish for top prizes of $235,000 and $300,000, respectively.

Both members of the winning team and the runners-up at the 2024 Abu Garcia College Fishing National Championship will advance to the 2024 Toyota Series Championship, where they will compete as pros for a top prize of up to $235,000. The winning team’s highest finishing member at the Toyota Series Championship will advance to REDCREST 2025 to compete against the world’s best pros for the sport’s top prize of $300,000.

About Major League Fishing
Major League Fishing (MLF) is the world’s largest tournament-fishing organization, producing more than 250 events annually at some of the most prestigious fisheries in the world, while broadcasting to America’s living rooms on CBS, Discovery Channel, Outdoor Channel, CBS Sports Network, World Fishing Network and on demand on MyOutdoorTV (MOTV). Headquartered in Benton, Kentucky, the MLF roster of bass anglers includes the world’s top pros and more than 30,000 competitors in all 50 states and 13 countries. Since its founding in 2011, MLF has advanced the sport of competitive fishing through its premier television broadcasts and livestreams and is dedicated to improving the quality of life for bass through research, education, fisheries enhancement and fish care.

by AnglersChannel

Lufkin’s Heck Uses Home-Water Experience to Kick Off Season With Win at Phoenix Bass Fishing League Event at Sam Rayburn Reservoir

BROOKELAND, Texas (Jan. 8, 2024) – Boater Hayden Heck of Lufkin, Texas, caught a five-bass limit weighing 29 pounds, 3 ounces, Saturday to win the MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League (BFL) Presented by T-H Marine on Sam Rayburn Reservoir. Hosted by the Jasper County Development District, the tournament kicked off the season for the BFL Cowboy Division. Heck earned $6,199 for his victory.

“I decided to go to a spot where I had been seeing fish for a couple of weeks,” Heck said. “It’s been really spotty, though – one day they’d be there and the next they wouldn’t.

“I was fishing a little bit offshore,” Heck continued. “Nothing super deep. I was using a brown and purple football jig and a drop-shot rig. There was a lot of bait around the area, and that kept the fish around for a bit.”

Heck said his boat was sitting in about 10 feet of water while fishing the jig, and his efforts produced 20 bites from the south part of Sam Rayburn during the event.

“I fish Rayburn a lot,” Heck said. “It’s the only lake I fish, and the last couple of weeks have been tough here. The fish seem to be moving around a lot, like saltwater fish. They’re on the move daily with the bait. So, if you can time it right, you can really catch them.

“On Rayburn, unless you bust a really big bag, you don’t think you really ever have a chance to win,” Heck said. “Once it gets cold on Rayburn anyone can come in with 40-plus pounds. So, I’m really happy to get the win.”

The top 10 boaters finished the tournament:

1st:        Hayden Heck, Lufkin, Texas, five bass, 29-3, $6,199
2nd:       Wesley Baxley, Cypress, Texas, five bass, 25-2, $2,675
3rd:       Jeffery Rice, Shreveport, La., five bass, 22-4, $1,782
4th:        Glen Webb, Bethel, Okla, five bass, 20-9, $1,248
5th:        Riley Harris, Orange, Texas, five bass, 19-5, $1,070
6th:        Tater Reynolds, Florien, La., five bass, 18-11, $1,236
6th:        Bobby Vice, Orange, Texas, five bass, 18-11, $936
8th:        Jaden Parrish, Liberty, Texas, five bass, 17-3, $802
9th:        Colby Miller, Elmer, La., five bass, 16-14, $713
10th:     Darren Taylor, Coldspring, Texas, five bass, 16-2, $624

Complete results can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.

Heck caught a bass that weighed 9 pounds, 14 ounces, and earned the Berkley Big Bass Boater award of $850.

San Antonio’s Sink Tops Strike King Co-Angler Division

Tim Sink of San Antonio, Texas, won the Strike King co-angler division and $3,088 Saturday, after bringing five bass to the scale that totaled 14 pounds, 13 ounces.

The top 10 Strike King co-anglers finished:

1st:        Tim Sink, San Antonio, Texas, five bass, 14-13, $3,088
2nd:       Brad Poole, Roanoke, Texas, five bass, 14-4, $1,334
3rd:       Derek Swindler, Waxahachie, Texas, five bass, 12-9, $888
4th:        Robert Joslin, Fort Smith, Ark., five bass, 11-12, $623
5th:        Dakota Posey, Orange, Texas, five bass, 11-1, $534
6th:        Mitchel Martin, Washington, La., five bass, 10-15, $489
7th:        James Moore, Jr., Lampasas, Texas, five bass, 10-12, $595
8th:        Kenneth Venable, Fred, Texas, five bass, 10-11, $378
8th:        Michael Wall, Montgomery, Texas, five bass, 10-11, $378
10th:     Bradley Sullivan, Shawnee, Okla., four bass, 10-10, $295
10th:     Casey Craig, Nacogdoches, Texas, five bass, 10-10, $295

Sink also earned the Berkley Big Bass co-angler award of $420, catching a bass that weighed in at 6 pounds, 14 ounces – the largest co-angler catch of the day.

The top 45 boaters and co-anglers in the region based on point standings, along with the five tournament winners of each qualifying event, will qualify for the Oct. 17-19 BFL Regional tournament on Wright Patman Lake in Texarkana, Texas. Boaters will fish for a top award of $60,000, including a new Phoenix 819 Pro with a 200-horsepower Mercury or Suzuki outboard and $10,000, while co-anglers will compete for a top award of $50,000, including a new Phoenix 819 Pro with a 200-horsepower Mercury or Suzuki outboard.

The 2024 Phoenix BFL Presented by T-H Marine is a 24-division circuit devoted to weekend anglers, with 128 events throughout the season, five qualifying tournaments in each division. The top 45 boaters and Strike King co-anglers from each division, along with the five qualifying event winners, will advance to one of six BFL Regional tournaments where they are competing to finish in the top six, which then qualifies them for one of the longest-running championships in all of competitive bass fishing – the BFL All-American.

The next event for BFL Cowboy Division anglers will be held Jan. 27, at Lake of the Pines in Jefferson, Texas. To register for the event as a boater or a co-angler, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com or call (270)-252-1000.

Proud sponsors of the 2024 MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine include: 7Brew, Abu Garcia, B&W Trailer Hitches, Berkley, BUBBA, E3, Epic Baits, General Tire, GSM Outdoors, Lew’s, Mercury, Mossy Oak, Onyx, Phoenix, Polaris, Power-Pole, Strike King, Suzuki, Tackle Warehouse, T-H Marine, Toyota and YETI.

For complete details and updated tournament information, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular Bass Fishing League updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow MLF5’s social media outlets at Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

About Major League Fishing
Major League Fishing (MLF) is the world’s largest tournament-fishing organization, producing more than 250 events annually at some of the most prestigious fisheries in the world, while broadcasting to America’s living rooms on CBS, Discovery Channel, Outdoor Channel, CBS Sports Network, World Fishing Network and on demand on MyOutdoorTV (MOTV). Headquartered in Benton, Kentucky, the MLF roster of bass anglers includes the world’s top pros and more than 30,000 competitors in all 50 states and 13 countries. Since its founding in 2011, MLF has advanced the sport of competitive fishing through its premier television broadcasts and livestreams and is dedicated to improving the quality of life for bass through research, education, fisheries enhancement and fish care.

by AnglersChannel

Arey’s Swifty Christmas

Three weeks after Christmas, Team Toyota’s Matt Arey and his young family are still celebrating what will likely be one of the greatest gifts they’ll ever exchange.

Arey’s love of being a girl dad has been fairly well documented. In fact, when I called him, he was packing oldest daughter Reese’s lunch for school, complete with a healthy helping of fresh blueberries.

Comically, while his daughters are close buddies, they’re nearly complete opposites in terms of personalities. Reese always wants daddy to pack her lunch when he’s not on the road competing, while her younger sister Wren loves to eat the cafeteria’s meals each day.

But one thing both girls agree on is an obsessive love of Taylor Swift.

“Every day is filled with Taylor Swift in our home and car. My girls know every song, every lyric, every dance move, and while my youngest didn’t even know what NFL football was a year ago, ever since Taylor started dating Chiefs’ tight end, Travis Kelce, Wren’s now a Kansas City fan,” grins Arey.

So Arey made a heartfelt decision to pursue super-tough-to-get concert tickets for the girls and wife Emily as the ultimate surprise Christmas gift. “It was definitely heartfelt, because once I saw the price, my brain told me it was against every logical thought I’ve ever had,” he laughs.

With a limited number of concert dates, Arey chose the Miami, FL show for his girls in October, 2024.

Once the tickets were secured, they first gifted the girls custom “1989 Swifty” themed t-shirts on Christmas, and then seconds later came the ultimate surprise, the actual concert tickets inside a Snoopy card Arey modified by taping Taylor Swift’s image to the end of Snoopy’s mechanical arm.

Reese screamed and cried with excitement upon realizing what her daddy had gifted them, and Wren, only age 6, followed suit once she comprehended what her older sister was crying and screaming about.

“Whether or not you’re a Taylor Swift fan, as a dad, I feel like there’s way worse celebrities my young daughters could idolize,” reasons Arey. “I’m supportive of their love of her because she seems to have a really strong work ethic, keeps her lyrics morally clean, and projects a positive attitude, while seemingly treating people right,” he adds.

The goodness the 5-time Bassmaster Classic qualifier sees in Swift is apparently in sync with that of Time magazine, who named Swift their 2023 Person of the Year. So, should we expect to hear Arey blaring “Shake it Off” from his Tundra’s speakers when he shows up for the first Elite Series event of the year at Toledo Bend?

Probably not. But don’t be surprised if he’s projecting a joyful grin, knowing he gifted his wife and daughters a level of joy this off season that will be anticipated greatly until the concert takes place in October, and a lifetime of memories long after the show concludes.

Now that’s a love story. Baby, just say yes.

by AnglersChannel

VMC extends partnership with B.A.S.S. for another three years

January 5, 2024

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — After a successful three-year partnership that began in 2021, B.A.S.S. announced today that it has extended its relationship with VMC, a Rapala Respected Brand, for another three years, through 2026.

VMC is known for making award-winning hooks for every style of fishing and, most recently, for its RedLine Series, which is made from extra-light, extra-strength VMC Vanadium steel — the same material used to make Formula One racecars.

Several anglers have used VMC products to make history on the Bassmaster Elite Series in recent years, including Minnesota’s Seth Feider, who won the Progressive Insurance Bassmaster Angler of the Year title in 2021, Idaho’s Brandon Palaniuk, who won his second AOY title in 2022 and South Carolina’s Patrick Walters, who caught the biggest four-day catch of smallmouth in B.A.S.S. history in 2023 with 105 pounds on the St. Lawrence River.

“The accomplishments speak for themselves when you talk about the effect VMC products have had on the sport of fishing,” said B.A.S.S. CEO Chase Anderson. “We’re excited to continue our partnership with VMC — and to watch their anglers use their hooks to entertain and enlighten fishermen around the world.”

VMC will be featured during Bassmaster LIVE broadcasts streamed daily on Bassmaster.com and on the FOX Sports platforms. They’ll sponsor the daily VMC On-Point segment, highlighting an exciting catch from that day’s competition.

As a tournament sponsor, they will also be exposed to the sport’s most rabid fans with coverage on Bassmaster.com, in Bassmaster and B.A.S.S. Timesmagazines and on the organization’s various social media platforms.

In addition to sponsorship of the Elite Series, VMC will be a supporting sponsor for the St. Croix Bassmaster Opens, Strike King Bassmaster College Series presented by Bass Pro Shops, Strike King Bassmaster High School Series, Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Team Championship and the grass-roots Mercury B.A.S.S. Nation Qualifier Series presented by Lowrance and championship tournaments.

VMC’s RedLine Series, which was introduced earlier this year, is comprised of eight hooks — all designed for tournament bass anglers who demand a better hook set and more landing certainty. With their velvety-smooth P.T.F.E. coating, RedLine hooks penetrate 50% faster than ordinary hooks — and with the company’s unique, compressed Needle Point design that produces an ultra-sharp point, fish practically hook themselves.

“In my opinion, you can have the best equipment in boats, motors, electronics, baits, rods, reels and line, but if you cut corners on your hook you will fail,” said Gerald Swindle, a member of the Rapala pro team and a two-time Angler of the Year (2004, 2016). “The most important piece of the puzzle to tie all of that equipment together is the hook that you tie on. The VMC RedLine is the ultimate fishing hook.”

Matt Jensen, vice president of marketing for Rapala VMC, agreed — and expressed his excitement about the continuing partnership with B.A.S.S.

“VMC is invested into products for tournament anglers, especially with the launch of the VMC RedLine Series,” he said. “This makes Bassmaster a vital partner of ours to help tell the story of the innovation and pro experience we put into all the new hooks and jigs available today. We listen to our pros and build products for the best of the best anglers.”

by AnglersChannel

New Year, New Digs

DAIWA kicks off 2024 in new corporate headquarters and USA warehouse facilities.

Foothill Ranch, CA (January 5, 2024) – With the installation of the DAIWA logo sign above the main entrance this week, the tackle manufacturer has officially completed its office and warehouse move – doubling its space and capacity to ship product – to a new facility located at 20155 Ellipse in Foothill Ranch, Calif.

Planning for the new facility started in 2019, but issues from the COVID-19 pandemic to supply chain delays, to construction and warehouse materials shortages and changes in their working environment slowed down the process. “We wanted to make sure the new facility met our needs in these post-Covid times, so we did a pause with selecting the right location,” said DAIWA USA president Carey Graves. “By discussing and collaborating with our warehouse and office operations managers on what was needed to run our business more efficiently, the new facility sets us up to grow DAIWA’s business and better serve our dealers and customers.”

According to warehouse operations manager Brian Nolte, the new facility gives DAIWA 20 truck bays dedicated to both inbound and outbound shipping. “We’ll also be able to use the added bays as flex space for extra storage needs and stage product for value-added builds of special combos,” said Nolte. “The extra warehouse space and bays give us the in-house capability to efficiently add UPCs, hang tags, and dealer stickers, giving us unique benefits to offer our dealers.”

Nolte notes the added square footage enabled DAIWA to add both a dedicated shipping office and an after-service reel maintenance/repair center within the warehouse and main entrance area. A complete revamp of DAIWA racking systems for pick-and-ship needs also provides more efficient operations.

“While the warehouse needs were the main priority in the new facility, the secondary focus was our office needs,” Graves said. “With changes in the business environment to accommodate both in-office and out-of-office working capabilities, we’ve set up our corporate area with dedicated space for customer service, our accounting/financial operations, and our sales and marketing office needs. While many of our office staff work a hybrid in-office/OOF schedule, we have an excellent set-up in the new facility for the various teams to come together for in-person discussions and collaboration for our business.”

