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Alabamian Powell Wins Classic Fish-Off On Lake Eufaula, Earns Berth In Bassmaster Classic
The Alabama Bass Trail's Shane Powell of Dothan, Ala., has won the 2021 Bassmaster Classic Fish-Off on Alabama's Lake Eufaula with a two-day total of 23 pounds, 5 ounces, earning a spot in the 2022 Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic presented by Huk.
Photo by Dalton Tumblin/B.A.S.S.
December 11, 2021
EUFAULA, Ala. — Shane Powell saw the Bassmaster Team Championship and the ensuing Classic Fish-Off as his chance to settle unfinished business.
Now, after watching friends and former Auburn University teammates reach the Bassmaster Classic in previous years, his time has arrived.
Powell won the Bassmaster Classic Fish-Off portion of the Team Championship here on Lake Eufaula Saturday, less than an hour from his lifelong home of Dothan, Ala. His two-day total of 23 pounds, 5 ounces was the best of the six anglers that survived to make the fish-off, and it earned him the final berth in the 2022 Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic presented by Huk when it’s held March 4-6 on South Carolina’s Lake Hartwell.
The victory was no easy feat, with heavy rain, dense fog and significant temperature swings throughout. The conditions confounded anglers, from the 378 who competed in the team portion Wednesday and Thursday, to the final six who competed the past two days in the fish-off.
Powell credited a slight warming trend overnight for Saturday’s better catch. He had five-bass limits both days of the fish-off but improved from 10-2 on Day 1 to 13-3 on Day 2.
“I had three or four places I started on every day,” Powell said. “Yesterday, I ran through them all and I had zero keepers. This morning, I ran through the same areas and I had 12 pounds by 7:30 or 7:45.
“A buddy texted me last night and said if it was meant to be, that everything would fall into place. And it did.”
It was that kind of week for Powell, who teamed with Alabama Bass Trail partner Tim Fox to catch 27-4 and finish second in the two-day Bassmaster Team Championship that concluded Thursday. Fishing alone Friday, Powell stitched together enough weight to give himself a 1 1/2-pound lead heading into the final day.
But with five anglers hot on his heels, Powell knew he had to keep the pressure on the field. His knowledge of the lake, not to mention confidence in its ability to produce winning bags, allowed him to do just that.
Powell said most of his bass were caught in approximately 20 feet of water and off the old Chattahoochee River ledges that remain in the Eufaula impoundment.
“The first day or two, we caught them on a Strike King 6XD crankbait,” Powell said. “I went to a morning dawn (pink) drop shot when things got tougher and tougher ... It was all largemouth coming off the bottom.”
Powell and Fox won an Alabama Bass Trail tournament on Eufaula in March, and the champion said he's been eyeing a return to the storied fishery since.
“This was an extremely tough tournament,” Powell said. “But I knew we had to stick with it. Every cast we made this year was about trying to get back here for the Team Championship and into the finals. And If you think of the percentages of all this panning out, it’s crazy.”
Powell said he knows nothing about Lake Hartwell, but he's heard plenty about fishing in a Bassmaster Classic from former Auburn teammates who’ve participated in pro bass fishing’s biggest event.
Powell relishes the chance to fish in his first Classic, but his even-keeled personality won't let him get too worked up, now or in March.
“I'm excited,” he said. “But it's just like this tournament on Eufaula. You go out and do what you do.”
David Lowery, a Milledgeville, Ga., resident representing Berry's Tournament Trail, also grew up fishing Lake Eufaula. He finished second in the Bassmaster Classic Fish-Off with 18-9 over two days. Randy Tolbert, who paired with Gary Thompson to win the Team Championship on Thursday for the Alabama Bass Trail, placed third in the Fish-Off with 15-8.
Fox finished fourth with 8-12, James Murphy of Berry's was fifth with 8-9 and Thompson sixth with 4-14.
Tolbert and Thompson caught a two-day total of 28-14 in the team event and claimed a $20,600 cash prize from Ranger/Mercury. A total of 179 tandems representing more than 60 B.A.S.S. team trails from across North America competed for a cash purse of $91,600.
2021 Bassmaster Team Championship at Lake Eufaula - Fish-Off 12/10-12/11
Lake Eufaula, Eufaula AL.
(BOATER) Standings Day 2
Angler Club/School Pts
1. Shane Powell - Alabama Bass Trail 0
Day 1: 5 10-02 Day 2: 5 13-03 Total: 10 23-05
2. David Lowery - Berry's Tournament Trail 0
Day 1: 4 08-09 Day 2: 5 10-00 Total: 9 18-09
3. Randy Tolbert - Alabama Bass Trail 0
Day 1: 5 08-04 Day 2: 5 07-04 Total: 10 15-08
4. Tim Fox - Alabama Bass Trail 0
Day 1: 1 01-12 Day 2: 4 07-00 Total: 5 08-12
5. James Murphy - Berry's Tournament Trail 0
Day 1: 3 04-06 Day 2: 3 04-03 Total: 6 08-09
6. Gary Thompson - Alabama Bass Trail 0
Day 1: 2 04-14 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 2 04-14
Powell Takes Day 1 Lead In Bassmaster Team Championship Classic Fish-Off
The Alabama Bass Trail's Shane Powell of Dothan, Ala., is leading after Day 1 of the 2021 Bassmaster Classic Fish-Off on Alabama's Lake Eufaula with 10 pounds, 2 ounces.
Photo by Dalton Tumblin/B.A.S.S.
December 10, 2021
EUFAULA, Ala. — Shane Powell thought it might take a two-day total of 24 pounds to win the Classic Fish-Off portion of the Bassmaster Team Championship.
It might take less.
Powell, who hails from nearby Dothan, Ala., took the Day 1 lead of the fish-off Friday with five bass that totaled 10 pounds, 2 ounces. It certainly wasn’t a heavy load, but it was enough to give him an edge over the other five anglers that advanced to the fish-off portion of the championship on Lake Eufaula on the Alabama-Georgia border.
David Lowery of Milledgeville, Ga., is in second place with four bass weighing 8-9 and Randy Tolbert of Rome, Ga., is third with a five-bass limit of 8-4. Gary Thompson of Dallas, Ga., is fourth with two bass for 4-14, James Murphy of Columbus, Ga., is fifth with three bass weighing 4-6, and Tim Fox of Meridian, Miss., is sixth with one bass for 1-12.
Powell, Tolbert, Thompson and Fox represent the Alabama Bass Trail. Lowery and Murphy fish with Berry’s Tournament Trail. The six anglers were members of the Top 3 tandems in the team competition that ended Thursday, and now they’re battling individually in a two-day showdown for the final spot in the 2022 Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic presented by Huk to be held March 4-6 on South Carolina’s Lake Hartwell.
Powell, 32, knows Lake Eufaula as well as anyone, having fished the storied impoundment of the Chattahoochee River since he was a boy. But difficult weather conditions, including temperature swings, fog and heavy rain, have thrown the bass bite for a loop this week. It has left Powell and the rest of the field scratching their heads, wondering when and where the biggest bass bites will occur.
“The way I’ve been fishing, sun would really help me, and we just haven’t had any,” Powell said. “That and the pressure of all the boats out there earlier this week have taken a toll. A lot of people have been fishing the same stuff I am. You catch one, maybe two, and they just leave. Or you just don’t get a bite from the get-go.”
Still, Powell was able to stitch together the heaviest bag on Day 1 of the fish-off. He and Fox paired to finish second in the team portion of the championship, and the former Auburn University angler said the fish-off is anyone’s to win, considering less than 8 1/2 pounds separates first and last place.
“I figured I’d be behind after what I caught today,” Powell said. “I’d much rather that than being in first. But it is what it is. I’ve been rotating through a couple of spots and it doesn’t take me very long to do it. So, I’ve been spending hours looking for something good. I just haven’t found it.”
Lowery has had similar issues. Like Powell, he grew up fishing Eufaula, but the lake has left him guessing this week.
“I had six bites and I caught four of them,” Lowery said. “I had another one that I felt was about a pound and a half, but it pulled off under the water. That would have put me at about 10 1/2 pounds. But I can’t look back. I was just fortunate to catch the ones I did.”
Lowery said he was expecting sun on Friday, so he headed south on Eufaula hoping to throw a jig to boat docks. The sun never broke through the gray blanket overhead, though, and Lowery lamented he didn’t try a different approach.
He said he won’t be as conservative on the final day of the Bassmaster Classic Fish-Off.
“I’m going way up (the lake), almost as far as you can go,” he said. “I’ll either be going to the Classic or I’ll be going home.”
Tolbert teamed with Thompson to catch 28-14 over two days and win the Bassmaster Team Championship on Thursday. Mustering only 8-4 on Friday could have been a disappointment, but he too knows everyone remains in the hunt for the fish-off title.
“No one’s out of this with the weights down,” said Tolbert, who fished the Bassmaster College Series while at the University of Georgia. “Obviously, Shane has set himself apart a little bit because two pounds is a lot right now. But tomorrow is a different day. They may bite better tomorrow, and two pounds may not be a whole lot.”
Tolbert and Thompson already claimed a $20,600 cash prize when they won the team championship. Powell and Fox were second with 27-4 and Lowery and Murphy teamed to finish third with 26-6. In all, a total of 179 tandems from around the U.S. and Canada competed in the team championship, with the Top 35 pairs sharing a total purse of $91,600.
The final day of the fish-off will begin Saturday at 6:15 a.m. CT from Lakepoint State Park. Weigh-in is scheduled for 2:15 p.m. and the final competitor in the 2022 Bassmaster Classic will be known shortly thereafter.
2021 Bassmaster Team Championship at Lake Eufaula - Fish off 12/10-12/11
Lake Eufaula, Eufaula AL.
(BOATER) Standings Day 1
Angler Club/School Pts
1. Shane Powell - Alabama Bass Trail 0
Day 1: 5 10-02 Total: 5 10-02
2. David Lowery - Berry's Tournament Trail 0
Day 1: 4 08-09 Total: 4 08-09
3. Randy Tolbert - Alabama Bass Trail 0
Day 1: 5 08-04 Total: 5 08-04
4. Gary Thompson - Alabama Bass Trail 0
Day 1: 2 04-14 Total: 2 04-14
5. James Murphy - Berry's Tournament Trail 0
Day 1: 3 04-06 Total: 3 04-06
6. Tim Fox - Alabama Bass Trail 0
Day 1: 1 01-12 Total: 1 01-12
Tolbert, Thompson Win Bassmaster Team Championship On Lake Eufaula; Six Qualify For Classic Fish-Off
Randy Tolbert and Gary Thompson of the Alabama Bass Trail have won the 2021 Bassmaster Team Championship on Alabama's Lake Eufaula with a two-day total of 28 pounds, 14 ounces.
Photo by Dalton Tumblin/B.A.S.S.
December 9, 2021
EUFAULA, Ala. — Every time a competing team weighed their fish during Thursday’s final round of the Bassmaster Team Championship, Randy Tolbert and Gary Thompson nodded in approval.
“We’re good,” they told one another, knowing their lead remained intact.
Tolbert and Thompson were good until the end on Lake Eufaula, winning the final tournament of the 2021 Bassmaster season with a two-day total of 10 bass that weighed 28 pounds, 14 ounces.
Tolbert and Thompson, who represent the Alabama Bass Trail, earned a $20,600 cash prize provided by Ranger/Mercury. They also advanced to the Bassmaster Classic Fish-Off, a two-day competition starting Friday that will feature the Top 3 tandems (six individual anglers) competing for the final berth in the 2022 Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic presented by Huk which is scheduled for March 4-6 on South Carolina’s Lake Hartwell.
“We had one over 4 pounds on both days and that really helped us,” said Tolbert, who fished the Bassmaster College Series while at the University of Georgia. “And out here this week, that’s a big one. We caught quite a few fish both days, but I really didn’t think we had a shot to win. Coming into today, I was thinking the best we could do is make the Top 3. But when these other guys started coming in, knowing what was out there, we knew we could win it.”
Tolbert and Thompson came into Day 2 tied for ninth with 14-1. A 90-minute delay Thursday because of fog didn’t keep them from posting the heaviest bag of the day – a 14-13 limit that vaulted them to the top of the leaderboard. They took the hot seats early in the weigh-in and remained there until the end.
Thompson said winning the team championship, not to mention having a 1-in-6 chance of making the Bassmaster Classic, seemed like a dream.
“It’s very exciting, but I don’t think it’s sunk in yet,” he said. “I’m surprised I was as calm as I was sitting up there.”
Tolbert said he and Thompson have caught their bass offshore in some of Eufaula’s deepest water.
“We’re using our (Lowrance) ActiveTarget and watching the fish eat the bait a lot of times,” Tolbert said. “To watch a fish follow your bait and know when it’s about to eat the bait, it’s a game changer.”
Shane Powell and Tim Fox, also of the Alabama Bass Trail, finished second with 27-4. Powell, who fished for Auburn University, said he and Fox targeted three or four key areas during the team championship. The native of Dothan, Ala., just south of Eufaula, said experience on the lake helped this week. His team was in seventh place after Day 1 with 14-9 and added a 12-11 limit on Day 2.
“You have to hit them at the right time, but you don’t really know when that is,” Powell said. “You just have to rotate through, go try some new stuff. I know eventually something will turn up.”
David Lowery and James Murphy of Berry’s Tournament Trail placed third with 26-6.
Lowery and Murphy also have intimate knowledge of Eufaula, having grown up in the Columbus, Ga./Phenix City, Ala., area just north of Lakepoint State Park, home base for this week’s event. After catching a 15-15 limit on Day 1, the duo caught only three bass Thursday for 10-7.
“We wanted to win it, but Top 3 was the goal,” said Lowery. “I’ll keep flipping jigs and try to go win this thing. I’ve been wanting to fish in the Classic my whole life.”
Each angler in the Top 3 teams qualified for the Bassmaster Classic Fish-Off.
Mark Hogan and Brian La Clair of the Delaware BASS Team Trail won $500 for having the big bass of the tournament — a 6-8 largemouth they hooked Thursday.
Day 1 of the Classic Fish-Off will begin Friday at 6:15 a.m. CT from Lakepoint State Park. Weigh-in is scheduled for 2:15 p.m.
A total of 179 teams took part in the Team Championship portion of the event, competing for part of a $91,600 total purse that was divvied among the Top 35 finishers Thursday.
2021 Bassmaster Team Championship at Lake Eufaula 12/8-12/9
Lake Eufaula, Eufaula AL.
(BOATER) Standings Day 2
Angler Club/School Pts
1. Randy Tolbert - Gary Thompson Alabama Bass Trail 0
Day 1: 5 14-01 Day 2: 5 14-13 Total: 10 28-14
2. Shane Powell - Tim Fox Alabama Bass Trail 0
Day 1: 5 14-09 Day 2: 5 12-11 Total: 10 27-04
3. David Lowery - James Murphy Berry's Tournament Trail 0
Day 1: 5 15-15 Day 2: 3 10-07 Total: 8 26-06
4. Josh Wray - Donald Wray Ozark Mountain 0
Day 1: 5 15-11 Day 2: 5 10-01 Total: 10 25-12
5. William Nichols - Jake Young Coosa River Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 17-10 Day 2: 2 07-01 Total: 7 24-11
6. Brian Jones - Matt Russell Texas Bass Nation 0
Day 1: 5 14-12 Day 2: 4 09-14 Total: 9 24-10
7. Kyle Glasgow - Luke Glasgow AL BASS Nation 0
Day 1: 5 09-00 Day 2: 5 14-01 Total: 10 23-01
8. George Chlomoudis - Powell Kemp Anglers Choice Marine 0
Day 1: 4 10-12 Day 2: 5 12-04 Total: 9 23-00
9. Foster Bradley - Nick Harris Alabama Bass Trail 0
Day 1: 5 12-00 Day 2: 5 11-00 Total: 10 23-00
10. Wil Dieffenbauch - Pic Dieffenbauch Jr B.A.S.S. Nation of West Virginia 0
Day 1: 5 13-09 Day 2: 5 08-15 Total: 10 22-08
11. Jalen Shuffler - Nick Hatfield White Pine Marine 0
Day 1: 5 12-07 Day 2: 5 09-15 Total: 10 22-06
12. Camran Fleming - Jesse Elder LAKE HARTWELL 5 ALIVE 0
Day 1: 5 10-10 Day 2: 5 11-10 Total: 10 22-04
13. Mark Hogan - Brian La Clair Delaware BASS Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 11-03 Day 2: 3 10-13 Total: 8 22-00
14. Wesley Sams - Jordan Wiggins Alabama Bass Trail 0
Day 1: 5 10-09 Day 2: 5 11-06 Total: 10 21-15
15. Jeff Lewis - Fredrick Adkins Morristown Marine 0
Day 1: 5 10-02 Day 2: 5 11-12 Total: 10 21-14
16. Darryl Halbert - Lancen Halbert SC BASS Nation 0
Day 1: 3 07-07 Day 2: 5 14-04 Total: 8 21-11
17. Josh Shirley - Don Sanders Joe Bass 0
Day 1: 5 14-03 Day 2: 4 07-07 Total: 9 21-10
18. Brian Chandler - Jermey Jenks West Michigan Bass 0
Day 1: 5 13-11 Day 2: 4 07-08 Total: 9 21-03
19. Geoffrey Mcknight - Jay Estes Neely 5 Alive 0
Day 1: 5 13-05 Day 2: 4 07-11 Total: 9 21-00
20. Emmanuel Globetti - Cj Knight AL BN 0
Day 1: 5 09-13 Day 2: 5 11-02 Total: 10 20-15
21. Billy Hall - Ronnie Smith Anglers Outppst NTBA 0
Day 1: 4 08-05 Day 2: 5 11-15 Total: 9 20-04
22. Bill Kunz - Cory Kerber CenCal Elite Bass Tournaments 0
Day 1: 5 07-13 Day 2: 5 12-04 Total: 10 20-01
23. John Maldonado - Lance Maldonado Milford Lake Team Series 0
Day 1: 5 08-12 Day 2: 5 10-14 Total: 10 19-10
24. Charles Caudill - Ethan Caudill NTBA 0
Day 1: 5 15-12 Day 2: 1 03-12 Total: 6 19-08
25. Justin Davis - Nathan Wolfgang Media Bass 0
Day 1: 5 09-07 Day 2: 3 09-14 Total: 8 19-05
26. Michael Heatwole - Mark Heatwole VA Elite 0
Day 1: 5 11-03 Day 2: 5 07-12 Total: 10 18-15
27. Chuck James - Brad James Chattanooga Bass Association 0
Day 1: 4 12-03 Day 2: 2 06-07 Total: 6 18-10
28. Nick Ratliff - Bradley Dunagan NTBA 0
Day 1: 5 14-15 Day 2: 2 03-04 Total: 7 18-03
29. Nick Coleman - Randall Christopher KY Bass Nation 0
Day 1: 5 07-14 Day 2: 5 10-05 Total: 10 18-03
30. Earl Garrison - Shawn White Ozark Mountain Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 12-01 Day 2: 3 06-01 Total: 8 18-02
31. Don Ingram - Ronnie Grant ANGLERS OUTPOST NTBA 0
Day 1: 5 14-01 Day 2: 2 03-09 Total: 7 17-10
32. Josh Chapple - Paul Davis Airport Marine Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 11-14 Day 2: 4 05-12 Total: 9 17-10
33. Terry Tucker - Jeffrey Cannon 5 Alive tounament trail 0
Day 1: 5 10-02 Day 2: 5 07-04 Total: 10 17-06
34. Jason Burroughs - Darren Ashley Hartwell 5 Alive 0
Day 1: 5 08-04 Day 2: 5 09-02 Total: 10 17-06
35. Ryan Davidson - Chris Malone Anglers outpost NTBA 0
Day 1: 5 09-13 Day 2: 5 07-07 Total: 10 17-04
36. Ryan Groeteke - Brett Groeteke Ozark Mountain Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 08-02 Day 2: 5 09-01 Total: 10 17-03
37. Doug Stamper - Bruce Stamper Anglers outpost NTBA 0
Day 1: 5 08-00 Day 2: 5 09-01 Total: 10 17-01
38. Mark McCaig - Tim Hurst Alabama Bass Trail 0
Day 1: 5 08-08 Day 2: 5 08-08 Total: 10 17-00
39. Blain Bartley - Justin Kappeler Keystone Bass Buddy Circuit 0
Day 1: 4 09-15 Day 2: 4 06-13 Total: 8 16-12
40. Charlie Williams - Michael Smith Jr Alabama Bass Trail 0
Day 1: 5 12-11 Day 2: 3 04-00 Total: 8 16-11
41. Mark Thompson - Mark Thompson Joe Bass TT 0
Day 1: 5 10-05 Day 2: 3 06-04 Total: 8 16-09
42. Bryan Dowdy - Kyle Lewellen Alabama Bass Trail 0
Day 1: 5 07-14 Day 2: 5 08-09 Total: 10 16-07
43. Keith Daffron - Ryan Patterson Ozark Mountain Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 10-11 Day 2: 3 05-09 Total: 8 16-04
44. Steven Griffith - Tyler Rush PA BASS Nation 0
Day 1: 3 08-00 Day 2: 5 08-03 Total: 8 16-03
45. Dale Teaney - Randy Alexander Morristown marine team trail 0
Day 1: 5 12-04 Day 2: 2 03-07 Total: 7 15-11
46. Kelly Jones - Roger Satterfield Joe bass team trail 0
Day 1: 5 12-02 Day 2: 2 03-04 Total: 7 15-06
47. Steven Huegerich - Darrin Kirkland Iowa Bass Nation 0
Day 1: 5 08-09 Day 2: 4 06-07 Total: 9 15-00
