"3rd Times a Charm"
This week Chris & the boys welcome in your 2021 Bassmaster Elite Series Rookie of the Year Josh Stracner to the show to talk about his Rookie year on the Elites, his path through the Opens and more. Chris & David recap ICAST and look ahead to upcoming tournaments. Check it out!
California Delta Readies to Host Toyota Series Event
OAKLEY, Calif. (July 28, 2021) – The Toyota Series Presented by A.R.E. Western Division will continue its season next week, Aug. 3-5, in Oakley, California with the Toyota Series Presented by A.R.E. at the California Delta. The three-day tournament will feature the region’s best bass-fishing pros and Strike King co-anglers casting for a top prize of up to $65,000, plus an additional $35,000 bonus if the winner is a qualified Phoenix Boat owner.
“The California Delta is fishing really good right now,” said Bass Pro Tour pro Ish Monroe of Oakdale, California. “The weather is supposed to be beautiful and warm next weekend, which creates a good bite.”
Monroe said he expects the tournament to feature a topwater and punch bite.
“There will still be a few guys catching some on spinnerbaits and crankbaits, but the anglers who win will most likely be throwing frogs and punching,” said Monroe. “I don’t expect to see a certain depth making a difference on this fishery, but guys definitely need to be looking for good grass to fish throughout the tournament.”
Monroe said local Wednesday night tournaments are taking 27 to 28 pounds to win – and those are just five-hour tournaments.
“I anticipate it will take an average of 18 pounds per day to get into the Top 10,” continued Monroe. “Anglers will probably need a bag in the mid-20-pound range one of the three days and an average of 20 pounds for the other two days to bring home the win.”
Anglers will take off daily at 6 a.m. PT from the Big Break Marina in Oakley. Weigh-ins will also be held at the marina and will begin at noon. Fans are welcome to attend the event or follow the action online through the “MLF Live” weigh-in broadcasts and daily coverage at MajorLeagueFishing.com.
In Toyota Series regular-season competition, payouts are based on the number of participants competing in the event, scaling up for every 20 boats over 160 and scaling down for every boat below 160. With a 160-boat field, pros fish for a top prize of $40,000, plus an extra $35,000 if Phoenix MLF BIG5 Bonus qualified. Strike King co-anglers cast for the top prize of a new Phoenix 518 Pro bass boat with a 115-horsepower Mercury outboard (valued at $33,500). With a 260-boat field, pros fish for a top award of $65,000, plus an extra $35,000 if Phoenix MLF BIG5 Bonus qualified. Strike King co-anglers cast for the top prize of a new Phoenix 518 Pro bass boat with a 115-horsepower outboard (valued at $33,500) plus $5,000 cash.
The 2021 Toyota Series Presented by A.R.E. consists of six divisions – Central, Northern, Plains, Southern, Southwestern and Western – each holding three regular-season events, along with the International division. Anglers who fish all three qualifiers in any of the eight divisions and finish in the top 25 will qualify for the no-entry-fee Toyota Series Presented by A.R.E. Championship for a shot at winning $235,000 cash, including a $35,000 Phoenix MLF BIG5 Bonus for qualified anglers. The winning Strike King co-angler at the championship earns a new Phoenix 518 Pro bass boat with a 115-horsepower Mercury outboard. The 2021 Toyota Series Championship Presented by A.R.E. will be held Oct. 28-30 on Pickwick Lake in Counce, Tennessee, and is hosted by the Hardin
County Convention and Visitors Bureau.
For complete details and updated information visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow the Toyota Series presented by A.R.E. on the MLF BIG5’s social media outlets at Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.
Congratulations to the Recipients of the 2021 Lew’s and Strike King Freshman Scholarship Program
Lexington, SC July 28th, 2021, Lew’s and Strike King are pleased to announce the 2021 recipients of the Freshman Scholarship Program. The Lew’s and Strike King Freshman Scholarship Program, founded in 2019, underscores a deep commitment the companies share in helping young anglers achieve their dreams on the water and in the classroom. Each year, Lew’s and Strike King award up to $5000 to five deserving anglers who have persevered in their high school academic pursuits and proven to possess a devotion to their sport and their community.
The 2021 Scholarship Recipients are:
Jack Northcott
Jack graduated from Woodlands High School in Woodlands, TX. The high school Valedictorian will study Chemical Engineering in the fall at Texas A&M University. When he is not in the classroom, Jack plans to join the Aggie Anglers, one of the oldest and most accomplished collegiate fishing clubs in the country.
Will Carnes
Lincoln County High graduate Will Carnes, from Stanford, KY, plans to study Business at Campbellsville University. The future Tiger possesses a deep passion for fishing and will test the waters with the popular Campbellsville Bass Fishing Team.
Kenneth Lallier Clark IV
After graduating in the top three of his class at Harleton High School in Diana, TX, Kenneth will study Engineering at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor. Kenneth also plans to join the UMHB football team in the fall.
Harrison Wingard
Recent Alabama Christian Academy graduate Harrison Wingard will be heading to Auburn University in the fall to study Architecture. Along with his academic pursuits, the Wetumpka, AL native plans to join the legendary Auburn Bass Fishing Team.
Tyler Finley
Mount Pleasant High School graduate Tyler Finley, from Mount Pleasant, TN, plans to study in the fall at the University of North Alabama. Tyler will join the Lions on the North Alabama Fishing Team as he pursues his engineering degree. A passion for Tyler will be utilizing his gifts in engineering to develop equipment to help people with disabilities discover the joys of angling.
A devotion to education is in the very DNA of the team at Lew’s and Strike King. “It is critically important that we continue to build and nurture the next generation of avid anglers,” offered CEO Ken Eubanks. “We stand behind these young scholar-anglers and look forward to their success.”
Feider Takes Angler of the Year Crown Home to Minnesota
RACINE, Wis. (July 28, 2021) –– The Bassmaster Elite Series Angler of the Year title is headed to New Market, Minnesota, the home of Humminbird® and Minn Kota®Pro Seth Feider. One of the few anglers not from the South to win the Angler of the Year award, Feider’s win marks the first for an angler from the fishing-crazed state of Minnesota.
Leading the Angler of the Year race going into the final event of the 2021 Bassmaster Elite Series season, Feider knew what was at stake.
“I am usually fairly calm during a tournament, but I was definitely pretty stressed each day until I was able to get a limit in the boat,” Feider said. “Once my fifth fish was in the boat, I was able to slow down and fish free.”
Feider completed his season at the St. Lawrence River in 13th place with a final weight of 58 pounds, 15 ounces. Nearly breaking the points margin-of-victory record, Feider dominated the Angler of the Year standings, beating second place by 61 points.
Upon filling his limit on Day Two, Feider said he felt he had done his job.
“Once I had that fifth fish in the boat, I knew I had it locked up and it was a big relief knowing that it finally happened,” Feider said. “It has been a stressful few months, but it was all worth it in the end to accomplish a lifelong goal and raise that AOY trophy.”
Championship Level Approach
The keys to Feider’s success this season have been attributed to efficiency and maximizing the amount of time he’s able to fish. The more time he can spend with a line in the water, the more opportunities he has to catch fish.
Competing efficiently and trusting equipment is one of the many crucial components when chasing an Angler of the Year title.
“Knowing your equipment is going to keep you running all day and not fail you is absolutely everything,” Feider said. “My Minn Kota Ultrex® is a beast. I burned the bank many times this year and my Ultrex was key to doing that efficiently and quietly.”
“There wasn’t a single tournament where my LakeMaster® mapping on my Humminbird HELIX® units didn’t help me during practice. Every event it helped me dial into what was going on with each body of water when we were there.” added Feider.
Looking ahead to the 2022 season, his One-Boat Network® now equipped with Humminbird MEGA Live Imaging™, Feider said he has the best-equipped boat on the water, ready to tackle any situation he can face on the Bassmaster Elite Series schedule.
“After using MEGA Live, it has really allowed me to have more confidence. Whether in practice or during a tournament, it helps me adjust quicker and more efficiently,” Feider said. “I can see if fish are in the area, how they’re behaving and reacting to my bait and making more accurate casts. It saves me a lot of time.”
Another new tool that Seth had the opportunity to put to the test during the full Bassmaster Elite season was the pair of Minn Kota Raptor Shallow Water Anchorson the back of his boat. When asked about his new Raptors, Seth was quick to praise the innovative new hydraulic anchors.
“These things are the real deal. The coolest thing about them is the Active Anchoring feature. Majority of the time we’re fishing in wind, boat wakes, and stuff lifting up the back of your boat. When I put those (Raptors) down, I don’t want to move at all and that Active Anchoring will redeploy those anchors and lock you down in one spot, and that is critical when fishing in shallow water. They’re rock solid, heavy-duty, but lighter weight… and they look badass too.” Said Feider.
As demonstrated throughout the 2021 Bassmaster Elite Series season, Feider continues to demonstrate the consistency for which he’s been known throughout his professional career—consistency that should keep him in the running for even more Angler of the Year titles.
About Humminbird
JOHNSON OUTDOORS FISHING is comprised of the Humminbird®, Minn Kota® and Cannon® brands. Humminbird is a leading global innovator and manufacturer of marine electronics products including fish finders, multifunction displays, autopilots, ice flashers, and premium cartography products. Minn Kota is the world’s leading manufacturer of electric trolling motors, as well as a complete line of shallow water anchors, battery chargers and marine accessories. Cannon is the leader in controlled-depth fishing and includes a full line of downrigger products and accessories.
Visit Humminbird at www.humminbird.com
Visit Minn Kota at www.minnkotamotors.com
Huk Launches New Environment-Friendly Waypoint Collection
Charleston, SC (XXXX) — Huk’s new Waypoint Collection offers the ideal protection for both anglers and the ocean at the same time. Made primarily from recycled bottles, the Waypoint Collection features a hoodie, long sleeve shirt, 7.5” men’s shorts, men’s pants, and 2.5” women’s shorts.
Huk has partnered with REPREVE® to incorporate recycled materials into its Waypoint line to help reduce plastic pollution. The collection will have the same unique Huk style but with an eco-friendly twist. On average, 9 recycled plastic bottles are used to create one item in the Waypoint collection. The blended fabric provides flexibility and stretches while maintaining shape and fit.
The Waypoint hoodie and long sleeve shirt feature 95% recycled polyester with 5% spandex. Also, recycled yarns are used to create an environmentally sound garment without sacrificing comfort or functionality. The hoodie and long sleeve shirt feature cooling fibers that work to remove heat from the surface of the skin, keeping anglers more comfortable and on the water longer. The hood is built taller around the neck allowing for extra protection from the sun. Both hoodie and long sleeve shirt are rated 50+ UPF for ultimate protection against the sun and feature a chest pocket for storing lightweight items. The hoodie is available in men’s and women’s sizes.
The men’s Waypoint 7.5” shorts are a perfect combination of style and comfort. The performance shorts are made from 89% recycled polyester and 11% elastane. The blended fabric provides superior stretch, mobility, and sun protection for a full day of water-filled activities. Ideal for both fresh- and saltwater fishing applications, the shorts are quick-drying and stain-resistant. The shorts are constructed with zippered back pockets to secure gear and wallets while moving around the boat. A conveniently designed plier pocket helps keep essential gear close at hand.
The women’s Waypoint 2.5” shorts make for an ideal day on the water. The lightweight fabrics, blended from 71% recycled polyester, 21% cotton, and 8% spandex, provide an excellent fit and superior mobility. Ladies will appreciate the added protection from the sun as well as the quick-drying material so they can stay comfortable in both wet and dry conditions. The shorts feature both back patch pockets and front hand pockets to stow items. Ladies will be able to dress these shorts up or dress them down for a long day on the water.
For anglers who want lightweight, full-coverage protection from the sun, the Waypoint pants are an ideal choice. The pants are extremely flexible, quick-drying, and built to move with your body, and are made with 95% cotton and 5% elastane. The stain-resistant finish makes it easier to wash out stains from a hard day on the water. A plier pocket is conveniently located for ease of use. The Waypoint pants are great all around, grab and go bottoms for any occasion on or off the water.
No matter how intense your adventures on the water, Huk’s Waypoint Collection is built to keep you dry and safe from the sun while protecting the oceans.
Huk Waypoint Hoodie
● 95% Recycled Polyester, 5% Spandex
● Lightweight Recycled Polyester Yarns
● Stretch
● Cooling fibers
● 50+ UPF sun protection
● Moisture management
● Chest pocket
● Available in 4 Colors - Men: Fusion Coral, Grey, Lichen, and Silver Blue
● Available in 4 Colors - Women: Fusion Coral, Grey, Lady Pink, and Seafoam
● MSRP: $55.00
Huk Waypoint LS
● 95% Recycled Polyester, 5% Spandex
● Lightweight Recycled Polyester Yarns
● Stretch
● Cooling fibers
● 50+ UPF sun protection
● Moisture management
● Chest pocket
● Available in 4 Colors: Fusion Coral, Grey, Lichen, and Silver Blue
● MSRP: $50.00
Men’s Waypoint Shorts 7.5”
● 89% Recycled Polyester, 11% Elastane
● Lightweight Recycled Polyester Yarns
● Stretch
● Quick-drying
● Sun protection
● Stain-resistant
● Zippered front fly
● Zippered back pocket
● Plier pocket
● Available in 5 Colors - Men: Sargasso Sea, Iron, Braid, Bone, and Grey
● MSRP: $65.00
Women’s Waypoint Shorts 2.5”
● 71% Recycled Polyester, 21% Cotton, 8% Spandex
● Stretch
● Quick-drying
● Sun protection
● Elastic waist with drawcord
● Back patch pockets
● Front hand pockets
● Available in 3 Colors: Sargasso Sea, Fusion Coral, and Black
● MSRP: $55.00
Huk Waypoint Pants
● 95% Cotton, 5% Elastane
● Lightweight Recycled Polyester Yarns
● Stretch
● Quick-drying
● Sun protection
● Stain-resistant
● Zippered front fly
● Zippered back pocket
● Plier pocket
● Available in five different colors: Sargasso Sea, Iron, Braid, Bone, and Grey
● MSRP: $75.00
Huk’s Tie-Dye Collection Delivers Serious Performance Alongside Plenty of Fun
Charleston, SC (XXXX) — Huk’s new Tie-Dye and Tie-Dye Lava collections add fun to its line of performance clothing while still giving anglers the serious performance required for long days on the water. The trendy new patterns were added to your favorite lines and are sure to freshen up any wardrobe while still delivering superior sun protection.
Huk went all-in when creating their new Tie-Dye patterns, utilizing a variety of colors to suit anyone’s palate. The Tie-Dye collection includes more traditional designs that evoke a retro feeling and the Tie-Dye Lava line, which melds colors like magma cascading down a volcano. Both lines offer style that is right at home on the boat, at the pool, or around town.
Huk applied the fun new prints to a number of their proven clothing items, including the ever-popular Pursuit long sleeve tee. Now, men, women, and youths can all add a little style while enjoying +UPF 30 protection that blocks UVA and UVB rays all day without the need to reapply sunscreen every couple of hours. The Pursuit shirts feature cooling fibers that work to remove heat from the skin’s surface, keeping anglers more comfortable and on the water longer. The moisture-wicking and quick-drying fabric utilizes an anti-microbial treatment that fights odor and stain-resistant properties that keep fish slime or frozen daiquiris from sticking.
The new men’s Volley Swim Shorts also get the Tie-Dye treatment, giving anglers, pool-goers, and seaside athletes an alternative to solid swim trunks. The quick-drying, SPF-rated fabric stretches to provide enough freedom of movement in beachside activities or maneuver around the boat while battling a trophy catch. Mesh-lined pockets offer plenty of space for all necessities.
Serious sun requires serious face protection, but that doesn’t mean anglers can’t have a little fun. Huk’s Gaiter is now available in Fusion Coral, Seafoam and Electric Green Tie-Dye, so anglers can be stylish while protecting their neck, ears, and nose from harmful rays.
Huk’s new Tie-Dye and Tie-Dye Lava collections add a stylish touch to the best performance wear under the sun.
Tie-Dye Pursuit Long Sleeve Shirt Features:
● Available in both Tie-Dye and Lava Tie-Dye
● 90% polyester/10% spandex
● Four-way stretch
● Moisture-wicking
● Quick-drying
● Sun Protection
● Anti-microbial
● Stain-resistant
● Cooling Fibers
Men’s Tie-Dye Pursuit Long Sleeve Shirt:
● Tie-Dye Colors: Blue Radiance, Fusion Coral, Lavender Blue, Pink Lady
● Tie-Dye Lava Colors: Blue Radiance, Electric Green, Seafoam
● Available in 6 Sizes - Men: S, M, L, XL, XXL, XXXL
● MSRP: $40 (3XL + $5)
Women’s Tie-Dye Pursuit Long Sleeve Shirt:
● Tie-Dye Colors: Blue Radiance, Fusion Coral, Lavender Blue, Pink Lady
● Tie-Dye Lava Colors: Blue Radiance, Electric Green, Seafoam
● Available in 5 Sizes - Women: XS, S, M, L, XL
● MSRP: $40
Youth Tie Dye Pursuit Long Sleeve Shirt:
● Tie-Dye Colors: Blue Radiance, Fusion Coral, Lavender Blue, Pink Lady
● Tie-Dye Lava Colors: Blue Radiance, Electric Green, Seafoam
● Available in 4 Sizes - Youth: YXS, YS, YM, YL
● MSRP: $35
Tie-Dye Volley Swim Short Features:
● 100% polyester
● Four-way stretch
● Quick-drying
● Sun Protection
● Elastic waistband with interior drawstring
● Mesh-lined pockets
● Mesh liner
● 5.5-inch inseam
Men’s Tie-Dye Volley Swim Short:
● Tie-Dye Colors: Blue Radiance, Beach Peach, Lavender Blue, Pink Lady
● Available in 6 Sizes - Men: S, M, L, XL, XXL, XXXL
● MSRP: $40 (3XL + $5)
Tie-Dye Gaiter Features:
● 90% Polyester, 10% Spandex
● Quick-drying
● Sun Protection
● Tie-Dye Colors: Fusion Coral, Seafoam, Electric Green
● One size fits all
● MSRP: $25
Huk’s Tide Point Collection Offers the Ultimate Combinations of Comfort, Functionality and Style
Charleston, SC (XXXX) — The ultimate in style and all-day comfort, Huk’s new Tide Point Collection features long and short sleeve shirts equally at home on the water or land. The new Tide Point line is available in multiple colors and patterns for just about any style preference.