Graves noted the entire DAIWA team is anxious to welcome its manufacturer reps, dealers, and distributors to the new facility in 2024. “It shows our commitment to the DAIWA tackle business, which in turn shows our commitment to their businesses,” said Graves.

DAIWA USA President, Carey Graves

by AnglersChannel

Second Annual Minn Kota & Humminbird Owners Tournament To Be Held at Tennessee's Pickwick Lake

The second annual Minn Kota and Humminbird Owners Tournament will take place at Pickwick Landing State Park, on historic Pickwick Lake.

RACINE, Wis. (Jan. 5, 2024) –– For years, anglers have relied on Minn Kota and Humminbird products to help them be more successful on the water. Once again, we are gathering these anglers for an exciting big bass competition on historic Pickwick Lake in Tennessee. The Second Annual Minn Kota and Humminbird Owners Tournament will be held at Pickwick Landing State Park on May 30th to June 1st, 2024.

The 2023 Minn Kota & Humminbird Owner’s tournament paid out over $150,000 in cash and prizes with 50% of the anglers participating in the tournament either receiving a prize or cash payout during the two day competition. Building off the success of last year's event, the 2024 tournament is poised to be even bigger and better adding even more cash and prizes along with a third day of competition.

The tournament is open to any amateur* boat captain with at least one Minn Kota or Humminbird product installed on their vessel. Co-anglers without these products can participate. The 1st place finisher will receive a grand prize of $50,000, with a total of over $180,000 in cash and prizes paid out to the entire field during the event. Additionally, those placing in the top 5 overall will have a chance to win Minn Kota and Humminbird products, and other exciting prizes.

Over the span of the three days of competition, anglers have the flexibility to compete in one, two, or all three days of competition, vying for hourly prizes. This big bass tournament showcases seven hourly weigh-ins daily, providing anglers of all skill levels with multiple opportunities to secure top 10 cash and merchandise prizes by catching the biggest fish every hour.

Event details
• May 29th: Registration day where one angler must check in
• May 30th – June 1st: Tournament fishing days (anglers can fish one, two or all three days)
• Open to amateur anglers owning at least one Minn Kota or Humminbird product
• Co-anglers (non-boat owners) are not required to own Minn Kota or Humminbird produc
• Seven hourly weigh-ins daily with top 10 in each winning cash & prizes
• Overall event top 5 winning cash & prizes
• Over $180,000 in cash and prizes expected to be paid out with a $50,000 grand prize winner
• Anglers are allowed up to three anglers total in their boat during tournament hours
• Three day $275 | Two day $175 | One day $125 (Entry fees per angler)
• Early entry prize: First 250 two- or three-day online entrants will receive a free Abu Garcia fishing rod

*No professional anglers or guides are permitted

For more information or to register for the Minn Kota & Humminbird Owners Tournament, visit minnkotaowners.com

by AnglersChannel

Fishin' Tip Friday - The finer side of the Fluke

Ron Ryals is a Bassmaster Opens competitor and a guide at the famed Bienville Plantation where he doesn’t need live bait to put clients on fish. Instead, Ryals leans heavily on a fluke to keep customers hooked-up and to keep himself cashing checks in tournaments, including the Paralyzed Veterans of America trail through which he once qualified for the B.A.S.S. Nation National Championship.

Ryals has logged more miles of water with a fluke in hand than most pros. Here, he offers his best advice for fishing the simple but deadly soft plastic lure.

Ryals prefers the power of baitcasting gear to spinning outfits for the weightless presentation. “I like a 6’ 9” medium heavy baitcasting rod - Lew’s rods and reels have worked well for me - twelve-pound fluorocarbon line with a number twelve swivel about a foot, maybe fourteen inches, up the line.”

The swivel is an important component for Ryals. The extra weight gets the lure down to make it more efficient but also protects his line. “I originally did it just for the twist. The fluke spins in the water some, especially if it’s torn up or caught a few fish, but the swivel adds some weight too. It also adds a different action to it that I like.”

As for the question of when to set the hook, “I just make sure it’s heavy,” says Ryals. “I kind of give it a little bit and then set the hook. I don’t give them very long at all, but whether I feel that thump or see the blow up, I just make sure it’s heavy and then set the hook.”

The hook he’s setting these days is a 4/0 Mustad Grip-Pin Big Bite Soft Plastic Hook. It’s stealthy, especially when compared to an EWG style often favored by anglers for soft plastics. He believes a hook can be too big for the fluke, but the Big Bite model fits perfectly. “It comes right to the back of the hook pocket (in the lure), right before the bait gets thin.” The taper of the hook, combined with a modest bend, helps to give the lure a cone-shaped head which comes through cover well while keeping the plastic pinned. “That little epoxy bead near the eye of the hook holds the bait really well when you pop it or twitch it out of the grass.

“I tried wide gap hooks and I ended up losing more fish or didn’t get a good hookset and I just went back to the offset, round bend hook. It’s worked.”

Weather-wise, a breeze is helpful, but strong wind is the major limiting factor for this technique. It makes casting difficult, blows a big bow in the line that moves the lightweight offering out of the strike zone quickly and makes strike detection a challenge. Ryals has some great advice for fishing an unweighted fluke in the wind: “Don’t!”

Water clarity is another factor to consider. The clearer the water, the stronger the drawing power of the soft jerkbait.

Ryals is pretty basic in his size, brand, color selection. “I use the normal size, what are they, 5 inches? And I use a couple different brands, Zoom, and the one made by Bitter’s is good too.”

Watermelon red and watermelon candy are mainstays for Ryals who feels those colors represent a variety of baitfish, as does the fluke in general. He did use the pearl white color in the aforementioned tourney on Clarks Hill but said that he was imitating blueback herring, prevalent in the clear waters of the Savannah River impoundment, more so than shad. “I think the bass see it as any type of bait fish. It can kind of copy any of them. It depends more on how you work it and what you do with it than on color. You can work it slow, almost like a Senko – twitch it a little bit and let it sink down a ways or you can work it on top if they’re chasing bait on the surface. It’s pretty versatile in my opinion.

“Once you have the patience to throw it.”

by AnglersChannel

Rapala extends premier sponsorship with B.A.S.S. through 2026

January 4, 2024

Rapala extends premier sponsorship with B.A.S.S. through 2026

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Rapala, a Minnesota-based company and one of the world’s foremost makers of premium lures, terminal tackle and fishing accessories, has extended its premier sponsorship of B.A.S.S., signing a new three-year deal through 2026.

In addition to continuing to serve as the title sponsor of the mega-popular Rapala Bassmaster Fantasy Fishing program as it has for the past four years, Rapala will continue its sponsorship of the Monster Bag contingency, which pays $2,000 to the angler with the heaviest single-day bag during all regular-season Bassmaster Elite Series events and $7,000 for the same feat during the Bassmaster Classic.

“We’ve had a fantastic partnership with Rapala for several years that just keeps evolving,” said B.A.S.S. CEO Chase Anderson. “Their involvement with Fantasy Fishing and the Monster Bag award — and really their participation at all levels of B.A.S.S. — has been mutually beneficial for both companies and for the sport in general.”

The Monster Bag contingency, which has been named after Rapala’s popular VMC line of hooks in the past, will now be called the “Rapala CrushCity Monster Bag” after a new line of Rapala soft plastics that includes baits like the Ned BLT, the Cleanup Craw, the Bronco Bug and The Mayor.

The new plastics, along with stalwart hard baits like the DT Series crankbaits and the Original Floating Minnow, make Rapala one of the more well-rounded bait companies in the world.

“Rapala is investing heavily into product innovation for both hard baits and soft baits for tournament anglers,” said Matt Jensen, vice president of marketing for Rapala. “With the launch of CrushCity, we couldn’t be more excited for our newly renewed contract with B.A.S.S. and all the new promotions that come with it. Rapala and Bassmaster have put together a super-fun program to promote our highest level of products and to introduce all anglers to the excitement around CrushCity!”

Rapala will be a premier sponsor for the Bassmaster Classic, Bassmaster Elite Series, St. Croix Bassmaster Opens, Strike King Bassmaster College Series presented by Bass Pro Shops, Strike King Bassmaster High School Series, Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Team Championship and the grass-roots Mercury B.A.S.S. Nation Qualifier Series presented by Lowrance and championship tournaments.

The company will be highlighted during Bassmaster LIVE, which will be streamed daily this year during the Bassmaster Classic, Bassmaster Elite Series events and Bassmaster Opens on Bassmaster.com and broadcast Saturday and Sunday mornings on the FOX Sports platforms. Rapala will also enjoy exposure in Bassmaster and B.A.S.S. Times magazines and across B.A.S.S.’s industry-leading social media platforms.

With the 2024 Elite Series season set to begin Feb. 22 at Toledo Bend Reservoir in Many, La., registration is already open for Rapala Bassmaster Fantasy Fishing at Bassmasterfantasy.com. Throughout the season, the winner of each individual tournament will receive a prize package that is worth $4,000 or $4,500 depending on whether the winner is a B.A.S.S. member. The grand prize winner will take home a $15,000 Bass Pro Shops gift card, $5,000 cash, a Rapala prize package and a trip package to the 2025 Bassmaster Classic.

by AnglersChannel

Minn Kota and Humminbird Announce 2024 Owners Tournament at Pickwick Lake

RACINE, Wis. (January 2, 2024) – Minn Kota and Humminbird are hosting their second annual Owners Tournament at Pickwick Landing State Park from May 30th to June 1st, 2024. The event is open exclusively to amateur anglers and features over $180,000 in guaranteed prizes and payouts.

Key Tournament Details:

• Total Payouts: Over $180,000 in guaranteed prizes and payouts.
• Grand Prize: $50,000 for the largest bass of the tournament.
• Hourly Payouts: $63,525 in total, with ten places paid each hour for all three days.
• 1st: $1,000, 2nd: $500, 3rd: $300, 4th: $250, 5th: $225, 6th: $200, 7th: $175, 8th: $150, 9th: $125, 10th: $100.
• Entry Fee: $275 for three days, $175 for two days, $125 for a single day, per angler.
• Eligibility: Boat captains must own a Minn Kota or Humminbird product. Co-anglers without these products can participate.
• Format: Individual competition with a big bass format and hourly payouts.
• Early Entry Prize: Abu Garcia Veritas 7’0” Medium Heavy Model #VTPC70-6 for the first 250 two or three-day online entrants.
• Location: Pickwick Landing State Park, Tennessee.

The Minn Kota and Humminbird Owners Tournament offers a unique format with multiple cash payouts each day during the hourly weigh-ins, totaling 210 hourly cash payouts across the event. This format provides amateur anglers of all skill levels with opportunities to win.

Registration opens on January 5th at 9am CST. For more information on the tournament and to register, visit MinnKotaOwners.com.

To see highlights of the inaugural event, check it out on the Anglers Channel Bass Wrap Up Show

by AnglersChannel

A Jig for the Naturalist

Famed basser Jeff “Gussy” Gustafson collaborates with Northland Fishing Tackle to design nature’s finest Elite Series Marabou Jig.

BEMIDJI, Minn. (January 3, 2024) – Nothing beats nature. Want proof? For decades, tackle manufacturers – Northland included – have been compelled to design lures with authentic looks that gamefish flat-out eat. Just think about the detailed, sculpted baitfish heads on Northland’s Mimic Jig and new Smeltinator Jig, or lifelike patterns on Reed-Runner Frogs.

That same authenticity manifests in the form of locomotion, too – how it moves in the water. And when you dip ultra-soft feathers in the water – combining nature and nature – the result is a genuine work of art. Such is the case with Northland’s new Elite Series Marabou Jig…

Northland Elite Series Marabou Jig (BLACK)

The natural, fluffy material is a mainstay for fly-tyers aiming to create silky baits that pulse delicately in the water. An innovative few Canadian anglers also employ natural marabou feathers to craft rarified smallmouth bass jigs. Amazingly effective, but tedious to produce, these jigs have been difficult to find…until now.

Still handtied, but now produced in mass, Northland’s Elite Series Marabou Jig features premium marabou feathers meticulously wound onto a strong, shockingly sharp, Gamakatsu® hook with bait keeper. They are available in three proven, earth-toned patterns and three sizes – 1/16 oz., 3/32 oz., and 1/8-ounce.

We thought it was prudent to have a real Canadian bass angler talk about the Elite Series Marabou Jig: Jeff “Gussy” Gustafson. (And, by the way, Gussy has claimed numbers of bass tournaments using handtied, workshop-made marabou jigs. Not to mention he’s the reigning Bassmaster Classic Champion, so quite qualified to speak on the subject.)

Gussy on the Origins of Marabou Jigs

“Marabou jigs as tournament baits really originated in Northwest Ontario. In the late 90's, when tournaments on Lake of the Woods and Rainy Lake really started to get popular, there were a few guides and local anglers winning with consistency. We found out later that a lot successes for guys like the Lindsay brothers, Joe Pritchett, and Hiram Archibald in particular were utilizing these finesse jigs. They made their own, built on a quality hook and mostly just fished a black pattern.”

“In the 2000's, the Lindsay's brought handmade marabou jigs to Wisconsin’s Sturgeon Bay and had several top five finishes in the competitive Sturgeon Bay Open. Eventually, the cat got out of the bag, and marabou jigs are now standard equipment for smallmouth anglers throughout the smallmouth belt, across the Midwest, on the Great Lakes, and throughout Canada.”

“The problem with quality marabou jigs is that it was always hard to find them, ones capable of landing big smallmouth bass, four pound plus fish. Most of the marabou jigs were designed for crappie fishing, so the hooks were light and low quality. So, I started tying my own.”

“I have tied hundreds of "fluffs" over the years and won thousands of dollars with them. I've tried every hook available and settled on a 604 Gamakatsu. It’s strong, yet extremely sharp and has proven capable of handling big smallies. So, we put the same hook on the new Northland Elite Series Marabou Jig.”

BROWN

BLACK/PURPLE

The Gussy Way

“The key to the system is using a longer, softer rod for casting these light jigs and providing some absorption for fighting fish and preventing hooks from tearing out. I like a 7'6" spinning rod in a 1 or 2 power (which is a light action). A 2500 or 3000 sized spinning reel with a good drag is important and I always use 8 lb. Power Pro braid with an 8 lb. fluorocarbon leader at the business end. I like yellow braid because it's easy to see – you'll often see your line jump when a smallmouth slurps up your jig. The bright braid is important to the system.”