48. Brandon Phillippe - Tony Grubbs Angler Nation 0
Day 1: 5 09-02 Day 2: 3 05-13 Total: 8 14-15
49. Michael Maness - Jake Plegge Kansas City Team Tour 0
Day 1: 3 09-06 Day 2: 2 05-02 Total: 5 14-08
50. Brandon Stanley - Shane Rawlings West Michigan Bass 0
Day 1: 5 08-09 Day 2: 3 05-14 Total: 8 14-07
51. Phillip Hegarty - Stephen Hegarty CSFL 0
Day 1: 4 09-11 Day 2: 2 04-11 Total: 6 14-06
52. John Frank - Mark Womack Alabama Bass Trail 0
Day 1: 3 08-10 Day 2: 3 05-12 Total: 6 14-06
53. Joey Solomon - Daniel Taylor Morristown Marine 0
Day 1: 4 09-09 Day 2: 2 04-07 Total: 6 14-00
54. Matt Headrick - Matt McClung Alabama Bass Trail 0
Day 1: 5 07-13 Day 2: 3 06-03 Total: 8 14-00
55. Edward Baker - Casey Baker Morristown Marine Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 07-09 Day 2: 2 06-05 Total: 7 13-14
56. Tom Statler - Dillon Statler Joe Bass Team Trail 0
Day 1: 4 09-02 Day 2: 2 04-00 Total: 6 13-02
57. Edward Gad - Eddie Gad Three Rivers Bass 0
Day 1: 5 10-01 Day 2: 2 02-14 Total: 7 12-15
58. Luke Kyle - Arch Cornett Alabama Bass Trail 0
Day 1: 5 07-15 Day 2: 3 05-00 Total: 8 12-15
59. Ryan Fingleton - Ryan Hubler West Michigan Bass 0
Day 1: 4 07-08 Day 2: 3 05-00 Total: 7 12-08
60. Cecil Burns - Daniel Robinson Coosa River Team Trail llc 0
Day 1: 5 11-15 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 5 11-15
61. Douglas Stephens - Jacob Wood Alabama Bass Trail 0
Day 1: 1 01-12 Day 2: 5 09-15 Total: 6 11-11
62. Rocky Carden - Dustin Besperat Joe Bass Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 09-03 Day 2: 1 02-07 Total: 6 11-10
63. John Warren - Eric Johnson USA Bassin 0
Day 1: 5 07-14 Day 2: 2 03-12 Total: 7 11-10
64. John Krewson - Tony Powers Joebass 0
Day 1: 2 04-04 Day 2: 3 07-03 Total: 5 11-07
65. Tim Eaton - Abby Lewis West Michigan Bass 0
Day 1: 4 06-08 Day 2: 3 04-13 Total: 7 11-05
66. Stephen Mcavoy - Josh Butts Alabama Bass Trail 0
Day 1: 5 11-01 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 5 11-01
67. Carter Day - Cole Sands Chattanooga Bass Association 0
Day 1: 2 03-06 Day 2: 4 07-09 Total: 6 10-15
68. Brad Norris - Ryan Robinson IBN team series 0
Day 1: 5 10-10 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 5 10-10
69. David Pair - David Noakes AL BN 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 4 10-04 Total: 4 10-04
70. Bryce Kalen - Bryan Kalen Indiana Bass Nation 0
Day 1: 5 10-03 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 5 10-03
71. Travis Hitchins - Colten Fink Cheat Lake Bass Anglers 0
Day 1: 3 07-05 Day 2: 2 02-13 Total: 5 10-02
72. Tim Newberry Sr - Rusty Darnell Joe Bass Team Trail 0
Day 1: 3 05-04 Day 2: 3 04-09 Total: 6 09-13
73. Clay Samples - Scott Moser Anglers Choice 0
Day 1: 5 09-11 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 5 09-11
74. Jeffrey Brauneck - Fred Brauneck West Michigan Bass 0
Day 1: 3 08-01 Day 2: 1 01-07 Total: 4 09-08
75. Mark Bell - Daniel Sepeck NTBA 0
Day 1: 2 02-13 Day 2: 4 06-10 Total: 6 09-07
76. Casey Majni - Corey Brooks Morristown Marine Team Trail 0
Day 1: 2 02-11 Day 2: 4 06-09 Total: 6 09-04
77. Adam Rice - Emory Reiser IV Lake Hartwell 5 Alive Sunday Ser 0
Day 1: 5 09-03 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 5 09-03
78. Elivinio Nieto - Lupe Nieto Jr Bayou Bassin League 0
Day 1: 4 05-12 Day 2: 3 03-07 Total: 7 09-03
79. Richard Bright - Brian Closson WV BN Team Trail 0
Day 1: 3 04-04 Day 2: 3 04-10 Total: 6 08-14
80. David Taylor - Marc Thomas KY BN 0
Day 1: 5 08-12 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 5 08-12
81. Nick Bowden - Stephen Natale Florida Bass Nation 0
Day 1: 3 07-03 Day 2: 1 01-09 Total: 4 08-12
82. Brad Fowler - Brock Taylor Palmetto boat center 0
Day 1: 5 08-11 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 5 08-11
83. Mark Cooper - William Chumbler Kentucky Nation Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 08-09 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 5 08-09
84. Bobby Scott - John Hinckley Florida Bass Nation 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 4 08-09 Total: 4 08-09
85. Travis Guindon - Chris Carr Shootout Fishing 0
Day 1: 3 05-08 Day 2: 2 03-00 Total: 5 08-08
86. Rob Messenger Jr - John Levesque NH Bass Nation 0
Day 1: 4 08-07 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 4 08-07
87. Neil Vandebiezen - Joseph LaFountain D&R Sports Team Trail 0
Day 1: 4 08-06 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 4 08-06
88. Jason Cannon - Trent Suratt Alabama Bass Trail 0
Day 1: 4 08-04 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 4 08-04
89. Alex Korol - Cameron Alldredge Empire Team Trail 0
Day 1: 3 04-04 Day 2: 3 03-15 Total: 6 08-03
90. Greg Coleman - Travis Gillett US Anglers Choice 0
Day 1: 5 08-00 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 5 08-00
91. Jacob Novak - Jonathan Novak MNBN Team Trail 0
Day 1: 2 03-15 Day 2: 2 04-01 Total: 4 08-00
92. Brannon Hurst - Mike Freeman Jr Alabama Bass Trail 0
Day 1: 5 07-12 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 5 07-12
93. Keith Allen - David Warrior Angler Nation 0
Day 1: 4 07-12 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 4 07-12
94. Kenneth Reed - Brian Funkhouser IN BASS Nation 0
Day 1: 3 07-12 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 3 07-12
95. Keith Tuma - Andy Walls MN BASS Nation 0
Day 1: 1 02-02 Day 2: 2 05-10 Total: 3 07-12
96. Zach Vankeulen - Brendon Mcdonald Angler Nation 0
Day 1: 4 07-11 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 4 07-11
96. Kip Williamson - Matt Mabrey Coosa River Team Trail 0
Day 1: 4 07-11 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 4 07-11
98. Tyler Campbell - Joe Mitchell Hartwell 5 Alive 0
Day 1: 5 07-08 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 5 07-08
99. Phillip Kellogg - Darrell Finck Great Lakes Largemouth Series 0
Day 1: 1 01-14 Day 2: 3 05-10 Total: 4 07-08
100. Randy Huffman - Benjamin Huffman West Virginia BASS Nation 0
Day 1: 2 05-03 Day 2: 2 02-05 Total: 4 07-08
101. Trent Adkins - Ronnie Blaylock Morristown marine 0
Day 1: 4 07-07 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 4 07-07
102. Jason Walcott - Jimmy Vanden Berg Jr West Michigan Bass 0
Day 1: 4 05-10 Day 2: 1 01-11 Total: 5 07-05
103. Mark Donaldson - Nicole Donaldson 0
Day 1: 2 03-08 Day 2: 1 03-09 Total: 3 07-01
104. John Smith - Tyler Faulkner Morristown Marine 0
Day 1: 4 07-00 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 4 07-00
105. Grant Kelly - Jeffery Kelly Berrys Tournament Trail 0
Day 1: 4 06-11 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 4 06-11
106. Steven Weber - Sam Phillips Joe Bass Team Trail 0
Day 1: 2 04-01 Day 2: 2 02-10 Total: 4 06-11
107. Jeff Corley - William Mcree AL BASSNATION 0
Day 1: 4 06-09 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 4 06-09
108. John Durocher - Jared Mitchell Lakeland Bassmasters Team Trail 0
Day 1: 1 02-10 Day 2: 1 03-15 Total: 2 06-09
109. Jon Byrd - Brian Clark D AND R SPORTS 0
Day 1: 3 06-02 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 3 06-02
110. John Hogle - Daniel Hogle Masssachusetts BASS Nation 0
Day 1: 3 05-15 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 3 05-15
111. Vincent Lalli - JR Borror Joe Bass Team Trail 0
Day 1: 1 05-15 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 1 05-15
112. Josh Wilson - Shawn Wilson Shootout Fishing League 0
Day 1: 3 05-14 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 3 05-14
113. Jason Ammerman - Edwin Ammerman West Michigan Bass 0
Day 1: 1 01-05 Day 2: 3 04-09 Total: 4 05-14
114. Richard Meuth - Brian Carroll KY Bass Nation Team Trial 0
Day 1: 3 05-12 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 3 05-12
114. Marshall Robinson - Mitchell Robinson Palmetto Boat Center Team Trail 0
Day 1: 3 05-12 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 3 05-12
116. Lance Whitaker - Jeremy Briscoe Alabama Bass Trail 0
Day 1: 4 05-11 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 4 05-11
117. Greg Diggs - Adam Brown neely henry 5 alive 0
Day 1: 3 05-11 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 3 05-11
117. Corey Solomon - Clayton Haynes South Georgia Bassmasters 0
Day 1: 3 05-11 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 3 05-11
119. Marcus Sherman - Alan Quick Ozarks Mountain Team Trail 0
Day 1: 4 05-10 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 4 05-10
120. Johnathan Dorosh - Collin Jump Michigan Bassmaster Team Champio 0
Day 1: 3 05-09 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 3 05-09
121. Jeff Fletcher - Randall Hutson Ozark Mtn Team Trail 0
Day 1: 3 05-08 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 3 05-08
122. Samuel Drake - Wyatt Daily Florida Bass Nation 0
Day 1: 2 02-09 Day 2: 2 02-15 Total: 4 05-08
123. Matt Seiber - Mike Bridges Great Lakes Largemouth Series 0
Day 1: 3 05-06 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 3 05-06
124. Justin Hayden - Charlie Bogard III Ozark Mountain 0
Day 1: 3 05-05 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 3 05-05
125. Shane Howell - Milton Adams 3F Tournaments 0
Day 1: 3 05-04 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 3 05-04
126. Jason Morgan - Craig Whittemore Jr Coosa River Team Trail 0
Day 1: 2 05-02 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 2 05-02
127. Brad Adkins - Ethan Raleigh ANGLERS OUTPOST NTBA 0
Day 1: 3 05-01 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 3 05-01
128. Edward Garrison - Kevin Love Joe Bass Team Trail 0
Day 1: 3 04-14 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 3 04-14
129. Levi Cunningham - Joshua Murphree Media bass 0
Day 1: 2 03-05 Day 2: 1 01-05 Total: 3 04-10
130. Lawrence Curd - Lowell Everett Cossa River Team Trail 0
Day 1: 3 04-07 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 3 04-07
131. Dan Shoraga - Adam Eggertsen Anglers Choice 0
Day 1: 2 04-07 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 2 04-07
131. Josh Uthe - Kristopher Gaertner IL BN 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 2 04-07 Total: 2 04-07
133. Joey Davidson - Tullis Lanier Alabama Bass Trail 0
Day 1: 2 04-04 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 2 04-04
134. James Copenhaver III - Adam Dysart Chattanooga Bass Association 0
Day 1: 2 04-03 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 2 04-03
135. Dave Saterbak - Eric Schreurs Amateur Bass Series 0
Day 1: 1 01-10 Day 2: 1 02-09 Total: 2 04-03
136. Victor Morris - Tim Harper Shootout Fishing League 0
Day 1: 2 04-00 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 2 04-00
137. Russell Sapp III - Logan Sims Coosa River 0
Day 1: 2 03-07 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 2 03-07
138. Keith Hendrix - Greggory Zumwalt Joe Bass 0
Day 1: 2 03-03 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 2 03-03
139. Anthony Mike - Bailey Madere Carnervon bass trail 0
Day 1: 2 03-00 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 2 03-00
139. Myles Palmer - William Wood Alabama BASS Nation 0
Day 1: 2 03-00 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 2 03-00
141. Zach Harman - Gavin Seffernick Great lakes largemouth series 0
Day 1: 1 01-09 Day 2: 1 01-05 Total: 2 02-14
142. Adam Deakin - Turner Mason Centennial Bass Trail 0
Day 1: 2 02-13 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 2 02-13
142. Seth Lafollette - Dalton Price Morristown Marine 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 2 02-13 Total: 2 02-13
142. Gordon Summers - Jacob Spillman Kentucky Team Bass nation 0
Day 1: 2 02-13 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 2 02-13
145. Randy Knight - Michael Curtsinger 3F Tournaments 0
Day 1: 2 02-11 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 2 02-11
146. David Ferguson - Andrew Scott ANGLERS OUTPOST NTBA 0
Day 1: 2 02-10 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 2 02-10
147. Kevin Farris - Dylan Welton West Michigan 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 2 02-06 Total: 2 02-06
148. Ronald Pate - Ernest Pate Jr KBBC Keystone Bass Buddy Circuit 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 1 02-02 Total: 1 02-02
149. James Graham - Jayson Saliba csfl 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 1 01-15 Total: 1 01-15
149. Kory McIntire - Allyn Mcintire IA BN 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 1 01-15 Total: 1 01-15
151. Drew Blackwood - Terry Blackwood Kansas BASS nation 0
Day 1: 1 01-12 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 1 01-12
151. Ricky Thompson - Mark Jenkins Alabama Bass Trail 0
Day 1: 1 01-12 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 1 01-12
153. Michael Cartwright - Nick Short Kentucky Bass Nation 0
Day 1: 1 01-11 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 1 01-11
154. Jeremy Strotheide - Jesus Alvarez West Michigan Bass 0
Day 1: 1 01-09 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 1 01-09
155. Scott Acheson - Matt Loudon Shootout Fishing League 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 1 01-07 Total: 1 01-07
155. Bill Ferris - Jacob Ferris West Michigan Bass 0
Day 1: 1 01-07 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 1 01-07
155. Dustin Neat - Mark Wethington NTBA 0
Day 1: 1 01-07 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 1 01-07
155. Jay Thompson - Don Thompson Shootout Fishing Legue 0
Day 1: 1 01-07 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 1 01-07
159. Tyler Thompson - Gavin Ballew 5 Alive 0
Day 1: 1 01-06 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 1 01-06
160. Greg Bent - Brian Knebel Empire Team Trail 0
Day 1: 1 01-04 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 1 01-04
160. Ty Nguyen - Michael Milbury West Michigan Bass 0
Day 1: 1 01-04 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 1 01-04
162. Sampsa Hamalainen - Daniel Boudreault Shootout Fishing League 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 1 01-01 Total: 1 01-01
163. Shannon Breeding - Aaron Lucas Anglers Choice Team Tournament T 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
163. Seth Brogan - Josh Ingram Anglers Choice Team Trail 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
163. Colby Davison - Mark Louderbaugh Joe Bass 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
163. Jimmy Dean - Charles Dean dean team 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
163. Brett Govreau - Beau Govreau US Anglers Choice 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
163. Delton Gregory - Dexton Gregory Alabama Bass Trail 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
163. Melinda Hays - Lance Freeman 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
163. Bradley Jones - Broox Goza Alabama Bass Trail 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
163. Steve Lamser - Robert Lamser Amateur Bass Series 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
163. Jeff Marks - Chris Watkins Media Bass 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
163. Jason Nairn - Troy Bresee Shootout Fishing league 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
163. Rick Ryver - David Garbrick Western PA Team Trail 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
163. Garrett Seppala - Travis Salo NH Bass Nation 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
163. Kyle Smith - Neil Hartley Morristown Marine Team Trail 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
163. Scott Wilbanks - Randy Mcguire Florida Bass Nation 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
163. Steve Wilson - Harold Rogers Jr Tennessee Team Bass nation 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
163. Jared Winland - Brandan Becki Great Lakes Largemouth Series 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
BIG BASS OF TOURN
Mark Hogan Milford, DE 06-08 $0.00
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 61 542 1116-09
2 27 307 623-13
Yamaha Marine’s Power Pay® Program Expands, Offers Payouts for 506 Tournaments in 2022
Kennesaw, Ga. - Dec. 9, 2021 – Yamaha Marine will expand its Power Pay contingency program in 2022 to include 506 tournaments, including 14 new trails. Power Pay, which recently surpassed 1,000 members, rewards anglers with cash payouts for running eligible Yamaha outboards in sanctioned tournaments.
New Power Pay tournaments for 2022 include the National Professional Fishing League, Champions Tour Minnesota, Alabama Bass Trail 100 Series, Arkansas Bass Team Series, Nixon’s Marine Team Trail, Minnesota Team Trail, Morristown Marine Team Series, Skeeter Bass Georgia Challenge, Salmon-A-Rama, Team Trail Outdoors Texas, Tennessee Team Trail, Professional Redfish League, Wyoming Walleye Stampede and Sunset Bay Walleye Shootout.
“The expansion of Yamaha Power Pay is a testament to the growth of competitive fishing. Anglers choose Yamaha for the best power and unmatched reliability, and this program rewards their loyalty and passion,” said Connor Megan, Senior Regional Marketing Specialist, Yamaha Marine Engine Systems. “We look forward to adding more anglers to the program, and we wish all competing anglers the best of luck during the 2022 season.”
Competitors don’t have to win a tournament to receive a Power Pay payout. The program rewards the highest placing angler in each sanctioned tournament running Yamaha power.
“Choosing Yamaha and signing up for Power Pay were some of the best decisions I’ve ever made,” said Jake Mims, a student at Brewton Parker College in Georgia and the first college angler to take home Power Pay cash. “I saw videos Chris Zaldain and Brandon Palaniuk posted about signing up for Power Pay and I’m glad I took their advice!”
Amateurs, pros and even families can register for Power Pay. The Engebretsons, a family of anglers from Wausau, Wisconsin, used the program to turn their weekend hobby into extra cash and lifelong memories together.
“We all enjoy fishing, and both my son and daughter have now begun competing in bass and walleye tournaments,” said Guy Engebretson after his family won their third Power Pay event last year. “When we learned about Power Pay, registering was a no-brainer for us. We own Yamaha outboards, and we compete in tournaments using those outboards. Why not use the product we know and trust to earn a little extra during the tournaments? It was a simple decision that paid off quickly.”
Since launching Power Pay in October 2019, Yamaha Marine has awarded more than $382,000 to anglers competing in saltwater and freshwater tournaments across the country. For a complete list of sanctioned tournaments and other Power Pay information including official rules, terms and conditions, visit www.yamahapowerpay.com.
Yamaha Marine products are marketed throughout the United States and around the world. Yamaha Marine U.S. Business Unit, based in Kennesaw, Ga., supports its 2,400 U.S. dealers and boat builders with marketing, training and parts for Yamaha’s full line of products and strives to be the industry leader in reliability, technology and customer service. Yamaha Marine is the only outboard brand to have earned NMMA®’s C.S.I. Customer Satisfaction Index award every year since its inception.
Snap or No Snap?
Kennesaw, GA (December 9, 2021) Many anglers like the efficiency of using a snap to affix their chosen lure to their fishing line. It makes swaps quick and easy and can even enhance the lure’s action by allowing it to affect a wider gait. Others, however, shudder at the idea of even the smallest piece of additional hardware. They want their lures to be natural and free-flowing.
Who’s right?
Well, they both are.
It’s all about efficiency, performance and confidence. When choosing whether to use a snap, try to figure out how you can best achieve a combination of those three factors, and you’re well on your way to maximizing your fish-catching success.
