Blue Mountain’s Bullock and Berry win Bassmaster College Series season opener on Harris Chain
Blake Bullock and John Mark Berry of Mississippi's Blue Mountain Christian University have won the 2023 Strike King Bassmaster College Series at Harris Chain of Lakes presented by Bass Pro Shops with a two-day total of 46 pounds, 11 ounces.
Photo by Chase Sansom/B.A.S.S.
January 27, 2023
LEESBURG, Fla. — Following their stellar start, Blake Bullock and John Mark Berry of Blue Mountain Christian University in Mississippi backed up their Day 1 lead with a solid final-round effort to win the Strike King Bassmaster College Series at Harris Chain of Lakes presented by Bass Pro Shops with a two-day total of 46 pounds, 11 ounces.
Bullock and Berry buoyed their effort on Day 1 by posting the event’s biggest bag, 29 pounds. Adding 17-11 earned each angler a top prize of $2,599.50. The Top 25 teams qualified for the Strike King Bassmaster College Series National Championship presented by Bass Pro Shops. Dates and location are still to be determined.
“College fishing is the toughest competition I’ve faced; there’s a lot of great anglers out there,” Berry said. “We’ve had a blessed week. I just want to thank God for the week we’ve had. It means everything to win these trophies.
“We worked hard. We grinded to the last second. Nobody lost as much sleep as we did. But now we have some weight off our shoulders after qualifying for the National Championship.”
On Day 1, Bullock and Berry led Logan Barrett and Luke Glasgow of Mississippi State University by a margin of 1-7. At the final tally, the winners edged Barrett and Glasgow by 1-1.
Helpful habitat
Bullock and Berry did all of their work in Lake Dora, specifically on a single spot 30 yards wide. As Bullock explained, the mix of coontail grass and shell bottom in 8 to 10 feet, along with proximity to a spawning bay, created the ideal prespawn staging area.
“It was really green, lush grass and it was thicker in some sections but thinner in others,” Bullock said. “The shad were all in the grass and the fish were there feeding.
“The fish were using the sparse grass to ambush shad. The shad were coming over the thicker grass and going down into the sparse grass, and that’s where the bass were eating them.”
Bullock said the coontail proved particularly beneficial, as its soft, forgiving composition facilitated their primary strategy of slowly working reaction baits through the vegetation.
Best baits
Bullock and Berry caught most of their bass on a golden shiner-colored Z-Man ChatterBait JackHammer with a Strike King Blade Minnow trailer.
“We threw a 1/2-ounce some, but the 3/8-ounce ChatterBait was the best size for slow rolling through the grass,” Berry said.
The anglers also threw a Texas-rigged junebug red Zoom Speed Worm during midday lulls. On both days the soft-plastic bait yielded keeper bites, but Berry said they only weighed one Day 2 fish on the bait.
“Every day, we had to grind through that lull and wait for the afternoon bite to pick back up,” Berry said.
The final round saw a stingy afternoon, but Day 1 saw Bullock and Berry catch a 7-pounder and a 6 on their final two casts.
Weather for the win
A cold front arriving just before the tournament left anglers fishing the dreaded bluebird post-frontal conditions. Fortunately, warm weather preceding the event had pushed a wave of fish toward the shallows.
Bullock believes the timing worked to his team’s advantage.
“I really think the cold weather helped us by keeping those prespawn fish in the grass, instead of going up to spawn,” he said. “They were close to spawning; they were all super fat. It was a magical spot, it really was.”
Barrett and Glasgow finished second with 45-10. They added 18-1 to their opening-round limit of 27-9. While their Day 1 limit included a 9-9 and one nearly 7, their largest Day 2 fish was a 5-pounder.
After throwing a mix of reaction baits and flipping on Day 1, Barrett and Glasgow stuck with 1/2-ounce chrome/blue Bill Lewis Rat-L-Trap and a 3/8-ounce Z-Man ChatterBait JackHammer with a Yamamoto Zako trailer.
“I think the cold front really messed up that shallow bite,” Glasgow said. “I think the people who were bed fishing had a hard time getting the shallow bite going. We caught a couple off beds yesterday, but today, I knew we didn’t need to go to them, so we went (directly) to the offshore deal.”
Carson Kamien and Tyson Verkaik of the University of Florida finished third with 44-4. One of the most numerically consistent teams, the Gators anglers placed fifth on Day 1 with 22-12 and rose two spots in the final round by adding a limit of 21-8.
Verkaik said he and Kamien fished the same spot both days and caught their fish by flipping shallow vegetation with a Texas-rigged Gambler Fat Ace.
“We were just covering water and making as many flips as possible,” Verkaik said. “It was mostly beds in this area, but there were probably some prespawn and postspawn fish because this weather really threw them for a loop.”
Verkaik said he and Kamien adjusted to the weather by targeting thicker vegetation where bass were likely to seek shelter from the bright sun.
“I’m happy with our consistency,” Kamien said. “Whenever you can put up two big bags in Florida, you’re doing something right.”
Big bass bonanza
While the Harris Chain couldn’t break the 30-pound mark for a single day weight, the tournament saw four teams weigh in double-digit bass.
Anderson Jones and Max Muzones of Lander University in Greenwood, S.C., won the $200 big bass award for their 11-5, while Colton Hill and Tomas Matual of McKendree University caught an 11-4. Montevallo’s Dalton Head and Peyton Harris had a 10-8 and Garrett Warren and Jake Peck of Auburn University added a 10-7.
On Sunday, teams competing in the Strike King Bassmaster High School Series presented by Academy Sports + Outdoors and Bassmaster Junior Series tournaments will launch from Venetian Gardens (Ski Beach) at 7 a.m. ET. The Junior Series weigh-in starts at 2 p.m. with high school teams beginning their weigh-in at 3 p.m. Full coverage will be available on Bassmaster.com.
Applications open for B.A.S.S. and Shimano’s Helen Sevier Pioneer Scholarships for female anglers
Elizabeth Eastman and Dixie Morris won the inaugural Helen Sevier Pioneer Scholarships for female anglers.
Photo by Dalton Tumblin/B.A.S.S.
January 27, 2023
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Applications are now being accepted for the 2023 Helen Sevier Pioneer Scholarships for young, female anglers, which honor Sevier’s leadership and long-term vision for the growth of sportfishing. The two $2,500 scholarships are offered to high school or college women who are committed to fishing for a collegiate program.
“B.A.S.S. is excited to partner with Shimano on the Helen Sevier Pioneer Scholarship. This partnership provides an outstanding opportunity to honor the incredible legacy and impact that former B.A.S.S. CEO Helen Sevier had on the entire sportfishing industry. Over the past few years, women's participation in fishing has grown significantly and we're seeing more young female anglers on our youth tournament trails. Supporting this scholarship is a wonderful opportunity to encourage and support driven female anglers as they look to take their fishing to the next level,” said Chase Anderson, B.A.S.S. CEO.
According to a report by the Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation, women now account for 37% of anglers in the U.S., the highest level on record. This participation trend is reflected on the tournament trail, where talented women have more opportunities than ever to leverage their passion for fishing into real money for college and potentially a competitive career.
In 2022, B.A.S.S. and Shimano partnered to award the first Helen Sevier Pioneer Scholarships to Elizabeth Eastman of Fairhope, Ala., and Dixie Morris of Valley, Ala. Eastman plans to attend Louisiana State University, where she will compete on the fishing team while pursuing a degree in Fisheries and Aquaculture. Morris is a freshman on the Southern Union Community College Bison Fishing Team with plans to complete a pre-veterinary bachelor’s degree at Auburn University before veterinary school and a master’s degree.
Scholarship applications are being accepted until June 16, 2023, and will be reviewed by a panel of judges from Shimano and B.A.S.S., including Sevier.
“I’m honored my name is associated with the scholarship,” said Sevier after reviewing the 2022 scholarship nominees. “All (of the applicants) are impressive and all deserving. I wanted to vote for all for one reason or another!”
Sevier, just the second full-time member of B.A.S.S. hired by founder Ray Scott in 1970, was a pioneer at all levels of the organization. During her 31-year career at B.A.S.S., Sevier oversaw a boom in membership — the organization boasted more than 600,000 members when she sold it to ESPN in 2001 — as well as the expansion of Bassmaster’s media operation to include seven magazines and two television shows, including the iconic TV program, The Bassmasters. Sevier was also instrumental in recruiting young people to the sport through the innovative CastingKids program. In 2004, Sevier was inducted into the National Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame, and her induction into the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame came in 2018.
“Winning the Helen Sevier Pioneer Scholarship has meant so much to me,” said Morris. “I was already looking forward to fishing on the Southern Union fishing team, but now I am even more excited because this helps to show women and young girls that they can achieve great things in a male-dominated sport. This has really encouraged me to step out and try for more scholarships and things that seemed unachievable.”
“Shimano is excited to continue in support of the Helen Sevier Pioneer Scholarship in 2023,” said Sarah Harper Burke, senior marketing manager, Shimano North America Fishing. “In celebration of the influence Helen Sevier’s career has had in the fishing industry, this scholarship will help ensure future ‘pioneers’ have support and recognition in their endeavors to compete at the college level. The next generation of female anglers is a clear path to growing and promoting the sportfishing industry as a whole.”
To be eligible for the Helen Sevier Pioneer Scholarship, the female angler must be either a rising senior or high school graduate and B.A.S.S. member with plans to fish competitively or must be currently fishing competitively at a four-year college or university, two-year college or university or vocational school.
More information on the scholarship requirements can be found at Bassmaster.com/Sevier-Scholarship or by contacting scholarship@bassmaster.com.
Fishing for Social Media?
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Traditions Media social media specialist presents at the 2023 NPAA Conference |
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Forestville, WI (January 27, 2023) – Some consider it the necessary evil – especially fishing industry dinosaurs who loathe change. The days of fully investing marketing spend in only print and television are gone. Modern marketing still includes those vehicles, but necessitates a much more dynamic blend, to include direct digital marketing, Google Ads, Amazon…and, of course, social media. Being noticed in the white noise of social media is a preeminent challenge, however. Haphazardly throwing money at it without knowledge, or strategy, is merely checking boxes and squandering resources. To that, NPAA invited Traditions Media social media specialist Lauren Luhman so speak at the 2023 NPAA Conference recently held in Fort Myers, Florida. It’s like a TED Talk for anyone who makes a living in the fishing industry. And NPAA is now releasing her presentation to the greater industry. Take 30-minutes today or over the weekend and socialize your game. |
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NPAA represents all who make a living in the sportfishing industry. Membership includes everyone from guides/captains, to tournament anglers, fishing department associates/ management/shop owners, manufacturing personnel, engine mechanics, and professional rep groups. In addition to superior networking opportunities, sportfishing advocacy and promoting entry into the sport, the organization offers a monthly member newsletter, a weekly industry NewsBLAST, and access to significant discounts on gear and services provided by many of its nearly 80 supporting partners. For more information on joining the NPAA and exploring the many benefits membership provides, visit npaa.net |
Blue Mountain’s Bullock and Berry lead Bassmaster College Series event on Harris Chain
Blake Bullock and John Mark Berry of Mississippi's Blue Mountain College are leading after Day 1 of the 2023 Strike King Bassmaster College Series at Harris Chain of Lakes presented by Bass Pro Shops with 29 pounds.
Photo by Chase Sansom/B.A.S.S.
January 26, 2023
LEESBURG, Fla. — Blake Bullock and John Mark Berry of Blue Mountain College leveraged a key prespawn area to catch a 29-pound limit that leads Day 1 of the Strike King Bassmaster College Series at Harris Chain of Lakes presented by Bass Pro Shops.
Topping a field of 275 boats, Bullock and Berry lead Logan Barrett and Luke Glasgow of Mississippi State University by just 1-7.
Running to Lake Dora, Bullock and Berry set up shop on a promising area they found in practice.
“There’s a lot of fish there and a lot of shad,” Bullock said. “I think they’ll still be there tomorrow and, hopefully, they’ll bite for us.”
Bullock said he and Berry chose to fish Dora because the habitat set up well for the prespawn staging fish they sought. Fishing in 7 to 10 feet, they focused on sparse coontail grass.
“There’s a lot of grass in there, but it’s in patches,” Bullock said. “There’s also a lot of shellbeds in there, along with spawning spots. We found an area with a spawning pocket close, a shellbed close and a patch of grass. That’s where all those fish are.”
Berry said he and his partner caught their bass by rotating between a Z-Man ChatterBait JackHammer with a Strike King Blade Minnow trailer and a Texas-rigged Zoom Speed Worm. The ChatterBait did most of the work, but the Speed Worm played an important cleanup role.
“The ChatterBait was a golden shiner color,” Berry said. “We threw a 1/2-ounce some, but the 3/8-ounce got bit more because we could slow roll it down there in the grass.
“When it became tough to get bites, I picked up the Speed Worm and made a clutch cull. We just rotated a slow bait and a moving bait.”
Bullock said they diligently worked through their spot, but late-day fireworks catapulted them into the lead.
“We had around 19 pounds at noon and we caught a few more throughout the day,” he said. “It got really slow there for about three hours and we didn’t have any bites.
“The big ones fired up at the end of the day and we caught a 7-pounder and a 6 on back-to-back casts.”
Bullock noted the winds preceding a cold front had diminished their area’s clarity. This concerned him, but the bass were less impacted than he expected.
“Yesterday, it was a little clearer, but they bit, so we’re thankful and blessed that we got it done today,” Bullock said.
Barrett and Glasgow anchored their limit of 27-9 with a 9-9 that leads the Big Bass standings. Backing that up with one just under 7 pounds gave them the boost they needed for a strong showing.
“It helps a lot whenever you have two fish like that in the well,” Glasgow said. “Those were the only two we had up until about noon. It was a struggle for us, but we finally did limit out around 1. I knew if we could get a limit we’d end up with a pretty good sack today.”
Barrett said he and his partner caught their bass on a mix of reaction baits and slow-moving baits. Essential to their success was capitalizing on an area where they found fish coming and going.
“I think there are some prespawners coming to us and some that have already left (the beds),” Glasgow said. “We’re sitting in that range where they could be prespawn or postspawn.”
Stevie Mills and Brady Duncan of Carson-Newman University placed third with 24-7. Well aware of Lake Apopka’s big-fish reputation, the anglers made the long run to the chain’s southernmost waters.
Describing their spot as a classic prespawn area with hard sand bottom and grass, Duncan said they caught all of their limit fish by slow reeling a Zoom Speed Worm. A late-morning window of opportunity produced a big chunk of their weight.
“I threw out there and caught a 3-pounder, threw back out and caught a 6, then (Mills) threw out there and caught a 5 1/2,” Duncan said. “We had a flurry at 11 and a flurry around 11:30 and that’s what we had.”
The field will launch from Venetian Gardens (Ski Beach) at 7 a.m. ET and return for weigh-in at 3 p.m. Full coverage will be available on Bassmaster.com.
AFTCO sponsors Bassmaster Elite events on Santee Cooper Lakes and Lake St. Clair
AFTCO will sponsor two Bassmaster Elite Series events in 2023, including April's Elite at Santee Cooper Lakes which AFTCO pro Drew Cook won last year.
Photo by Kyle Jessie
January 26, 2023
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — AFTCO has signed on as title sponsor for two heavyweight battles during the 2023 Bassmaster Elite Series season. At the AFTCO Bassmaster Elite at Santee Cooper Lakes April 27-30, anglers will hope to match the stellar 2022 conditions that saw the entire field average over 15 1/2 pounds on Day 1, while the pros will battle big water and even bigger smallmouth at the AFTCO Bassmaster Elite at Lake St. Clair July 27-30.
Additionally, AFTCO will continue its long-standing partnership with B.A.S.S. as a conservation partner and supporting sponsor for the six circuits of the Bassmaster Tournament Trail as well as outfit all staff and marshals with performance fishing clothing for these events.