“Marabou jigs are mostly a shallow water weapon. I typically use them in 12-feet or less, but have caught smallmouths and crappies dropping marabou down to fish seen on my electronics under the boat. I typically cast marabou jigs to smallmouths cruising along shallow flats. Marabou also excels at plucking smallmouths that are parked next to cover like weed clumps, logs, or boulders. Simply cast past the cover and swim the jig next to it. If there is a smallmouth hiding out, they'll probably eat the jig.”

“I'm a big fan of black and seldom deviate, but I hear stories from friends who have had great days with olive and brown. I mostly fish the 3/32 oz. size but will drop to 1/16 oz. in water under six feet or move up to an 1/8 oz. in water deeper than ten.”

“Finally, when you're retrieving an Elite Series Marabou Jig, you don't want them to touch the bottom. My general rule is retrieving them through the middle of the water column. So, if it's eight feet deep, I try to keep the jig around four feet below the surface. If it's twelve feet, I like keep it at about six feet.”

“People ask all the time, "what do you think the smallmouths think the hair jig is?" I use the analogy that they are like an after-dinner mint, where a spinnerbait or topwater might be like a steak. All I know is fish eat them!”

Elite Series Marabou Jig FEATURES:

Handtied premium marabou feathers
Premium Gamakatsu^® hook with bait keeper
SIZES: 1/16 oz., 3/32 oz., and 1/8 oz.
COLORS: Black, Black/Purple, and Brown

MSRP $8.99 (2 card)

by AnglersChannel

WON Bass adds more partnerships, prizes for 2024 Open Tournaments

SAN CLEMENTE, Calif. – January 3, 2024 –– In addition to the partnership with Bassmaster, WON Bass, a division of Western Outdoor News announces a new prize boat partnership for the 2024 WON Bass Western Opens Series of events, and a new partner for the WON Bass Angler of the Year prize.

In 2024 the WON Bass Western Opens Series will include five Pro-Am style events that will be held in California, Nevada and Arizona. Thanks to Bass Pro Shops, Ranger Boats, and Mercury Marine, each WON Bass event will feature a Ranger / Mercury prize boat for the pro winner.

The partnership with Bass Pro Shops and Ranger Boats signals their strong commitment to the region and the anglers who make up The West. It provides seamless continuity between the WON Bass Customer base and one of the largest dealer networks made up of Bass Pro Shops locations and Ranger Boats Independent Dealers as well.

Along with the support factor, the new partnership directly improves earnings potential for the competitors through the contingency programs offered by Ranger Boats. WON Bass will now feature the Ranger Cup program as well as Nitro Rewards and Triton Gold.

Along with the news of Bass Pro Shops and Ranger Boats, longtime WON Bass partner and of bass fishing in general, Bridgford Foods has renewed for their “Bridgford in the Boat” promotion for all of the 2024 WON Bass Opens Series events, but they have also agreed to provide a $10,000 prize to the 2024 WON Bass Pro Angler of the Year.

“We are excited to announce our multi-year partnership with Bass Pro Shops and Ranger Boats, the Ranger Boats / Mercury prize boats will be welcomed by the field and provide our anglers with more value, as well as more service availability,” said WON Bass tournament director Billy Egan. “We are also very happy to renew and extend our partnership with Bridgford Foods, they are a great partner and care about the industry and its anglers.

“These great companies are among the best in their industries and WON Bass is grateful for their partnerships.”

Consisting of five events in California, Arizona and Nevada, the 2024 WON Bass Western Opens Series of events will culminate with the 2024 WON Bass U.S. Open at Lake Mohave in October.

Jan. 31–Feb. 2, Lake Shasta

April 17-19, Clear Lake

May 15-17, Lake Havasu

Sept. 18-20, Lake Mead

Oct. 14-16, U.S. Open at Lake Mohave

For complete details, look to wonbassevents.com and WONews.com to hear the latest news about the 2024 season and beyond at Facebook.com/WONBassTournaments.

by AnglersChannel

NPAA Conference LIVESTREAM This Weekend

Free livestream features educational seminars around the topic “Taking Passion To Profession!” in the Sportfishing Business – Experts in Diverse Fields from Tournament Angling, to the Tackle/Endorsement Business, to Artificial Intelligence

Forestville, WI (January 3, 2024) – The National Professional Anglers Association (NPAA) Annual Conference gets underway in Fort Myers, Florida, in just a couple days, and the organization wants the angling world to know its featured seminars will livestream (Facebook and YouTube) on Saturday, January 7, free of charge for all to take advantage of and enjoy.

Beginning Friday and continuing through Sunday, this year’s conference theme is “Taking Passion To Profession!,” and it features an all-star line-up whose wisdom, experience, and professionalism speaks for itself.

“Those earning a living in the sportfishing industry – or aspiring to do so – will really benefit from listening to our speakers,” says NPAA president Patrick Neu. “This is your chance to see, hear, and learn how leading pros in the sportfishing community do business. Quite simply, they’ll be talking about how to turn your passion into positive branding with professionalism and make more money doing what you love to do. Those two topics certainly dovetail in this industry, making this a great opportunity to watch and learn online.”

The digital feed kicks off at 9 a.m. (EST) with winning professional bass angler, Justin Lucas’ featured presentation “Taking Passion to Profession as a Professional Angler,” and continues to tackle industry veteran, Eric Naig’s seminar, “How to Create Value and Drive Sales For Your Fishing Tackle Partner” starting at 10:15 a.m.

At 11:15 a.m. you’ll hear one of world’s foremost authorities on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and fishing content generation, Professor Sid Dobrin, explains “How Artificial Intelligence Can Help Your Fishing Business.” Given paradigm shifts in the sportfishing business, The Fishing Professor’s presentation is definitely a must-attend session.

At 12:30 p.m. the American Sportfishing Association’s VP of Government Affairs, Mike Leonard, will talk about angler stewardship in his seminar “Get Involved Today To Ensure A Future”.

Anchoring the list of featured speakers will be Keith Kavajecz presenting on how to take “Passion to Profession Fishing”. Keith is a superstar, veteran walleye tournament angler, Freshwater Hall of Fame member and former television co-host of The Next Bite television series. With more than 40 years in his competitive walleye fishing belt, there are few who know the fishing business inside and out as well as Kavajecz.

The NPAA Annual Conference is open to all – you do not have to be a member to attend in person or online. For more information on the conference, check out the NPAA Conference Page.

The free livestreaming on Saturday will take place on the NPAA Facebook page and on the NPAA YouTube channel. Both can be accessed by going to the platforms on Saturday morning starting at 8:45 a.m.

For more information on joining the NPAA and exploring the many benefits membership provides, visit www.npaa.net

by AnglersChannel

2024 TXTT Registration For WRMG Owners Opens Today!!!

SPRINGFIELD, MO. (January 3, 2024) – Today opens up registration for all Nitro, Ranger, and Triton boat owners! As a reminder, all WRMG owners who plan to compete in the entire 2024 TXTT season out of a Nitro, Ranger, or Triton boat brand and want to register for all the regular season events at once can take advantage of a discounted rate of $200.00 per tournament starting today, through next Wednesday January 10th. Teams will only be able to take advantage of this opportunity by registering and paying $800.00 for all the regular season events at once. Teams will still have to pay the 2024 TXTT membership fees and will still have the option to register for Angler’s Advantage.

On Thursday, January 11^thregistration will open for all other team tournament anglers for the 2024 TXTT season. Entry fees will be $250.00 per event, plus a $50 TXTT membership fee per team member, plus the optional Angler’s Advantage.

To register for the 2024 Texas Team Trail tournaments, please read the updated 2024 RULESand then follow this link to get registered: https://www.texasteamtrail.com/register/

2024 Texas Team Trail Schedule:

February 17^{th -}Brookeland, TX | Sam Rayburn Reservoir

March 23^rd - Brookeland, TX | Sam Rayburn Reservoir

April 13^th - Yantis, TX | Lake Fork

May 4^th - Belton, TX | Belton Lake

June 8-9^th - Many, LA | Toledo Bend Reservoir - CHAMPIONSHIP

For more information on the Texas Team Trail, including photos and official tournament results from the past, visit texasteamtrail.com. Be sure to also check out the tournament schedule for the 2024 Texas Team Trail and subscribe to the e-newsletter list for all the up-to-date information, registration announcements, sponsor incentives, and Outdoor TeamWorks news.

by AnglersChannel

New “Graph Glove” from The Rod Glove

The new “Graph Glove” from The Rod Glove offers simple and secure protection for your fish finders. Keep it simple and keep it safe!

At the end of a long day of fishing the last thing you want to be fighting with is a skintight cover for your graphs. Discover the ease of using the New Graph Glove! The new Graph Glove is made for anglers that take their graphs off their boat or kayak after a day of fishing. Made with thick 3mm neoprene and a waterproof zipper, the new graph glove will keep your graphs clean, safe and secure while not in use.

The design is meant to provide ease of use. The generously sized design allows you to slide it in and zip it up. The big handle makes it easy to carry and the handle’s rugged
design allows you to hang it on a hook on your wall for efficient safe storage and organization.

The new Graph Glove comes in three sizes:
 Small for 5” to 7” Graphs
 Medium for 8” to 9” Graphs
 Large for 10” to 12” Graphs

The sizes are designed to give you the option to slide your graph in with or without you hard cover.

The Rod Glove brand can be found protecting and preserving the equipment of top professional fishermen like Gerald Swindle, Brent Ehrler, Brandon Palaniuk, Cooper
Gallant, and Carl Jocumsen.

About The Rod Glove
The Rod Glove was started in 2010 by avid bass angler Jim Van Ryn. Jim identified a need in the marketplace for a product that would give anglers a way to protect and organize their fishing rods. The product had to be simple, functional, fashionable, and customizable. The Rod Glove is all that and more. Fishing rods are an investment. Protect them with The Rod Glove!

For more information, visit TheRodGlove.com or email Jim at Jim@vrxfishing.com.

by AnglersChannel

Catch the Anglers Channel Bass Wrap Up Show, Brought to you by Sportsman’s Warehouse, on the Pursuit Channel in 2024

Columbia, SC (January 2, 2024) - The Anglers Channel Bass Wrap Up show, brought to you by Sportsman's Warehouse, debuts this week on Pursuit with multiple airings per week, for both Q1 and Q2 2024. The Anglers Channel Bass Wrap Up show is an informative recap of professional, amateur, and grassroots-level bass fishing tournaments across the country. Bringing tournament trails of all sizes to the spotlight, by capturing the anglers who fish and finish well in these events. The program also mixes in informative segments on new techniques, new products, and share useful information to help the weekend angler learn about all things fishing.

Since 2008 Pursuit has been delivering extensive high-quality outdoor content to millions of viewers unserved by any other full-time outdoor network. The unique basic tier package delivery with the major satellite distributors, plus major recent additions in the cable sector, provides access to an audience that is ripe with outdoorsmen and women for its content partners. In addition to joining the network, The Anglers Channel Bass Wrap Up show will also be featured on Pursuit’s digital platforms. Look for The Anglers Channel Bass Wrap Up program beginning in 2nd quarter 2024 on the Pursuit UP streaming channel available to over 90 million users, or available 24/7 on Pursuit UP’s VOD/App platforms.

According to Danny Blandford, AC Director of Business Development, “Moving our program to Pursuit, three times a week, in the first quarter of 2024 will be another milestone in the growth of our Anglers Channel platform. It will be great to see our program and advertising partners featured alongside so many popular outdoor television programs during the peak fishing television season on Pursuit. We look forward to showing our program to viewers who may not have seen us on the Discovery Network in years past.”

The 2023/24 season of the AnglersChannel Bass Wrap Up Show, Presented by Sportsman’s Warehouse, will kicks off with highlights from the Bassmaster Classic, the Inaugural Minn Kota/Humminbird Owners Tournament, as well regional events, fishing tips, and much more. If you want to catch the action as it unfolds throughout the season, visit www.AnglersChannel.com, and be sure to follow along on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok.

About AnglersChannel.com
AnglersChannel.com multimedia platform combines the web, social media platforms, podcasts, on-site event coverage and The Anglers Channel Bass Wrap Up Show on Discovery and Pursuit to bring you the No. 1 resource in tournament bass fishing. Anglers Channel features the web’s most robust tournament database, used by thousands of anglers daily, including schedules, results and searchable details by body of water. Anglers Channel also delivers industry news as it happens, along with coverage of all tournament bass fishing, from BASS and Major League Fishing to the weekend warriors. Visit Anglers Channel via the web, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok.

About Pursuit
Pursuit Media, LLC, the industry leader in total home and user delivery, has its linear feed Pursuit Channel, active nationally to 30+ million homes via DIRECTV, AT&T U-verse HD, DISH Network, Sling TV HD, Comcast Xfinity, Fios by Verizon HD, Centurylink Prism HD, Cox Communication HD and the National Cable Television Cooperative (NCTC). PursuitUP, is active to 90+ million users through Samsung’s TV Plus, Sinclair’s STIRR, Xumo, Glewed TV, Vidgo, Kloud TV, Select TV, TCL Smart TVs, Plex, and many more. Additionally, PursuitUP’s VOD library is readily available online to anyone at pursuituptv.com, or by downloading the PursuitUP app available on most devices.
For more information contact Danny Blandford at Danny@anglerschannel.com

by AnglersChannel

AC Insider Podcast - Starting 2024 with a B.A.M. - Mark Lassagne

The guys are starting the year in California, with Mark Lassagne, owner of Bass Angler Magazine and the NEW Bass Angler Magazine Tournament Trail. We get caught up on what's been going on "out West", as well as Mark's newest endeavor, the B.A.M. Tournament Trail. Tune in and get some behind the scenes scoop on setting up a tournament trail, what we can expect to cross the scales, and much more. Happy New Year!

by AnglersChannel

Lake Toho Readies to Host 2024 Abu Garcia College Fishing National Championship

Nearly 300 of the Nation’s Top Collegiate Anglers to Compete for the Opportunity to Fish as a Pro in 2024 Toyota Series Championship and REDCREST 2025

KISSIMMEE, Fla. (Jan. 2, 2024) – The best college fishing teams from across the nation will visit Kissimmee, Florida and Lake Toho next week, Jan. 9-11, for the 2024 Abu Garcia College Fishing Presented by YETI National Championship at Lake Toho.

Hosted by Experience Kissimmee, the 15^th annual College Fishing National Championship will feature 138 teams of the nation’s best collegiate anglers competing for a $43,500 prize package, including a new Phoenix 518 Pro bass boat with a 115-horsepower outboard, an additional $10,000 and the chance to advance to the 2024 Toyota Series Championship and REDCREST 2025 – MLF”s most prestigious championship – to fish for top prizes of $235,000 and $300,000, respectively.

