AnglersChannel

Seaguar Its High-Visibility Smackdown

Seaguar® Expands Its High-Visibility Smackdown™ Arsenal
Visual strike detection puts more fish in the boat. Indeed, keen-eyed anglers frequently describe instances of their line jumping unexpectedly, going limp when it was previously taut, or charging off to the left or right — all telltale signs that a bite has occurred and that it’s time to set the hook. Seeing bites, rather than only feeling them through the rod, requires a high-visibility line — one that can be readily seen by the angler under all weather conditions and during all hours of the day.

“Any application where I need to see my line to watch for bites,” notes Bassmaster Elite Series Pro Chris Zaldain, “like fishing a Carolina Rig or pitching a big worm under a dock, high-visibility braided line becomes a key component of my presentation.” Seaguar now offers the perfect solution for these situations, or more generally, when a strong, high-visibility braid is paired with big baits and heavy tackle: Smackdown™ Flash Green.

Seaguar Smackdown is a premium eight-carrier braided line manufactured with a high-density weave to give it a perfectly round profile and an incredibly smooth finish. You’ll appreciate those differences every time you present a bait with Smackdown — advantages that let you cover more water with each cast so you can catch more fish on every trip. Smackdown’s slick finish also makes it remarkably quiet through the rod’s line guides and virtually eliminates wind knots. Smackdown is truly the ultimate braided line.

Seaguar Smackdown Flash Green assembles all of these advantages and capabilities into a high-visibility braid that is perfect for any application when strikes are detected not only by feel, but also by sight. Previously available in 10, 15, 20, and 30 lb test for spinning rod-based presentations, Smackdown Flash Green is now also available in heavier 40, 50, and 65 lb test, perfect for spooling onto a baitcasting reel. Combine Smackdown Flash Green with a Seaguar 100% fluorocarbon leader to enjoy the best of both worlds: slick, strong and highly visible above the water; supple, abrasion-resistant and nearly invisible below.

At the recent Bassmaster Elite Series event on Lake Eufaula, Zaldain put Smackdown Flash Green to the test, boosting him to another top-10 finish – one of 21 that he has secured during his storied career. “For this event’s offshore bite, I was casting a big eight-inch flutter spoon along river channel edges. Every time I jerked the spoon upward, I needed to see my line as the spoon fluttered and tumbled back down. The Flash Green color pattern let me track the line perfectly and see bites throughout the entire retrieve.” Zaldain spooled his baitcasting reels with 50 or 65 lb test Smackdown Flash Green, and added a 25 lb test Seaguar Tatsu 100% fluorocarbon leader to minimize line visibility at the lure. “Once I saw the bite,” continued Zaldain, “I had total confidence that Smackdown would help me get those fish into the boat. Smackdown’s zero-stretch characteristics meant that I could get a powerful and effective hookset, even at the far end of a long cast. Many of my key spots had scattered brush and timber along the ledges, and Smackdown’s exceptional knot and tensile strength gave me the confidence to yank some real giants out of that jungle and into the boat.”
Seaguar Smackdown - Chris Zaldain
Photo Courtesy of BASS

With Smackdown Flash Green, every angler chasing big fish with large baits and heavy tackle can enjoy the same benefits that were once the exclusive domain of those fishing smaller lures or finesse presentations: long casts, exceptional knot and tensile strength, and unparalleled abrasion resistance, combined with a bright, easy-to-see color and woven into one of the thinnest-diameter braids on the market for easy handling and enhanced sensitivity. Spool up with Smackdown Flash Green, available in 150-yard spools of 40, 50, and 65 lb test with MSRP $29.99, and one cast — one strike — one fish in the boat will help you appreciate why Seaguar lines and leaders are Always the Best!

by AnglersChannel

Gamakatsu's G-Power Stinger Trailer Hook ICAST 2020

Tacoma, Washington (July 16, 2020) Colder water temps can mean lethargic fish, and that can result in many short strikes. Gamakatsu has a simple solution to awaken sleepy fish--its new innovative G-Power Stinger Trailer Hook. The days of big and bulky trailer hooks following behind your spinnerbait are gone.

The new G-Power Stinger Trailer Hook brilliance comes from Gamakatsu's famous B10S series of fly hooks and the expertise of Professional Bass angler Aaron Martens. With its strategically designed angle of the eye, this hook runs right through the water column presenting a life-like presentation allowing you to have more hookups. To make this stinger hook even more efficient, Gamakatsu has paired it with a silicone stopper to be placed just above the eye, preventing the hook from sliding up to the barb of the main hook shown here.

Visit the Gamakatsu New Product Site Here!

With its Nano Smooth Coat finish and the new silicone stopper, the
G-Power Stinger Trailer Hook is a game-changer. Available in sizes 2, 1 and 1/0 and comes with a silicone stopper which can also be purchased separately. Never miss a short strike again with Gamakatsu's G-Power Stinger Trailer Hook.

G-Power Stinger Trailer Hook Features:
TGW and Nano Smooth Coat
Aaron's custom bent eye keeps trailer running straight at any retrieve speed
Beefed up wire diameter for power fishing applications
Compact profile and sproat bend ideal for hooking and retaining fish
Included: Silicone Stopper
Size: 2, 1, 1/0
Color: Nano Smooth Coat
Qty/Pack: 4

For more information, visit: www.gamakatsu.com

by AnglersChannel

Gamakatsu New G-Power Flip & Punch Hook ICAST 2020

Tacoma, Washington (July 16, 2020) Bass fishing innovation is nothing new to professional angler and Gamakatsu pro Aaron Martens. With Aaron's brilliant insight, Gamakatsu has developed the new G-Power Flip & Punch Hook. A step up from the G-Finesse Heavy Cover Hook, the newly designed heavy style is the ultimate in-between hook for heavy to super heavy cover.

The TGW (Tournament Grade Wire) hook, paired with its welded eye, make this hook the strongest in Gamakatsu's G-Series lineup. When using larger baits and weights for punching through grass mats and flipping into heavy timber, you need a hook that's versatile in all types of cover and able to withstand extreme conditions. "Gamakatsu nailed it with the G-Power Hook," said Jeff Roberts, Gamakatsu sales manager.

Visit the Gamakatsu new product site here

Aaron thought of everything when it came to the new G-Power Flip & Punch Hook. This hook has a shortened point length providing less hook exposure in heavy cover; however, it leaves ample amount of the hook exposed to penetrate through the biggest of bass mouths. Reeling in a five-pound bass is a task of its own, but when you add two pounds of weeds to it, the odds of losing that fish increase. Just like Aaron, we all want to land the fish of a lifetime and leave the salad for the dinner table.

Gamakatsu's new G-Power Flip & Punch Hook comes in a variety of sizes 2/0, 3/0, 4/0 and 5/0 and is complemented by the Nano Smooth Coating finish ensuring this hook maintains Gamakatsu's reputation as the sharpest hook in your boat.

G-Power Worm Flip & Punch Hook Features:

TGW and Nano Smooth Coat
Aaron's custom tin keeper
Shortened point length for faster hook penetration
Heavy wire for serious flipping and punching
Size: 2/0, 3/0, 4/0, 5/0
Color: Nano Smooth Coat
Qty/Pack: 4

For more information, visit www.gamakatsu.com

by AnglersChannel

SPRO Enhances Terminal Tackle with Color Options ICAST 2020

Kennesaw, GA (July 16, 2020) SPRO has been an industry leader in innovation and quality when it comes to terminal tackle items such as swivels and snaps. SPRO's engineers know that attention to the details is what makes a good angler a great angler. SPRO introduces two new items that are going to make your fishing presentations even better.

The Duo Lock Snap has been the most popular of all snaps on the market due to its strength and durability which are traits that SPRO is known for. The Duo Lock Snap is now offered in Red. Anglers have shown a desire for red hooks which resemble a bleeding fish and now SPRO has brought that same principle to the Duo Lock Snap.

Duo Lock Snap Features:
Color - Red
Sizes 00,0,1,2,3,4,5,6
Qty, 00-3 (11) 4 (10) 5 (7) 6 (5)

Fishing techniques continue to evolve, and anglers are getting more creative with their presentations by adding blades and different styles and sizes of hooks to baits. SPRO's new swivels with split rings make this even easier for anglers on the move. Split Ring Swivels allow for fast and easy change of blades and hooks and now SPRO offers this option in Black. The black finish makes for a more flat and stealthy finish in the water which is perfect for those finicky biters.

Swivel Black Split Ring Features:
Color - Black
Sizes 2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9
Qty, 2 (20), 3 (18), 4 (14), 5 (10), 6 (8), 7-8 (6), 9 (5)

by AnglersChannel

SPRO Teaser Bucktails ICAST 2020

Kennesaw, GA (July 16, 2020) The SPRO Teaser series bucktail jigs utilize the most trusted and proven solid colors in the game. Stripers and fluke can't resist a Teaser bucktail that enters the strike zone. Every serious angler targeting these species should keep at least a few bucktails on hand.

While stripers and fluke are suckers for a Teaser bucktail, these versatile lures will catch just about anything. Pike, muskie, largemouth bass and any predatory species with a mouth big enough to wrap around the hook is a fair candidate.

Available in 2/0 and 3/0 hook sizes, the Teasers are stout and designed to hook and hold the hardest fighting fish around. Razor-sharp points easily penetrate rock-hard mouths, and the sturdy bend design holds tight against blistering runs in big water.

Teaser bucktails are designed for fish vertically in the strike zone or horizontally on a retrieve. They are versatile and designed for amateur and professional anglers who fish hard and require a durable lure that will catch the big ones.

Available in six different color options, the Teaser's come in 3-packs at a working-class price. White, chartreuse/white and pink make up the classic colors loved by anglers around the globe. Crazy Chartreuse, Glow and Zucchini round out the series with that little bit of extra flair that can differentiate the Teaser from other baits and lures on difficult days.

Teaser Features:
Sizes - 2/0 and 3/0
Quantity - 3 per Pack
Colors - White, Chartreuse/White, Crazy Chartreuse, Glow, Zucchini, Pink
MSRP: $6.99

by AnglersChannel

PENN Launches New Battle® III Reels & Combos ICAST 2020

Packed with Upgrades to Put up a Fight, PENN® Launches New Battle® III Reels & Combos

COLUMBIA, S.C. (July 16, 2020) — Long recognized for their undeniable strength, smoothness, and durability, the PENN® Battle® spinning reels are revered among saltwater anglers and feared by the fish they meet. With the introduction of the next generation, the new Battle III spinning reels and combos continue to be a workhorse on the water while remaining one of the most accessible reels in the PENN family. Tackling a wide variety of saltwater applications, the new Battle III series is enhanced with PENN’s best gear technology, which is sought after by everyone from inshore, to offshore and surf anglers.

Already a well-known series for PENN, the Battle III takes must-have saltwater characteristics like strength, smoothness and durability to the next level with the inclusion of PENN’s proprietary CNC Gear™ Technology which ensures the pinion and drive gears are cut to exact tolerances using premium metals. The new Battle III reels include the proprietary PENN HT-100™ Carbon Fiber Drag System for smooth drag even when battling hard-pulling saltwater fish and a full-metal body and sideplate. Combined, these features make the Battle III ideal for inshore, surf and select offshore application.

“The Battle series of spinning reels were already one of the best sellers in the market, but we knew we could improve them,” stated Mike Rice, Category Director for PENN. “Adding CNC gearing to the already tough aluminum body and sideplate provide tremendous durability at a great price point.”

Additional reel features include a superline-ready spool to negate the need for backing, line capacity rings for easy reference while fishing or spooling and 5+1 sealed, stainless-steel ball bearing system. Built to handle the abuse that’s unavoidable for saltwater fishing gear, the reel comes in nine different sizes, ranging from 1000 to a new 10000 size. Three high-speed reel configurations designated by an eye-catching red-and-black trim package are also available. The new PENN Battle III reels have MSRPs ranging from $99.95 to $149.95.

The Battle III Combos feature graphite composite blanks with updated actions for inshore models, PENN Dura-Guides and a Sea-Guide double locking nut reel seat. Also new for 2020 are two new travel models which include a case, reel and spare spool. Prices for the combos range from an MSRP of $129.99 to $199.99.

PENN® Battle® III Spinning Reels: Specifications

Reel Size/MSRP:
1000/$99.95 • 2000/$109.95 • 2500/$109.95 • 3000/$119.95 • 4000/$119.95 • 4000 High Speed/$119.95 • 5000/$129.95 • 6000/$129.95 • 6000 High Speed/$129.95 • 8000/$139.95 • 8000 High Speed/$139.95 • 10000/$149.95

Gear Ratios:

5.2:1 – 1000
6.2:1 – 2000 / 2500 / 3000 / 4000
6.2:1 – 6000 High Speed
7.0:1 – 4000 High Speed
5.6:1 – 5000 / 6000
4.7:1 – 8000
5.3:1 – 8000 High Speed
4.2:1 - 10000

Bearings:
5+1 Sealed Stainless Steel Bearing System

Key Features:
• CNC Gear™ Technology
• HT-100™ Carbon Fiber Drag System
• Full metal body and sideplate
• Line-capacity rings for easy reference while fishing or spooling
• Superline-ready spool with rubber gasket negates the need for backing

PENN® Battle® III Combos: Specifications

Reel Size/MSRP:
1000/$129.99 • 2000/$139.99 • 2500/$139.99 • 3000/$149.99 • 4000/$149.99 • 4000 Travel/$179.99 • 5000/$159.99 • 6000/$159.99 • 6000 Travel/$199.99 • 8000/$169.99

Key Features:
Battle III Reels
Graphite Composite Blank
PENN® Dura-Guides
Sea-Guide Reel Seat (double locking nut)
Cork and EVA grips
Rubber Shrink Tube Handles
Graphite reel seats
3PC Travel Models (Case, Reel, & Spare Spool Included)

Availability:
July 2020

by AnglersChannel

Berkley Expands HD Tru Color Options for PowerBait ICAST 2020

Berkley® Expands HD Tru Color Options for PowerBait®

COLUMBIA, S.C. (July 16, 2020) — Expanding on its successful launch of HD Tru Color baits in 2019, the team at Berkley is excited to announce the addition of the HD Tru Color technology to three additional PowerBait® shapes – the Pre-Rigged Swim Shad, Hollow Belly and Grass Pig. By adding HD Tru Color technology, Berkley is offering anglers a variety of new soft baits that look so lifelike they mimic real bait, appealing to a fish’s sense of sight.

With over 25 years of continuous research and testing going into perfecting the science behind PowerBait, the addition of HD Tru Color technology brings a dimension of realism to these baits to help lure in fish. Once recognized by hungry fish, the legendary PowerBait formula takes over offering an irresistible scent and flavor combination that makes fish hold onto the bait longer for an even greater hook-up ratio.

“PowerBait leads the industry in scent and taste, but the addition of HD Tru Color technology is where the craft comes in to play,” said Berkley Vice President of Marketing Jon Schlosser. “We chose the Pre-Rigged Swim Shad, Hollow Belly and Grass Pig in order to amplify what already were great baits now with increased features.”

The PowerBait Pre-Rigged Swim Shad is now available in a new 2-inch size and features the new HD Tru Colors in the 2-, 3- and 4-inch sizes. The already leading bait, now improved with lifelike detail, 3D eyes and holographic inserts, increases precision and likeness to the real thing. The PowerBait Hollow Belly HD Tru Colors are available in 4-, 5- and 6-inch sizes and can be rigged as a line-through, on a jighead or with a weighted EWG. The PowerBait Grass Pig features a new size of 3.5 inches and an HD color extension on the 3.5- and 5-inch versions. The popular, Bobby Lane- designed bait features an irresistible wiggle through the body and tail of the bait. With six new HD colors, the versatile swimbait can be rigged with a weighted EWG, as a Florida rig, with an offset wide gap hook or on a jighead.