“As a supporting sponsor of B.A.S.S. we value our partnership tremendously, and AFTCO is extremely excited to support (B.A.S.S.) further with our fourth consecutive year of Elite Series title sponsorship,” said AFTCO Marketing Director Matt Florentino. “We’re looking forward to sponsoring two tremendous locations on the 2023 Elite Series schedule: South Carolina’s Santee Cooper Lakes and Michigan’s Lake St. Clair. We saw AFTCO pro Drew Cook earn a century belt last spring during a masterful sight fishing win at Santee Cooper, and you can bet that Lake St. Clair will be primed and ready to showcase big bags of smallmouth next July!”
Among the AFTCO-aligned pro anglers ready to tackle these fisheries — and the Elite Series schedule — is 2022 Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic champion Jason Christie.
“AFTCO is setting the standard in clothing and conservation,” Christie said. “Their sponsorship of two Bassmaster events just shows their continued dedication to our sport. I am thrilled to be part of their team!”
Full coverage from all four days of these tournaments will be available on Bassmaster.com, Tubi and the FOX Sports digital platforms. FS1 will also broadcast live with the tournament leaders on Saturdays and Sundays. For more information, visit Bassmaster.com.
Newport Unveils New Electric Outboard Motors
Leader in Small Watercraft Propulsion Introduces the NT300 and NK300 Motors
Stockton, CA (January 25, 2023) – Newport, a leading innovator of clean electric technology in the boating and angling industry, has entered the electric outboard space with the launch of its latest products, the NT300 Electric Outboard Motor and the NK300 Electric Kayak Motor. Both portable, next-generation designs deliver quiet lightweight performance free from the noise, maintenance and fossil fuels of traditional gas-powered motors - allowing anglers everywhere to experience unobstructed freedom on the water.
Newport has been celebrated as the predominant brand of new-age electric trolling motors for over a decade. Its newest electric powered outboards underscore the brand’s commitment to enhance every facet of the fishing experience while lessening environmental impacts to small waterways and shallow water habitats.
“Newport is proud to move our industry forward with a totally redefined, emissions-free alternative to traditional gas powered motors,” says Josh Neville, head of marketing at Newport. “We want anglers to experience the freedom from hassle, cost and maintenance - so, we created a motor as simple and clean as the adventure it’s designed to power. Our NT300 and NK300 are designed to usher in a new era of cleaner adventures for boaters and anglers, without sacrificing the capability of gas-fueled counterparts.”
NT300 Electric Outboard
The Newport NT300 delivers incredible performance in an ultra-quiet, energy-efficient 3 horsepower equivalent (3HP) electric outboard motor. Showcasing a clean design in a compact package, the NT300 combines lightweight portability with innovative features that maximize time spent in and out of the water. Highlights include: a brushless direct-drive motor for maintenance-free reliability; field-oriented control technology (FOC) to provide smooth navigation for easy access to shallow, narrow, and tough-to-reach waters. Flexible power options give anglers the freedom to choose either the Newport 36V30 Lithium Battery or the 36V40 Lithium Battery. Capabilities include 1300w of peak power, 66 miles of est range, a top speed of 6.5MPH, and 30 hours max run time. The Newport NT300 Electric Outboard retails for an industry-leading MSRP of $999.
NK300 Kayak Motor
Designed for the serious kayak angler, the NK300 offers unheralded power in an ultra-quiet, energy-efficient 3 horsepower equivalent (3HP) electric kayak motor. A trailblazer in this growing market, the NK300 delivers cutting-edge battery power, unlocking a wider range than ever before. (FOC) to provide smooth, intuitive navigation without compromising on performance. The NK300’s flexible power options also allow anglers to choose either the Newport 36V30 Lithium Battery or the 36V40 Lithium Battery. Capabilities include 1300w of peak power, 66 miles of est range, a top speed of 6.5MPH, and 30 hours max run time. The Newport NK300 Kayak Motor retails for an industry-leading $1,299. "We’re excited to help shape a better, more efficient, and more enjoyable future for life on the water,” says Neville. “The traditional gas-powered outboard might be the way of the past, but the way forward is electric.”
The Newport NT300 Electric Outboard and NK300 Kayak Motor are available at https://newportvessels.com.
Locate Fish Faster Through the Ice with Intuitive Technology from Humminbird
Humminbird MEGA 360 Imaging and MEGA Live Imaging ice bundles allow anglers to find fish and fish holding structure faster.
On and off the water, technology is taking over the fishing industry. From high-definition mapping to forward-facing sonar, anglers have never had as many pieces of technology to choose from. Now, anglers can take that technology to the hard water. The Humminbird MEGA 360 and MEGA Live Imaging ice bundles allow anglers to find fish, and fish holding structure faster than ever before. Regardless of your species of choice, the Humminbird ice bundles will take your experience to the next level.
Humminbird Pro Brad Hawthorne has been guiding for over 19 seasons and has seen the changes as the technology for ice anglers has evolved. In his business, it all comes down to whether his clients catch fish or not that determines the success of an ice trip. Having the latest equipment has helped make his business more successful, and makes for a fun and interactive experience for his clients.
“The things I used to think I knew about the fisheries were really eye opening when MEGA 360 was available for ice anglers. I was able to learn fish behavior and their patterns quickly and dial in the mechanics of ice fishing,” said Hawthorne. “I can now look at Lakemaster VX Mapping and drill one hole. Within three to five minutes, I know if the structure is going to be productive and I can break down what I need to do to catch fish.”
Combined with MEGA Live Imaging, once Hawthorne locates fish, and learns their behavior and travel routes, the time frame to actually catching the fish is much quicker than ever before. His approach is more efficient and the process of finding and catching fish is streamlined.
“Overall, we are drilling less holes, learning way more information than ever before possible and getting around fish a lot quicker. We make less noise, we spook less fish during the process, and even the average ice angler can have all of the same information at their disposal with the Humminbird MEGA 360 and MEGA Live Imaging bundles. The landscape overall has changed and people can enjoy more time catching fish,” Hawthorne added.
Humminbird MEGA 360 Imaging Ice Bundle
Intuitive technology has made its way through the seasons and onto the ice. For those who demand to see it all, MEGA 360 Imaging allows anglers to quickly locate and target structure, the bottom and fish in every direction around the hole. For finding productive fishing areas with fewer holes, anglers can also quickly track movement of schools of fish and know which direction they are heading, making it even easier to break down fisheries through the ice.
“From the ground up, I am super confident in MEGA 360 and what I am capable of accomplishing. Live sonar is the ‘new’ thing and very popular, but in my opinion the information I am able to return with 360 Imaging is unmatched, especially when it comes to fishing for walleye.” added Hawthorne.
With 360 Imaging, he can clearly see fish coming and going, structure, bottom layout and composition. Using those learnings and applying it to other areas, similar to open water, it allows Hawthorne to gain a lot of information and knowledge from one just one hole.
Hawthorne learned that when walleye are on a piece of structure, they are either moving around the spot, or its a passing through area that multiple fish are using regularly. With the help of MEGA 360, within minutes, he is able to gauge the ‘trails’ the fish utilize to move around and dial up exactly where the primary set up areas should be.
“The structural elements, mud to rock transitions and the visual look at the trails and routes the fish are using, the possibilities are endless. Once I learn the valuable information, I can switch to MEGA Live Imaging and get to work on catching fish,” said Hawthorne. MEGA 360 can simply be turned on and it works by itself. I can watch the returns and tell the group where the fish are coming in. They can then use MEGA Live to work the fish in realtime and get more bites overall.
With increased situational awareness, work smarter, not harder by dropping the MEGA 360 Imaging transducer down the hole and waiting for the screen to update. For run-and-gun anglers, these bundles are very mobile for anglers to locate and stay on top of fish. With a Humminbird HELIX fishfinder, it's easy to mark fish-holding structures and return later or in open water. Mark a waypoint and return to the spot now or later in the year on open water. MEGA 360 is a vital tool for locating ice shelters on prime spots where fish are moving around.
Humminbird MEGA Live Imaging Ice Bundle
From open water to ice, Humminbird MEGA Live Imaging has changed the way Hawthorne catches fish. The live sonar return is like sight fishing at any depth – regardless of the water clarity. Watching fish move around in real-time and responding to certain baits, he can quickly hone in and get to catching. The MEGA Live Ice bundle allows for the same real-time feedback through the ice, and helps get him dialed into the best presentation to have success.
The number one benefit is efficiency. He can break down an area with MEGA 360, and start catching them with MEGA Live Imaging.
“Once I establish the area, and I know where and how fish are moving throughout, I can drill out the area and be prepared. Walleye especially will never stop moving and I can track their movement in realtime,” said Hawthorne. “I can direct folks in the group to exactly where the fish are moving and they can make it happen with MEGA Live Imaging.”
Beyond seeing the fish, the bundle allows Hawthorne to determine the mood of the fish. Whether they are suspended, moving around, determining their size and activity level will help figure out the best tactics to get bites. With a group of anglers, he is able to direct others to exactly where the schools are and get the right baits down to the fish.
“The same for panfish, bluegills and crappies, but they seem to stay put more than walleye. There is nothing like getting on a group of panfish with MEGA Live and getting clients catching them while watching everything live on the screen. Regardless of the species, I have to quickly read the water and figure out how the day is going to go,” Hawthorne added.
With MEGA Live Imaging, fish in Forward Mode to see in front of and around the hole or Down Mode for real-time returns straight below the hole. The quick-and-easy reference points on the transducer makes it easy to dial in the best sonar possible. With either mode, you can interpret how fish respond to your presentation and it allows you to best choose what to fish, make smart lure changes and determine how to present the bait. In shallower water, Landscape Mode gives a ‘lay of the land’ view and shows fish moving around in shallow structure and cover.
In addition, the Humminbird HELIX units feature traditional 2D CHIRP Sonar and both the ice flasher and Down Imagingmodes. Anglers can fish the right mode for their situation below the transducer and fish comfortably. Both bundles have changed the ice fishing landscape. Anglers are having more fun with more data, and catching more fish.
For those hitting the ice for the first time with new technology, the MEGA Live Ice shuttle comes with the fish finder, shaft and transducer. If you have the unit installed on a boat, the Adapter Kit or HELIX ICE Conversion Kit allows for simple conversion to ice making it a year round value for one unit that can do both.
MLF Cancels Day 1 of Toyota Series at Sam Rayburn Due to High Winds
WHAT:
In a move that most of the field could see coming and fully supports, Toyota Series Tournament Director Mark McWha canceled Day 1 of the Southwestern Division season-opener the Toyota Series at Sam Rayburn Reservoir.
A strong north wind is blowing right down the pipe on the lake, creating dangerous conditions for boaters. On Wednesday, the full field will get another day of rest and preparation. All pros and co-anglers will hit the water for two days of action on Thursday and Friday.
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Anglers will launch each day at 7 a.m. CT from the Umphrey Family Pavilion in Brookeland. Weigh-ins will also be held at the Pavilion and will begin at 3 p.m. 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.
In Toyota Series regular-season competition, payouts are based on the number of participants competing in the event, scaling up for every 20 boats over 160 and scaling down for every boat below 160. With a 160-boat field, pros fish for a top prize of $40,000, plus an extra $35,000 if Phoenix MLF Bonus qualified. Strike King co-anglers cast for the top prize of a new Phoenix 518 Pro bass boat with a 115-horsepower Mercury outboard (valued at $33,500). With a 260-boat field, pros fish for a top award of $65,000, plus an extra $35,000 if Phoenix MLF Bonus qualified. Strike King co-anglers cast for the top prize of a new Phoenix 518 Pro bass boat with a 115-horsepower outboard (valued at $33,500) plus $5,000 cash.
The 2023 Toyota Series Presented by Phoenix Boats consists of six divisions – Central, Northern, Plains, Southern, Southwestern and the Western Division Presented by Tackle Warehouse – each holding three regular-season events, along with the International and Wild Card divisions. Anglers who fish in any of the six divisions or the Wild Card division and finish in the top 25 will qualify for the no-entry-fee Toyota Series Championship for a shot at winning up to $235,000 and a qualification to REDCREST V. The winning Strike King co-angler at the championship earns a new Phoenix 518 Pro bass boat with a 115-horsepower Mercury outboard. The 2023 Toyota Series Championship will be held Nov. 2-4 on Table Rock Lake in Branson, Missouri, and is hosted by ExploreBranson.com.
For complete details and updated information visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular Toyota Series updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow the MLF5 social media outlets at Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
What’s New at FantasyFishing.com in 2023?
| Public Leagues, Roster Rollovers, Visibility of Other Players’ Picks Among New features for Phoenix Fantasy Fishing
BENTON, Ky. (Jan. 25, 2023) – Phoenix Fantasy Fishing and the Abu Garcia Predictor Game Presented by Mercury are back for the second year at FantasyFishing.com. Registration is now open for you to pick your Fantasy Fishing team for Bass Pro Tour Stage One at the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes and Tackle Warehouse Invitationals Stop 1 at Lake Okeechobee, and to answer the six questions in the Predictor Game. There are also some slick enhancements to game play that will be in effect for the 2023 season. Introducing Public Leagues “Use Last Selections” Protects You From Forgetting to Make Picks No more zeroes for your team this season! |
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| See Other Players’ Picks Last season, you could tell how your team was doing compared to others, but you had no idea who your competitors were picking. For 2023, though, you can now see which anglers other fantasy managers chose once the selections are officially locked for the current tournament. You’ll also be able to go back to previous tournaments and see who other fantasy managers put on their team for all completed tournaments. |
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| Mondays Begin the Fantasy Fishing Week No more waiting to jump back into Fantasy Fishing for the next tournament. New tournaments will open for picks to be made the Monday following the end of the previous tournament. When the new week starts, your new picks can be made. Start your week off with some winning picks. Pick the Top 10 & Win Big That’s right, a new boat, truck and fishing gear for correctly picking the Top 10 for any regular-season tournament on either the Bass Pro Tour or the Tackle Warehouse Invitationals. With 13 different opportunities to pick the perfect tournament lineup, players’ chances to win a once-in-a-lifetime Fantasy Fishing prize have never been better. New Year, New Trips with Pros The season-long winner in the Bass Pro Tour competition gets an expenses-paid trip with pro Randall Tharp, while the Tackle Warehouse Invitationals winner will receive a similar trip with Greg Vinson. But it’s not just Fantasy Fishing winners that earn a trip. If you win the Abu Garcia Predictor Game Presented by Mercury season-long competition, you’ll join Brent Ehrler on a fishing trip as well. New Tournament Winner Prizes First- and second-place finishers in each game will also receive gift cards from Pure Fishing. First place will earn $150 with second place receiving $100. To sign up and create your team today, visit FantasyFishing.com. For regular tournament updates, photos, news and more, follow MLF’s social media outlets at Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube. |
Lake Havasu Readies for MLF Toyota Series Western Division Opener Presented by Psycho Tuna
LAKE HAVASU CITY, Ariz. (Jan. 24, 2023) – The Major League Fishing (MLF) Toyota Series Presented by Phoenix Boats is set to launch next week, in Lake Havasu City, Arizona, Feb. 2-4, with the Toyota Series at Lake Havasu Presented by Psycho Tuna. The three-day tournament, hosted by Go Lake Havasu, is the first of three regular-season events in the Western Division Presented by Tackle Warehouse.
The MLF Toyota Series offers the biggest payouts for the lowest entry fees of any national tournament trail. The Toyota Series is the only Western trail that offers advancement to the no-entry-fee Toyota Series Championship, where pros fish for $235,000, including a $35,000 Phoenix MLF Bonus, and co-anglers compete for a $33,500 Phoenix 518 Pro bass boat powered by a 115 HP Mercury.