Available in long and short sleeve variants, Tide Point shirts are designed to keep anglers cool and dry, no matter how intense the action gets or how much the temperature rises. Hydrophobic fibers transport water and sweat away from the skin to the exterior of the clothing where it can evaporate more efficiently. Also, both the short and long sleeve shirts are quick-drying and feature laser perforated holes in the back of the shirt and underarms to deliver supreme breathability. Built for fun in the sun, Tide Point shirts feature a 30+ UPF rating to keep your skin protected at all times. A single, mesh-backed chest pocket offers storage and a hidden microfiber wipe to keep glasses clean throughout the day. Four-way stretch material allows for a serious range of motion and a uniquely comfortable fit.
The Tide Point collection features a 100% polyester woven design that is textured for superior moisture management, ensuring that sweat doesn’t build up no matter how hot it gets on the water. Quick-drying and incredibly lightweight, the Tide Point long sleeve features a collar and classic design that’s plenty stylish for a night on the town. Huk offers solid colors and plaid patterns that incorporate a fish design for those looking to up their style game.
Huk’s new Tide Point collection is designed for serious comfort and function on the water yet offers style and design that easily transitions to everyday wear.
Tide Point Features:
- 100% polyester textured fabric
- Four-way stretch
- Quick-drying
- Sun protection
- Moisture management
- Laser perforated back
- Mesh back chest pocket
- Hidden microfiber wipe
Tide Point Woven LS:
- Colors: Bone, Blue Radiance, Sea Fog, Ice Blue, Carolina Blue, and Black
- MSRP: $62.00 (3XL + $5)
Tide Point Fish Plaid LS:
- Colors: Sharkskin, Ice Blue, Sargasso Sea, and Silver-Blue
- MSRP: $62.00 (3XL + $5)
Tide Point Woven SS:
- Colors: Blue Radiance, Bone, Sea Fog, Grey, Black, Key Lime, Ice Blue, Carolina Blue, and White
- MSRP: $48.00 (3XL + $5)
Tide Point Fish Plaid SS:
- Colors: Sharkskin, Ice Blue, Sargasso Sea, and Silver-Blue
- MSRP: $58.00 (3XL + $5)
Conquer Mother Nature’s Worst with Huk’s Rogue Wave Fishing Boot
Charleston, SC (XXXX) — Not every day is fun in the sun. Sometimes the best fishing is found in the worst conditions. Huk’s Rogue Wave and Rogue Wave Camo fishing boots are built for anglers who demand the best from their clothing and gear so they can stay on the water when others have headed for the hill.
Huk’s Rogue Wave fishing boots are specifically designed for all-day comfort and engineered for optimal performance in any condition. The boots feature an 8mm thick molded EVA footbed that provides plenty of underfoot cushioning and support so anglers can extend their time on the water. The GRIP-X outsoles deliver unbeatable traction to avoid slips and spills, no matter how slick the deck or dock may become. The Rogue Wave also features a rubber and neoprene upper that’s incredibly durable, ensuring a long life of hard-charging use in a variety of conditions. Rogue Wave and Rogue Wave Camo fishing boots utilize a commercial-grade, reinforced webbing pull strap.
At 38 ounces per pair, the Rogue Wave delivers a lightweight fishing boot that can conquer the most inclement weather. The Rogue Wave is available in three stylish colors: grey, Huk blue, and white. The Rogue Wave Camo fishing boot is available in three patterns: Mossy Oak Hydro Standards, Storm, and Mossy Oak Bottomland.
Rogue Wave & Rogue Wave Camo
- Rubber and neoprene upper
- GRIP-X outsole traction pattern
- Thick 8mm molded EVA footbed
- Commercial grade reinforced webbing pull-straps
- 38 ounces (per pair)
- Available Sizes: 7-14 (Full Sizes Only)
- MSRP: $85 / $95 (Camo)
The New Refraction Camo from Huk Was Born On The Water
Charleston, SC (XXXX) – Designed by K.C. Scott, Huk’s Refraction Camo is perfect on the water, but still manages to be at home at the bar. Refraction Camo showcases anglers’ love of the water through a contemporary, stylish design. This is a perfect pairing with Huk’s technical fishing clothing, which is ideal for an active lifestyle but is equally suited to lounging by the pool or grilling with friends.
Since his first taste of saltwater on his family’s annual trip to the Florida Keys when he was three, Scott has been hooked. That love of the water shows up in all of the fine artist’s oil and acrylic works, as well as his apparel designs. Scott pours the ocean through his paintbrush and onto Huk’s performance fabrics.
“Every single pattern comes from nature, with my unique take on it,” said Scott. Scott’s one-of-a-kind perspective allowed the renowned artist to create Huk’s Refraction Camo. The inspiration for Refraction came from Scott’s observations while free-diving over grass flats. Scott wanted to create a camo that mimicked the patterns of light dancing on the ocean floor. He then combined influences from industrial elements and cityscapes to create the foundations of what became Refection camo.
Scott captured Mother Nature's ability to bend light beams and combined it with geometric patterns to create Subphantis Refraction, giving a new and fresh twist to the ever-changing world of camouflage. The resulting patterns bridge natural and linear elements to create a clean and esthetic look that distracts the eyes and hinders their ability to focus on a finite point. As a result, anglers wearing Subphantis Refraction can often hide in plain sight.
Refraction Inshore draws inspiration from permit, ghosts of the flats, that use the shadows from both clouds and structure to virtually disappear in only a few feet of water. The pattern mixes aqua blues with grays to help anglers blend into the open sky on a salt flat.
Inspired by the waters surrounding San Salvador, Refraction San Sal captures the essence of the epic Bahamian island. Located at the extreme eastern edge of the Bahamas, the waters are as clear as you’ll ever find with offshore blues so deep they’re almost purple. Inshore, white sand bottoms contrast with reefs casting dark gray shadows and clash with the offshore currents to create deep aqua hues.
Refraction Storm captures the wrath of an oncoming storm with gray patterns that emulate swirling waters and wind. This pattern is ideal for those thrill-seeking anglers who have to put just one more fish in the boat before all hell breaks loose.
Scott drew on the greens from the pines and the dark shale cliffs that line the edge of one of the most breathtaking freshwater arenas in the entire world, Lake Superior. The resulting pattern, Refraction Superior, blends perfectly with any freshwater ecosystem.
Refraction Ice Boat design utilizes the blue tint that ice exhibits when it is cut alongside the snow and gray skies that winter so often brings. This new pattern is perfect for the hard water or just when you’d rather be fishing on a cold winter's day.
The Refraction line of go-anywhere performance clothing blends into its surroundings on the water but never looks out of place on land. Huk’s exclusive patterns are unlike any other on the market, and are available in a wide range of styles and clothing options.
Let it All Hang Loose with Huk’s New Kona Collection
Charleston, SC (XXXX) — When hanging loose and looking good is just as important as staying comfortable, reach for one of Huk’s new Hawaiian-themed Kona shirts. These short sleeve button-ups come with island vibes built-in, so it feels like a vacation even when running errands around town.
The new Kona performance-packed, short-sleeve button-downs include the Kona Paradise Pass, Kona Kai, Kona Stackin’ Bills, and Kona Fins ‘N Stripes lines. They feature a 65% polyester, 35% cotton blend that is perfect for water and surf adventures, quick-drying while offering a soft feel.
All of the Kona shirts are built for all-day comfort, both on and off the water. The new Kona shirts, featuring textured fabrics, are designed to keep anglers cool and dry, no matter how intense the action gets or how much the temperature rises. Hydrophobic fibers transport water and sweat away from the skin to the exterior of the clothing, where it can evaporate more efficiently. Also, perforated underarms and back add much-needed airflow while whisking larger sweat droplets away.
All shirts in the Kona Paradise Pass, Kona Kai, Kona Stackin’ Bills, and Kona Fins ‘N Stripes lines feature a 30+ UPF rating for maximum sun protection at all times. A single chest pocket offers storage and a hidden microfiber wipe to keep glasses clean throughout the day. The two-way stretch material allows for a serious range of motion and a classic, comfortable fit. Fun prints are sure to be an instant favorite among anglers and other water-loving thrill-seekers.
Kona Features:
● 65% polyester, 35% cotton blend
● Button-down, short-sleeve shirt with collared neckline
● Two-way stretch
● Quick-drying
● Sun protection
● Moisture management
● Mesh back chest pocket
● Hidden microfiber wipe
Huk Kona Paradise Pass
● Colors: Lichen, White, Seafoam, Fusion Coral, and Lavender Blue
● MSRP: $55.00 (3XL + $5)
Huk Kona Kai
● Colors: Fusion Coral, Tahiti Blue, Key Lime, Glacier, and Beach Peach
● MSRP: $55.00 (3XL + $5)
Huk Kona Stackin’ Bills
● Colors: Sargasso Sea and Milky Blue
● MSRP: $55.00 (3XL + $5)
Huk Kona Fins ‘N Stripes
● Colors: Americana
● MSRP: $55.00 (3XL + $5)
Huk Launches Icon X Superior Jacket & Bib with Float Technology
Charleston, SC (XXXX) — Huk is proud to introduce the new Icon X Superior Jacket and Bib with the groundbreaking new Float Technology. This advancement offers fishermen the ultimate in high-performance safety outerwear.
Accidents happen, but Huk has your back if you ever end up in the drink. The Icon X Superior Jacket and Bib feature Float Technology with inserts that add buoyancy should things unexpectedly take a turn for the worse. These inserts are located on the chest and back of the jacket and the seat and legs of the bibs. The inserts are easily removable yet comfortable and are barely noticed when worn.
The Icon X Superior Jacket is loaded with angler-friendly features. With a durable, 100% polyester construction, the jacket is 100% windproof and 100% waterproof to protect anglers from the harshest elements. Nothing cuts a day short like getting wet and cold. Huk’s outerwear implements a Durable Water Repellent (DWR) finish that repels water, keeping one dry and agile. The jacket features abrasion-resistant wear areas that ensure a long lifespan and will withstand years of abuse.
A two-piece hood and features internal cuff gussets on the sleeves provide further protection from wind and rain. At the same time, the breathable design ensures that moisture from the external world stays out while unwanted body heat is allowed to escape. Likewise, body-mapped insulation helps keep anglers warm when Mother Nature is at her worst. The jacket sports fleece-lined hand warmer pockets to keep fingers nice and toasty when the temperature drops. Ten total pockets are strategically placed to ensure that all gear has a proper home, and magnetic pocket flaps keep items secure until needed. The jacket is also available in Huk’s legendary Bluefin Refraction Camo.
The Icon X Superior Bib features the same windproof and waterproof construction as the jacket and completes this foul weather ensemble. Float Technology inserts are located at the seat and knee regions to provide exceptional safety and peace of mind. Ever-adjust suspenders allow for total mobility with superior comfort, while fleece-lined hand warmer pockets offer hands a safe refuge from the biting cold. A waterproof relief zipper and chest zip provide an excellent barrier to external moisture, while leg zips make for easy on/off in ever-changing weather conditions.
Icon X Superior Jacket Features:
● 100% Polyester
● 100% Waterproof
● 100% Windproof
● 20K Waterproof/20K Breathable
● Float Technology
● Body-mapped insulation
● 2-Piece hood
● Internal cuff gusset
● Storm Flap
● Fleece-lined hand warmer pocket
● Abrasion-resistant wear areas
● 10 total pockets
● Magnetic pocket flaps
● Icon X Colors: Huk Blue
● Icon X Refraction Colors: Bluefin
● Icon X MSRP: $300 (3XL + $10)
● Icon X Refraction MSRP: $310 (3XL + $10)
Icon X Superior Bib:
● 100% Polyester
● 100% Waterproof
● 100% Windproof
● 20K Waterproof/20K Breathable
● Float Technology
● Ever-Adjust suspenders
● Adjustable waist
● Fleece-lined hand warmer pockets
● Abrasion-resistant wear panels
● Waterproof chest zip
● Waterproof relief zipper
● Leg zips
● MSRP: $290 (3XL + $10)
Huk’s New Icon X Jackets & Vests Offer Anglers Flexibility To Deal With Changing Conditions
Charleston, SC (XXXX) — Huk’s new Icon X outerwear and insulating layers were engineered as a system to provide anglers the versatility needed to stay warm and dry in the fluctuating weather typical on the water. This system offers various insulating outer layers to keep anglers warm and dry no matter what Mother Nature throws at them. Anglers can choose from a variety of garments that work together to provide the optimal level of warmth no matter what the thermometer says, so they can concentrate on catching fish.
Huk offers three new exciting outer layer options. Huks Icon X outerwear gives anglers the ultimate protection through superior waterproof/breathable performance and is designed to provide superior protection from driving rain. Huk’s new outerwear features fabrics that are as good at moving moisture out as they are at stopping incoming waves and rain, with stretch properties that provide freedom of movement for the most active fishing styles.
The Icon X Superior 3L Shell offers extreme foul weather protection that is rated at 35K waterproof and 15k breathable. The jacket is a perfect choice for anglers who need a 100% waterproof and 100% windproof outer shell. In addition, the jacket features an articulated hood, fog-free breathable perforation, two chest pockets, two hand-warmer pockets, pit zips, adjustable cuffs and reflective tape.
The Icon X Light Weight Jacket is the perfect choice for days on the water-soaked in with dense fog and drizzle. The jacket is 100% waterproof and 100% windproof and features an articulated hood, fog-free breathable perforation, two chest pockets, two hand-warmer pockets, pit zips, adjustable cuffs and reflective tape.
Huk’s Superior Hybrid Jacket provides superior protection in damp conditions with a water-resistant shell that is 100% windproof. Ideal for just about any cool-weather fishing condition, the Icon X Hybrid Jacket sports an articulated hood, fog-free breathable perforation, two chest pockets, two hand-warmer pockets, pit zips, adjustable cuffs and reflective tape.
Anglers can increase the warmth of the outer jackets with the addition of Huks insulating layers. These lightweight and packable garments are designed to be worn alone or as a part of the Icon X integrated system.
The Puffy Jacket and Vest are both water and wind-resistant and offer excellent protection from the cold. Due to being filled with stretch insulation, the jacket and vest do not constrict movement or bunch up under outer layers. They both sport a chest zipper pocket and two hand-warmer pockets.
The Icon X Soft Shell Jacket and Vest utilize a grid fleece interior for warmth and are faced with a 100 percent windproof fabric to shut down any gales skimming across the water. The 4-way stretch fabric allows for unrestricted movement when worn alone or as an insulating layer. They both feature two hand-warmer pockets and a chest zippered pocket.
Huk’s new Icon X outerwear collection is an integrated system that adapts to rapidly changing conditions, with a variety of components to deliver the perfect combination of protection and warmth.
Icon X Superior 3L Shell Features:
- 100% polyester
- Waterproof and windproof
- 35k waterproof and 15k breathable
- Articulated hood
- Fog-free breathable perforation
- Two chest pockets
- Pit zips
- Two hand-warmer pockets
- Adjustable Coff
- Icon X Reflective Tape
Icon X Superior 3L Shell:
- Colors: Iron, Huk Blue, Fallen Rock, and Blood Red
- MSRP: $200 (3XL + $10)
Icon X Superior 3L Camo Shell:
- Colors: Hunt Club Camo, and Bluefin
- MSRP: $210 (3XL + $10)
Icon X Superior Hybrid Jacket Features:
- 91% polyester, 9% spandex fabric
- 100% wind-proof
- Water-resistant
- Primaloft insulation
- Articulated hood
- Fog free breathable perforation
- Two chest pockets
- Pit zips
- Two hand-warmer pockets
- Adjustable cuff
- Icon X reflective tape
Icon X Superior Hybrid Jacket:
- Colors: Black, Huk Blue, and Fallen Rock
- MSRP: $200.00 (3XL + $10)
Icon X Superior Hybrid Camo Jacket:
- Colors: Ice Boat and Hunt Club Camo
- MSRP: $210.00 (3XL + $10)
Icon X Light Weight Jacket Features:
- 91% polyester, 9% spandex fabric
- Water-resistant
- Wind-resistant
- Articulated hood
- Fog free breathable perforation
- Two chest pockets
- Pit zips
- Two hand-warmer pockets
- Adjustable cuff
- Icon X reflective tape
Icon X Light Weight Jacket:
- Colors: Gray, Black, Sargasso Sea, Blood Red, and Fallen Rock
- MSRP: $120.00 (3XL + $10)
Icon X Light Weight Camo Jacket:
- Colors: Ice Boat and Hunt Club Camo
- MSRP: $130.00 (3XL + $10)
Icon X Puffy Jacket & Vest Features:
- 100% polyester fabric
- Water-resistant
- Wind-resistant
- Stretch insulation
- Chest zip pocket
- Two hand-warmer pockets
- Lightweight and packable
Icon X Puffy Jacket:
- Colors: Iron, Huk Blue, Blood Red, and Fallen Rock
- MSRP: $150.00 (3XL + $10)
Icon X Puffy Camo Jacket:
- Colors: Bluefin and Hunt Club Camo
- MSRP: $160.00 (3XL + $10)
Icon X Puffy Vest:
- Colors: Iron, Huk Blue, Blood Red, and Fallen Rock
- MSRP: $100.00 (3XL + $10)
Icon X Puffy Camo Jacket:
- Colors: Bluefin and Hunt Club Camo
- MSRP: $110.00 (3XL + $10)
Icon X Soft Shell Jacket & Vest Features:
- 90% polyester, 10% spandex fabric
- Four-way stretch
- Water-resistant
- Windproof
- Grid fleece interior
- Two hand-warmer pockets
- Zippered chest pocket
Icon X Soft Shell Jacket:
- Colors: Huk Blue, Gill Red, Black, and Fallen Rock
- MSRP: $170.00 (3XL + $10)
Icon X Soft Shell Camo Jacket:
- Colors: Hunt Club Camo and Ice Boat
- MSRP: $180.00 (3XL + $10)
Icon X Soft Shell Vest:
- Colors: Huk Blue, Gill Red, Black, and Fallen Rock
- MSRP: $100.00 (3XL + $10)
Icon X Soft Shell Camo Vest:
- Colors: Hunt Club Camo and Ice Boat
- MSRP: $110.00 (3XL + $10)
Huk’s New Capers Volley 5.5” Short Delivers Unmatched Performance and Comfort
Charleston, SC (XXXX) – Huk Performance Fishing apparel is proud to introduce the new Capers Volley 5.5” Short, which delivers ultimate versatility, style, and comfort for in and off the water performance. The short’s contemporary cut and water-friendly features will be a favorite for fishing, swimming, boating, wakeboarding, and wake surfing as well as other active outdoor pursuits. From sun up to sun down, the Volley shorts will have you covered.