Berkley HD Tru Colors: Specifications

PowerBait Grass Pig

Sizes: 3.5 and 5 inches
Baits per package: 8 (3.5-inch); 6 (5-inch)
MSRP: $3.99 / $4.99 HD Tru Colors
HD Colors: HD Blueback Herring • HD Black Crappie • HD Gizzard Shad • HD Rainbow Trout • HD Sexy Shad • HD Yellow Perch

Key Features:
• Now available in 3.5-inch version
• HD Tru Colors
• Versatile swimbait that can be rigged with a weighted EWG hook, as a Florida rig, with an offset wide gap hook or on a jighead

Colors:
HD Blueback Herring
HD Black Crappie
HD Gizzard Shad
HD Rainbow Trout
HD Sexy Shad
HD Yellow Perch

PowerBait Pre-Rigged Swim Shad – HD Tru Colors

Sizes: 2, 3 and 4 inches
Baits per package: 5 (2- and 3-inch versions); 3 (4-inch version)
MSRP: $3.99 / $4.99 (2- and 3-inch HD Tru colors /; $4.79 (4-inch HD Tru colors)
HD Colors: HD Bluegill • HD Yellow Perch • HD Rainbow Trout • HD Gizzard Shad • HD Blueback Herring • HD Sexy Shad

Key Features:
• Same great bait, now available in HD Tru Colors and new 2-inch size
• Pre-rigged and ready to fish
• Lifelike detail, 3D eyes, holographic inserts
• Bag with tray protects the vibrating tail

PowerBait Hollow Belly – HD Tru Colors
Sizes: 4, 5 and 6 inches
Baits per package: 4 (4-inch version); 3 (5- and 6-inch versions)
MSRP: $6.99 / $7.99 HD Tru Colors
HD Colors: HD Black Crappie • HD Yellow Perch • HD Rainbow Trout • HD Gizzard Shad • HD Blueback Herring • HD Sexy Shad

Key Features:
• Now available in HD Tru Color
• Great action on fast and slow retrieves
• Rig as a line-through, on a jighead or with a weighted EWG hook

by AnglersChannel

Lucas Lands 100 Pounds to Win Final Stage of 2020 Bass Pro Tour

Photo Credit: Phoenix Moore/Major League Fishing

Jordan Lee Named Points Champion

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 15, 2020 (Sturgeon Bay, Wisc.) Major League Fishing (MLF) Pro Justin Lucas scored 110 pounds, five ounces – a record in a Bass Pro Tour Championship Round - to win the Covercraft Stage Five presented by Abu Garcia Title and its $100,000 payout. Today’s finale included drama and record-breaking fish catches as see throughout the six-day event hosted by Destination Sturgeon Bay.

34-year-old Lucas of Guntersville, Alabama won the Qualifying Round for Group A, earning him an automatic berth to today’s Championship Round. This is Lucas’s first major win in four years, which brought much relief and emotion to the final confirmation of his win.

“It took me a while to figure out this MLF format, I didn’t have the best year last year,” said Lucas. “I know I’m not the most natural angler on this Tour, but I work hard and am really competitive. I wanted this so bad and it feels so good to get it.”

In addition to his trophy, Lucas took home three MLF records. Lucas’s catch was today one of 10, 100-pound plus days during this event. He set a new Bass Pro Tour record for the most weight caught during a Championship Day, passing Aaron Martens who scored 86 pounds, 4 ounces during the 2019 event on Table Rock Lake (Missouri).

Lucas also set the most scorable weight in a single day of competition on Friday when he scored 141 pounds, nine ounces. He also scored the most weight in a two-day Round with 205 pounds, six ounces to win Group A. His strategy focused on 20 to 25- deep water for the majority of his score and used the Berkley PowerBait MaxScent almost exclusively.

Cliff Pace caught the Berkley Big Bass of the day weighing in five pounds, three ounces earning him $1,000.

The top ten finished the Knockout Round as follows:

Place Angler One-Day Total Weight One-Day Fish Count Largest Fish Payout
1 Justin Lucas 110-05 38 4-06 $100,000
2 Mark Daniels Jr. 102-07 34 4-01 $42,000
3 Josh Bertrand 86-14 29 4-06 $30,000
4 Jordan Lee 79-07 27 4-04 $24,000
3 Alton Jones 78-05 26 4-08 $18,000
4 Andy Morgan 63-10 19 4-14 $16,800
5 Mike Iaconelli 63-02 23 4-08 $15.600
5 Cliff Pace 54-05 15 5-03 $14,400
7 Bradley Roy 30-07 11 3-12 $13,200
8 Ish Monroe 28-04 10 4-04 $12,000

For complete results, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com, Bass Pro Tour, Results.

29-year-old Jordan Lee is the 2020 Bass Pro Tour Season Points Champion, pictured here with wife, Kristen. Photo Credit: Garrett Dixon/Major League Fishing
29-year-old Jordan Lee locked in Points Champion. The angler with the most points at the end of the 2020 season earns the title of “Bass Pro Tour Points Champion.” Each angler earns Points (80-1) awarded by finishing place (1-80) at each Stage of the Bass Pro Tour. Coming into Wisconsin, Fletcher Shryock, Jacob Wheeler, Ott DeFoe, and Michael Neal rounded out the top five behind Lee. Upon receiving the trophy today, Lee expressed how much this means to him as a professional angler.

“To win (Points Champion) means you have to be a consistent angler and win or place regularly,” said Lee. “And to win against this group of guys, the best in the world, is really an awesome thing and it really means a lot.”

About the Bass Pro Tour:

The Bass Pro Tour began in 2019 and features 80 of the best professional anglers in the world, including Kevin VanDam, Edwin Evers, Aaron Martens, Mike Iaconelli, Jordan Lee, and Skeet Reese. Each stage includes six days of competition using the Major League Fishing, catch-weigh-and-immediately-release format, where every bass over a variable minimum weight, which is two pounds on Lake Fork for Stage Three, toward a cumulative weight total for the day. Variable minimum weights are determined by fishery, akin to a golf course handicap. The field of 80 anglers is divided into two groups of 40 (Groups A and B) to compete on days one through four for the Qualifying Round. The winners of each Group earn an automatic berth the Championship Round. The anglers finishing in places 2-20 from each group in the Qualifying Round (40 total) advance to the Knockout Round on day five (Tuesday), which determines who will compete on that final day, the Championship Round (Wednesday), for the Stage title and $100,000.

Each Stage of the Bass Pro Tour has the following payout schedule: 1st $100,000; 2nd $42,000; 3rd $30,000; 4th $24,000; 5th$18,000; 6th $16,800; 7th $15,600; 8th $14,400; 9th $13,200; 10th $12,000; 11th – 40th $6,000; Big Bass Daily $1,000; Big Bass Overall $1,000.

In addition to the economic impact for the host community, Destination Sturgeon Bay / Door County, Major League Fishing showcases the region through their award-winning, live and linear programming. Each Stage of the Bass Pro Tour is broadcast live on the Major League Fishing app, MyOutdoorTV (MOTV), and majorleaguefishing.com, totaling more than 325 hours of original programming. Fans can follow the fast-paced nature of the MLF format as it unfolds on the live leaderboard through “SCORETRACKER® updates.”

Highlights from each Stage of the 2020 Bass Pro Tour air on Discovery Network beginning in July 2020 and Sportsman Channel in early 2021. Covercraft Stage Five presented by Abu Garcia will premiere as two, two-hour episodes on Discovery Channel October 3 and 4, 7 – 9 a.m. ET/PT.

“MLF offers the strongest broadcast presence in the industry to fans and sponsors,” said Jim Wilburn, President and CEO of Major League Fishing. “And with these lakes planned for this coming Bass Pro Tour, we know 2020 will be our best year yet as we continue to capture a broad audience of both longtime fishing fans and those new to the sport, thanks to our fast-paced, fan-friendly format,”

by AnglersChannel

ICAST Announces 30 New Product Showcase Best of Category Winners for 2020

Awards were presented during the first-ever virtual sportfishing trade show
Alexandria, VA – July 15, 2020 - Tonight, the ICAST 2020 Online New Product Showcase Best of Category award winners were announced during the first-ever, virtual sportfishing industry trade show. One of those 30 category winners will be awarded the coveted Best of Show trophy to be announced Friday morning, July 17, at 9:00 a.m. at ICASTfishing.org.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic ICAST, the world’s largest recreational fishing trade show, transitioned from an Orlando-based, in-person show to a virtual event with ICAST 2020 Online. The American Sportfishing Association (ASA), the show’s producer, committed to delivering attendees and exhibitors alike an engaging, interactive virtual trade show experience, presented by TakeMeFishing.org.

“For 63 years, ICAST has been the venue for showcasing recreational fishing related products and we were determined that this year was going to be no different,” said Blake Swango, ASA’s vice president for Trade Show and Membership.

One of the most popular featured events at ICAST, the New Product Showcase, sponsored by Fishing Tackle Retailer/Decode, is a once-a-year opportunity to see the latest and greatest innovations all in one place.

“Despite a change in venue, the New Product Showcase featured the latest innovations in gear, accessories, apparel and other products to ensure anglers will have a great day on the water,” said ASA President Glenn Hughes. “For the first time, retail buyers and media from around the world were able to vote electronically for the Best of Category and Best of Show awards.”

Hughes further said, “Kudos and congratulations to all our member exhibitors who stepped up this year, even during these crazy times, to develop and launch all these incredible new products that reflect the passion our industry has for making a day on the water even more exciting for anglers around the globe.”

For ICAST 2020 Online, 434 new products were entered by more than 180 companies.

“We congratulate tonight’s winners for contributing their ideas and hard work to the innovative spirit that keeps our industry growing,” said Swango. “We’re pleased that ICAST once again serves as a showcase for the best in sportfishing and the entire outdoor, on-the-water experience.”

Swango noted, “I want to thank our ICAST 2020 Online sponsors for their generous support and commitment to the show.”

All New Product Showcase entries and Best of Category winners are available for viewing through the ICAST website and on the ICAST app.

ICAST 2020 Online New Product Showcase Best of Category Award Winners
For product details, images and other information please contact the individual award winners’ contacts listed below.

Best of Category – Boating Accessories – Minn Kota
Product: Raptor Shallow Water Anchor
Contact: Kathy Dutton

Best of Category – Boats and Watercraft – Johnson Outdoors Watercraft
Product: Old Town Sportsman Autopilot
Contact: Alex Sherbinow

Best of Category – Giftware – Garmin
Product: Garmin quatix® 6X Solar
Contact: Carly Hysell

Best of Category – Footwear – Under Armour
Product: UA Micro G Kilchis
Contact: Jed Larkin

Best of Category – Eyewear – Costa Del Mar, Inc.
Product: Ferg
Contact: Todd Barker

Best of Category – Lifestyle Apparel for Women – Simms Fishing Products
Product: Women’s Challenger Jacket and Bib
Contact: Katy Grassel

Best of Category – Lifestyle Apparel for Men – AFTCO/American Fishing Tackle Company
Product: Saba Recycled Seam-Free Boardshorts
Contact: Matt Florentino

Best of Category – Technical Apparel – Warm Weather – AFTCO/American Fishing Tackle Company
Product: Diffuse Air-0 Mesh® Fishing Shorts
Contact: Matt Florentino

Best of Category – Technical Apparel – Cold Weather – AFTCO/American Fishing Tackle Company
Product: Reaper Windproof 3-Layer Softshell Jacket
Contact: Matt Florentino

Best of Category – Soft and Hard Coolers - YETI
Product: Roadie 24
Contact: Erica Cicero

Best of Category – Electronics – Humminbird
Product: CoastMaster Charts
Contact: Justin Leesman

Best of Category – Cutlery, Hand Pliers or Tools – Line Cutterz as Seen on Shark Tank
Product: Line Cutterz Dual Hybrid Micro Scissor
Contact: Vance Zahorski

Best of Category – Fly Fishing Accessory – Plano Synergy
Product: Frabill Floating Trout nets
Contact: Chris Russell

Best of Category – Fishing Accessory – American Tackle Company
Product: Tsuka Handle System
Contact: Theron Asbery

Best of Category – Kids’ Tackle – Pure Fishing, Inc.
Product: Abu Garcia Gen Ike EZ Cast Baitcast Combo
Contact: Kimberly Hoffman

Best of Category – Terminal Tackle – Rapala
Product: VMC CROSSOVER RINGS
Contact: Julia Lindberg

Best of Category – Tackle Management – Plano Synergy
Product: Plano EDGE FLEX
Contact: Chris Russell

Best of Category – Ice Fishing – Rapala
Product: STRIKEMASTER LITHIUM 24V
Contact: Julia Lindberg

Best of Category – Fishing Line – Pure Fishing, Inc.
Product: Berkley FluoroShield
Contact: Kimberly Hoffman

Best of Category – Freshwater Soft Lure – A Band of Anglers
Product: Hyperlastics Dartprop Pro SK
Contact: Paul Michele

Best of Category – Freshwater Hard Lure – Z-Man Fishing Products
Product: ChatterBait® JackHammer™ StealthBlade™
Contact: Joey Prochazka

Best of Category – Saltwater Soft Lure – 13 Fishing
Product: The Mullet
Contact: Jessica Teschendorf

Best of Category – Saltwater Hard Lure – Shimano North America Fishing, Inc.
Product: SP-Orca 150 Flash Boost – Blue Sardine Color (XUS15TEBS)
Contact: John Mazurkiewicz

Best of Category – Fly Fishing Rod – Pure Fishing, Inc.
Product: Hardy Zane Pro
Contact: Kimberly Hoffman

Best of Category – Freshwater Rod – St. Croix of Park Falls
Product: Legend Xtreme spinning XFS76MF
Contact: Josh Lanz

Best of Category – Saltwater Rod – St. Croix of Park Falls
Product: Mojo Inshore JIC79XHMF
Contact: Josh Lanz

Best of Category – Rod & Reel Combo – Pure Fishing, Inc.
Product: Abu Garcia Virtual Casting Combo
Contact: Kimberly Hoffman

Best of Category – Fly Reel – Pure Fishing, Inc.
Product: Hardy Ultradisc UDLA Reel
Contact: Kimberly Hoffman

Best of Category – Freshwater Reel – Shimano North America Fishing, Inc.
Product: Vanford 2500 Spinning Reel (VF2500HGF)
Contact: John Mazurkiewicz

Best of Category – Saltwater Reel – Pure Fishing, Inc.
Product: PENN Battle III Reels
Contact: Kimberly Hoffman
The American Sportfishing Association (ASA) is the sportfishing industry's trade association committed to representing the interests of the sportfishing and boating industries as well as the entire sportfishing community. We give the industry and anglers a unified voice when emerging laws and policies could significantly affect sportfishing business or sportfishing itself. ASA invests in long-term ventures to ensure the industry will remain strong and prosperous, as well as safeguard and promote the enduring economic, conservation and social values of sportfishing in America. ASA also gives America's 49 million anglers a voice in policy decisions that affect their ability to sustainably fish on our nation's waterways through Keep America Fishing, our national angler advocacy campaign. America's anglers generate nearly $50 billion in retail sales with a $125 billion impact on the nation's economy creating employment for 800,000 people.

by AnglersChannel

KVD’s Smallmouth Smorgasbord ICAST 2020

Courtesy of Luke Stoner - Dynamic Sponsorships

Few people on this planet know more about northern smallmouth bass than Kevin VanDam. The bronze aquatic torpedoes are just different. Their patterns, preferences, and nomadic nature require a special learning curve VanDam has been perfecting his entire career.

With nearly $7 million in tournament earnings that includes 28 pro-level wins, it’s safe to say VanDam has a proven track record. When KVD talks, you’d be wise to listen.

The Team Toyota pro suspects he spends 70% of his time targeting smallmouth versus their large-mouthed relatives when fun-fishing around his home in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Following Stage 5 of the Bass Pro Tour we caught up with KVD to talk smallmouth bass and get a glimpse into one of the greatest minds bass fishing has ever known.

Two tips for Northern smallies

We wanted to quiz VanDam on what his current favorite baits or techniques for bronze-backs were, but the greatest tournament angler of all time couldn’t help but divulge two crucial tips he pays attention to before every smallmouth trip; use a long rod and invest in quality sunglasses.

“Using a longer-than-usual rod helps a ton for northern smallmouth,” VanDam explained. “The water is typically ultra-clear up here, so long casts are extremely important. Light line and a long rod will help you get your bait as away from the boat as possible, and assists with moving a lot of line on your hook set when you get a fish to eat.”

VanDam pointed out he practically never uses a rod shorter than 7-feet long when targeting clear-water smallies. He designed his new signature series of Lew’s rods with this in mind, including the 7-foot 4-inch KVD Lew’s spinning rod VanDam trusts for nearly every finesse fishing application.

Owning and wearing a good pair of polarized sunglasses was KVD’s next suggestion that’ll help you catch more fish whether you are stalking the bank or covering an offshore flat in a bass boat.

“Electronics are important for showing me what’s underwater, but to me a good pair of sunglasses is absolutely critical,” VanDam said. “Smallmouth love transitions or changes in bottom composition. I’m constantly looking for those things when I’m smallmouth fishing. Oakley’s Shallow Water Prizm is hands-down my favorite lens color for northern waters.”

Whether he is enjoying time on the water his boys Jackson and Nicholas or in the middle of high-stress MLF competition, VanDam’s eyes are always scanning the water. Looking for indications like transitions, irregularities, individual pieces of cover, or smallmouth themselves. KVD catches a pile of smallmouth each year thanks to the clues he discovers using nothing but his eyes.

VanDam’s smallmouth staples

The tips KVD provided above will give you a couple steps in the right direction to consistently catching smallmouth, but throwing the right baits helps even more. VanDam graciously offered six northern smallmouth staples he has rigged and at the ready whenever he launches his Nitro boat.