“I’m finally around home for a Toyota Series event, and I’m really excited to compete in this one,” said Bass Pro Tour pro Roy Hawk of Lake Havasu City, Arizona, who has 22 top-10 finishes and three career wins in MLF competition. “Overall, the lake is setting up pretty good. We’ve had some pretty cool weather, so it’ll be typical wintertime patterns – no major move toward the spawn or anything like that, yet.
“The lake level is high, which is rare for winter,” Hawk continued. “It’ll spread guys out – some guys will get way up the river, or further back into the backwaters. I think a lot of guys will be offshore, though. The key to doing well is either going to be finding a major group of fish and sticking with them, or covering a lot of water and picking fish off – one here, one there.”
Hawk said that he expects umbrella rigs, deep- and mid-diving crankbaits and general offshore tactics to be the main players, but he said the bladed jigs and squarebill crankbaits could play a role as well. For anglers targeting smallmouth Hawk said Ned rigs and jerkbaits would be popular selections.
“I think the guy who wins might not even catch a smallmouth, but it’s generally a mixed bag,” Hawk went on to say. “I think it’ll take 17½ pounds a day, average. My prediction is the winner is going to have right around 52 to 53 pound over three days.”
Anglers will take off each day at 7:30 a.m. MT from Windsor Beach at Lake Havasu State Park in Lake Havasu City. Weigh-ins will also be held at the Ski Beach at the Venetian Gardens and will begin at 3 p.m. 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.
In Toyota Series regular-season competition, payouts are based on the number of participants competing in the event, scaling up for every 20 boats over 160 and scaling down for every boat below 160. With a 160-boat field, pros fish for a top prize of $40,000, plus an extra $35,000 if Phoenix MLF Bonus qualified. Strike King co-anglers cast for the top prize of a new Phoenix 518 Pro bass boat with a 115-horsepower Mercury outboard (valued at $33,500). With a 260-boat field, pros fish for a top award of $65,000, plus an extra $35,000 if Phoenix MLF Bonus qualified. Strike King co-anglers cast for the top prize of a new Phoenix 518 Pro bass boat with a 115-horsepower outboard (valued at $33,500) plus $5,000 cash.
The 2023 Toyota Series Presented by Phoenix Boats consists of six divisions – Central, Northern, Plains, Southern, Southwestern and the Western Division Presented by Tackle Warehouse – each holding three regular-season events, along with the International and Wild Card divisions. Anglers who fish in any of the six divisions or the Wild Card division and finish in the top 25 will qualify for the no-entry-fee Toyota Series Championship for a shot at winning up to $235,000 and a qualification to REDCREST V. The winning Strike King co-angler at the championship earns a new Phoenix 518 Pro bass boat with a 115-horsepower Mercury outboard. The 2023 Toyota Series Championship will be held Nov. 2-4 on Table Rock Lake in Branson, Missouri, and is hosted by ExploreBranson.com.
Proud sponsors of the 2023 MLF Toyota Series include: 4WP, 13 Fishing, Abu Garcia, B&W Trailer Hitches, Black Rifle Coffee Company, E3, Favorite Fishing, Fox Rent a Car, General Tire, Gill, Grundéns, Lew’s, Lowrance, Mercury, Mossy Oak, Onyx, Phoenix, Polaris, Power-Pole, Strike King, Tackle Warehouse, T-H Marine, Wiley X and YETI.
For complete details and updated information visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular Toyota Series updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow the MLF5 social media outlets at Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
DAIWA: Advocating for the Business of the Business
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Longtime sportfishing industry leader teams with top advocacy group. |
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Cypress, CA (January 24, 2023) – DAIWA is proud to announce it has joined the growing ranks of National Professional Anglers Association (NPAA) partners. A worldwide leader in the recreational sportfishing industry, DAIWA turned out its first spinning reel more than 60 years ago and has been driven ever since to create and deliver anglers the most advanced and dynamic fishing gear on the market. Partnering with NPAA, says DAIWA’s Senior Marketing Manager, Marc Mills, is one way the company can further invest in the future of the fishing industry. “This is a natural fit for us, and we’re very pleased to now be counted among the NPAA’s nearly 80 industry partners, which include some of the best-known brands and organizations in fishing, as well as newer and smaller companies that benefit from the association’s superior networking opportunities, sportfishing advocacy, and efforts to recruit, retain and reactivate anglers at every level. We feel the NPAA has the backs of all those making a living in the sportfishing industry, from guides and captains to tournament anglers, fishing department associates and management, manufacturing personnel, engine mechanics, professional rep groups, tackle shop staff, and more. We want to be a part of that positive force. For that reason, we’ve decided to sign on as a supporting partner.” |
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NPAA president, Patrick Neu, says he’s thrilled to welcome DAIWA into the NPAA fold. “As NPAA continues to grow our partnership ranks, the addition of DAIWA is a very exciting development,” he stated. “Their products are of exceptional quality and used extensively by our members both in freshwater and saltwater environments. DAIWA’s line counter reels, in fact, are staples for many of our members who are trollers. From salmon, walleyes, muskies and crappies in freshwater, to stripers, blues, snook, redfish and even tuna in the salt, DAIWA gear has a great reputation amongst our members. Working together, I expect we’ll accomplish some great things for the sportfishing industry in the years ahead.” NPAA partnerships include Gold, Silver, Business, Tournament, Association & Club, and even a non-profit category. In addition to superior networking opportunities, sportfishing advocacy and promoting entry into the sport, the organization offers a monthly member newsletter, weekly industry news, and access to significant discounts on gear and services provided by many of its nearly 80 partners. |
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Nitro, Ranger, Triton boat brands announce bigger payouts than ever before with new tournament contingency programs
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (January 24, 2023) – Nitro, Ranger and Triton brands are proud to announce today its new fishing tournament contingency program, elevating the stakes of the grassroots tournaments with the largest payout currently in the market.
Newly established for 2023, the brands will reward a $50,000 cash bonus to the Bassmaster Opens “Angler of the Year” and MLF Toyota Series champion if the anglers meet the program’s qualifications. Nitro, Ranger and Triton will also offer an $8,000 cash bonus on top of tournament earnings for more than 250 approved tournaments – the most tournaments of any program!
“These new programs are great news for tournament anglers!” 4-time Bassmaster Classic winner and 3-time Major League Fishing Cup champion Kevin VanDam said. “They’re the best contingency programs currently on the market with more eligible tournaments, higher payouts, and free to enter. They’re paying you to win!”
To qualify for these bigger-than-ever cash bonus prizes, winning anglers are required to fish in a Triton, Ranger or Nitro boat that is 4 years old or newer. These contingency programs are free, meaning no entry fee is required to participate, and there is no cap on the number of winnings an angler can achieve.
Parent-company Bass Pro Shops and its boat brands have a long-standing history of supporting and incentivizing amateur anglers to continue to elevate the sport of fishing. In 2021, Bass Pro Shops held an amateur series tournament, the US Open National Bass Fishing Amateur Team Championships, exclusive to its boat owners with a payout of more than $4.6 million in cash and prizes.
Anglers fishing the 2023 Texas Team Trail will be eligible to register and take advantage of these exciting contingency opportunities. This is an exciting added bonus for anglers in 2023 after recently announcing the highest finishing White River Marine Group team in 2023 will qualify for the 2023 Bassmaster Team Championship. To register and find more information on the contingency program qualifications by boat brand and a list of participating tournaments, please visit nitro.com/tournament-rewards.html for Nitro, rangerboats.com/ranger-cup.html and tritonboats.com/triton-gold.html for Triton.
Local Support Brings First ‘Take Me Fishing™ Mobile First Catch Center’ to South Carolina Urban Residents
Pure Fishing’s collaboration with industry and state organizations helped bring the first Take Me Fishing™ Mobile First Catch Center in South Carolina, introducing fishing experiences to metro areas throughout The Palmetto State.
COLUMBIA, S.C. (Jan 24, 2022) — Pure Fishing announces a partnership with The Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation (RBFF) and the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) to bring hands-on fishing opportunities and conservation education to multicultural audiences in metropolitan areas across the state of South Carolina.
The Take Me Fishing™ Mobile First Catch Center pilot program began in 2018 in Texas and Pennsylvania to bring fishing experiences to those in urban areas by giving participants the chance to develop fishing skills and learn about local and regional conservation efforts. The trailers are managed by state fish and wildlife agencies and are filled with rods, reels, nets, coolers, rod racks, hooks, and bobbers for participants to use.
“We are thrilled to have Pure Fishing’s support for our Take Me Fishing™ Mobile First Catch Centers,” said Dave Chanda, President & CEO of RBFF. “This collaboration between the fishing and boating industry and state agencies across the country is just what we need to keep growing fishing and boating participation to support the conservation of our waterways.”
Thanks to the ongoing efforts by the RBFF and the partnership between Pure Fishing and the SCDNR, South Carolina joins the growing list of states that support this program and will teach fishing to audiences primarily in metropolitan areas throughout the state. Pure Fishing donated products from Berkley, Plano, Abu Garcia, Ugly Stik and Frabill.
“Pure Fishing is excited about bringing this initiative to South Carolina and providing these opportunities to metro areas of the state,” said Marc Kempter, Vice President of Marketing Communications. “Through our partnership with the Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation and its Take Me Fishing Mobile First Catch Center initiative, we hope to help keep current anglers on the water, bring new participants into the sport and conserve our waterways for future generations to come.”
South Carolina now joins 15 other states and the District of Columbia in operating nearly two dozen Take Me Fishing™ Mobile First Catch Centers across the country.
For those interested in supporting a Take Me Fishing™ Mobile First Catch Center through donation or sponsorship, please contact Rachel Auslander, RBFF’s Director of Partnerships & Development, at rauslander@rbff.org.
Bassmaster Kayak Series expands competition days for 2023 season
Every tournament in the 2023 Yamaha Rightwaters Bassmaster Kayak Series powered by TourneyX has been expanded to two days as anglers compete around the country for the Dakota Lithium Bassmaster Kayak Series Angler of the Year title.
Photo by Mark Cisneros/B.A.S.S.
January 24, 2023
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — After crowning its first Angler of the Year in 2022, the Yamaha Rightwaters Bassmaster Kayak Series powered by TourneyX now has its much-anticipated five-tournament regular-season schedule in place. New for 2023, every tournament will feature two days of competition.
“It’s been really fun to watch anglers enjoy this trail as the sport — and our trail — continues to evolve and grow,” said B.A.S.S. Vice President of Tournaments Chris Bowes. “We value the feedback of anglers who are traveling from across the country to fish with B.A.S.S., and the two-day events we experimented with last season were extremely well-received.
“We’re excited to offer expanded competition on some iconic lakes. The 2023 season will showcase fisheries where the Kayak Series has already made history as well as some exciting new waters.”
The 2023 schedule begins on one of the sport’s most iconic fisheries when the field takes on Lake Guntersville in Scottsboro, Ala., March 4-5. While Lake Guntersville has hosted three Bassmaster Classics and numerous major B.A.S.S. tournaments, this will be the first time that a Kayak Series event has been held on the “Big G.”
The country’s best kayak anglers — including 2022 Bassmaster Kayak Series Angler of the Year Drew Gregory — will compete for a National Championship on legendary Chickamauga Lake in Dayton, Tenn., March 22-23 as part of festivities surrounding the 2023 Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic in Knoxville. Chickamauga last hosted the Bassmaster Kayak Series in 2020. The winner of the season-ending tournament was Iowa’s Tyler Cole, with five bass measuring 89.5 inches. The big bass of that event was a largemouth coming in at a whopping 23 inches.
After the Championship in Tennessee, the Kayak Series heads to Anderson, S.C., to do battle on Lake Hartwell April 15-16.
“We’re very excited to add the Bassmaster Kayak Series to the myriad of Bassmaster events that we have hosted in Anderson County and Lake Hartwell,” said Neil Paul, executive director of Visit Anderson. “The kayak community is growing and very important to our area, and we look forward to showing our hospitality to the kayak community. B.A.S.S. has long served as the leader in competitive bass fishing and I have no doubts that the Kayak Series will be conducted in a first-class manner.”
The inaugural 2021 Kayak National Championship tournament on Possum Kingdom Lake in Graford, Texas, featured a memorable performance by Mark Pendergraf who won with a two-day, 10 bass total measuring 209.25 inches — the highest two-day total in TourneyX history. Anglers will be back on Possum Kingdom June 3-4, hoping to make another record-breaking run.
Anglers will head north to La Crosse, Wis., July 8-9 for the Series’ third tournament on the Upper Mississippi River before the season concludes Oct. 7-8 on Pennsylvania’s Susquehanna River.
That Lewisburg, Pa., event will decide the final AOY race and the final qualifiers for the 2024 Bassmaster Kayak Series Championship. The Top 50 anglers in the AOY points race along with the Top 5 from each event will earn a spot in the Kayak Series Championship. Anglers will earn points in every regular-season tournament with their lowest finish dropped to determine the final Dakota Lithium Bassmaster Kayak Series Angler of the Year standings.
As in the past, anglers will use the TourneyX app and photograph their bass on special measuring boards to submit their catches. The angler with the most inches of bass will be the winner.
For more information on registration for Bassmaster Kayak Series events, visit Bassmaster.com/kayak.
2023 Yamaha Rightwaters Bassmaster Kayak Series powered by TourneyX Schedule
March 4-5, Lake Guntersville, Scottsboro, Ala.
March 22-23, Chickamauga Lake, Dayton, Tenn., Kayak Series Championship
April 15-16, Lake Hartwell, Anderson, S.C.
June 3-4, Possum Kingdom Lake, Graford, Texas
July 8-9, Mississippi River, La Crosse, Wis.
October 7-8, Susquehanna River, Lewisburg, Pa.
Gill Fishing Signs Multi-Year Sponsorship of MLF Toyota Series and Phoenix Bass Fishing League
Premium apparel brand bolsters continued investment in fishing with three-year commitment to MLF
BUFORD, Ga. (Jan. 24, 2023) — Gill Fishing, maker of premium foul weather and performance fishing apparel, announces today the company has signed a multi-year agreement with Major League Fishing, the world’s premier tournament-fishing organization, to become an official sponsor of the MLF Toyota Series and MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League.
“Gill Fishing is rooted in tournament bass fishing, and we’re excited to enter into this long-term relationship with MLF by supporting the grassroots levels of this sport, which is the heart and soul of tournament fishing,” says Dominic McCarthy, Gill North America’s executive vice president. “This multi-faceted partnership will allow us to showcase our products’ technical capabilities. Whether you’re chasing a dream to reach the top of the sport or simply enjoy competing on the weekend, Gill Fishing’s apparel was designed to meet the unique demands of tournament anglers and allows them to perform their best in any condition.”
As an official sponsor of the Toyota Series and Phoenix Bass Fishing League, Gill Fishing will have a strong onsite presence at all 142 events. Gill Fishing will also have a booth at the MLF REDCREST Outdoor Sports Expo and opportunities to activate at all MLF5 events in 2023.
“Many of our tournament anglers rely on Gill Fishing products to keep them dry and comfortable on the water,” says Kathy Fennel, MLF Executive Vice President & General Manager. “It’s always exciting for us to welcome a new sponsor to Major League Fishing, and we’re proud to showcase the Gill Fishing brand to our loyal MLF fans.”
For 2023, Gill Fishing is offering several styles of foul weather bibs and jackets tailored for specific climates, performance fishing shirts and hoodies that are highly breathable and provide UV protection, and a new line of deck boots that deliver confident traction while keeping feet dry and comfortable. To learn more about Gill Fishing’s apparel and the rigorous testing each product must pass, visit www.gillfishing.com.