Fortunately, for anglers who prefer or otherwise need a snap, SPRO offers a complete selection of tools that won’t break the bank, inhibit your lures or fail unnecessarily. They start with the easy-to-operate Duo Locks in sizes from 0 to 06, rated up to an impressive 240 lbs. of strength. Whether you’re fishing in freshwater or saltwater, using a jig, a crankbait or a topwater, this tool will allow rocket-fast bait swaps while allowing you to remain confident in the integrity of your offerings.
If you need to reduce line twists but still make quick lure changes, the SPRO Power Swivel with Hyper Snap and SPRO Taru Swivel Interlock Snap keeps your line at full strength and your lures behaving properly. The former is offered in sizes 04, 06 and 08, and the latter comes in sizes 12, 10, 7, 5 and 3, all at an inexpensive cost per piece.
All of those traditional joining devices are rock solid and guaranteed to perform, but SPRO never stops innovating in lures and terminal tackle alike. That extends to snap technology as well. We’re very proud of our split snap with its figure-eight design and black nickel finish. They’re corrosion-resistant so that you can use them in fresh and saltwater alike, and they’re easy to operate with a single hand. They come in sizes 1, 2 and 3, rated up to 45 lbs. Similarly, the SPRO Prime Snap also maximizes performance and strength at the same time. It features 90-degree wire ends and a precise egg shape that maintain structural integrity, whether you’re using the smallest size that tests out at 10 pounds or the largest that will withstand an amazing 175 pounds of pressure.
We may never convince the true doubters to utilize snaps or snap swivels to change our lures, hooks and leaders. However, for those who understand that they can improve rather than reduce lure action – without sacrificing any strength – SPRO offers the specialized tools to keep you connected and help you catch more fish.
Mustang Survival acquires Stearns
Courtesy of BoatingIndustry.com
December 9, 2021
Mustang Survival announced the acquisition of the Government & Commercial Marine business of Stearns. The deal deepens Mustang Survival’s product offering for those that live beyond land to protect freedoms, and those that work on the water to put food on the table for their loved ones.
The products will be amalgamated into the Mustang Survival Branded assortments of life jackets, personal flotation devices and life-saving appliances.
“Mustang Survival exists to deliver confidence and the ultimate experience on the water for those that work, serve, or for recreation," said Mustang Survival president, Jason Leggatt. "We are obsessed with protecting and enhancing the performance of government and professional consumers because they use the products constantly and prove the durability and excellence of a great product solution. These markets are truly where steel sharpens the steel. In addition to the obvious growth this provides for us in core markets, the deal is extra exciting because many of the products acquired will be made onshore in our owned North American manufacturing sites”.
Mustang Survival’s CEO, Andrew Branagh, who oversees the Wing Group including Mustang Survival and sister companies, has been expanding the Wing Group’s power and presence with acquisitions aligned to its values and mission.
“The Wing Group is deeply embedded with top-tier government and professional users across the family of companies," Branagh said. "Stearns represented an incredible opportunity for Mustang Survival to be increasingly relevant to this strategic and valued customer base of ours. I am incredibly proud of how everyone in our company continues to demonstrate the entrepreneurial spirit of a little company, while we have grown immensely during the last eight years”.
Mustang Survival is currently working to transition the acquired product lines into its operations and will work with customers and suppliers to develop a smooth business transition. The acquired product lines and intellectual property will be branded Mustang Survival going forward and will be showcased and sold via Mustang Survival’s reseller partners, the Mustang Survival website, and all customer service will be handled by Mustang Survival teams.
Gamakatsu’s Newest Case is Built for Utility
Tacoma, Washington (December 9, 2021) – Gamakatsu® has developed a new case that allows anglers to carry large bulky items that are difficult to store. The new G-Box 3700D2 Deep Utility Case delivers more storage in a familiar footprint, adding utility to their existing tackle storage systems.
The G-Box 3700D2 Deep Utility Case features an open box layout with no dividers so anglers can easily stash bulky items like pliers, de-hooking tools, or bulk soft plastics. The hard shell keeps items protected, while the single-hand, easy-open lid clasp allows for easy access. In addition, the lid’s tight tolerances ensure even small items can’t work their way out when the boat encounters some chop or the road turns rough.
The standard 14 x 9 x 3.2-inch size of the G-Box 3700D2 means it will stash easily in existing systems so anglers can expand the usefulness of tackle bags or their boat’s storage cubbies. Use the 3700D2 to organize that heap of soft plastics, or get all of those rigging tools in one place to make them easier to find.
They can go from the garage to the boat with ease, so anglers never have to leave a valuable item behind.
Pick up Gamakatsu’s new G-Box 3700D2 Deep Utility Case and organize items that are challenging to store all in one place, with the protection and utility of a standard-sized tackle box.
G-Box 3700D2 Deep Utility Case Features:
Open-box design with no dividers
Designed to carry large bulky items that are difficult to store
Helps to organize items that are challenging to store all in one place
Keeps items protected and easy to access
Single hand, easy-open lid clasp and tight tolerances
Size: 14 x 9 x 3.2 inches
Nichols, Young Take Early Lead In Bassmaster Team Championship On Lake Eufaula
William Nichols and Jake Young of the Coosa River Team Trail are leading after Day 1 of the 2021 Bassmaster Team Championship on Alabama's Lake Eufaula with 17 pounds, 10 ounces.
Photo by Dalton Tumblin/B.A.S.S.
December 8, 2021
EUFAULA, Ala. — William Nichols and Jake Young grew up together in the small town of Alexandria, Ala., but they shined on the national stage Wednesday during Day 1 of the Bassmaster Team Championship.
Nichols and Young caught a five-bass limit of 17 pounds, 10 ounces to take the lead in the final tournament of the 2021 Bassmaster season. A total of 179 two-person teams representing 62 team trails from around the U.S. and Canada are participating in the championship here on the Alabama/Georgia border.
Nichols and Young represented the Coosa River Team Trail well on Wednesday, with Nichols hooking a pair of 4-8 largemouth bass to anchor the day’s heaviest bag.
“The first (4-8 bass) came in a flurry in the morning when the front was moving in,” said Nichols, 23. “We had a limit by about 7:30 a.m. but everything just stopped. Then at about 11 o’clock, we got that second 4-8, probably about 2 miles from where we caught the first one. We didn’t have many bites today, but we caught all of them.”
Young, 21, said he was pleased his teammate had the hot hand.
“I had to be the net man on both of the big catches and I was fine with that,” he said, laughing. “Hopefully we can duplicate tomorrow what we did today.”
Young said he and Nichols caught their limit on a variety of lures.
“We used pretty much everything but the kitchen sink,” Young said.
Nichols and Young were the ninth boat to take off Wednesday and steady rain wasn’t far behind — though skies did clear by midday. They’ll be 171st of 179 teams to begin fishing Thursday, and they said they aren’t sure if the later draw will prevent them from taking advantage of an early bite.
“It’s supposed to be a bit cooler than it was today,” Nichols said. “It may affect our (strategy) a little bit tomorrow. But if you can get six or seven bites here, you should have a good bag. That's what we’ll try to do.”
David Lowery and James Murphy grew up in the nearby Columbus, Ga./Phenix City, Ala., area, so they have experience on Lake Eufaula. They used their knowledge of the fishery to catch a 15-15 limit of largemouth bass, good enough for second place.
Lowery, who now resides in Milledgeville, Ga., said he and Murphy flipped jigs along Eufaula’s shorelines to start the tournament and likely will do the same on Day 2. They’re representing Berry’s Tournament Trail in the championship.
“I team-tournament fished with my dad down here all my life,” Murphy said. “It helped me in practice. They’ve been spraying the lake to kill the hydrilla the past few years, so it’s a bit different now. I used the same bait, but it was harder for me to catch them.”
Kentucky’s Charles and Ethan Caudill of the National Team Bass Association (NTBA) are in third place with a limit of 15-12. They’re joined in the Top 5 by Arkansas’ Josh and Donald Wray of the Ozark Mountain Trail, who are in fourth place with 15-11, and Kentucky’s Nick Ratliff and Bradley Dunagan of NTBA in fifth place with 14-15.
Ratliff and Dunagan caught the heaviest bass — a 6-pounder that gave them the early lead for the $500 prize awarded for biggest fish of the tournament. The former Campbellsville University anglers have shared success before, finishing second in the 2018 Bassmaster College Series National Championship on Lake Tenkiller in Oklahoma. Ratliff came back a few weeks later to win that year’s Bassmaster College Classic Bracket on Milford Lake in Kansas and finished 41st in the 2019 Bassmaster Classic on the Tennessee River in Knoxville.
The leading duo after Day 2 of this week’s Team Championship will claim a $20,600 cash prize provided by Ranger/Mercury, part of a $91,600 total purse that will be divvied among the Top 35 teams.
The Top 3 teams (six anglers) also will advance to the Bassmaster Classic Fish-Off portion of the championship. They’ll have their team weights zeroed and they’ll fish individually on Friday and Saturday with the leader clinching the final spot in the 2022 Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic presented by Huk. The Classic will be held March 4-6 on South Carolina’s Lake Hartwell.
Day 2 of the Bassmaster Team Championship will begin at 6:15 a.m. CT from Lakepoint State Park Marina. Weigh-in is scheduled for 2:15 p.m. at Lakepoint.
2021 Bassmaster Team Championship at Eufaula Lake 12/8-12/9
Lake Eufaula, Eufaula AL.
(BOATER) Standings Day 1
Angler Club/School Pts
1. William Nichols - Jake Young Coosa River Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 17-10 Total: 5 17-10
2. David Lowery - James Murphy Berry's Tournament Trail 0
Day 1: 5 15-15 Total: 5 15-15
3. Charles Caudill - Ethan Caudill NTBA 0
Day 1: 5 15-12 Total: 5 15-12
4. Josh Wray - Donald Wray Ozark Mountain 0
Day 1: 5 15-11 Total: 5 15-11
5. Nick Ratliff - Bradley Dunagan NTBA 0
Day 1: 5 14-15 Total: 5 14-15
6. Brian Jones - Matt Russell Texas Bass Nation 0
Day 1: 5 14-12 Total: 5 14-12
7. Shane Powell - Tim Fox Alabama Bass Trail 0
Day 1: 5 14-09 Total: 5 14-09
8. Josh Shirley - Don Sanders Joe Bass 0
Day 1: 5 14-03 Total: 5 14-03
9. Don Ingram - Ronnie Grant ANGLERS OUTPOST NTBA 0
Day 1: 5 14-01 Total: 5 14-01
9. Randy Tolbert - Gary Thompson Alabama Bass Trail 0
Day 1: 5 14-01 Total: 5 14-01
11. Brian Chandler - Jermey Jenks West Michigan Bass 0
Day 1: 5 13-11 Total: 5 13-11
12. Wil Dieffenbauch - Pic Dieffenbauch Jr B.A.S.S. Nation of West Virginia 0
Day 1: 5 13-09 Total: 5 13-09
13. Geoffrey Mcknight - Jay Estes Neely 5 Alive 0
Day 1: 5 13-05 Total: 5 13-05
14. Charlie Williams - Michael Smith Jr Alabama Bass Trail 0
Day 1: 5 12-11 Total: 5 12-11
15. Jalen Shuffler - Nick Hatfield White Pine Marine 0
Day 1: 5 12-07 Total: 5 12-07
16. Dale Teaney - Randy Alexander Morristown marine team trail 0
Day 1: 5 12-04 Total: 5 12-04
17. Chuck James - Brad James Chattanooga Bass Association 0
Day 1: 4 12-03 Total: 4 12-03
18. Kelly Jones - Roger Satterfield Joe bass team trail 0
Day 1: 5 12-02 Total: 5 12-02
19. Earl Garrison - Shawn White Ozark Mountain Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 12-01 Total: 5 12-01
20. Foster Bradley - Nick Harris Alabama Bass Trail 0
Day 1: 5 12-00 Total: 5 12-00
21. Cecil Burns - Daniel Robinson Coosa River Team Trail llc 0
Day 1: 5 11-15 Total: 5 11-15
22. Josh Chapple - Paul Davis Airport Marine Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 11-14 Total: 5 11-14
23. Michael Heatwole - Mark Heatwole VA Elite 0
Day 1: 5 11-03 Total: 5 11-03
23. Mark Hogan - Brian La Clair Delaware BASS Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 11-03 Total: 5 11-03
25. Stephen Mcavoy - Josh Butts Alabama Bass Trail 0
Day 1: 5 11-01 Total: 5 11-01
26. George Chlomoudis - Powell Kemp Anglers Choice Marine 0
Day 1: 4 10-12 Total: 4 10-12
27. Keith Daffron - Ryan Patterson Ozark Mountain Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 10-11 Total: 5 10-11
28. Camran Fleming - Jesse Elder LAKE HARTWELL 5 ALIVE 0
Day 1: 5 10-10 Total: 5 10-10
28. Brad Norris - Ryan Robinson IBN team series 0
Day 1: 5 10-10 Total: 5 10-10
30. Wesley Sams - Jordan Wiggins Alabama Bass Trail 0
Day 1: 5 10-09 Total: 5 10-09
31. Mark Thompson - Mark Thompson Joe Bass TT 0
Day 1: 5 10-05 Total: 5 10-05
32. Bryce Kalen - Bryan Kalen Indiana Bass Nation 0
Day 1: 5 10-03 Total: 5 10-03
33. Jeff Lewis - Fredrick Adkins Morristown Marine 0
Day 1: 5 10-02 Total: 5 10-02
33. Terry Tucker - Jeffrey Cannon 5 Alive tounament trail 0
Day 1: 5 10-02 Total: 5 10-02
35. Edward Gad - Eddie Gad Three Rivers Bass 0
Day 1: 5 10-01 Total: 5 10-01
36. Blain Bartley - Justin Kappeler Keystone Bass Buddy Circuit 0
Day 1: 4 09-15 Total: 4 09-15
37. Ryan Davidson - Chris Malone Anglers outpost NTBA 0
Day 1: 5 09-13 Total: 5 09-13
37. Emmanuel Globetti - Cj Knight AL BN 0
Day 1: 5 09-13 Total: 5 09-13
39. Clay Samples - Scott Moser Anglers Choice 0
Day 1: 5 09-11 Total: 5 09-11
40. Phillip Hegarty - Stephen Hegarty CSFL 0
Day 1: 4 09-11 Total: 4 09-11
41. Joey Solomon - Daniel Taylor Morristown Marine 0
Day 1: 4 09-09 Total: 4 09-09
42. Justin Davis - Nathan Wolfgang Media Bass 0
Day 1: 5 09-07 Total: 5 09-07
43. Michael Maness - Jake Plegge Kansas City Team Tour 0
Day 1: 3 09-06 Total: 3 09-06
44. Rocky Carden - Dustin Besperat Joe Bass Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 09-03 Total: 5 09-03
44. Adam Rice - Emory Reiser IV Lake Hartwell 5 Alive Sunday Ser 0
Day 1: 5 09-03 Total: 5 09-03
46. Brandon Phillippe - Tony Grubbs Angler Nation 0
Day 1: 5 09-02 Total: 5 09-02
47. Tom Statler - Dillon Statler Joe Bass Team Trail 0
Day 1: 4 09-02 Total: 4 09-02
48. Kyle Glasgow - Luke Glasgow AL BASS Nation 0
Day 1: 5 09-00 Total: 5 09-00
49. John Maldonado - Lance Maldonado Milford Lake Team Series 0
Day 1: 5 08-12 Total: 5 08-12
49. David Taylor - Marc Thomas KY BN 0
Day 1: 5 08-12 Total: 5 08-12
51. Brad Fowler - Brock Taylor Palmetto boat center 0
Day 1: 5 08-11 Total: 5 08-11
52. John Frank - Mark Womack Alabama Bass Trail 0
Day 1: 3 08-10 Total: 3 08-10
53. Mark Cooper - William Chumbler Kentucky Nation Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 08-09 Total: 5 08-09
53. Steven Huegerich - Darrin Kirkland Iowa Bass Nation 0
Day 1: 5 08-09 Total: 5 08-09
53. Brandon Stanley - Shane Rawlings West Michigan Bass 0
Day 1: 5 08-09 Total: 5 08-09
56. Mark McCaig - Tim Hurst Alabama Bass Trail 0
Day 1: 5 08-08 Total: 5 08-08
57. Rob Messenger Jr - John Levesque NH Bass Nation 0
Day 1: 4 08-07 Total: 4 08-07
58. Neil Vandebiezen - Joseph LaFountain D&R Sports Team Trail 0
Day 1: 4 08-06 Total: 4 08-06
59. Billy Hall - Ronnie Smith Anglers Outppst NTBA 0
Day 1: 4 08-05 Total: 4 08-05
60. Jason Burroughs - Darren Ashley Hartwell 5 Alive 0
Day 1: 5 08-04 Total: 5 08-04
61. Jason Cannon - Trent Suratt Alabama Bass Trail 0
Day 1: 4 08-04 Total: 4 08-04
62. Ryan Groeteke - Brett Groeteke Ozark Mountain Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 08-02 Total: 5 08-02
63. Jeffrey Brauneck - Fred Brauneck West Michigan Bass 0
Day 1: 3 08-01 Total: 3 08-01
64. Greg Coleman - Travis Gillett US Anglers Choice 0
Day 1: 5 08-00 Total: 5 08-00
64. Doug Stamper - Bruce Stamper Anglers outpost NTBA 0
Day 1: 5 08-00 Total: 5 08-00
66. Steven Griffith - Tyler Rush PA BASS Nation 0
Day 1: 3 08-00 Total: 3 08-00
67. Luke Kyle - Arch Cornett Alabama Bass Trail 0
Day 1: 5 07-15 Total: 5 07-15
68. Nick Coleman - Randall Christopher KY Bass Nation 0
Day 1: 5 07-14 Total: 5 07-14
68. Bryan Dowdy - Kyle Lewellen Alabama Bass Trail 0
Day 1: 5 07-14 Total: 5 07-14
68. John Warren - Eric Johnson USA Bassin 0
Day 1: 5 07-14 Total: 5 07-14
71. Matt Headrick - Matt McClung Alabama Bass Trail 0
Day 1: 5 07-13 Total: 5 07-13
71. Bill Kunz - Cory Kerber CenCal Elite Bass Tournaments 0
Day 1: 5 07-13 Total: 5 07-13
73. Brannon Hurst - Mike Freeman Jr Alabama Bass Trail 0
Day 1: 5 07-12 Total: 5 07-12
74. Keith Allen - David Warrior Angler Nation 0
Day 1: 4 07-12 Total: 4 07-12
75. Kenneth Reed - Brian Funkhouser IN BASS Nation 0
Day 1: 3 07-12 Total: 3 07-12
76. Zach Vankeulen - Brendon Mcdonald Angler Nation 0
Day 1: 4 07-11 Total: 4 07-11
76. Kip Williamson - Matt Mabrey Coosa River Team Trail 0
Day 1: 4 07-11 Total: 4 07-11
78. Edward Baker - Casey Baker Morristown Marine Team Trail 0
Day 1: 5 07-09 Total: 5 07-09
79. Tyler Campbell - Joe Mitchell Hartwell 5 Alive 0
Day 1: 5 07-08 Total: 5 07-08
80. Ryan Fingleton - Ryan Hubler West Michigan Bass 0
Day 1: 4 07-08 Total: 4 07-08
81. Trent Adkins - Ronnie Blaylock Morristown marine 0
Day 1: 4 07-07 Total: 4 07-07
82. Darryl Halbert - Lancen Halbert SC BASS Nation 0
Day 1: 3 07-07 Total: 3 07-07
83. Travis Hitchins - Colten Fink Cheat Lake Bass Anglers 0
Day 1: 3 07-05 Total: 3 07-05
84. Nick Bowden - Stephen Natale Florida Bass Nation 0
Day 1: 3 07-03 Total: 3 07-03
85. John Smith - Tyler Faulkner Morristown Marine 0
Day 1: 4 07-00 Total: 4 07-00
86. Grant Kelly - Jeffery Kelly Berrys Tournament Trail 0
Day 1: 4 06-11 Total: 4 06-11
87. Jeff Corley - William Mcree AL BASSNATION 0
Day 1: 4 06-09 Total: 4 06-09
88. Tim Eaton - Abby Lewis West Michigan Bass 0
Day 1: 4 06-08 Total: 4 06-08
89. Jon Byrd - Brian Clark D AND R SPORTS 0
Day 1: 3 06-02 Total: 3 06-02
90. John Hogle - Daniel Hogle Masssachusetts BASS Nation 0
Day 1: 3 05-15 Total: 3 05-15
91. Vincent Lalli - JR Borror Joe Bass Team Trail 0
Day 1: 1 05-15 Total: 1 05-15
92. Josh Wilson - Shawn Wilson Shootout Fishing League 0
Day 1: 3 05-14 Total: 3 05-14
93. Elivinio Nieto - Lupe Nieto Jr Bayou Bassin League 0
Day 1: 4 05-12 Total: 4 05-12
94. Richard Meuth - Brian Carroll KY Bass Nation Team Trial 0
Day 1: 3 05-12 Total: 3 05-12
94. Marshall Robinson - Mitchell Robinson Palmetto Boat Center Team Trail 0
Day 1: 3 05-12 Total: 3 05-12
96. Lance Whitaker - Jeremy Briscoe Alabama Bass Trail 0
Day 1: 4 05-11 Total: 4 05-11
97. Greg Diggs - Adam Brown neely henry 5 alive 0
Day 1: 3 05-11 Total: 3 05-11
97. Corey Solomon - Clayton Haynes South Georgia Bassmasters 0
Day 1: 3 05-11 Total: 3 05-11
99. Marcus Sherman - Alan Quick Ozarks Mountain Team Trail 0
Day 1: 4 05-10 Total: 4 05-10
99. Jason Walcott - Jimmy Vanden Berg Jr West Michigan Bass 0
Day 1: 4 05-10 Total: 4 05-10
101. Johnathan Dorosh - Collin Jump Michigan Bassmaster Team Champio 0