“We’re excited to host the MLF Abu Garcia College Fishing National Championship for a second year,” said Tyler Weyant, Director of Sports Development at Experience Kissimmee. "Following the overwhelming success we had last year at Lake Toho, we are eager to invite everyone to join us once again and experience the excitement firsthand. In addition to the incredible action happening on the water, we encourage everyone to explore the local shops and restaurants that make Kissimmee truly unique.”

The Auburn University duo of Blake Milligan of Auburn, Alabama, and Matthew Parrish of Decatur, Alabama, will return to fish the College Fishing National Championship next week. Auburn University is the only college to have fished in the national championship every year since it’s inception, and the 2024 event will be Milligan’s fourth consecutive year to qualify for the event.

“We work hard toward qualifying for this all year long,” said Milligan. “The advancement opportunities to the Toyota Series Championship and to REDCREST allow us to get a foot in the door, and gives college anglers the opportunity to move on to the next level of professional fishing.”

After finishing atop the MLF College Fishing Southeastern Conference in 2021 and 2022, the Auburn team adjusted to the new National Conference with ease in 2023 and earned the Tackle Warehouse School of the Year Presented by QuikTrip title.

“I think our whole team is very much in unison right now,” said Milligan. “We’re excited to get into the year and super hyped up. Our teams are fishing the first event of the season on the Harris Chain on January 5^th, then practice for the championship starts on the 7^th. We have a bunch of guys down there ready to go and we are excited to carry this momentum into the first event of the year and into the national championship.

“I’m fishing with the same partner as last year,” continued Milligan. “We took 12^th place in 2023, so I’m excited to get back to Kissimmee and hopefully build off what we learned and have an even better finish this year.”

Milligan, a senior double-majoring in business marketing and business management at Auburn, said his goal in this event is to finish better than he has in any past championship events.

“It’s hard to predict what the weights will be for this event,” said Milligan. “When we fished there last year, a nearly 30-pound-bag was weighed in on the final day, so I figure it will be up there. We had mid-teens on Day 1 and nearly 20 pounds on Day 2 and took 12^th place, so I’d be super happy with high teens on the first two days. On the final day, it’s go big or go home, so we’ll just have to see.

“We found some good stuff in Kissimmee and Toho last year and we get a day and a half of practice before the event, so our plan is to run the stuff we found last year, and if that isn’t working, we will adjust and try to find something that will. We’re hoping the fish are in prespawn patterns by the time we get there. Kissimmee has some giant fish in it, so it will be a great event either way.”

Anglers will take off from Big Toho Marina, located at 69 Lakeview Drive, in Kissimmee at 7:30 a.m. ET each day of competition. Weigh-ins will be held at the marina starting at 3:30 p.m. and will be livestreamed daily. Fans are welcome to attend the event or tune in to the weigh-in and follow the online coverage at MajorLeagueFishing.com .

by AnglersChannel

Missile Jigs Drops Ike’s Monster Jig

Salem, Va. – January 2, 2024 –Missile Jigs is dropping a new jig that is specially made for trophy bass hunters called Ike’s Monster Jig. Based on a custom 10/0 VMC 60 degree heavy duty jig hook with the super slick PTFE coating, the all-purpose design of the Monster Jig head allows it to excel in swimming or bottom bouncing applications. Think of Ike’s Monster Jig as the big swimbait of jigs.

“The NEW Monster Jig is creating a whole new category of jigs for anglers that are not afraid to go after truly big bass! Glide baits and big swim baits are becoming super popular because they work. The Monster Jig will be another option for anglers going after big bass that are in thicker cover or in water deeper than you can reach with traditional big glides. It’s also gonna be a weapon for catching suspended giant fish off of forward facing sonar! I can’t wait to have it in my arsenal next year,” says Mike Iaconelli, BASS legend pro and Bass Fishing Hall of Fame angler.

Available in 1 ounce or 1.5 ounce sizes, the Monster Jig will get down to those lunkers that live out in the depths of the lake. The Monster Jig will be offered in the top six big bait color patterns including Green Gizzard, Bruiser, and Rainbow Trout. Each Monster Jig will retail for $15.99 and begin shipping in the middle of January. Don’t fish scared. Tie on the Monster Jig when you want to catch the big bass of a lifetime.

by AnglersChannel

The 127-Angler National Professional Fishing League Roster is Set for 2024

Meet the NPFL's 2024 anglers: a blend of fishing legends, seasoned professionals, and enthusiastic rookies.

Story by Justin Brouillard | Photos by Tanner & Travis Lyons

WILKESVILLE, OH (JANUARY 2, 2024) — With the 2024 National Professional Fishing League (NPFL) season kicking off February 1-3 on the Coosa River at Lake Logan Martin, the final roster has been set as ‘the League’ continues to expand its reach in the fishing industry.

“We’re thrilled to welcome 127 anglers to the NPFL family for the 2024 season, marking a historic milestone as our largest and most diverse field yet,” said Brad Fuller, President of the NPFL. “This assembly of anglers is not only the largest but also stands out as the most eclectic and competitive group we have ever gathered.”

The roster is a fusion of seasoned legends synonymous with excellence and fresh faces entering the Bass fishing world. Showcasing a rich tapestry of fishing expertise and unique life experiences, the accomplishments of our anglers span the entirety of competitive bass fishing history, making this assembly truly extraordinary.

“What truly sets this field apart is the variety of backgrounds and experiences our new anglers bring to the table. From former Professional Arena football players to high-ranking CEOs in Fortune 500 companies and dedicated trauma nurses, the diversity is astonishing,” added Fuller. “We have former Bassmaster Classic Champions and current anglers from the industry’s highest ranks joining our talented roster of anglers; the term ‘eclectic’ encapsulates this group perfectly.”

Whether a seasoned professional, a legend of the sport or a rookie beginning their professional career, each angler has their own success story in bass fishing. Fans will witness a showcase of diverse skills that distinguishes this NPFL season.

2024 National Professional Fishing League Roster

Barron Adams
Gary Adkins
Jacoby Adkins
Mike Alls
Charlie Apperson
Stuart Arthur
Jeff Barth
Hunter Baughman
Tommy Biffle
Brock Bila
Zack Birge
Daniel Blackert
Joey Bloom
John Bosley
John Branch
Michael Brewer
Nick Brown
Jason Burroughs
Bobby Carver
Corey Casey
Douglas Chapin
Brandon Classon
Lonnie Cochran
William Collie
Michael Comeau
Drew Cook
Richard Cooper
Mike Corbishley
John Cox
Wayne “Skeeter” Crosby
Darrell Davis
Seth Ellis
Ron Farrow
Louis Fernandes
Bradley Fetters
Jeff Fitts
William Fletcher
Dylan Freeze
David Fritts
Bailey Gay
Kyle Glasgow
Todd Goade
Buddy Gross
Hayden Hammond
Scott Hamrick
Will Harkins
Chip Harrington
Cole Harris
Brian Hatfield
Stephanie Hemphill-Pellerin
Josh Hooks
Ron Johnson
Richard Kee
Justin Kimmel
Chris Kinley
Ian Leybas
Scott Lindstam
Wes Logan
Matt Looney
Jake Maddux
Buck Mallory
Stuart Martel
Kevin Martin
Lendell Martin Jr
Matt Massey
Matthew McBee
Jason Meninger
Jesse Millsaps
Matt Mollohan
Henry Montgomery
Robert Nakatomi
Christian Nash
Reagan Nelson
Lane Olson
Trent Palmer
Cody Parker
Blaine Partee
Isaac Peavyhouse
Brandon Perkins
Dustin Perry
Spencer Peters
Jamie Pierce
Pete Ponds
Chad Poteat
Mike Quinlin
Timothy Reams
Jason Reyes
Darrel Robertson
Ricky Robinson
Troy Roder
Kevin Rogers
Angel Rosario
JT Russell
Roman Ryan
Hunter Sales
Ryan Satterfield
Craig Saylor
Thomas Shelton
Collin Smith
Dustin Smith
John Soukup
Austin Speer
Micheal Stout
JTodd Tucker
Landon Tucker
Patrick Walters
Josh Watkins
Mitchell Webb
Joseph Webster
Kyle Welcher
Wade Werner
Chris Whisenant
Larry Wilcher
Scott Wiley
Alton Wilhoit
Dustin Wilkey
David Williams
Courtland Williams
Dustin Williamson
Jason Williamson
Alexander Wilson
Jason Wilson
Tim Wilson
Jesse Wise
Robert Wroblewski
Michael Yoder

by AnglersChannel

Fishin' Tip Friday - Relax That Wrist for Flippin'

By Vance McCullough - AC Insider

Wanna become a better flipper?

As we head into the new year, we look forward to warmer weather and the fishing fun that comes along with it, but until then, cold fronts and tournaments have a relationship that rivals that of trailer parks and tornadoes.

As a result, many of us will be doing a lot of flipping all winter and into spring. Whether that means pitching a jig around laydowns on sunny, wind-protected banks or punching canopied cover with a heavy Texas rig, close quarters combat with a long rod and short line will be a key technique.

Once you have the presentation down, strike detection becomes the next big step to your success. MLF BPT Pro Fletcher Shryock made a helpful point. “I want to keep a soft wrist when I’m working that bait.”

Shryock is talking about, in his case, his left wrist as he holds the rod with that hand and winds slack with the other.

“One big thing that I’ve had to learn is to keep a soft wrist when pitching and flipping. All the time. Even right now as I’m reeling this bait in, I know nothing’s gonna bite it but every now and then, not real often, but every now and then you’ll get a fish that comes by and smokes it as you’re reeling it in. Train your wrist to stay soft, to have a breaking point so that if one bites it, I can break the rod tip to that fish, which allows that fish to fully inhale that bait. I catch that fish just about every time, but it’s taken me years to figure out ‘hey, you’ve gotta be ready for a bite at all times’.

“I don’t consciously think about it. I’ve just trained myself to leave this wrist a little relaxed. If one bites and I’m super-stiff and the fish doesn’t really get the bait, I’m not gonna hook it.”
While strike detection is important, Shryock says there’s no need to feel like you’re playing a game of slaps with the fish, trying to test your reflexes against theirs. In fact, we’re filming an episode of the Anglers Channel Bass Wrap Up TV Show while this conversation takes place. He asks me if I want a ‘heads-up’ before he sets the hook. And that’s common among most of the good flippers I’ve filmed with. They feel the bite, then they let the fish eat it longer than many of us would imagine before setting the hook. At least long enough to say ‘there’s one’ before setting up on the fish.

While he noted that “every scenario is a little different,” Shryock made the main point, “I spend a lot of time practicing without a hook so I know these fish typically hold a bait - like - there’s a lot of times you can’t get your bait back from ‘em, especially the bigger ones. That’s taught me not to rush the bite, for sure. Don’t think ‘oh I’ve got to hurry up and swing!’ because a lot of times, if I have to catch that particular fish that wants to eat my bait and blow it out that quickly, I don’t want him anyway,” laughs Shryock. “He probably doesn’t need to make the team.

“The other 95% of the bites - say I get the bite right now and she’s moving slow,” explains Shryock after pitching a Big Bite Baits tube far back beneath a dock and letting it settle beyond sight in the very shallow, heavily stained water, “and she’s coming out this way, she’s not going toward the pilings or anything, I’m able to reel up my slack, take a step back, put the full body into motion. I’ve got a lot of range. I’ve got a lot of power. I can set up properly on that fish because I know it’s not going to drop my bait.

“I’m not going to put a lot of pressure on her, I don’t want her to feel me, but when I pick up and I feel – with a soft wrist – when I pick up and I feel her moving slow, I get in position.
“A lot of times when you first feel that initial thump, they don’t fully have it. When you feel that ‘thump, thump’ that’s them getting that bait in their crushers the way they want it. Especially punching, whenever I get a bite and she’s just kind of sitting there – now if I flip in there she takes off, I’m just gonna load the rod. But if I can wait, I feel like my chances of catching that fish go up greatly.

“No sense in rushing the bite. They didn’t go up there and grab that bait just to drop it.”

by AnglersChannel

Ranger Boats Under the Lid - Fill 'er Up with Bryan Thrift

If there is one thing Ranger Pro Bryan Thrift knows a thing or two about, it's filling livewells. Bryan is an ace at putting bass in the box, but in this week's Under the Lid, he shows us some tips and tricks for filling the livewells with water. It seems simple enough, but Bryan shows us a few hacks that have come in handy for him a time or two. Check it out, so you don't end up high and dry!

by AnglersChannel

Smeltinator® Underspin Jigs In-Stock

LIMITED QUANTITY of Smeltinator^® Underspin Jigs NOW SHIPPING from Northland!

BEMIDJI, Minn. (December 26, 2023) – A couple weeks back, the bass fishing community celebrated the arrival of Northland’s new Smeltinator® Jig. Since, they’ve been selling like wildfire. And now, Northland is thrilled to announce the arrival of its flashy brother, the Smeltinator^® Underspin!

Like the Smeltinator, the Smeltinator Underspin features an ultra-sharp, ultra-strong Gamakatsu hook and beautifully sculpted baitfish head and plastics-securing hook collar. But what makes the Smeltinator Underspin totally unique is its compact, nickel plated willow blade for added flash and vibration to mimic small baitfish. The lightweight blade spins instantly on contact with the water and continues flickering with minimal jigging action. Aiding and abetting the blade’s ability to spin at super slow speeds is an exceptional SPRO ball-bearing swivel.

The Smeltinator Underspin is especially effective on pressured bass and in cold water conditions when bass won’t always commit to traditional lures. Moreover, the Smeltinator Underspin is a big-time player for anglers utilizing forward-facing sonar on suspended bass. The blade adds more body and action for the sonar to detect.

The Smeltinator Underspin is deadly on suspended smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, and spotted bass. Simply pair it with a 2.5- to 7-inch soft plastic jerkbait or swimbait and let the wondrous pairing go to work. Southern and western bassers can put it to task right now on deep water reservoirs, especially off steep breaking rock structure, over deep flooded timber, or anywhere wintertime bass are schooling offshore.

The technique is elementary, too, letting the Smeltinator Underspin just do its thing. Pitch it out, let the bait fall to the fish, and start a slow and steady retrieve.

Smeltinator Underspin (Lake Winnipeg)

Smeltinator Magic

The Smeltinator Jig took the spotlight on Jeff “Gussy” Gustafson’s 2023 Bassmaster Classic victory, but it wasn’t the first time Gussy stacked big weights and solid limits of smallmouth bass on the Tennessee River out of Knoxville, Tennessee. Back in March of 2021, Gussy first put the “moping” technique to use, sinking Kenora, Ontario-designed Smeltinator Jigs to fill his ‘well for weigh-in at the 2021 Guaranteed Rate Bassmaster Elite. Gussy went wire-to-wire for four days of the event, weighing 63 pounds, besting second place by an impressive seven pounds. Gussy trailered home to the far north with over $100,000 in his pocket.