For complete details and updated MLF tournament information, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular Toyota Series and Phoenix Bass Fishing League updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow MLF5’s social media outlets at Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
MLF Toyota Series Southern Division Opener Set for Harris Chain of Lakes
LEESBURG, Fla. (Jan. 24, 2023) – The Major League Fishing (MLF) Toyota Series Presented by Phoenix Boats will continue next week with the Southern Division opener in Leesburg, Florida, Feb. 1-3, the Toyota Series at the Harris Chain of Lakes . The three-day tournament, hosted by Visit Lake County, Florida, will feature a roster of the region’s best bass-fishing pros and Strike King co-anglers competing for a top prize of up to $100,000 in the pro division and a new Phoenix 518 Pro boat with a 115-horsepower Mercury outboard motor in the co-angler division.
“As long as the weather stays stable, we’re going to see big weights and a lot of big limits in this event,” said Toyota pro Terry Scroggins of San Mateo, Florida, who has 48 career top-10 finishes and five tournament wins. “The fish are in all three stages, so we’re going to see a lot of prespawn and postspawn fish. That’s what makes this event so fun – the fish are moving. Pulling up, moving out – there are going to be several different ways to catch them.”
With the majority of Harris Chain waters in play for competitors, Scroggins said that he thinks the tournament could be won in any one of the lakes and that will have the anglers spread out.
“Some guys are going to catch them in the canals – the fish like to spawn there,” Scroggins said. “The offshore grass will be strong, and the mixed hydrilla and eelgrass. I’d have a vibrating jig tied on, and a lipless crankbait. I’d also have something to flip – a lot of those fish also spawn in the reeds and cattails, so you have to have something to flip.”
Scroggins went on to say that with ideal weather conditions, the three-day winner might need a three-day total right around 75 pounds.
“If it’s good weather, I think it’ll take over 25 (pounds) a day,” Scroggins said. “If the weather is bad, it’ll still be good fishing – 18 to 20 pounds a day.”
Anglers will take off each day at 7 a.m. ET from the Venetian Gardens in Leesburg. Weigh-ins will also be held at the Ski Beach at the Venetian Gardens and will begin at 3 p.m. 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.
In Toyota Series regular-season competition, payouts are based on the number of participants competing in the event, scaling up for every 20 boats over 160 and scaling down for every boat below 160. With a 160-boat field, pros fish for a top prize of $40,000, plus an extra $35,000 if Phoenix MLF Bonus qualified. Strike King co-anglers cast for the top prize of a new Phoenix 518 Pro bass boat with a 115-horsepower Mercury outboard (valued at $33,500). With a 260-boat field, pros fish for a top award of $65,000, plus an extra $35,000 if Phoenix MLF Bonus qualified. Strike King co-anglers cast for the top prize of a new Phoenix 518 Pro bass boat with a 115-horsepower outboard (valued at $33,500) plus $5,000 cash.
The 2023 Toyota Series Presented by Phoenix Boats consists of six divisions – Central, Northern, Plains, Southern, Southwestern and the Western Division Presented by Tackle Warehouse – each holding three regular-season events, along with the International and Wild Card divisions. Anglers who fish in any of the six divisions or the Wild Card division and finish in the top 25 will qualify for the no-entry-fee Toyota Series Championship for a shot at winning up to $235,000 and a qualification to REDCREST V. The winning Strike King co-angler at the championship earns a new Phoenix 518 Pro bass boat with a 115-horsepower Mercury outboard. The 2023 Toyota Series Championship will be held Nov. 2-4 on Table Rock Lake in Branson, Missouri, and is hosted by ExploreBranson.com.
Proud sponsors of the 2023 MLF Toyota Series include: 4WP, 13 Fishing, Abu Garcia, B&W Trailer Hitches, Black Rifle Coffee Company, E3, Favorite Fishing, Fox Rent a Car, General Tire, Gill, Grundéns, Lew’s, Lowrance, Mercury, Mossy Oak, Onyx, Phoenix, Polaris, Power-Pole, Strike King, Tackle Warehouse, T-H Marine, Wiley X and YETI.
For complete details and updated information visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular Toyota Series updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow the MLF5 social media outlets at Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
Nominations open for third annual C.A.S.T. for Kids B.A.S.S. Humanitarian Award
Bill Wilson of Fort Collins, Colo., was honored with the 2022 C.A.S.T. for Kids B.A.S.S. Humanitarian Award for his decades of work serving special needs families and veterans.
Photo by B.A.S.S.
January 24, 2023
Nominations open for third annual C.A.S.T. for Kids B.A.S.S. Humanitarian Award
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — B.A.S.S. and the C.A.S.T. for Kids Foundation are accepting nominations for their annual humanitarian award recognizing the important work being done by many anglers to support fragile populations. The C.A.S.T. for Kids B.A.S.S. Humanitarian Award will honor one B.A.S.S. member who has demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to serving groups such as children with special needs, veterans, abuse survivors or any people who need extra help and support.
“We are proud to collaborate with the C.A.S.T. for Kids Foundation to honor the many volunteers in both of our organizations who make such a positive impact in their communities,” said B.A.S.S. CEO Chase Anderson. “While only one person will receive this award, we hope it will spotlight the incredible work being done by so many of our members across the country.”
The 2022 C.A.S.T. for Kids B.A.S.S. Humanitarian Award honored Bill Wilson of Fort Collins, Colorado during the 2022 Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic. Wilson started his local C.A.S.T. for Kids program 25 years ago, which draws participants from up to 200 miles away and uses 35-40 boats to take special needs children and their families out on the water. Additionally, Wilson serves as the safety boat for the City of Fort Collins’ Adaptive Recreation Programs, getting special needs children and adults on various local lakes and reservoirs on paddle boards and in kayaks and sailboats. He has also organized the community’s annual veterans’ breakfast for 21 years and makes sure that no food goes to waste by ensuring anything remaining goes to feed local homeless populations.
“Bill has wholeheartedly served the special needs children, veterans and youth fishermen in Colorado for decades,” said Executive Director of the C.A.S.T. for Kids Foundation and former Bassmaster Elite Series pro Jay Yelas. “The joy he exhibits while voluntarily serving others is contagious, and Bill has been a great example to many. The C.A.S.T. for Kids Foundation was thrilled to see Bill receive the Humanitarian Award.”
To be considered for the award, a B.A.S.S. member must be nominated by February 17, 2023. Any member doing exemplary community service will be considered. The nomination form can be found at Bassmaster.com/award.
“The sport of bass fishing is full of folks with big hearts who enjoy serving others; we meet them all the time at C.A.S.T. for Kids events,” said Yelas. “I think it’s significant that the C.A.S.T. for Kids B.A.S.S. Humanitarian Award exists to recognize and show appreciation to those in the B.A.S.S. family who serve their community well.”
Anderson recently joined the C.A.S.T. for Kids Foundation Board of Directors.
“After attending a recent C.A.S.T. event, I was so moved by the experience and felt so strongly about the importance of their mission that I was honored to join the board when Jay extended the invitation late last year,” he said.
Judges from both B.A.S.S. and the C.A.S.T. for Kids Foundation will review all nominations as well as verify the humanitarian work of the honoree. It is important to note that, while C.A.S.T. for Kids focuses on giving special needs kids fishing opportunities, the nominations are open to B.A.S.S. members doing any form of good work to help a fragile population. The winner will be announced as part of the festivities surrounding the 2023 Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic in Knoxville, Tenn., March 24-26.
Arey hopes to make Magic Kingdom memories at Okeechobee
Courtesy of Alan McGuckin - Dynamic Sponsorships
Cleveland County, North Carolina, where Team Toyota’s Matt Arey calls home, is well-known for a Bigfoot named Knobby and a unique food item called liver mush. But lately, Arey’s thoughts have involved Florida’s most famous mouse and massive bass fishery, Lake Okeechobee.
The Arey family recently spent quality time with neighbors at Walt Disney World® where the highly competitive angler had his heart softened watching youngest daughter Wren get treated like a princess at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, and her big sister, Reese gain self-confidence by riding down Splash Mountain.
“Those are moments I’ll treasure forever as a dad,” says Arey. “Wren is 6-years-old, which is the perfect age for a little girl to experience Disney, and seeing Reese breakthrough some of her fear barriers and gain self-confidence after riding Splash Mountain made me super proud of her,” reflects Arey.
A month from now, Arey will rely on his own self-confidence when he returns to Florida to begin a brand new Bassmaster Elite Series season at Lake Okeechobee during Valentine’s week.
“I’ve had a love-hate relationship with Okeechobee over the years. The two biggest bass I’ve ever caught in my life both came from Okeechobee during practice days. They were both 10-pounders. But I’ve also struggled to cash good checks there,” says Arey.
The iconic South Florida fishery has had its share of ecological strugglesrecently related to nutrient overloads, toxic algal blooms, and intense water level fluctuations.
“The water is really high there now, and on most fisheries that spreads anglers out, but at Okeechobee, high water forces muddy water into normally prime fishing areas, resulting in a lot fewer areas with the cleaner water everybody will be looking for,” he explains.
Asked what lures he’s confident will be major players, Arey chose a 5” black/blue Lunker Stick, and a 3/8-ounce swim jig from Lunkerhunt in a color called “spawner.”
“A soft stick bait like the Lunker Stick has probably caught more bass in Florida the past 20 years than any lure on earth, and it’s a great tool to get bites when fishing pressure has slowed the bite way down after we’ve pounded all the good water for several days,” says Arey.
Secondly, he’ll tie on a swim jig just like the one daughter Reese is holding in the palm of her oversized Mickey glove to comb vast acres of what the locals call flooded hay fields.
“I put a little boot-tail swimbait on the back of it for a trailer, tie it to 40-pound P-Line braid on a 7’ 4” heavy action rod and cover a ton of water. It’s hand-to-hand combat bass fishing that can be an absolute blast!” grins Arey.
Ultimately, he hopes the soft stickbait and swimjig lead to memories on par with Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique and Splash Mountain. Because Arey will be the first to tell you Okeechobee is overdue in granting him a Disney-sized helping of success as he makes a run at qualifying for his fifth consecutive Bassmaster Classic.
Fesco & Ashworth win $20,000 at Rayburn. Choke Canyon this weekend
Sam Rayburn: 1/21/2023 Total Entries: 168 Teams Total Collected: $56,270 Total Payback (C&P): $51,350 Payback Percentage: 91% Total Fish: 393 Total Weight: 1091.43 lbs Average Weight: 2.78 lbs Number of limits: 72 Number of zero's: 85 Top 50 finishers listed below for complete results
go to http://www.basschamps.com
http://www.bctakeoff.com
for take off details
Place Boat Truck Angler 1 Angler 2 Fish Big Bass Wt. Prize Amt. 1 MICHAEL FESCO
SOUR LAKE , TXHOLDEN ASHWORTH
VIDOR , TX5 0 23.73
$20000.00 2 TRENT MANUEL
IOWA , LAGEORGE GLASS
DERRIDER , LA5 0 21.94
$6000.00 with Skeeter Bonus Cash 3 SAMMY CHRISTIAN
LUMBERTON , TXQUINTIN GUIDRY
BEAUMONT , TX5 9.02 21.74
$2200.00 4 RUSTY CLARK
SAM RAYBURN , TXCORY RAMBO
ORANGE , TX5 6.91 21.21
$1500.00 5 WILL CARSTENS
ALEXANDRIA , LAROSS BRYANT
ALEXANDRIA , LA5 0 18.96
$1200.00 6 BRETT PREUETT
MONROE , LABEN SOUTH
JASPER , TX5 0 18.89
$1050.00 7 CASEY WELDON
VIDOR , TXTERRY HOTARD
HEMPHILL , TX5 10.29 18.67
$1040.00 8 DON DICKERSON
PINEVILLE , LAJASON FOUNTAIN
PINEVILLE , LA5 9.32 17.86
$1030.00 9 RODNEY BRAY
BROKEN BOW , OKGLENN WEBB
BROKEN BOW , OK5 0 17.79
$1020.00 10 DARREN TAYLOR
COLDSPRING , TXGARY WALPOLE
FLORESVILLE , TX5 0 17.74
$1010.00 11 TY MOOREHEAD
JASPER , TXDEWAYNE REESE
DIBOLL , TX5 0 17.55
$1000.00 12 CHRIS LEWIS
HALLSVILLE , TXCEDRIC JACKSON
SICILY ISLAND , LA4 11.66 17.16
$1000.00 + $500.00 Big Bass+ABU Garcia Bonus 13 CHARLES GUTHRIE
CONROE , TXRICHARD FAULKNER
BROADDUS , TX5 6.42 16.54
$2000.00 with Skeeter Bonus Cash 14 LEE BROWN
LEESVILLE , LAIKE STEPHENS
LEESVILLE , LA5 0 16.48
$1000.00 15 JOSH RODGERS
CHINA , TXCASEY BURLEIGH
ORANGE , TX5 0 16.47
$1000.00 16 BRYTON KURTZ
MONTGOMERY , TXBRYAN KURTZ
MONTGOMERY , TX5 0 16.41
$1000.00 17 BILLY DONAHO
BROOKELAND , TXCHRISTOPHER OGAZ
BROOKELAND , TX5 0 16.09
$1000.00 18 JASON BONDS
LUFKIN , TXDEREK MUNDY
BROADDUS , TX4 0 15.61
$925.00 18 CLINT CONRAD
MOSS BLUFF , LAKEELAN MANUEL
SULPHUR , LA5 0 15.61
$925.00 20 BRANNON MIRE
BROUSSARD , LABEN MATSUBU
MANY , LA5 0 15.50
$900.00 21 DONNIE PICKARD
BRIDGE CITY , TXALAN ASHBY
ORANGE , TX5 0 15.44
$1400.00 with Skeeter Bonus Cash 22 BRADLEY HILLEBRANDT
FLORIEN , LAJORDAN BREAUX
LAKE CHARLES , LA5 0 15.43
$900.00 23 LARRY DEAN
HUMBLE , TXDANIEL TRAVIS
THE COLONY , TX5 0 15.28
24 SHELBY SHAW
HUNTSVILLE , TXWESLEY LEWIS
KIRBYVILLE , TX5 0 15.20
25 CHAD KEMP
BRIDGE CITY , TXBRENT KEMP
ORANGE , TX5 0 15.06
26 ROSS JEWELL
BROADDUS , TXRICHARD BACON
BASILE , LA5 0 15.05
27 STEVE WRIGHT
PLANO , TXRONALD RISENHOOVER
LUFKIN , TX5 0 14.78
28 JONATHAN EDWARDS
HEMPHILL , TXBRENT EDWARDS
HEMPHILL , TX5 0 14.53
29 STEPHEN SHANNON
ARLINGTON , TXJACOB SHANNON
ARLINGTON , TX5 0 14.46
30 ROGER JOHNSON JR
VIDOR , TXKIRK LELEUX
KIRBYVILLE , TX5 0 14.40
31 CODY PITT
ELMER , LAKEVIN LASYONE
DRY PRONG , LA5 0 14.30
32 ERNEST WEBB II
HULL , TXERNEST WEBB
HULL , TX5 0 14.29
32 LARRY COTTEN JR
HUFFMAN , TXLARRY COTTEN
HUFFMAN , TX5 0 14.29
34 ADAM DUNN
HOUSTON , TXBILLY CARNLINE
PORTER , TX5 0 14.13
35 BRADLEY PAGE
FRIENDSWOOD , TXJOHN NEMECEK
FRIENDSWOOD , TX5 0 13.84
36 MARTIN ELSHOUT
ABITA SPRINGS , LAMARK PRICE
RUSTON , LA5 0 13.70
37 CRAIG MASSEY
HOUSTON , TX5 0 13.50
38 DANIEL HICKMAN
HUNTINGTON , TXCHARLES HICKMAN
HUNTINGTON , TX5 0 13.36
39 JD LAUGHERY
ROCKWALL , TXCOLTON LAUGHERY
ROCKWALL , TX5 0 13.31
40 ALEX MURRAY
LAKE CHARLES , LADAVID BERCIER
LAKE CHARLES , LA5 0 13.30
41 ALLAN SHIVERS
JASPER , TXZACK LUCAS
BROOKELAND , TX4 0 12.98
42 RICHARD WAGNON
JASPER , TXGREG GREEN
LUMBERTON , TX5 0 12.97
43 WILLIAM OLDBURY
KIRBYVILLE , TXMICHAEL DORSEY
ORANGE , TX5 0 12.91
44 STUART VILLIEN
DUSON , LAKIPP THERIOT
YOUNGSVILLE , LA5 0 12.81
45 ALLEN SHELTON
FARMERS BRANCH , TXSTRIDER BROWNING
TIMPSON , TX5 0 12.70
46 MATHEW ARMAND
HESSMER , LAMIKE BRIGGS
PINEVILLE , LA5 0 12.68
47 HEATH ARD
SILSBEE , TXDAVID GORE
ZAVALA , TX5 0 12.54
48 BUBBA FRAZIER
PINELAND , TXTOMMY HILL JR
PINELAND , TX5 0 12.49
49 MARSHALL HUGHES
HEMPHILL , TXCOLE STEWART
HEMPHILL , TX5 0 12.47
50 BRANDEN RANNEKLEIV
REEVES , LAJOSHUA SMITH
SULPHUR , LA5 0 12.45
Central Florida Youth Anglers Win MLF High School Fishing Open Tournament on Harris Chain of Lakes
LEESBURG, Fla. (Jan. 23, 2023) – The Central Florida Youth Anglers team of Ryder Krueger and Carson Yero brought five bass to the scale Saturday weighing 21 pounds, 6 ounces, to win the MLF High School Fishing Presented by Favorite Fishing Open at Harris Chain of Lakes in Leesburg, Florida.