Day 1: 3 05-09 Total: 3 05-09
102. Jeff Fletcher - Randall Hutson Ozark Mtn Team Trail 0
Day 1: 3 05-08 Total: 3 05-08
102. Travis Guindon - Chris Carr Shootout Fishing 0
Day 1: 3 05-08 Total: 3 05-08
104. Matt Seiber - Mike Bridges Great Lakes Largemouth Series 0
Day 1: 3 05-06 Total: 3 05-06
105. Justin Hayden - Charlie Bogard III Ozark Mountain 0
Day 1: 3 05-05 Total: 3 05-05
106. Shane Howell - Milton Adams 3F Tournaments 0
Day 1: 3 05-04 Total: 3 05-04
106. Tim Newberry Sr - Rusty Darnell Joe Bass Team Trail 0
Day 1: 3 05-04 Total: 3 05-04
108. Randy Huffman - Benjamin Huffman West Virginia BASS Nation 0
Day 1: 2 05-03 Total: 2 05-03
109. Jason Morgan - Craig Whittemore Jr Coosa River Team Trail 0
Day 1: 2 05-02 Total: 2 05-02
110. Brad Adkins - Ethan Raleigh ANGLERS OUTPOST NTBA 0
Day 1: 3 05-01 Total: 3 05-01
111. Edward Garrison - Kevin Love Joe Bass Team Trail 0
Day 1: 3 04-14 Total: 3 04-14
112. Lawrence Curd - Lowell Everett Cossa River Team Trail 0
Day 1: 3 04-07 Total: 3 04-07
113. Dan Shoraga - Adam Eggertsen Anglers Choice 0
Day 1: 2 04-07 Total: 2 04-07
114. Richard Bright - Brian Closson WV BN Team Trail 0
Day 1: 3 04-04 Total: 3 04-04
114. Alex Korol - Cameron Alldredge Empire Team Trail 0
Day 1: 3 04-04 Total: 3 04-04
116. Joey Davidson - Tullis Lanier Alabama Bass Trail 0
Day 1: 2 04-04 Total: 2 04-04
116. John Krewson - Tony Powers Joebass 0
Day 1: 2 04-04 Total: 2 04-04
118. James Copenhaver III - Adam Dysart Chattanooga Bass Association 0
Day 1: 2 04-03 Total: 2 04-03
119. Steven Weber - Sam Phillips Joe Bass Team Trail 0
Day 1: 2 04-01 Total: 2 04-01
120. Victor Morris - Tim Harper Shootout Fishing League 0
Day 1: 2 04-00 Total: 2 04-00
121. Jacob Novak - Jonathan Novak MNBN Team Trail 0
Day 1: 2 03-15 Total: 2 03-15
122. Mark Donaldson - Nicole Donaldson 0
Day 1: 2 03-08 Total: 2 03-08
123. Russell Sapp III - Logan Sims Coosa River 0
Day 1: 2 03-07 Total: 2 03-07
124. Carter Day - Cole Sands Chattanooga Bass Association 0
Day 1: 2 03-06 Total: 2 03-06
125. Levi Cunningham - Joshua Murphree Media bass 0
Day 1: 2 03-05 Total: 2 03-05
126. Keith Hendrix - Greggory Zumwalt Joe Bass 0
Day 1: 2 03-03 Total: 2 03-03
127. Anthony Mike - Bailey Madere Carnervon bass trail 0
Day 1: 2 03-00 Total: 2 03-00
127. Myles Palmer - William Wood Alabama BASS Nation 0
Day 1: 2 03-00 Total: 2 03-00
129. Mark Bell - Daniel Sepeck NTBA 0
Day 1: 2 02-13 Total: 2 02-13
129. Adam Deakin - Turner Mason Centennial Bass Trail 0
Day 1: 2 02-13 Total: 2 02-13
129. Gordon Summers - Jacob Spillman Kentucky Team Bass nation 0
Day 1: 2 02-13 Total: 2 02-13
132. Randy Knight - Michael Curtsinger 3F Tournaments 0
Day 1: 2 02-11 Total: 2 02-11
132. Casey Majni - Corey Brooks Morristown Marine Team Trail 0
Day 1: 2 02-11 Total: 2 02-11
134. David Ferguson - Andrew Scott ANGLERS OUTPOST NTBA 0
Day 1: 2 02-10 Total: 2 02-10
135. John Durocher - Jared Mitchell Lakeland Bassmasters Team Trail 0
Day 1: 1 02-10 Total: 1 02-10
136. Samuel Drake - Wyatt Daily Florida Bass Nation 0
Day 1: 2 02-09 Total: 2 02-09
137. Keith Tuma - Andy Walls MN BASS Nation 0
Day 1: 1 02-02 Total: 1 02-02
138. Phillip Kellogg - Darrell Finck Great Lakes Largemouth Series 0
Day 1: 1 01-14 Total: 1 01-14
139. Drew Blackwood - Terry Blackwood Kansas BASS nation 0
Day 1: 1 01-12 Total: 1 01-12
139. Douglas Stephens - Jacob Wood Alabama Bass Trail 0
Day 1: 1 01-12 Total: 1 01-12
139. Ricky Thompson - Mark Jenkins Alabama Bass Trail 0
Day 1: 1 01-12 Total: 1 01-12
142. Michael Cartwright - Nick Short Kentucky Bass Nation 0
Day 1: 1 01-11 Total: 1 01-11
143. Dave Saterbak - Eric Schreurs Amateur Bass Series 0
Day 1: 1 01-10 Total: 1 01-10
144. Zach Harman - Gavin Seffernick Great lakes largemouth series 0
Day 1: 1 01-09 Total: 1 01-09
144. Jeremy Strotheide - Jesus Alvarez West Michigan Bass 0
Day 1: 1 01-09 Total: 1 01-09
146. Bill Ferris - Jacob Ferris West Michigan Bass 0
Day 1: 1 01-07 Total: 1 01-07
146. Dustin Neat - Mark Wethington NTBA 0
Day 1: 1 01-07 Total: 1 01-07
146. Jay Thompson - Don Thompson Shootout Fishing Legue 0
Day 1: 1 01-07 Total: 1 01-07
149. Tyler Thompson - Gavin Ballew 5 Alive 0
Day 1: 1 01-06 Total: 1 01-06
150. Jason Ammerman - Edwin Ammerman West Michigan Bass 0
Day 1: 1 01-05 Total: 1 01-05
151. Greg Bent - Brian Knebel Empire Team Trail 0
Day 1: 1 01-04 Total: 1 01-04
151. Ty Nguyen - Michael Milbury West Michigan Bass 0
Day 1: 1 01-04 Total: 1 01-04
153. Scott Acheson - Matt Loudon Shootout Fishing League 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
153. Shannon Breeding - Aaron Lucas Anglers Choice Team Tournament T 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
153. Seth Brogan - Josh Ingram Anglers Choice Team Trail 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
153. Colby Davison - Mark Louderbaugh Joe Bass 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
153. Jimmy Dean - Charles Dean dean team 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
153. Kevin Farris - Dylan Welton West Michigan 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
153. Brett Govreau - Beau Govreau US Anglers Choice 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
153. James Graham - Jayson Saliba csfl 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
153. Delton Gregory - Dexton Gregory Alabama Bass Trail 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
153. Sampsa Hamalainen - Daniel Boudreault Shootout Fishing League 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
153. Melinda Hays - Lance Freeman 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
153. Bradley Jones - Broox Goza Alabama Bass Trail 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
153. Seth Lafollette - Dalton Price Morristown Marine 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
153. Steve Lamser - Robert Lamser Amateur Bass Series 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
153. Jeff Marks - Chris Watkins Media Bass 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
153. Kory McIntire - Allyn Mcintire IA BN 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
153. Jason Nairn - Troy Bresee Shootout Fishing league 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
153. David Pair - David Noakes AL BN 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
153. Ronald Pate - Ernest Pate Jr KBBC Keystone Bass Buddy Circuit 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
153. Rick Ryver - David Garbrick Western PA Team Trail 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
153. Bobby Scott - John Hinckley Florida Bass Nation 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
153. Garrett Seppala - Travis Salo NH Bass Nation 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
153. Kyle Smith - Neil Hartley Morristown Marine Team Trail 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
153. Josh Uthe - Kristopher Gaertner IL BN 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
153. Scott Wilbanks - Randy Mcguire Florida Bass Nation 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
153. Steve Wilson - Harold Rogers Jr Tennessee Team Bass nation 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
153. Jared Winland - Brandan Becki Great Lakes Largemouth Series 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Total: 0 00-00
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 61 542 1116-09
Big Bass Eat Big Baits
Courtesy of Vance McCollough
Whether it’s grownup gizzard shad on TVA lakes, big bluegill all across the deep South or foot-long shiners in the Sunshine State, big baitfish top the menu for quality bass.
And a bass doesn’t have to be a trophy class fish in order to eat bream that would pass as table fare for humans. Think ‘three-pounds-and-up’. In fact, most days, a two-pounder will crush as big a lure as you dare to throw. This is especially true for Florida strain largemouth, which according to a recent study by fisheries biologists in numerous states, in conjunction with Auburn University, have historically been far more widespread across the South than previously believed.
Dan Dorosheff of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission once shed some light on this subject for me. “We did studies to determine the maximum size of prey a largemouth can safely consume. Shape has a lot to do with it. For round fish, such as bluegill, we found that a bass can eat one about a third the length of its body. For long, slender prey, such as shiners, they can eat one about half the length of their body.”
While the above guidelines indicate the size of prey a bass can reasonably digest, it’s worth noting that bass don’t have the ability to reason, nor to be reasonable. They often attack animals as big as themselves, bigger sometimes, simply to defend their territory.
We’ve all seen pictures of a bass with an almost equal sized bass stuffed mostly down its gullet, both floating dead.
So, how big is too big when it comes to lure selection?
You decide.
But first, consider this example, shared by Chris Zaldain from the 2019 Bassmaster Classic held on Tennessee’s Ft Loudon Lake in mid-March - a most unlikely place and time to throw a big swimbait - from my post-tournament report on AnglersChannel.com:
Zaldain Goes Big to Scare the Classic Field
The magician revealed his secret, but I was sworn to keep it such until the tournament was over. On Day 2 of the 2019 Bassmaster Classic Chris Zaldain caught what was easily the biggest bag of the 3-day event at 21 pounds, 12 ounces.
“I did it the way I love to fish, man,” said Zaldain. “A big swimbait. That’s how I roll.”
In a tournament on Tennessee’s Ft Loudon/Tellico Lakes that was dominated by small crankbaits, spinnerbaits and bladed jigs, Zaldain rebounded from a slow start in the opening round to become a contender by throwing a 6-inch Megabass Magdraft swimbait on the 2nd day.
“I didn’t do it yesterday. The conditions weren’t right. And I got led off by a 6-pounder I caught in practice way up Tellico, so I did that Day 1.”
Zaldain had spent most of his practice looking for a swimbait bite. When conditions got right for the technique on the 2nd day of competition, he knocked their lights out doing it.
“Today I threw a swimbait along bluff walls with laydowns.”
While the big bait may seem an odd choice, Zaldain was actually matching the hatch – at least as far as the big female bass were concerned, and those are the type of fish that make a difference in a major tournament.
“Large profile bait because they’re eating gizzard shad.”
A slight change in conditions opened the bite window for a swimbait. Zaldain was ready. “The biggest factor is the water is clearing so I replaced the big Jason Christie single Colorado spinnerbait that we used in practice - because of the mud - and replaced that with a big ol’ swimbait because the water cleared up and those big fish love that bait.”
Zaldain also threw the Magdraft just to give the fish a different look. “Here on the Tennessee River people still don’t throw the big swimbait. They just don’t do it. The fish have seen a million spinnerbaits, a million squarebills and DT6’s. So when you introduce a big ol’ piece of plastic, mixed in with the big, 9-inch gizzard shad that they’re eating, that bait just imitates them so well. And they haven’t seen it. I really think those big fish see a spinnerbait and shy away from it, but that swimbait – they connect every time.”
As for his set up, Zaldain always swims the 6-inch Magdraft on 15-pound Seaguar InvizX line paired with a 7:1 reel and a 7’2” Megabass Orochi XX Perfect Pitch jig rod.
Zaldain is happy with the stock hooks that come on the Magdraft.
Swimbait aficionados will tell you that most important thing to know about a swimbait is when to put it down, especially if you’re tournament fishing. Zaldain was committed to take the Classic title with his favorite lure but conditions on the final day did not help him. He cobbled together a pair of smallish bass and placed 12th.
But for a day, he smashed them with the swim bait.
Huk Brings Flannel to the Next Level
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Lester: Pokémon cards, princess dresses, and YouTube crappie
Courtesy of Alan McGuckin - Dynamic Sponsorships
I guess you could say I’ve already received my best gift. Because as most every pro angler will tell you, the 15 to 20 weeks we spend away from our families each year is the toughest part of the job, so being home for the entire Christmas season is something I absolutely treasure.
To make the season even more fun, my girls are sort of at the perfect ages, because they both believe in Santa Claus. Leann is hoping Santa will bring her some Pokémon trading cards, whereas our youngest, Shiloh, who is age 3, is totally into being a princess. So, I imagine she’ll be opening a few new princess dresses for Christmas.
Now don’t get me wrong, they both know Christmas is not all about gifts. We spend a lot of time talking about the story of Jesus’ birth – so I’ll promise you their little hearts are very clear on the real reason for the season.
And as for me, along with making memories here in Kim and I’s hometown of Fayetteville, TN over the holidays, I’m also excited for a new project I’m really ramping-up my efforts on – and that’s my multispecies YouTube channel “Brandon Lester Fishing.”
Nope, I don’t want it to be just another pro bass fishing channel, but instead a platform where I teach all levels of anglers how to catch all kinds of species throughout 2022. In fact, a recent episode I did about crappie fishing actually got more traction than any bass fishing video I’ve done to date.
So, in the new year, expect me to teach you how to catch good-eating bluegill using side-imaging sonar, as well big blue catfish using skipjack herring for bait. And of course, plenty of crappie and bass fishing episodes too.
I’ve always believed the more I know about every species in the ecosystem – the better I’ll become at understanding, locating, and catching bass. So, I want my YouTube channel to reflect that too.
Bottom line …. I want this channel to be educational and relatable to all anglers, not just bass fisherman.
That said, I’d be grateful if you’ll follow along. And I truly hope you find something just as exciting as Pokémon cards or a princess dress under the tree, as you make memories with your loved ones while reflecting on the real reason for the season.
Outlaws.... RELiON That is
This week Chris & the boys welcome in BPT Pro Ott Defoe to the show to talk about his 2021 Bass Pro Tour Season (All 278,000 reasons why he enjoyed 2021) as well as the Costa Compete and Conserve Contingency Program and the good Costa is doing for our sport. The boys talk This or That Christmas Edition, some new Partners join the show and more!
TH MArine - Atlas Awards 2022 Registration is Open!
Get Paid for Using T-H Marine Products
Year after year, anglers sign back up for our Atlas Awards Program and it's little wonder why — we pay tournament anglers who use T-H Marine Products!
A new year and a new fishing season is upon us, so Atlas Awards Registration is now open. Simply visit our site to get the full details, sign up, and get some swag at no additional cost when you register.
B.A.S.S. Hooks VMC As New Tournament Trail Supporting Sponsor
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — VMC, a Rapala Respected Brand known for their award-winning hooks for every style of fishing, rigs, jigs and terminal tackle, has signed a multiyear agreement to serve as a supporting sponsor for the Bassmaster Tournament Trail. Additionally, the new VMC Monster Bag prize will award an additional $2,000 to the angler who weighs in the heaviest single-day catch of the event at every Elite Series tournament.
The addition of the VMC Monster Bag prize is capturing the attention of fans and Elite Series pros alike.
“Take it from me, VMC is the sharpest, baddest hook in tournament fishing,” said two-time Bassmaster Angler of the Year Gerald Swindle. “I can’t wait to get paid to carry the VMC Monster Bag to the scales.”
As a tournament sponsor, VMC will not only be featured during Bassmaster LIVE broadcasts on the FOX Sports platforms, but will also enjoy exposure to enthusiastic fans of sportfishing and B.A.S.S. members during tournament weigh-ins as well as across Bassmaster.com, Bassmaster and B.A.S.S. Times magazines and various social media platforms.
“Our fans tune in to Bassmaster LIVE for incredible coverage of every catch, learning from the pros about techniques that will help them become a better angler, and then eagerly cheer on their favorite pros during weigh-ins,” said B.A.S.S. chairman and CEO Chase Anderson. “We’re excited to welcome VMC as a new partner and showcase the hooks some of the sport’s most successful pros — like Seth Feider, Brandon Palaniuk and Mike Iaconelli — use when landing every fish matters. The last few years, B.A.S.S. fans have been treated to record-breaking limits, and we can’t wait to see who will take home the new VMC Monster Bag prize when the Elite Series heads to some of the country’s best big bass factories during the 2022 season.”
In addition to sponsoring the Elite Series VMC Monster Bag prize, VMC will be a supporting sponsor for the Bassmaster Elite Series, Bassmaster Opens Series, Bassmaster College Series presented by Bass Pro Shops, Mossy Oak Fishing Bassmaster High School Series presented by Academy Sports + Outdoors, Bassmaster Team Championship and the grass-roots TNT Fireworks B.A.S.S. Nation regional and championship tournaments.
“VMC is one of our most historic brands under the portfolio of brands at Rapala VMC,” said Matt Jensen, Rapala USA director of marketing. “Here in the U.S., it has been our fastest-growing brand year after year for the past eight years. With the innovation VMC has brought to market it has proven itself to be a top hook brand in tournament fishing today, and we are excited to partner with Bassmaster and grow VMC into a supporting sponsor.
“The VMC Monster Bag at Elite events is going to be the talk of the town. Bassmaster is all about ‘Big Bass. Big Stage. Big Dreams.’ Well now, VMC will add ‘Big Bags’ to the mix, and excite pros and fans with the new VMC Monster Bag prize!”
About VMC
With more than two centuries of experience, the innovative craftsmanship of VMC® design shows in every product. Award-winning hooks for every style of fishing, many with first-to-market features, plus rigs, jigs and terminal tackle second to none. VMC is one of several legendary fishing lure brands that belong to the Rapala family. Learn more, visit Rapala.com.
MLF Announces 2022 Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit Roster
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157 Pros to Compete Across Six Regular-Season Five-Biggest-Fish Format Tournaments with a Total Purse of More Than $6 million
TULSA, Okla. (Dec. 7, 2021) – Major League Fishing (MLF) announced today the roster for the 2022 Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit, showcasing a field of 157 of the top professional anglers in the world competing in the five-biggest-fish format across six regular-season tournaments. In its 27th season, the 2022 Pro Circuit roster features a solid field of veterans and a fresh crop of rookies from across the country, all competing for a total season purse of more than $6 million.