Word of the “moping” technique traveled quickly through social wires, sending serious bassers on the hunt for Gussy’s favored jig head—the Smeltinator Jig.

Two years later Gussy did it again, ‘moping’ suspended smallmouths with the Smeltinator Jig on forward facing sonar, proving the money method for the 2023 Bassmaster Classic title, the $300K payout, and honors as the top bass stick on the planet.

The Smeltinator is hardly new to the fishing scene. The jig and the moping technique have been dominating the Canadian tournament scene for a decade. Gussy, Northland founder John Peterson, Canadian professional angler Jamie Bruce, and Bryan Gustafson of Bass Tactics have won many tournaments and cashed big checks at events like the Fort Frances Canadian Bass Championship and Kenora Bass Invitational using the Smeltinator Jig and the moping technique.

The “moping” technique involves fishing a fluke or minnow-style plastic on the Smeltinator Jig and the Smeltinator Underspin Jig over the top of deep suspending smallmouth bass. The design of the jig allows it to hang perfectly horizontal like a real shiner, smelt, or shad. Suspending smallmouths “feed up” on these schools of baitfish. Hanging the Smeltinator above actively feeding fish has proven to yield serious bites and big tournament weights.

OPENING NIGHT

SILVER

SMELT

RALPHS SMOKE

PINK WHITE

With six colors, three sizes (¼-, 3/8-, and ½-ounce), and three hook sizes (2/0, 3/0 and 4/0) of the Smeltinator Underspin to choose from, bass anglers are sure to find the right jig for whatever situation they face. Jigs come one per card for $7.99 (MSRP).

by AnglersChannel

Travel Tuesday - The Worst Thing You Can Do Before a Fishing Vacation

By Pete Robbins / Half Past First Cast

The worst thing you can do before a fishing trip is to base your expectations on the best possible scenario. Don’t get me wrong. It’s ok to hope for a personal best. It’s ok to hope for the day of a lifetime. It’s more than acceptable to overprepare. Just know that the numbers and sizes that you hear about might not happen.

Why is this? Well, lodges and anglers lie.…and numbers alone often don’t tell the full story.

While helping out at the Dallas Safari Club show, we met a customer who’d visited a lodge that competes with the one we were helping. “The fishing report stated that we’d caught seven marlin,” they said. “Even though we only caught one and a total of four were caught all week.” Not all of the examples are that egregious but assume that there’s a little bit of puffery in any report. Even if the lodge is 100% honest, a cold front or some other change can turn “60 a day” into “30 a day” in a hurry.

The anglers are no better. First off, many of them don’t have experience judging big fish, so their “10 pound bass” are really more like 8 – not an insubstantial fish by any means, but not quite the same. Furthermore, some just don’t want to tell the truth. Either they’re compulsive braggarts, or else they feel foolish to have gone to a dream destination and not caught a trophy fish. One of the most heartening and honest videos I’ve watched recently showed tournament angler, guide and YouTuber Justin Rackley (AKA, Lake Fork Guy) fishing in Mexico and making clear that he’d never landed a bass over 8 pounds there on his many trips to multiple lakes. He doesn’t have his ego wrapped up in a number (except perhaps his million YouTube subscribers). The fact that he keeps going back to Mexico shows that for him it’s about the experience and the chase, not the bragging rights.

Even when the information that you receive from an outfitter or other anglers is accurate, you have to use it properly. Remember, there are three types of lies: “Lies, damn lies, and statistics.” Let me give you an example of how this operates in my world: A friend checks some tournament statistics and observes that a 200 boat derby on “Lake X” was won with a five-bass stringer that weighed 25 pounds. He gets excited to go there and plans a trip and then is shocked and dismayed when he doesn’t have similar success under the same conditions.

Where did he go wrong?

Well, I don’t doubt that Lake X has another 25 pound bag in it – probably many of them – but that doesn’t mean they’re easy to catch. If he’d been less awed by the winning weight, and more in tune with the overall standings, he’d get a better picture of reality. Maybe 2nd place was 12 pounds, and 3rd was 10, and out of 200 boats, 98 blanked. That tells a much different story about what to expect.

One of the best pieces of advice I’ve received on this topic came from Shaw Grigsby’s book, where he cited Doug Hannon’s observations made on angler behavior in professional events:

“He says that perhaps 80 percent of the bass caught in a given tournament are caught by anglers using the same pattern. Often the angler who wins does so by doing something off the main pattern – something contrary to the combined skill and judgment of the best anglers in the country. If you want to know what really caught the most fish, Doug says you should look at the anglers who placed second through tenth. They were on the best pattern.”

Similarly, when planning a trip, it’s fine to hope to be the exception to the rule, the one on the far right side of the bell curve of results – but if you plan on it you’re likely to be disappointed.

Just like in a tournament, the best information you can get prior to a bucket list fishing trip is not how many fish the best anglers are catching and how big those fish might be – but the hows and whys of their experience. What kind of bait are the fish chasing? What depth range are they using? Are there any tweaks or modifications that make a huge difference? That type of information will typically help you far more than any number offered in a vacuum.

Join Half Past First Cast on a hosted trip to Mexico, Guatemala, Alaska or Panama and we’ll always give you the straight scoop on what to expect – no exaggerations. We don’t want you to join us once, we want you to come back again and again and again. Email us any time at fishmore@halfpastfirstcast.com.

by AnglersChannel

D-BOX Earns an “A”

NOW AVAILABLE, DAIWA’s new system recycles plastic into premium utility tackle trays

Cypress, CA (December 21, 2023) – When the technological leader in rod and reel manufacturing introduces a commodity product, you can safely wager it’s better than the others. Such is the case with DAIWA’s new D-BOX Tackle System.

Being a DAIWA groupie, it’s time to renew your tackle utility boxes with the brand’s new premium and affordable collection. Available in two sizes (3600 and 3700) and six total configurations, DAIWA’s new D-Boxes features clear weathertight lids with four robust, tight-snapping latches to keep everything in check. Internal tabs are cut clean for instant organizing of each slot, with a total of 12 compartments in the 3600-size and 20 compartments in the 3700-size. Available in shallow, regular, and deep models.

And doing its part for the environment, DAIWA’s new D-BOX Tackle System boxes are made from 100% recycled plastic.

SHALLOW

MEDIUM

DEEP

SIZES:

DAIWA D-BOX MS-MEDIUM SHALLOW (12C/3600 Shallow Equivalent)
DAIWA D-BOX MR-MEDIUM REGULAR (12C/3600 Regular Equivalent)
DAIWA D-BOX MD-MEDIUM DEEP (12C/3600 Deep Equivalent)
DAIWA D-BOX LS-LARGE SHALLOW (20C/3700 Shallow Equivalent)
DAIWA D-BOX LR-LARGE REGULAR (20C/3700 Regular Equivalent)
DAIWA D-BOX LD-LARGE DEEP (20C/3700 Deep Equivalent)

MSRP $11.99 to $18.99

by AnglersChannel

B.A.S.S and Brunswick Corporation announce multiyear sponsorship agreement including Mercury Marine and Lowrance

December 21, 2023

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — B.A.S.S. is pleased to announce a multiyear sponsorship with Brunswick brands Mercury Marine and Lowrance. Mercury Marine is excited to continue their long-standing relationship with B.A.S.S., which is nearing the quarter-century mark, while Lowrance is joining in an expanded partnership.

Mercury Marine will be a premier sponsor of B.A.S.S. and will also become the title sponsor of the 2024 B.A.S.S. Nation Qualifier Series, which focuses on America’s grass-roots anglers.

“We are delighted to renew our premier-level support of B.A.S.S. — a partnership that promotes our mutual values and our shared love of competitive bass fishing,” said Jamie Evans, Mercury Marine vice president of marketing. “We are also excited to be the title sponsor for the 2024 B.A.S.S. Nation Series. Mercury and B.A.S.S. continue to work together to advance the causes of conservation, youth development and expanded opportunities for recreation and competition on the water.”

Mercury Marine’s title sponsorship of the B.A.S.S. Nation highlights the exciting changes in the series for 2024. This year, individual and club members will be able to enter national qualifier events, with the Top 20 finishers advancing to the Mercury B.A.S.S. Nation Championship and a shot at a berth in the world championship of bass fishing, the Bassmaster Classic.

“We are thrilled to continue our storied partnership with Mercury,” said Chase Anderson, CEO of B.A.S.S. “Our combined focus to grow the sport we love and share the passion of bass fishing ensures a very bright future for generations to come. Their support reaches from our grass-roots anglers to the biggest stage in bass fishing, the Bassmaster Classic. Together, Mercury and B.A.S.S. will bring fans, participants and competitors world-class events at all levels.”

Lowrance will not only become the supporting sponsor of the Bassmaster Elite Series and the St. Croix Bassmaster Opens, but it will also serve as presenting sponsor for the Mercury B.A.S.S. Nation Qualifier Series and hold the title sponsorship of the upcoming Harris Chain Elite event to be held April 11-14 in Leesburg, Fla.

“Lowrance is pleased to be partnering once again with B.A.S.S. in 2024 and 2025,” said Simon Conder, Lowrance brand marketing director. “We are looking forward to being more involved and playing a bigger part in these successful tournaments, including being the title sponsor of the Harris Chain Elite event and the presenting sponsor for B.A.S.S. Nation, as well as supporting sponsor for the Elite Series and Bassmaster Opens tournaments. A large number of competitors already use Lowrance, and it is particularly important for us to be supporting them, as well as informing and educating supporters and the wider angler community about our range of electronics and how they can help users become better anglers and, of course, catch more fish.”

“We are thrilled Lowrance is joining B.A.S.S. as a supporting sponsor,” added Anderson. “The relationship between our brands goes back decades and our histories, from the foundation of the sport to recent technological innovations, are in lockstep. Both Lowrance and B.A.S.S. focus on educating and supporting anglers in the pursuit of success. Our combined passion will focus on not only giving fans amazing events to watch, but also enhancing the moments anglers will spend on the water.”

by AnglersChannel

Second Season of Major League Fishing’s General Tire Team Series Set to Premiere on Outdoor Channel

Sneak Peek of First Episode Available NOW on Outdoor Channel YouTube channel

BENTON, Ky. (Dec. 21, 2023) – The Outdoor Channel and Major League Fishing (MLF) are gifting fans an early present this holiday season. With the first two-hour episode of Season 2 of the Major League Fishing’s (MLF) General Tire Team Series set to premiere on Saturday, Jan. 6, at 2 p.m. ET, on Outdoor Channel, an early sneak peek of that episode can be viewed right now at the Outdoor Channel YouTube channel.

The General Tire Team Series showcases the superstars from the Bass Pro Tour competing as teams across four events for hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash payouts. Each episode features nine MLF pro anglers competing as three, three-man teams. The anglers on each team wear wireless earpieces, which provide constant communication with their teammates. This communication allows each team to work together and strategize in real time on the water, shifting baits, techniques and areas as needed.

The 2024 General Tire Team Series premiere will feature three teams visiting Muskegon and Bear Lakes in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The anglers do not learn where they are competing until they arrive to the launch ramp each morning of competition. The full list of anglers competing can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.

The complete premiere schedule for the 2024 General Tire Team Series on Outdoor Channel is:

- Jan. 6         Lucas Oil Qualifier Presented by B&W Trailer Hitches: Elimination Match 1 (Grand Rapids, Mich.)
- Jan. 13       Lucas Oil Qualifier Presented by B&W Trailer Hitches: Elimination Match 2 (Grand Rapids, Mich.)
- Jan. 20       Lucas Oil Qualifier Presented by B&W Trailer Hitches: Elimination Match 3 (Grand Rapids, Mich.)
- Jan. 27       Lucas Oil Qualifier Presented by B&W Trailer Hitches: Semifinal Match 1 (Grand Rapids, Mich.)
- Feb. 3        Lucas Oil Qualifier Presented by B&W Trailer Hitches: Semifinal Match 2 (Grand Rapids, Mich.)
- Feb. 10      Lucas Oil Qualifier Presented by B&W Trailer Hitches: Wild Card Match (Grand Rapids, Mich.)
- Feb. 17      Costa Qualifier Presented by Toyota: Elimination Match 1 (Roanoke, W. Va.)
- Feb. 24      Costa Qualifier Presented by Toyota: Elimination Match 2 (Roanoke, W. Va.)
- March 2    Costa Qualifier Presented by Toyota: Elimination Match 3 (Roanoke, W. Va.)
- March 9    Costa Qualifier Presented by Toyota: Semifinal Match 1 (Roanoke, W. Va.)
- March 16 Costa Qualifier Presented by Toyota: Semifinal Match 2 (Roanoke, W. Va.)
- March 23 Costa Qualifier Presented by Toyota: Wild Card Match (Roanoke, W. Va.)
- March 30 Builders FirstSource Qualifier Presented by Berkley: Elimination Match 1 (Longview, Texas)
- April 6       Builders FirstSource Qualifier Presented by Berkley: Elimination Match 2 (Longview, Texas)
- April 13    Builders FirstSource Qualifier Presented by Berkley: Elimination Match 3 (Longview, Texas)
- April 20    Builders FirstSource Qualifier Presented by Berkley: Semifinal Match 1 (Longview, Texas)
- April 27    Builders FirstSource Qualifier Presented by Berkley: Semifinal Match 2 (Longview, Texas)
- May 4        Builders FirstSource Qualifier Presented by Berkley: Wild Card Match (Longview, Texas)
- May 11      Bass Pro Shops Championship Presented by B&W Trailer Hitches: Elimination Match 1 (Gainesville, Fla.)
- May 18      Bass Pro Shops Championship Presented by B&W Trailer Hitches: Elimination Match 2(Gainesville, Fla.)
- May 25      Bass Pro Shops Championship Presented by B&W Trailer Hitches: Elimination Match 3(Gainesville, Fla.)
- June 1        Bass Pro Shops Championship Presented by B&W Trailer Hitches: Semifinal Match 1(Gainesville, Fla.)
- June 8        Bass Pro Shops Championship Presented by B&W Trailer Hitches: Semifinal Match 2(Gainesville, Fla.)
- June 15     Bass Pro Shops Championship Presented by B&W Trailer Hitches: Wild Card Match(Gainesville, Fla.)
- June 22     Bass Pro Shops Championship Presented by B&W Trailer Hitches: Championship Final(Gainesville, Fla.)

Each episode will air as a two-hour episode, premiering each Saturday from 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. ET.