The Capers Volley Shorts are built with 100% polyester and stretch fabric that provides an incredibly flexible fit and complete freedom of motion in any environment. At the same time, the Capers Volley Short maintains its shape wet or dry, making for a consistent and stylish fit both on the boat or in the waves. Built for sun-soak days, the shorts are UPF rated and quick-drying so which helps to shed moisture rapidly.
Strategically located mesh-lined pockets hold gear, while a mesh liner provides support and allows the shorts to breathe. The shorts are offered in a variety of trendy colors so it will be easy to stock up on supply without breaking the bank.
Huk Capers Volley 5.5” Shorts Features
● 100% polyester
● Stretch fabric
● Quick-drying
● Sun protection
● Mesh liner
● Mesh-lined pockets
Huk Capers Volley 5.5” Shorts
● Six Colors: Fusion Coral, Ice Blue, Black, Sharkskin, Key Lime, and Sargasso Sea
● MSRP: $35 (3XL +$5)
Union Sportsmen’s Alliance and Major League Fishing Announce Partnership
Spring Hill, Tenn.—The Union Sportsmen’s Alliance (USA) and Major League Fishing (MLF), the world’s largest tournament-fishing organization and premier outdoor-entertainment brand, announced this week that they have entered a momentous collaboration to grow the sport of fishing across the United States.
The partnership was sealed on July 21 at the International Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trades (ICAST) tradeshow in Orlando, Florida, when the organizations signed an agreement that focuses on recruiting, retaining, and reactivating anglers throughout the country.
MLF and the USA, through the agreement, will seek opportunities for angler recruitment, retention and reactivation utilizing each entity’s staff and vast reservoir of member volunteers to plan and execute local and state fishing events, MLF fishing events, and USA conservation projects and community-based outreach events.
“Major League Fishing’s partnership with the Union Sportsmen’s Alliance builds on MLF’s commitment to extending the life of the sport of bass fishing and providing fans, anglers and youth with access to educational materials to help them become better stewards of our fisheries resources,” said MLF President and CEO Jim Wilburn. “As the sport’s premier tournament-fishing organization, we're proud to work alongside the USA in their support of angler recruitment and their Take Kids Fishing program.”
Major League Fishing, with its portfolio of professional and amateur bass fishing tournaments, social media networks, and popular television shows on several major networks reaches millions of fishing fanatics and outdoor enthusiasts each year. Through its strong volunteer workforce and support from its 17 affiliates and charter unions, the USA has completed nearly 300 volunteer projects and community outreach events since 2010. It’s youth-centered fishing program alone exposes thousands of school-age children in urban and rural communities to the sport of fishing each year.
“Introducing youth and their families to a life-long love and appreciation for angling and clean water has become a big part of how the USA delivers its mission,” said USA CEO and Executive Director Scott Vance. “This historic partnership with Major League Fishing will enable our Take Kids Fishing program and angling access infrastructure projects to grow faster than ever before.”
“Through its Work Boots on the Ground conservation program, the USA reaches into local communities—including urban areas—to create access and new outdoor opportunities, including fishing, to groups that may not otherwise get to enjoy those experiences,” said Forrest Parker, USA Director of Conservation and Communications. “Combining the USA’s workforce of union volunteers who share a passion for the outdoors with the resources of the MLF will propel both of our organization’s efforts to pass on the fishing heritage to a whole new level.”
Lake Champlain Set for Major League Fishing Bass Pro Tour Toyota Stage Six
| Sixth Event of 2021 Bass Pro Tour Season to Showcase 80 Pro Anglers Competing on Lake Champlain Over Six Days for Purse of $805,000 and Valuable Points for REDCREST Championship
PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. (July 27, 2021) – Major League Fishing’s (MLF) Bass Pro Tour is set to visit Plattsburgh, New York, and Lake Champlain, next week, Aug. 5-10, for their sixth regular-season tournament of the season – the Toyota Stage Six at Lake Champlain Presented by Googan Baits. The six-day event, hosted by the Adirondack Coast Visitors Bureau and the City of Plattsburgh, will feature 80 of the best professional anglers in the world, including bass-fishing superstars like Kevin VanDam, Edwin Evers, Jordan Lee and Jacob Wheeler , fishing for a purse of more than $805,000, including a top payout of $100,000 and valuable points in hopes of qualifying for REDCREST 2022, the Bass Pro Tour championship. The tournament will be fished using MLF’s catch, weigh, immediate-release format, in which the anglers try to catch as much weight as they can each day, while also feeling the pressure and intensity of the SCORETRACKER® leaderboard. The tournament is being filmed for broadcast later this year on the Discovery Channel. Plattsburgh and Lake Champlain has played host to dozens of MLF Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit (formerly FLW Tour) and Toyota Series events over the years, but this event will mark the first time that the MLF Bass Pro Tour has visited Lake Champlain. One angler excited to return to Champlain is Missouri pro James Watson, who competed in the Toyota Series event on Lake Champlain earlier this month and is looking to improve on his respectable 27th place showing. “Lake Champlain is a special place,” Watson said. “I caught a ton of fish in the Toyota Series event and had a blast. I think I might move up there, someday. It’s a beautiful lake and a beautiful area of the country and I can’t wait to get back out there again for this Bass Pro Tour event. “I’m kind of going out on a limb, but based on my experience in the Toyota Series, I think the deeper schools of smallmouth are going to be the ticket to winning this event,” Watson continued. “I believe you can catch good numbers of both largemouth and smallmouth, but the key to doing well is going to be finding a few groups of fish that haven’t been pounded over the last month and a half of tournaments. “ Watson said that he believes that electronics will play a huge role in this event. “I had found some pretty good-sized schools of smallmouth in the Toyota Series event with my Garmin LiveScope, but after catching one fish out of the school I would have a hard time getting any others to bite. From what I’ve seen, the guys that did well were really just LiveScoping in open water and out chasing bait. So, the electronics are going to be a huge player in this tournament.” Watson predicted that anglers fishing deep for smallmouth would likely be throwing swimbaits and drop-shot rigs – he mentioned that he would have black- and green-pumpkin-colored Tackle HD Leeches rigged up for drop-shotting, along with a Tackle HD Swimmer 3.5 swimbait – while the anglers targeting largemouth would be looking for clean hydrilla. “It’s going to be a great event, for the anglers and the fans,” Watson went on to say. “We’ll need to make sure I’ve got my trolling batteries fully charged every night – if the wind is blowing, it’s going to be working overtime in this one.” Anglers will take off from the Plattsburgh Boat Launch, located at 2 Dock St., in Plattsburgh, at 8 a.m. ET each day of competition. Each day’s General Tire Takeout will also be held at the Launch Ramp, beginning at 5 p.m. Fans are welcome to attend all takeoff and takeout ceremonies and also encouraged to follow the event online throughout the day on the MLF NOW!® live stream and SCORETRACKER® coverage at MajorLeagueFishing.com. MLF officials have divided the lake into two zones in which anglers will compete – Zone A (north end of lake) and Zone B (south end of lake – Ticonderoga area). Anglers choosing to fish in Zone B must go through the normal takeoff procedure at the Plattsburgh Boat Launch and then trailer to a public ramp within Zone B. Anglers will depart the Boat Launch at 8 a.m., and competition will start with “lines in” at 9 a.m. The Toyota Stage Six at Lake Champlain Presented by Googan Baits will feature anglers competing with a 2-pound minimum weight requirement for a bass to be deemed scorable. Minimum weights are determined individually for each competition waters that the Bass Pro Tour visits, based on the productivity, bass population and anticipated average size of fish in each fishery. The Bass Pro Tour features a field of 76 of the top professional anglers in the world – joined at each event by 4 pros that qualify from the Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit – competing across seven regular-season tournaments around the country, competing for millions of dollars and valuable points to qualify for the annual Heavy Hitters all-star event and the REDCREST 2022 championship. The four pros from the Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit that will join the Bass Pro Tour to compete at the Toyota Stage Six at Lake Champlain Presented by Googan Baits are Jacopo Gallelli, Ricky Robinson, Justin Cooper and Lawson Hibdon. Those anglers qualified via their finishes in the fifth Pro Circuit event of the year – the Federal Ammunition Stop 5 at the Potomac River Presented by Lucas Oil in Marbury, Maryland. The 40 Anglers in Group A compete in their two-day qualifying round on Lake Champlain on Thursday and Saturday – the 40 anglers in Group B on Friday and Sunday. After each two-day qualifying round is complete, the anglers that finish in 2nd through 20th place from both groups advance to Monday’s Knockout Round, while the winner of each group advances directly to Tuesday’s Championship Round. In the Knockout Round, weights are zeroed and the remaining 38 anglers compete to finish in the top 8 to advance to the Championship Round. In the final day Championship Round, weights are zeroed and the highest one-day total wins the top prize of $100,000. The MLF NOW!® broadcast team of Chad McKee, Marty Stone and J.T. Kenney will break down the extended action on all six days of competition from 8:45 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. ET. MLF NOW!® will be live streamed on MajorLeagueFishing.com and the MyOutdoorTV (MOTV) app. Television coverage of the Toyota Stage Six at Lake Champlain Presented by Googan Baits will premiere at 7 a.m. ET, Nov. 6 on the Discovery Channel. New MLF episodes premiere each Saturday morning on the Discovery Channel, with additional re-airings on the Outdoor Channel and the Sportsman Channel. Each two-hour long reality-based episode goes in-depth to break down each day of competition. For complete details and updated information on Major League Fishing and the Bass Pro Tour, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow MLF’s social media outlets at Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. |
Bassmaster Fishing 2022 Game Features 10 Playable Pro Anglers
July 27, 2021
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Dovetail Games, developer and publisher of authentic sports simulation titles, revealed the 10 playable Elite Series pro anglers coming to Bassmaster Fishing 2022, the Official Video Game of B.A.S.S., when the game launches this fall.
With authenticity at the core of Bassmaster Fishing 2022, the development team has spent considerable effort in bringing real-life anglers to the virtual world, accurately recreating them with in-game models capturing everything including their hair, facial features and body shape. And just like in real life, each of the playable anglers will have access to a selection of equipment from real-world sponsors for maximum immersion. In addition to the roster of professional anglers, players can create their own custom angler to challenge the pros in the hopes of becoming the next Bassmaster Classic champion!
The full lineup of Bassmaster anglers includes Hank Cherry, the back-to-back Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic presented by Huk champion; 2021 Bassmaster Elite Series winners Taku Ito and Jeff Gustafson; and previous Elite Series champions Stetson Blaylock, John Crews, Buddy Gross and Carl Jocumsen. 2019 Bassmaster Angler of the Year Scott Canterbury and popular pros Scott Martin and Skylar Hamilton are also playable in the game.
Developed and published by Dovetail Games, Bassmaster Fishing 2022 is due to release this fall in North America and Europe on the PlayStation®5, PlayStation®4, Xbox Series X|S, the Xbox One family of devices, including the Xbox One X, and Windows PC via Steam and the Microsoft Store.
For regular updates and more information, please visit www.bassmasterthegame.com.
Bassmaster High School 2021 Championship Heads To Chickamauga
High school teams from across the country will compete on Chickamauga Lake July 29-31 at the Mossy Oak Fishing Bassmaster High School National Championship presented by Academy Sports + Outdoors.
Photo by Kyle Jessie/B.A.S.S.
July 27, 2021
DAYTON, Tenn. — Over 300 of the country’s best bass fishing teams will converge on Chickamauga Lake for the 2021 Mossy Oak Fishing Bassmaster High School National Championship presented by Academy Sports + Outdoors July 29-31. In addition to a national title, anglers hope to reel in their share of a prize purse worth more than $20,700 and $600,000 in college scholarships.
Competition days will be July 29-31 with daily takeoffs from the Dayton Boat Dock at 6:45 a.m. ET. Weigh-ins will take place at Point Park at 2:45 p.m.
Student anglers qualified for the championship through four High School Opens held on Florida’s Harris Chain of Lakes, Kentucky’s Lake Cumberland, Michigan’s Saginaw Bay and Alabama’s Lay Lake.
Among those vying for the National Championship are eight members of the 2021 Bassmaster High School All-American Fishing Team presented by Academy Sports + Outdoors: 2020 Bassmaster High School National Champion Hayden Marbut of Vestavia, Ala., Alexis Grandstaff of Headland, Ala., Tyson Verkaik of Eustis, Fla., Mitchell Straffon of Fenton, Mich., Cole Moulton of Enfield, N.H., Carter Doren of Las Vegas, Nev., Hunter Keller of Morganton, N.C., and Turner Hart of Ashland, Va.
Each two-angler team is accompanied by a coach who runs the boat and can give advice on fishing techniques and patterns.
“They are the best of the best among 13,000 high school B.A.S.S. members representing more than 1,300 high school fishing clubs nationwide,” said Hank Weldon, High School & Youth Series senior manager. “We are thrilled to give these high school anglers an opportunity to tackle Chickamauga — a fishery with a reputation for producing giant bass — as they compete for a national title.”
2021 will mark the first time the Bassmaster High School National Championship has been decided on Chickamauga Lake, which has previously hosted four major B.A.S.S. tournaments.
The Bassmaster High School Series debuted in 2013 and has grown immensely since its inception. The program emphasizes sportsmanship, academics and conservation while giving young anglers a chance to improve and test their fishing skills in competition among their peers.
The Bassmaster High School Series National Championship tournament is being hosted by the Rhea Economic & Tourism Council, Bryan College and Fish Dayton.
Abu Garcia Jordan Lee Rods and Reels
Designed and tested by the Bassmaster Classic and MLF Champion.
COLUMBIA, S.C. — He’s one of only four anglers to ever win back-to-back Bassmaster Classic championships and has carried his reputation as a formidable competitor to the MLF Bass Pro Tour where he won Heavy Hitters and the Angler of the Year award in 2020. In the offseason, Lee helped design a new signature line of rods and reels for Abu Garcia, gear tailored to his exacting standards and suited for his technique-specific approach.
The line features four baitcasting reels (right- and lefthanded configurations in both standard and high speed), two spinning reels, and 14 different technique specific rods. Designed for serious bass anglers, the baitcast reels deliver 10+1 stainless-steel ball bearings for extreme smoothness, a one-piece graphite frame and sideplates. The Abu Garcia Jordan Lee spinning reels (Sizes 20 and 30) feature 6+1 stainless-steel HPCR bearings for smoothness and a Carbon Matrix drag system that remains smooth across all settings. A machined-aluminum, braid-ready spool and the Rocket Line Management System round out this well-appointed spinning reel.
Abu Garcia Jordan Lee rods are constructed of 30-ton graphite for a lightweight, balanced design as well as the Robotically Optimized Casting System guide train to maximize casting distance and a Winn split-grip design. With 12 technique-specific casting rods designed for everything from jerkbaits to large crankbaits along with a pair of technique-specific spinning rods, the Jordan Lee rod lineup helps anglers match their gear to their presentation and gives them everything they need to get the fish to the boat.
ABU GARCIA JORDAN LEE LOW-PROFILE REELS
Key Features:
• 10 stainless-steel ball bearings +1 roller bearing
• 90mm carbon handle arm
• Mag Trax brake system
• One-piece graphite frame
• Graphite sideplates
Models:
Standard and high-speed models in both right- and lefthanded configurations
MSRP: $104.95
Available: July 2021
ABU GARCIA JORDAN LEE SPINNING REELS
Key Features:
• 6 stainless-steel HPCR bearings + 1 roller bearing
• Rocket Line Management System
• Carbon Matrix hybrid drag system
• Slow oscillation for even line lay
• Machined-aluminum, braid-ready spool
Sizes: 20 • 30
MSRP: $84.95
Available July 2021
ABU GARCIA JORDAN LEE TECHNIQUE-SPECIFIC RODS
Key Features:
• 30-ton graphite for a lightweight, balanced design
• ROCS (Robotically Optimized Casting System) guide train for maximized casting distance with lighter lures
• Custom Abu Garcia-designed reel seat for increased comfort
• Stainless-steel guides with zirconium inserts
• Jordan Lee-designed, technique-specific actions
• Limited 3-year warranty
Casting Rods: 6-8 M (Jerkbait) • 6-10 MH (Topwater/Spinnerbait) • 6-10 H (Dock Skipping) • 7-0 MH (All-Purpose) • 7-2 MH (Jig/Swim Jig) • 7-3 H (Frog) • 7-4 MH (Bladed Jig) • 7-6 H (Flipping) • 7-9 H (Punching) • 7-05 M (Squarebill/Winch) 7-6 M (Crankbait/Winch) • 7-10 MH (Big Crankbait/Winch)
Spinning Rods: 6-10 ML (Super Finesse) • 7-0 M (Shaky Head)
MSRP: $89.95
Available: July 2021
Berkley PowerBait Gilly Wins Best of Show at 2021 ICAST
Legendary fishing tackle company combines science-fueled innovation with pro-inspired design to become first bait to ever win Best of Show.
ORLANDO, Fla. (July 22, 2021) — The new Berkley PowerBait Gilly, a soft, bluegill-shaped bait infused with the flavor of PowerBait, captured top honors in the ICAST 2021 New Product Showcase, winning the prestigious Best of Show award as voted on by international fishing media and retailers. With the win, the Gilly becomes the first bait to win the overall Best of Show award at ICAST, an award often dominated by electronics, rods and reels.
To win the award, the Gilly won the Best Freshwater Soft Bait on Day 1 of ICAST before competing against the 29 other best-in-category award winners on Day 2. In all, the PowerBait Gilly beat out hundreds of new products submitted into the awards showcase.
“Berkley’s commitment to innovation means every bait we make is the result of leading scientific research and constant testing in the labs and on the water truly making it a bait made by anglers. We’re proud of this award and for the recognition of this extremely important team win,” said Berkley CEO Harlan Kent. “And as science-fueled as the bait is, the Gilly is extremely accessible to anglers of all levels. Even new anglers will catch fish on this bait.”
The new Berkley PowerBait Gilly was inspired by the Japanese bass fishing techniques studied by Berkley pro Mike Iaconelli. Berkley’s bait scientists took Ike’s notes and put their own unique stamp on it, including the infusion of the bait with the famed PowerBait flavor that makes fish hold on longer for more hooksets.
“What stands out about this bait is the profile of what it’s imitating. A lot of lures have long, skinny profiles but for the first time in a long time we have a bait that so realistically mimics a fat-bodied forage base,” Iaconelli said, pointing out that the Gilly could represent a host of forage like crappie, tilapia and gizzard shad. “And I can’t remember a bait with this many rigging options. With most baits you’re restricted to just a couple, sometimes even just one, but with this there are probably 20 different ways I can think of to rig it and I’m sure we will come up with even more.”