A field of 37 teams competed in the no-entry fee tournament, which was hosted by Visit 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 2023 High School Fishing National Championship are:
1st: Central Florida Youth Anglers – Ryder Krueger and Carson Yero, five bass, 21-6
2nd: Seminole Junior Anglers – Bryce Balentine and Bryce Dimauro, five bass, 20-0
3rd: TSA Seminole County – Dylan Quilatan and Tommy Rust, five bass, 18-10
Rounding out the top 10 teams were:
4th: Marion County Bass Masters – Isaac Dorland and Claude Loftin, five bass, 17-3
5th: Alabama Bass Academy – Fisher Anaya and Lake Johnson, five bass, 15-4
6th: South Sumter High School, Bushnell, Fla. – Chase Burris and Cody Zilcosky, five bass, 12-2
7th: Alabama Bass Academy – Caleb Edwards and Jackson Rollins, five bass, 12-1
8th: Central Florida Youth Anglers – Logan Cardwell and Kaden Snavely, five bass, 11-9
9th: Mid Florida Youth Anglers, Mulberry, Fla. – Kody Glass and Evan Newell, five bass, 11-3
10th: Bartow High School, Bartow, Fla. – Colten Bourn and Cameron Spiller, five bass, 10-14
Complete results from the event can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.
MLF High School Fishing presented by Favorite Fishing Open 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% of teams at each Open event, along with the TBF High School Fishing state championships, will advance to the 2023 High School Fishing National Championship. The 2023 MLF High School Fishing National Championship will be held on the Mississippi River in La Crosse, Wisconsin, June 20-24, and is hosted by Explore La Crosse.
The High School Fishing National Champions each receive a $5,000 college scholarship to the school of their choice and advance to the 2023 MLF Toyota Series Championship to compete as co-anglers.
Proud sponsors of the 2023 MLF High School Fishing Presented by Favorite Fishing include: 4WP, 13 Fishing, Abu Garcia, B&W Trailer Hitches, Black Rifle Coffee Company, E3, Favorite Fishing, Fox Rent a Car, General Tire, Grundens, Lawless Lures, Lew’s, Lowrance, Mercury, Mossy Oak, Onyx, Phoenix, Polaris, Power-Pole, Strike King, Tackle Warehouse, T-H Marine, Wiley X 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.
Catawba Valley Community College Wins MLF Abu Garcia College Fishing Tournament on Harris Chain of Lakes
LEESBURG, Fla. (Jan. 23, 2023) – The Catawba Valley Community College duo of Will Hammond of Huntersville, North Carolina, and Cabe Mackey of Denver, North Carolina, won the MLF Abu Garcia College Fishing Presented by YETI event on Harris Chain of Lakes Friday with a five-bass limit weighing 25 pounds, 5 ounces. The victory earned the Red Hawks’ bass club $2,000 and a qualification into the 2024 MLF College Fishing National Championship.
It didn’t take long for the Red Hawks to get a jump on the field, even though Hammond said it was his first time to fish in Florida.
“We rolled up on our spot and I made the first cast and caught our big fish, which was almost an 8-pounder,” the freshman said. “Yeah … the first cast of the day. That fish was also my new personal best.”
Hammond said the duo focused on a shell bed in six feet of water and utilized a Carolina rig tipped with a large worm. He went on to say they found the shell bed in practice and knew it was in the vicinity of a spawning area and would be promising on tournament day.
“I knew in the back of my mind there would be all three stages of fish there,” Hammond said. “I knew it had post-spawn fish, pre-spawn fish and fish that were just starting to move up on beds. It was a staging place for the fish and a place I knew would constantly refresh.”
Hammond said the team sat on the shell bed all day and ended up catching 15 keepers during the event, including a 6-pounder to cull their smallest bass.
“This win hasn’t set in yet,” Hammond said. “I was very confident it was going to take much more to win than it did, so when I walked to the stage and saw 23 pounds was leading, it scared me for a second. But it is so cool to get this win for the school.”
A field of 233 teams competed Friday, meaning 27 teams qualified to compete in the 2024 College Fishing National Championship. The top 10 teams finished:
1st: Catawba Valley Community College – Will Hammond, Huntersville, N.C., and Cabe Mackey, Denver, N.C., five bass, 25-5, $2,000
2nd: Florida Gateway College – Seth Slanker and Jackson Swisher, both of Lake City, Fla., five bass, 23-9, $1,000
3rd: University of Central Florida – Justin Lawrence, Oviedo, Fla., and Grady Windham, Winter Park, Fla., five bass, 23-1, $700
4th: University of Nebraska-Lincoln – Jonah Barrow, Fairmont, Neb., and Connor Slaughter, South Sioux City, Neb., five bass, 22-14, $600
5th: Carson-Newman University – Ben Cully, Rockwall, Texas, and Hayden Gaddis, Seymour, Tenn., five bass, 22-4, $500
6th: University of Iowa – John Hatfield, West Branch, Iowa, and Chase Loftus, Solan, Iowa, five bass, 21-13
7th: Auburn University – Sam Hanggi, Knoxville, Tenn., and Sam Hoesley, Hoover, Ala., five bass, 21-9
8th: Kentucky Christian University – Ben Brockwell, Crossett, Ark., and Justice Gayhart, Nicholasville, Ky., five bass, 21-0
9th: University of North Alabama – Kolby Clark and Kaden Liles, both of Florence, Ala., five bass, 19-14
10th: Campbellsville University – Evan Fields, Shelbyville, Ky., and Drew Gill, Mount Carmel, Ill., five bass, 19-3
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 Visit Lake County, Florida. The next event for College Fishing anglers will be the Abu Garcia College Fishing Presented by YETI event on Lake Havasu Presented by Tackle Warehouse, Feb. 4 in Lake Havasu City, Arizona.
The 2023 MLF Abu Garcia College Fishing Presented by YETI 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 2024 Abu Garcia College Fishing Presented by YETI National Championship.
Proud sponsors of the 2023 MLF Abu Garcia College Fishing Presented by YETI include: 4WP, 13 Fishing, Abu Garcia, B&W Trailer Hitches, Black Rifle Coffee Company, E3, Favorite Fishing, Fox Rent a Car, General Tire, Grundens, Lawless Lures, Lew’s, Lowrance, Mercury, Mossy Oak, Onyx, Phoenix, Polaris, Power-Pole, Strike King, Tackle Warehouse, T-H Marine, Wiley X 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.
Luke Clausen Signs with Phenix Rods
Monday, January 23, 2023
SANTA FE SPRINGS, Cali. – Phenix Rods has announced the addition of Major League Fishing pro Luke Clausen to its pro staff. Clausen will fish with their bass rods, including the M1, Recon Elite, and Feather Series, on the Bass Pro Tour in 2023.
"We’re super excited to add an angler of Luke’s caliber to the Phenix Family," stated Vince Borges, the Director of Sales and Marketing for Phenix Rods. “Luke and I have fished together and been good friends for quite a few years now. So it was an easy decision for myself and Phenix to welcome Luke to our team of highly skilled anglers and champions!”
Clausen is one of only five anglers who have won the Forrest Wood Cup and the Bassmaster Classic and finished 2nd in Major League Fishing's REDCREST last year. His career has spanned nearly two decades, with earnings eclipsing $2.75 million.
"I'm looking forward to fishing Phenix rods this season because they are excellent products that are also very affordable," added Clausen. "I've known the team for years and am very familiar with their products. It's a great match, and I'm ready to start the season with Phenix Rods in my boat."
Phenix began operation in 1977 and shortly after; they had a loyal following for their custom rods. In 2006, they expanded their offerings with a wide range of rods built for fresh and saltwater species and have continually added new rod designs for all anglers. The company's focus is innovation, emphasizing decreasing rod weight and increasing sensitivity.
White and Elder Win ABT 100 Lake Wedowee
By Jason Duran
Wedowee Ala-January 23, The Alabama Bass Trail 100 started the 2023 season at Lake Wedowee in Randolph County. The ABT 100 consists of 100 of the best teams in the country fishing for a total payout of $100,000. Prior to this event, 90% of the teams had never been to Lake Wedowee, but they were up for the challenge and ready to put their skills to the test.
The first-place team of Rusty White, Jr. and Brian Elder weighed in 20.07 pounds of Lake Wedowee bass. This was the first time Rusty and Brian fished an ABT event. They tried to get in last year but just missed out, so this year they were waiting as soon as registration opened and clicked send to sign up. Their plan was to “fish for big fish. We came to win. We could have gone down the bank and caught 50-60 fish, but we were fishing for big fish. We targeted very specific structure and isolated cover. Big fish like isolated cover and structure adjacent to deep water. We knew we were going to have to fish behind others because the lake fishes small. When we made the decision to fish for big fish on the isolated stuff, we didn’t have anyone else fishing the same way we were all day.” For them isolated spots were key along with water depth; “the boat was between 12-22 feet, so we targeted structure in 2-8 feet- small piles or small clumps of trees that came out of deep water that gave fish one thing to be the primary Killzone. Big fish always need the escape to deep water. We found this structure by looking at the bank watching how the bank moves. If the bank looked flat and ran deep, we looked for the high spot on that bank or a cluster of trees that was the only spot on that bank, and that was where we found the fish. We spent the day using baits with red hues for the most part.” The Strike King custom painted Chick Magnet crank bait was used to target fish in the 5–6-feet range. For the fish that were a little deeper, a Blue Ridge Bait Company Roller Shad crankbait was used. A third productive bait was Roller Spinnerbait by True Shot Custom Lures. The spinnerbait has big painted eyes and the twist eye wire tie vs “R” bend prevents losing fish.” For their win, they collected $25,000 plus an additional $1000 for a 7.60 pound big fish payout.
The second-place team of Brian Adamson and Ryan Lloyd were one of the hometown teams that were excited to finally see the ABT come to Lake Wedowee. “This is the biggest event ever at Lake Wedowee, and the whole community has been looking forward to it. Wedowee is a very small town; we have a Jack’s, a grocery store, and a couple of gas stations, and when the ABT comes, it really makes a big impact on the community.” Their original plan was to fish shallow, so they spent lots of time in practice trying those areas. “We really know this lake well as shallow, but the fish just were not there for us in practice.” They made the decision to fish a little deeper and target one primary spot. “We went out today to catch as many as we could and as big as we could. For the first hour of the day, we caught them every cast and quickly culled up to around 17-pounds. We fished on the south end of the lake on a main river flat with a sunken boat for structure and a huge school of fish on it. We caught at least 100 fish and left them biting. It turned out that the large-mouth quit biting and the smaller spotted bass kept feeding- we just couldn’t get the large-mouth to bite again. We left the main area and went to skip docks. At the first dock, we culled up one fish to get us to the 18.50 pounds; after that, we never culled again.” The key baits in this 2nd place finish were; Zoom Swimmer swimbait in shad color, Strike King 6xd Citrus Shad, Big Sac brown jig. “This was probably the most fun tournament we have ever fished combined with anxiety going into the event added that normally the home guys never do well in these events. We really were happy with the finish.” The $12,500 second place prize combined with the Phoenix Boats prize of $2,500 combine for a total payday of $15,000.
Jonathan Collins and Derek Hicks are no strangers to the ABT leader board. They finished in third-place with 17.87 and $10,000. Their style of fishing was perfect for this lake. Derek is known for his Tunnel Hull and the ability to go shallow to get to the fish. They made a run up the Little Tallapoosa River as far as they could go to find fish in the current. They traveled about 10 miles up past the old 431 bridge where most people would have stopped. They targeted fish on chunk rock banks with wood and fished the eddy using 5/8 homemade jig that Derek ties with a Zoom Super Chunk in black and blue, a Zorro 5/8 Bango Blade spinnerbait that has been modified with new blades, and an out of production Sonny McFarland Spring Craw crankbait. They were amazed at how much current was up there and were happy to find it. “You wouldn’t think it was the same lake when you get up there. This is our style of fishing and how we want to fish; we will be back here to fish again in the fall to give it another try.”
The top five standings are below for a complete list of standings please visit:
https://www.alabamabasstrail100.org/lake-wedowee-results/
Bassmaster College Series season kicks off on Harris Chain
The 2023 Strike King Bassmaster College Series presented by Bass Pro Shops will start the season on Harris Chain, where last season Lafe and Matt Messer from Kentucky Christian University caught a Day 2 limit of 36 pounds, 7 ounces and broke the Bassmaster College Series single-day record.
Photo by Kyle Jessie/B.A.S.S.
January 19, 2023
LEESBURG, Fla. — Another heavyweight battle is on tap as 275 of the best college fishing teams in the country return to central Florida for the 2023 Strike King Bassmaster College Series at Harris Chain presented by Bass Pro Shops Jan. 26-27.
St. Croix Bassmaster Opens pro Bobby Lane of Lakeland, Fla., expects the weights to be impressive.
“I couldn’t predict what lake it is going to go down on,” Lane said. “They are all fishing that good right now. There will be opportunities for these college anglers to have five to eight spots they can run and feel confident about catching a 20-plus-pound bag on all of them. All of the lakes will produce a 20-pound bag this time of year.”
The last two trips to the Harris Chain for the College Series have produced some of the biggest bags ever. In 2020, the Bryan College duo of Connor DiMauro and Elite Series rookie Cole Sands captured 84 pounds, 12 ounces, the heaviest three-day winning weight in Bassmaster history.
Last season, Lafe and Matt Messer from Kentucky Christian University caught a two-day total of 61-13 to earn the victory, including a 36-7 sack on Day 2.
The College Series event will be followed on Jan. 29 by the one-day Strike King Bassmaster High School Series presented by Academy Sports + Outdoors and Bassmaster Junior Series tournaments, featuring 225 teams from 30 states. All events will launch from Venetian Gardens (Ski Beach) at7 a.m. ET and return for weigh-in at 3 p.m. The Junior Series weigh-in starts at 2 p.m. on Sunday. Full coverage will be available on Bassmaster.com.