3 power-fishing preferences

½-ounce Strike King KVD Burner Spinnerbait
Strike King KVD Jerkbait (300 series)
Strike King KVD Jerkbait Deep (300 series)

It’s no secret KVD loves to move fast and power fish. Fortunately, VanDam has found that to be the best way to locate smallmouth. The pace VanDam keeps during competition would make a toddler on a sugar-high sleepy, but there is undoubtedly a method to his madness.

If restricted to three choices, these lures are what VanDam would bet the house on for smallmouth in northern waters.

“I always start by power fishing if I’m targeting smallmouths,” VanDam said. “Even if I don’t catch the fish on a jerkbait or spinnerbait, oftentimes they’ll show themselves. Smallmouth are notorious for following baits up to the boat, but I’m OK with that. I can always go back and finesse them if I need to. Power fishing not only catches me a lot of smallies, it helps me find a lot of fish, too.”

3 finesse frontrunners

3/8-ounce Strike King Tour Grade Tube jig with a KVD Pro-Model Tube
Dropshot: Strike King KVD Dream Shot with 3/8 – ½-ounce weight
1/8-ounce Ned Rig with a Strike King Ned Ocho

When the conditions call for it or he simply can’t get fish to react to more aggressive offerings, VanDam has found great success with these three lures / presentations. Relying on these finesse techniques to “cleanup” areas where he has located finicky smallmouth.

“I absolutely never go smallmouth fishing without a tube and a dropshot tied on,” VanDam admitted. “While I’d prefer to catch them power fishing, it’s impossible to deny to effectiveness of those three lures. Whether I’m trying to coax more bites from an area, dropping down to a fish that chased my bait to the boat, or the scenario calls for a more subtle presentation I lean on these three lures.”

by AnglersChannel

Berkley Frittside Junior and Biggun’ ICAST 2020

Berkley® Expands the Frittside™ Lineup with the Addition of the Junior and Biggun’

COLUMBIA, S.C. (July 15, 2020) — When Berkley® scientists collaborated with David Fritts to create the Berkley Frittside™ they knew they had a lure that was scientifically proven to catch bass, but even they were surprised at how fast it cemented itself as one of the hottest crankbaits in bass fishing. In just a short period of time it has racked up a lengthy list of accomplishments including the 2019 MLF Redcrest win, a 2020 FLW Pro Circuit event win and a host of Top-10 finishes in both the 2019 and 2020 Bassmaster Classic. In response to this success and the considerable buzz around the bait, Berkley is now announcing an expanded offering of the size 5 Frittside with two new profiles, the Frittside Junior and the Frittside Biggun’.

“We were bombarded with requests for new sizes from professional and avid anglers, so we put our Berkley scientists back to work,” stated Jake Dawson, Marketing Director at Berkley. “We asked them to develop two new baits that would dive to five feet but would still have that Frittside action that works in everything from muddy to clear-water conditions. That’s not as easy as it sounds as it takes considerable testing in the lab and on the water to keep the unique action at different depths.”

Flat-sided balsa crankbaits are known for their action, but these types of wooden baits are not as durable and the balsa material itself can be inconsistent from lure to lure leading to imperfections. Working with David Fritts, the Berkley scientists were able to bring together the action of a balsa bait with the durability, consistency and casting ability of a plastic bait with the Frittside lineup. Both the Frittside Junior and Biggun’ are ideal for sluggish and/or pressured fish. The Frittside Junior is ideal for clear-water conditions while the Frittside Biggun’ gives anglers the larger profile necessary for muddy conditions. Both feature the classic flat-sided profile that mimics a variety of species and creates the most flash of any Berkley crankbait. The integrated FlashDisc design delivers a balanced weighting and action that tracks more accurately at higher speeds. Versus balsa, the Frittside’s material construction makes it’s easier to cast for distance and accuracy — even on baitcasting gear — meaning anglers can cover more water with the baits and reach targets from a greater distance.

The Frittside Junior and Biggun’ are available in 18 colors ideal for bass fisheries across the nation and come equipped with ultra-sharp Fusion19™ hooks. Both the Junior and the Biggun’ have an MSRP of $8.99.

Berkley Frittside Junior and Biggun’: Specifications

Size:
Frittside Junior — 2 inches (length) x .9 inches (height)
Frittside Biggun’ — 2.82 inches (length) x 1.08 inches (height)

Dive Depth/Hook Size:
Frittside Junior — 2 to 5 feet/Size 5
Frittside Biggun’ — 2 to 5 feet/Size 7

Colors:
Spicy Mustard • Blue Chartreuse • Firetiger • Cream Pie • Midnight Pearl • Kentucky Blue • Lone Ranger • Black Chartreuse • Spray Tan • Honey Shad • Sexy Back • Ghost Morning Dawn • Rubbertail • MF Bluegill • Candy Apple Red Craw • Spring Craw • Brown Craw • Special Red Craw

MSRP:
Frittside Junior — $8.99
Frittside Biggun’ — $8.99

Key Features:
• Tight, balsa-like thumping action for tough conditions made possible by the integrated FlashDisc, which improves tracking stability
• Casts well even on baitcasting equipment
• Equipped with ultra-sharp Fusion19 hooks

by AnglersChannel

Abu Garcia Max Line ICAST 2020

Abu Garcia Brings Performance to Affordable Reels and Combos with its New Max Line

COLUMBIA, S.C. (July 15, 2020) – Anglers looking for an edge will be excited to see the new Abu Garcia® Max line of reels and combos hitting the water this summer. Abu Garcia is well known for high performance and reliability, and the new Max X, Max STX and Max PRO reels are no exception. Accessible for all anglers, the new Max reels and combos will give anyone a leg up in the competition.

“The introduction of the Max X, STX and PRO line marks a new chapter for the legacy Abu Garcia Black Max, Silver Max and Pro Max reels,” said Andrew Wheeler, Marketing Director for Abu Garcia. “We’re excited to be able to offer improved performance and a fresh look for this trusted family of reels and combos. We strongly believe this new line will be a reliable choice for everyone who has a passion for fishing.”

The Max X, STX, and PRO spinning reels feature both the Rocket Line Management System™ for better control of all types of fishing line, and the Rocket Spool Lip Design™ that offers more control of the line coming off the spool. Machined aluminum spools provide strength without the added weight, and their slow oscillation helps to ensure even line lay with all types of fishing line. Bearing counts range from three on the Max X, five on the Max STX to six on the Max PRO, and all include an additional roller bearing for smooth operation. Max spinning combos are constructed from 24 Ton graphite for a lightweight, balanced design and feature custom designed reel seats with an integrated polymer comfort grip.

Max spincast reels feature a Quadcam pickup system, and a smooth, consistent multidisc drag system. The Max X has one ball bearing, the Max STX has two, while the Max PRO has three ball bearings and all include an additional roller bearing for smooth operation. All reels have an Easy Spool feature and come pre-spooled with Berkley® Trilene® XL line. The Max X, STX and PRO reels are also available in a combo version that offers high density EVA grips and stainless steel guides with titanium oxide inserts.

All combos feature eye-catching graphics that are sure to stand out in any angler’s gear. For additional information on the Abu Garcia Max family of reels and combos visit www.abugarcia.com.

Abu Garcia Max Spinning Reels and Combos: Specifications

Max X Spinning
Reel Sizes: 5 • 10 • 20 • 30 • 40 • 60
Reel MSRP: $29.99 to $39.99
Combo Sizes: Size 5 reel/5-6 Light rod (2-piece) • Size 20 reel/6-0 Medium rod • Size 30 reel/6-6 Medium rod • Size 30 reel/6-6 Medium rod (2-piece) • Size 60 reel/7-0 Medium Heavy rod
Combo MSRP: $59.99 to $69.99

• 3 Ball bearings +1 roller bearing provides smooth operation
• Rocket Line Management™ system provides better control of all types of fishing lines
• Rocket Spool Lip Design™ allows better control of line coming off the spool
• Machined aluminum spool provides strength without adding excess weight
• Slow Oscillation provides even line lay with all types of line
• Everlast™ bail system for improved durability
• Lightweight graphite body and rotor
• Abu Custom integrated reel seat with molded polymer comfort grip on combo rods
• 24 Ton graphite construction on combo rods for a lightweight and balanced design
• Texas rigged hook keeper on combo rods

Max STX Spinning
Reel Sizes: 5 • 10 • 20 • 30 • 40
Reel MSRP: $39.99
Combo Sizes: Size 5 reel/5-6 Light rod (2-piece) • Size 10 reel/7-0 Light rod (2-piece) • Size 30 reel/6-6 Medium rod • Size 30 reel/6-6 Medium rod (2-piece) • Size 40 reel/7-0 Medium Heavy rod (2-piece)
Combo MSRP: $69.99

• 5 Ball bearings +1 roller bearing provides smooth operation
• Rocket Line Management™ system provides better control of all types of fishing lines
• Rocket Spool Lip Design™ allows better control of line coming off the spool
• Machined aluminum spool provides strength without adding excess weight
• Slow Oscillation provides even line lay with all types of line
• Everlast™ bail system for improved durability
• Lightweight graphite body and rotor
• Abu Custom integrated reel seat with molded polymer comfort grip on combo rods
• 24 Ton graphite construction on combo rods for a lightweight and balanced design
• Texas rigged hook keeper on combo rods

Max PRO Spinning
Reel Sizes: 5 • 10 • 20 • 30 • 40 • 60
Reel MSRP: $49.99 to $59.99
Combo Sizes: Size 30 reel/6-6 Medium rod (2-piece) • Size 30 reel/7-0 Medium rod
Combo MSRP: $79.99

• 6 Ball bearings +1 roller bearing provides smooth operation
• Rocket Line Management™ system provides better control of all types of fishing lines
• Rocket Spool Lip Design™ allows better control of line coming off the spool
• Machined aluminum spool provides strength without adding excess weight
• Slow Oscillation provides even line lay with all types of line
• Everlast™ bail system for improved durability
• Lightweight graphite body and rotor
• Abu Custom integrated reel seat with molded polymer comfort grip on combo rods
• 24 Ton graphite construction on combo rods for a lightweight and balanced design
• Texas rigged hook keeper on combo rods

Abu Garcia Max Spincast Reels and Combos: Specifications

Max X Spincast
Reel Sizes: 10 • 15
Reel MSRP: $19.99 to $24.99
Combo Sizes: Size 10 reel/6-0 Medium rod (2-piece) • Size 15 reel/6-6 Medium rod (2-piece)
Combo MSRP: $24.99 to $34.99

• Quadcam Pickup System
• 2 bearing system
• Pre-Spooled with Berkley Trilene XL
• Smooth and consistent multi-disc drag system
• High Density EVA on combo rods
• Stainless Steel Guides with Stainless Steel inserts on combo rods

Max STX Spincast
Reel Sizes: 10
Reel MSRP: $29.99
Combo Sizes: Size 10 ree/6-0 Medium rod (2-piece)
Combo MSRP: $49.99

• Quadcam Pickup System
• 3 bearing system
• Pre-Spooled with Berkley Trilene XL
• Smooth and consistent multi disc-drag system
• High Density EVA on combo rods
• Stainless Steel Guides with Stainless Steel inserts on combo rods

Max Pro Spincast
Reel Sizes: 10
Reel MSRP: $49.99
Combo Sizes: Size 10 reel/6-0 Medium rod (2-piece)
Combo MSRP: $59.99

• Quadcam Pickup System
• 4 bearing system
• Pre-Spooled with Berkley Trilene XL
• Smooth and consistent multi disc-drag system
• High Density EVA on combo rods
• Stainless Steel Guides with Stainless Steel inserts on combo rods
• Aluminum body and cone

by AnglersChannel

SPRO's King Daddy Frog New Colors ICAST 2020

Kennesaw, Georgia (July 15, 2020) - The Bronzeye Frog 90 is the King Daddy of all frog baits. The oversized profile and unmatched action of the larger-than-life frog attract the biggest predators as it chugs and sputters its way through the thickest mats without hanging up or snagging. And now, SPRO has added four of the most popular colors to the King Daddy line to answer angler demand.

Pictured above: Bronzeye Frog 90 (King Daddy) compared to Bronzeye Frog 65

"The King Daddy is the biggest frog on the market," said SPRO Pro and lure designer Dean Rojas. "If you want explosive topwater action with the biggest bass or muskies, you need to fish a King Daddy."

B.A.S.S. Elite Series Angler Dean Rojas and SPRO developed the frog for bass anglers across the country 15 years ago. Since that time, Rojas and SPRO played with the winning formula to create different baits to excel in specific conditions. The Bronzeye Frog 90 King Daddy was built 30 percent bigger than the original to give multi-species anglers the profile to entice the largest predators out of hiding. The heavy-duty Gamakatsu double hook ensures that strikes turn into hookups, with the backbone needed to horse fish through the densest weeds using the beefiest rods and strongest braids.
"We've added four of the most popular colors from our other frogs to the King Daddy line. Anglers wanted our proven Navy Seal, Yellow Sparkle, Outback and Albino colors in a larger size to target bigger fish," said Rojas. "Albino is one of my favorites because it allows me to easily customize the bait to match forage species or light conditions with just a paint marker."

The one-ounce King Daddy delivers extra casting distance so you can hit the pads in the back where no boat can go. Reach untouched pockets where lunkers lie with the weedless performance to wiggle through the thickest cover without snagging. The walking action also excels in open water, drawing fish from submerged cover for adrenaline-inducing surface blow-ups.

For big fish in thick mats, sparse weeds, or open water, you can't beat the splashing, gurgling action of the King Daddy. Now available in four additional fish-catching colors.

Bronzeye Frog 90 King Daddy Features:

90mm
1 ounce
Gamakatsu 6/0 EWG Double hook
In NEW Navy Seal, Yellow Sparkle, Outback, and Albino
Midnight Walker, Leopard, Nasty Shad, Natural Green, Killer Gill, Rainforest Black, Natural Red, and Green Tree Frog are also available

by AnglersChannel

Jordan Lee Secures 2020 Bass Pro Tour Points Championship!

MDJ Scores 100+ to Win Round;
IKE EEKS Over Elimination Line by 1-ounce

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 14, 2020 (Sturgeon Bay, Wisc.) 38 Pros battled on the Wisconsin waters of Lake Michigan for the final eight spots in Wednesday’s Covercraft Stage Five presented by Abu Garcia Championship. Mark Daniels Jr. won the Knockout Round with 103 pounds. Mike Iaconelli landed a two-pound, two-ounce smallmouth in the final seconds to push Ott DeFoe out of the Championship by one ounce. 30 Pros fell below the Elimination Line, including Jacob Wheeler, which guarantees the 2020 Bass Pro Tour Season Points Title to 29-year-old Jordan Lee who finished third to advance. The tournament hosted by Destination Sturgeon Bay continues Wednesday when the top ten compete for the $100,000 Stage Title.

38-year-old Mark Daniels Jr. joined seven other MLF Pros this week by scoring 100+ pounds in a single day and won the Knockout Round and advance to the Wednesday’s Championship Round. Photo Credit: Phoenix Moore/Major League Fishing

38-year-old Daniels Jr. joined seven other MLF Pros this week by scoring 100+ pounds in a single day and won the Knockout Round and advance to the Wednesday’s Championship Round. A California-native and Alabama-resident Daniels Jr. found the fish early and never let up with his go-to baits - Z-Man Finesse TRD in green pumpkin and green pumpkin goby or Z-Man Finesse WormZ - to secure 103 pounds, five ounces on 32 smallmouth bass.

“I laid off a little at the end, but it was a pretty stellar day,” Daniels said. “My goal was to make it to the Championship Round, and it happened. I got an invite to the big dance; I just hope the smallmouth decide to show up tomorrow.”

29-year-old Jordan Lee secured the 2020 Bass Pro Tour Season Points Title with his advancement to the Championship Round. Photo Credit: Garrett Dixon/Major League Fishing
29-year-old Jordan Lee secured the 2020 Bass Pro Tour Season Points Title with his advancement to the Championship Round as his final contender, Jacob Wheeler, fell below the Elimination Line today. The Pro with the most points at the end of the 2020 season earns the title of “Bass Pro Tour Points Champion.” Each angler earns Points (80-1) awarded by finishing place (1-80) at each Stage of the Bass Pro Tour. Coming into Wisconsin, Fletcher Shryock, Jacob Wheeler, Ott DeFoe, and Michael Neal rounded out the top five behind Lee. With Wheeler’s elimination today, Lee has mathematically won and will receive the trophy tomorrow during the post-game festivities at Sawyer Park, Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin.

“It feels unbelievable to be able to win it against these guys,” Lee said. “To win the points (championship) is a dream come true. Add in that I got to catch 94 pounds of smallmouth today; it was an incredible moment.”