Beyond flavor, Berkley designed the Gilly so the hollow head section is soft enough to collapse during strikes and keep the bait swimming upright regardless of how it’s rigged. The tabs built into the tail section give the bait a remarkably lifelike motion in the water, looking exactly like an easy meal. Texas rigged sideways, on a jig head or even a dropshot, the new Gilly is as realistic as it is versatile.
Available in six standard and six HD colors to match the hatch wherever it’s used, the PowerBait Gilly is available in three sizes (90mm, 110mm and 130mm) and will be available in retail stores beginning in September and has an MSRP of $6.49 for standard colors and $7.49 for HD colors.
To learn more about the Berkley PowerBait Gilly please visit www.berkley-fishing.com
Barkyoumb Wins Phoenix Bass Fishing League on Lake Champlain
Torrington’s Pellegrino Wins Strike King Co-Angler Division
PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. (JULY 26, 2021) – Boater Jared Barkyoumb of Winooski, Vermont, wins the Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine at Lake Champlain in Plattsburgh, N.Y. Barkyoumb earned $4,695 for his victory at the event, hosted by the City of Plattsburgh and the Adirondack Coast Visitors Bureau.
TOP 10 RESULTS
| RANK | BOATER NAME/HOMETOWN | BASS | WEIGHT | AWARD |
| 1st | Jared Barkyoumb of Winooski, Vt. | 5 | 20-8 | $4,695 |
| 2nd | Thomas Waltz of Saint Albans, Vt. | 5 | 20-2 | $2,348 |
| 3rd | Stephen Estes of Auburn, N.H. | 5 | 19-14 | $1,565 |
| 4th | Pete Gluszek of Mt. Laurel, N.J. | 5 | 19-10 | $1,796 |
| 5th | Cameron Chase of Conway, Mass. | 5 | 19-6 | $900 |
| 5th | Kyle Hall of Granbury, Texas | 5 | 19-6 | $1,400 |
| 7th | Henry Fristik of Blandford, Mass. | 5 | 19-5 | $783 |
| 8th | Gary Longley of So. Londonderry, Vt. | 5 | 19-4 | $704 |
| 9th | Dakota Ebare of Brookeland, Texas | 5 | 19-3 | $626 |
| 10th | Andrew Bechard of Plattsburgh, N.Y. | 5 | 19-1 | $520 |
| 10th | Robert Bordeaux of Essex Junction, Vt. | 5 | 19-1 | $520 |
| RANK | STRIKE KING CO-ANGLER NAME/HOMETOWN | BASS | WEIGHT | AWARD |
| 1st | Dominic Pellegrino of Torrington, Conn. | 5 | 20-8 | $2,309 |
| 2nd | Scott Minch of Feasterville, Pa. | 5 | 19-2 | $1,155 |
| 3rd | Michael Burke of Breinigsville, Pa. | 5 | 18-3 | $770 |
| 4th | Charles Peart of King of Prussia, Pa. | 5 | 17-13 | $539 |
| 5th | Chris Hurley of Carlisle, Pa. | 5 | 16-10 | $802 |
| 6th | Craig Cleveland of Frankfort, N.Y. | 5 | 16-0 | $423 |
| 7th | Jim D’Ambra of Hanover, Mass. | 5 | 15-8 | $385 |
| 8th | Romano Duncan of Andover, Mass. | 5 | 15-5 | $346 |
| 9th | Ethan McMahon of Swanton, Vt. | 5 | 15-4 | $288 |
| 9th | Thomas Illar, Jr., Hyde Park, Pa. | 5 | 15-4 | $288 |
CONTINGENCY AWARDS
| AWARD | NAME | CONTINGENCY | PAYOUT |
| Boater Big Bass | Jared Barkyoumb of Winooski, Vt. | 5-pound, 7-ounce bass | $700 |
| Strike King Co-Angler Berkley Big Bass | Chris Hurley of Carlisle, Pa. | 5-pound, 6-ounce bass | $340 |
| Phoenix MLF BIG5 Bonus | Kyle Hall of Granbury, Texas | Eligible Phoenix Boat* | $500 |
* Boaters are eligible to win up to an extra $7,000 per event in each Phoenix Bass Fishing League presented by T-H Marine tournament if all requirements are met. More information on the Phoenix MLF BIG5 Bonus contingency program can be found at PhoenixBassBoats.com.
WINNING BAITS
| ANGLER | BAIT | COLOR |
| Boater | Berkley Flat Worm/Drop Shot | N/A |
| Strike King Co-Angler | Roboworm/Drop Shot | N/A |
2021 QUALIFICATION OPPORTUNITIES
| EVENT | DATE | LOCATION | HOST |
| Northeast Division – Phoenix Bass Fishing League Regional Championship | Oct. 14-16 | Potomac River, Marbury, Md. | Charles County Board of Commissioners |
| 2022 Phoenix Bass Fishing League All-American | June 2-4 | Lake Hamilton, Hot Springs, Ark. | Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism & Visit Hot Springs |
The 2021 MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine is a 24-division circuit devoted to weekend anglers, with 128 tournaments throughout the season, five qualifying events in each division. The top 45 boaters and Strike King co-anglers from each division, along with the five winners of the qualifying events, will advance to one of six Phoenix Bass Fishing League Regional Championships. Boaters will compete for a $60,000 prize package, including a new Phoenix 819 Pro bass boat with a 200-horsepower Mercury outboard and $10,000, while Strike King co-anglers will fish for a new Phoenix 819 Pro bass boat with a 200-horsepower Mercury outboard.
The top six finishers in each regional will then qualify for one of the longest-running championships in all of competitive bass fishing – the Phoenix Bass Fishing League All-American.
The top 45 boaters and Strike King co-anglers plus tournament winners from each Phoenix Bass Fishing League division will also earn priority entry into the Toyota Series, the pathway to the Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit and ultimately the MLF Bass Pro Tour.
For complete details and updated information visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow the Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine on MLF’s social media outlets at Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube .
Gum Spring’s Lachniet Wins Phoenix Bass Fishing League on James River
Annandale’s Titus Wins Strike King Co-Angler Division
HENRICO, Va. (July 26, 2021) – Boater Ryan Lachniet of Gum Spring, Virginia, wins the Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine at James River in Henrico, Virginia. Lachniet earned $4,127 for his victory at the event.
TOP 10 RESULTS
| RANK | BOATER NAME/HOMETOWN | BASS | WEIGHT | AWARD |
| 1st | Ryan Lachniet of Gum Spring, Va. | 4 | 21-15 | $4,127 |
| 2nd | Marshall Johnson of Montpelier, Va. | 5 | 18-12 | $2,064 |
| 3rd | Jason Tibbetts of Centreville, Va. | 5 | 18-10 | $1,377 |
| 4th | Thomas Milton of Chester, Va. | 5 | 18-8 | $963 |
| 5th | Steve Colgin of Lanexa, Va. | 5 | 18-1 | $825 |
| 6th | Travis Lugar of McGaheysville, Va. | 5 | 17-7 | $757 |
| 7th | Drew Parks of Union Bridge, Md. | 5 | 17-4 | $1,188 |
| 8th | Tim Chaffin of Quinton, Va. | 5 | 16-5 | $619 |
| 8th | Mike Hicks of Goochland, Va. | 5 | 16-1 | $550 |
| 10th | Chris Daves of Spring Grove, Va. | 5 | 15-11 | $482 |
| RANK | STRIKE KING CO-ANGLER NAME/HOMETOWN | BASS | WEIGHT | AWARD |
| 1st | Alex Titus of Annandale, Va. | 5 | 14-5 | $2,064 |
| 2nd | Lazarus Durham of Dumfries, Va. | 5 | 13-8 | $1,157 |
| 3rd | Rob Hilliard of Vinton, Va. | 5 | 12-12 | $688 |
| 4th | Dean Dalton of Keeling, Va. | 5 | 12-7 | $482 |
| 5th | Tracy Gravely of Petersburg, Va. | 5 | 12-3 | $413 |
| 6th | Doug Griles of Providence Ford, Va. | 5 | 12-2 | $378 |
| 7th | Matt Hummel of Lancaster, Pa. | 5 | 12-1 | $344 |
| 8th | Greg Chuhta of Germantown, Md. | 5 | 11-13 | $310 |
| 9th | Thomas Greenberg of Montpelier, Va. | 3 | 11-10 | $275 |
| 10th | David L. Deciucis of Chester, Va. | 5 | 11-7 | $241 |
CONTINGENCY AWARDS
| AWARD | NAME | CONTINGENCY | PAYOUT |
| Boater Big Bass | Richard Hodges of Knotts Island, N.C.287 | 7-pound, 4-ounce bass | $575 |
| Strike King Co-Angler Berkley Big Bass | Dick Allen of Sumerduck, Va. | 5-pound, 7-ounce bass | $287 |
| Phoenix MLF BIG5 Bonus | Drew Parks of Union Bridge, Md. | Eligible Phoenix Boat* | $500 |
* Boaters are eligible to win up to an extra $7,000 per event in each Phoenix Bass Fishing League presented by T-H Marine tournament if all requirements are met. More information on the Phoenix MLF BIG5 Bonus contingency program can be found at PhoenixBassBoats.com.
WINNING BAITS
| ANGLER | BAIT | COLOR |
| Boater | Yamamoto Senko/Wacky Rig | Black/Blue |
| Strike King Co-Angler | Zoom Magnum Shakey Head Worm | N/A |
2021 QUALIFICATION OPPORTUNITIES
| EVENT | DATE | LOCATION | HOST |
| Shenandoah Division – Phoenix Bass Fishing League Regional Championship | Oct. 14-16 | Lake Murray, Columbia, S.C. | Capital City Lake Murray Country Regional Tourism Board |
| 2022 Phoenix Bass Fishing League All-American | June 2-4 | Lake Hamilton, Hot Springs, Ark. | Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism & Visit Hot Springs |
The 2021 MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine is a 24-division circuit devoted to weekend anglers, with 128 tournaments throughout the season, five qualifying events in each division. The top 45 boaters and Strike King co-anglers from each division, along with the five winners of the qualifying events, will advance to one of six Phoenix Bass Fishing League Regional Championships. Boaters will compete for a $60,000 prize package, including a new Phoenix 819 Pro bass boat with a 200-horsepower Mercury outboard and $10,000, while Strike King co-anglers will fish for a new Phoenix 819 Pro bass boat with a 200-horsepower Mercury outboard.
The top six finishers in each regional will then qualify for one of the longest-running championships in all of competitive bass fishing – the Phoenix Bass Fishing League All-American.
The top 45 boaters and Strike King co-anglers plus tournament winners from each Phoenix Bass Fishing League division will also earn priority entry into the Toyota Series, the pathway to the Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit and ultimately the MLF Bass Pro Tour.
For complete details and updated information visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow the Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine on MLF’s social media outlets at Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube .
Berlin Center’s Knauf Wins Phoenix Bass Fishing League on Mosquito Lake
Troy’s Blinn Wins Strike King Co-Angler Division
CORTLAND, Ohio (July 26, 2021) – Boater Kyle Knauf of Berlin Center, Ohio, wins the Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine at Mosquito Lake Presented by TINCUP Whiskey in Cortland, Ohio. Knauf earned $5,428 for his victory at the event.
TOP 10 RESULTS
| RANK | BOATER NAME/HOMETOWN | BASS | WEIGHT | AWARD |
| 1st | Kyle Knauf of Berlin Center, Ohio | 5 | 16-5 | $5,428 |
| 2nd | Shaun Brown of Slippery Rock, Pa. | 5 | 15-13 | $2,214 |
| 3rd | Jeffrey Yost of Lima, Ohio | 5 | 14-10 | $1,478 |
| 4th | Josh Kelly of Cortland, Ohio | 5 | 14-1 | $1,033 |
| 5th | Chuck Willis of Dayton, Ohio | 5 | 13-15 | $886 |
| 6th | Jay Ellis of Celina, Ohio | 5 | 13-12 | $2,012 |
| 7th | Butch Dobransky of North Canton, Ohio | 5 | 13-9 | $738 |
| 8th | Luke Fulton of Ray, Ohio | 5 | 13-2 | $627 |
| 8th | Danny Reaves of Cleves, Ohio | 5 | 13-2 | $627 |
| 10th | Josh Smith of Hamilton, Ohio | 5 | 13-1 | $517 |
| RANK | STRIKE KING CO-ANGLER NAME/HOMETOWN | BASS | WEIGHT | AWARD |
| 1st | Brian Blinn of Troy, Ohio | 5 | 12-3 | $2,214 |
| 2nd | Mark Miller of Baltic, Ohio | 5 | 11-14 | $1,107 |
| 3rd | Jarrod Simmons of Athens, Ohio | 5 | 11-13 | $738 |
| 4th | Brian Zelinskas of Beavercreek, Ohio | 5 | 11-12 | $517 |
| 5th | J.R. Selke of Waynesville, Ohio | 5 | 10-12 | $443 |
| 6th | Dan Goforth of Monroe, Ohio | 5 | 10-10 | $406 |
| 7th | Jordan Voigt of Celina, Ohio | 5 | 10-8 | $369 |
| 8th | Jeff Turner of Plainfiled, Ill. | 5 | 10-5 | $532 |
| 9th | Alfie Bricker of West Portsmouth, Ohio | 5 | 10-4 | $295 |
| 10th | Billy French of Hamilton, Ohio | 5 | 10-3 | $258 |
CONTINGENCY AWARDS
| AWARD | NAME | CONTINGENCY | PAYOUT |
| Boater Big Bass | Brody Campbell of Oxford, Ohio | 5-pound, 3-ounce bass | $635 |
| Strike King Co-Angler Berkley Big Bass | Preston Hake of Mineral Ridge, Ohio | 4-pound, 4-ounce bass | $317 |
| Phoenix MLF BIG5 Bonus | Jay Ellis of Celina, Ohio | Eligible Phoenix Boat* | $500 |
* Boaters are eligible to win up to an extra $7,000 per event in each Phoenix Bass Fishing League presented by T-H Marine tournament if all requirements are met. More information on the Phoenix MLF BIG5 Bonus contingency program can be found at PhoenixBassBoats.com.
WINNING BAITS
| ANGLER | BAIT | COLOR |
| Boater | Unspecified Drop Shot | N/A |
| Strike King Co-Angler | Z-Man Evergreen Chatterbait Jack Hammer | N/A |
2021 QUALIFICATION OPPORTUNITIES
| EVENT | DATE | LOCATION | HOST |
| Buckeye Division – Phoenix Bass Fishing League Regional Championship | Oct. 14-16 | Potomac River, Marbury, Md. | Charles County Board of Commissioners |
| 2022 Phoenix Bass Fishing League All-American | June 2-4 | Lake Hamilton, Hot Springs, Ark. | Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism & Visit Hot Springs |
The 2021 MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine is a 24-division circuit devoted to weekend anglers, with 128 tournaments throughout the season, five qualifying events in each division. The top 45 boaters and Strike King co-anglers from each division, along with the five winners of the qualifying events, will advance to one of six Phoenix Bass Fishing League Regional Championships. Boaters will compete for a $60,000 prize package, including a new Phoenix 819 Pro bass boat with a 200-horsepower Mercury outboard and $10,000, while Strike King co-anglers will fish for a new Phoenix 819 Pro bass boat with a 200-horsepower Mercury outboard.
The top six finishers in each regional will then qualify for one of the longest-running championships in all of competitive bass fishing – the Phoenix Bass Fishing League All-American.
The top 45 boaters and Strike King co-anglers plus tournament winners from each Phoenix Bass Fishing League division will also earn priority entry into the Toyota Series, the pathway to the Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit and ultimately the MLF Bass Pro Tour.
For complete details and updated information visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow the Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine on MLF’s social media outlets at Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube .
Strike King CONTRA a New Fishing Line with a New Performance Fluorocarbon, Monofilament and Braided Lines
Strike King Introduces New Rogue and Catawba Polarized Sunglasses
Strike King Introduces New Skip’N Buzz
Lexington, S.C. – June 8, 2021 – With a relentless drive to offer anglers new tools to catch more fish, Strike King Lure Company is pleased to announce the new Andy Montgomery Skip’NBuzz. This game-changing lure is specifically built to help anglers target out-of-reach fish in places where few baits will go. The legendary Strike King buzzbait, with a new design twist, is reshaping the way anglers find and catch fish.
To engineer this innovative design, Strike King turned to arguably the most proficient skipping and pitching angler on the water, Bass Pro Tour veteran Andy Montgomery. For two of his tour-level wins in his career — on Lake Norman and Smith Lake —the Blacksburg, SC native credits his ability to skip a lure into the dark recesses underneath a dock to target tournament-winning fish.
He said it took a company like Strike King to capture his extended vision for lure offerings. “My guys at Strike King and I designed thisbuzzbait to go where other buzzbaits just don’t go,and you can cast and pitch them too.” Montgomery said. “Overall, it is an amazing lure to run down the bank with and fish whatever comes your way without changing lures. But, there is simply nothing better than to skip it under a low hanging tree or put it beneath a dock and hear the explosion of the strike.”
To augment the skipping design of the buzzbait, Montgomery and Strike King also replaced the traditional buzzbait skirt with a soft plastic Strike King Toad. The bait is also sold with an interchangeable Rage Swimmer.
The Andy Montgomery Skip’N Buzz comes in four colors. Andy favors the white design when fish are targeting shad. In low light conditions, and when fish are feeding on bluegill, Andy will switch to a green pumpkinseed or black to get the job done, and pink when the fish want something different. The Skip’N Buzz will be available in a 3/8-ounce size with an MSRP of $8.99
-SKBZ-204(White)
-SKBZ-10(Black)
-SKBZ-46(Green Pumpkin)
-SKBZ-98(Pink)
Strike King Introduces 3.38-inch Mid-Size Rage Bug
Lexington, S.C. – July 16, 2021 – Strike King is pleased to announce that it has expanded the lineup of one of the most successful soft plastics on the market. Following up on the immense popularity of the Strike King Rage Bug, Baby Rage Bug and the Magnum Rage Bug, the company introduces the new 3.38” mid-size Rage Bug. What makes the Rage Bug so important to avid anglers is that it can put fish in the boat inso many different situations. The man who understands this bait’s versatility better than anyone is MLF pro Andy Montgomery. “The Rage Bug is the bait with the ultimate in versatility. I cast it, I pitch it, I skip it and I use it as a trailer on a Skipping Jig,” said Montgomery. “Its thin body allows easy penetration with a worm hook, so I use it Texas-rigged a lot. I will put it on the back of a Strike King Thunder Cricket. In shallow vegetation, I even fish it as a topwater, because its flat profile makes it such a deadly wake bait.”