Proud sponsors of the MLF General Tire Team Series include: Abu Garcia, B&W Trailer Hitches, Barbasol, Bass Pro Shops, Berkley, BUBBA Scales, Builders FirstSource, C-MAP, Crockett Creek Beef Jerky, Epic Baits, Ferguson, General Tire, Knighten Industries, Kubota, Lowrance, Lucas Oil, Mercury, Mossy Oak, Nitro Boats, Onyx, Optima Batteries, Plano, Power-Pole, Rapala, Smokey Mountain Herbal Snuff, Spiderwire, Sqwincher, Star brite, St. Croix, and Toyota.

For complete details and updated information on the General Tire Team Series visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow MLF’s social media outlets at Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube

by AnglersChannel

Abu Garcia College Fishing National Championship and Phoenix Bass Fishing League All-American Events to Premiere Saturday on CBS Sports

WHAT: The 2023 Abu Garcia College Fishing Presented by YETI National Championship at Lake Toho Presented by Lowrance and the 2023 Phoenix Bass Fishing League All-American Championship at Lake Hartwell Presented by T-H Marine will premiere back-to-back nationwide this Saturday morning on CBS Sports Network.

WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 23, 2023, from 9-11 a.m. ET

Abu Garcia College Fishing Presented by YETI National Championship at Lake Toho Presented by Lowrance: 9-10 a.m. ET
Phoenix Bass Fishing League All-American Championship at Lake Hartwell Presented by T-H Marine: 10-11 a.m. ET

WHERE: CBS Sports Network

NOTES: The 15^th annual College Fishing National Championship, filmed earlier this year in Kissimmee, Florida and hosted by Experience Kissimmee , featured 198 teams representing 82 colleges across the nation – a record-breaking number of teams for the MLF College Fishing National Championship. Teams competed for a $43,500 prize package, including a new Phoenix 518 Pro bass boat with a 115-horsepower Mercury outboard plus $10,000, as well as the opportunity to advance to the 2023 Toyota Series Championship to compete for a top prize of up to $235,000.

The 40^th annual Phoenix Bass Fishing League All-American Championship Presented by T-H Marine, hosted by Visit Oconee SC , was filmed in June of 2023 in Seneca, South Carolina, and showcased the nation’s best weekend grassroots anglers. The All-American Champion boater earned a top prize of up to $120,000, and an automatic qualification into REDCREST 2024.

Proud sponsors of the 2023 Abu Garcia College Fishing Presented by YETI and the 2023 Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine circuits include: 13 Fishing, Abu Garcia, B&W Trailer Hitches, Berkley, Black Rifle Coffee, E3, Epic Baits, Favorite Fishing, General Tire, Grundéns, Gill, Lew’s, Lowrance, Mercury, Mossy Oak, Mystik Lubricants, Onyx, Phoenix, Polaris, Power-Pole, Strike King, Tackle Warehouse, T-H Marine, Toyota, Wiley X and YETI.

For complete details and updated information on Major League Fishing visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow the MLF5 social media outlets at Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

by AnglersChannel

Bass Fishing Hall of Fame Continues Scholarship Program to Support Future of Fisheries Management

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – December 20, 2023 – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - The Bass Fishing Hall of Fame (BFHOF) is proud to announce the second year of its Fishery Management Scholarship Program. Recognizing the critical role of fishery management professionals in ensuring the health and vibrancy of bass fisheries across the U.S. and Canada, this program aims to provide financial support and encouragement to high school and college bass anglers pursuing careers in this vital field.

Up to $15,000 will be awarded in June 2024 to selected applicants. Applications are now open and can be submitted through the BFHOF website: https://www.bassfishinghof.com/

“Many fishery management agencies face a growing need for qualified individuals who possess both a deep understanding of the science behind fishery management and a passion for the sport of bass fishing,” said BFHOF Board President John Mazurkiewicz. “Spearheaded by Gene Gilliland and our dedicated Conservation/Education Committee, this scholarship program aligns perfectly with the Hall’s mission of celebrating, promoting, and preserving the sport by investing in the future of healthy fisheries, accessible waters, and clean aquatic ecosystems.”

Scholarship eligibility:

High school seniors committed to enrolling in a four-year college or university program
Undergraduate and graduate students currently enrolled in a four-year college, university, or accredited graduate program
Declared or planned major in biology, aquatic ecology, fisheries, marine science, or a closely related natural resources field

Application requirements:

Short essay outlining career goals in natural resources and describing the applicant’s dream agency job
Proof of membership in a recognized bass fishing organization or valid fishing license
Completed BFHOF Fishery Management Scholarship Program application form

Selection process:

Applications will be reviewed by an independent panel of distinguished individuals involved in fishery management across the U.S. and Canada. The panel includes Phil Morlock, Director of Government Affairs for the Canadian Sportfishing Industry Association; Chris Horton, Senior Director of Fisheries Policy for the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation; Ross Self, Chief of Inland Fisheries for the South Carolina DNR; and Dr. Mark Rogers, Tennessee Cooperative Fishery Research Unit Leader at Tennessee Tech University.

Application deadline: April 15, 2024

Scholarship award:

Up to $15,000 total to be distributed among selected recipients
Awarded as a stipend for school-related expenses

For more information:

Visit the BFHOF Fishery Management Scholarship Program website: https://www.bassfishinghof.com
Contact the BFHOF at (501) 541-6660 or bbowman@bassfishinghof.com

By investing in the next generation of fishery management professionals, the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame is committed to ensuring the continued health and sustainability of bass fisheries for generations to come.

by AnglersChannel

AC Insider Podcast - Elite Series AND NPFL Winner - Patrick Walters

They guys are closing out the 2023 podcast season with a guest they "should" have talked to a few times this year. Three time winner, Patrick Walters takes a break from the woods and joins us to recap those victories, and more importantly the mental game that goes with it. They get into everything from the focus factor, to the electronics setup, so check it out!

by AnglersChannel

Bassmaster to debut new series on FOX Sports in 2024

The Cast presented by Bass Pro Shops covers the beginnings of B.A.S.S. and stories of sportfishing's biggest stars.

Photo by B.A.S.S.

December 19, 2023

Bassmaster to debut new series on FOX Sports in 2024

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — B.A.S.S. is partnering with Bass Pro Shops on a new seven-part series documenting the untold stories and bold cast of characters who built the sportfishing industry. The Cast presented by Bass Pro Shops will air in early January 2024 on FS1 and introduce viewers to the visionaries, storytellers and superstars who made B.A.S.S. the biggest stage in fishing.

“While many people know about Ray Scott’s passion and vision for bass fishing, they don’t always know about the colorful and innovative people who were building both our organization and this industry alongside Ray,” said B.A.S.S. CEO Chase Anderson. “The Cast not only delves into Ray’s contributions to fishing and legacy of conservation, but it is a look at the people behind the evolution of tournament bass fishing from where it started in the late ’60s to the spectacle of the Bassmaster Classic, drawing more than 160,000 fans in Knoxville.”

Episodes feature interviews and personal stories never heard before from some of fishing’s most iconic voices, including Bob Cobb, Bill Dance and Roland Martin, as well as insights from personalities like former B.A.S.S. CEO Helen Sevier and longtime tournament director Trip Weldon.

“For decades B.A.S.S. and Bass Pro Shops have shared a vision to get more people on the water and fishing,” said Anderson. “I’m excited that they’re joining with us to tell the story of the people who have shaped the sport both brands love so much.”

A longtime B.A.S.S. partner, Bass Pro Shops is also a premier sponsor for the Bassmaster Tournament Trail as well as title sponsor of the Bassmaster Team Championship and presenting sponsor of the Bassmaster College Series.

“We are proud of our longtime affiliation with B.A.S.S. and remain deeply grateful to my dear friend Ray Scott,” said legendary angler, noted conservationist and Bass Pro Shops founder Johnny Morris. “The Cast will bring to light some exciting stories about many of our buddies and tournament fishing pioneers. These individuals helped make the sportfishing industry what it is today, and telling their stories to sportsmen and sportswomen of all ages will help showcase the history of this great sport and organization.”

The Cast presented by Bass Pro Shops will begin airing in January on FS1 leading up to live Bassmaster Elite Series tournament coverage on FS1 and the FOX Sports platforms. Check Bassmaster.com/how-to-watch or check your local listings for airdates.

2024 Programming - Bassmasters & The CAST.jpg

by AnglersChannel

Major League Fishing Reveals Roster for 2024 Tackle Warehouse Invitationals

BENTON, Ky. (Dec. 18, 2023) – Major League Fishing (MLF) announced today the angler roster for the 2024 Tackle Warehouse Invitationals, the second season of professional bass fishing’s lucrative proving ground for anglers looking to qualify for the Bass Pro Tour. The Invitationals consist of six three-day tournaments that feature a field of 150 anglers competing for a top prize of $115,000, and an invitation to compete at REDCREST 2025 in Huntsville, Alabama.

Of the 150 anglers fishing each Tackle Warehouse Invitational, 137 have committed to compete in all six events. The payout at each Invitational is $652,000, with a total payout of more than $3.9 million for the season.

The roster of anglers fishing all six events in 2024 includes the Bass Pro Tour’s Kelly Jordon of Flint, Texas; Keith Carson of Debary, Florida; Drew Gill of Mount Carmel, Illinois; and Keith Poche of Pike Road, Alabama. They’ll be joined by a stout field of competitors, including Bass Fishing Hall of Famer’s Paul Elias of Laurel, Mississippi, and Shaw Grigsby of Gainesville, Florida, along with former Boston Red Sox player Mike Greenwell, a two-time Major League Baseball All-Star and 1988 American League MVP runner-up, who will be making the jump to compete in the “big leagues” of bass fishing.

Tackle Warehouse Invitational anglers compete over three days in a five-fish, weigh-in format. All 150 anglers compete the first two days, with the top 30 pros advancing to the third and final day. The winner of each Invitational is determined by heaviest three-day cumulative weight. The winner of each of the six Invitationals in 2024 will receive an invitation to compete at REDCREST 2025 at Lake Guntersville in Huntsville, Alabama. Additionally, the season-long Invitational Angler of the Year (AOY) will also earn a berth into REDCREST, for a total of seven qualification opportunities.

Every day of competition will be broadcast live on MLFNOW!^® and streamed to the Major League Fishing app, MyOutdoorTV (MOTV), and at MajorLeagueFishing.com. Each event will also air on the CBS Sports Network.

For compete details and up-to-date tournament information, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow MLF’s social media outlets at Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

The 137 anglers that will compete in all six events to qualify for the 2025 Bass Pro Tour are:

Shannon Abbott, Louisville, Tenn.
Charles Abshire Lake Charles, La.
Ryan Armstrong, Robinson, Ill.
John Baranik, Earleville, Md.
Evan Barnes, Dardanelle, Ark.
Clayton Batts, Butler, Ga.
Matt Baty, Bainbridge, Ga.
David Boelkins, Waukesha, Wis.
Drew Boggs, Lebanon, Tenn.
Brock Bolden, Rogers, Ark.
Alex Bradley, Wellford, S.C.
Cole Breeden, Lebanon, Mo.
Chandler Brewer, Meridianville, Ala.
Dennis Burdette, Pembroke, Va.
Craig Burwell, North Baltimore, Ohio
Tim Cales, Beckley, W. Va.
Brody Campbell, Oxford, Ohio
Jon Canada, Helena, Ala.
Brett Carnright, Plattsburgh, N.Y.
Jason Carpenter, Castle Pines, Colo.
Keith Carson, DeBary. Fla.
J.D. Chandler, Liberty, Texas
Travis Coleman, Lake Ozark, Mo.
Jordan Collom, Canyon Lake, Calif.
Ramie Colson, Jr., Cadiz, Ky.
Mark Condron, Murfreesboro, Tenn.
Kyle Cortiana, Broken Arrow, Okla.
Dean Cox, Coweta, Okla.
Ben Cox, Andrews, S.C.
Austin Culbertson, Moberly, Mo.
Connor Cunningham, Springfield, Mo.
Colby Dark, West Monroe, La.
Alex Davis, Albertville, Ala.
Flint Davis, Leesburg, Ga.
Randy Despino, Colfax, La.
Tommy Dickerson, Orange, Texas
Paul Elias, Laurel, Miss.
Hunter Eubanks, Landrum, S.C.
Charlie Evans, Berea, Ky.
Mark Fisher, Wauconda, Ill.
Terry Fisher, Decatur, Ala.
Drew Gill, Mount Carmel, Ill.
Robert Grabow, Morgantown, W. Va.
Joe Grafeman, Camdenton, Mo.
Matt Greenblatt, Port St. Lucie, Fla.
Ethan Greene, Eufaula, Ala.
Mike Greenwell, Alva, Fla.
Christian Greico, Tampa, Fla.
Shaw Grigsby, Gainesville, Fla.
Chris Groh, Spring Grove, Ill.
Thomas Guthke, Anderson, S.C.
Brett Haake, Shorewood, Ill.
Ryan Habenicht, Meadow Vista, Calif.
Blake Hall, Rogersville, Ala.
Kyle Hall, Granbury, Texas
Nick Hargis, Wentzville, Mo.
Michael Harlin, Sunrise Beach, Mo.
Jeff Harper, Fleming Island, Fla.
Dillon Harrell, New Caney, Texas
Travis Harriman, Huntsville, Ark.
Rick Harris, Kingsland, Texas
Byron Haseotes, Osterville, Mass.
Jacob Heath, Essex, Mass.
Jordan Hirt, Glenwood, Iowa
Paul Hodges, III, Glendale, Ariz.
Michael Hood, Winchester, Tenn.
Laker Howell, Guntersville, Ala.
Derik Hudson, Concord, Va.
Marshall Hughes, Hemphill, Texas
Darrell Ivey, Jr., Lebanon, Mo.
Brad Jelinek, Lincoln, Mo.
Kelly Jordon, Flint, Texas
Frank Kitchens, III, Oxford, Ga.
Drew Kleine, Galesburg, Ill.
William Kronander, Brownsville, Pa.
Cal Lane, Guntersville, Ala.
Brian Latimer, Belton, S.C.
Jake Lawrence, Paris, Tenn.
Robby Lefere, Jackson, Mich.
Destin Lesesne, Blue Ridge, Ga.
Scott Lindstam, Plant City, Fla.
Bret Loomis, Groveland, N.Y.
Steve Lopez, Oconomowoc, Wis.
Terry Luedtke, Burton, Texas
Adam Lynn, Columbia, Tenn.
Blake Martin, Dardanelle, Ark.
Aspen Martin, White, Ga.
Cameron Mattison, Benton, La.
James Maupin, Stanardsville, Va.
Ben McCann, Bradenton, Fla.
Bronk McDaniel, Alexandria, La.
Shayne McFarlin, Martin, Ga.
Joshua McGeary, Mount Pleasant, Pa.
Bryan McNeal, Madison, Ala.
Colby Miller, Elmer, La.
Hunter Mills, Mayfield, Ky.
Alec Morrison, Peru, N.Y.
Chad Mrazek, Montgomery, Texas
Tony Muina, Wewahitchka, Fla.
Britt Myers, Jr., Lake Wylie, S.C.
Robert Nakatomi, Sacramento, Calif.
Andrew Nordbye, Guntersville, Ala.
Terry Olinger, Louisa, Va.
Lane Olson, Forest Grove, Ore.
Eric Panzironi, Longwood, Fla.
Taylor Parker, Lake View, Ala.
Jaden Parrish, Liberty, Texas
Cody Petit, Arundel, Maine
Keith Poche, Pike Road, Ala.
Tom Redington, Royse City, Texas
Matt Reed, Madisonville, Texas
Jimmy Reese, Witter Springs, Calif.
Brock Reinkemeyer, Warsaw, Mo.
Christian Rich, Eufaula, Ala.
Mitchell Robinson, Landrum, S.C.
Cody Ross, Livingston, Texas
Rusty Salewske, Alpine, Calif.
Braxton Setzer, Wetumpka, Ala.
Curtis Shaw, Catlett, Va.
Mike Smola, Gravette, Ark.
Jeremy Southerly, Fulks Run, Va.
Cody Spetz, Hollister, Mo.
Tim Sprouse, Clarksville, Tenn.
Kennie Steverson, Umatilla, Fla.
Tyler Stewart, Dubach, La.
Spike Stoker, Cisco, Texas
Troy Stokes, Trenton, Mich.
Ken Thompson, Roaring Springs, Pa.
Stephen Toth, Alachua, Fla.
Tim Tyson, Daniel Island, S.C.
Scotty Villines, Ponca, Ark.
Jacob Walker, Springville, Ala.
Todd Walters, Kernersville, N.C.
Jordan Wiggins, Cullman, Ala.
Scott Wiley, Bay Minette, Ala.
Jack Daniel Williams, Kingsport, Tenn.
Thomas Wooten, Huddleston, Va.