“We had a fantastic 2021 season and are excited to be going into the upcoming year stronger than ever,” said Daniel Fennel, MLF Senior Director of Tournament Operations. “We’re thrilled to offer our top pros an exciting 2022 schedule with expanded media coverage and more opportunities than ever before. We’re extremely proud of what we have accomplished over the last few years, and with this power-packed group of pros, we’re looking forward to very tough competition and the opportunity to continue that legacy in 2022.” The 2022 Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit roster features former FLW Cup champions Darrel Robertson (1999), Dion Hibdon (2000), Randall Tharp (2013), Brad Knight (2015) and John Cox (2016), TITLE champions Rusty Salewske (2020) and Jimmy Washam (2021), along with former Pro Circuit Angler of the Year (AOY) winners David Walker (1999), Ron Nelson (2020) and Michael Neal (2021). Bass-fishing legend “The General” Larry Nixon also returns to the field for his 24th season on the Pro Circuit. They’ll be joined by 23 rookies from the MLF Toyota Series, including Plains Division AOY Andy Newcomb, Southern Division AOY Lance Oligschlaeger, Western Division AOY Phillip Dutra and Ricardo Gonzales, who qualified via the MLF Mexico International Division. The star-studded roster also includes 16 Bass Pro Tour anglers, including reigning 2021 Pro Circuit AOY Michael Neal, Pro Circuit 2021 Lake Okeechobee champion Skeet Reese, Wesley Strader, Justin Lucas and seven other pros who fished both circuits in 2021. Competition kicks off on Sam Rayburn Reservoir, Jan. 27-30, in Brookeland, Texas and culminates with the 2022 Tackle Warehouse TITLE, the Pro Circuit championship, on the St. Lawrence River, Aug. 16-21, in Massena, New York. Each stop will be broadcast live on the Major League Fishing app, MyOutdoorTV (MOTV), and MajorLeagueFishing.com. The 2022 MLF Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit will air on the CBS Sports Network and the Sportsman Channel beginning in July 2022. The full field will compete on Days 1 & 2 of each regular-season event, with the top 50 pros based on cumulative weight from days 1 & 2 moving on to Day 3. Weights will be zeroed on Day 4, where the top 10 pros based on cumulative weight from the first three days will compete for the grand prize of up to $135,000, including the lucrative $35,000 Phoenix MLF Bonus for qualified anglers. The MLF Tackle Warehouse TITLE championship features a top award of $235,000, including a $35,000 Phoenix MLF Bonus. For complete details and updated information, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow the Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit on Facebook , Twitter, Instagram and YouTube. The 157 professional anglers that will compete on the Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit are:
*Denotes 2022 Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit Rookie
2022 MLF Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit Schedule:
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Santa Calls for Help Choosing Post-Holiday Fishing Destination
A worldwide vote will now determine Santa’s whereabouts on December 27
COLUMBIA, S.C. (December 7, 2021) – After a month-long search for the perfect fishing destination, Santa’s pals at Berkley Fishing have helped him narrow his annual post-holiday fishing trip down to five deserving locations. And now he’s asking the world to weigh in on the big decision.
Cities and fisheries around the world submitted their town for the opportunity to win a visit from Santa on December 27, immediately following his busiest day of the year. Santa and the team at Berkley have narrowed down the location finalists to five epic fisheries across the United States and are now asking everyone to help select one lucky fishing destination. In addition to a relaxing day on the water, Santa will bring gifts for children in the community along with a donation of up to $25K from Berkley, which will support a fishing conservation project in the surrounding area.
After careful review of all the fantastic fishy places submitted across the world, Berkley and Santa have created their list (and checked it twice) of the top five fishing spots in consideration. Each town was chosen based on its submission, with many boasting about their tight-knit communities, the amazing fishing, and a clearly identified need for conservation funding or a special fishing access project in need of support from Santa and Berkley.
The final five towns are:
- Hartwell, GA
- Huntsville, AL
- Springfield, IL
- Panama City Beach, FL
- Long Beach, CA
And now Santa needs your help!
Santa is asking everyone to vote for the best fishing spot from now through December 12 here. And because Santa never stops giving, every vote includes an entry for a chance to win a Berkley prize package worth more than $500! The winning town will be announced on December 14!
To vote for your favorite town, go to: Santa Fishes.
To learn more about Berkley, visit: Berkley-Fishing.com.
The 2022 Strike King Big Bass Challenge is Back
Lexington, S.C. – November 15, 2021 – The teams at Strike King and Lew’s are excited to announce the return of this fan favorite tournament series, formatted for family-friendly competition and designed for anglers of all ages and skill levels. 2022 will be bigger and better than ever featuring more tournaments, bigger payouts and greater opportunities to win.
“Last year we welcomed over 600 competitors to the Strike King Big Bass Challenge weigh-ins and gave away over $40,000 in awards and prizes. We are gearing up for even more in 2022,” announced Strike King Vice President of Marketing Jason McKee. “Whether you have never fished a tournament or you are a local weekend hero, find the Big Bass Challenge near you and come join the fun!”
For anglers who are new to the Big Bass format, it works like this:
- A single-day event with a weigh-in every two hours. Anglers are free to bring their biggest bass of the period to the scales in each period throughout the day.
- We will award cash prizes for the five biggest bass caught during each weigh period.
- Every angler who weighs a fish is entered into a drawing for prizes from Lew’s, Strike King, and partnering Big Bass Challenge sponsors.
- The angler who catches the biggest bass of the day will win the Grand Prize Bonus, a $5,000 total boat makeover of Lew’s and Strike King gear.
The excitement is not just on the water and at the weigh-in. The mandatory Rules Briefing the night prior to the competition day at each event will provide attendees with an opportunity to hear from Strike King and Lew’s pro anglers and legends of the sport, as well as enter to win great prizes. Additionally, the first 100 anglers to register for each event will receive a Strike King gift card valued at $50, available for pick-up at the Rules Briefing.
The 2022 line-up is as follows:
Lake Toho, FL January 30th
Lake Cumberland, KY March 27th
Kentucky Lake, TN April 3rd
Lake Erie, OH April 24th
Lake Murray, SC May 15th
Table Rock Lake, MO June 11th
Anglers may register for upcoming Big Bass Challenge tournaments, download the rules and find additional information here at https://www.strikeking.com/en/learn/big-bass-challenge or at https://www.lews.com/en/learn/big-bass-challenge
Bassmaster Fantasy Games Feature More Than $100,000 In Prizes, Including Dream Fishing Trips
December 3, 2021
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Sports fans who enjoy watching the top bass pros in the world compete head-to-head on the Bassmaster Elite Series can take their passion to the next level and compete for more than $100,000 in prizes — including dream fishing trips — with Rapala Bassmaster Fantasy Fishing and the Mercury Drain the Lake Challenge.
“We're launching early this year because there is so much fan interest,” said B.A.S.S. vice president of digital Jim Sexton. “Over the past two years with Rapala entitling Bassmaster Fantasy Fishing, the game has grown by 45%, and even though Drain the Lake launched midway through last season, it still had more than 14,500 players.
“We wanted to give players more time to set their teams. The 2022 games have more prizes and there will be enhancements to the game coming next year.”
In 2021, Fantasy Fishing provided nearly 40,000 engaged fans with a competitive platform to test their knowledge of professional fishing and prognostication skills to win more than $90,000 in prizes, including Rapala gear packages, gift cards and more.
New for 2022, the Bassmaster Fantasy Fishing champion will win a trip to South Carolina to fish with former Bassmaster Classic champion and current Bassmaster LIVE host Davy Hite. The grand prize winner will also receive a $15,000 Bass Pro Shops gift card, $5,000 cash and a Rapala package — a total prize valued at more than $21,000.
“Fantasy Fishing has really been great for our sport,” said Hite. “It gives the fans an opportunity to engage and be a part of every single event.
“As much fun as Fantasy Fishing is, it is also very difficult, which is why the winner deserves a good prize. I’m really glad that I get to be a part of the prize pack.”
Participants select their best five-angler team for each of the nine Bassmaster Elite Series events and the 2022 Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic presented by Huk, then compete against other players to score the highest number of points. Points are awarded based on each angler’s final standings at the end of an Elite Series event, and every event will feature $6,500 in prizes, including an additional $500 Bass Pro Shops gift card if the winner is a B.A.S.S. member.
The Mercury Drain the Lake Challenge, using elimination pool rules, requires players to use an entirely different strategy than standard Fantasy Fishing. When building their team, players can only use an Elite Series angler once over the course of the season. Unlike traditional Fantasy Fishing, there are no buckets. Tournament players select any eight Elite Series anglers. After choosing an angler for a specific event, players can no longer select that angler for the remainder of the season.
Casey Kmiecik of Wisconsin won the inaugural season of the Mercury Drain the Lake Challenge, and while he has played Fantasy Fishing for a decade, he enjoyed the strategy behind selecting anglers for Drain the Lake: “I think they’re both a lot of fun. I’ll always play both of them, but I like Drain the Lake better because I feel like there is way more strategy involved.”
Kmiecik went on to remind other players, “If there is a smallmouth swing at the end, make sure to save your smallmouth anglers for those tournaments because they’re almost a lock on those Northern smallmouth fisheries.”
The Drain the Lake Challenge winning player, along with the rest of the Top 5 points leaders for each event, will receive a $200 Mercury gift card plus an additional $500 Bass Pro Shops gift card if they are a B.A.S.S. member. The 2022 Mercury Drain the Lake Challenge overall winner will enjoy a fishing trip with Bassmaster LIVE host Mark Zona in Michigan, with airfare, hotel and $150 in spending money included.
Registration for both games, along with full rules and a description of each prize package, can be found at Bassmaster.com/fantasy.
A-Mart GoFundme Information
From our friends at WON Bass
WON BASS and our anglers and industry partners have come together to create a day to celebrate the "LIFE" of our dear friend Aaron Martens. We are trying to raise funds that will be given to Leslie Martens to use as she sees fit for their family needs. We are trying to raise money to help her and the kids after the tragic loss of their beloved father and husband.
If you can not attend the December 18th "Celebration Of Life" gathering being held at Lake Casitas recreation area, then you can donate your $100 here! Donations of any size or denomination are welcome, but not required to attend. We would like to give this donation gift to Leslie at the event on December 18th, so please donate early. A portion of the donations will be used for expenses at the event, the remainder will 100% all go to the Martens family.
We will also be offering tickets for items that have been donated by sponsors to help raise additional funds. Your $100 donation includes one ticket. An additional $100 will get you 5 additional tickets. Tickets will be available on-site.
If you wish to donate product to the event. Please send to Western Outdoor News 1211 Puerta Del Sol, Suite 270, San Clemente CA 92673 before December 15th.
The event is scheduled from 12 noon until 6:00 PM. Food will be available for purchase. Bring your lawn chair and blanket and spend the day with the family and friends of Aaron. We hope to have live music and festivities during the celebration.
Thank you for your support and help. It is greatly appreciated.
AC Insider Rookie Podcast is Back!!!
Welcome back to the 2022 AnglersChannel Rookie Podcast with your host David Xiong! This week David welcomes in Elite Series Rookie and Northern Opens Points Champ Alex Redwine to talk about how he got started in tournament bass fishing and how he made his way to the Elites. Check it out and make sure and share it with your friends!
3 Days Left to Get Santa to Come to Your Town! Berkley Fishing and Santa Want YOU to Decide Where Santa Should Fish After Christmas
There are only 3 days left to submit your town for a chance to win a visit from Santa, gifts for the children and up to $25K from Berkley Fishing toward conservation efforts this holiday season!
COLUMBIA, S.C. (Dec. 2, 2021) — Everyone wants to know what Santa does after he’s done delivering toys to all the good boys and girls after Christmas. Well, we know the answer! Santa goes fishing! And this year, Santa needs your help to decide where he should fish next and what makes it a not-to-be-missed fishing destination!
Fishing tackle brand Berkley and Santa Claus are teaming up to look for fishy cities, towns, and communities who want Santa to visit, fish and donate to a good fishy cause on December 27th. Entering your community in the mix is easy: Answer the questions on the submission form and tell us why Santa should come to your area. You can fill out the submission form here!
The winning town must have a great fishing spot and clearly identify a conservation need or special fishing access project that Santa and Berkley can support. Submissions are open to everyone, but there are only three days left to submit so enter your town through December 5, 2021, for a chance to be the winning town!
Remember, even after Christmas Santa loves to give presents! The winning location will receive gifts for the children of the community and a generous donation for their conservation/special project from Berkley Fishing.
The top five towns will be announced on December 7, 2021, and the winning town will be chosen by a public vote that will run from December 7 through December 12.
To submit your town, go to: SantaFishes.com.
To learn more about Berkley, visit: Berkley-Fishing.com
Final Classic Spot On The Line At Bassmaster Team Championship On Lake Eufaula
Alabama's Lake Eufaula will host anglers from around the country during the Bassmaster Team Championship Dec. 8-11.
Photo by Charles Beck/B.A.S.S.
December 2, 2021
EUFAULA, Ala. — The fall feed will likely be in full swing when anglers arrive in south Alabama for the 2021 Bassmaster Team Championship at Lake Eufaula Dec. 8-11, and Bassmaster Elite Series veteran Matt Herren of Ashville, Ala., said a simple approach could get the job done.
“I don’t think they are going to overcomplicate what they are doing, I think it is going to be about figuring out the part of the lake that is going to be productive and using pretty simple techniques to find the fish,” Herren said. “Eufaula is a really big lake and it will spread out and can swallow boats pretty easily. Guys will be able to fish their strengths no matter what it is they want to do.”
Teams competing in this event qualified through B.A.S.S.-sanctioned team trails and will compete as a duo for the first two days of the tournament. The Top 3 teams after the second day will then be split and compete as individuals in the Bassmaster Classic Fish-Off the final two days. The winner will earn a spot in the 2022 Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic presented by Huk March 4-6 at legendary Lake Hartwell and Greenville, S.C.
Lake Eufaula, nicknamed the Big Bass Capital of the World, has played host to major bass tournaments throughout its history and most recently hosted a Bassmaster Elite Series event in July 2020. The Chattahoochee River impoundment has plenty of space for anglers to spread out.
“One of the neat features about Eufaula this time of the year is, when I think of fall fishing, I think about major tributaries,” Herren said. “I either like major feeder creeks or the upper portions of the river system, and Eufaula is blessed with that. There are major feeder creeks all over it, and each of them has a good population of fish. These guys that go down there have a smorgasbord to fish, they could fish feeder creeks, the river or fish in the lake and fish brushpiles and offshore structure.”
While the creeks are full of bank grass, laydowns and lily pads, the main focus on Eufaula in recent years has been the multitude of offshore brushpiles. About three years ago, Herren said the hydrilla that used to be in Eufaula disappeared and forced the bass to relate to different cover, mostly the brush.
“The brushpiles on Eufaula are relatively shallow, 8 to 15-foot piles, and if someone has a good side imaging depthfinder, they aren’t hard to find,” Herren said. “Just look at the map and if you think there ought to be a pile there, there probably is. There could be some schooling going on. About three years ago there used to be a lot of hydrilla on the southern end, but now it is all gone. So, all of those fish that exploded in that grass, those are the fish we’ve been catching out of the brushpiles.”
Herren anticipates spinnerbaits, buzzbaits and ChatterBaits to play a major role in the shallows in this tournament, as well as squarebill crankbaits. Offshore, larger spinnerbaits, Texas-rigged worms and deeper-diving crankbaits have historically been effective. Herren added that the bass will largely be keying in on baitfish, while some of the shallow bass will target bluegill.
Anglers will have to keep an eye on the turnover. If the lake has turned over before anglers arrive, Herren said weights could be really high. If the turnover takes place during the tournament, however, the fishing could be tough, especially around the brushpiles.
Anglers will launch from Lakepoint State Park each day starting at 6:15 a.m. CT and return for weigh-in at 2:15 p.m. Full event coverage will be available at Bassmaster.com.
The Eufaula-Barbour County Chamber of Commerce is hosting the Bassmaster Team Championship and Bassmaster Classic Fish-Off.
Major League Fishing Announces Roster for 2022 Bass Pro Tour
TULSA, Okla. (Dec. 2, 2021) – Major League Fishing (MLF) announced today the full field for the 2022 Bass Pro Tour, the fourth season of professional bass fishing’s most visible and competitive tournament circuit. The field of 80 of the world’s top bass-fishing professionals will visit seven fisheries during the Bass Pro Tour regular season and will compete for a total season purse of more than $7.6 million dollars.
The 2022 Bass Pro Tour roster includes 74 returning anglers, headlined by 2021 Angler of the Year (AOY) Jacob Wheeler, REDCREST 2021 champion Dustin Connell, two-time AOY runner-up Ott DeFoe, Edwin Evers, Justin Lucas and the most decorated angler in the history of professional bass fishing, Kevin VanDam. They’ll be joined by six newcomers who qualified via the MLF Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit – Dakota Ebare, Cole Floyd, Dylan Hays, Clabion Johns, Jeremy Lawyer and Ryan Salzman. Pros John Cox and Ron Nelson declined their invitations to the 2022 Bass Pro Tour to focus their efforts on other circuits, including the MLF Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit.
The 2022 Bass Pro Tour will kick off Feb. 5-10, 2022, with Stage One at Caney Creek Reservoir, Lake D’Arbonne and Bussey Brake in Monroe-West Monroe, Louisiana.
“The professional anglers that compete on the Bass Pro Tour are the best in the world, and we look forward to seeing what they can do across nine of the finest fisheries in the United States,” said Don Rucks, Executive Vice President and General Manager for MLF. “We expect the upcoming 2022 season to be one of the most challenging, if not the most challenging and competitive seasons in the history of the MLF Bass Pro Tour. We couldn’t be more excited to kick off another fantastic Bass Pro Tour season in February in Monroe and West Monroe, Louisiana, on three fisheries that have never before hosted a professional tournament.”
In addition to millions of dollars in cash prizes, the 2022 Bass Pro Tour anglers are vying for valuable points in hopes of qualifying for the 2023 General Tire Heavy Hitters All-Star event and REDCREST 2023, the world championship of professional bass fishing. Each stage of the Bass Pro Tour includes six days of competition using the catch, weigh, immediate-release format, and is broadcast live on the Major League Fishing app, MyOutdoorTV (MOTV), and MajorLeagueFishing.com, totaling more than 450 hours of original programming. Fans can also follow the on-the-water action as it unfolds on the live SCORETRACKER® leaderboard.
The 2022 MLF Bass Pro Tour will air on the Discovery Channel beginning in July 2022 and the Outdoor Channel in early 2023.
For complete details and up-to-date tournament information, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow MLF’s social media outlets at Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.
The 80 professional anglers that will compete on the 2022 Bass Pro Tour are:
- Casey Ashley, Donalds, S.C.
- Adrian Avena, Vineland, N.J.
- Josh Bertrand, Queen Creek, Ariz.
- Tommy Biffle, Wagoner, Okla.
- Zack Birge, Blanchard, Okla.
- Stephen Browning, Hot Springs, Ark.
- Brent Chapman, Lake Quivira, Kan.
- Luke Clausen, Spokane, Wash.
- Dustin Connell, Clanton, Ala.
- Brandon Coulter, Knoxville, Tenn.
- Cliff Crochet, Pierre Part, La.
- Mark Daniels Jr., Tuskegee, Ala.
- Mark Davis, Mount Ida, Ark.
- Ott DeFoe, Blaine, Tenn.
- Boyd Duckett, Guntersville, Ala.
- David Dudley, Lynchburg, Va.
- *Dakota Ebare, Brookeland, Texas
- Brent Ehrler, Redlands, Calif.
- James Elam, Tulsa, Okla.
- Paul Elias, Laurel, Miss.
- Edwin Evers, Talala, Okla.
- Todd Faircloth, Jasper, Texas
- *Cole Floyd, Leesburg, Ohio
- Shinichi Fukae, Osaka, Japan
- Anthony Gagliardi, Prosperity, S.C.
- Shaw Grigsby, Gainesville, Fla.
- Roy Hawk, Lake Havasu City, Ariz.
- *Dylan Hays, Hot Springs, Ark.
- Brett Hite, Phoenix, Ariz.
- Timmy Horton, Muscle Shoals, Ala.
- Randy Howell, Guntersville, Ala.
- *Clabion Johns, Social Circle, Ga.
- Alton Jones, Lorena, Texas
- Alton Jones Jr., Waco, Texas
- Kelly Jordon, Flint, Texas
- Gary Klein, Mingus, Texas
- Jeff Kriet, Ardmore, Okla.
- Jason Lambert, Michie, Tenn.
- Bobby Lane, Lakeland, Fla.
- Chris Lane, Guntersville, Fla.
- Russ Lane, Prattville, Ala.
- *Jeremy Lawyer, Sarcoxie, Mo.
- Jordan Lee, Cullman, Ala.
- Matt Lee, Cullman, Ala.
- Dave Lefebre, Erie, Pa.
- Jared Lintner, Arroyo Grande, Calif.
- Justin Lucas, Guntersville, Ala.
- Mike McClelland, Blue Eye, Mo.
- Cody Meyer, Star, Idaho
- Ish Monroe, Oakdale, Calif.
- Andy Montgomery, Blacksburg, S.C.
- Andy Morgan, Dayton, Tenn.
- John Murray, Spring City, Tenn.
- Britt Myers, Lake Wylie, S.C.
- Michael Neal, Dayton, Tenn.
- Takahiro Omori, Tokyo, Japan
- Cliff Pace, Petal, Miss.
- Keith Poche, Pike Road, Ala.
- Skeet Reese, Auburn, Calif.
- Marty Robinson, Lyman, S.C.
- Dean Rojas, Lake Havasu City, Ariz.
- Mark Rose, Wynne, Ark.
- Fred Roumbanis, Russellville, Ark.
- Bradley Roy, Lancaster, Ky.
- *Ryan Salzman, Huntsville, Ala.
- Terry Scroggins, San Mateo, Fla.
- Fletcher Shryock, Guntersville, Ala.
- Gerald Spohrer, Gonzales, La.
- Jeff Sprague, Wills Point, Texas
- Wesley Strader, Spring City, Tenn.
- Scott Suggs, Alexander, Ark.
- Randall Tharp, Port St. Joe, Fla.