“Over the years the Rage Bug has become one of the most important baits in my boat,” offered Bassmaster Elite Series angler, Greg Hackney. Hackney, an 18-year professional angler is a dangerous man with a pitching and flipping stick in his hand, has relied on the Rage Bug many times when good bites are tough to come by. “Strike King designed this 3.38” bait to deliver the same action as its bulkier cousin, but with a smaller presentation for when the fish are not as aggressive,” said Hackney. “It allows me to scale down, but still have plenty of presence in the water.” The 3.38” Rage Bug, like the original, Baby and Magnum sizes, is a remarkable soft plastic for pitching around cover and punching mats. This size is also an awesome trailer on a swim jig. The four appendages create an unmatched action. “There are occasions when it pays to downsize that Rage Bug a bit,” said Hackney. “A lot of times when you downsize a bait, you tend to lose a little of action, but this 3.38” deal really sizzles down there,”
Strike King Adds to Tour Grade Spinnerbait Lineup
Strike King Introduces the Weedless Squadron Head
Lexington, S.C. – June 1, 2021 – The legendary Squadron Swimbait Jig Head just got better.New for 2021, Strike King Lure Company is pleased to announce the weedless version of this best-seller. The Squadron Swimbait Jig Head has a solid reputation for delivering results in virtually every fishing condition. Mark Zona, world class angler and television host and commentatorrelies on the Squadron Head year-round across the country. “The thing I absolutely love about the Squadron Head is how versatile it is, and having a weedless version makes it so much better,” said Zona.“ I use it to rig swimbaits, like the Shadalicious, Rage Swimmers and the Glass Minnow.”
The head is not limited to baitfish imitators, however, Zona said that he has found other uses for it. “I use it to fish Rage Bugsand I can I slow roll it across the bottom, bouncing it over rocks or skip it under docks, said Zona. “I fish it literally everywhere; and now, the thing is weedless.”
Zona played a key role in the new weedless version of the Squadron Head. “As good as this jig head is, we needed a way to get it through cover, and swim it through grass,” Zona explained. “One of the greatest features of the Squadron Head is the muscled up, wide-gap, black nickel hook. It is really stout, and even on a small bait, the hook can handle big fish.So,to get that big hook through cover without getting hung up on debris, we designed the perfect weed guard on the new updated Squadron Head.”
Like the trusted original, the WeedlessSquadron Head features a bait keeper that excels at holding the plastic bait firmly in place.Mark Menendez, 20-year veteran of the Bassmaster Tournament Trail, depends on this feature tomanage the bait with all-day performance. “You rarely have to adjust your bait with this keeper on it,” Menendez offers. “It keeps you fishing with minimal interruption.”
Also like the original, the 60-degree line tie on the Weedguard Squadron Head allows ideal action on the bait. Strike King offers the Weedguard Squadron Jig Head in Blue Glimmer, Green Pumpkin, Pearl, Unpainted and in four sizes: 1/4 oz, 3/8 oz, 1/2 oz, and 3/4 oz.
Cranking Was Key For Diehl In B.A.S.S. Kayak Series Win On Pickwick Lake
2021 Pickwick Kayak Winner.jpg
Joshua Diehl, of Grovetown, Ga., has won the Bassmaster B.A.S.S. Nation Kayak Series powered by TourneyX at Pickwick Lake with a five-fish limit measuring 92.5 inches.
Photo by Kyle Jessie/B.A.S.S.
July 24, 2021
COUNCE, Tenn. — A moment of forethought equipped Joshua Diehl of Grovetown, Ga., with the tool he needed to tally 92.5 inches and win the Bassmaster B.A.S.S. Nation Kayak Series powered by TourneyX at Pickwick Lake.
Diehl topped second-place Coley McGowan of Gadsden, Ala., by a 4-inch margin. Diehl’s best five bass measured 19.25, 19, 18.25, 18 and 18 inches.
Fishing from a Hobie Pro Angler 14 with the MirageDrive 360, Diehl spent most of his time near an offshore island upriver from the Natchez Trace Bridge. He fished submerged grass in 5 to 8 feet, but ended up catching his fish in an unexpected manner.
“I picked up a bait that I’ve never had a reason to throw before — a Strike King Hybrid Hunter (crankbait),” Diehl said. “Where I live, we don’t have grass lakes; we don’t have any grass in our lakes whatsoever.
“When I found the fish in practice, I knew they were in grass and I knew they would eat a worm, but I was unsure that I wanted to throw the worm all day. I had bought Hybrid Hunters in the event that I found a grass scenario where I could power fish.”
Diehl actually started his day throwing a Texas-rigged Zoom Speed Worm in California 420 and boated a couple of fish. However, the vast majority of his 25 bass came on the crankbait.
“This morning when I got to my spot I caught my first two fish on a worm, and then I saw a gizzard shad break (the surface),” he said. “I picked up the Hybrid Hunter in the green gizzard color and chucked it out there and got bit immediately. The fish hit it so hard, it almost took the rod out of my hand.
“That’s when I realized I should stick to the Hybrid Hunter in the early morning. But the more I threw it, the more they kept eating it.”
Diehl said he had his limit in about 20 minutes. He continued upgrading for the next two hours.
“I just sat there and went to town on them,” he said. “I lost probably six or seven fish over the course of the day and most of my fish were over 16 inches.”
Diehl said he was confident he had found an area with a good population of fish, but he was surprised by their behavior.
“I didn’t expect them to stay shallow all day,” he said. “I expected that, as the heat of the day came up, they would get off the ledge and get into deeper water, but they never did. They stayed up the entire day.”
Diehl threw his crankbait on a 7-foot ALX Ikos Hustler fiberglass rod with a 6.3:1 Daiwa Tatula Elite reel holding 14-pound Sunline FC Sniper fluorocarbon. Diehl said he based his presentation on the advice of a Bassmaster Elite Series veteran.
“Gerald Swindle always says ‘In the summertime, speed kills.’ The faster I ran that bait, the harder they hit it. They were reacting big time.
“The faster you move the bait, they don’t get a good look at it. The bait’s (hitting) the grass, banging and moving in between. They’d just come up and rail it.”
Diehl said he remained on the same 300- to 400-yard stretch all day. Moving up and down the length and adjusting with the fish.
“There was a sweet spot, but as the day went on, I think the sweet spot was moving,” he said. “When I started the day, I was in the sweet spot that I knew about; but as that bite died in that location, I started to shade out.
“As I started to shade out toward the deeper water and a little farther down from the island, I started getting bit again. As the sun got hotter, they came out a little farther, but they stayed in the grass.
McGowan’s second-place effort included five bass measuring 20.25, 19, 18, 16.25 and 15 inches.
Brian Delahunty of Fyffe, Ala., finished third with 86.75 inches. His best five measured 19.5, 18.5, 16.75, 16.50 and15.50.
Fishing a Hobie Pro Angler 14 with the MirageDrive 360 and a Torqueedo 1103 electric motor, Delahunty fished the mid-lake area and targeted submerged grass in 6 to 8 feet.
After an unproductive start, Delahunty reached his main area and fished there the rest of his day. Working one area about 300 yards long by 100 yards wide, he caught approximately 20 bass.
“My Garmin LiveScope helped me pick out the larger strands of submerged grass,” Delahunty said. “You’d look out and see it was 8 feet deep and there’s 2 feet of grass and then there’d be a hump of grass that was 4 feet tall. Those almost always held fish.
“That was instrumental because I could cruise through the grass and every time I saw one of those clumps, I marked it. When I’d come back down through again, there would be another fish on it.”
Delahunty caught all of his bass on a Texas-rigged Zoom Speed Worm with a 1/8-ounce weight. He fished this bait on 15-pound Gamma braid main line with a 15-pound Seaguar AbrazX fluorocarbon leader.
Justin Patrick of Arlington, Tenn., caught the day’s biggest bass — a 23.25-incher.
Tour Hardin County is hosting the event.
Strike King introduces the 6XD Hard Knock
Lexington, S.C. – July 16, 2021 – Always known for breakthrough innovations, Strike King is adding a new sound for one of best-selling crank baits of all time. For 2022, Strike King announces the 6XD Hard Knock. Strike King has taken the time-tested 6XD and applied the popular Hard Knock technology to it. They maintained the exact same shape, weight & proven action, but added a single weight configuration that adds a deep thumping sound that makes it have a different appeal to offshore bass.
The Strike King 6XD was first released to the market in 2011 but was brought to the attention of the fishing public in June of 2010 when Strike King pro and bass fishing legend Kevin VanDam won the Bassmaster Elite Series Tennessee Triumph on Kentucky Lake with a four-day total of 92 pounds, 5 ounces. In winning that event, VanDam highlighted the lure that he and legendary Strike King lure designer, the late Phil Marks, teamed up to produce. The pair would also collaborate on several other projects, but the 6XD has been perhaps their most admired result.
To this day, the 6XD remains a lure that serious crankbait anglers rely on and knowing how many of the deep diving plugs get presented to bass across the country, Strike King took what Marks and VanDam built and added a new sound to help anglers trigger strikes in a new way.
One of those anglers that has relied on the lure is 2018 FLW Angler of the Year and 22-year veteran of professional fishing, Mark Rose. The Arkansas pro and ledge fishing specialisthas relied heavily on the plugthroughout his career. “The 6XD is the best deep diving crankbait on the planet,” announcedRose. “It is my go-to bait all over the country.”
Rose credits the unique design of the 6XD that sets it apart from other deep diving crankbaits. “ The 6XD simply has features that no other crankbait has,” Rose said noting the curvature of the 6XD’s bill and streamlined body shape. “It gets down quickly to maximum depth. And when it gets down there, the action is like no other.” Even with its effectiveness, Rose knows that it helps to have differences that set presentations apart. The addition of the Hard Knock sound gives him something to adjust in his presentations to generate strikes. “This thing doesn’t sound like any other crankbait, it hits hard under the water like its ringing the dinner bell,” jokes Rose. “All kidding aside though, there is no underestimating the impact of adding the Hard Knock sound to this legendary crankbait; it will make offshore bass respond.”
The key depth of the of the 6XD is 18 to 20 feet, but according to Rose, the 6XD, “will run 20 feet on 12-pound line right out of the package.” While Rose said the lure will reach a depth of 20 feet on 12-pound line, Fellow Strike King Pro, and Kentucky Lake native Mark Menendez, from Paducah, Kent. Likes a little more depth. Menendez usually fishes the 6XD on 10-pound line to get even more depth from the lure, and at those depths, added attraction is helpful. “You want that 6XD covering as much real estate as you can down there banging off structure; creating reaction strikes,” Menendez said. “The 6XD is one of my all-time favorite plugs, and having this new sound profile will create more commotion and add strikes, which equates to more opportunity on the water. Professional fishing can be a hard knock life, but the Hard Knock series can help smooth some bumps out of a fishing day.”
Strike King Introduces the Chick Magnet Crankbait
Lexington, S.C. – July16, 2021 – Strike King Lure Company is pleased to work with MLF pro angler and back-to-back FLW AOY winner Andy Morgan to develop the Chick Magnet flat-sided crankbait. Partnering with Strike King's innovative design team, the Dayton, Tenn. pro harkened back to his upbringing on or around Lake Chickamauga to develop the Chick Magnet. "It is great to finally see the flat-sided crankbait getting the attention it deserves," said Morgan.
While the flat-sided crankbait has a rich history in Tennessee and the Carolinas - where Morgan cut his teeth - it has proven to be highly effective style of bait nationwide." Those early lures I remember so fondly were designed by garage craftsmen out of balsa and cedar, and they had action like no other,”said Morgan.“ That's what our team at Strike King had in mind when we envisioned the Chick Magnet, and I think we were true to those early designs." The thin body design of the Chick Magnet and the circuit board lip impart a tighter wiggle and an exceptionally lifelike action to the lure." The Chick Magnet has the perfect action, that wobble and thump, that makes it really get bit," Morgan added.
The Chick Magnet is ideal in the three-to-six-foot depth range and anglers will certainly see the design's benefit for targeting fish in tougher conditions; the Chick Magnet excels in cool water, when fishing pressure is high, or after a weather front has made finding a bite more challenging.
"We worked really hard to breathe new life and bring new technology to an old, tried-and-true design," Morgan offered. "One of the challenges of traditional balsa flat-sided crankbaits is their castability and durability. Historically flat-sides are hard to cast for distance or accuracy due to their lighter weight and could only handle so much abuse before it was destroyed. But we addressed these issues when designing the Chick Magnet. It will cast, hold up well, and more importantly, catch big ones!”
Strike King offers the Chick Magnet in 13 colors. For clear water, Morgan prefers the Green Gizzard Shad, Natural Shad, Natural Bream and Sexy Shad 2.0. When fishing stained water, Morgan often switches to a Chartreuse with Blue/Black Splatterback or a Chartreuse Copper. His personal favorite color in the line is “Tip’s Special” which pays homage to Marion Tipton, the original carver of the bait that was the inspiration of the all-new Chick Magnet.
Major League Fishing Announces 2022 Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit and Toyota Series Schedules
ORLANDO, Fla. (July 22, 2021) – Major League Fishing (MLF), the world’s largest tournament-fishing organization, announced Thursday schedules for the 2022 Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit and the 2022 Toyota Series at a live press event held at the International Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trades (ICAST).
The 27th season of the MLF Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit (formerly FLW Tour), professional bass fishing’s premier five-fish limit circuit, will feature six regular-season stops showcasing the best anglers in the world competing for thousands of dollars across the best bass fisheries in the United States. The 2022 season will culminate with the Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit TITLE, in which 50 anglers will qualify – the top 48 finishers in the Pro Circuit Angler of the Year standings along with the reigning 2021 TITLE Champion and the 2021 Angler of the Year.
2022 MLF Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit Schedule:
Hosted by Visit Lake County, Florida
Hosted by the Hardin County Convention & Visitors Bureau
Hosted by Marshall County Tourism and Sports
Hosted by Richmond Region Tourism
Hosted by the City of Plattsburgh & the Adirondack Coast Visitor’s Bureau
Hosted by the Town of Massena
“We’ve got some great momentum as we near the end of a very successful 2021 season and we look forward to carrying that momentum into 2022,” said Kathy Fennel, MLF Executive Vice President and General Manager. “Our team has put together a pair of great schedules that I know will have our fans and anglers excited – a nice mix of some of our historic venues along with a few fisheries that we haven’t visited in a while. Our MLF anglers are the best in the world, and we look forward to providing our world-class tournaments to them again in 2022.”
“The Town of Massena is excited and proud to be selected for the 2022 Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit TITLE Championship,” said Don Meissner, Massena Tourism Promoter. “After years of working to promote our community, Massena is now being recognized as one of the most beautiful fishing destinations in the United States. On behalf of all of the communities in the North Country, we can’t wait to host the TITLE anglers that will visit us in upstate New York.”
Also announced Thursday was the 2022 MLF Toyota Series schedule, which kicks off its regular season in early-February at Lake Okeechobee in Clewiston, Florida, and runs through late-September when it wraps up at the St. Lawrence River in Massena, New York.
2022 MLF Toyota Series Schedule:
Central Division
Hosted by the Mountain Lakes Chamber of Commerce
Hosted by Byrdstown-Pickett County Chamber of Commerce
Hosted by Chattanooga Sports
Northern Division
Hosted by Charles County Board of Commissioners
Hosted by City of Plattsburgh & Adirondack Coast Visitors Bureau
Hosted by the Town of Massena
Plains Division
Hosted by Tri-County Lodging Association
Hosted by City of Grove & Grove Convention & Tourism Bureau
Hosted by the Sedalia Convention and Visitors Bureau & Visit Benton
Southern Division
Hosted by Roland & Mary Ann Martin’s Marina and Resort and the Hendry County Tourism Development Council
Hosted by the Clarendon County Chamber of Commerce
Hosted by Visit Lake County, Florida
Southwestern Division
Hosted by the Jasper-Lake Sam Rayburn Chamber of Commerce
Hosted by TBD
Hosted by the Jasper-Lake Sam Rayburn Chamber of Commerce
Western Division
Hosted by Go Lake Havasu
Hosted by the City of Clearlake
Hosted by TBD
* Subject to California permit approval
After resounding positive feedback from anglers, the Toyota Series Wild Card Division will also return in 2022. Pros and co-anglers have a second chance at qualifying for the Toyota Series Championship by fishing four or more tournaments in any combination of divisions and keeping their three highest finishes. Twelve pros and 12 co-anglers will qualify for the 2022 Toyota Series Championship based on Wild Card division points.
Further details for both circuits will be announced later this year. The full schedule for the 2022 MLF Bass Pro Tour and the dates and location for the 2022 Toyota Series Championship will be announced in the coming weeks.
For more ICAST 2021 coverage, compete details and updated 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.
SPRO’s Fat Papa Walker Brings New Life to the Topwater Game
Kennesaw, GA (XXXX) Major League Fishing pro Russ “Big Daddy” Lane is a big man with a big appetite for big bass. So when he needed a do-everything topwater walker for lunker bass from Florida to California, he enlisted the SPRO engineers to build the Fat Papa Walker. This 130mm beast calls the meanest predators on your local lake to strike out of pure aggression.
Not only is the Fat Papa Walker slightly bigger than standard walk-the-dog topwaters, but unlike its cigar-shaped predecessors, it features a distinctly distended belly that pushes massive amounts of water. It enables anyone to create a wide “glide” without much effort. As a result, expert topwater anglers will be able to make it perform all sorts of fish-tempting tricks, while even rank beginners will get this baitfish imitator to work properly with minimal effort.
If the wide walking action was not enough to draw fish from a distance, the dual rattle chambers create an aggravating clacking noise that inspires vicious strikes. In addition to the unique body shape, the Fat Papa Walker also has a shallow cupped mouth, thus adding to the varied ways you can fish this big surface lure. You can chug it, twitch it or walk it violently, everything from the most aggressive action possible to the most subtle – the only thing that won’t be subtle is when a big bass inhales it. It’s equally effective on largemouths, smallmouths and spotted bass, and don’t be surprised if a giant striper or muskie comes up to take a bite out of it. Combined with SPRO’s other purpose-driven topwater tools, this will complete your tournament-winning topwater arsenal.
The Fat Papa Walker is available in 8 proven colors, perfectly matched to different forage bases and water conditions, so you’ll always have the right tool for the job.
SPRO Fat Papa Walker 130 Features
- Size: 130mm
- Weight:7/8 ounce
- Depth: Topwater
- Action: Walk the Dog
SPRO® Fishing Line Assortment Expands With New Essential Series Bronzeye Braid 8x
Kennesaw, GA (XXXX) - Bass anglers can all agree on one thing – there’s no more excitement on the water than flipping a frog and enticing a big bass to engulf it. Designed primarily for casting lures like the SPRO® Bronzeye frog, along with flipping baits into timber, SPRO introduces the new Essential Series Bronzeye Braid 8X. Available in moss green color, it comes in four different pound tests – 40, 50, 60, and 80, each in 150-meter spools.