The 13 anglers who will join them to fill the 150-angler field at Tackle Warehouse Invitational Stop 1 at Sam Rayburn Reservoir are:

Adrian Avena, Marmora, N.J.
Matt Becker, Ten Mile, Tenn.
Jeff Bridges, Prosper, Texas
John Cox, DeBary, Fla.
Wesley Dawson, Chester, Texas
Randy Deaver, Blanchard, La.
Dakota Ebare, Brookeland, Texas
Ty Faber, Pagosa Springs, Colo.
Bobby Lane, Lakeland, Fla.
Nick LeBrun, Bossier City, La.
Spencer Shuffield, Hot Springs, Ark.
Charley Slaton, Valliant, Okla.
Martin Villa, Charlottesville, Va.

2024 MLF Tackle Warehouse Invitationals Schedule:

Feb. 9-11 Sam Rayburn Reservoir Brookeland, Texas
Hosted by the Jasper County Development District

March 1-3 West Point Lake LaGrange, Ga.
Hosted by Visit LaGrange

April 19-21 Kentucky Lake Calvert City, Ky.
Hosted by the Kentucky Lake Convention & Visitors Bureau

May 10-12 Lake Eufaula Eufaula, Ala.
Hosted by the Eufaula Barbour County Chamber of Commerce

June 15-17 Lake Champlain Plattsburgh, N.Y.
Hosted by City of Plattsburgh & Adirondack Coast Visitors Bureau

July 26-28 Detroit River Trenton, Mich.
Hosted by the Detroit Sports Commission

by AnglersChannel

MDJ: December is for family, pecans, quackers and FFS

Courtesy of Alan McGuckin - Dynamic Sponsorships

Team Toyota’s Mark Daniels Jr. says he’s a city kid at heart, who has always been attracted to the country way of life. So, finding him on the tailgate of his Tundra eating pecans after a duck hunt, prior to the next self-taught forward-facing sonar trip, is a pretty typical December day for the comical pro who now calls Southern Alabama home.

His love of wing shooting began in his home state of California at the age of 26, when close friend, Josh Reublin mentored him on the massive Suisun Marsh, where they took teal, gadwall, and a few mallards from West Coast skies.

When his education took him to Tuskegee University in Alabama, he brought the passion with him, and years after earning his degree in environmental science, “MDJ” now spends at least a dozen days each season taking mallards from a waterfowl lease he shares with buddies near Greenville, Mississippi.

“I’m really just a wing shooter – whether it’s ducks, dove, or quail – count me in,” grins Daniels over a bag of fresh fallen pecans. “Late fall and early winter are prime time for fresh pecans. My family and I love ‘em. So, I buy them fresh from the local farmers markets. They kinda half crack them for ya, so you still have to do a little work to enjoy them. And that’s half the fun of eating them,” he laughs.

On a slightly more serious note, is MDJ’s quest to become the best he can be at the forward-facing sonar game. So, most winter fishing trips to local lakes like Mitchell and Jordan are fully focused on finding bass feeding on schools of shad, and zeroing-in on them with bass fishing’s latest, and most talked about technology.

“It’s about repetition. It’s no different than the kid who wants to become a great basketball player going to the gym when nobody is there and practicing hundreds of free throws or 3-pointers. My job isn’t to debate the technology, my job is to learn it better and better. That only happens through time on the water using it, until the lightbulb moments happen more and more frequently,” he says.

Apparently, incidents of better FFS comprehension are occurring more often for MDJ, as days of catching 40 to 60 bass up to 4-pounds have happened numerous times for him in the days leading up to Santa’s arrival.

Once the big fella and his reindeer actually touch down near Tuskegee,he says he’ll host the big family holiday gathering for the first time ever, as they give their 87-year old grandma a break from her annual hospitality duties.

“My wife Taneisha and I are ready to have the whole family over. Even though it’s our first time to host, we’re gonna show ‘em all a good time. Bottom line is you just can’t go wrong in December. Whether it’s ducks, fresh pecans, winter fishing, or time with family, I just love this time of year,” says Daniels.

A fitting conclusion from one of bass fishing’s kindest, hardest working, and often most comical pros.

by AnglersChannel

2024 TXTT Registration Less Than One Month Away!!!

SPRINGFIELD, MO. (December 13, 2023) – There are only 66 days until the official start of the 2024 Bass Pro Shops & Cabela’s Texas Team Trail presented by Progressive. With stops at legendary Texas fisheries Sam Rayburn Reservoir, Toledo Bend and Lake Fork, the opportunity at big limits and big prizes are greater than ever for team anglers in the Lone Star state.
As a reminder, here is the registration schedule:

Wednesday, January 3rd: WRMG Boat Owners
Thursday, January 11th: Open Registration for All Teams

As a reminder, all WRMG owners who plan to compete the entire 2024 TXTT season out of a either a Nitro, Ranger, or Triton boat can enter for a discounted rate if they enter for all the regular season events at once. The discounted rate of $200.00 per tournament is just another way of saying thanks to our loyal boat owners.

Teams will only be able to take advantage of this opportunity by registering and paying $800.00 for all the regular season events at once between January 3rd through January 11th. Teams taking advantage of this opportunity will still have to pay the 2024 TXTT membership fees and will still have the option to register for Angler’s Advantage.

On Thursday, January 11th registration will open for all other team tournament anglers for the 2024 TXTT season. Entry fees will be $250.00 per event, plus a $50 TXTT membership fee per team member, plus the optional Angler’s Advantage.

To register for the 2024 Texas Team Trail tournaments, please read the updated 2024 RULES and then follow this link to get registered: https://www.texasteamtrail.com/register/

2024 Texas Team Trail Schedule:
February 17th - Brookeland, TX | Sam Rayburn Reservoir
March 23rd - Brookeland, TX | Sam Rayburn Reservoir
April 13th - Yantis, TX | Lake Fork
May 4th - Belton, TX | Belton Lake
June 8-9th - Many, LA | Toledo Bend Reservoir - CHAMPIONSHIP

Texas Team Trail is a part of the Outdoor Team Works family of fishing tournaments. The OTW brand offers a wide range of fishing events from professional tournaments to grassroots fishing derbies. All events are supported by some of the top companies in the nation and include on-site activation and activities, as well as extensive media support. For additional live updates and information, follow TXTT on Facebook and Instagram.

by AnglersChannel

AC Extra - Compete, Cash In, Conserve

If you're like us, you're already looking ahead to fishing in 2024. If new optics are in your future, be sure to check out Costa Sunglasses! Holiday deals, free expedited shipping, and tons of styles in stock, it's not too late to add a pair to Santa's list.

They've supported bass fishing and bass anglers for over a decade, provided top quality products, AND are giving back to the sport we all love. Included with the purchase of any Costa sunglasses...it is as simple as Register, Compete, Cash In, Conserve. Learn More / Register

Over $100,000 and counting has been awarded to conservation efforts across the country on behalf of Costa anglers. Anglers choose from a list of projects, including: American Rivers, Bass Fishing Hall of Fame, Friends of Reservoirs, National Fish & Wildlife Foundation, and the Johnny Morris Conservation Foundation. It’s as simple as – Own Costa Sunglasses – Register at Compete & Conserve – Win – Donate. Time to #seewhatsoutthere

by AnglersChannel

Full field is set for 2024 Bassmaster Classic on Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees

56 anglers will compete at the 2024 Bassmaster Classic at Grand Lake O' the Cherokees, which will be held March 22-24 in Tulsa, Okla.

Photo by Andy Crawford/B.A.S.S.

December 13, 2023

Full field is set for 2024 Bassmaster Classic on Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — With the entire 2023 Bassmaster tournament season in the history books, the field is officially set for the next renewal of fishing’s grandest spectacle.

A group of 56 anglers will compete in the 54th Bassmaster Classic, scheduled for March 22-24, 2024 on Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees with weigh-ins and festivities in Tulsa, Okla. From an age and experience standpoint, it’ll be one of the most diverse fields in the event’s history, with competitors ranging from 17-year-old Floridian Aaron Yavorsky (the youngest participant in Classic history) to veteran Oklahoma pro Jason Christie (a 10-time Classic qualifier, the 2022 Classic winner and one of the clear favorites to score another victory on his home waters in 2024).

“With the field in place for the 2024 Classic, it’s amazing to kind of take a breath and look back over the 2023 season that brought us here,” said Chris Bowes, vice president of tournaments for B.A.S.S. “These guys put in countless hours of work just to get to this point — and the result, for them, is a chance to score the biggest victory of their careers. For B.A.S.S., the result is another powerhouse field for the greatest celebration of professional bass fishing.”

As usual, the bulk of the field came from the Progressive Insurance Bassmaster Angler of the Year standings, with AOY winner Kyle Welcher of Opelika, Ala., leading the way. Other notable anglers who qualified from the Bassmaster Elite Series include...

Greg Hackney of Gonzales, La., an 18-time Classic qualifier and the 2014 Bassmaster Angler of the Year
Brandon Palaniuk of Rathdrum, Idaho, a 13-time Classic qualifier and two-time Bassmaster Angler of the Year (2017, 2022)
Hank Cherry of Lincolnton, N.C., an eight-time Classic qualifier and back-to-back Classic winner (2020, 2021)

“One of the most exciting things about the Classic is you never know who’s going to claim the next piece of history,” said Elite Series Tournament Director Lisa Talmadge. “We could certainly have a first-time winner — someone who doesn’t get a lot of attention leading up to the event. But to hold that trophy, they’ll have to go through a field of anglers who’ve been there before and done this at the highest level for a long time.”

Defending champion Jeff Gustafson of Canada received an automatic berth, and a pair of anglers from the Elite Series AOY standings were double-qualified for the event, opening up spots for others who would have been just outside the cut.

South Carolina pro Patrick Walters finished third in the AOY race, easily inside the cut. But since he also earned an automatic berth with his victory in the Elite Series regular-season finale on the St. Lawrence River — the only Elite event that offers such a berth — it opened a spot for Tennessee rookie Cole Sands (42nd, AOY) to make his first Classic appearance.

Will Davis Jr., of Alabama also finished comfortably inside the Classic cut at 31st in the AOY standings. But since he also earned a berth as the first-ever back-to-back winner of the TNT Fireworks B.A.S.S. Nation Championship on Lake Hartwell in October, a Classic spot was opened for fellow Alabama pro David Gaston (43rd, AOY). New Hampshire’s Timothy Dube, who finished second in the Nation Championship, and Wisconsin’s Josh Wiesner, who placed third, also earned Classic berths.

Throughout the rest of the field, you’ll find pros who’ve raised blue trophies more than once on the Elite Series stage. Those with multiple wins on pro bass fishing’s most prestigious tour include South Carolina’s Brandon Cobb (two), Arkansas pro Joey Cifuentes III (two), Maryland’s Bryan Schmitt(two), Georgia’s Drew Benton (two), Hackney (four), Texas pro Lee Livesay (three), Palaniuk (five), Christie (five), Connecticut pro Paul Mueller (two) and Walters (two).

“Think about that,” Bowes said. “Nothing can prepare you for the pressure and excitement of the Classic, but the Elite Series probably comes closest — and you have anglers scattered throughout this field who’ve topped Elite Series competition more than once throughout their careers. It’s a steep path to that Classic trophy this year.”

The field will feature eight winners from the St. Croix Bassmaster Opens, including Georgia’s Justin Barnes, Ben Milliken of Texas, North Carolina’s Powell Kemp, Wisconsin’s Adam Rasmussen, Alabama’s Joey Nania, Tyler Williams of Maine, New York’s Kyle Patrick and Kentucky’s Matt Messer.

Jody White of Vermont won the Open on the St. Lawrence River in July but did not qualify for a Classic berth because he failed to fish all three events in Division 3 as the rules require. The spot that would have belonged to him went to Mueller (41st, AOY).

The field was completed Saturday when Yavorsky won the two-day Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Team Championship Classic Fish-Off on Florida’s Harris Chain of Lakes by a margin of more than 22 pounds. His remarkable story happened the same year that University of Montevallo (Ala.) angler Easton Fothergill qualified through the Bassmaster College Classic Bracket presented by Lew’s just weeks after having emergency surgery to remove an infected abscess from his brain.

“If you want storylines, this Classic has them,” Bowes said. “This event is a dream for the media, for fans of the sport and certainly for the anglers taking part.

“Even though the season just ended, I wish it started tomorrow.”