Lee caught 94 pounds exactly on 34 fish to end in third place and advance to tomorrow’s Stage Five Championship Round. With the Points Champion Title locked in, Lee doesn’t plan to let-up on the competition tomorrow in the Championship Round.

“I’m looking forward to getting back out there and to have a chance to win tomorrow,” Lee said.

Despite losing 50 minutes of competition to a weather delay, the field of 38 caught 1,751 pounds, four ounces of scorable (two-pound minimum weight) bass, making today the heaviest day of Stage Five.

The fast-paced action of the MLF format on the waters bordering Door County, Wisconsin made for an exciting end to today’s contest as the field shifted over the Elimination Line until the last seconds when Ott DeFoe and Bobby Lane were knocked out. Daiwa Pro Ish Monroe landed a two-pound, 13-ounce smallmouth with one minute in regulation to leap into sixth place. As the clock ran down, Iaconelli (“IKE”) pulled a two-pound, two-ounce bass over the hull with seconds remaining to knock out DeFoe by one ounce. The 49-year-old Pro known for his energy on the water celebrated with a backspin after learning finished eighth.

Jacob Wheeler caught the Berkley Big Bass of the day weighing in five pounds, three ounces earning him $1,000.

The top eight finished the Knockout Round as follows:

Place Angler Two-Day Total Two-Day Total Largest Fish over Two-Day Round
1 Mark Daniels Jr. 103-05 32 4-08
2 Andy Morgan 96-03 28 4-10
3 Jordan Lee 94-00 34 3-11
4 Alton Jones 78-00 29 4-02
5 Bradley Roy 77-02 28 3-14
5 Josh Bertrand 68-03 21 4-12
7 Ish Monroe 61-11 23 3-12
8 Mike Iaconelli 61-01 22 3-15

For complete results, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com, Bass Pro Tour, Results.

The competition continues Wednesday with the Covercraft Stage Five presented by Abu Garcia Championship Round. Today’s qualifiers join Justin Lucas and Cliff Pace, who won their respective Qualifying Rounds to earn an auto-berth into the Championship. The field of 10 begin with zero weight and the angler with the most scorable bass wins $100,000 and Stage Title.

Pending no weather delays, the day begins at Sawyer Park Boat Launch, Sturgeon Bay, Wisc., 6:15 a.m. CT when the field reports to pick-up their MLF Officials and camera operators before trailering to the ramp of their choice. With lines in at 8:00 a.m. CT, the competition consists of three, 150-minute periods.

Fans can catch all the action 8a.m. – 4 p.m. CT on MLFNOW! livestream on MajorLeagueFishing.com or download the MLF App for your Apple or GooglePlay device or on MyOutdoorTV (MOTV).

After lines-out (4 – 5 p.m. CT), fans can tune-in hear from MLF’s Steven Scott at the General Tire Takeout for in-depth interviews and the trophy presentations to Jordan Lee – 2020 Bass Pro Tour Points Champion – and the winner of Covercraft Stage Five presented by Abu Garcia

About the Bass Pro Tour:

by AnglersChannel

Gamakatsu Three New Jig Hooks ICAST 2020

Tacoma, Washington (July 15, 2020) Gamakatsu is introducing two exciting new jig hook designs with specific and intentional design elements, along with a new color addition to the existing Jig 60 Round Bend. As with all Gamakatsu hooks, the hooks are constructed with the sharpest points in the industry, continuing the trend of earning trust amongst anglers by penetrating and landing more fish.

The Jig 60 Round Bend hook delivers in terms of both simplicity and function for anglers. The 60-degree round bend design makes this a go-to jig hook for flipping and pitching. The bite area is fantastic, helping anglers connect on difficult hooksets. This model is a trusted favorite for amateur and professional anglers seeking a versatile and practical jig hook in a traditional design. The Jig 60 Round Bend is now available in the popular NS Black (Nickel Silver Black) color adding more versatility to your jigs.

Visit the Gamakatsu New Product Site Here!

The Jig 90 Big River will quickly become a staple for anglers desiring a versatile jig hook capable of performing in different environments and for a variety of species. The large gap and acute bend offer great holding power, locking fish in place when hooked. Anglers can now stick fish and put the wood to them with confidence. This unique design comes in a wide range of sizes for fisherman, targeting salmon, steelhead and walleye.

In the saltwater world, few jig hooks are built to withstand the hardest fighting fish in the ocean. Hard strikes and wild runs from species like striped bass will test the strength of any hook. The Jig 90 Salty HD is specially made with a round bend and heavy wire that can hold form against the toughest fish out there. The hook has a Go Big or Go Home attitude and an O'Shaughnessy bend for hard hook sets.

Gamakatsu specialty jig hooks are designed with input from customers and world-class anglers. The hooks utilize the sharpest points and most durable materials on the market. Great anglers require perfect hooks, and Gamakatsu's special jig hooks set the standard for high performance.

Pictured above (left to right): Jig 60 Round Bend, Jig 90 Big River, and Jig 90 Salty HD

Jig 60 Round Bend Features:

Excellent flipping and pitching jig hook
Round bend provides a better bite area
Size: 2/0, 3/0, 4/0, and 5/0
Color: NS Black
Qty/Pack: 25, 100

Jig 90 Big River Features:

Large gap and acute bend for greater holding power
Versatile design for multiple species
Perfect for salmon, steelhead, and walleye
Size: 2, 1, 1/0, 2/0, 3/0, and 4/0
Color: NS Black
Qty/Pack: 25, 100

Jig 90 Salty HD Features:

Heavy duty wire hook
Perfect for larger species and saltwater applications
O'Shaughnessy bend
Size: 6/0, 7/0, 8/0
Color: NS Black
Qty/Pack: 25

For more information, visit: www.gamakatsu.com

by AnglersChannel

Lew’s Reimagined Mach Crush Combos ICAST 2020

Lew’s Introduces Reimagined Mach Crush Combos for ICAST 2020

Company Looking to Extend Combo Record Best of Show Win Steak

Lexington, S.C. – July 10, 2020 – For the past six years, Lew’s has earned favor of the voting media and buyers at ICAST in the combo category of the Best of Show awards. The company’s use of innovative materials, design and engineering, coupled with bold, eye-catching cosmetics has resulted in a humbling, six-year streak of Best of Show Category wins.

For ICAST 2020, Lew’s is unveiling completely reimagined Mach Crush SLP and Mach Crush Spinning combos for the 2021 tackle year. The combos will once again be entered into the freshwater rod/reel combo category of the ICAST New Product Showcase/Best of Show competition and is a contender for earning a seventh award in the category.

The combos – which will retail at $199.99 for the baitcasting models and $179.99 for the spinning series, will contain three models in the casting series and two in the spinning versions.

The Mach Crush rods are built on IM8 graphite blanks with nanotechnology, stainless steel guides with Titanium Oxide inserts, Lew’s new Full Contact reel seats and full-length Winn Dri-Tac handles on casting versions and exclusive patent pending ComfortTouch™ split grips on the spinning models, which both feature SoftTouch finish. There will be three casting and two spinning models available and are finished with a beautiful metallic orange butt section and raw graphite upper.

Mach Crush SLP baitcasting reels on the combo will be available in 7.5:1 left or right hand versions finished in the metallic orange paint scheme, with a laundry list of features; strong and lightweight, graphite frame and sideplates, machined and anodized aluminum U-shape 32mm spool, high strength solid brass Speed Gears®, a premium 10 bearing system with double-shielded stainless-steel ball bearings and Zero Reverse® one-way clutch bearing, externally adjustable Multi-Setting Brake (MSB) dual cast control system utilizing both an external click-dial for setting the magnetic brake, plus 4 individually disengaging disk-mounted internal brake shoes that operate on centrifugal force, an anodized aluminum spool tension adjustment with audible click, a rugged carbon fiber drag system that provides up to 20lbs. of drag power, an anodized, bowed aluminum 95mm handle with Winn® Dri-Tac handle knobs, an anodized aluminum bowed drag star with audible click adjustment, with a locking pin sideplate, a Zirconia line guide and external lube port.

Displaying the same metallic orange finish, the Mach Crush spinning reels feature a 6.2:1 gear ratio and come in two sizes. Like its baitcasting cousin, the Mach Crush spinning reel has performance features throughout, including:

A premium 11-bearing system with 10 ball bearings and Zero Reverse one-way clutch bearing, and a smooth and powerful sealed carbon fiber drag system, a strong aluminum body and sideplate, with a lightweight high strength Carbon C40 Skeletal Speed Rotor with an aluminum bail wire, a S-curve oscillation system to precisely load the double anodized braid ready knurled aluminum spool, a quality solid brass pinion gear and durable stainless steel main shaft driven by an aluminum handle with Winn advanced polymer Dri-Tac handle knob and Lew’s Speed Lube® for exceptional smoothness and uninterrupted performance in all weather conditions, from extreme heat to freezing cold.

New Mach Crush combos will be available for shipping in December 2020.

Description	Length	Power/Action	Bearings	Gear Ratio	Retrieve	MSRP
Mach Crush Right Hand Baitcast Combo	7'	Med Hvy/Fast	9+1	7.5:1	Right	$199.99
Mach Crush Left Hand Baitcast Combo	7'	Med Hvy/Fast	9+1	7.5:1	Left	$199.99
Mach Crush Right Hand Baitcast Combo	7'3	Hvy/Fast	9+1	7.5:1	Right	$199.99
Mach Crush 20 Spin Combo	6'9"	Med Light/Fast	10+1	6.2:1	Reversible	$179.99
Mach Crush 30 Spin Combo	7'	Med/Fast	10+1	6.2:1	Reversible	$179.99

About Lew’s

Lew's Fishing is a Lexington, South Carolina based supplier of fishing equipment and tackle. The Company supplies branded fishing reels, rods, and related accessories through the mass market, sporting goods, and specialty outdoor channels. For further information about Lew’s, please visit www.lews.com.

About Strike King
Strike King is a Lexington, South Carolina based supplier of fishing tackle and sunglasses. The Company supplies hard baits, wire baits, soft plastics and related accessories through the mass market, sporting goods, and specialty outdoor channels. For further information about Strike King, please visit www.strikeking.com.:

by AnglersChannel

Lew’s Kevin VanDam Signature Fishing Rods ICAST 2020

Lew’s Introduces Kevin VanDam Signature Fishing Rods

KVD Series to feature 23 models Tailored to VanDam’s Specifications

Lexington, S.C. – July 10, 2020 – Give a company with a reputation for building world class products the input of the most legendary professional angler in the history of the sport, and results of such a collaboration will be spectacular.

In collaboration with Bass Fishing Hall of Fame inductee Kevin VanDam, Lew’s is proud to announce the new, 23 model KVD Series of fishing rods. VanDam said that a lot of time and effort was put into the series, and that he is pleased with the results. “The team at Lew’s is made up of talented designers, and they told me to let them know what I wanted in my series,” he said. “I have always loved the feel of fast and extra fast actioned rods, and Lew’s worked hard to bring exactly the feel I wanted into each model; they do exactly what I need them to.”

The new series features premium IM8 graphite blanks, split-grip EVA handles, brand new Lew’s® proprietary Full Contact reel seats with increased blank contact, rear locking reel seat on spinning models for improved comfort, stainless steel guides with aluminum oxide inserts with strengthened stainless steel with zirconia insert tip top for optimal durability for use with braided lines and a patented “No Foul” hook keeper – each for a retail price of $99.99.

The new KVD series rods are constructed on a raw graphite blank with the rich midnight fire red finish through the handle and black guide wraps, matching the famous KVD color scheme.

Included in the KVD lineup are 10 Graphite Casting models for single hook techniques, 7 Graphite Spinning models for everything from finesse tactics to Great Lakes smallmouth techniques and 6 Composite Casting techniques for crankbaits and other moving baits.

Each model is prominently marked on the blank for easy identification of series, length, and power. The Graphite Casting models are marked with a GC1 through GC10, Graphite Spinning models bear the GS1 to GS7 system and the Composite Casting rods are labeled CC1 through CC7. This new labeling system will help VanDam more easily see which rods he needs in competition, will help him in communicating the rod he uses for specific techniques, and will help consumers choose which model they want to use more effectively.

VanDam said that providing a high-quality product at an affordable price was a key component of their efforts. “I really wanted to be able to produce a rod that would retail for around $100, but felt and performed like a high-end rod,” he said. “Everyone on the project was committed to that goal, and the results speak for themselves; I can’t wait to see the reaction from anglers when they pick them up.”

The new KVD Series will be available at fishing tackle retailers beginning in the fall of 2020.

Lew's KVD Series Rods
Model	Length	Power	Action	Technique	MSRP
Graphite Casting
LKVDGC1	6’8”	MH	Fast	Jerkbait	$99.99
LKVDGC2	6’10”	MH	Fast	Jerkbait	$99.99
LKVDGC3	7’	M	Fast	All-Purpose Reaction	$99.99
LKVDGC4	7’	MH	Fast	All-Purpose Reaction	$99.99
LKVDGC5	7’2”	MH	Extra Fast	Dock Skipping/Frog	$99.99
LKVDGC6	7’4”	MH	Extra Fast	Spinnerbait/Swim Jig/Big Topwater	$99.99
LKVDGC7	7’4”	H	Extra Fast	Flipping/Pitching	$99.99
LKVDGC8	7’6”	H	Extra Fast	Football Jig/Carolina Rig/Big Spinnerbait/Swimbait	$99.99
LKVDGC9	7’6”	XH	Extra Fast	Flipping/Pitching	$99.99
LKVDGC10	7’10”	H	Extra Fast	Flipping/Pitching	$99.99

Graphite Spinning LKVDGS1	6’10”	M	Extra Fast	Dropshot/Finesse Dock	$99.99
LKVDGS2	7’	ML	Extra Fast	Dropshot/Ned Rig	$99.99
LKVDGS3	7’	M	Extra Fast	All-Purpose Finesse	$99.99
LKVDGS4	7’2”	ML	Extra Fast	All-Purpose/Dock Rod	$99.99
LKVDGS5	7’2”	M	Extra Fast	ShakeyHead/Tube	$99.99
LKVDGS6	7’4”	M	Extra Fast	Smallmouth Special	$99.99
LKVDGS7	7’6”	ML	Extra Fast	Smallmouth Special	$99.99

Composite Casting LKVDCC1	6’8”	ML	Moderate	Small Crankbaits	$99.99
LKVDCC2	7’	M	Moderate	Squarebill/Red Eye Shad	$99.99
LKVDCC3	7’1”	MH	Moderate	Accuracy Bladed Jig/KVD 2.5	$99.99
LKVDCC4	7’4”	MH	Moderate	Medium Crankbaits	$99.99
LKVDCC5	7’4”	H	Moderate	Open Water Bladed Jig/KVD 2.5	$99.99
LKVDCC6	7’10”	M	Moderate	Medium to Deep Crankbaits	$99.99

About Lew’s

by AnglersChannel

Lew’s New Team Lew’s Pro SP ICAST 2020

Lew’s Introduces New Team Lew’s Pro SP

Skipping and Pitching Reel to Create New Category for Reel Performance

Lexington, S.C. – July 10, 2020 – Combine the creativity of one of the most elite group of professional angling teams in the business with the capability of a manufacturer to produce some of the highest quality products in the business, and the result is bound to be innovation.

From the mind of professional angler Andy Montgomery and the engineering team at Lew’s comes the new Team Lew’s Pro SP Skipping and Pitching reel.

Skipping a jig has become one of the most productive fish catching patterns in the sport of bass fishing. However, along with its potential for producing giant bites, it has its own unique perils. The most prominent is the potential for tremendous backlashes if the lure strikes a dock post or a wave that arises.

To solve that problem, Lew’s created a specialized spool that holds 40 yards of 20-pound-test Fluorocarbon with its recessed Knot Slot and included a special “Skipping Zone” in their externally adjustable QuietCast® centrifugal braking system. The result is a reel that has all the performance of a Lew’s reel, tuned to greatly minimize backlashes.

According to Montgomery, this reel has made a tremendous difference in his ability to make his namesake skipping presentations. “The spool and braking system of the reel have revolutionized my ability to skip a jig,” said Montgomery. “It has the smoothness to make the casts, and the power to get the fish out from under the docks; it’s absolutely amazing.”

Kevin VanDam, who has been involved with Montgomery in the testing process, said the Team Lew’s Pro SP is not a one-dimensional product. “While it is known as a “skipping reel,” the features make it perfect for any short line target casting and pitching and flipping application,” said VanDam. “I have used it for target casting spinnerbaits and Thunder Crickets, and it makes it easy to be aggressive with casts without fear of backlashing.”