Made in Japan to SPRO’s specifications, the new smooth 8-strand braid offers premium performance at an affordable price. The Bronzeye Braid 8X lines are ideal for the influx of new anglers who are just discovering fishing and the different techniques used for frog fishing or any heavy cover application.
“Our new Essential Bronzeye Braid 8x fits well into SPRO’s system approach to fishing, and in this case, we make it easy for anglers to select the right braided line to use when fishing frogs or flipping,” said Syd Rives with SPRO. “Whether a new angler to our sport or a seasoned pro competing in club events or on various tournament circuits, our ‘system approach’ is all about making all the tackle selection easy so you can concentrate on your time on the water.”
Features:
• Pound Test: 40#, 50#, 60#, 80#
• Spool Size: 150 meter (167 yards)
• Braid Color: Moss Green
• MSRP: 40, 50, 60 - $17.99; 80 - $19.99
Unique Sound And Head-shaking Action Offered in New Spro Cyclone Prop 80
Kennesaw, GA Along with his success as a professional bass angler, Shin Fukae is known for his devotion to the sport both on and off the water. Always thinking. Always looking for the advantage. And that includes ideas for bass lures. The crew at SPRO has teamed with Fukae for a new prop/plop bait, the Cyclone Prop 80, that already has Shin excited for his next tournament and maybe another Angler of the Year title.
The SPRO Cyclone Prop 80, at 80-millimeters (just over 3-inches,) does offer a number of Shin Fukae advantages. Along with being available in a variety colors for various conditions, the lure will entice bass with its unique head shake as it moves through the water, while the rear metal blade emits a unique sound – all in hopes of driving a bass so crazy it pounces on it.
“And there’s even more to it to make it easy to fish,” said SPRO’s Syd Rives. “We use a SPRO swivel in line tie to keep the bait from rolling while providing anglers with more leverage versus when hooked up. With Cyclone Prop 80, more of your hooksets will lead to more bass brought to the boat.”
Features:
- Body Size: 80mm (just over 3-inches)
- Connection: SPRO swivel in line tie
- Hooks: Gamakatsu #4 trebles
- MSRP: $15.99
Robotic Swimbaits, X Ray Glasses and an $11,000 Kayak:
Vance McCullough
Welcome to ICAST 2021
Growing up, I thought we’d have flying cars by now. But in a week that saw Jeff Bezos blast off to space in a private craft, nowhere is creativity displayed more brightly than at the ICAST show in Orlando, Fla.
One example is the Animated Lure, which according to the packaging, is “Bringing Fishing to Life”. The multi-segmented hard-bodied swimbaits begin swimming in random circular and figure eight patterns when dropped in water. They are USB rechargeable and run for about 45 minutes-to-an-hour, so smart anglers are buying them in pairs to use one while the other recharges. Hate to run out of battery when the bite suddenly turns hot.
Available in three sizes, the Animated Lure prices range from twenty-some-odd bucks to over seventy, with the most practical size, The Classic, retailing for about $32.
X ray glasses were all the rage in the 1950’s. Popularity waned as women started wearing clothes that left nothing to the imagination in the first place. Fish, however, are shyer and if you want to see the drop-offs and underwater where they hide, look no further than the ClearWater.AR system, an electronics bundle featuring a pair of glasses through which you view your smartphone as it scans the water to reveal, right on the phone screen, all the hidden topography.
The ClearWater.AR (AR stands for augmented reality) will even populate the screen with golf hole style flags to hint at the places where you might want to cast. It is said to show navigational channels, marker buoys at twilight and in heavy fog and could be a useful tool if it lives up to its promised potential.
ClearWater.AR uses imagery provided by Strikelines, a company worth checking out as their charts can be purchased independently from the ClearWater.AR system which itself will set you back $1,199 plus the requisite annual subscription to the associated smartphone app at $99 per year.
We’ve previewed Apex Watercraft before on AnglersChannel.com but company owner, Eric Jackson notes that the nascent venture suffered all the common setbacks during 2020 and is just now hitting its stride. “We will have inventory to dealers this fall,” said Jackson who added that prospective customers can place an order direct with the company.
The Apex may be the must futuristic thing at ICAST. The craft weighs about 40 pounds, Jackson lifted off its display stand with one finger under the nose. The graphics reveal sections of the carbon fiber construction that lends both, exceptional strength and tremendous weight savings along with a clean, technical look similar to that of a high-end fishing rod. The kayak shares another trait with high-end rods – a high-end price tag.
$11,000.
Features are too numerous for the scope of this story, but you need to take a look at the Apex online. Jackson has posted a handful of videos on YouTube, for example. After checking it out you may not buy one, but you will want one. Jackson flatly states, “They’re not for everybody, just those who want the very best.”
Sometimes the best doesn’t cost more. I hung out with Bassmaster Elite Series Pro Matt ‘On ‘Em’ Robertson today. Having finished his first season on Tour, Robertson said one the biggest lessons he learned is that “you don’t need a $400 rod to compete, not even on the Elite Series. I caught fish all over the country on my Ugly Stick Carbon rods which retail for $80 and come in all the lengths and actions you need.”
The Carbon models have been around just long enough to prove that, like Robertson who qualified for another Bassmaster Classic, they belong on Tour – and in your hands.
Affordable quality, now that’s a technological marvel that’s out of this world.
Colder Water Situations Call for New SPRO® Carbon Blade Baits
Kennesaw, GA (XXXX) – Because most bass anglers would fish 365/24/7 if they could, SPRO® expands their fishing season for when the water gets colder and the bass get harder to entice. Spro’s new Carbon Blade baits offer an assortment of lure designs so anglers can easily modify them to enhance the baits for any fishing situation. Available in two sizes ½ and ⅜ ounce, and in 15 different colors, savvy anglers will have extreme versatility and nearly limitless combinations at their disposal.
“Blade baits have proven to be effective for colder water use, and the carbon fiber blank we use for the lure’s body along with tungsten head and Gamakatsu hooks combine for a great lure,” said SPRO’s Syd Rives. “But at SPRO, we take it all a step more by offering three connections points on the body, allowing anglers to go from a deep, tight action on the front, to shallower use with the middle connection point, and even to an aggressive light retrieve for a fall fishing vertical yo-yo retrieve. The Carbon Blade will cover it all.”
The 15 colors offered on all three sizes feature colors for bass fishing water from east to west, north to south, including Ayu, Crawfish Gold, Chrome Pink/Blue, Chrome, Delta Chrome, Gold Black, Icy Barbie, Magic Tiger, Nanko Reaction, Nasty Shad, Old Fire Tiger, Perch, Purple Rain, and Purple Tiger Chartreuse.
Features:
- Size: (in ounces)1/2, ⅜ oz.
- Body Material: carbon fiber blank, tungsten head
- Hooks: Gamakatsu 3/8 or ½ depending on size
- Colors: Ayu, Crawfish Gold, Chrome Pink/Blue, Chrome, Delta Chrome, Gold Black, Icy Barbie, Magic Tiger, Nanko Reaction, Nasty Shad, Old Fire Tiger, Perch, Purple Rain,Purple Tiger Chartreuse
- MSRP: $11.99
SPRO Introduces Larger Bronzeye Pop 70 for Topwater Trophies
Kennesaw, GA Bass Pro Tour champion Dean Rojas taught the world that while a hollow-bellied frog excels atop thick grass beds, it also tempts big bass in open water and is effective throughout much of the year. When he designed the Bronzeye Pop to add to SPRO’s existing lineup of walking frogs, he had a clear winner. Now he’s done it again, with the addition of the Bronzeye Pop 70. It’s a larger version of the original, with the same great features but in a bigger profile and a heftier pop.
“There was a huge consumer demand for a bigger popping frog,” said SPRO® Marketing Director Syd Rives. “We didn’t see any need to change any of the industry-leading features or components that made the Bronzeye Pop 50 and Bronzeye Pop 60 so universally effective, but we had to beef it up to corral the biggest, meanest bass on any fishery.”
That started by building the lure around a stout and super-sharp Gamakatsu 5/0 EWG Double Hook, perfectly angled and designed to hook even tentative strikers. Fortunately, this lure’s booming action, created by its cupped mouth, tends to attract primarily violent explosions. When popped aggressively, it can call even neutral bass from a distance, but it’s at its best when popped in a small space, aggravating wary giants until they can’t stand it.
Like its little brothers, the biggest Bronzeye Pop is ready to catch fish right out of the package, with none of the modifications typically required of other hollow-bodied frogs. It weighs ¾ ounce and is 70 mm long. The super-soft plastic is highly buoyant, and the color-matched skirted legs provide excellent action and appeal at rest.
SPRO Bronzeye Pop 70 Features
- Weight: ¾ oz.
- Size: 70 mm
- Hook: Gamakatsu 5/0 EWG Double Hook Round Bend treble hooks
- Depth: Topwater
- MSRP:???
SPRO’s New Bronzeye Pop 40 Offers a Snack-Sized Meal to Giant Bass
Kennesaw, GA SPRO’s Bronzeye Pop lineup has proven so incredibly effective for big bass anglers. Earlier this year, SPRO introduced the larger Pop 70 for bass with a bigger appetite. New for 2021, SPRO introduces a diminutive size 40 model so anglers can continue to throw frogs to pressured fish.
While the Bronzeye Pop 40 is more compact than its brethren, it still has the same big-fish attracting qualities. The new Pop 40 features a Gamakatsu Nano Smooth Coated Superline Double Frog Hook, which gives a weedless presentation, increases hookup percentage, and doesn’t risk bending out.
The beauty of the Bronzeye Pop 40 is that it can be fished with a variety of techniques. It can be subtly twitched, stop and go retrieve, or can be popped aggressively. When worked properly, it will make just as much noise as any frog on the market. That means it will call fish from a distance or surprise them into striking reflexively. The only limitation is the angler’s imagination. The aerodynamic profile allows the lure to be fished on heavy tackle needed to winch giants out of thick greenery. This also allows the lure to be skipped easily under overhanging cover.
This new smallest version of the Bronzeye Pop lineup will initially be offered in 13 of SPRO’s proven frogging colors, so that anglers can imitate any forage. When fish are still looking up but don’t want a full-sized entrée, this should be the go-to topwater solution.
SPRO Bronzeye Pop 40 Features
- Weight: ⅕ oz.
- Size: 40mm
- Hook: Gamakatsu Nano-Coated Superline Double Frog Hook
- Depth: Topwater
- MSPR: $10.99
SPRO® Introduces New Colors of Aruku Shad
Kennesaw, GA (XXXX) The SPRO® Aruku Shad has proven itself from coast to coast as the lipless crankbait anglers rely upon whether they’re chasing the limit of a lifetime or trying to figure out a tough bite. While the lure has been offered in a wide variety of productive patterns since its introduction, the company is widely expanding its offerings with 23 new distinctive colors for 2021-2022.
These 23 colors range from the hyper-realistic to the outrageously gaudy, allowing anglers to target a wide range of predator fish throughout the year, regardless of water clarity or forage base.
The Aruku Shad distinguishes itself from the competition, both in the package and – more importantly – in the water, with its exceptionally loud rattles and nose-down attitude. The latter enables it to come through cover cleanly and efficiently while also allowing it to stand on its nose at rest. So whether you’re burning it, yo-yoing it or using a stop-and-go retrieve, the Aruku Shad maintains its posture and tempts fish to bite.
Like all SPRO crankbaits, the Aruku Shad comes with properly sized, razor-sharp
Gamakatsu trebles. Find a color that fits your needs and prepare to be amazed.
The new colors are:
- 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
SPRO® Introduces New Flappin’ Frog to Continue Amphibious Domination
Kennesaw, GA (XXXX) Part of the Essential series, the SPRO® engineers worked diligently to create the new Flappin Frog, extending the company’s footprint in the world of topwaters with a frog meant to be buzzed. The skirted legs have been replaced by paddle tailed appendages that can be buzzed across the surface or retrieved in a stop and go pattern. They’re deadly over thick cover and in open water alike. The frog is made of elastomer material, which makes it float and stretch. They’re deadly over thick cover and in open water alike.
As with the other SPRO frogs, a key part of the Flappin’ Frog’s effectiveness is that it’s built around a Gamakatsu Nano-Coated Superline Double Frog Hook gives a weedless presentation as well as increases hookup percentage without risk of bending out. The frog’s body is built of a floating elastomer material, so when a fish strikes half-heartedly or misses the lure, you can stop it in its tracks and tempt it to come back.
The Flappin’ Frog makes a ruckus, whether retrieved at rocket speed, or slowly walked back. The legs kick and buzz with only the slightest forward movement, and savvy anglers can mix up their retrieves until they find out what bass want on a particular day.
The Flappin’ Frog will initially be offered in 11 of SPRO’s proven frogging colors so any angler can imitate any forage.
SPRO Flappin’ Frog Features:
- Weight: ⅝ oz.
- Size: 65 mm
- Hook: 4/0 Gamakatsu Nano-Coated Superline Double Frog Hook
- Depth: Topwater
- Price: $10.99
St. Lawrence River and Massena Set for Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit Savage Arms Stop 6
163 Professional Anglers Head to Massena to Compete for up to $135,000 and Valuable Points in Angler of the Year Race
MASSENA, N.Y. (July 21, 2021) – Major League Fishing (MLF), the world’s largest tournament-fishing organization, is set to return to Massena, New York, next week, July 29 – Aug. 1, for the MLF Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit Presented by Bad Boy Mowers, Savage Arms Stop 6 Presented by Abu Garcia at the St. Lawrence River. In its 26thseason, the circuit (formerly known as the FLW Tour) features a roster of the world’s best bass-fishing professionals competing across six regular-season events, each with a top award of up to $135,000. The field also competes for valuable points to qualify for the 2021 Tackle Warehouse TITLE Presented by Mercury – the Pro Circuit Championship – and the coveted Angler of the Year title.
Hosted by the Town of Massena, this is the sixth and final Pro Circuit event of the 2021 season and offers competitors a total purse of more than $900,000.
Pros will have the run of the river but will not be allowed to lock downstream into Lake St. Francis or run out into Lake Ontario proper. While this may be a hindrance to some anglers, those who thrive fishing river systems will have everything you could ask for in a northern fishery – deep and shallow grass, docks, rock piles, current seams, sand flats, boulders and more.
Pro Scott Dobson of Clarkston, Michigan, who will be competing in this event, finished in second place in a 2019 Toyota Series event on the St. Lawrence River, picking apart shallow-water smallmouths to win nearly $20,000. With a top prize of $135,000 on the line, Dobson is excited to return to Massena for another shot.
“I won a Toyota Series event on 1000 Islands in 2016 during this time of year and came in second on the St. Lawrence River in 2019, so I’m excited for another chance on this fishery,” said Dobson. “I love fishing current and Great Lake-systems and have had a lot of success in that realm, so I’m excited to get there and get started.
Dobson said everything will be in play at this event – from fishing shallow on 6- to 8-foot flats to deep dragging drop-shot and Carolina rigs in the heavy current of the main river.
“Baits that will dominate in this tournament are moving baits like jerkbaits and spybaits, along with Ned rigs and drop-shots on the bottom,” said Dobson. “I also expect to see a lot of fish caught on the Berkley PowerBait MaxScent Flatnose Minnow, and if guys are lucky enough to have it, on the new MaxScent Little General. That bait is a Ned rig type bait, with MaxScent, and is being released at ICAST this week. But I know a lot of guys already have those in their arsenal.”
Dobson said he believes it will take 20 pounds per day to get into the Top 10, but to win the event will take a solid 23 pounds per day. While it is a big commitment to make long runs on the river, he anticipates a lot of guys are going to be running 50 to 70 miles to their fishing locations, which creates a risk factor due to the time it takes to make those long runs.
“It really depends on whether guys are looking to just go for the win or planning to play it conservative and stay closer to the ramp where they don’t have as much of a risk of not getting back in time,” said Dobson. “This being the final event, that affects the points race to get into the TITLE championship and Angler of the Year standings. Some anglers may not be swinging for the fence.
“I don’t have a shot at the TITLE after a couple bad events, so I’m not worried about the points,” continued Dobson. “I’m all in and I’ve got to go for the win. I plan to make big runs and try to go places where I can catch bigger fish. I may not catch as many fish, but I expect them to be bigger and better-quality fish where I’m going.”
Anglers will take off at 6:30 a.m. ET, Thursday through Sunday, from the Massena Intake Boat Launch located at 1415 State Highway 131 in Massena. Weigh-ins will also be held at the boat launch daily at 3 p.m. Fans are welcome to attend the event or follow the action online through the MLF NOW! live stream and coverage at MajorLeagueFishing.com.
In addition to the launch and weigh-in, fans and community members are invited to community events being held on Saturday, July 31. The Town of Louisville will host a Kids’ Fishing Derby on the Wilson Hill Causeway from noon to 2 p.m. ET, open to children 6 to 12 years of age. The derby is free to the public and prizes will be awarded for tagged fish caught by derby participants during the event. Only 250 spots are available upon registration. To register for this event, visit https://www.exploremassena.
The Town of Massena will also host a Party at the Beach on Saturday, July 31 from 6-9 p.m. ET. Anglers and the general public will enjoy live music, fireworks and a variety of food and beverages. There is no admission charge to enjoy the band and fireworks. Food trucks and beverage vendors will be onsite selling refreshments to park visitors. For more information regarding the event, visit https://www.exploremassena.
In Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit competition, the full field of 163 anglers compete in the two-day opening round on Thursday and Friday. The top 50 pros based on their two-day cumulative weight advance to Saturday. Only the top 10 pros continue competition on Sunday, with the winner determined by the heaviest accumulated weight from the four days of competition.
The MLF Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit Presented by Bad Boy Mowers, Savage Arms Stop 6 Presented by Abu Garcia at the St. Lawrence River will feature live on-the-water coverage and a two-hour action-packed television show that will premiere on the Outdoor Channel on Sunday, Sept. 1 from 7 to 9 a.m. ET and re-air on the Sportsman Channel this fall. Weigh-ins will be streamed daily and fans can catch live on-the-water action all day Saturday and Sunday, July 31 – Aug. 1 on MLF NOW! beginning at 7 a.m. ET at MajorLeagueFishing.com.
The 2021 season culminates with the Tackle Warehouse TITLE Presented by Mercury, the Pro Circuit Championship, where the top 48 pros in the points standings plus 2020 TITLE Champion Rusty Salewske of Alpine, California, and 2020 AOY Ron Nelson of Berrien Springs, Michigan, will compete for at top prize of $235,000. The 2021 TITLE will be on the Mississippi River in La Crosse, Wisconsin on Aug. 17-22, and is hosted by Explore La Crosse.