Grand Lake hosted previous Classics in 2013 and 2016 — and as with past Classics in Tulsa, daily weigh-ins will be held at the BOK Center in downtown Tulsa, with the Bassmaster Classic Outdoors Expo across the street at the Cox Business Convention Center, which boasts 275,000 square feet of event space. Daily takeoffs will be held about 90 miles away at the Wolf Creek Park and Boating Facility on Grand Lake.

2024 Bassmaster Classic Qualifiers

Matt Arey, Shelby, N.C.

Justin Barnes, Ellaville, Ga.

Drew Benton, Panama City, Fla.

Stetson Blaylock, Benton, Ark.

Scott Canterbury, Odenville, Ala.

Brandon Card, Salisbury, N.C.

Hank Cherry, Lincolnton, N.C.

Jason Christie, Dry Creek, Okla.

Joey Cifuentes III, Clinton, Ark.

Brandon Cobb, Greenwood, S.C.

Drew Cook, Cairo, Ga.

John Cox, DeBary, Fla.

Will Davis Jr., Sylacauga, Ala.

Bob Downey, Detroit Lakes, Minn.

Timothy Dube, Nashua, N.H.

Austin Felix, Eden Prairie, Minn.

Easton Fothergill, Grand Rapids, Minn.

Kyoya Fujita, Minamitsuru, Yamanashi, Japan

Cooper Gallant, Bowmanville, Canada

David Gaston, Sylacauga, Ala.

Jeff Gustafson, Kenora, Canada

Greg Hackney, Gonzales, La.

Justin Hamner, Northport, Ala.

Cody Huff, Ava, Mo.

Taku Ito, Chiba, Japan

Carl Jocumsen, Toowoomba, Australia

Chris Johnston, Otonabee, Canada

Cory Johnston, Cavan, Canada

Powell Kemp, Scotland Neck, N.C.

Kenta Kimura, Hirakata, Japan

Shane LeHew, Catawba, N.C.

Lee Livesay, Longview, Texas

Matt Messer, Warfield, Ky.

Ben Milliken, New Caney, Texas

Brock Mosley, Collinsville, Miss.

Paul Mueller, Naugatuck, Conn.

Joey Nania, Cropwell, Ala.

Brandon Palaniuk, Rathdrum, Idaho

Luke Palmer, Coalgate, Okla.

Kyle Patrick, Cooperstown, N.Y.

Jacob Powroznik, North Prince George, Va.

Jay Przekurat, Stevens Point, Wis.

Adam Rasmussen, Sturgeon Bay, Wis.

Tyler Rivet, Raceland, La.

Matt Robertson, Kuttawa, Ky.

Cole Sands, Calhoun, Tenn.

Pat Schlapper, Eleva, Wis.

Bryan Schmitt, Deale, Md.

Hunter Shryock, Ooltewah, Tenn.

Bryant Smith, Roseville, Calif.

Patrick Walters, Summerville, S.C.

Kyle Welcher, Opelika, Ala.

Clark Wendlandt, Leander, Texas

Josh Wiesner, Fond du Lac, Wis.

Tyler Williams, Belgrade, Maine

Aaron Yavorsky, Palm Harbor, Fla.

by AnglersChannel

Bassmaster Classic Winning Jigs In-Stock

Smeltinator^® Jigs NOW SHIPPING From Northland Fishing Tackle^®!

BEMIDJI, Minn. (December 13, 2023) – This past August, Northland announced that the 2023 Bassmaster Classic winning Smeltinator jig would be licensed, branded, and distributed by Northland moving into 2024.

With a relationship that goes back 20 years, Northland talked seriously with both Bassmaster Classic Winner Jeff “Gussy” Gustafson and Bass Tactics founder, Bryan Gustafson (no relation), to join forces and push product development, production, marketing, and sales into a much bigger realm.

A few months after the licensing agreement with Bryan Gustafson and Bass Tactics to produce, distribute and sell the Smeltinator and Smeltinator Underspin Jigs under the Northland brand name, the original Smeltinator Jig is NOW AVAILABLE!

With 13 colors, four sizes (1/8-, ¼-, 3/8-, and ½-ounce), and five hook sizes (1/0, 2/0, 3/0, 4/0, and 5/0) from which to choose, bass anglers are sure to find the right jig for whatever situation they face. Jigs come three per card for $7.99 (MSRP).

Smeltinator Jig (SMELT)

Smeltinator Magic

The 2023 Bassmaster Classic wasn’t the first time that Gussy stacked big weights and solid limits of smallmouth bass on the Tennessee River out of Knoxville, Tennessee. Back in March of 2021, Gussy first put the “moping” technique to use, sinking Kenora, Ontario-designed Smeltinator Jigs to fill his ‘well for weigh-in at the 2021 Guaranteed Rate Bassmaster Elite. Gussy went wire-to-wire for four days of the event, weighing 63 pounds, besting second place by an impressive seven pounds. Gussy trailered home to the far north with over $100,000 in his pocket.

Word of the “moping” technique traveled quickly through social wires, sending serious bassers on the hunt for Gussy’s favored jig head—the Smeltinator Jig.

GOLD

GLOW

LAKE WINNIPEG

OPENING NIGHT

PURPLE SILVER

RALPHS SMOKE

SILVER

UNPAINTED

WHITE

PINK WHITE

YELLOW ORANGE

CHARTREUSE MOSS

CAMO

Discover the magic of Smeltinator Jigs yourself!

by AnglersChannel

Travel Tuesday - For Epic Vacations, Avoid the "Fish and Ski"

By Pete Robbins, Half Past First Cast

Do you remember “Fish and Ski” bass boats? They were popular in the 1980s and 1990s, and depending on your perspective, they were either the best or the worst combination of features you could buy.

They were typically marked by a basic bass boat or deep-v shape, a big walk-through windshield, and a smaller front deck than a typical “tournament-ready” bass boat. That’s not to say that you couldn’t be competitive out of one, but rather that they gave up some efficiency in the name of creating a boat built for more than just fishing. The sales pitch was that after you were done chasing bass, the whole family could join you for skiing, tubing and general chilling.

These purchases almost always reeked of desperate compromise. The angler in the family (usually, but not always, dad) would head to the dealership looking for a rocket-like Hydroblaster. The non-angler (usually, but not always, mom) would come along, and seeing this other option, would push for it. It’ll be better for family unity, better for time with the kids, and it will make us all want to go to the lake with you, the latter partner would say.

Ten minutes later, they were signing on the dotted line.

A year later, the angler was still fishing out of the boat, but was deeply disappointed to have been bullied into this purchase, because after one or two trips the family had decided they had other things to do. They’d stopped coming along. Meanwhile, he/she would still strongly prefer the other boat (but with only 162 payments left, that’s not on the table).

If you are planning the fishing trip of a lifetime, and you have a family of committed non-anglers, don’t be pressured into going on the compromise trip.

Yes, there are certainly options – like Costa Rica or Alaska or Cabo or Traverse City – where one family member can have a world-class fishing experience for a few days and those who don’t care to fish can still have a killer vacation. No one needs to sacrifice their preferences and you can still enjoy plenty of togetherness. I’m not talking about those trips. I’m talking about your once-in-a-lifetime, ultra-bucket-list, hard-core fishing deal. Maybe it’s Panama or the Seychelles or Arctic Char in the Northwest Territories, but if it’s something technical and a little off the grid, leave the non-anglers at home.

You cannot make someone enjoy something they don’t like, and if you’ve been waiting 10 or 20 or more years to make a dream happen, anyone who wants to go in early or doesn’t get excited by your big fish is going to be a drag. There will be plenty of time for togetherness in other venues, but when it comes to living out your dreams, choose “social distancing” over compromise.

At Half Past First Cast, we understand that sometimes compromise isn’t a dirty word, but we always try to help you have the best fishing trip possible at the best price. Email us at fishmore@halfpastfirstcast.com if you’d like to explore options in Mexico, Panama, Guatemala or Alaska.

by AnglersChannel

Ranger Under the Lid - What's in the Back?

This week we're catching up with Bryan Thrift to check out how he sets up the back of his Ranger Z520. It's packed with Relion Lithium Batteries, a spare prop, a charger, and still has room to spare! Check it out in this "Under the Lid".

by AnglersChannel

Yavorksy wins Bassmaster Team Championship Fish-Off, becomes youngest to qualify for Classic

Aaron Yavorsky of the Florida BASS Nation Team Trail has won the 2023 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Team Championship Classic Fish-Off with a total of 48 pounds, 4 ounces.

Photo by Dalton Tumblin/B.A.S.S.

December 9, 2023

LEESBURG, Fla. — Aaron Yavorsky could have idled inside the Venetian Gardens Marina all day Saturday and still won the 2023 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Team Championship Classic Fish-Off.

But instead of taking his foot off the gas after virtually securing the tournament title on Friday, the 17-year-old Yavorsky put the proverbial pedal to the metal. And in doing so, he scrawled his name into the B.A.S.S. history books — with authority.

Following the 30-pound, 7-ounce limit of five bass he weighed on Day 1, Yavorsky caught another limit Saturday, this one weighing 17-13. And though his final bag was the lightest he caught this week, it absolutely was more than enough to secure the Fish-Off title with a two-day weight of 48-4.

It was as commanding a win as one could imagine in a tournament of this magnitude. Second place went to Connor Nimrod of the Media Bass Trail in north Louisiana, who caught 25-14 over two days, more than 22 pounds behind Yavorsky.

The decisive victory earned Yavorsky the final berth into the 2024 Bassmaster Classic, which will be held March 22-24 on Oklahoma’s Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees. He is the youngest person to ever qualify for the Classic, a distinction previously owned by David Brind of New York, who was 18 when he worked his way through the former B.A.S.S. Federation (now the B.A.S.S. Nation) to land a spot in the 1979 Classic on Lake Texoma.

Yavorsky will turn 18 on March 15, a week before his sport’s biggest event begins.

“I’ve never been to Oklahoma,” he said. “I’ve never even been to a Classic either, though I’ve watched them on live TV for a long time. I don’t know what to say about making it. I’m kind of speechless right now.”

Yavorsky let his fishing do the talking on the Harris Chain of Lakes instead. He stormed to a nearly 16-pound advantage on Day 1 of the Fish-Off with a 30-7 limit. That whopping bag certainly took some of the pressure off the young Palm Harbor, Fla., resident, but he knew his fellow competitors wouldn’t just hand him the title. He proved twice earlier in the tournament that 30-pound sacks are possible here in central Florida, so resting on his Day 1 success was not an option.

The young Yavorsky was relentless again on Saturday, rocketing out of Venetian Gardens at 7 a.m. and making the 30-minute run to Lake Carlton, where he boated his best bass this week. He worked a shellbar there in about 10 feet of water, throwing a Strike King 5XD crankbait over an area that is about 200 to 300 yards long. He said bait color was not important as long as it closely matched the water clarity in Carlton, not to mention the shad that hefty bass were chomping there.

Saturday wasn’t without challenges. The wind, crucial to his earlier bags, was nowhere to be found early on Day 2. Several spectator boats also were near his top spot when he arrived for what he hoped would be the finishing touches on a championship.

Instead, fate made the teenager wait for his chances. And Yavorsky didn’t blink, putting his first bass in the livewell about noon. When quick catches didn’t follow, though, he left Carlton for Lake Dora to fish grassbeds he and his dad, Rodney, worked on Day 1 of the Team Championship portion of the event, which they eventually won. That move proved unsuccessful, so he headed back to Carlton and hunkered down for his limit.

“Nerves played a part,” Aaron said. “We weren’t even launched yet and I couldn’t tie on a lure. A bunch of things ran through my head, especially when I didn’t have a fish until noon. It was really slow ... but the wind picked back up in the afternoon and that was big. It got the bait moving.”

Then the bigger bites he enjoyed earlier in the week started again.

“I was burning that 5XD as fast as I could,” he said. “I really had to hit the fish down there. It would knock off of them and they’d get aggravated when it hit them. It was more a reaction bite.”

The Yavorskys, representing the Florida BASS Nation Team Trail, qualified for the Fish-Off portion of this tournament after totaling 51-9 on Wednesday and Thursday to win $25,000 and the Team Championship. That was almost 14 pounds more than the second-place team of Blain Bartley and Rj Graham of Pennsylvania’s Keystone Bass Buddy Circuit, who split $17,000. The tandem of Nimrod and Thomas Soileau from Media Bass finished third overall in the team event and won $12,000.

The Top 3 teams (six anglers in all) advanced to the Fish-Off on Friday and Saturday. Their team weights were zeroed, and each competed individually for a shot at the Classic

From the jump, the Fish-Off belonged to a 17-year-old fishing with skills that defy his age and experience.

“I don’t think it’s sunk in yet, that I’m going to the Bassmaster Classic,” he said.

The Yavorskys left Venetian Gardens not long after Aaron hoisted the Fish-Off championship trophy. They were headed to Lake Okeechobee where Aaron was due to compete in a Florida B.A.S.S. Nation High School event this weekend. There may be some pre-fishing at Grand Lake in his future, too, but the next stop before the Classic is more typical of a young man of 17.

"Economics class is my first thing Monday morning,” he said. “At 7 a.m.”

Rounding out the field of six in the Fish-Off — behind Yavorsky and Nimrod — are third, Graham, 14-15; fourth, Soileau, 10-14; fifth, Bartley, 6-10; and sixth, Rodney Yavorsky, 6-0.

The Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Team Championship, held Wednesday and Thursday, featured 248 duos representing 77 different bass trails. In all, anglers came to the Harris Chain from 30 different states and three foreign countries to compete for part of the $125,000 cash purse that was split among the Top 50 teams.

2023 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Team Championship Classic FishOff 12/8-12/9
Harris Chain Of Lakes, Leesburg FL.
(BOATER) Standings Day 2

Angler Club/School Pts

1. Aaron Yavorsky - Florida BASS Nation Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 30-07 Day 2: 5 17-13 Total: 10 48-04
2. Connor Nimrod - Media Bass 0
Day 1: 5 14-10 Day 2: 5 11-04 Total: 10 25-14
3. RJ Graham - Keystone Bass Buddy Circuit 0
Day 1: 3 04-10 Day 2: 5 10-05 Total: 8 14-15
4. Thomas Soileau - Media Bass 0
Day 1: 3 04-13 Day 2: 4 06-01 Total: 7 10-14
5. Blain Bartley - Keystone Bass Buddy Circuit 0
Day 1: 5 06-10 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 5 06-10
6. Rodney Yavorsky - Florida BASS Nation Team Trail 0
Day 1: 1 01-04 Day 2: 1 04-12 Total: 2 06-00
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 3 22 62-06
2 3 20 50-03
----------------------------------
6 42 112-09

by AnglersChannel

2024 National Professional Fishing League Roster

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