Team Lew’s Pro SP Features

One-piece aluminum Super Low Profile frame with strong, lightweight graphite sideplates

Drilled and forged, anodized Duralumin 32mm shallow spool with Knot Slot

Hard anodized aluminum Speed Gears®, cut on precision Hamai CNC gear hobbing machines

P2 Super Pinion™ bearing supported pinion gear provides precise alignment and solid stability, resulting in for a smoother operation and extended gear life

Externally adjustable, 6-pin 27 position QuietCast® Adjustable Centrifugal Braking system (ACB) with orange skipping zone

Premium 9 bearing system with double-shielded stainless-steel ball bearings and Zero Reverse® one-way clutch bearing

Anodized aluminum spool tension adjustment with audible click

Rugged carbon fiber drag system provides up to 20lbs. of drag power.

Bowed lightweight 95mm aluminum reel handle with EVA knobs

Bowed anodized aluminum drag star with audible click adjustment

Zirconia line guide

Exclusive patented Speed Keeper® hook keeper

External lube port

The Team Lew’s Pro SP will retail at $199.99 and be available at fishing tackle retailers beginning in the fall of 2020.

Team Lew’s Pro SP
Model	Retrieve	Gear Ratio	RPT (in.)	Line Cap Yd / Lb	Drag (Lb)	Weight	MSRP
PSP1XH	Right	8.3:1	33	40/20	20	6.0 oz	$199.99
PSP1XHL	Left	8.3:1	33	40/20	20	6.0 oz	$199.99

About Lew’s

by AnglersChannel

Lew’s Redesigned Super Duty Rods ICAST 2020

Lew’s Introduces Redesigned Super Duty Rods

Super Duty Series now includes Multi-Species Selections

Lexington, S.C. – July 10, 2020 – The Lew’s Super Duty brand has become synonymous with power. When an angler wields Super Duty, they know that they can handle just about anything the fish throw at them. While Super Duty has long been designed for the bass fishing world, the series now includes models for several large species, including Muskie, Peacock Bass and Calicos.

The new Lew’s Super Duty series of rods will be full of features that Lew’s has become synonymous for. Super Duty is constructed on premium HM60 graphite blanks with raw graphite finish. The charcoal colored Winn® Dri-Tac handles on each rod; bass fishing models will feature a full handle, and the multi-species rods will feature spilt Winn® grips and full foregrips; all with Lew’s Soft Touch skeletal reel seats.

Along with the advanced grip and handles, Super Duty rods will feature the patented Lew’s No Foul hook keeper and stainless-steel guides with aluminum oxide inserts, with multi-species models adding a zirconia tip for durability with use of braided lines. Super Duty rods will be trimmed out with matching charcoal guide wraps to complete a stealthy look.

Team Lew’s pro Greg Hackney, of Gonzales, La. who is known for his power fishing and monster hooksets, as well as his love of inshore fishing, said Super Duty has the power. “There is no shortage of power in these rods,” said Hackney. “I know I can get ‘em out of cover or deep water, no matter the size of fish I’m after; these rods can handle it.”

The new Lew’s Super Duty Rods consist of 11 models, five models will be specific to bass fishing, and six multi-species models that will range from $179.99 to $189.99 and will be available in the fall of 2020.

SuperDuty Rod Series
Series / Model	Length	Power	Action	Technique / Species	MSRP
Bass Models
SD76MH	7’6”	Medium Heavy	Fast	Flipping / Pitching	$179.99
SD76H	7’6”	Heavy	Fast	Flipping / Pitching	$179.99
SD711MH	7’11”	Medium Heavy	Mod. Fast	Flipping / Pitching	$189.99
SD711H	7’11”	Heavy	Fast	Flipping / Pitching	$189.99
SD711XH	7’11”	Extra Heavy	Mod. Fast	Flipping / Pitching	$189.99
Multi Species
SD68H	6’8”	Heavy	Fast	Peacock Bass Casting	$179.99
SD76MHLH	7’6”	Medium Heavy	Fast	Calico Bass	$179.99
SD76HLH	7’6”	Heavy	Fast	Muskie	$179.99
SD711MHLH	7’11”	Medium Heavy	Mod. Fast	Calico Bass	$189.99
SD711HLH	7’11”	Heavy	Fast	Calico Bass/Muskie	$189.99
SD711XHLH	7’11”	Extra Heavy	Mod. Fast	Muskie	$189.99

About Lew’s

by AnglersChannel

Ugly Stik Ugly Tuff Series ICAST 2020

Ugly Stik® Gives New Meaning to Fishin’ Ugly with the new Ugly Tuff™ Series

COLUMBIA, S.C. (July 14, 2020) – You’ve been fishin’ Ugly all your life with Ugly Stik rods. Now it’s time to get even uglier with Ugly Stik’s new Ugly Tuff™ Spinning and Spincast reels, reels tough enough to wear the Ugly Stik name.

Made for anglers demanding durability out of their gear, new Ugly Stik Ugly Tuff spinning reels feature an Ugly Tuff aluminum body, machined aluminum spool, graphite rotor and a 5 bearing system. These reels deliver the same tough as nails durability that Ugly Stik is known for.

“They’re not supposed to be pretty — they’re built to be tough,” said Ugly Stik Vice President of Marketing Jon Schlosser. “Ugly Tuff reels are designed to be thrown in the back of the pickup truck and used regularly. It doesn’t matter what species of fish you’re after, the Ugly Tuff reels are built for the fight.”

The Ugly Tuff Spincast models feature a three bearing system, Ugly Tuff aluminum frame as well as front cone, and an always-on instant anti-reverse. Both the spinning and spincast models have an unmatched tactical design that will stand up to the toughest fights both on and off the water.

Ugly Tuff Reels Specifications:

Ugly Tuff Spinning Reel

Ugly Tuff Aluminum Body
Ugly Tuff Machined Aluminum Spool
Ugly Stuff Graphic Rotor
5 Bearing System
7-Year Warranty
MSRP: $49.99 - $59.99

Ugly Tuff Spincast Reel

Ugly Tuff Aluminum Frame and Front Cone
3 Bearing System
Always-on Instant Anti-Reverse
Pre-Spooled (6-, 8- or 20-pound-test mono)
7-Year Warranty
MSRP: $24.99 - $29.99

by AnglersChannel

Z-Man ChatterBait WillowVibe ICAST 2020

Sings like a Shad, Stings Like a Bee
Genius Z-Man® ChatterBait® WillowVibe™ re-thinks bladed jig design on super-subtle levels
Ladson, SC (July 14, 2020) – Step inside the lureshop of bladed jig inventor Ron Davis Sr. and your perceptions of what constitutes a ChatterBait will likely leave you at the door. Of course, you probably won’t be dropping by his shop anytime soon, so you won’t discover most of the other secret projects underway inside Davis’ laboratory. But if you’re reading this, you’re among the fortunate-first to glimpse Davis’ newest masterwork, an intriguing new bladed jig design known evocatively as the ChatterBait WillowVibe™.
“Who says all bladed jigs have a hex-shaped blade?” asks Davis, whose original ChatterBait touched off an undeniable fishing phenomenon over two decades back.

Fifteen years in development, a collaborative effort between Davis and Z-Man Fishing has resulted in a veritable marvel of angling engineering. At first glance, like most strokes of simple, elegant genius, the WillowVibe’s sleek, minimalist physique misleads you. But be forewarned: this little willowleaf-bladed jig is full of surprises.
Like all finely-crafted lures, the WillowVibe began as a solution to a vexing fishing dilemma. “The idea for this lure came to me while fishing for big stripers focus-feeding on little bitty shad,” recalls Davis, who along with son Ron Davis Jr. crafted the Original ChatterBait Bladed Jig in 1998.
“These can be some of the most selective, tough-to-fool fish in the lake,” explains Davis, an astute angler and aquatic observer from Rock Hill, South Carolina. “These fish are so laser focused on specific, subtle baitfish cues that we as anglers easily overlook them. In these scenarios, a lot of folks throw underspins. But I wanted a lure I could cast a mile and that allowed for easy, precise depth control.
“You’ve seen shad the flip through the surface when they’re fleeing predators? An underspin can’t do that, but the WillowVibe’s blade mimics this exact surface-flip, and does it so realistically that bass swim right over and eat it.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WAr0cuuVo2U&feature=youtu.be

Davis continues: “This lure’s got a little secret, though. It starts humming with the first crank of the handle, and buzzes smoothly through the water; we refer to it lovingly as ‘the bee.’ But twitch the lure with your rodtip and watch what happens next. The WillowVibe jumps, darts and hunts in totally random fashion. Ever watched what a frantic shad does with a bass in chase? Zip!, zip!, zip!— back and forth. Now throw the WillowVibe and compare the two. Pretty convincing copy of the real thing.”
As Davis and other great anglers will tell you, there’s no better trigger for selective bass and other fish than these evasive, fast-slashing maneuvers, especially in areas of openwater. So, while traditional bladed jigs excel near heavy cover, the ChatterBait WillowVibe enters a totally different stratosphere—pulsing through the pelagic zone where baitfish and big bass collide. Where stripers crash shad parties. Where walleyes waylay windrows of ciscoes. Where smallmouths and crappies munch minnows in bulk.
“We’re just starting to realize where this bait excels,” says Z-Man pro Joey Nania. “So far, the answer is that it works more places than not, though certainly in non-traditional ChatterBait spots, such as rock, low-visibility zones, river current, and deeper ledges with largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass. When you first throw this bait, you’ll fall in love with its sweet subtle vibrations. Feels totally different on your rodtip than a hexagonal ChatterBlade. It’s a faster frequency vibration that pulses even when you’re barely moving it. You’ll feel it, too, down in 15 to 20 feet of water.”

Nania immediately suspected the WillowVibe would be a spotted bass destroyer at lakes like Lanier, Hartwell and Logan Martin. His instincts with the lure proved right on the money. “Late this past winter, throwing a 3/8-ounce WillowVibe on Lake Guntersville, where we’d already gone through with a JackHammer, I caught twenty more largemouths in pretty short order. The smaller hook skyrocketed my hookup percentages, too.
“On Logan Martin Lake, I caught 60 spotted bass with the lure in three hours,” Nania divulges, visibly buzzing with enthusiasm. “That lake has a lot of river current and dirty water. Really didn’t think the lure would produce here. Whoa, was I wrong.”
Such misconceptions no longer surprise Davis. “I think anglers might mistakenly look at the WillowVibe and pigeonhole it as a small fish bait, or something that’s only effective around shad schools,” says Davis, who spent years convincing skeptical anglers about the merits of his early ChatterBaits. History, it would appear, has more than vindicated his hard work.

“Actually, there’s nothing ‘finesse’ about the WilllowVibe,” he notes. “We selected a willowleaf blade because it leaves more room to oscillate from side to side, giving off a really tight, high-frequency vibration—more of a buzz than a solid thump. Of course, it’s essential to precisely determine the right pull-point, or line attachment location, which dictates oscillation, stability and vibration. Put it in the wrong spot, and we’re not even having this conversation.

The ChatterBait WillowVibe transmits a totally original underwater signature.

“Truthfully, I’ve always wanted a bait that could do different things—pull off two or more totally different actions—within the same retrieve. The lure swims and hums along or slashes erratically, depending on retrieve speed alone. The reason it’s so compelling to fish, I believe, is that it emits a totally different sound and underwater signature than any other bait fish have seen before.”
“A slow, steady retrieve produces a nice rhythmic vibration,” adds Nania. “You can throw it in 6-inches of water, starting the retrieve immediately, occasionally flicking the blade through the surface or waking it on top. Or, for suspended fish, count it down and keep it at any depth to about 15 feet with a nice steady retrieve. Give the WillowVibe little twitches to make it jump and dart, randomly. It’s also a ledge-killer at places like Guntersville. Let it hit bottom, tightline it and give it a couple little snaps. You’ll also appreciate how well it comes through and out of rock crevices. A quick pop usually frees it right up.”

Z-Man ChatterBait WillowVibe with 4” Scented Jerk ShadZ™

Z-Man ChatterBait WillowVibe with Finesse ShadZ™

Nania propels the compact WillowVibe up to 70 yards per cast, preferring spinning tackle with 10 or 15 pound test braid. He concedes that other anglers will throw the bait on casting tackle and 14-pound fluorocarbon with equal comfort and ease. For trailers, Nania hypes the subtle swimming vibes of a Z-Man StreakZ 3.75, 3-inch MinnowZ or Slim SwimZ.
A totally original design from ChatterBait creator Ron Davis Sr., the Z-Man ChatterBait WillowVibe features a hardened stainless steel blade that delivers an all-new rapid-fire vibration. The lure’s unique sound is also made possible via direct-connection to a ¼- or 3/8-ounce ball-shaped jighead. Highlighted with lifelike 3D eyes, the WillowVibe jighead sports a functional wire keeper that pins 3- to 4-inch soft plastic trailers securely in place, creating the illusion of a frantic baitfish. The ChatterBait WillowVibe is available in ¼- and 3/8-ounce sizes and four colors, MSRP $5.99 per 2-pack. For more information, visit www.zmanfishing.com.

by AnglersChannel

Freedom Tackle New Series of Jigs ICAST @)@)

Features Designed to Make a Difference on the Water

Innovative Swim, Structure, Grass, and Football Jigs Designed to Dominate!

OCEAN SPRINGS, Miss. (July 16, 2020) When Freedom^Ò Tackle took on the challenge of developing a series of Made in the USA jigs, the first thing company President and Product Designer, Michael Tamburro did was consult with pro anglers across the country to understand and inspire innovative design features that they wanted to see in a variety of jig styles.

The result: Freedom Tackle has developed the next generation of pro-inspired jig designs with a focus on quality, performance, and innovative features that every jig angler demands! The all-new jig series is centered around Freedom’s proprietary no-slip trailer holder which keeps your soft plastics practically glued to the premium Mustad^Ò UltraPoint Jig Hook. Each Mustad hook is integrated into a super hard powder-coated jig head designed to stand up to the punishment any bass will put them through.

Each jig is hand-finished with a premium, custom-designed 50 strand silicone skirt in colors developed in consultation with fishing pros, as well as jig anglers across the country, to offer the most popular regional colors.

“We’re extremely pleased to launch a complete series of jigs that rely on Freedom’s commitment to innovative design to help anglers dominate on the water. Our Made in the USA jigs were developed in collaboration with professional anglers to offer colors and features we believe are unmatched in the industry.” said Freedom Tackle’s Vice President Nick Tamburro.

Freedom Tackle Swim Jig

The Freedom Tackle Swim Jig (FT Swim Jig) is purpose-built for swimming through a variety of structure or open water presentations. The FT Swim Jig will come through rock, trees, bushes, and grass with ease thanks to the vertical 30-degree line tie that has perfect alignment through the center of the jig head designed to deflect through structure and thick cover. The FT Swim Jig boasts Freedom’s proprietary no-slip trailer holder, a premium 5/0 Mustad UltraPoint Jig Hook and is finished in 12 fish-catching colors. Available in 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2 oz versions.

Freedom Tackle Grass Jig

Grass is a factor practically anywhere you fish bass and the Freedom Tackle Grass Jig (FT Grass Jig) is purpose built to handle the thickest vegetation with ease. Available in four sizes to handle any density of grass from 3/8 through to 1/2, 3/4 and 1oz and in 12 of the most popular colors.

The FT Grass Jig relies on Freedom’s proprietary no-slip trailer holder. This innovative design keeps your soft plastics locked to the premium Mustad4/0 UltraPoint 30-degree Jig Hook no matter how much the grass pulls on your trailer. The FT Grass Jig also relies on a premium super-stiff fiber guard to keep the hook grass free on the retrieve. When bass are in the salad, the FT Grass Jig hooks up with ease!

Freedom Tackle Structure Jig

Freedom Tackle has leveled the playing field for targeting bass in deep structure with the all-new Freedom Tackle Structure Jig (FT Structure Jig). Purpose-built to fish in deeper structure, ledges, and cover without getting hung up thanks to the “fat-head” design which deflects away from structure. The fat-head design comes with an integrated, super-stiff weed guard keeping the premium Mustad UltraPoint hook free from snagging up and fish pinned on the fight back to the boat.

The FT Structure Jig boasts Freedom’s proprietary no-slip trailer holder which keeps your soft plastics stuck in place on the hook shank. Hand-finished with premium, custom-designed 50 strand silicone skirt in 16 colors and available in 3/8, 1/2, and 5/8 oz versions.

Freedom Tackle Football Jig

Dragging bottom for giant bass is a proven technique throughout the country and Freedom Tackle’s Football Jig (FT Football Jig) is designed to create maximum bait action in the skirt and trailer. Whether dragging through gravel, chunk rock, or ledge structure, the FT Football Jig virtually eliminates snagging-up and the 60-degree horizontal flat eye set into the wide-head wobble design makes the jig come alive with action.