While the massive system used to be a fishery the locals only fished if there was a tournament scheduled, the Harris Chain has turned into a big-bass factory in recent years and that is largely because of the amount of healthy grass in the fishery.
“All of the lakes have some type of vegetation in them now,” Lane explained. “It could be eelgrass, coontail, hydrilla. Half of the Elite field’s weight last year came from Banana Cove where hydrilla was growing. Harris didn’t use to be known for the big fish it has today. It used to be behind Okeechobee, Toho, Seminole. You only went to Harris to fish a tournament, not to fun fish.
“Over the last five years, the grass has grown up and the (fish have grown). There wasn’t always a great population, but now you can catch 10, 20, 30, even 50 to 60 bass a day. The fishery is so healthy and lights-out.”
Lane expects the bass to be in full prespawn mode and approaching the areas where they will set up to spawn. Given the right conditions, some of the big largemouth might even begin their spawning rituals. He added that any of the eight lakes that make up the Harris Chain could produce a winning bag.
“January is when the big prespawn bass move to the last spots they will be (at) before they move to shore to think about spawning,” Lane said. “Shellbars will be key. The fish love to set up on the shellbars, and the shad love to swim through there. The big females are as big as they will ever be, and they are aggressive and feeding up before they move into spawn.
“What happens a lot of times is people think they need to fish shallow. But depending on the winter and if it is really mild and the moon happens to set up, they could very well be catching spawning fish. Those females will sometimes spawn in that offshore grass, right where they eat all year long.”
With fish in prespawn mode, Lane said three baits will almost always get the job done: a Berkley Slobberknocker, a lipless crankbait and a Carolina rig. The C-rig has been responsible for the two College Series victories previously mentioned and is a must-have when anglers go to the Harris Chain.
Major League Fishing Toyota Series Set to Launch 2023 Season with Southwestern Division Opener on Sam Rayburn
BROOKELAND, Texas (Jan. 19, 2023) – The Major League Fishing (MLF) Toyota Series is set to open the season in Brookeland, Texas, next week, Jan. 25-27, with the Toyota Series at Sam Rayburn Reservoir. Hosted by the Jasper-Lake Sam Rayburn Area Chamber of Commerce, the three-day tournament will feature a field of the region’s best bass-fishing pros and Strike King co-anglers competing for a top prize of up to $100,000 in the pro division and a new Phoenix 518 Pro boat with a 115-horsepower Mercury outboard motor in the co-angler division.
“No doubt, whomever wins this Toyota Series event is going to have to catch at least 60 pounds over the three days,” said Bass Pro Tour newcomer Nick LeBrun of Bossier City, Louisiana, who has eight top-10 finishes on Sam Rayburn Reservoir in MLF competition. “I jumped in the BFL opener last weekend just to get ready for this Toyota Series event and although the lake is low, it is still fishing really good right now.”
LeBrun finished in 4th place in that BFL event, relying mainly on junk fishing to piece together a solid 19-pound, 3-ounce limit. He said he caught a 5½-pounder fishing shallow, and a 5½-pounder fishing out deep. Like that event, he expects the fish to still be spread out during this Toyota Series opener.
“It’s been a very mild winter. The water has been in the 60s forever. Usually when the water hits 55 (degrees) and stays consistent there is a big group of fish that get up in the drains and winter there, but I just don’t know that a lot of fish have done that yet, this year,” LeBrun said.
“Like the BFL, I think we’ll see a lot of junk fishing in this tournament,” LeBrun went on to say. “I’ll have a ½-ounce Bill Lewis Rat-L-Trap tied on – that’s always a huge player on Rayburn – and I’ll also have a ¾ -ounce Buckeye Football jig and some Texas-rigged plastics tied on if I decide to play the deep game. I don’t really think about it often, but an umbrella rig could definitely be a player this time of year as well.”
Anglers will launch each day at 7 a.m. CT from the Umphrey Family Pavilion in Brookeland. Weigh-ins will also be held at the Pavilion and will begin at 3 p.m. 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.
In Toyota Series regular-season competition, payouts are based on the number of participants competing in the event, scaling up for every 20 boats over 160 and scaling down for every boat below 160. With a 160-boat field, pros fish for a top prize of $40,000, plus an extra $35,000 if Phoenix MLF Bonus qualified. Strike King co-anglers cast for the top prize of a new Phoenix 518 Pro bass boat with a 115-horsepower Mercury outboard (valued at $33,500). With a 260-boat field, pros fish for a top award of $65,000, plus an extra $35,000 if Phoenix MLF Bonus qualified. Strike King co-anglers cast for the top prize of a new Phoenix 518 Pro bass boat with a 115-horsepower outboard (valued at $33,500) plus $5,000 cash.
The 2023 Toyota Series consists of six divisions – Central, Northern, Plains, Southern, Southwestern and the Western Division Presented by Tackle Warehouse – each holding three regular-season events, along with the International and Wild Card divisions. Anglers who fish in any of the six divisions or the Wild Card division and finish in the top 25 will qualify for the no-entry-fee Toyota Series Championship for a shot at winning up to $235,000 and a qualification to REDCREST V. The winning Strike King co-angler at the championship earns a new Phoenix 518 Pro bass boat with a 115-horsepower Mercury outboard. The 2023 Toyota Series Championship will be held Nov. 2-4on Table Rock Lake in Branson, Missouri, and is hosted by ExploreBranson.com.
Proud sponsors of the 2023 MLF Toyota Series include: 4WP, 13 Fishing, Abu Garcia, B&W Trailer Hitches, Black Rifle Coffee Company, E3, Favorite Fishing, Fox Rent a Car, General Tire, Gill, Grundéns, Lew’s, Lowrance, Mercury, Mossy Oak, Onyx, Phoenix, Polaris, Power-Pole, Strike King, Tackle Warehouse, T-H Marine, Wiley X and YETI.
For complete details and updated information visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular Toyota Series updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow the MLF5 social media outlets at Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
VanDam reflects on 38 years of sport show seminars
Courtesy of Alan McGuckin - Dynamic Sponsorships
Team Toyota’s Kevin VanDam was 18 years old the first time he spoke as a featured fishing seminar presenter at a boat show. He was nervous and feared nobody would show up.
Not only did they show up for the first one, 38 years later they’re still crowding-in by the hundreds like they did last week in Novi, Michigan to hear a slice of bass fishing wisdom from the man most consider the greatest of all time.
“I’ve probably done around 700 fishing seminars at this point in my career, but I’ll never forget that first one in Grand Rapids. A sales rep and promotions manager named Henry Bouche invited me to speak there, and I was dumbfounded,” smiles VanDam.
“I walked into that room, and there were dozens of guys twice my age who I knew personally and competed against. I was super nervous, but once I started sharing my passion for fishing with them, I settled right down. I think I got paid $250. That was pretty awesome,” he adds.
A few years later, the skinny-legged kid from Kalamazoo won his first B.A.S.S. Angler of the Year title, and by that time, former Bassmaster tournament director Harold Sharp was working as a booking agent andhiring VanDam to do more than 30 seminars across America each winter.
“In the 1990s there was no YouTube or any other way to get information about bass fishing other than magazines and TV fishing shows. So, the in-person seminars were a huge deal for fans, and honestly, a huge source of income in the off-season for pros,” he explains.
VanDam says the most popular question from seminar attendees still remains “How do you find and catch bass on a body of water you’re unfamiliar with?” To which he responds by explaining his system of pairing particular lures and patterns with the time of year and a fishery’s primary habitat and water clarity.
Three decades of experience have taught him it’s critical to entertain a wide range of folks in the audience, from the guy who pulled-up a chair while eating a hot dog on his way from one booth to the other, all the way to the serious hard core tournament angler who came to the show specifically for that particular seminar.
“I learned a lot about the craft from other pros too. Denny Brauer oozed confidence. When he was done talking you thought you could pitch a jig as good as him. West Coast angler, Rich Tauber taught me the value of truly entertaining the crowd. And Joe Thomas from Ohio taught me the importance of working hard to serve both fans and show promoters,” says VanDam.
The years of doing 30 seminars purely at winter boat and sport shows are a thing of the past. Many of his speaking engagements now take place at Bass Pro Shop stores across America that didn’t exist back then. Not to mention, there simply aren’t as many sport shows being held now as there were prior to Covid-19 shutdowns.
There are still a few great ones however, like the Ultimate Fishing Show he spoke at in Novi, Michigan last week, and the Ultimate Sport Show in Grand Rapids, home to his very first one 38 years ago when he was a nervous but gifted 18-year-old from whom the local anglers were already wanting to gain bass fishing knowledge.
B.A.S.S. Nation 2023 regional championship schedule announced
The 2023 TNT Fireworks B.A.S.S. Nation Series schedule features five regional championship events.
Photo by Grant Moxley/B.A.S.S.
January 18, 2023
B.A.S.S. Nation 2023 regional championship schedule announced
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — The 2023 TNT Fireworks B.A.S.S. Nation schedule features five opportunities for grass-roots anglers to battle some of the country’s best bass fisheries. Each regional championship will provide opportunities for everyday anglers to qualify for the TNT Fireworks B.A.S.S. Nation Championship and a shot at one of three berths in the 2024 Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic.
“As we’ve seen in the past with anglers like 2010 B.A.S.S. Nation champion and two-time Angler of the Year Brandon Palaniuk and Taylor Smith, who represented the Nation with a Top 10 finish at the 2022 Classic, the B.A.S.S. Nation can be a fantastic opportunity for weekend anglers to fish for big money on a big stage or the gateway to a stellar career in professional fishing,” said B.A.S.S. Vice President of Tournaments Chris Bowes. “All of these anglers are going to have the opportunity to compete on fantastic and historic fisheries. We’re proud to offer three Nation anglers the opportunity to compete in the iconic Bassmaster Classic, where anything is possible.”
The schedule will kick off next spring with the Central Regional on the Arkansas River in Muskogee, Okla., May 3-5. The fishery, known for its variety of structure, has hosted a dozen major B.A.S.S. events, including two Bassmaster Classics and, most recently, a 2020 Bassmaster Open.
After a stop at Douglas Lake in Jefferson County, Tenn., May 24-26 for the Southeast Regional, the schedule will swing to the upper region of the United States in June with the Northeast Regional on the Potomac River in Charles County, Md., June 7-9 and the Northern Regional June 28-30 on Lake Winnebago in Fox Cities, Wis.
"We are excited to welcome B.A.S.S Nation anglers to the Fox Cities of Wisconsin for the first time in 2023,” said Matt Ten Haken, director of sports marketing for the Fox Cities Convention and Visitors Bureau. “The competitors will find that our waterways are some of the best fisheries in the Midwest and will surely provide a fun challenge. When they are not on the water, the unique dining, shopping and nightlife options of the Fox Cities will make for a complete weekend experience.”
The final regular-season event, the Western Regional, along with the date and location for the 2023 B.A.S.S. Nation Championship will be announced at a later date.
The Championship tournament will be made up of qualifiers from all five regionals as well as international anglers and the Paralyzed Veterans of America Angler of the Year. The Top 3 anglers from the overall standings will earn a berth to the 2024 Bassmaster Classic.
The winner of the B.A.S.S. Nation Championship will earn the title of “Nation’s Best,” which includes the use of a fully-rigged tournament boat for a year, an invitation to join the 2024 Bassmaster Elite Series and a cash prize. The second- and third-place finishers and nonboater champion will each earn paid entry fees for all divisions of the St. Croix Bassmaster Opens as well.
“The B.A.S.S. Nation local clubs have been the foundation of our organization for more than five decades and mean so much to so many different people,” said GL Compton, tournament director for the B.A.S.S. Nation. “As someone who grew up fishing with the South Carolina B.A.S.S. Nation, I know that these clubs add so much to the culture and growth of our sport through their conservation efforts and youth events and initiatives.”
2023 TNT Fireworks B.A.S.S. Nation Schedule
Central Regional: May 3-5, Arkansas River, Muskogee, Okla.
Southeast Regional: May 24-26, Douglas Lake, Jefferson County, Tenn.
Northeast Regional: June 7-9, Potomac River, Charles County, Md.
Northern Regional: June 28-30, Lake Winnebago, Fox Cities, Wis.
Western Regional: September 13-15, TBD
2023 B.A.S.S. Nation Title Sponsor: TNT Fireworks
2023 B.A.S.S. Nation Platinum Sponsor: Toyota
2023 B.A.S.S. Nation Premier Sponsors: Bass Pro Shops, Dakota Lithium, Humminbird, Mercury, Minn Kota, Nitro Boats, Power-Pole, Progressive Insurance, Ranger Boats, Rapala, Skeeter Boats, Yamaha
2023 B.A.S.S. Nation Supporting Sponsors: AFTCO, Daiwa, Garmin, Lew's, Marathon, Triton Boats, VMC
Thrown to the wolves
The guys welcome Bassmaster Elite Series angler Drew Benton to talk about his career path so far and what has helped him become a consistent angler, leading to an awesome 2022 season. Tournament results and West Coast news on this episode of the AnglersChannel Insider Podcast.
Nightwave, marine digital night vision camera can now stream to a mobile device via the new SIONYX app
SIONYX, leader of digital night vision camera technology, announces the launch of the new SIONYX app, offering Nightwave camera users more flexibility and installation options.
Nightwave, which launched in July 2022, is the first of its kind digital night vision camera which allows mariners to see a 44-degree field of view in color in ultra-low-light conditions. Upon launch, the marine camera could only connect to a boat's MFD via analog or a computer system via USB to display video. With the addition of the new SIONYX app, the WiFi-enabled camera can now seamlessly stream live video to a tablet or phone. This option gives night vision accessibility to all types of boaters and offers more situational flexibility than ever before. In addition to its streaming capabilities, the app has convenient control functions that help users set up their camera for optimal use. Over time, the SIONYX product team will work to enhance and add new features to the camera, which will all be upgradeable through the app via over-the-air firmware updates.
Nightwave was created to provide navigational aid and added safety to those operating a boat in ultra low-light conditions. Whether a mariner is cruising to distant places on a sailboat, or a fisherman is traversing the open sea before the sun comes up, Nightwave is a tool that enhances safety on the water and allows boaters to navigate with confidence.
SIONYX App Key Features:
• Stream Nightwave video up to 30fps via WiFi: Mariners can connect their WIFi enabled Nightwave camera and stream to any mobile device that supports Android or iOS through the new SIONYX app. Users also have the option to connect Nightwave to a boat's MFD via analog output, integrating into existing electronics systems.
• Connect multiple mobile devices to one Nightwave camera: Multiply the eyes on the sea by connecting to multiple mobile devices or connect Nightwave to an MFD and mobile device simultaneously, increasing nighttime vision to make voyages in the dark even safer.
• Stay up-to-date and in complete control: The Nightwave app offers easy-to-use command and control features and over-the-air wireless firmware updates to ensure that mariners have the latest software.
For more information about Nightwave or SIONYX products, visit www.Sionyx.com.
Sportsman’s Warehouse Jacksonville Grand Opening video
https://youtu.be/TqBqR3_N1e0
The AnglersChannel crew was onsite at the grand opening of the Sportsman’s Warehouse in Jacksonville. Come join us as we give you a peek at this new one stop outdoors store in northern Florida.
MLF Bass Fishing League Gator Division Opener on Lake Okeechobee Cancelled Due to High Winds
WHAT:
The BFL Gator Division season-opener tournament on Lake Okeechobee, scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 14, has been cancelled due to forecasted high winds and unsafe conditions. The event, set to launch at Roland & Mary Ann Martin’s Marina & Resort in Clewiston, has been canceled and a new date will be announced in the coming days.