- Bryan Thrift, Shelby, N.C.
- Kevin VanDam, Kalamazoo, Mich.
- Jonathan VanDam, Kalamazoo, Mich.
- Greg Vinson, Wetumpka, Ala.
- David Walker, Sevierville, Tenn.
- James Watson, Lampe, Mo.
- Jacob Wheeler, Harrison, Tenn.
- Jesse Wiggins, Addison, Ala.
* Denotes 2022 Bass Pro Tour Newcomer
2022 MLF Bass Pro Tour Schedule:
- Feb. 5-10 - Stage One at Caney Creek Reservoir, Lake D’Arbonne and Bussey Brake, Monroe-West Monroe, La.
- Feb. 19-24 - Stage Two at Lake Fork, Lake Fork, Texas
- March 2-7 - Stage Three at Lewis Smith Lake, Cullman, Ala.
- March 23-27 REDCREST 2022 at Grand Lake O’ the Cherokee, Tulsa, Okla.
- April 9-14 - General Tire Heavy Hitters 2022 All-Star Event at Lake Palestine, Tyler, Texas
- April 30- May 5 - Stage Four at Lake of the Ozarks, Osage Beach, Mo.
- June 4-9 - Stage Five at Watts Bar Lake, Spring City, Tenn.
- Aug. 6-11 - Stage Six at Lake Cayuga, Union Springs, N.Y.
- Sept. 10-15 - Stage Seven at Mille Lacs Lake, Onamia, Minn.
Fish with Bradley Roy Sweepstakes
Lancaster, KY – Today, Major League Fishing Bass Pro Tour angler Bradley Roy announced the second year of the Fish with Bradley sweepstakes. One lucky winner will fish with Bradley on Lake Cumberland in Jamestown, Kentucky, and take home a prize package worth over $1,500.
Roy grew up fishing Lake Cumberland and annually hosts his Bradley Roy High School Open bass tournament there.
Entry into the sweepstakes is free at www.bradleyroy.com and runs until January 31st. Fans can enter daily.
As part of the sweepstakes, the Lake Cumberland State Dock will provide lodging for the winner, who will spend two nights there and then a full day on the water with Bradley.
Details of the prizes
- One full-day of fishing with MLF pro Bradley Roy
- Custom bumper-to-bumper vehicle package from Covercraft
- One Ark fishing rod
- Grundens apparel
- Tackle packs from D&L Tackle and a bulk spool of Seaguar line
- Complete set of Prym1 fishing and hunting apparel
- Pair of signature series Solar Bat sunglasses
- Triton Boats and Mercury Marine apparel
- Angler’s Outpost and Railblaza USA gift cards
A complete list of rules and regulations is available on the contest page.
Cut 'em No Slack
Courtesy of Vance McCullough
“It felt like I was in a crash three times,” said my son, Hunter, telling me how a guy tried to snatch his truck out of a deep mudhole along the St. Mary’s River that separates our fair state from Georgia. On the 3rd attempt the guy broke his own tow hitch. Not the bolts that hold it onto the truck. Not the pin in the receiver. The hitch itself cracked and fractured. The manufacturer said they had never seen such. It also tore up my son’s 25-year-old F-150. Two life lessons here: 1) this is why you don’t give a teenager a brand spanking new truck to learn on (because at some point, he’s going to confuse that thing with a boat) and 2) throwing slack in your line and snatching it beyond tight will eventually break something.
It’s the same when setting the hook in heavy cover with strong line and a big rod.
I am often amazed at comments from those who say they frequently bend-out flipping hooks on big bass. It is critically important to match your gear – rod, line and hook must compliment one another. 80-lb braid and 14-fluoro call for different rod actions and will also dictate the minimum and maximum wire diameters that will penetrate without flexing too much.
But you already knew that.
One aspect where many anglers miss it (literally) is hook-setting technique.
“A lot of anglers that go an hour without a bite, the first thing they do when they get a bite is they drop their rod tip and get slack in their line and that’s definitely not what you want, especially with braid,” noted Randall Tharp as I picked his brain on the subject years ago. “A bass that really wants that bait is not gonna turn it loose. Every bite is different but basically you want to reel down, take every bit of slack out of that line and then jack him. You don’t want to drop that rod tip and create slack.”
Tharp explained that when an angler drops the rod tip immediately before setting the hook, he creates slack in the line at two critical moments – just before and just after hook penetration because the impact is so violent that it pulls the fish toward said angler and creates a slack line at the moment when an angler needs to get the fish’s head up and away from the cover. Also, a bass will use any slack after the hookup to throw the bait. Heavy punch weights give the fish a lot of leverage with which to do so.
I have moved to more of reel-down and tighten up approach in the years since and I can attest that the backbone in my rod coupled with braided line and a solid but not overly thick hook that features a smaller barb and penetrates quickly, will all conspire to grab fish by the jaw and not turn them loose.
Another trick that some anglers are still missing involves pinning a bass to the underside of a mat rather than cranking the fish straight up and out. Once their eyes are buried the fish will enter a catatonic state. At this point you have “two-and-a-half days to get to them and dig them out,” as Denny Brauer once put it.
Again, rod action matters. I will always remember the day I flipped three huge bass on Lake Toho, fishing as a co-angler, and each one ended up on top of the mat and each one threw the hook and just as quickly disappeared. A few days prior I had fished with another gentleman and watched the same thing happen to him on the lower Suwannee River where he lost a 7-pounder. There aren’t a lot of bass that size in the Suwannee. I was sick for him. Driving home from Toho that day I finally saw the light – ‘my old flippin’ stick is too stiff to use with these ‘new’ braided lines’ (braid was just becoming a staple on fishing reels at that time).
I’ve never forgotten that lesson and will err on the side of too much tip before I’ll snatch prize-winning bass out of the water and out of my life again.
Boat-flipping is a different story. It becomes necessary when cover is not thick enough to bury a fish’s face. In that case, as Bobby Lane and JT Kenney have both told me, “Just keep ‘em coming and don’t let up.”
As you’re shopping around for a heavy cover setup this year (maybe Santa didn’t get it right) keep in mind that a little more of a parabolic action, historically sought after in glass cranking rods, will greatly improve your results even when flipping and punching.
And when you feel that thump, don’t cut the fish any slack!
Plano EDGE Vertical Jig & Spy Bait Box
Takes Jig Storage to the Next Level
COLUMBIA, S.C. (December 1, 2021) — Plano is turning the world of specialized lure storage on its head with the introduction of the EDGE Vertical Jig and Spy Bait Box. Anglers that use vertical jigs, spy baits, and other smaller, specialized lures have a new storage solution. This inventive organizer stores and protects up to 52 premium vertical jigging and spy baits in a small space, allowing anglers to maximize their space in tackle lockers and bags.
The EDGE Vertical Jig and Spy Bait Box stores an unbelievable number of baits in a small space, keeping them protected and tangle-free in the process. The secret is the unique cradle system, which secures and protects up to 52 baits in the same dimensions as a standard EDGE 3700-series box. Even fully loaded, anglers can count on their baits staying protected thanks to a Dri-Loc O-ring seal, which keeps water out of the box when it’s closed, a WaterWick divider to soak up any moisture, and Rustrictor technology that delivers 360 degrees of rust-preventative protection to everything stored in the box.
Key Features:
• Holds up to 52 jigs, spy baits, or bucktails
• Innovative cradle protects and secures baits to keep them tangle-free
• WaterWick divider with reusable moisture-wicking packet
• Dri-Loc O-ring seal maintains waterproofing when closed
• Rustrictor technology delivers 360 degrees of rust-preventative protection
• EZ Label system for quick identification of contents
• DuraView crystal-clear polycarbonate lid
• One-handed latch design
MSRP: $29.99
Available: December 2021
AC Insider Podcast - Big Bass Tour Takeover!
This week Chris welcomes in KVD to talk deer hunting, the Bass Pro US Open, BPT, Redcrest and the Big Bass Tour! Scott Gordon, TD with the BBT also jumps on the Zoom machine to talk about the 2022 schedule and some of his favorite moments. Check it out!
Big Bass Tour Registration is Open for 2022 Dates!
Online registration for the 2022 Big Bass Tour season is now Open!
2022 will feature twelve events and over $1.8 million in prizes and payouts.
- Feb 4-6 | Harris Chain of Lakes, Florida
- Feb 25-27 | Lake Conroe, Texas
- March 11-13 | Clarks Hill, Georgia
- March 18-20 | Lake Norman, North Carolina
- April 1-3 | Lake Eufaula, Alabama
- April 8-10 | Table Rock Lake, Missouri
- April 22-24 | Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia (Spring)
- April 29-May 1 | Lake Murray, South Carolina
- May 13-15 | Lake Chickamauga, Tennessee
- Sept 30-Oct 2 | Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia (Fall)
- Oct 7-9 | Douglas Lake, Tennessee
- Oct 14-16 | Guntersville Lake, Alabama
Promotional rods will be allocated to the first 250 entrants (2 & 3 day entries only). Rods will go quickly for the first few spring events, so if you want to secure one, REGISTER NOW!!!!!
Humminbird Introduces Innovative Ice Shuttle as Part of the New Lineup of ICE HELIX Fish Finders
RACINE, Wis. (November 10, 2021) –– Humminbird has elevated its already best-in-class ICE HELIX lineup with even more intuitive Humminbird technology and a brand-new premium ice shuttle design, available on the all-new ICE HELIX 7 G4 and ICE HELIX 9 G4N models.
“The Humminbird ICE Shuttle was completely redesigned to create the best ice fishing experience possible,” said Humminbird Brand Manager Matt Cook. “The design was based on the experience and input from many accomplished ice anglers and guides, and the end result is a shuttle that is loaded with features and custom options for anglers to make the ICE HELIX their own.”
Additionally, the new ICE HELIX 7 G4 delivers an upgraded HD display, extended runtime, and the new Humminbird ICE Shuttle, along with industry-leading CHIRP sonar, Interference Rejection and built-in GPS and mapping capabilities.
The new Humminbird ICE Shuttle will help anglers keep gear and equipment within arm’s reach, while providing a platform that can be customized to how they fish.
- Master Power Switch: Easily turn power on and off, without disconnecting the battery.
- Quick-Connect SAE Power Cables: Power your ICE HELIX and optional accessories using quick-disconnect leads and charge the battery without removing any connections.
- Large Carry Handle: The large handle is designed for easy carry, even while wearing winter gloves easy.
- Modular Design: With multiple 1⁄4"-20 mounting points, you can customize the shuttle with the accessories you need, right where you need them.
- Dual Rod Holders: Keep your rods organized and secure while on the ice, in transport or storage.
- Transducer Cup: The moveable transducer cup also provides cable management to dial in cable length for varying ice thickness and fishing scenarios.
- Battery Protection: Keep your battery secure and out of the elements.
- Compatible with HELIX 7, 8, 9, and 10 CHIRP models
- Included on all ICE HELIX G4/G4N models
The new ICE HELIX 7 G4 models now include the new Humminbird ICE Shuttle, a 15Ah Norsk lithium battery, and a higher resolution HD display (1024 x 600).
Cook mentions, “The ICE HELIX 7 G4 The ICE HELIX 7 G4 is a powerful fish finder in a popular screen size. And when the ice melts, the All Season model includes everything you need to use it on a boat.”
Humminbird ICE HELIX 7 CHIRP GPS G4
- 7” High-definition display (1024 x 600)
- 4000 Watts Peak-to-Peak power
- 15Ah Lithium Battery & Charger
- Dual Spectrum CHIRP Sonar
- 3⁄4” target separation
- 1024 segment flasher view
- Six CHIRP interference rejection settings o Adjustable sonar zoom, up to 16x
- Split screen sonar views (Flasher and 2D sonar)
- Built-in GPS and Mapping
- Mark waypoints
- Built-in HB basemap
- MicroSD slot for LakeMaster/Navionics charts
- AutoChart Live Ice
- Shuttle mount, hardware, ice transducer and silicone screen cover
- Shuttle mount, hardware, transducer and silicone screen cover
MSRP: $899.99
Humminbird ICE HELIX 7 CHIRP GPS G4 All Season
- 7” High-definition display (1024 x 600)
- 4000 Watts Peak-to-Peak power
- 15Ah Lithium Battery & Charger
- Dual Spectrum CHIRP Sonar
- 3⁄4” target separation
- 1024 segment flasher view
- Six CHIRP interference rejection settings o Adjustable sonar zoom, up to 16x
- Split screen sonar views (Flasher and 2D sonar)
- Built-in GPS and Mapping
- Mark waypoints
- Built-in HB basemap
- MicroSD slot for LakeMaster/Navionics charts
- AutoChart Live Ice
- Shuttle mount, hardware, ice transducer and silicone screen cover
- Includes open water accessories (Gimbal bracket, power cable, XNT 9 HW T transducer and transducer suction cup mount)
MSRP: $999.99
For more information on the Humminbird ICE lineup, go to https://www.humminbird.com/ice.
Registration for 2022 Opens December 1st
Online registration for the 2022 Big Bass Tour season will open December 1st. 2022 will feature twelve events and over $1.8 million in prizes and payouts.
- Feb 4-6 | Harris Chain of Lakes, Florida
- Feb 25-27 | Lake Conroe, Texas
- March 11-13 | Clarks Hill, Georgia
- March 18-20 | Lake Norman, North Carolina
- April 1-3 | Lake Eufaula, Alabama
- April 8-10 | Table Rock Lake, Missouri
- April 22-24 | Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia (Spring)
- April 29-May 1 | Lake Murray, South Carolina
- May 13-15 | Lake Chickamauga, Tennessee
- Sept 30-Oct 2 | Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia (Fall)
- Oct 7-9 | Douglas Lake, Tennessee
- Oct 14-16 | Guntersville Lake, Alabama
Promotional rods will be allocated to the first 250 entrants (2 & 3 day entries only). Rods will go quickly for the first few spring events, so if you want to secure one, you'll need to be online early on Dec 1.
AC Insider Podcast - Thankful Beyond Belief!
This Thanksgiving Week Podcast is a great one. Chris & The boys welcome in Hobie Kayak Tournament of Champions Champ Kristine Fischer to the show to talk about Kayaking, co angling and more! Skippy with Rather Outdoors joins in to talk Pro-Staffing, the boys play the "This or That" game and more!!
2022 Bassmaster Elite Series Field Features 13 New Anglers
November 23, 2021
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — After an exciting 2021 Bassmaster Elite Series season that crowned seven first-time champions and drew over 12 million viewers to coverage of Bassmaster LIVE on FOX and the FOX Sports channels, B.A.S.S. announced the new field for the 2022 Elite Series today.
Joining the ranks of the most recognized circuit in sportfishing are 12 qualifiers from the hotly contested Bassmaster Opens as well as the TNT Fireworks B.A.S.S. Nation champion.
“2021 was a season of big catches, big drama and big excitement — all playing out on Bassmaster LIVE for millions of fans who tuned in to FOX Sports or streamed online,” said B.A.S.S. chairman and CEO Chase Anderson. “Now our team is eagerly looking forward to starting the 2022 season! Anglers across the world dream and work for years to earn a coveted Elite Series invitation, and we’re excited to welcome 13 incredibly talented anglers onto the biggest stage in fishing.”
This list of returning anglers includes Hank Cherry, who reached legendary status as just the fourth angler ever to win back-to-back Bassmaster Classics. Seth Feider notched four Top 10s en route to winning 2021 Angler of the Year honors, while Josh Stracnerhad to climb over four other anglers in the final event on the St. Lawrence River to win Rookie of the Year. 2021 Elite Series champions Jason Christie, Jeff Gustafson, Taku Ito, Caleb Kuphall, Lee Livesay, Wes Logan, Bill Lowen, Bryan New and Bryan Schmitt will all be back again to do battle on some of the country’s best bass fisheries.
They will be joined by a talented crop of rookies that includes Japanese anglers Masayuki Matsushita and Daisuke Aoki, who finished second and third respectively in the Falcon Rods Bassmaster Opens Angler of the Year overall points race. The rookie anglers who qualified through the Central Opens are former Bassmaster College Classic Bracket winner Cody Huff of Ava, Mo., Jay Przekurat of Stevens Point, Wis., and Joseph Webster of Winfield, Ala. Another former Bassmaster College Classic Bracket winner, Jacob Foutz of Charleston, Tenn., and Josh Douglas of Isle, Minn., qualified via the Southern Opens. Jonathan Kelley of Old Forge, Pa., and Alex Redwine of Blue Ash, Ohio, earned invitations through the Northern Opens to round out the rookie class of Opens anglers.
Matty Wong of Culver City, Calif., will also join the rookie class after winning the TNT Fireworks B.A.S.S. Nation Championship on Louisiana’s Ouachita River.
Three former Elite Series anglers who qualified through the Opens Series points standings are joining the Elite field; however, any angler who has combined earnings of at least $500,000 with B.A.S.S., FLW and MLF is not considered a rookie.
Former Elite Series Rookie of the Year Jacob Powroznik of North Prince George, Va., won the Falcon Rods Opens Angler of the Year title to earn his invitation to rejoin the Elites. He’ll be joined by David Williams of Maiden, N.C., (No. 1 in Southern Opens points) and Mike Iaconelli of Pittsgrove, N.J., (No. 2 in Northern Opens points), the only angler to ever win a Bassmaster Classic, Bassmaster Angler of the Year, B.A.S.S. Nation Championship, Bassmaster Open and Bassmaster Kayak Series tournament.
“The Elite Series field is absolutely stacked and fans are going to love learning about new anglers as well as watching their favorites compete for a place in the B.A.S.S. record books,” said Tournament Director-Elite Series Lisa Talmadge. “I can’t wait for the 2022 season to start.”
The 2022 Elite Series schedule will begin Feb. 10-13 with the Bassmaster Elite at St. Johns River in Palatka, Fla. From there, the tournament trail will wind through eight states for nine events as anglers compete for cash and prizes and attempt to qualify for the 2023 Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic presented by Huk.
Each tournament will begin with the full field of anglers on Days 1 and 2 before the field is cut to 47 for the semifinal round on Day 3. Only the Top 10 remaining anglers will fish the final day of each event with a $100,000 first-place prize on the line.
2022 Bassmaster Elite Series Field
Daisuke Aoki, Yamanashi, Japan
Matt Arey, Shelby, N.C.
Justin Atkins, Florence, Ala.
Todd Auten, Lake Wylie, S.C.
Drew Benton, Blakely, Ga.
Stetson Blaylock, Benton, Ark.
Scott Canterbury, Odenville, Ala.
Brandon Card, Salisbury, N.C.
Hank Cherry, Lincolnton, N.C.
Jason Christie, Park Hill, Okla.
Gary Clouse, Winchester, Tenn.
Rick Clunn, Ava, Mo.
Brandon Cobb, Greenwood, S.C.
Keith Combs, Huntington, Texas
Drew Cook, Cairo, Ga.
John Cox, DeBary, Fla.
John Crews, Salem, Va.
Clent Davis, Montevallo, Ala.
Greg DiPalma, Millville, N.J.
Josh Douglas, Isle, Minn.
Bob Downey, Hudson, Wis.
Seth Feider, New Market, Minn.
Austin Felix, Eden Prairie, Minn.
Jacob Foutz, Charleston, Tenn.
Marc Frazier, Newnan, Ga.
Micah Frazier, Newnan, Ga.
David Fritts, Lexington, N.C.
Darold Gleason, Many, La.
Buddy Gross, Chickamauga, Ga.
Jeff Gustafson, Keewatin, Ontario, Canada
Greg Hackney, Gonzales, La.
Skylar Hamilton, Dandridge, Tenn.
Justin Hamner, Northport, Ala.
Ray Hanselman Jr., Del Rio, Texas
Jamie Hartman, Greenbrier, Ark.
Matt Herren, Ashville, Ala.
Derek Hudnall, Denham Springs, La.
Cody Huff, Ava, Mo.
Mike Huff, Corbin, Ky.
Mike Iaconelli, Pittsgrove, N.J.
Taku Ito, Chiba, Japan
Carl Jocumsen, Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia
Chris Johnston, Peterborough, Ontario, Canada
Cory Johnston, Cavan, Ontario, Canada
Jonathan Kelley, Old Forge, Pa.
Steve Kennedy, Auburn, Ala.
Kenta Kimura, Osaka, Japan
Koby Kreiger, Alva, Fla.
Caleb Kuphall, Mukwonago, Wis.
Shane LeHew, Catawba, N.C.
Brandon Lester, Fayetteville, Tenn.
Lee Livesay, Longview, Texas
Wes Logan, Springville, Ala.
Ed Loughran III, Richmond, Va.
Bill Lowen, Brookville, Ind.
Scott Martin, Clewiston, Fla.
Masayuki Matsushita, Tokoname-shi, Japan
Mark Menendez, Paducah, Ky.
Chad Morgenthaler, Reeds Spring, Mo.
Brock Mosley, Collinsville, Miss.
Paul Mueller, Naugatuck, Conn.
David Mullins, Mt. Carmel, Tenn.