The FT Football Jig comes equipped with a premium Mustad 5/0 UltraPoint Jig Hook that will let you duke it out with big bass when the scrimmage is over and its game time! The FT Football jig features 50 strand silicone skirt in 14 colors and is available in 3/8, 1/2, and 3/4 oz versions.

Launching through Virtual ICAST 2020, the FT Series of Jigs will be available in October 2020.

For more information about any of our new products for 2020/21, visit www.americanbaitworks.com

by AnglersChannel

Lew’s TP1X Series of Rods ICAST 2020

Reimagined Series Replaces TP1, provides extreme Performance, Value

Lexington, S.C. – July 10, 2020 – Anytime an angler can get a high quality, performance fishing rod in the $100 range, they have accomplished something. When Lew’s first introduced the TP1 series, it fit all of those benchmarks; sensitive blanks, comfortable grips and durable guides, all for a retail price of $99.99.

Now, with the launch of the all new TP1X series, Lew’s has taken the original TP1 and stepped up the level even higher, while keeping the price point the same. Featuring a premium HM40 blank finished in a beautiful satin pearl finish, the TP1X now comes with Lew’s® exclusive skeletal reel seats in a matching pearlized finish. For comfort and performance, the rod is built with charcoal colored Winn® Dri-Tac split-grip handles, and stainless-steel guides with aluminum oxide inserts are anchored with matching charcoal colored guide wraps. Lew’s also includes the patented No Foul hook keeper for easy storage of lures.

The TP1X series will feature nine casting rods, five one-piece spinning rods and three two-piece models, all at an MSRP of $99.99

Lew’s pro staffer James Niggemeyer of Van, Tex. said that he is excited to put the TP1X to use. “Since I joined the Lew’s team, I have used a few models of the original series because they have met my needs,” said Niggemeyer. “I know what kind of quality to expect from Lew’s, and I’m looking forward to using them as I compete on the FLW Pro Circuit, and while guiding on Lake Fork.”

The new Lew’s TP1X Series will be available at fishing tackle retailers beginning in the fall of 2020.

TP1X Model Number					MSRP
Casting	Length	Power	Action	Technique
TP1X68MLF	6'8"	Medium Light	Fast	Topwater / Jerkbait	$99.99
TP1X610MHF	6'10"	Medium Heavy	Fast	Spinnerbait / Plastics	$99.99
TP1X611MM-CB	6'11"	Medium	Moderate	Bladed Jig	$99.99
TP1X70M	7'	Medium	Fast	Multi-Purpose	$99.99
TP1X70MH	7'	Medium Heavy	Fast	Multi-Purpose	$99.99
TP1X72MH	7'2"	Medium Heavy	Fast	Multi-Purpose	$99.99
TP1X73MH-CB	7'3"	Medium Heavy	Moderate	Perfect Crankback/Pitching/Grass	$99.99
TP1X73H	7'3"	Heavy	Fast	Rod/Jigs/Plastics	$99.99
TP1X76H	7'6"	Heavy	Fast	Flipping / A-Rig	$99.99
One-Piece Spinning
TP1X67MLFS	6'7"	Medium Light	Fast	Ned Rig/Shaky Head/Drop Shot	$99.99
TP1X69MLFS	6'9"	Medium Light	Fast	Finesse	$99.99
TP1X611DS	6'11"	Medium	Extra Fast	Dock Sniper	$99.99
TP1X70MMFS	7'	Medium	Mod Fast	Multi-Purpose	$99.99
TP1X70MHS	7'	Medium Heavy	Fast	Worms / Jigs / Tubes	$99.99
Two-Piece Spinning
TP1X60MS-2	6'	Medium	Fast	Multi-Purpose	$99.99
TP1X66MS-2	6'6"	Medium	Fast	Multi-Purpose	$99.99
TP1X70MS-2	7'	Medium	Fast	Multi-Purpose	$99.99

by AnglersChannel

Strike King Retooled Tour Grade Spinnerbaits ICAST 2020

Lexington, S.C. – July 10, 2020 – Look in the tackle collection of every serious angler, and you will find a variety of spinnerbaits. Look a little closer, and you are sure to find several Strike King models in that bunch.

Strike King, the number one selling spinnerbait brand in the industry, announces the release of a retooled Tour Grade spinnerbait for the 2021 tackle year. The term Tour Grade signifies a product that is designed to produce under the most intense conditions, and that benchmark of performance was at the forefront of these new baits. This spinnerbait is the highest end, premium spinnerbait we’ve ever built and still have maintained a great price point.

The new Strike King Tour Grade spinnerbaits will come with double willow blades, one on the shaft, and the other attached to premium ball bearing swivels for free rotation. The uniquely detailed bullet style head is molded with 3D eyes and a molded baitholder collar to a 35-thousandths R-bend wire frame, and an O’Shaughnessy bend hook provides the bite to hook and hold the hardest charging bass. The silicone skirts are wire tied to assure that the skirts stay up during the retrieve or during battle. It features all new color combinations that include newly designed head colors that were made to match the custom skirt colors. Most spinnerbaits have a “one size fits all” head color and then put a skirt on it. On ours, each head color is matched specifically to the skirt.

Andy Morgan, a three-time FLW Tour Angler of the Year and new addition to the Strike King pro staff said that there is a familiarity with the brand, and an enthusiasm about this new product. “The first spinnerbait I threw as a kid was a Charles Spence Strike King Spinnerbait; they were good then, and they’ve only gotten better since,” he said. “This new Tour Grade spinnerbait is no different than any other Strike King product, it’s made to exacting standards and uses only the best components – it’s at the top of the spinnerbait game.”

The new Tour Grade Spinnerbaits will come in all of the popular fish catching colors and several new additions to the Strike King lineup. Available in two sizes, 3/8 and 1/2-ounce, and will be available in the fall of 2020.

by AnglersChannel

Strike King KVD 100 to Jerkbait ICAST 2020

Strike King Adds KVD 100 to Jerkbait Lineup for ICAST 2020

Lexington, S.C. – July 10, 2020 – When the topic of fishing a jerkbait is discussed, the name Kevin VanDam is going to be a major part of the discussion. Several years ago, Strike King introduced the KVD 200 and 300 size jerkbaits, then added to it with the 300 Deep model the following year. To further enhance the lineup, Strike King introduces the KVD 100 model jerkbait to the lineup.

The new KVD 100 is a 3.5-inch, shallow running, darting jerkbait that shines in conditions when larger baits might be too much for the fish. Featuring a slim, minnow shaped body and precisely engineered diving lip, the KVD 100 comes equipped with treble hooks affixed to high quality split rings and an oval split ring to ensure proper positioning on each cast.

VanDam said that the Strike King KVD Jerkbait lineup had a hole that needed filled. “There are times that a standard sized bait is too much for the conditions,” said VanDam. “The KVD 100 is a much slimmer, minnow profile that is perfect for clear water, and bright conditions. It presents a target that fish in pressured conditions will respond too.”

He revealed that the project was built around the profile, but that he wanted an abundance of action. “This has one of the most unique bills I’ve ever seen on a jerkbait, and it has a ton of action,” he said. “It is super lively, and responds to the rod tip with a snappy, darting action that really triggers strikes; it’s a great bait. Some of the greatest attributes of the J100 are what’s wrong with other small jerkbaits. Either they don’t weigh enough to cast, or they weigh enough to cast but have no action. This one casts great and has ridiculous action.”

The KVD 100 Jerkbait will run in the 3 to 4-foot range on 10-pound line, will be available in more than a dozen of Strike King’s most popular finishes and will be available in the fall of 2020.

by AnglersChannel

Strike King KVD 1.5 Hard Knock Squarebill ICAST 2020

Lexington, S.C. – July 10, 2020 – Ever since its introduction, Strike King’s KVD squarebill crankbait lineup has been one of the highest performing lures in its category. Whether in the hands of weekend anglers or Kevin VanDam, the best crankbait fisherman on the planet, the KVD Squarebill crankbaits put fish in the boat.

While the original silent KVD Squarebills have set the world on fire, the desire for a rattling version has become strong. So, building on the popularity of the Tungsten 2 Tap Red Eyed Shad and the Hard Knock Sexy Dog, Strike King developed the KVD 1.5 Hard Knock Squarebill.

VanDam said that the new Hard Knock series gives him versatility and another added benefit in his shallow cranking game. “The 1.5 Hard Knock has a very unique ticking sound that really helps give me an added dimension to my squarebill game,” he said. “The unique ticking sound of the internal rattle gives me the component of sound in dirty water, or around grass.”

However, while the sound is the main feature, VanDam said the rattle provides a secondary benefit. “The movement of the rattle inside the chamber of the KVD 1.5 Hard Knock adds to the action of the lure,” he said. “The ticking of the lure will help them locate it, and the enhanced ‘hunting’ action will really make them strike. It is a great extension of the lineup that will allow me to switch up the sound to fire up a school again, and really help me catch more fish.”

The KVD 1.5 Hard Knock Squarebill will be available in the fall of 2020.

Product Name • Size • Hook Size • Diving Depth
KVD 1.5 Hard Knock • 2.25” • 4 3-5 feet

by AnglersChannel

Berkley FluoroShield: Fluorocarbon Meets Monofilament ICAST 2020

COLUMBIA, S.C. (July 14, 2020) — No one company knows more about the science behind fishing line than Berkley®. Decades of research, study and testing by Berkley scientists have produced some of the most trusted lines in fishing. Everything from Trilene to Vanish to the most recent introduction of Berkley x5 and x9 braid have been painstakingly tested to ensure they help anglers get more fish in the boat. The same goes for the newest line in the Berkley portfolio, FluoroShield™.

An addition to its impressive portfolio of innovative line offerings, Berkley FluoroShield™ is a Fluorocarbon infused nylon, co-polymer line that provides anglers with added abrasion resistance while still achieving an optimized casting distance on either spinning or baitcasting reels.

Berkley FluoroShield offers monofilament anglers another trusted line choice by combining the manageability of monofilament that many of them rely on with the abrasion resistance of fluorocarbon. Its refractive index is like that of fluorocarbon making it less visible to fish. Similar to monofilament, FluoroShield has a near neutral buoyancy, making it ideal for fishing spinnerbaits, bladed jigs, shallow crankbaits, soft swimbaits, swimming jigs, and buzzbaits.

Available in pound tests from four to 30, Berkley FluoroShield comes in both 300-yard filler spools and 3,000-yard bulk spools. For more information visit www.berkley-fishing.com.

Berkley FluoroShield: Specifications

Color: Clear
Spool Sizes: 300-yard filler spools and 3,000-yard bulk spools

Pound Test 4 6 8 10 12 15 17 20 25 30
Diameter (in) 0.008 0.009 0.010 0.011 0.012 0.014 0.015 0.016 0.018 0.021

MSRP: $8.99 to $10.99 (Filler Spools); $49.99 to $74.99 (Bulk Spools)

by AnglersChannel

SPRO Power Bucktail HD Jig and Zebra Glow Power Bucktail ICAST 2020

Kennesaw, GA (July 14, 2020) - Always looking for ways to expand and diversify their already extensive catalog of professional-grade fishing gear, SPRO has added to a couple of their time-tested tackle lines for 2020.

The SPRO Power Bucktail Jig HD is a great lure that's proven to attract bigger fish. Designed mainly for striped bass anglers but with a much broader range of applications, the original SPRO Power Bucktail has been a time-tested producer of trophy-sized saltwater gamefish. Its unique head shape and eyelet placement give it a natural gliding action on the drop and keep the body parallel for a more natural presentation. The durable, super-sharp and super strong Gamakatsu O'Shaugnessy hooks hold up to the most aggressive fishing conditions and hold onto the toughest fish. 3D surface contours and lure eyes and realistic finish give it an irresistible look, and hooks are wrapped in a VERY generous amount of bucktail hair for a larger profile that's more attractive to big fish, and it has a slower sink rate to keep it off the bottom and out of the rocks.
The all-new Power Bucktail HD provides a larger, heavier option for bottom fishing, pulling larger gamefish off the rocks and the wrecks and deep-dropping where the real giants dwell. It has an extra-large (10/0) heavy-duty (HD) Gamakatsu hook and is available in heavier 6 oz. And 8 oz. weights.

SPRO also expanded the original line of Power Bucktail jigs with a new Zebra Glow version. This one features a fish-attracting Zebra Glow Pattern and special glowing tentacles in the skirt. Also, the head of the jig is striped. It also features an extra-strong 8/0 Gamakatsu hook and extra thick bucktail. Available in sizes: 1 oz., 1-1/2-oz., 2 oz. and 3 oz.

Power Bucktail Jig HD Features:

Larger Sizes 6oz and 8oz
Made for Bottom Fishing
Large 10/0 Extra Heavy Gamakatsu Hook
MSRP: $16.99-$18.99

Zebra Glow Features:

Zebra Stripe for Bottom Fishing
Very popular with slow pitch jigging
Super Strong Gamakatsu Hook
GlowingTentacles inside the bucktail
MSRP: $10.99- $13.50

by AnglersChannel

Gamakatsu Silicone Stopper ICAST 2020

Gamakatsu Silicone Stopper Key to Spinnerbait Success

Tacoma, Washington (July 14, 2020) Bass aficionados and pros will tell you one of the keys to spinnerbait success is a trailer hook. Bass attacking a spinnerbait or buzzbait tend to strike short or below the bait a good portion of the time. Adding a trailer hook can increase your hook-up ratio tenfold. Gamakatsu's new Silicone Stopper makes it easier than ever to up the odds.

"The Silicone Stopper is used mainly to keep trailer hooks from backing over the main hook on a spinnerbait or buzzbait," said Jeff Roberts of Gamakatsu USA. "The Silicone Stopper is premium quality and has a flat side and small cavity to aid in the rigging. The Silicone Stopper is easier to attach than the round ones most anglers currently use."

Visit the Gamakatsu new product site here!

Rigging is simple. Add a silicone stopper to the main hook, slide the eye of the trailer hook over the shank of the main hook and then add a second stopper to hold the hook in place at a 90-degree angle. The flat sides help to keep the trailer hook straight. The Silicone Stopper aids in keeping the trailer hook from getting tangled in the skirt, prevents the hook from sliding up and down the hook shank, and ensures that when bass bite, they get hooked. Although designed for spinnerbaits and buzzbaits, the Silicone Stopper can be used with Texas- rigged worms, too. The only limit to their application is your imagination.

Silicone Stopper Features:

● Trailer hook stopper for spinnerbaits and buzzbaits
● Compact design and small cavity aids in rigging efficiency
● Flat bottom helps keep trailer hook straight
● Replaces bulky surgical tubing and plastic disc keepers
● Color: Black
● Qty/Pack: 12 (M & L)
● Qty/Pack: 10 (XL & XXL)

by AnglersChannel

SPRO Fluorocarbon Gouken Line ICAST 2020

SPRO Fluorocarbon Gouken Line is Tough as Nails

Kennesaw, Georgia (July 14, 2020) The all-new Gouken Line offers serious power at a reduced diameter in a highly desired invisible Fluorocarbon material design. Maintaining a balance of power, sensitivity and environmental camouflage is the holy grail of fishing line qualities, and the Gouken Line hits on every point.

The small diameter makes for exceptional sensitivity, helping anglers maintain contact and feeling with baits and lures. Although the diameter is small, the line delivers tough-as-nails abrasion resistance for anglers fishing over rocks, logs and weeds. The super tough design is ideal for power fishing and sticking fish with hard hook sets.

The Fluorocarbon also offers invisibility. The line blends into the environment by allowing light to pass through, rather than refract off of the material. Invisibility is a significant asset when targeting pressured or spooky fish. It's a must-have option in just about every type of environment outside of muddy catfish holes.

Gouken line comes in 150m spools priced at an affordable $18.99 for a high-performance line. Strength rating options include 10, 12, 15, 16 and 20 pounds. The range of poundage makes it possible to target a wide variety of species with the toughest Fluorocarbon line on the market.

Anglers can now capitalize on modern materials and technologies by incorporating the Gouken Line into their regular fishing routines. The sensitivity, strength and raw power will impress the most discerning anglers around.

Gouken Line Features:

Super Strong and Tough for Power Fishing
Small diameter but super tough
Sizes - 10, 12, 14, 16, 20
150m
Retail - $18.99

by AnglersChannel

Gamakatsu Spring Lock ICAST 2020

Tacoma, Washington (July 14, 2020)
The new Gamakatsu Spring Lock makes rigging plastics child's play. The Gamakatsu Spring Lock features a stress-relieved, stainless steel center point. The center point makes it easy to find the exact midpoint of the bait. It's then just a simple matter of twisting the plastic on to the Spring Lock where it stays fastened and secure. Lures stay centered and run straight and true. Made of stainless steel, the Gamakatsu Spring Lock won't rust. Available in L and XL sizes.