NOTES:
The top 45 boaters and co-anglers in the region based on point standings, along with the five winners in each Gator Division qualifying event, will be entered in the Oct. 12-14 Bass Fishing League Regional tournament on the Lake Eufaula in Eufaula, Alabama.
The 2023 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 2023 All-American event will take place May 31-June 2, on Lake Hartwell in Seneca, South Carolina. The event is hosted by Visit Oconee SC.
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.
Texas Team Trail Announces Bassmaster Classic Qualifying
Starting the year off with a BMP!
Welcome back to another season of the AC Insider podcast! DX and KG decide to start the year with none other than 2022 Bassmaster Elite Series Angler of the Year, Brandon Palaniuk. The guys then dive in to changes, changes and more changes.
B.A.S.S. adds new EVP of Sales & Business Development
January 12, 2023
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — B.A.S.S., the preeminent name in sportfishing, is pleased to announce the addition of Phillip Johnson as Executive Vice President of Sales & Business Development. Johnson brings 25 years of experience in sales and operations management, business leadership, client relations, strategic planning and new growth market identification to the organization.
Johnson spent 15 years with Anderson Merchandisers, a leading provider of in-store service and sales solutions. Johnson rose through the ranks as Field Execution Director, Senior Program Manager and Divisional Director. Most recently, he served as the Vice President, Walmart Account Executive, where he led the company’s rapidly growing Special Projects Division.
“We are excited to welcome Phillip to the B.A.S.S. team,” said Chase Anderson, CEO of B.A.S.S. “I’ve personally had the pleasure of working with Phillip previously and look forward to the strong work ethic, strategic vision and leadership he will bring to supporting our members, sponsors and associates, strengthening our processes and expanding the Bassmaster brand.”
In addition to sales and business development, Johnson will also oversee marketing, licensing, events, communications and membership.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to support an iconic brand with passionate fans at Bassmaster and work to enhance the experience for all our members, sponsors and associates,” said Johnson. “I look forward to the launch of a successful 2023 tournament season and expanding the brand through strategic partnerships and evolving opportunities that create value for everyone associated with B.A.S.S.”
Females in Fisheries scholarship application deadline April 15
January 12, 2023
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Applications are being accepted until April 15 for the 2023 Noreen Clough Memorial Scholarship for Females in Fisheries. The two scholarships will honor female graduate students with a demonstrated commitment to pursuing a career in fishery management and conservation. The women selected will best reflect Noreen’s passion and commitment to the profession and to the sport of fishing.
This will be the seventh year that the American Fisheries Society Black Bass Conservation Committee and B.A.S.S. have awarded the scholarships. In 2022 the honors went to Iowa State University student Madeline Lewis of Poughkeepsie, N.Y., and Noel Schmitz, of Sparta, Wis., who is studying at The Ohio State University.
Clough blazed many trails in the field of fisheries. As the first female regional director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and later as the B.A.S.S. Conservation Director, her long and distinguished career was dedicated to the conservation and management of fish and wildlife. Clough passed away in January 2015 from pancreatic cancer. As a tribute to her, friends and colleagues established an endowment to provide a scholarship for female students working toward a career in fisheries conservation.
More information on the scholarship requirements and judging criteria can be found at Bassmaster.com/conservation-news or by contacting B.A.S.S. National Conservation Director Gene Gilliland at ggilliland@bassmaster.com.
American Tackle Wins Again!
Sunline Add's Elite Pros Austin Felix & Cody Huff To Its Pro Team
Torrance, California. — Sunline America is proud to announce the addition of Bassmaster Elite Series pros Austin Felix and Cody Huff to its coveted pro staff for the 2023 tournament season.
Sunline President Nobuyuki Kajio is excited to be adding these two accomplished young anglers to their pro staff. “Our pro staff had a record year in 2022 and we have added two more accomplished anglers likeCody and Austin. Both anglers have demonstrated their skills under a wide range of conditions and both have a very detailed and technical approach to their fishing line. We wish these new team members and our entire pro team great success in the coming season.”
Sunline is a Japanese fishing line manufacturer, established in 1977. Sunline produces every conceivable type of fishing line for every type of target and fishing method. Materials include nylon, fluorocarbon, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, polyester (polyethylene terephthalate), and metal.
Sunline maintains a top share in the Japanese line market and exports its line to more than 40 countries worldwide. Sunline America is a subsidiary of Sunline Japan and is responsible for distribution and marketing in North American markets. The fundamental concept at Sunline has always been to develop a thinner, stronger fishing line. The company is constantly challenging itself to give full play to its original technology in the creation of new products including patented technology like Plasma Rise.
Gamakatsu hooks title sponsorship for Bassmaster Elite at Lake Seminole
January 10, 2023
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Gamakatsu, a leading manufacturer and innovator of fishing hooks and terminal tackle, has signed on as the tournament title sponsor for the Bassmaster Elite Series at Lake Seminole. The 2023 Gamakatsu Bassmaster Elite at Lake Seminole will be held February 23-26 in Bainbridge, Ga.
“Gamakatsu has had a great relationship with B.A.S.S. over the years, and we are excited to advance this year with the title sponsorship of the Seminole event,” said Ted Thibault, sales manager at Gamakatsu USA. “The Seminole event will feature big bass caught with a wide range of techniques. We are excited to showcase the Gamakatsu brand and our wide range of products inside of this great tournament.”
While Seminole was once a familiar stop on the Bassmaster Tournament Trail — B.A.S.S. has visited the 37,500-acre Chattahoochee River reservoir 15 times since 1968 — there hasn’t been an event on the fishery since 2015. The lake has historically been known for some of the best sight fishing for bedding largemouth in the country, and the timing of the event in late February could play right into that storyline.
Gamakatsu has deep relationships within the Elite Series ranks, with 17 current Elite Series anglers on their pro staff, including 2022 Elite Series champion Drew Cook of Cairo, Ga., who has been fishing Seminole for most of his life.
“I'm very excited to have a company that has believed in and been with me my whole career sponsoring an event on my home lake,” said Cook. “Seminole is fishing great, and I think we will see some really big weights fishing multiple patterns.”
Live coverage of all four days of the Gamakatsu Bassmaster Elite at Lake Seminole starts Thursday, Feb. 23 on Bassmaster.com and the FOX Sports digital platforms. FS1 will also broadcast live with the tournament leaders beginning at 8 a.m. ET on Saturday and Sunday.
Picasso Lures Releases Speed Drop
Designed with Million Dollar Winner, College Phenom Tucker Smith
Indiana, Penn. - January 2, 2023 – The fishing world has become enamored with the advent of Forward-Facing Sonar. When anglers discussed how they won events in the past, the answer would be a technique or a lure category. Now, thanks to advancements in electronics, one technique that is used now is the term “Livescoping.” This general term refers to the angler using the forward-facing sonar of their choice, seeing fish in the water column and casting to it to trigger strikes.
Many products have been used to cast to these fish seen on the screen, but the products used were repurposed from those designed for other techniques.
Until now. Picasso Lures, in collaboration with Tucker Smith, the Auburn University College Bass Fishing Champion and one half of the $1-million winning team of the Bass Pro Shops U.S. Open National Bass Fishing Championship, introduce the Speed Drop Jighead.
The Speed Drop is a uniquely designed round jighead that is engineered to get down to the fish quickly and efficiently, and keep the lure presented properly to the fish once there.
The 20-year-old Auburn University junior has quickly established himself as a force in the bass fishing game with college level wins to go along with the U.S. Open National Bass Fishing Championship, he is also a skilled tactician.
Smith said the Speed Drop is something that was needed for targeting fish on forward facing sonar. “There are heads out there that we’ve all been using, but they have limitations,” he said. “Standard heads spiral on the fall; they have hooks that are weak, and they don’t keep the bait horizontalthrough the whole retrieve; the Speed Drop is better at all of those.”
He said that he and Terry Monteleone at Picasso Lures worked together to achieve the perfect head for the technique. They modified the shape of the head to speed up the sink rate and remove the spiraling action, put in a small, thin, 2X strong hook, adjusted the line tie position and incorporated a low angle dual barb bait keeper.
“The tapered head makes the lure fall fast and straight without spiraling,” said Smith. “The keeper barbs are at a tight angle for easy rigging and holding all types of plastics tight. The line tie is made so that the bait stays as horizontal as possible through the retrieve; it has increased my success ratio a lot.”
Monteleone added that they looked at the market and made improvements. “The hook was the first thing, it needed to be strong enough, but still thindiameter” he said. “The tapered head and bait keepers were vital to action and presentation, but the line tie position was key to making the lure look natural during the retrieve. With most heads, the bait is hanging tail down after the lure gets past a certain point of the retrieve, and we wanted it to be effective throughout the cast.”
Aside from his general fishing knowledge, Monteleone said they love having Smith being a part of the Picasso Lures team. “Tucker is a young man who is extraordinarily accomplished for his young age,” said Monteleone. “He has a maturity beyond his years, and he loves to learn and improve his craft. He’s a pleasure to work with and a great representation for our company – this product is evidence of his skillset and knowledge.”
The Speed Drop is available in 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2-ounce sizes, it will be available in five colors to match the most popular shad imitating colors in use today. Built on 2/0 and 3/0 2X Strong Gamakatsu hooks, comes in packs of two and retails for $5.98.
Picasso Lures are produced in their US manufacturing facility located in Pennsylvania. For more information visit Picasso Lures on the web at www.picassooutdoors.com and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/PicassoLures/.
Heck Yeah! Lufkin Boater Hayden Heck Kicks Off MLF Season with Victory at Phoenix Bass Fishing League Event on Sam Rayburn Reservoir
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Sam Rayburn winners, boater Hayden Heck of Lufkin, Texas (l) and Strike-King co-angler Tim Hawkins of Anna, Texas (r).
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| BROOKELAND, Texas (Jan. 9, 2023) – Boater Hayden Heck of Lufkin, Texas, caught a five-bass limit weighing 28 pounds, 11 ounces, Saturday to win the MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League (BFL) Presented by T-H Marine on Sam Rayburn Reservoir . The tournament, hosted by the Jasper County Development District, was the season-opening event for the BFL Cowboy Division. Heck earned $14,000, including the lucrative $7,000 Phoenix MLF Contingency Bonus, for his victory.
“I started out and ran up the lake a way, then stopped on my first spot I had and just got lucky,” said Heck. “My first couple of casts I pulled a couple of fish off the spot.” Heck said he left his first spot and roamed the lake, relocating to different areas and picking off fish. Heck said he threw a combination of a crankbait, a big worm and a jig to boat his bass and targeted hard spots in eight to 20 feet of water. He said his big bass, an 8-pound, 5-ounce largemouth that was the Berkley Big Bass of the day, fell for a Zoom Trick Worm. “These spots were nothing special,” Heck said. “It was just a lot of graphing to find the little areas that the fish get on in the winter time. I had three areas I felt really confident in, and there were little schools of four or five fish on them – nothing crazy.” Heck said he relocated to Texas four years ago to pursue tournament fishing, and said he spends four to five days a week fishing Sam Rayburn. That time on the water seems to have paid off for Heck, as he said he caught only five fish during the course of the day – the right five fish. Confident in the weight in his livewell, he stopped fishing and tried to find areas to boost his co-angler’s weight. “I got lucky and got a bite or two off of each spot, and it all worked out,” Heck went on to say. “I’m really happy with the way I fished. I’m just hoping I can go out and do the same thing next time.” The top 10 boaters finished the tournament: 1st: Hayden Heck, Lufkin, Texas, five bass, 28-11, $14,000 (includes $7,000 Phoenix MLF Contingency Bonus) Complete results can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com. Heck’s largemouth that weighed 8 pounds, 5 ounces, was the heaviest of the event in the Boater Division and earned him the Berkley Big Bass Boater award of $1,000.
Tim Hawkins of Anna, Texas, won the Strike King co-angler division and a total of $3,000 Saturday, after bringing five bass to the scale that weighed 15 pounds, 11 ounces. The top 10 Strike King co-anglers finished: 1st: Tim Hawkins, Anna, Texas, five bass, 15-11, $3,000 Matzke earned the Berkley Big Bass co-angler award of $500, catching a largemouth that weighed in at 9 pounds, 10 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. 5-7 BFL Regional tournament on Lake Eufaula in Eufaula, Oklahoma. Boaters will fish for a top award of $60,000, including a new Phoenix 819 Pro with a 200-horsepower Mercury 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 outboard. The 2023 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 2023 All-American event will take place May 31-June 2, on Lake Hartwell in Seneca, South Carolina. The event is hosted by Visit Oconee SC. Proud sponsors of the 2023 MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine include: 4WP, 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, Onyx, Phoenix, Polaris, Power-Pole, Strike King, Tackle Warehouse, T-H Marine, Toyota, Wiley X 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. |
New Phoenix Boats/Alabama Bass Trail Pay Day Cash Bonus Announced for Anglers Competing in Alabama Bass Trail Tournaments in 2023
Decatur, Ala. (January 9, 2023) - The Alabama Bass Trail (ABT), the largest team trail tournament fishing organization in the Southeast, is excited to announce a new bonus program to the 2023 tournament schedule which gets underway January 21 on Lake Wedowee for the ABT 100 Series and February 11 on Lewis Smith for the ABT Tournament Series.
In 2023, Phoenix Boats will sponsor a $2,500 cash bonus called the Phoenix Boats Pay Day through the Alabama Bass Trail to the highest finishing angler in each tournament of the ABT Tournament Series and ABT 100 Series who fishes out of their original-owner Phoenix Boat. To qualify for the Phoenix Boats Pay Day, angler must:
- Be the original owner and compete in their Phoenix Boat during the tournament all tournament days.
- Be the highest finishing team inside the top 25 and there is not a Phoenix Boats’ First Flight Winner.
- Have the Phoenix Boat registered with the Alabama Bass Trail staff prior to tournament date, entry forms will be available through the Alabama Bass Trail.
- Have a photo made on stage the day of the tournament with the Phoenix Boats Pay Day check.
- Final decisions will be made by the Director of the Alabama Bass Trail.“What a great way to celebrate the tenth year of our relationship with Phoenix Boats,” said ABT Program Director Kay Donaldson. “Phoenix Boats recognizes the loyalty that has been shown by ABT anglers and have graciously expanded their current bonus program to include a $2,500 highest finisher bonus. We love working with our partners to create opportunities to put more money in the pockets of our dedicated anglers and that is exactly what this will do.”
The ABT Tournament Series will continue to be sanctioned as a Phoenix Boats First Flight Program Tier One tournament. Original owners who finish in first place in a Tier One Tournament will be paid First Flight Tournament Rewards. Tier One entitles the winner of an ABT event who is registered and qualifies for Phoenix First Flight to win up to $7,000. Winners are not eligible for the additional $2,500.
“Phoenix Boats prides itself on being the title sponsor of the Alabama Bass Trail Tournament Series since day one and we are thrilled to continue to grow with them. We recognize the loyalty the Alabama Bass Trail anglers have shown toward our brand and we want to thank them in a big way with this new bonus program that is tailored to them,” says Teresa Johnson, Chief Operating Officer and Co-Founder of Phoenix Boats.
Headquartered in Winchester, Tenn., Phoenix Bass Boats was established in 2007. The headquarters are located in a modern 125,000 square foot facility on 10 acres and offer 14 models of boats ranging in size from 18 feet 6 inches to 21 feet 6 inches in length. For more information, visit www.phoenixbassboats.com.
For more information on the ABT and its tournaments, visit www.alabamabasstrail.org or call Donaldson at 855.9FISHAL.
Lester: FFS and fewer suppers from a sack
Courtesy of Alan McGuckin - Dynamic Sponsorships
You might think after the phenomenal season Team Toyota’s Brandon Lester had in 2022, there’d be no need for him to make any New Year’s resolutions for ’23, but a champ like Lester is always looking to improve his game. So, count him among the 40% of Americans with a fresh list of goals for self-improvement as a new year begins.