Bryan New, Saluda, S.C.
Brandon Palaniuk, Rathdrum, Idaho
Luke Palmer, Coalgate, Okla.
Chad Pipkens, Holt, Mich.
Clifford Pirch, Payson, Ariz.
Jacob Powroznik, North Prince George, Va.
Cliff Prince, Palatka, Fla.
Jay Przekurat, Stevens Point, Wis.
KJ Queen, Catawba, N.C.
Alex Redwine, Blue Ash, Ohio
Tyler Rivet, Raceland, La.
Matt Robertson, Kuttawa, Ky.
Pat Schlapper, Eleva, Wis.
Bryan Schmitt, Deale, Md.
Bernie Schultz, Gainesville, Fla.
Hunter Shryock, Ooltewah, Tenn.
Josh Stracner, Vandiver, Ala.
Caleb Sumrall, New Iberia, La.
Gerald Swindle, Guntersville, Ala.
Jesse Tacoronte, Orlando, Fla.
Frank Talley, Temple, Texas
Patrick Walters, Summerville, S.C.
Joseph Webster, Winfield, Ala.
Kyle Welcher, Opelika, Ala.
Clark Wendlandt, Leander, Texas
Brad Whatley, Bivins, Texas
Jake Whitaker, Fairview, N.C.
David Williams, Maiden, N.C.
Jason Williamson, Wagener, S.C.
Matty Wong, Culver City, Calif.
Jay Yelas, Lincoln City, Ore.
Chris Zaldain, Fort Worth, Texas
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Hatfield and Leary Win Back to Back ABT 100 Events
By Jason Duran
The Alabama Bass Trail 100 Series completed its inaugural season at Lake Guntersville with one hundred teams competing for $100,000 total purse and a first-place cash prize of $25,000. Teams were also competing for bragging rights and the two Angler of the Year heavy weight belts for the team with the most AOY points.
The team of Steve Hatfield and Jim Leary came into this event leading in AOY points. With their win in the previous event at Lake Eufaula and a top ten finish at the first event at Lay Lake, they were the team to beat. Jim and Steve were one of the team favorites in this event because Jim has logged lots of hours guiding on the lake and has a good knowledge of the patterns for this time of year. They started their morning on a spot that didn’t produce as they had hoped and soon moved to their second spot that was occupied by another angler.
They then moved to a third location just outside Roseberry Creek where Jim found fish in practice on Monday. Using his Lowrance Live Sight he saw there were lots of fish schooled up in this area. “This area was loaded with bait fish from the mouth of the creek all the way back. The spot serves as a travel lane for bass looking to feed up for the winter.” A key for them was this area had eelgrass just off the main river and a creek channel feeding back into Roseberry. “At times it seemed that current was causing an eddy to form and bass would set up to feed in that area.” When they arrived at this spot mid-morning, they found the bass ready to bite.
They targeted these fish using a swim bait and made long casts parallel along the grass edge and slowly reel it back to the boat. Jim shared, “using my electronics, I learned this week how to make the bass bite. I have fished this area many times in the past and would retrieve the bait too fast, but this week I learned that they wanted the retrieve a lot slower.” On this spot alone they culled out the previous fish they had caught and added to their bag a couple of fish in the over 5-pound range. Mid-morning, they had a limit of over 25 pounds and continued to work the area targeting the larger fish using the same swim bait.
“The owner of Big G tackle made some special colors of swim baits for us to use for this event. They were in 4 inch and 6 inch sizes, and we used them to target fish in 4-8 feet of water. We teamed it up with a ½ OZ swimbait head and really used the electronics to watch how they reacted to the bait.”
When they left this area in the afternoon, they tried a couple more areas unsuccessfully and were unable to provide any upgrades to their bag. Just before weigh-in they stopped at a spot and caught another solid fish culling up to the 27.35 pounds of Lake Guntersville bass. At weigh-in time they crossed the scales as one of the first few teams claiming the lead early and holding on to the end of the day. For the second time this year they collected a $25,000 check, held on to their lead as AOY and hoisted the highly coveted heavy-weight belts. With over $50,000 in winnings and bonuses they have had a very successful year on the ABT 100.
The second-place team of Ken Walters and Dallas Weldon also entered this event in the hunt for AOY with a top 15 finish at Lay Lake and a second-place finish at Lake Eufaula. During the first day of practice Ken said he caught fish in practice on the way they had planned on catching them. After practice however, they decided they didn’t just come to this event to do well but to win. They were only 6 points out of the AOY race, and they wanted to win and decided to abandon this area for better options.
Dallas caught a six pounder and a four pounder in practice on Wednesday, so they decided to go to his area on tournament day. The area was located on the lower end of the lake, and they targeted fish using shad colored swim baits made by True Bass and Scottsboro Tackle Company in 10 -15 feet of water. They were fishing for suspended fish not worried about the change in weather because Dallas “felt the change in weather would make more of them suspend.”
The key for them was using electronics to target these suspended fish and catch them. “We did all we could in this event but at the end of the day, we came up just a few points shy of the AOY. If it wasn’t for the first-place team winning this event, we would have won AOY.” They crossed the scales with 22.47 pounds including a 5.97-pound big fish. This was enough earning them a $12,500 payday.
Third place went to the team of Brent Crowe and Derek Remitz with a total of 19.77 pounds. The team has been fishing Lake Guntersville a long time and both have very successful guiding businesses. Brent recently won the Toyota Championship on Pickwick claiming $235,000. They both shared, “things are either going your way or they aren’t, and recently they have been going our way.”
The key for them in this event came down to good decision making. Derek had found a grass mat in practice that he felt was going to produce the fish they needed. However, with all the rain and lake changes, that grass mat disappeared. Though the mat disappeared, they knew the fish didn’t, so it was just a matter of making a key decision and adjusting to find them. They quickly learned that because the mat was gone they weren’t going to be able to catch them flipping, like they had hoped. Making the adjustment to using a swimbait and a top water they learned they the fish were still there. The first cast they made using a walking style bait resulted in a keeper. 32 casts later Brent decided to make a change to the Skinny Dipper Swimbait and started catching a few here and there.
They lost a couple fish early in the area and thought that was going to hurt them. They spent most of the day in this area “having to talk each other into staying in the area several times.” Derek said at this level it “really is about making good decisions.” They decided to go back to where they lost the fish earlier and when they pulled up, they caught two fish- one over four pounds. Within an hour they culled everything from the morning.
“On our way back to weigh-in we had a few minutes left and made another key decision. I told Brent to go try an area just across the lake from blast off, and he agreed. We pulled up on the location, and in just a few casts, he caught a 4-pound fish.” That upgrade gave them 19.77 pounds securing a $10,000 payday including a bonus from Garmin.
The top five standings are below for a complete list of standings please visit: https://www.alabamabasstrail100.org/lake-guntersville-results/
Download and listen to the ABT Podcast on your favorite Podcast app by searching for “Alabama Bass Trail Podcast.” The Podcast is released each week on Tuesday.
The sponsors of the 2021 Alabama Bass Trail 100 include; Phoenix Bass Boats, Bill Penney Automotive Group, Garmin, America’s First Federal Credit Union, Sweet Home Alabama, Alabama Tourism Department, T-H Marine Supplies, Wedowee Marine, Big Bite Bait Company, Black Rifle Coffee Company, Anheuser - Busch, Inc., fishalabama.org, and American Baitworks.
Schedule Announced For 2022 Bassmaster Kayak Series With New AOY Award
In 2022, anglers on the Bassmaster Kayak Series powered by TourneyX will visit six states while pursuing the new Old Town Bassmaster Kayak Angler of the Year title.
Photo by Mark Cisneros/B.A.S.S.
November 22, 2021
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — A series that has been an overwhelming hit with anglers from Day 1 now has its much-anticipated next schedule in place.
On Monday, B.A.S.S. officials announced the full slate for the 2022 Bassmaster Kayak Series powered by TourneyX with five regular-season events and the 2022 Bassmaster Kayak Series Championship that will coincide with the 2022 Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic presented by Huk.
The series will visit six states and for the first time will feature the Old Town Bassmaster Kayak Series Angler of the Year award with $5,000 cash and a top-of-the-line Old Town kayak going to the angler who accumulates the most points during the regular season.
“In just two years we’ve been amazed by the growth of the series,” said B.A.S.S. Nation Director Jon Stewart, who oversees the Kayak Series. “We knew kayak fishing was experiencing major growth — that’s why we started this back in 2020. But I’m not sure we had any idea just how popular it was.
“It’s been really fun to watch anglers enjoy this trail as the sport continues to evolve.”
The 2022 schedule will begin on one of the big bass capitals of the country as the Kayak Series visits Lake Fork in Alma, Texas, Feb. 5-6 for one of three two-day events this season. In the past, all events except the championship have been one-day tournaments. Nebraska’s Nate Gloria took home the Lake Fork title in 2021 with a five-bass limit measuring 98 inches while Arkansas pro Cody Milton earned a Century Belt with five bass measuring 100.5 inches in 2020’s inaugural tournament on this big bass factory.
From there, the next stop will be Richard B. Russell Lake in Anderson, S.C., for the two-day Bassmaster Kayak Series Championship, March 2-3. The tournament field will be comprised of qualifiers from the 2021 Kayak Series — and though the tournament will actually conclude on March 3, the winner will be revealed March 4 and receive a first-place prize of at least $20,000 on stage at Bon Secours Wellness Arena before the first-round weigh-in of the Bassmaster Classic.
The inaugural 2021 Championship tournament on Possum Kingdom Lake near Fort Worth, Texas, featured a record-breaking performance by hometown angler Mark Pendergraf who won with a two-day, 10 bass total of 209.25 inches — the highest two-day total in TourneyX history.
“That record-setting limit is the equivalent to weighing in a 30-plus-pound bag,” explained Stewart. “What a way to introduce the Classic crowd to the hammers on the Kayak Series!”
Among the Championship qualifiers in Anderson will be Bassmaster Elite Series veteran Mike Iaconelli from New Jersey, who won a Kayak Series event last year on the Upper Chesapeake Bay, as well as Tennessee angler Jim Davis, who became the first two-time Kayak Series winner with a victory last year on the Upper Mississippi River in La Crosse, Wis.
“The series is not even three years old and it’s already developing its own rich history,” Stewart said. “Ike winning an event was a big deal in the fishing industry. He touted it himself as one of the accomplishments he’s most proud of — and that’s from a guy whohas won a Classic, won Angler of the Year, won Elite Series events.
“Several big sticks are also emerging. Some guys are so serious about kayak fishing that they show up at every event with a genuine chance at winning.”
After the Championship in South Carolina, the Kayak Series will visit the Harris Chain of Lakes in Leesburg, Fla., on March 19, Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees in Grove, Okla., on April 16 and Lewis Smith Lake in Jasper, Ala., on May 21. All of those venues have been regular destinations for major B.A.S.S. events, and one — Grand Lake — was the site of the Bassmaster Classic in 2013 and 2016.
The Kayak Series will conclude with the third two-day event of the season on Pickwick Lake in Counce, Tenn., on Oct. 8-9. That event will decide the final Old Town AOY race and the final qualifiers for the 2023 Bassmaster Kayak Series Championship. The Top 25 anglers in the AOY points race along with qualifiers from Bassmaster regional and state championships 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 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. All 2021 winners had at least 85 inches of bass.
Registration for all 2022 events will open Jan. 11 on Bassmaster.com.
Diving gulls and sonar skills lead college anglers to $1 Million
Courtesy of Alan McGuckin - Dynamic Sponsorships
Auburn teammates Logan Parks and Tucker Smith had never fished Table Rock Lake prior to this weekend’s Bass Pro Shops U.S. Open National Bass Fishing Amateur Team Championship presented by Toyota.
But diving gulls and sharp sonar skills find the two young anglers each $500,000 richer, plus proud owners of two all new 2022 Toyota Tundras, and Nitro bass boats.
“This is the greatest day of my life,” said Parks on stage as his tear ducts flooded while standing near angling icons Kevin VanDam, Roland Martin, and Jimmy Houston.
“I just want to thank my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, because Tucker and I have prayed the same prayer all year before tournament blast-off each morning, and today, He answered in a big way!” he added.
Success on the water is hardly new to these two Alabama natives. In fact, Parks, age 23, and Smith, age 20, recently achieved “Carhartt Bassmaster College Series Team of the Year” honors with B.A.S.S..
Sea gulls diving on schools of bait being smashed by Table Rock’s largemouth, spotted, and smallmouth bass gave the winning team the visual roadmap to the winning pattern, and their superior skills using Garmin’s Livescope sonar technology sealed the million-dollar deal.
Smith said a 3/8-ounce Damiki rig tied to 12-pound line was the winning lure, and that most of the bites occurred about 20-feet beneath the surface over 100-feet of water.
Parks and Smith certainly weren’t the only winners, as Bass Pro Shops owner Johnny Morris and presenting sponsor Toyota donated an astonishing $1,578,932 to the National Fish Habitat Partnership to restore bass habitat in America’s aging reservoirs.
“Bass Pro Shops and Toyota have long enjoyed a great partnership, and much of the reason why is because both companies are committed to conservation,” said Bob Carter, Executive Vice President, Toyota North America.
Indeed, it was an event like bass fishing has never seen this past weekend in the Ozark Mountains -- thanks to Johnny Morris and his sponsor partners such as Toyota.
More than a million bucks was donated for bass fishing habitat restoration, and a million more in top prize money was won by two young talented anglers whose lives are forever changed in a manner they had only previously prayed about.
Need a Smile? Take a Kid Fishing
Courtesy of Luke Stoner - Dynamic Sponsorships
It’s truly hard to wrap your mind around the different layers of goodness included in this weekend’s U.S. Open National Bass Fishing Amateur Team Championship on Table Rock Lake.
Not only will two anglers win a mind-boggling $1 million dollar first place payout along with two 2022 Toyota Tundra + Nitro Boat packages, but all fifty teams who qualified for Sunday’s final day will take home a check, and another million dollars will be donated to conservation efforts specific to improving our nation’s freshwater fisheries thanks to Bass Pro Shops and Toyota.
Still, the highlight of this whole event to me has been the special U.S. Open Kids Contest. Outdoors obsessed kids from all over the country submitted videos for the contest to be chosen by Johnny Morris and the Bass Pro Shops leadership team. In total fourteen different winners were chosen and every single one of them won a 2022 Bass Tracker Classic XL boat, motor, and trailer package.
If that wasn’t enough, the all fourteen winners were gifted rods and reels, BPS tackle, piles of gear, a $500 Bass Pro Shops gift card, an all expense paid trip to Big Cedar Lodge here in Missouri’s Ozark Mountains, and a chance to compete in a special kids fishing tournament taking place today on Table Rock.
The young anglers spent the last two days breaking in their new boats with pro anglers and bass fishing legends like Kevin VanDam, Rick Clunn, Mark Daniels Jr., Jimmy Houston, Mike McClelland, Roland Martin, and David Walker to name a few. Learning some Table Rock tricks and secrets of the pros with a seemingly permanent smile plastered to each of their faces.
The quotes overheard at the Long Creek Boat Dock as the contest winners came back for a quick lunch break couldn’t help but leave you smiling and laughing.
Not the typical quotes you hear on the dock at a big time bass tournament, but these kids and the genuine passion for fishing that pours out of them embodies the best parts of our sport and this event in particular. Never underestimate the impact a few hours of fishing off the bank or a day in a bass boat can have on both youths and on us.
This weekend’s events serve as a great reminder to take a kid fishing or into the outdoors whenever the opportunity presents itself; along with doing everything we can to protect our natural resources and America’s wild places so future generations can continue to revel in their beauty and wonder.
How KVD would fish for $1 Million this weekend
Courtesy of Alan McGuckin - Dynamic Sponsorships
Bass fishing’s living legends like Roland Martin, Jimmy Houston, Larry Nixon and Kevin VanDam stood on a frosty boat dock Friday morning helping Johnny Morris send-off 350 amateur teams to begin Day 1 of competition at the $1 Million-dollar first place prize US Open National Bass Fishing Amateur Team Championship on Table Rock Lake.
And while VanDam and the other icons are not competing in this amateur event, he graciously shared his thoughts on how he would approach a chance at the life-changing prize money.
“Even though I live in Michigan, because of my 30-year relationship with Johnny Morris and all the great people at Bass Pro Shops’ headquarters here, Table Rock is actually the one major bass fishing reservoir I’ve fished more than any other in America,” says VanDam.
That said, the man most consider to be the greatest bass angler of all time, is pretty confident what pattern he’d tell these 700 amateur anglers to execute, and it relies heavily on chasing the wind and rock transition banks.
“I’ve learned a lot on my own here, but I’ve also had some incredible tutoring on Table Rock from local legends like Stacey King, Brian Snowden and Charlie Campbell, and I’ll promise they’d all tell you that you gotta learn to fish by the hour, because weather and wind affect this lake in a huge way constantly,” he emphasizes.
Conditions this week have water temps around 58, with normal lake levels and good water clarity – just about perfect for great autumn fishing here according to VanDam.
“You’re going to have a lot of teams looking at their sonar for three days, and chasing the deep jigging spoon bite, and there’s no doubt that can get you 18-pounds of spotted bass per day. But I’d stick to my strengths and chase those magical little 100 yard stretches of shoreline where the rocks transition from one kind to another, with plenty of wind blowing on them,” he says.
When asked what three lures he would tie on first, VanDam had no hesitation.
“I’d have a Strike King 5XD crawfish colored crankbait, a 3/4-ounce willow bladed spinnerbait, and because they’re allowed to use it in this tournament, I’d have an Alabama Rig tied on too,” he grinned.
“A lotta guys will throw the old legendary Wiggle Warts, but I like the 5XD because it runs a little deeper and targets fish that don’t get pressured as hard,” he added.
Speaking of pressure, one can only imagine how 700 amateur anglers must feel knowing they’ve got a shot to win life-changing prize money. And they’re surely glad VanDam isn’t competing in this unprecedented derby.
SPRO® Introduces New Colors of Aruku Shad
- Bumble Bee
- Blue Gill
- Bonsai
- Blue Perch
- Barbie
- Crawfish Gold
- Clear
- Chrome Purple
- Craw Chartreuse
- Frozen Perch
- Golden Dragon
- G Nugget
- Golden Perch
- Icy Barbie
- Killer Gill
- Marble Brown
- Purple Perch
- Pink Perch
- Purple Neon
- Pearl Shad
- Real Perch
- Rosey Perch
- Red Tiger
Guaranteed Rate Joins Major League Fishing as Official Sponsor for 2022 Season
TULSA, Okla. (Nov. 18, 2021) – Major League Fishing (MLF), the world’s premier tournament-fishing organization, is pleased to announce that Guaranteed Rate, one of the top 5 retail mortgage lenders in the United States, is now an Official Sponsor of the 2022 MLF Bass Pro Tour and 2022 MLF Cups.
“We are thrilled to welcome Guaranteed Rate to our growing list of major brands that have stepped into the thriving sport of professional bass fishing,” said Jim Wilburn, MLF President and CEO. “Our core values align perfectly with Guaranteed Rate’s, and we are looking forward to bringing our customer-centric companies together for a productive and prosperous 2022 season.”
Guaranteed Rate will be prominently featured in all 2022 MLF Bass Pro Tour and Cup events, including commercials and in-show billboards. The company will also be showcased on the league’s Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs), competition jerseys and boats at select Cup events.
“Guaranteed Rate is excited to partner with Major League Fishing and support their events featuring some of the best bass anglers in the world,” said Steve McNelley, Vice President of Sports Marketing and Partnerships at Guaranteed Rate.
Founded in 2000, Guaranteed Rate delivers competitive pricing, innovative mortgage products and unmatched expertise from top-producing loan officers. The company is well known as a leader in digital financial services, developing and offering highly efficient and transparent processes and products that enable industry-leading customer satisfaction and exponential growth.
For more information about Guaranteed Rate, visit Rate.com. To learn more about MLF tournaments, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com.
Football Season
Courtesy of Vance McCollough
Florida boy checking in here with a word about the football jig. Yes, Florida. Yes, football jig. True, there’s a lot of shallow grass and tidewater down here, but being a major exporter of phosphorus, we have a ton of strip pits too – including world famous Bienville Plantation as well as the 50-acre pit I grew up on. They are perfect places to learn how to use various structure-oriented techniques, including the football jig.
I got my paper graded while fishing in Mexico on an autumn day behind Denny Brauer years ago. My assignment was to produce a video for AnglersChannel.com – and I did, but I mixed a little fun with my business. Denny whacked 30-plus 2-pounders on a Carolina rig. I stopped filming him long enough to catch a limit that weighed in the mid-to-upper-20’s on a football jig.
Denny finally picked up the jig and caught a 7-pounder as the sun squatted on a nearby hill and cast that golden, last-hour-of-the-day tone to close out my video beautifully.
As our guide motored us back to camp Denny said, “You done good. You done real good. You’ll be doing even better if you reach in that cooler and grab me another beer.”