Visit the Gamakatsu New Product Site Here

Spring Lock Features:

Stress relieved stainless steel
Align plastic midpoint with center point design for straight rigging
Sizes: L, XL
Color: stainless steel
Qty/Pack: 5

by AnglersChannel

Gamakatsu New Swivels ICAST 2020

Tacoma, Washington (July 14, 2020) - Gamakatsu is approaching terminal tackle with the same attention to detail that makes their hooks superior. Their new swivels are built to the same precision tolerances, giving anglers the high quality that they expect from Gamakatsu. Top of the line components create a swivel that provides stealth presentations, with strength far beyond its size. The initial introduction includes the all-new Superline Swivel, Superline Swivel with Duo Lock Snap and Superline Swivel with Cross Lock Snap.

The Japanese made Superline Swivel offers a superior strength to size ratio and an NSB (nickel silver black) coating is applied for a stealthy finish that resists corrosion, in fresh or saltwater. Swivels are available in sizes 10 to 1, with break strengths of 35 to 330 pounds. Whether you chase Bluegill or Bigeye, Gamakatsu has a swivel for you.

Visit the Gamakatsu New Product Site Here!

Anglers that enjoy the quick-change nature of snap swivels can choose from duo or cross lock versions paired with Gamakatsu's new Superline Swivel. Freshwater anglers, and those employing light tackle out in the brine, will gravitate toward the lightweight duo lock snap, rated from 35- to 120-pound test, in sizes from 12 to 5. Those chasing larger quarry will appreciate the beefier construction of the cross lock snap swivel, in sizes 7 to 2, testing from 75 to 230 pounds.

Superline Swivel Features:

Superior strength to size ratio
Treated with a stealthy NSB coating
Available in size 10 (35lb), 8 (50lb), 7 (75lb), 6 (80lb), 5 (120lb), 4 (130lb), 2 (230lb), and 1
(330lb)
Made in Japan

Duo Lock Snap with Superline Swivel Features:

Duo Lock Snap for small to mid-sized baits
Superior strength to size ratio
Treated with a stealthy NSB coating
Available in size 12 (35lb), 10 (35lb), 8 (50lb), 7 (75lb) and 5 (120lb)
Made in Japan

Cross Lock Snap with Superline Swivel Features:

Cross lock snap for mid-sized to larger baits
Superior strength to size ratio
Treated with a stealthy NSB coating
Available in size 7 (75lb), 6 (80lb), 4 (130lb) and 2 (230lb)
Made in Japan

by AnglersChannel

Gamakatsu B10S Hooks ICAST2020

Tacoma, Washington (July 14, 2020) "The B10S is one of our most popular fly hooks," said Gamakatsu's Joe Quiocho. "The B10S is unique. Although heralded as a hair bug and streamer hook, you can use it for just about any application. It has a wide gap; it is 1X-strong and available in a wide range of sizes."

"We realized how effective fluorescent colors are in our Octopus hooks. They're great attractors, so we decided to offer fluorescent colors in the B10S series of fly hooks," said Quiocho.

Visit the Gamakatsu New Product Site Here!

It's no secret that fish are most active in low-light situations at dusk and dawn. That's when predators have the advantage. The human eye sees the color of the hook differently than a fish does. Our new fluorescent-UV coating provides a subtle glow, which has been scientifically proven to attract fish and provide a focal point when they decide to eat. The only limit to the application of the new fluorescent B10S fly hooks is your imagination!

B10S Features:

Stinger, 1x Strong Forged
Hair Bugs, Streamers
20 pk
Sizes: 4, 2, 1, 1/0, 2/0
Colors: Pink, Red, Chartreuse, Ultraviolet

by AnglersChannel

Seaguar Gold Label Fluorocarbon Leader ICAST 2020

Meet The New Gold Standard In Freshwater Fluorocarbon Leaders

“Simply amazing,” is what Mark Daniels Jr. has to say about the ‘secret’ leader that he’s been quietly testing on the Major League Fishing - Bass Pro Tour this season. “When you can pack that much strength — that much performance — into a leader so incredibly thin, you’ve engineered something really special.”
Seaguar Gold Label - Mark Daniels Jr.

“This is the real deal,” confirms Bassmaster Elite Series Pro Brandon Palaniuk, who, like Daniels Jr., has been using a leader that only a chosen few have been able to access – until now.
These tournament-tested pros have been fishing a new leader from Seaguar®, one that establishes the new gold standard for freshwater fluorocarbon. This leader is thinner and stronger, with less memory and stretch, plus excellent abrasion resistance and near invisibility beneath the surface – this is Seaguar Gold Label.
Seaguar Gold Label - Brandon Palaniuk
Gold Label is a 100% fluorocarbon leader manufactured using a dual extrusion process which unites a strong, sensitive core with a soft, supple exterior – a groundbreaking, proprietary line manufacturing technique that is exclusive to Seaguar. The result is a double-structure fluorocarbon leader that exhibits the beneficial attributes of each of

its two resins. With line diameters as much as 18% smaller than other Seaguar fluorocarbon leaders, Gold Label is the thinnest fluorocarbon leader available and is perfect for stealthy bass, walleye, and even panfish presentations. “Thinner leaders are always better,” asserts Captain Mark Davis, host of BigWater Adventures, who has been leveraging the benefits of Gold Label for tackling saltwater brutes ever since its introduction. “When I fish with Gold Label, baits swim more naturally, triggering more bites and helping me to catch more fish.” Now, those same benefits are also available to freshwater anglers.

Seaguar Gold Label
Thinner is better — but that’s not the end of the Gold Label story; rather, it’s just the beginning. The properties of Gold Label ensure that knots snug down tight and strong, whether you’re linking Gold Label to Seaguar Smackdown™ braided main line, or tying a lure to the business end of your leader.

The exceptional tensile and knot strength you’ll experience with Gold Label — as much as 17% stronger than other Seaguar fluorocarbon leaders — means fewer heartbreaks after the strike. Also, with a refractive index that closely matches that of water, Seaguar 100% fluorocarbon leaders
virtually disappear beneath the surface, ensuring that fish see your bait without detecting your line. In addition, because Seaguar fluorocarbon leaders offer enhanced abrasion resistance compared to monofilament, you’ll experience fewer line failures from sharp walleye teeth, or from battling giant bass around rocks, docks, and timber.

“Anglers can leverage Gold Label, with its best available strength-to-diameter ratio,” notes Daniels Jr., “in several different ways to put more fish in the boat. For example, finesse presentations can use a thinner leader than ever before, without sacrificing strength – and that’s a huge advantage in clear water or when dealing with heavily pressured fish. On the other end of the spectrum, power anglers can tie up with a stronger leader than they might normally use, without having it be thicker than they want. Gold Label is truly a win-win proposition!”

“Everyone who ties up with Gold Label will immediately notice some of its other benefits,” continues Daniels Jr., “especially its suppleness and very low memory. I’ve used a lot of different fluorocarbons over the years, and Gold Label has the least memory that I’ve ever encountered. Low memory makes the line easier to manage, especially in cold weather, and makes knot tying much easier — a big advantage whether I’m 'on the clock' at a Major League Fishing - Bass Pro Tour event, or just fishing for fun on one of my days off. Soon, everyone will have the chance to experience all of the benefits of Seaguar Gold Label for themselves.” Brandon Palaniuk agrees, stating that Gold Label, “has the lowest memory I’ve seen, and its strength-to-diameter ratio is on another level. Gold Label is truly the ultimate fluorocarbon."

Seaguar is the originator of fluorocarbon fishing lines and leaders, and leverages nearly 50 years of experience in the design and manufacturing of 100% fluorocarbons to produce Gold Label, the new gold standard of performance for freshwater fluorocarbon leaders. Twenty five-yard spools of Seaguar Gold Label — with MSRP $16.99 to $18.99 — will be available in 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 lb test, complementing the 15, 20, 25, 30 and 40 lb test leaders currently available for saltwater use. Tie on a Gold Label leader for your next bass, walleye, or panfish trip, and you’ll soon appreciate why Seaguar lines and leaders are Always the Best!

by AnglersChannel

Pace Passes Poche to Win Auto-Berth to Friday's Championship:

Bass Pro Tour Season Points Race Heats Up
in Tuesday's Knockout Round

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 13, 2020 (Sturgeon Bay, Wisc.) Major League Fishing (MLF) Pro Cliff Pace won Covercraft Stage Five presented by Abu Garcia Group B Qualifying Round to advance directly to the Championship, joining Group A winner Justin Lucas in one of ten spots. With half the field eliminated, 38 anglers begin Tuesday’s Knockout Round at zero weight to compete over the remaining eight spots in Wednesday’s Championship Round. The 2020 Bass Pro Tour Seasons Points Championship may come down to Tuesday’s Knockout Round with Jordan Lee, Jacob Wheeler, and Ott DeFoe all battling to advance. Competition resumes Tuesday at 8:00 a.m. CT on MLFNOW!

MLF Pro Stephen Browning caught the Berkley Big Bass of the Day and hung on to 20th place to advance to Tuesday's Knockout Round. Photo credit: Phoenix Moore/Major League Fishing
40-year-old Pace caught 107 pounds, nine ounces to climb from seventh place after Day One (Saturday) and win with a two-day total of 174 pounds on 58 bass. Pace advances directly into Wednesday’s Championship Round joining Justin Lucas who won Group A Qualifying Round on Sunday. The HIGH-SEAS Pro said it wasn’t easy this week and he’s grateful for a day off (Tuesday).

“I’m one happy man!” said Pace shortly after MLF Official Mike David confirmed his victory on SCORETRACKER®. “I’m tickled to death to have won today because everything here is such a variable. You don’t know what Mother Nature is going to do and everything can fall out of place. A win today means that I don’t have to compete tomorrow and maybe capitalize on a great event in Wisconsin on Wednesday.”

Pace caught nearly all 58 bass over two days with a wacky worm in clear water – both 20, 25-feet deep and shallow. His told fans that a consistent, long cast was a key to his victory. A Mississippi-resident, Pace won the final Stage of the 2019 Bass Pro Tour in Neenah, Wisconsin last July

Keith Poche started out slow with zero scorable catches in the first three hours of competition and ultimately ended the day with 53 pounds and a two-day total of 165 pounds, 11 ounces. Jordan Lee and Mike Iaconelli led the field at different points in the day before ultimately being out paced by Pace as well.

Stephen Browning caught the Berkley Big Bass of the day weighing in at five pounds, one ounce. His two-day total of 82 pounds, 10 ounces was enough to maintain a 20th place finish and secure a spot in Tuesday’s Knockout Round. After finishing Day One in the top 20, Britt Myers and Adrian Avena fell below the Elimination Line in 21st and 26th places respectively making room for Matt Lee and Ish Monroe to advance. After only scoring 12 pounds, 13 ounces on Day One (Saturday), Jared Lintner made the biggest gain of the day by scoring an additional 119 pounds, five ounces to finish in sixth with a two-day total of 132 pounds, two ounces.

The Top Ten of Qualifying Group B finished as follows:

Place Angler Two-Day Total Two-Day Total Largest Fish over Two-Day Round
1 Cliff Pace 174-00 58 4-14
2 Keith Poche 165-11 62 4-03
3 Jordan Lee 155-04 55 4-10
4 Mike Iaconelli 144-05 49 4-08
5 Bobby Lane 132-09 43 4-09
5 Jared Lintner 132-02 44 4-04
7 Cody Meyer 122-11 41 4-07
8 Jason Christie 116-01 42 4-01
9 Alton Jones 112-05 42 4-03
10 Bradley Roy 109-06 39 4-09

20 anglers fell below the Elimination Line ending their respective 2020 Bass Pro Tour seasons, including Chris Lane, Zack Birge, and Brent Ehrler who had all won Qualifying Rounds in previous 2020 Bass Pro Tour stops. For complete results, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com, Bass Pro Tour, Results.

The competition continues Tuesday when the 38 qualifiers take to the water for the Covercraft Stage Five presented by Abu Garcia Knockout Round, including current Season Points contenders Jordan Lee (276), Jacob Wheeler (267), Ott DeFoe (264), and Jeff Sprague (249). Each angler earns Points (80-1) awarded by finishing place (1-80) at each Stage of the Bass Pro Tour. The Pro with the most points at the end of the season earns the title of “Bass Pro Tour Points Champion.” With Fletcher Shryock and Michael Neal eliminated and the remaining four battling out for one of eight spots remaining in Wednesday’s Championship Round, Tuesday’s competition may be the most consequential of the 2020 Bass Pro Tour season.

Pending no weather delays, the Knockout Round begins at Sawyer Park Boat Launch, Sturgeon Bay, Wisc., 6:15 a.m. CT when the field reports to pick-up their MLF Official and camera operators before trailering to the ramp of his choice. With lines in at 8:00 a.m. CT, the competition consists of three, 150-minute periods.

Fans can catch all the action every day of competition (July 10-15) on MLFNOW! livestream on MajorLeagueFishing.com or download the MLF App for your Apple or GooglePlay device or on MyOutdoorTV (MOTV).

by AnglersChannel

West Frankfort’s Shoraga and Wisconsin’s Brueggen Tie for Win at Phoenix Bass Fishing League on Rend Lake

WHITTINGTON, Ill. (July 13, 2020) – Boaters Dan Shoraga of West Frankfort, Illinois, and Mike Brueggen of La Crosse, Wisconsin, each brought a five-bass limit to the scale Saturday weighing 11 pounds, 3 ounces, to tie for the win at the Phoenix Bass Fishing League presented by T-H Marine event at Rend Lake. For their wins Shoraga earned a total of $4,321, including the $1,000 Mercury Marine contingency bonus, while Brueggen brought home $3,321.

“I had seven bites all day, and managed to put them all in the boat,” said Shoraga, who earned his fourth career BFL win. “I knew it was going to fish tough, but I put my head down and just flipped the creeks all day.”

Shoraga said that he flipped black neon- and hematoma-colored beaver-style baits on the north end of the lake.

Brueggen, meanwhile, started in the mid-lake area and worked his way north, catching five fish throughout the day.

“I started early with a buzzbait, mid-lake, then worked my way north as the day progressed,” Brueggen said. “I caught two on the buzzbait and one out deep on a worm. As I worked up north, I caught one flipping and got my fifth keeper on a crankbait in the afternoon.”

Brueggen is now the early favorite for the October Regional Championship tournament, scheduled for his home waters of the Mississippi River in La Crosse.

“I don’t think there has ever been a regional championship in La Crosse before, so I’m really looking forward to that one,” Brueggen went on to say. “The river in October should be really good.”

The top 10 boaters finished the tournament as follows:

1^st: Dan Shoraga of West Frankfort, Ill., five bass, 11-3, $4,321

1^st: Mike Brueggen of La Crosse, Wis., five bass, 11-3, $3,321

3^rd: Addison Eggertsen of West Frankfort, Ill., five bass, 10-5, $1,478

4^th: Toby Corn of Paducah, Ky., five bass, 10-2, $1,033

5^th: Terry Holsapple of Greenup, Ill., five bass, 9-7, $886

6^th: Darren Frazier of Anna, Ill., three bass, 9-6, $812

7^th: Colby Schrumpf of Highland, Ill., five bass, 9-3, $738

8^th: Mark O’Brien of Carterville, Ill., five bass, 8-14, $664

9^th: Brad Porter of Bluford, Ill., four bass, 8-10, $553

9^th: Martin Conaughty of Fairview Heights, Ill., four bass, 8-10, $553

Complete results can be found at FLWFishing.com.

Terry Fitzpatrick of Waukon, Iowa, claimed the day’s Boater Big Bass Award of $635 after bringing a 5-pound, 3-ounce bass to the scale.

Jodie Lanter of Carlyle, Illinois, took home an extra $500 as the highest finishing FLW PHOENIX BONUS member. 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 FLW PHOENIX BONUS contingency program can be found at PhoenixBassBoats.com.

Ryan Fancher of Olney, Illinois, won the Co-angler Division and $2,214 Saturday after catching five bass weighing 11 pounds, 5 ounces.

The top 10 co-anglers finished as follows:

1^st: Ryan Fancher of Olney, Ill., five bass, 11-5, $2,214

2^nd: Ryan Murphy of Paris, Ill., three bass, 6-15, $1,107

3^rd: James Jarvis of West Frankfort, Ill., three bass, 6-8, $738

4^th: Mike Swetland of Tamaroa, Ill., two bass, 6-5, $717

5^th: Charles Dammerman of Owaneco, Ill., two bass, 5-12, $443

6^th: Anthony Balding of Lebanon, Ill., two bass, 5-6, $406

7^th: Yong Yeun of Elgin, Ill., two bass, 5-2, $369

8^th: Ashton Nielsen of Mount Zion, Ill., one bass, 5-0, $471

8^th: Rod Mandrell of Benton, Ill., one bass, 5-0, $471

10^th: Alan Bernicky of Joliet, Ill., three bass, 4-13, $258

Mandrell caught the largest bass in the Co-angler Division, weighing in at 5 pounds even. The catch earned him the day’s Co-angler Big Bass award of $158.