For complete details and updated information visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow the Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit presented by Bad Boy Mowers on the MLF BIG5’s social media outlets at Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
2021-22 Bass Pro Shops School of the Year presented by Abu Garcia Pre Season Poll: Rankings 16th – 20th
Teams Ranked 16TH – 20TH are revealed as the Association of Collegiate Anglers provides the results from its first-ever pre-season poll
Published by: Kyle Curry
8:00 AM July 20, 2021
Association of Collegiate Anglers
San Antonio, TX (7/20/2021) – The Association of Collegiate Anglers, which operates the Bass Pro Shops School of the Year program presented by Abu Garcia, is excited to showcase the pre-season rankings for college bass fishing according to a voting poll of top coaches, schools, media personnel, and fishing industry personalities with experience in college fishing.
This poll is a one-of-a-kind poll, similar to rankings in other college sports, that will help kick off the season-long race for the prestigious School of the Year title. Every day this week the ACA will count down and showcase teams that made it into the Top 25, and then in the near future, the first rankings for the 2021-22 season will be announced based on finishes during events this summer. Today’s article will show teams that were selected 16th to 20th in the pre-season rankings.
- Wabash Valley College
Mt. Carmel, IL
2021 Final Ranking: 20th
One of the newest teams on the collegiate fishing tournament trail last year was Wabash Valley College. The team from Mt. Carmel, IL made its debut with the Association of Collegiate Anglers at the 2020 Bass Pro Shops Big
Bass Bash presented by Berkley, and was without question one of the biggest surprises of the college fishing season. Wabash Valley College competed in all five ACA events last season and finished the year ranked the 20th best team in the nation thanks to several top finishes.
Following that phenomenal first season last year, Wabash Valley College has established itself as a team to be reckoned with on the college circuits, and will have to deal with the pressure now of being recognized as a Top 20 team in the nation.
“First we are honored to have obtained the respect of our peers so quickly,” noted Todd Gill, Head Coach at Wabash Valley College. “I think it says we have done well in recruiting anglers who are willing to work hard in preparation, who are willing to grind the entire 8 hours knowing that each catch and each cull over the course of a season will pay big dividends. We are going to have to stay humble and keep at it though as the competition is stiff and the learning curve is steep.”
Wabash Valley College was recently featured on the Rapala #WeAreCollegiateBass Podcast to talk about its first season as a collegiate bass fishing team. The school is continuing to recruit at a high level as it builds towards the future, and what they hope will be a Top 10 season very soon.
Listen to the podcast episode.
“Our goal for this season is to finish Top 10 in the nation. This is going to require greater cooperation between our anglers to help with breaking down new water more quickly. Having our first sophomore class with some experience and knowledge of bodies of water and what it takes to compete at a high level should help as well. We are excited about the coming season,” added Gill.
- Brewton-Parker College
Mt. Vernon, GA
2021 Final Ranking: 12th
Brewton-Parker College lands in 17th following the ACA Top 25 Pre-Season Poll according to the voters in the poll. This 17th place pre-season ranking is five spots lower than where Brewton-Parker finished the 2020-21 season. The team finished last year as the 12th ranked team in the nation based on their finishes on the water in numerous collegiate events.
Brewton-Parker has a strong core of anglers that can catch fish on any body of water nationwide. The team earned points at all five ACA events during the 2020-21 season. In three of those five events, Brewton-Parker had at least one angler finish in the Top 25 of the overall standings. Cory Yaden and Blake Stephenson put together the team’s highest finish at an ACA event by claiming 5th place at the 2021 BoatUS Collegiate Bass Fishing Championship presented by Bass Pro Shops.
As a team, Brewton-Parker has continued to get better year after year. Here is where the team has finished in the rankings each of the past four seasons:
2021: 12th Place
2020: 26th Place
2019: 73rd Place
2018: 201st Place
It is pretty easy to observe the growth that has occurred within the Brewton-Parker College Fishing Team. If history is any indication, it should not come as a surprise if Brewton-Parker finishes the 2021-22 season in the Top 10 at the end of this race.
- Catawba Valley Community College
Hickory, NC
2021 Final Ranking: 17th
To this point in the reveal process, Catawba Valley Community College is the first team whose 2021-22 Top 25 Pre-Season Poll ranking is almost identical to its 2021 final ranking. Just last season, Catawba Valley Community College finished the season ranked 17th. As we prepare to reveal the first national rankings of the 2021-22 season, Catawba Valley Community College is ranked 18th in the pre-season poll.
College fishing is one of the most unique college sports as college teams and clubs from all levels and divisions compete against each other at events. Major state schools, private institutions, and smaller schools like community colleges are all able to fish the same events and compete for national titles.
Catawba Valley Community College, along with the aforementioned Wabash Valley College, has proven that it can compete with the bigger schools and programs out there. It is very likely that a community college or junior college will finish the 2021-22 season ranked inside of the Top 15. It remains to be seen if they can crack the Top 10 this season.
- Missouri State University
Springfield, MO
2021 Final Ranking: 19th
Having just pointed out the parody between Catawba Valley Community College’s 2021 end-of-season ranking and its standings in the pre-season poll, we now have Missouri State University. The team from Springfield, MO finds itself ranked 19th in the ACA Top 25 Pre-Season Poll. That ranking matches the team’s final ranking in the 2021 race that landed them just inside the Top 20 teams in the nation.
That is pretty good consistency, and consistency is a word that well defines the Missouri State University Fishing Team. Since 2016, the team has an average ranking of 24th. The highest finish during that stretch came in 2018 when the team finished the year ranked 12th in the Bass Pro Shops School of the Year presented by Abu Garcia.
With their school located in Springfield, MO, Missouri State University anglers are exposed to a wide variety of fisheries. From shallow, muddy rivers to deep, clear highland reservoirs, these anglers face an array of conditions that benefit them out on the national trails. The additional impact this has on the success of the program is evident in their results from the past five seasons, and expectations are high that Missouri State could be a team that might climb higher in the rankings, should they have a few Top 10 finishes on the national scene this year.
- University of North Alabama
Florence, AL
2021 Final Ranking: 16th
School of the Year Titles: 2 (2014, 2015)
ACA National Championship Titles: 1 (2017 – Sloan Pennington & Hunter McCarty)
The final team in this installment of the Top 25 Pre-Season Poll reveal is the University of North Alabama. Located in Florence, AL, UNA is one of the most decorated teams in the history of collegiate bass fishing.
UNA won the Bass Pro Shops School of the Year presented by Abu Garcia in 2014 and 2015, at the time becoming the first school to ever win this title in back-to-back seasons. Along with two School of the Year titles in the trophy case, UNA also has an ACA National Championship title to its name. Sloan Pennington and Hunter McCarty won the 2017 BoatUS Collegiate Bass Fishing Championship on Pickwick Lake.
Pickwick is the home body of water for UNA. One of the premier ledge fishing lakes
In the country, the Tennessee River impoundment will be the playing field for the 2022 ACA Championship once again. UNA has its sights set on climbing up the School of the Year rankings, as well as claiming another Championship title at Pickwick Lake.
“We plan on moving into the top five and also keeping the National Championship trophy right here in Florence, AL,” said Benson Dowler, UNA Team President. UNA could easily be a Top 10 team this year, and it’s surprising to many that they are starting the season ranked 20th in the pre-season poll. Should UNA get back to form at events outside their local area by capturing a few Top 20 finishes, they may once again be in position to win the School of the Year title, thanks to a talented roster of returning anglers.
Ugly Stik Combos and Catfish Rods
Ugly that won’t quit, no matter what’s biting.
COLUMBIA, S.C. — Ugly Stik adds to its legacy of producing tough-as-nails fishing gear specifically for anglers who just want to have a good time with the addition of an Ugly Tuff combo series, new Catfish Special rods and Catch Ugly Fish spinning combos.
The new Ugly Tuff combos pair both the Ugly Tuff spinning and casting reels with an Ugly Stik rod with a Clear Tip design. Representing the apex of durability, the reels feature aluminum construction and stainless-steel ball bearings to stand up to the toughest fights. The rods and reels featured in the Ugly Tuff combos also come with a 7-year warranty.
Specially designed for casting to catfish from boats or banks, the new Ugly Stik Catfish Special rods feature legendary Ugly Tech construction for guaranteed strength and sensitivity. The one-piece Ugly Tuff guides and Clear Tip design ensure maximum durability and performance, while the full EVA shrink-tube handles provide the surest grip when fighting big cats.
Ugly Stik anglers are no strangers to camo, whether it’s worn for fashion or concealment. The new Ugly Stik Camo combos combine the legendary strength and durability of Ugly Stik and features Mossy Oak’s top-selling camo pattern, Bottomland. Available in spinning, conventional and spincast combos, all models feature Ugly Tech construction, Ugly Tuff guides and the Ugly Stik Clear Tip design making them ideal for most freshwater species.
Ugly Stik’s new Catch Ugly Fish spinning combos deliver anglers everything they need to start fishing right away. Three different models are designed to match an angler’s desired fishing location or species (lake/pond, catfish or surf/pier) and include the rod, reel, tackle storage and a selection of Berkley soft and hard baits as well as terminal tackle to suit the area or species for which it will be used.
Ugly Tuff Combos
Key Rod Features:
• Ugly Stik Clear Tip design for strength and sensitivity
• Ugly Tech construction
• Ugly Tuff one-piece stainless steel guides
• Rubber shrink-tube handles for better gripping
• 7-year warranty
Key Spinning Reel Features:
• Ugly Tuff aluminum body
• Machined-aluminum spool
• 5 shielded, stainless-steel bearings
Key Spincast Reel Features:
• Ugly Tuff aluminum frame and front cone
• 3 stainless-steel ball bearings
• Pre-spooled with monofilament line
Spincast Combo Models: 5-6 M (2-piece) / Size 6 reel • 6-6 M (2-piece) / Size 10 reel • 7-0 MH (2-piece) / Size 20 reel
MSRP: $64.95-69.95
Spinning Combo Models: 6-0 M (2-piece) / Size 30 reel • 6-6 M (2-piece) / Size 35 reel • 7-0 M (2-piece) / Size 30 reel • 6-6 MH / Size 40 reel • 7-0 MH / Size 60 reel
MSRP: $84.95-94.95
UGLY STIK CATFISH SPECIAL RODS
Key Features:
• Ugly Tech construction with a combination of graphite and fiberglass to create a strong-yet-sensitive rod
• Ugly Tuff one-piece stainless-steel guides provide maximum durability and eliminate insert pop outs
• Ugly Stik Clear Tip delivers extra strength right where you need it and is sensitive to the lightest strike
• Full EVA shrink-tube handles
• 7-year warranty
Casting Models: 7-0 MH • 8-0 MH (2-piece) • 9-0 MH (2-piece) • 10-0 MH (2-piece) • 12-0 (2-piece)
Spinning Models: 7-0 MH • 8-0 MH (2-piece) • 9-0 MH (2-piece) • 10-0 MH (2-piece) • 12-0 MH (2-piece)
MSRPs: $59.95-74.95
UGLY STIK CAMO COMBOS
Key Features:
• Features Mossy Oak Bottomland camo pattern
• Ugly Tech construction with a combination of graphite and fiberglass to create a strong-yet-sensitive rod
• Ugly Tuff one-piece, stainless-steel guides provide excellent durability and eliminate insert pop outs.
• Ugly Stik Clear Tip design for strength and sensitivity
• Durable and lightweight EVA grip
• 7-year rod warranty
Spinning Models (reel/rod): Size 25/5-0 L (2-piece) • Size 30/6-6 M (2-piece) • Size 30/6-0 M (2-piece)
Conventional Model: 7-0 MH
Spincast Model (reel/rod): Size 10/6-0 M (2-piece)
MSRPs: $74.95-84.95
Available: July 2021
UGLY STIK CATCH UGLY FISH SPINNING COMBOS
Key Features:
• Ugly Tech construction with a combination of graphite and fiberglass to create a strong-yet-sensitive rod
• Ugly Tuff one-piece stainless-steel guides provide excellent durability and eliminate insert pop outs
• Ugly Stik Clear Tip design for strength and sensitivity
• Durable and lightweight EVA grips
• Includes an assortment of proven and popular Berkley tackle based on species/location
Models: Lake/Pond • Catfish • Surf/Pier
MSRPs: $64.95 (Lake/Pond)/ $74.95 (Catfish & Surf/Pier)
Abu Garcia Fantasista X and Veritas PLX Tournament Rods
Lightweight and loaded with features allow anglers to fish to win.
COLUMBIA, S.C. — Abu Garcia continues to innovate in the rod category, expanding two acclaimed rod families to make them even better suited for ultra-competitive anglers who look for an advantage whether they are fishing for fun or for a trophy. The Fantasista X and the new Veritas PLX Tournament rods deliver performance, strength and sensitivity with configurations to match the most common bass-fishing techniques.
Featuring a sleek design and high-performance features, the new Fantasista X rods are constructed with 36-ton graphite and Abu Garcia’s proprietary Powerlux 500 resin system. The Abu Garcia custom Fuji soft-touch reel seats coupled with a split-grip design help further reduce weight and increase sensitivity in the nine casting and four spinning rods included in the Fantasista X family.
The new Abu Garcia Veritas PLX Tournament rods offer serious anglers increased strength and sensitivity with reduced weight. Featuring an all-black rod blank constructed of 36-ton graphite with Powerlux 200 resin, the Veritas PLX Tournament rods stand out from other all-white rods bearing the Veritas name. The distinction in aesthetics underscores the additional performance-based features of these new rods, which includes titanium-alloy guides with zirconium inserts, Carbon handle split-grip design and the Robotically Optimized Casting System guide train that maximizes casting distance. Combined, these enhancements result in a rod that’s 6 percent lighter and 7 percent more sensitive than other Veritas PLX rods.
ABU GARCIA FANTASISTA X RODS
Key Features:
• 36-ton graphite with Powerlux 500
• Ergonomic Fuji soft-touch reel seats
• ROCS (Robotically Optimized Casting System) Guide train for maximized casting distance with lighter lures
• Titanium-alloy guides with ultra-light zirconium inserts allow for a lightweight, balanced rod
• EVA and Carbon split-grip handle design for reduced weight and increased sensitivity
• Limited 5-year warranty
Casting Models: 6-10 ML • 6-10 MH • 7-0 M • 7-0 MH • 7-3 MH • 7-3 H • 7-6 MH • 7-6 H • 7-11 XH
MSRPs: $299.95-319.95
Spinning Models: 6-10 ML • 7-0 M • 7-0 MH • 7-6 M
MSRP: $299.95
ABU GARCIA VERITAS PLX TOURNAMENT RODS
Key Features:
• 36-ton graphite with Powerlux 200
• Ergonomic Abu Garcia-designed reel seat
• ROCS (Robotically Optimized Casting System) Guide train for maximized casting distance with lighter lures
• Titanium-allow guides with ultra-light zirconium inserts allow for a lightweight, balanced rod
• Carbon split-grip design for reduced weight and increased sensitivity
• Limited 3-year warranty
Casting Models: 6-10 ML • 6-10 MH • 7-0 M • 7-0 MH • 7-2 M • 7-3 MH • 7-3 H • 7-6 MH • 7-6 H • 7-11 XH
MSRPs: $169.95-184.95
Spinning Models: 6-10 ML • 7-0 M • 7-0 MH • 7-6 M
MSRP: $169.95
SEAGUAR ADDS TWO NEW SIZES FOR TATSU FLUOROCARBON
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Since its introduction in 2010, Seaguar® TATSU® Fluorocarbon has become a favorite among anglers who want the best fluorocarbon line on the market. Tatsu is the world’s only double-structure fluorocarbon mainline. The double-structure process fuses two custom, 100% fluorocarbon resins, creating the best combination of strength and castability. |
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New for Size Offerings for 2022 New for 2022 are two additional sizes of TATSU fluorocarbon — 17 and 22 lb test are being added to round out the offerings. Seaguar pro Luke Clausen is one of the select few anglers with both a Bassmaster Classic and Forrest Wood Cup win to his credit. Through his years of fishing professionally, he has learned that details matter. “There is always a big separation between what anglers have and what we want,” begins Clausen. “That’s why I’m so excited about the two new sizes of Tatsu as they are perfect ‘in-between’ sizes to give me more options as an angler.” While one slight size difference may not appear to matter, Clausen begs to differ. “The diameter difference between 20 and 22 lb test may not seem like much, but it makes a big difference when you have a big fish wrapped in heavy cover,” he says. “There are also countless times when I need to make those slight adjustments to match the cover and to adjust how my lure falls. Going up or down one size can make my lures perform better.” |
New for 2021! - Costa Sunglasses casts the next generation of its Untangled Collection
Costa and Bureo partner on material innovation and strive toward product circularity with new Untangled Collection--frames built from recycled fishing nets.
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (EMBARGO: JULY 21, 2021) – For more than 38 years, Costa Sunglasses has been driven to protect the watery world it calls home. Continuing to put its mission into action by building products with purpose, Costa is announcing the next generation of The Untangled Collection, sunglasses built from recycled fishing nets. The four new performance frames are built with a more functional and durable NetPlus™ material that is 97% recycled fishing nets and 3% performance additive - allowing Costa to now build sunglasses with maximum coverage and protection for long days on the water.
Discarded fishing nets and gear are the most harmful form of plastic pollution in our oceans. Working hand in hand with its partner Bureo, Costa is taking discarded fishing nets and giving them a new life. Ever since the original Untangled Collection of lifestyle frames debuted in 2018, Costa has been working to further advance the recycling and molding techniques to sustainably build frames that are better-suited for its core community of watermen and women. In addition to the upgraded NetPlus material, which has a 100% traceable supply chain, the new frames [Santiago, Antille, Pargo and Caleta] feature recycled aluminum logos and recyclable, polarized and color-enhancing 580® mineral glass lenses.
“This collection represents a multi-year collaboration with Costa," says Kevin Ahearn, Bureo Co-Founder. "We've been working since the original Untangled launch in 2018 to enhance the physical and mechanical properties of our material by making improvements throughout our supply chain, allowing Costa to expand the collection across new performance applications. The new NetPlus material represents a huge step forward in material technology while continuing to support our mission to expand net collection efforts."
Santiago [named after Chile’s capital], offers a protective, maximum coverage frame specifically designed for anglers. Hooding and side shields prevent light from leaking in so you can stay focused on the fish. Keeper-ready temples and Hydrolite rubber grips keep your frames locked in place and the vented nose pads help reduce fogging.