Best fishing day of my life.
And I owe it to the football jig.
The lure can give you an outstanding experience this fall as the waters continue to cool and bass in many lakes begin set up on structure.
Some things to consider are trailers and line size. Probably want to stick with fluoro to get the lure down and maintain bottom contact. Fourteen-pound line would be a good starting point, heavier as needed, probably wouldn’t go any lighter because you have to set the hook though a weed guard.
Trailers will dictate action and that’s everything with a jig. Rage Craws are perfect when fish are active. Straight-tailed lures work better when fish are fussy. Might even want to go old school and put an Uncle Josh Pork Trailer on the back of that jig when the water gets really cold – jumpsuit and sponsor patches optional but highly recommended. Not only will they bite better, but the fish will hold the lure much longer and give you a better chance to set the hook. Trust me. Try it.
The basic jig design dates back to ancient Egypt. Seriously. There’s nothing new under the sun. Explorer William Bartram noted upon his first visit to Florida in the 1700’s that the natives were catching huge bass on “a jig and a bob.” The lure has been around that long because it is versatile. A weight, a hook, and a skirt. What you do to impart action, or a lack thereof, is up to you. That may be what intimidates anglers from trying a jig. Just do this . . . go fishing and take only jigs with you. You will see that it is a versatile design. You will catch fish. Big fish. And you will gain the confidence necessary to fish a jig when conditions call for it.
And cooling autumn weather that pushes fish off the flats and onto structure calls for a football jig if ever anything did.
B.A.S.S. Sponsors New Children’s Book Designed To Inspire Girls To Fish
November 17, 2021
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — A new children’s book launching later this summer inspires young children — and especially young girls — to try fishing as a family activity. Layla’s Big Bass was born from one family’s search for fishing-themed storybooks to read their young daughter at bedtime.
“My husband and I have enjoyed fishing together for years, and it’s an activity we always knew our daughter would join in on, too,” explained author Laura Bartolozzi. “I tried to find bass fishing-specific books for little girls, but truly none existed and, frankly, my husband and I were both sick of reading stories about unicorns and princesses to our daughter Layla Grace.”
The story follows Layla as she pursues her dream of catching the biggest bass in the lake and discovers that nothing compares to the feeling of a tug on her line.
Bartolozzi’s difficulty finding a fishing story for young girls is not surprising. Despite women’s interest in fishing at an all-time high — an estimated 17.9 million participants in 2020 — according to a survey by the Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation, a whopping 82% of women who enjoy fishing say they do not see themselves represented. According to a separate RBFF study, 1 in 5 Americans are more likely now to try fishing than they were before the pandemic. Among parents, the statistic is 1 in 4, underscoring the importance of Layla’s Big Bass in helping young girls discover a fishing role model.
“I hope the story of Layla resonates with young girls,” said Bartolozzi. “I want girls to be empowered by Layla’s aspirations and know they can attain whatever they put their minds to on or off the water.”
B.A.S.S., the worldwide authority on bass fishing, is sponsoring the book and using its platforms to help inspire families as they begin exploring the great outdoors. Go Out{side} by Bassmaster seeks to educate outdoor enthusiasts of any skill level on a variety of outdoor topics. Go Out{side} Ambassadors and successful tournament anglers Kristine Fischer, who had a Top 15 finish in the co-angler division at the 2021 Basspro.com Bassmaster Open at Pickwick Lake and won the Hobie Bass Open Series Tournament of Champions as a kayak angler, and Cricket Coates, a 2021 Mossy Oak Fishing Bassmaster High School National Championship presented by Academy Sports + Outdoors qualifier, provide their deep expertise whilst also serving as role models to incoming female anglers.
Successful female anglers of all levels are praising the message of Layla’s Big Bass.
“This book is a great way to show girls that you do not have to do ‘girl things’ like dance, pageants or cheerleading, and I think it is amazing that B.A.S.S. is sponsoring this children's book,” said Alexis Grandstaff, a two-time Bassmaster High School National Championship qualifier and member of the 2021 Bassmaster High School All-American Team presented by Academy Sports + Outdoors. “As a child, I would have loved to hear stories about fishing. I would have wanted to be just like Layla!”
Lainie Holbert, half of the all-female Riverside Bass Team who notched a win and two Top 10 finishes during the 2021 Mossy Oak Fishing Bassmaster Junior Series season, echoed that sentiment. “I think if I would have had a female fishing role model earlier in my life or could’ve read about females succeeding in fishing it would’ve accelerated my desire to fish at an earlier age. I was a lucky one and had an older brother who I watched and wanted to be like. A lot of girls don’t have that.”
The desire to catch big bass, just like Layla, can start early in childhood for both boys and girls.
“I started fishing when I was two,” said Sarah Swindle, Holbert’s fishing partner. Swindle reports fishing against grown men by the time she was seven and even, “won a trophy for being the youngest fishermen in the league!”
Order a copy of Layla’s Big Bass online or visit the author’s website at laurabartolozzi.com to learn more.
Its All About the Journey.....
This week Chris & The boys welcome in 2022 Elite Series Rookie Matty Wong to the show to talk about his BASS Nation win, qualifying for the Classic and his invitation to the 2022 Elite Series. This is a great show and chance to meet the next generation of Elite Series Anglers.
Kristine Fischer Wins Hobie Bass Open Series Tournament of Champions and Becomes First Woman to Hold the Title
COLUMBIA, S.C. (November 16, 2021) – The 2021 Hobie Bass Open Series Tournament of Champions, a kayak bass fishing championship event, was held on Lake Eufala, Alabama from Friday, November 12th to Sunday, November 14th. Only the Top 50 anglers in Hobie BOS Angler of the Year standings qualify for this three-day championship style event and the angler with the five longest bass (in inches) on each day will take home the crown and a grand prize of $35,000.
Going into day one of the event, Fenwick and Abu Garcia Pro Kristine Fischermentioned “I had never fished Eufala but the research I did leading up to the event led me to believe the fishing was going to be tough. It was a three-day event, so I wanted to avoid areas that only held resident fish and concentrate more on areas that would reload over the course of the event. I knew Eufala had a reputation of having a great offshore bite, specifically live scoping brush piles, and I knew that would likely play in this event. However, my strengths consist of power fishing shallow, so I was determined to find an area where I could fish my strengths, and not worry about the “dock talk” regarding people catching them good out deep. I covered and eliminated a lot of water and had a tough practice. I was able to get a few bites in practice fishing main lake bank grass, and bank grass around the mouths of the pockets. I knew we had a cold front coming in day two, and a freeze warning for Sunday, so I looked at the east side of the lake knowing the northwest wind would blow in that warmer main lake water.
Fischer grabbed her Fenwick rods, Abu Garcia reels, committed to her pattern on day one and put up 77.00” for her best five fish, putting her in 11th place going into day two.
On day two, Fischer continued her pattern of throwing a Berkley Cane Walker in the mornings, punching bank grass once the sun was overhead and committed to fishing new water. Her second day total was 80.50” for her five longest fish, bringing her total to 157.50” and sitting in 3rd place going into the third and final day of competition.
Going into the last of competition, Fischer mentioned, “I was fishing new water every single day so I wouldn’t lean too hard on the few stretches of bank grass that seemed to hold fish. Isolated clumps and any subtle point in the grass were key for me. I was lucky enough to have a large area all to myself for the final day.”
Starting off with the final day of competition with a 19.00” kicker, Fischer was able to put together her biggest bag of the tournament by slowing down and catching her limit on a fluke and a stickbait, ending with 83.00” for her five longest bass which totaled 240.50” over the three days of competition and earning herself the 1st place trophy and $35,000.
In line with winning the Hobie BOS Tournament of Champions, Fischer came into the tournament sitting in 13th place for the Hobie BOS Angler of the Year standings. Fischer was very close to also claiming that title but came up very short in 2nd place.
Fenwick and Abu Garcia’s Vice President of Marketing Jon Schlosser mentioned, “First off, we really want to say how proud we are of Kristine. Not only for this remarkable achievement and win to add to her laundry list of tournament finishes but for how she paves the way for female anglers. We could not be prouder of how she carries herself and represents us here at Fenwick and Abu Garcia.”
Capping off an incredible season in 2021, Fischer concluded with, “This event is like the Bassmaster Classic of kayak fishing. The culmination of a long season’s sacrifices and efforts, with the 50 best anglers in our sport. Qualifying for this event is a feat all in its own but to win is something I can’t quite put into words just yet. I’m just so incredibly thankful for what this sport has given me and for all the support and encouragement I have in the industry. I also qualified for Hobie Worlds again. I was the first female to ever qualify for this after my Kentucky lake win three years ago so I am excited to get back to that event. All my career, I have never wanted any additional accolades because I’m a female in a male dominated area. I have always preferred to leave that out of it, but so many people have reached out saying their young daughters watched the awards and were ecstatic to see a girl up there with the trophy. In addition, reading the posts of tons of women saying this inspired them moved me beyond measure and made me realize the magnitude of this accomplishment. I hope to continue to be a great ambassador for our sport and I can’t thank everyone enough for everything they’ve done for me over the years.”
Simms To Sponsor Bassmaster Elite Event On Lake Fork
November 16, 2021
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Montana-based Simms Fishing Products, a brand renowned for its waders, outerwear, footwear and technical apparel, has signed on as the title sponsor for one of the most anticipated events of the 2022 Bassmaster Elite Series season. The 2022 Simms Bassmaster Elite at Lake Fork will be held May 19-22 in Quitman, Texas.
“We are proud to partner with Simms on what is sure to be an exciting tournament on legendary big-bass fishery Lake Fork,” said Chase Anderson, B.A.S.S. chairman and CEO. “We all know spring weather can be unpredictable, so a great apparel brand made for any condition like Simms will be perfect for the enthusiastic fans and anglers joining us at the Simms Bassmaster Elite at Lake Fork."
Texas pro Lee Livesay won the Elite Series’ most recent trip to Fork in April 2021 with a whopping total of 112 pounds, 5 ounces that was capped by a final-day catch of five bass that weighed 42-3. A captivated audience watched more than 51.4 million minutes of live tournament coverage as the Elite at Lake Fork produced three lead changes and two anglers caught over 100 pounds.
As part of the on-site festivities at the Bassmaster Outdoors Expo, fans can enjoy kids’ activities, Elite angler clinics, opportunities to meet their favorite pros and more prior to weigh-in.
“Simms has historically been behind the scenes of professional bass fishing with a commitment to supporting our pro anglers across all levels of competition,” said Patterson Leeth, Director of Product Marketing and Community for Simms. “The time is right for our brand to make a larger commitment to the sport and support an ideal tournament structure that aligns with our core values.”
Lake Fork is perhaps known as the country’s largemouth mecca, with this giant-bass paradise claiming the No. 1 overall ranking for 2021 in Bassmaster Magazine’s list of 100 Best Bass Lakes.
Full coverage from all four days of the Simms Bassmaster Elite at Lake Fork will be available on Bassmaster.com and the FOX Sports digital platforms. FS1 will also broadcast live with the tournament leaders on Saturday and Sunday, May 21-22.
How whitetail hunting makes Swindle a better bass angler
Courtesy of Alan McGuckin - Dynamic Sponsorships
Inside Gerald Swindle’s museum-like man cave sit two Bassmaster Angler of the Year trophies below a wall full of whitetail deer mounts, and he’ll be quick to tell you there is tremendous connectivity between his profound success as a pro angler and the many days he’s spent sitting in a treestand.
“You look back through the history of pro fishing at the dudes I looked up to – guys like Denny Brauer, Larry Nixon, and Ken Cook – and they were naturals as archery hunters too. You can’t tell me there’s not a connection there,” Swindle emphasizes. “You see the same qualities these days in Greg Hackney and Jason Christie – two of the absolute best pros in the business who are equally as wicked in the whitetail woods,” he adds.
So, what exactly is the connection between consistently successful whitetail hunters who are also the world’s top bass anglers? Swindle says there are several reasons, and he graciously highlighted those at the top of his list.
Confidence Booster
It’s been said many times the most important tool in your tacklebox is confidence, and Swindle says the affirmation a successful deer hunt yields does wonders for his confidence as an angler.
“Picking the perfect tree to put a stand in and choosing the key spot to pitch a jig among 50 acres of flooded timber on Lake Fork, ain’t much different from one another,” he says. “You’re tasked with scouting and analyzing, and then scouting and analyzing some more. But when you finally kill a big buck under that one tree you chose to hang a stand in, your confidence in your ability to analyze the outdoor world around you skyrockets!”
Mental and Spiritual Wellness
Few professions involve more stress and emotional roller coaster rides than professional bass fishing. So, Swindle declares deer hunting in the ‘off season’ as the ultimate source of mental therapy and stress decompression amid his efforts to recharge for the season ahead.
“My wife “Lulu” asks me why I put my treestand so high in the tree, and I just smile and tell her it makes me feel a little closer to God,” he says.
Call it meditation, stress relief, religion, or mental therapy, Swindle says everybody needs a little time in their life to be alone and unwind – and nothing supplies that better for him than time in a tree.
Whitetail teach you how to lose, and persevere
Few sports deliver more defeat and disappointment relative to victories than tournament bass fishing, but whitetail deer hunting runs a close second.
“Winning a tournament rarely happens to even the worlds’ greatest, and deer hunting will dang sure break your heart more times than not too – so both teach you to lose a lot without giving up,” says Swindle. “Lulu told me missing two bucks in seven days this season about broke her. I told her she oughta try winning an AOY title only to turn around and zero in the Bassmaster Classic,” he says.
The good news is, much like her 2-time Bassmaster Angler of the Year of husband, “Lulu” proved herself to be a pro in perseverance a few days later when she arrowed a very impressive 10-pointer to taste victory in the shadows of her previous brokenness --- perfectly exemplifying the parallels between tournament bass fishing and chasing trophy whitetails.
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2022 TNPFL Schedule is Set!
THE SCHEDULE IS SET
• Six qualifying tournaments, two spring, two summer and two fall.
• Live Stream all three days, on the water. Live in-studio commentator and live weigh-ins
EVENT
2022 THE LEAGUE | STOP ONE – Lake Cumberland
Burnside, KY | Mar 6-12, 2022
2022 THE LEAGUE | STOP TWO – Lake Hartwell
Anderson, SC | May 1-7, 2022
2022 THE LEAGUE | STOP THREE – Saginaw Bay
Bay City, MI | June 19-25, 2022
2022 THE LEAGUE | STOP FOUR – Watts Barr
Spring City, TN | July 24-30, 2022
2022 THE LEAGUE | STOP FIVE – Sandusky Bay
Sandusky, OH | Aug 28-Sep 3, 2022
2022 THE LEAGUE | STOP SIX – Kissimmee Chain of Lakes
Kissimmee, FL | Oct 9-15, 2022
Justin Brouillard
With the 2021 NPFL season behind us and new things in the works, 2022 is on everyone’s mind. As the inaugural season closes, plans are being made and anglers are getting geared up for season two. Check out the 2022 Schedule below and see what some of the anglers have to say about each destination.
Stop 1: Lake Cumberland – March 6th – 12th Hosted by the City of Burnside, Kentucky
Season two kicks off early March on Burnside Kentucky’s Lake Cumberland. With anglers coming off a season that saw largemouth, spotted bass and smallmouth throughout the year, Cumberland offers anglers the chance to target all three.
Kentucky angler Corey Null has spent some time on Cumberland but most of the experience has been after the spring timeframe. Null wants to wait and see how the weather plays out before making any bold predictions but is hoping for some sort of cranking deal or dragging a jig.”
“Between the spots, largemouth and smallies, it will be some sort of combo deal that wins unless someone completely dials in one species big time. I am positive it will be a mix. There are good bags of smallmouth and largemouth out there at that time and the person who figures both of those species will win the tournament. Early guess without knowing the weather, I am going with 15-pounds plus per day to win.”
Stop 2: Lake Hartwell – May 1st – 7th Hosted by the City of Anderson, South Carolina
Stop two of the NPFL season brings the anglers to South Carolina’s famous Lake Hartwell at the end of April. A short while into spring, anglers can expect to find some quality fishing conditions with fish in several phases of the spawn. The kicker is the weather.
South Carolina angler Bryan Tyler has fished Hartwell a handful of times and expects anglers to be focusing their time on the shallows with all phases of the spawn playing at some level.
“There should be fished getting ready to spawn, on the spawning beds, and probably some fish finished. This all depends on the weather, if a big cold front comes through, and it happens in April on occasion, it could change some things.”
Tyler notes how unique Hartwell can be with spotted bass being caught deep while largemouth roam the shallows. In April, the dominant factor should be the shallow bite.
“I think it will be won on largemouth, and that’s not saying you can’t catch some spots, but they won’t be big enough to win. The spots will be more scattered while the shallow deal should be more stable, and guys will catch more fish up there.”
Stop 3: Saginaw Bay – June 19th – 25th Hosted by Bay City, Michigan
Bay City, Michigan will play host to stop number 3 of the NPFL season. In early June, anglers should be looking at a quality fishery at a good time. Veteran angler Gary Adkins has fished all over the country with success but enjoys catching Great Lake’s Smallmouth Bass. Adkins expects all phases of the spawn to be taking place in the super clear water of Saginaw Bay.
“The fish will probably be spawning, and all phases should be going on. Anglers will get to choose how they prefer to catch fish, but the sight fishing will be good. This place has giant caliber smallmouth but also a big population of largemouth too.”
Although the noted size difference may keep some anglers from targeting largemouth specifically, big winds may limit the angler’s ability to effectively fish for the spawning fish and may force some plan changes.
“There is a great population of largemouth bit there are a lot in the 3.5 to 4-pound range. On the other hand, the smallmouth are a little heavier in the 4 to 6-pound range. Anglers can target either species with success. If you’re a smallie guy, you will have no problem finding smallie beds.”
Stop 4: Watts Bar – July 24th – 30th Hosted by Spring City, Tennessee
The fourth stop of the NPFL season brings the anglers back to the state of Tennessee to Watts Bar Reservoir. Coming in at the end of July, the TVA reservoir is expected to be tougher on anglers than some other events but will offer a variety of ways to catch fish. Tennessee angler Taylor Watkins, winner of the 2021 season finale on Grand Lake knows the TVA chain well is expects a similar event to Pickwick from last season.
“It’s going to be party boat central,” laughed Watkins. “It gets pretty wild on the weekends, but the weekdays will be okay. In all seriousness, this will be a grinder of a tournament and the current will be a big deal. Guys will catch them shallow and deep, but it will require guys to put their heads down and grind through it.
Similar to Pickwick, aside from a few guys at the top, there will be leaderboard changes daily with guys having slower days than the day before and vice versa.
“Some guys will catch them really good and then have a hard time getting bites the next day. The other factor is the grass too, it depends on what kinds grow and how good. It should be fun regardless.”
Stop 5: Sandusky Bay – August 28th – September 3rd Hosted by the City of Sandusky, Ohio
The second to last stop of the 2022 season brings anglers back to the north to the Great Lakes and Lake Erie. At the end of August and beginning of September, anglers will be fishing during the fall transition with fish yet again on the move. Trophy sized smallmouth bass will be caught shallow and deep on a variety of different baits. Gary Adkins has more history on Erie than Huron and Saginaw Bay, but once again believes the lake will produce well for anglers.
“It’s the very start of the fall. There will be some fish deep and some shallow, and a very good reaction bite with crankbaits and swimbaits being factors. I still think with some fish moving shallow, this event will be won deep.”
The key to this event will be the availability of Canadian water to the NPFL field. Otherwise, anglers will still be able to catch both a quality and number of fish overall. Adkins notes another good population of largemouth, but the winner will have all brown fish.
“I am guessing about 22-pounds per day to win, and all smallmouth. Some guys will catch green ones, but they won’t win doing it. If the wind blows hard, we may not be able to leave the bay and it may play into the largemouth more, but you can leave and tuck behind the islands and still get them good. It all depends on the wind direction.”
Stop 6: Lake Toho – October 9th – 15th Hosted by the City of Kissimmee, Florida
The final stop of the season ends in the sunshine state on the famous Kissimmee Chain. Lake Toho plays host for the finale in early October and anglers again should hit it in time to catch some quality Florida bass. 2021 NPFL Angler of the Year Keith Carson knows the chain well and is looking forward to fish in his home state at a unique time of year.
“Regardless, I’ll be excited to fish in Florida,” laughed Carson. “It should be fun, and it could be really good.”
With the amount of spraying of vegetation taking place in Florida, Carson is hoping for good rains to keep the grass growing.
“Without the grass, it could be tough. If we can have some nice weather prior and get the vegetation growing, it could be very good. Hopefully they don’t spray the weeds. If they do, were looking at 17-pounds a day with potential for 25-pounds or so per day if there is good grass.”
With the 2021 season stop in Florida being dominated shallow, Carson thinks it could be setting up for some sort of offshore deal.
“If it sets up correct, and they water stays high, it will be good shallow fishing but if they kill it all and its dry, some sort of offshore bite will probably win.”