“I always say I want to catch more fish in the season ahead than I did last year, and if I do that, it’ll be a pretty epic year ahead,” smiles the humble Tennessee pro.
“But I also want to keep learning more about forward facing sonar (FFS)and clean up my diet to a point that old Tim McGraw song that talks about “another supper from a sack, a 99-cent heart attack” doesn’t haunt me anymore,” laughs Lester.
Lester loves country music, and he says that particular McGraw lyric crosses his mind literally every time he finds himself chasing a fast, easy, meal in a paper sack amid tackle preparation for the next day.
“My wife Kim is a personal fitness trainer, so when she and my girls are on the road with me we tend to eat fairly healthy, but a lot of the time I’m alone, and the last thing I want to do is sit at a lonely table inside a restaurant and eat a salad. So, I’ve got to start looking for healthier options I can grab on-the-go this season,” says Lester.
Speaking of food on the go, he says his continued study of forward-facing sonar has revealed bass are far more ‘on the move’ in their hunt for food than he ever realized. To the point not even a cozy brushpile is necessarily a place they call home for hours or days at a time, but instead more like a drive-thru window they dip into to ambush bait, and then often move on from.
“What I’ve learned from studying Lowrance’s Active Target is pretty mind-blowing. I’ve seen bass on the move so many times, I think it’s the reason we can catch fish on the exact same stretch of shoreline somebody else just fished. I think fish are always moving in and out of feeding locations like we do our favorite restaurants,” he explains.
Lester says he feels good about his practice day strategies, the lures he leans on most, and his mental approach to the career he loves. But as a pro he admits he’s constantly thinking on how to get better at his craft.
“You can debate forward facing sonar all you want, but the fact of the matter is, it’s a technology that’s here to stay. You either embrace it or get left behind. So I’m embracing it, constantly trying to interpret it better, and catch more fish with it,” he says.
His commitment to mastering fishing’s latest game-changing sonar is a sure bet, but we might need to encourage him a little extra when it comes to staying clear of paper bag dinners in the year ahead.
AMERICAN BAITWORKS INTRODUCES NEW SPEED FREAK SPINNERBAIT
OCEAN SPRINGS, MISSISSIPPI – January 6, 2023. Anglers, are you tired of spinnerbaits that wash out at the surface and just can't keep up with your fast retrieves? American Baitworks has the solution for you with the new Speed Freak™ Spinnerbait from Freedom Tackle.
This keel head spinnerbait is designed to stay down and slice through the water, even on Mach-speed retrieves. Its unique down-winged head creates downforce on the bait, allowing it to achieve high speeds. The head is finished with a 2-barb super sticky bait keeper and a premium black nickel hook, sized matched for the spinnerbait weight and size-stamped on the head. The head also features a proprietary collar to increase skirt flair.
But the FT Speed Freak's performance doesn't stop there. It also features a patented Kilter blade, which allows for an erratic action from the bait and skirt that fish have never felt before, with a truly unique vibration and flash. This blade sets the Speed Freak apart from other spinnerbaits on the market. It's sure to become a favorite among anglers.
Compact and Full Frame versions of the Speed Freak are available, allowing you to shorten up when the bass are short-striking or chasing small jaws with a compact frame. The compact version is also great for targeting smaller fish or for use in areas with heavy cover, while the full frame version is ideal for larger fish and open-water situations. No matter what you’re fishing, the Speed Freak has you covered.
In the world of fishing, speed is key. And with the new Speed Freak Spinnerbait from American Baitworks, you can run your bait as fast as you want without sacrificing performance. Its unique head design and patented Kilter blade make it the ultimate high-speed spinnerbait, and it's available now in a variety of sizes and colors to suit any angler's needs. Don't miss out on this exciting new product – try the Speed Freak Spinnerbait today and feel the rush of reeling in the big one.
At American Baitworks, we're committed to providing the highest quality fishing products on the market. That's why we've put so much time and effort into perfecting the Speed Freak Spinnerbait. We believe that it's the best spinnerbait available, and we're confident that you'll agree once you give it a try. So why wait? Get your hands on a Speed Freak today and see the difference for yourself. Now available at Bass Pro Shops and Tackle Warehouse.
Major League Fishing Set to Kick Off 2023 Season with Phoenix Bass Fishing League Event at Sam Rayburn
BENTON, Ky. (Jan. 6, 2023) – After an extremely successful 2022 season that brought tremendous growth and excitement to the sport of bass fishing, Major League Fishing (MLF) is primed to do it again. The 2023 MLF season kicks off this weekend, Saturday, Jan. 7, with the Phoenix Bass Fishing League (BFL) opener at Sam Rayburn Reservoir.
The event, hosted by the Jasper County Development District, will showcase more than 350 weekend boaters and Strike King co-anglers competing for a top prize of up to $13,000, including the lucrative Phoenix MLF Bonus contingency award. The last few years, the BFL season opener on Sam Rayburn has drawn major media attention – huge fields and huge bass. The 2020 season opener saw a record-breaking field of 230 boats, and both the 2020 and 2021 events required five-bass limits in excess of 40 pounds for competitors hoping to actually win the tournament.
“The Phoenix Bass Fishing League is the top-level tournament trail for weekend anglers that want to compete in bass-fishing tournaments,” said MLF Senior Tournament Director Daniel Fennel. “It’s only fitting that a BFL event kicks off the year, as it is the premier avenue for anglers, whether they are starting as amateur or striving to become a professional that competes on the Bass Pro Tour.”
With more than 196 tournaments on the schedule this year in the United States alone, the schedule includes MLF’s biggest and most prestigious event, REDCREST IV, which will take place March 8-12on Lake Norman in Charlotte, North Carolina. The General Tire Outdoor Expo – a free family-friendly festival featuring the latest and greatest tackle, boats and equipment – will be held March 10-12 in conjunction with the tournament.
For complete details and updated information visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow MLF’s social media outlets at Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.
Simms Launches Spring 2023
An All-New Product Collection Loaded with New Styles, Designs, and Innovations
Bozeman, Mont. (January 5, 2023) – Simms Fishing Products, preeminent manufacturer of waders, outerwear, footwear, and technical apparel in fishing wrap up a record-setting 2022 and embark on the new year with an all-new, bar-raising product collection designed to inspire the world to fish.
In addition to the new Spring 2023 line, in February of this year, anglers will also have access to the all-new, limited edition Simms Watershed Stockingfoot Wader. Through Watershed sales and in association with Montana Freshwater Partners, a $50,000 contribution will be made to the Yellowstone Stewardship Campaign, a campaign developed to engage the community, out-of-state visitors, and business to give back to projects that support the overall health and vitality of one of southwest Montana’s most beloved outdoor resources, the Yellowstone River.
“Looking back at the past year, Simms has a lot to be proud of. It was the most successful year in the company’s history and these achievements are the direct result of a highly committed and talented team,” says Simms Chief Operating Officer, Ben Christensen. The success of 2022 is just a preview of what’s coming in 2023 and beyond.”
Spring 2023 reaffirms the longstanding reputation of delivering angler-driven, technical fishing gear that Simms has cultivated over the past 30 years. True to form, Spring 2023 encompasses fishing focused innovations and advancements across all categories and boasts standouts in each.
In March of this year, Simms will launch an all-new iteration of their Freestone® collection of waders. Available in Men’s, Women’s and a Pant, the revamped Freestone Waders are constructed from a durable, waterproof/breathable 4-layer Toray® Quadralam fabric. Featuring a fleece-lined, reach-through chest pocket, zippered stretch-woven stash pocket, and a built-in Tippet Tender pocket, all Freestone waders provide ample on-body storage for small essentials. Also equipped with Simms’patented front and back leg seams, stretch elastic suspenders with opposing buckles that allow for a waist-high conversion on hot days, and built-in neoprene gravel guards, anglers can reap the rewards of comfort and a completely unhindered range of motion.
Built from Simms’ award-winning wader DNA, Spring 2023 also brings with it, the all-new Tributary collection of waders. Available in Men’s, Women’s, and Kid’s, all Tributary waders are constructed from a lightweight, waterproof/breathable nylon fabric and include fishy features such as a built-in Tippet Tender pocket, a fleece-lined chest pocket, built-in gravel guards, a zippered top stash pocket, and anatomically engineered neoprene stockingfeet.
Leading the pack in terms of innovation is the all-new, award-winning G4 Pro® Powerlock Boot. Available with a Vibram® Idrogrip rubber outsole or a 12mm felt outsole, the G4 Pro Powerlock Boot takes wading footwear performance and durability to the next level. Built with durable synthetic leather, scratch leather, and highly abrasion- resistant mesh, the boot comes equipped with a partial neoprene lining for comfort and easy on/off and laser-cut fabric eye stays for a secure fit. For comfort and in-stream support, a molded TPU heel counter and a dual-density EVA midsole have been included. On both the Vibram and felt models, an innovative powerlock system allows for quick and customizable cleat installment and removal with unmatched cleat retention. All G4 Pro Powerlock Boots come with 14 TPR cleats for use in boats, 14 aluminum cleats for wade fishing applications, and the Simms Ripper Tool for installment and removal.
Simms footwear category expands further with the arrival of the all-new Flyweight Access Wet Wading Shoe. Featuring a high-top construction, the Flyweight Access Wet Wading Shoe comes equipped with an adjustable ankle gasket to keep debris out, integrated drainage holes, and a quick-adjust lacing system with a built-in lace garage to prevent line snags. Powered by the award-winning VibramIdrogrip Flex rubber outsole, anglers can now enjoy the same slip-resistance as the Flyweight Access Boot in a comfortable wet-wading platform.
Season after season, Simms’ sportswear category continues to grow and Spring 2023 is no exception. In order to bolster an already expansive collection of UPF 50 sun protective clothing, Simms has added a multitude of new SolarFlex® options built from the highest performing solar protective knit fabric that feels smooth to the touch, stretches for comfort, dries fast, and keeps anglers odor and stain free with the inclusion of HeiQ Fresh and HeiQ Stain Away technology. New styles include but aren’t limited to the Men’s SolarFlex Guide Hoody, Men’s and Women’s SolarFlex Hoody and Crew, and the Men’s and Women’s Bugstopper SolarFlex Hoody.
In addition to the expansion of the SolarFlex collection, Simms is also proud to launch the all-new Simms Challenger Solar collection, available in numerous Men’s and Women’s styles. Offering UPF 30+ sun protection, Simms Challenger Solar collection is built from lightweight Jersey knit fabric that’s smooth, stretchy, and wicks moisture to keep anglers comfortable on the hottest days on the water.
Other newcomers to Simms’ sportswear collection include the Intruder® Hoody that’s available in Men’s and Women’s, the Bugstopper Intruder Hoody, the Intruder Bicomp LS Shirt, the Women’s Bugstopper Jogger, and the Women’s Bugstopper Legging.
For rainy days, open water crossings, and choppy conditions, Simms has reimagined their ever popular Men’s and Women’s Challenger Jacket and Bib. Built from waterproof/breathable 2-layer, recycled Toray® fabric, the all-new Challenger Suit features oversized chest pockets with built-in sunglass chamois, adjustable watertight cuffs, a 3-point adjustable/stashable storm hood, and reflective logos for safety. Additional features include kill-switch D-ring attachments, an adjustable bottom hem and reinforced overlays in high wear zones on the bib for increased durability.
Another new addition to Simms outerwear collection is the all-new Splash Cast Jacket. Whether casting in heavy surf, taking waves over the jetty, or kayaking toward fishy coordinates, the Splash Cast Jacket keeps anglers dry and comfortable regardless of the weather and/or conditions. Constructed from a rugged 3-layer waterproof/breathable Toray fabric, the Splash Cast Jacket features an internal adjustable neoprene neck cuff, wrist cuffs, and bottom hem to keep water out. Additional features include a fully submersible dump pocket and roll away storm hood.
The Spring 2023 collection wouldn’t be complete without a couple of new standouts in the equipment category. Constructed from 420D double ripstop Nylon for long-term durability and water resistance, the all-new Dry Creek Boat Bag is built for long days on the water that call for extra capacity. Featuring a magnetized catch-and-release buckle that keeps an overhanging compression molded lid securely closed even when unzipped, the Dry Creek Boat Bag also offers customizable internal dividers and under-lid zippered stash pockets for optimal organization.
For waders and boots, anglers can deploy the all-new Riverkit Wader Tote for easy and convenient carry to and from their next destination. Built from a heavy-duty 600D Polyester fabric with a backside PU coating, the RiverkitWader Tote is durable and highly water resistant. Breathable mesh panels flank the side for ventilation and a padded lid unfolds and doubles as changing mat.
The National Professional Fishing League Announces BaitWRX as the Official Tackle Provider for the 2023 Season
Tackle retailer BaitWRX partners with the NPFL to be the official tackle provider of the 2023 NPFL season
WILKESVILLE, OH (Jan 3, 2022) — The National Professional Fishing League (NPFL) announces tackle retailer BaitWRX as the official tackle provider for the 2023 season. With a focus on customer service, BaitWRX is the premiere online fishing tackle destination with a retail location in the greater Springfield, MO area.
"BaitWRX is excited to be the Official Tackle Provider of the National Professional Fishing League,” said Bryan Williams of BaitWRX. “Partnering with an organization like the NPFL that shares so many of our goals like putting anglers and customers first is a perfect match. We look forward to a great season of supporting the anglers and fans of the National Professional Fishing League!"
BaitWRX is Springfield’s premier fishing tackle dealer, with over 25 years of combined tackle experience. They carry top quality brands with the best staff in the business to help their customers catch more fish.
“We are extremely excited for the partnership with BaitWRX for 2023 with The League,” said Paul Benson of the NPFL. “As a newer company with a strong foundation of knowledgeable staff from within the fishing industry, they have a great understanding of how to keep up with supply and demand on all of the new products available in today's fast paced market.”
The partnership will bring future programs and opportunities for all the anglers and fans alike. Both the NPFL and BaitWRX are looking forward to building a long-standing relationship for years to come.
Greg Hackney Joins Gamakatsu Pro Team in 2023
Tacoma, Washington (Date) - Gamakatsu®, the world’s leading manufacturer and innovator of fishing hooks and terminal tackle is proud to announce the addition of Bassmaster Elite Series pro Greg Hackney to their pro staff. Hackney has asserted himself as a dominant force on the professional fishing scene for nearly two decades, amassing multiple titles throughout his illustrious career.
Known for his shallow water, power fishing prowess the "Hack Attack" is looking forward to working with the team at Gamakatsu® during the 2023 season and beyond that. "Joining the Gamakatsu team for me is like getting the band back together! I started using the hooks in the 90’s and never looked back. I’ve been blessed in my career to surround myself with leaders of the industry and now the circle is complete, Greg Hackney.
Gamakatsu Sales Manager, Ted Thibault is excited to welcome Hackney to the pro staff. "It is a great honor to add an angler with Greg’s skill level and success to our pro angling team in 2023. He was already familiar with our brand and has a great technical knowledge about fish hooks and how to catch more fish with them. We look forward to working with him in the years to come."
From humble beginnings as Japan’s smallest fishing hook manufacturer in 1955, Gamakatsu® Ltd has evolved to become the world’s preeminent hook manufacturer. Over the years, manufacturing upgrades and cutting-edge innovations have fueled Gamakatsu® USA’s rise as a top producer of fishing hooks, apparel, and fishing-related items.
When anglers purchase Gamakatsu® hooks, they are buying an original product made exclusively by Gamakatsu®. Gamakatsu® is continuously testing new materials and striving to improve its products, which already sets the standard for the rest of the industry.