A little brother to Santiago, Pargo has a more modern style, but with all of the same technical features as its brother. Like the fish bearing its namesake - often referred to as a Dog Snapper - Pargo shows it’s not the size of the dog in the fight, but the size of the fight in the angler.
Named after the 1,500 mile chain of Caribbean islands, Antille is a hybrid frame combining a youthful style and performance features. Mirco top shields and hooding help minimize light leak so you can spot the next island, reef or siesta spot. Temple grips and a vented rubber nose pad keep your frames locked in place and help to reduce fogging.
Caleta is named after the small coastal coves of Chile. Its fluid lines and feminine shape make it the perfect frame for the waterwoman in all of us. The Caleta performs as well as you.
“Costa has always been deeply rooted in conservation. We strive to source traceable, sustainable materials and incorporate water-friendly principles into our products, our brand—and our daily lives,” says Jessica Bryant, Sr. Product Marketing Manager, Costa Sunglasses. “We first launched the Untangled Collection with beach lifestyle frames made from 100% recycled nets. These frames grew our tribe — but our core team pushed for even more. With this new collection, sustainability truly meets performance. When you look through a pair of Untangled sunglasses, you share our vision for healthier oceans.”
Starting at $199, everyone can be an agent for change. The Untangled Collection is now available at Costa Sunglasses, where you can also find additional information on Costa and its full collection of best-selling sunglasses.
Lucky Go Fishing/Fish Bites Win Seventh-Annual ICAST Cup Presented by Major League Fishing on Lake Toho
A Total of $11,000 Raised for Keep America Fishing™ Foundation
KISSIMMEE, Fla. (July 20, 2021) – Representing Lucky Go Fishing and Fish Bites, the team of Terrie Huffmaster, Tonya Michelle and Jackson Williams weighed in a five-bass limit totaling 25 pounds, 10 ounces, to win the 2021 ICAST Cup at Lake Toho Presented by Major League Fishing (MLF) Tuesday. The four-hour bass-fishing tournament, hosted by Kissimmee Sports, was the kick-off event to ICAST 2021 and raised a total of $11,000 to benefit the industry’s angler advocacy program, Keep America Fishing™.
The field totaled 55 boats, including about a handful of MLF Bass Pro Tour, Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit and Toyota Series anglers, as well as outdoor media and industry representatives from popular tackle brand and non-profits. In its five-year history, the charity tournament has raised more than $61,000 for Keep America Fishing.
The Lucky Go Fishing/Fish Bites team won by a margin of 10 ounces over Team USA Bassin’, which was comprised of Richard Patterson, Dave Smith and Glen Cabezas. Their limit weighing 25-10 was a new ICAST Cup record for the heaviest limit ever weighed in the event.
“What a day. This has been so awesome. This is a day that I will remember for the rest of my life,” an emotional Huffmaster said on stage. “To everyone that put this event on and made it happen – MLF, ICAST, everybody here – thank you for putting this on and making this happen. I cannot tell you how humbled I am and how blessed I feel right now. I’m way past Cloud 9 – I’m on Cloud 14 or 15 right now.”
The duo estimated they caught around 35 to 40 bass throughout the morning, but said that they caught the majority of their weight in the first 30 minutes. They credited just one bait as being the key.
“We tried a few different baits early, but they weren’t biting. Then we picked up a Zoom Magnum Ultra Vibe Speed Worm (black and blue) and caught five of our big fish within the first 30 minutes,” Michelle said. “We ended up sticking with it for the rest of the day.”
“We also did not have a net in the boat,” Huffmaster added. “When we’d set the hook and see the big ones flopping on the water, it was chaos. We were just telling each other to stay calm, keep it down, and get it to the boat.
“We really had no thoughts at all about winning or losing today coming into this,” Huffmaster went on to say. “We literally just prayed about it this morning and wanted to get out there and have fun.”
Mission accomplished!
The top 10 teams finished the tournament in:
1st: Lucky Go Fishing/Fish Bites – Terrie Huffmaster, Tonya Michelle and Jackson Williams, five bass, 25-10
2nd: USA Bassin’ – Richard Patterson, Dave Smith and Glen Cabezas, five bass, 25-0
3rd: American Baitworks – Robert Greenburg and J.T. Kenney, five bass, 21-5
4th: Chasin’ Fin – Nathan Bloom and Joey Bloom, five bass, 19-14
5th: JL Marine/Power-Pole – Greg Wats, Ray Trudeau and James Everhart, five bass, 18-14
6th: BNB Jigs – Bob Bakewell and Bobby Bakewell, five bass, 17-9
7th: American Tackle Co. – Jeff Mathews, Jimmy Drury and Joe Opager, five bass, 17-1
8th: Green Outdoors – Ronnie Green, Christian Greico and Samantha Gay, five bass, 16-7
9th: Lithium Pros – Steve Bishop, Ken Lucas and Charity Muehlenweg, five bass, 15-4
10th: Lew’s – John Carman, Peter Thliveros and Matthew Mattingly, five bass, 15-0
Complete results and photos from the tournament will be posted at ICASTCup.com.
USA Bass partnered with MLF and Keep America Fishing to award the top-finishing women’s pair at the ICAST Cup a spot on the 2022 USA Pan American Bass fishing team. The highest-finishing team of female anglers was Michelle Jalaba and Melissa Young, who weighed in five bass totaling 12 pounds, 7 ounces, to earn their spot on Team USA Bass at the 2022 Pan American Bass Fishing Championship, alongside Jacob Wheeler, John Cox, Mark Daniels Jr., Dustin Connell, Brian Latimer, Scott Martin and other top pros.
Keep America Fishing™ is leading the fight to preserve our right to sustainably fish on our nation’s waterways. As the voice of the American angler, Keep America Fishing works to keep our public resources – our oceans, lakes, rivers and streams – open, clean and abundant with fish. For more information, please visit KeepAmericaFishing.org.
For more ICAST 2021 coverage, details and 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.
Big Bass Tour Announces 2022 Tour Schedule
Woodlands, Texas – Tour officials announced the 2022 Big Bass Tour schedule today, ahead of ICAST in Orlando, Florida.
“Our 2022 schedule is packed with world class fisheries and should provide an incredible experience for all of our anglers.” said Tournament Director Scott Gordon. “We would like to thank all of our host partners, communities and sponsors for their efforts in putting this schedule together and we are looking forward to another great season.” added Gordon.
- 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
- Oct 7-9 | Douglas Lake, Tennessee
- Oct 14-16 | Guntersville Lake, Alabama
- Oct 21-23 | Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia (Fall)
Registration for the 2022 Bass Pro Shops/Cabela’s Big Bass Tour will open on Wednesday, December 1st. Visit www.bigbasstour.com for all details.
B.A.S.S. Officials Announce 2022 Schedule For Bassmaster Elite Series
The 2022 Bassmaster Elite Series schedule features nine events across seven states.
Photo by James Overstreet/B.A.S.S.
July 20, 2021
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — With this year’s Bassmaster Elite Series schedule barely written into the history books, B.A.S.S. officials are already looking toward a bright future with Tuesday’s announcement of the Elite Series slate for 2022.
The top professional bass fishing circuit in the world will once again kick off its season in warm, sunny Florida, with events on the St. Johns River in Palatka, Feb. 10-13, and the Harris Chain of Lakes in Leesburg, Feb. 17-20.
From there, the trail will visit six more states in seven months while working its way to a season-ending event on the Mississippi River in La Crosse, Wis., Aug. 26-29.
“We’re proud to have the kind of schedule that allows fans from so many areas to enjoy and celebrate the great sport of professional bass fishing,” said B.A.S.S. CEO Bruce Akin. “With events in seven states from Florida, north to New York, and west to South Dakota, it will be a true test of our anglers’ ability to compete on all types of fisheries.
“It’ll also provide an incredible variety of entertaining scenarios for our fans, both in attendance and watching live on the multiple platforms that are now available to them.”
This will mark the fourth-straight year the Elite Series has held its season-opener on the St. Johns River — a quintessential Florida fishery that features vast shoreline cover, big Florida-strain largemouth and breathtaking scenery with Spanish moss-covered trees, alligators and manatees. The 2021 event on the St. Johns was won by North Carolina rookie pro Bryan Newwith a four-day total of 79 pounds, 7 ounces.
The trip to the Harris Chain — a collection of eight lakes connected by rivers and canals — will be the first for the Elite Series since 2011. The fishery, which ranked 10th in the Southeastern Division of Bassmaster Magazine’s list of 100 Best Bass Lakes released earlier this summer, has been a common destination for other B.A.S.S. events in the past, however, with the most recent being a Basspro.com Bassmaster Southern Open won by Keith Tuma this past spring.
“We’re thrilled to host the Bassmaster Elite Series on the Harris Chain of Lakes right here in Lake County,” said Steven Clenney, interim director of Visit Lake. “Our lakes have some of the best bass fishing in the country, and as Bassmaster tournaments return year after year to our area, it reminds us how thankful we are to have this resource in our backyards.”
After a pause for the Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic presented by Huk on South Carolina’s Lake Hartwell, March 4-6, the Elite Series schedule will resume right there inside the Palmetto State with the third regular-season event on the Santee Cooper Lakes in Clarendon County, S.C., March 17-20.
B.A.S.S. held 13 major events on the gigantic Santee system, which is comprised of Lakes Marion and Moultrie, from 1975-2009. Then after an 11-year hiatus from the fishery, the Elite Series held a tournament there in October of 2020 that was won by Idaho pro Brandon Palaniuk with 72-2.
“We are so excited to be able to bring the Bassmaster Elites back in 2022,” said Tiffany B. Myers, director of tourism, Clarendon County Chamber of Commerce. “It had been over 10 years since they came to Clarendon County prior to the 2020 tournament. It was a great event, but the pandemic drastically changed plans and logistics. So, we are thrilled to have another opportunity to bring them back during the ideal time of year and with a lot more spectators.”
After Santee, the trail will shift to Chickamauga Lake in Dayton, Tenn., April 7-10. “The Chick,” as it’s known by avid bass anglers from around the country, is a 36,240-acre Tennessee River fishery known for producing giant largemouth.
The next lake on the schedule — Lake Fork in Quitman, Texas — is perhaps known as the country’s largemouth mecca. The Elite Series will drop in on Fork May 19-22 for only the fourth major event B.A.S.S. has ever held on the giant-bass paradise. The lake was ranked No. 1 overall in the country for 2021 in Bassmaster’s list of Top 100 Best Bass Lakes.
That stretch of the schedule should be especially attractive to Lee Livesay — the Texas pro who won the Elite Series’ most recent trip to Chickamauga in October 2020 and the trail’s most recent trip to Fork in April 2021. He won the latter event with a whopping total of 112 pounds, 5 ounces that was capped by a final-day catch of five bass that weighed 42-3.
Details on an event June 2-5 will be announced in the coming weeks.
Another destination that has become a staple for the Elite Series, the St. Lawrence River (fourth overall, 100 Best Bass Lakes), will be the next stop. The event, which is likely to be dominated by big smallmouth, is scheduled for July 14-17 out of Clayton, N.Y. This will be the sixth-straight year the Elite Series has visited the St. Lawrence and the 21st time B.A.S.S. has called on the fishery to host a major event.
Unlike the 2021 season that ended in mid-July, the 2022 slate will push into August with events at two fisheries where fans have been clamoring for the trail’s return.
On Aug. 18-21, massive 370,000-acre Lake Oahe will host the next-to-last event of the season out of Mobridge, S.D. B.A.S.S. has visited Oahe only once, for an Elite Series event in 2018 won by Alabama pro Mark Daniels Jr. B.A.S.S. Nation angler and 2015 Classic qualifier Troy Diede recently caught a 7-4 smallmouth from Oahe that was certified as the South Dakota state record.
The season will conclude on Aug. 26-29 on the Mississippi River in La Crosse, Wis. (16th Central Division, 100 Best Bass Lakes). The Elite Series last visited La Crosse in 2018 during a Midwestern stretch that was paired similarly with Oahe.
“We are thrilled to welcome back the Bassmaster Elite Series to the La Crosse region on the famed Upper Mississippi River,” said A.J. Frels, executive director of Explore La Crosse. “We expect phenomenal fishing for both largemouth and smallmouth bass, and the anglers will showcase the region at unprecedented levels thanks to the partnership between B.A.S.S. and FOX Sports. The Bassmaster LIVE coverage will promote and attract new audiences to our incredible fishery while on-site engagement, launches and weigh-ins are sure to draw big crowds. The greater La Crosse region looks forward to hosting the anglers, their families, fans and spectators in the area!”
After an exciting debut season in 2021, once more, all nine Bassmaster Elite Series events as well as the Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic presented by Huk will feature live television coverage on the FOX Sports platforms. Visit Bassmaster.com for more details.
2022 Bassmaster Elite Series schedule
Feb. 10-13, St. Johns River, Palatka, Fla.
Feb. 17-20, Harris Chain of Lakes, Leesburg, Fla.
March 4-6, Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic presented by Huk, Lake Hartwell, Greenville, S.C.
March 17-20, Santee Cooper Lakes, Clarendon County, S.C.
April 7-10, Chickamauga Lake, Dayton, Tenn.
May 19-22, Lake Fork, Quitman, Texas
June 2-5, TBA
July 14-17, St. Lawrence River/1000 Islands, Clayton, N.Y.
Aug. 4-7, Make-up date
Aug. 18-21, Lake Oahe, Mobridge, S.D.
Aug. 26-29, Mississippi River, La Crosse, Wis.
Humminbird® Introduces New HELIX® 5 and 7 Series with new Technology and Performance Upgrades
RACINE, Wis. (July 20, 2021) –– Humminbird® is equipping anglers with new generations of the acclaimed HELIX® 5 and HELIX 7 Series with the introductions of HELIX 5 G3, HELIX 7 G4 and HELIX 7 G4N models. The upgrades to the new HELIX models will provide anglers access to the latest sonar and navigation technologies at the heart of Humminbird’s intuitive, easy-to-use fish finders.
HELIX 7 G4 Models (Non-Networking)
The new Humminbird HELIX 7 G4 models are designed to find fish faster with a crystal-clear view of unmatched sonar and chart technologies. Starting with an upgraded 7” HD display (1024H x 600V), new and experienced anglers alike will appreciate the increased resolution that provides easy to read sonar views of fish and structure.
The soft-key operation of the HELIX 7 G4 Series makes it simple to use and easy to access desired chart and sonar views. The HELIX 7 G4 line offer best-in-class sonar, with options featuring MEGA Side Imaging® and MEGA Down Imaging®models, both of which also include Dual Spectrum CHIRP 2D sonar. A new addition to the lineup is the HELIX 7 CHIRP SI GPS G4 model (non-MEGA) that provides standard definition Side Imaging, Down Imaging and Dual Spectrum CHIRP sonar views. This new model provides a ton of features and provides anglers the chance to trade up and experience the benefit of Side Imaging sonar.
Included on the HELIX 7 G4 units are built-in GPS and Humminbird Basemap which provides basic depth contours and navigational aids for all continental U.S. coastal waters and over 10,000+ U.S. lakes and rivers. Additionally, all models include AutoChart Live®, a real-time mapping technology that gives anglers the ability to make their own 1-foot contour maps in real time. For even more detailed mapping coverage, all models include a single microSD card slot, allowing compatibility with premium chart options from Humminbird LakeMaster® and CoastMaster®, as well as Navionics®.
HELIX 7 G4N Models (Networking)
Anglers looking for more fishing features, the new HELIX 7 G4N Series is ready to meet their needs. Similar to the G4 models, these models boast a new, higher resolution 7” HD display, with all of the sonar and navigation features found on G4 model, with the addition of upgraded dual microSD card slots that support all Humminbird compatible chart options.
Looking at the new G4N models, anglers will notice a redesigned front housing that features three preset view keys to allow quick access to favorite sonar and chart screens, a familiar experience to that found on the larger HELIX G4N models. An additional upgrade to the new HELIX 7 G4N models is compatibility with MEGA Live Imaging™ for models with MEGA Side Imaging or MEGA Down Imaging. When paired with the advanced sonar accessory, users will see fish with the detail and clarity of MEGA Imaging in real time.
The move up to the HELIX 7 G4N Series also delivers several networking and compatibility features that are sure to catch attention. All of these models are networking compatible, providing Ethernet networking and Bluetooth® support, which allow connection to the One-Boat Network™ family of products from Humminbird and Minn Kota.
New networking features also include built-in NMEA 2000® and Wi-Fi® connectivity to enable optional display of outboard engine data and information from many NMEA 2000-compatible accessories.
The HELIX 7 G4 and G4N Series will begin shipping to dealers beginning September 1, 2021. HELIX 7 G4 Series models will be available from $499.99 to $699.99 MSRP and the HELIX 7 G4N Series will offer models from $649.99 to $899.99 MSRP.
New HELIX 7 G4 models:
- HELIX 7 CHIRP SI GPS G4
- HELIX 7 CHIRP MDI GPS G4
- HELIX 7 CHIRP MSI GPS G4
New HELIX G4N models:
- HELIX 7 CHIRP GPS G4N
- HELIX 7 CHIRP MDI GPS G4N CHO (Control Head Only)
- HELIX 7 CHIRP MDI GPS G4N
- HELIX 7 CHIRP MSI GPS G4N
HELIX 5 G3 Models
The new HELIX 5 G3 offers upgraded features for anglers who are looking for a feature-packed fish finder for their boat or watercraft that requires a smaller package, without sacrificing performance or ease of use. The HELIX 5 lineup offers a 5-inch display with soft-key operation and an intuitive menu system for quick and simple operation.
Upgraded features on the HELIX 5 G3 models include Dual Spectrum CHIRP 2D sonar, which provides clear sonar returns of fish, bait and structure. Additionally, these models include built-in GPS and Humminbird Basemap, providing navigational aids and depth contours to help you confidently find fish. A standard single microSD card slot also offers compatibility with premium chart options from Humminbird LakeMaster and CoastMaster, as well as Navionics charts.
Offering models with either CHIRP Down Imaging or Dual Spectrum CHIRP 2D sonar, as well as a portable Dual Spectrum CHIRP GPS model, the HELIX 5 G3 Series delivers what is needed to head out onto the water with confidence.
The HELIX 5 G3 Series will begin shipping to dealers beginning September 1, 2021 and will sell from $299.99 to $449.99 MSRP.
HELIX 5 G3 Models:
- HELIX 5 CHIRP GPS G3
- HELIX 5 CHIRP GPS G3 Portable
- HELIX 5 CHIRP DI GPS G3
For more information on the Humminbird HELIX lineup, go to https://www.humminbird.com.