The 2020 Phoenix Bass Fishing League presented by T-H Marine on Rend Lake was the second of five qualifying tournaments in the Illini division.

The top 45 boaters and co-anglers in the Illini Division based on point standings, along with the five winners of each qualifying event, will be entered in the Oct. 15-17 Phoenix Bass Fishing League Regional Championship on the Mississippi River in La Crosse, Wisconsin, hosted by Explore La Crosse. 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 co-anglers will fish for a new 18-foot Phoenix bass boat with a 200-horsepower outboard.

The 2020 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 co-anglers from each division, along with the five winners of the qualifying events, will advance to one of six regional tournaments where they are competing to finish in the top six, which then qualifies them for one of the longest-running championships in all of competitive bass fishing – the Phoenix Bass Fishing League All-American.

The 2020 Phoenix Bass Fishing League All-American will be held Nov. 11-13 at Lake Hartwell in Anderson, South Carolina and is hosted by Visit Anderson. The top 45 boaters and co-anglers plus tournament winners from each Phoenix Bass Fishing League division earn priority entry into the FLW Series, the pathway to the FLW Pro Circuit and ultimately the MLF Bass Pro Tour, where top pros compete with no entry fees.

For complete details and updated information visit FLWFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow the Phoenix Bass Fishing League presented by T-H Marine on FLW’s social media outlets at Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

by AnglersChannel

Lebanon’s Johnson and Hendersonville’s Hopkins Earn Wins at Phoenix Bass Fishing League Double-Header on Old Hickory Lake

GALLATIN, Tenn. (July 13, 2020) – It was a double-header for bass anglers this past weekend in Gallatin with the Phoenix Bass Fishing League presented by T-H Marine on Old Hickory Lake events.

Boater Daniel Johnson of Lebanon, Tennessee, brought a five-bass limit to the scale weighing 16 pounds, 6 ounces to win Saturday’s event and earn $4,418, while John Hopkins of Hendersonville, Tennessee, brought in a limit weighing 20 pounds, 11 ounces on Sunday to earn the win and $3,164.

The tournaments were the second and third of five events in the Music City Division presented by A.R.E. Truck Caps.

“It was pretty much the same old, same old for me,” said Johnson, who earned his fourth career victory in BFL competition. “I live about ¼ mile from the lake, and fish it all the time – primarily shallow. I caught everything that I had flipping soft plastics in 1- to 6-feet-of-water.

“The hot and sunny weather really helped me,” Johnson continued. “It positioned the fish right where they needed to be for flipping.”

Johnson said that his key bait was a Reaction Innovations Sweet Beaver, which he estimated he threw 70% of the day.

The top five boaters on Saturday were:

1^st: Daniel Johnson of Lebanon, Tenn., five bass, 16-6, $4,418

2^nd: Tim Messer of Hendersonville, Tenn., four bass, 16-0, $1,709

3^rd: Lance Oligschlaeger of Gallatin, Tenn., five bass, 15-6, $1,138

4^th: Dustin Hinkle of Mount Juliet, Tenn., five bass, 14-8, $1,218

5^th: Adam Wagner of Cookeville, Tenn., five bass, 14-2, $1,184

Complete results for Saturday can be found at FLWFishing.com.

Hinkle brought a 6-pound, 2-ounce bass to the scale to add Saturday’s Boater Big Bass award of $420 to his winnings.

Wagner was the highest-finishing FLW PHOENIX BONUS member and took home an extra $500 Saturday. 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 FLW PHOENIX BONUS contingency program can be found at PhoenixBassBoats.com.

Beaufort, South Carolina’s Jared Kutil won the Co-angler Division and $1,868 Saturday after catching five bass weighing 11 pounds, 10 ounces.

The top five co-anglers Saturday finished as follows:

1^st: Jared Kutil of Beaufort, S.C., five bass, 11-10, $1,868

2^nd: Benjamin Fouts of Morehead, Ky., five bass, 11-8, $834

3^rd: Ricky England of Sparta, Tenn., five bass, 10-15, $558

4^th: Curtis Cline of Lafayette, Tenn., five bass, 10-6, $389

5^th: Jimmy Cartwright of Smithville, Tenn., four bass, 9-5, $539

Cartwright caught the largest bass in the Co-angler Division Saturday, weighing in at 4 pounds, 1 ounce. The catch earned him the day’s Co-angler Big Bass award of $205.

Sunday’s tournament was a completely different story as winner John Hopkins spent his day catching huge numbers of fish out deep on the ledges.

“I caught probably 60 fish throughout the day,” said Hopkins, who picked up his fifth career BFL win. “Old Hickory is fishing better than it ever has.”

Hopkins said that he caught two good fish on a jig, but most of his damage was done with an unnamed crankbait.

The top five boaters on Sunday were:

1^st: John Hopkins of Hendersonville, Tenn., five bass, 20-11, $3,164

2^nd: Mickey Beck of Lebanon, Tenn., five bass, 18-2, $1,582

3^rd: Dylan Wright of Murfreesboro, Tenn., five bass, 17-14, $1,054

4^th: Clabion Johns of Social Circle, Ga., five bass, 16-7, $738

5^th: Hunter Bouldin of McMinnville, Tenn., five bass, 16-5, $633

Complete results for Sunday’s event on Old Hickory Lake can be found at FLWFishing.com.

Scott Ellis of Madison, Tennessee, brought a 6-pound, 3-ounce bass to the scale to win Sunday’s Boater Big Bass award of $380.

William Merrick of Mount Juliet, Tennessee, was Sunday’s highest-finishing FLW PHOENIX BONUS member and took home an extra $500.

Doug Thompson of Mabelvale, Arkansas, won the Co-angler Division and $1,582 Sunday after catching five bass weighing 14 pounds, 15 ounces.

The top five co-anglers Sunday finished as follows:

1^st: Doug Thompson of Mabelvale, Ark., five bass, 14-15, $1,582

2^nd: Ryan Mealer of Spring Hill, Tenn., five bass, 13-12, $981

3^rd: Chris Hughes of Centerville, Tenn., five bass, 12-12, $526

4^th: Taylor Wisniewski of Lexington, Ky., five bass, 11-5, $369

5^th: Benjamin Fouts of Morehead, Ky., five bass, 10-15, $316

Mealer caught the largest bass in the Co-angler Division, weighing in at 5 pounds even. The catch earned the day’s Co-angler Big Bass award of $190.

The 2020 Phoenix Bass Fishing League presented by T-H Marine Double-Header on Old Hickory Lake was hosted by Sumner County Tourism.

The top 45 boaters and co-anglers in the Music City Division presented by A.R.E. based on point standings, along with the five winners of each qualifying event, will be entered in the Oct. 22-24 Bass Fishing League Regional Championship on Lake Lanier in Gainesville, Georgia, hosted by the Gainesville Convention and Visitors Bureau. 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 co-anglers will fish for a new 18-foot Phoenix bass boat with a 200-horsepower outboard.

by AnglersChannel

Celina’s Ellis Wins Phoenix Bass Fishing League Event on Ohio River at Tanners Creek

LAWRENCEBURG, Ind. (July 13, 2020) – Boater Jay Ellis of Celina, Ohio, brought a five-bass limit to the scale Saturday weighing 11 pounds, 13 ounces to win the 2020 Phoenix Bass Fishing League presented by T-H Marine event on the Ohio River in Lawrenceburg, Indiana. For his victory, Ellis earned a total of $6,972.

The tournament was the second of five events in the Buckeye Division presented by A.R.E. Truck Caps.

“I went up river, about 15 miles, and fished in Muddy Creek,” said Ellis, who earned the first BFL victory of his career. “I caught them all on single tree laydowns. The water levels dropped a little bit over night, and I think it pushed those fish a little farther out, off the bank.”

Ellis said he caught his fish on a black buzzbait and a Texas-rigged black-and-blue beaver-style bait.

The top 10 boaters finished the tournament as follows:

1^st: Jay Ellis of Celina, Ohio, five bass, 11-13, $6,972

2^nd: Dick Shaffer of Rockford, Ohio, five bass, 8-2, $2,236

3^rd: Kenneth Pincombe of Hamilton, Ohio, five bass, 7-8, $1,492

4^th: Seth Fricke of Hamilton, Ohio, three bass, 7-1, $1,693

5^th: Brian Campbell of Oxford, Ohio, five bass, 6-11, $894

6^th: Chris Martinkovic of Hamilton, Ohio, four bass, 6-9, $982

6^th: Chad McCarty of Tipp City, Ohio, five bass, 6-9, $782

8^th: Pete Justice of Sharonville, Ohio, four bass, 6-6, $671

9^th: Donald Sibley of Strasburg, Ohio, five bass, 6-5, $596

10^th: Joe Farkas of Grove City, Ohio, four bass, 6-2, $522

Complete results can be found at FLWFishing.com.

Fricke claimed the day’s Boater Big Bass Award of $650 after bringing a 3-pound, 15-ounce bass to the scale.

Ellis also was the highest-finishing FLW PHOENIX BONUS member and took home an extra $2,500. 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 FLW PHOENIX BONUS contingency program can be found at PhoenixBassBoats.com.

Carter Mox of Minster, Ohio, won the Co-angler Division and $2,236 Saturday after catching five bass weighing 6 pounds, 11 ounces.

The top 10 co-anglers finished as follows:

1^st: Carter Mox of Minster, Ohio, five bass, 6-11, $2,236

2^nd: Trapper Owens of Carlisle, Ohio, three bass, 6-4, $1,118

2^nd: Cruze Eskins of Hamilton, Ohio, three bass, 5-13, $745

4^th: Larry Gunville of Gahanna, Ohio, two bass, 4-13, $847

5^th: Ron Weisenburger of Continental, Ohio, three bass, 4-11, $447

6^th: Virgil Grant of Findlay, Ohio, three bass, 4-5, $391

6^th: Kenny Smith of Austin, Ind., three bass, 4-5, $391

8^th: Hunter Smith of Hamilton, Ohio, three bass, 3-15, $316

8^th: Kenny Mitchell of Franklin, Ohio, two bass, 3-15, $316

10^th: Brent Jones of Okeana, Ohio, two bass, 3-14, $261

Gunville caught the largest bass in the Co-angler Division, weighing in at 4 pounds even. The catch added to his winnings as he earned the day’s Co-angler Big Bass award of $325.

The top 45 boaters and co-anglers in the Buckeye Division presented by A.R.E. Truck Caps based on point standings, along with the five winners of each qualifying event, will be entered in the Oct. 16-18 Phoenix Bass Fishing League Regional Championship on Cherokee Lake in Jefferson City, Tennessee, hosted by the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce. 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 co-anglers will fish for a new 18-foot Phoenix bass boat with a 200-horsepower outboard.

by AnglersChannel

Virginia’s Reynolds Wins Phoenix Bass Fishing League Event on Kerr Lake

HENDERSON, N.C. (July 13, 2020) – Boater Ben Reynolds of Callands, Virginia, brought a five-bass limit to the scale Sunday weighing 16 pounds, 9 ounces to win the 2020 Phoenix Bass Fishing League presented by T-H Marine event at Kerr Lake in Henderson, North Carolina. For his victory, Reynolds earned a total of $4,350.

The tournament was the third of five events in the Shenandoah Division presented by A.R.E. Truck Caps.

“It feels awesome to get this win,” said Reynolds, who earned his third career win in BFL competition. “I fished mostly up towards Clarksville. I didn’t go all the way into the rivers, but I did get pretty close to that end of the lake.

“I started off the morning shallow, but I didn’t do much,” Reynolds continued. “Then I went to a deep spot and caught them pretty good there. In the afternoon I made a little move to go back shallow and I caught another big one. That was the key to my victory – making the move back shallow.”

Reynolds said this his baits of choice were a worm and a Dirty Jigs flipping jig.

The top 10 boaters finished the tournament as follows:

1^st: Ben Reynolds of Callands, Va., five bass, 16-9, $4,350

2^nd: Martin Villa of Charlottesville, Va., five bass, 16-6, $2,175

3^rd: Jason Tibbetts of Centreville, Va., five bass, 14-5, $1,451

4^th: Bryan Elrod of Mechanicsville, Va., five bass, 13-13, $1,015

5^th: Tom Wilkinson of Oxford, N.C., five bass, 13-12, $870

6^th: Derik Hudson of Concord, Va., five bass, 13-7, $798

7^th: Chris Brummett of Lynch Station, Va., five bass, 12-11, $725

8^th: Robert Grike of Dumfries, Va., five bass, 12-8, $616

8^th: Ben Jacobi of Richmond, Va., five bass, 12-8, $616

10^th: Otis Darnell of Linden, Va., five bass, 12-7, $508

Complete results can be found at FLWFishing.com.

Bennett Owen of Capron, Virginia, earned the day’s $615 Boater Big Bass award with a 4-pound, 15-ounce bass.

Mark Inman of Greensboro, North Carolina, took home an extra $500 as the highest finishing FLW PHOENIX BONUS member. 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 FLW PHOENIX BONUS contingency program can be found at PhoenixBassBoats.com.

Mark Blankenship of Christianburg, Virginia, earned the win in the Co-angler Division Sunday after catching a five-bass limit weighing 13 pounds, 8 ounces. Robertson earned $2,175 for his victory.

The top 10 co-anglers finished as follows:

1^st: Mark Blankenship of Christianburg, Va., five bass, 13-8, $2,175

2^nd: Lenny Baird of Stafford, Va., five bass, 11-10, $1,088

3^rd: Colin Bennett of Axton, Va., five bass, 11-5, $726

4^th: Ben Dacey of Chesterfield, Va., four bass, 11-0, $707

5^th: Carl Whipple of Manassas, Va., five bass, 10-6, $435

6^th: Brandon Cox of Ruther Glen, Va., four bass, 10-0, $399

7^th: B.K. Kelley of Colonial Heights, Va., five bass, 9-1, $363

8^th: Johnnie Hopkins of Durham, N.C., five bass, 8-13, $326

9^th: Steven Jacobs of Sandford, N.C., five bass, 8-12, $290

10^th: Jeff Mellott of Warfordsburg, Pa., four bass, 8-4, $254

Costas Melendez of Grottoes, Virginia, caught the largest bass in the Co-angler Division, a fish weighing in at 5 pounds even. The catch earned him the day’s Co-angler Big Bass award of $307.

The top 45 boaters and co-anglers in the Shenandoah Division presented by A.R.E. based on point standings, along with the five winners of each qualifying event, will be entered in the Oct. 8-10 Bass Fishing League Regional Championship on the James River in Richmond, Virginia, hosted by Richmond Region Tourism. 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 co-anglers will fish for a new 18-foot Phoenix bass boat with a 200-horsepower outboard.

by AnglersChannel

Macclenny’s Mobley Wins Phoenix Bass Fishing League Event on Harris Chain of Lakes

LEESBURG, Fla. (July 13, 2020) – Boater John Mobley of Macclenny, Florida, brought a three-bass limit to the scale Saturday weighing 20 pounds, 6 ounces to win the 2020 Phoenix Bass Fishing League presented by T-H Marine event at the Harris Chain of Lakes in Leesburg, Florida. For his victory, Mobley earned $3,926.

The tournament was the fourth of five events in the Gator Division presented by A.R.E. Truck Caps.

“This is my first year fishing BFLs, and I’m super pumped to get a win,” said Mobley, who currently sits in third place in the Gator Division Angler of the Year race.

“I locked down to Lake Griffin and was catching them in hydrilla mats and lily pads,” Mobley said. “I was flipping all day. I stumbled upon the bluegill bedding in the pads and that was the key – matching what the fish were eating.”

Mobley said that he flipped hydrilla mats with a Texas-rigged Missile Baits D Bomb (black and blue) with a 1-ounce tungsten weight ,and caught his fish out of the pads with a 1-ounce Medlock jig with the D-Bomb as a trailer.

The top 10 boaters finished the tournament as follows:

1^st: John Mobley of Macclenny, Fla., three bass, 20-6, $3,926

2^nd: Trevor Fitzgerald of Belleview, Fla., three bass, 19-10, $1,963

3^rd: Christian Greico of Tampa, Fla., three bass, 19-7, $1,839

4^th: Matt Gee of Grand Island, Fla., three bass, 19-5, $1,416

5^th: Levi Crossway of Jacksonville, Fla., three bass, 18-9, $785

6^th: Kurt Diesing of Howey-in-the-Hills, Fla., three bass, 17-2, $720

7^th: Ricky Congero of Windermere, Fla., three bass, 15-6, $654

8^th: Robert Crosnoe of Inverness, Fla., three bass, 14-12, $589

9^th: Scott Kirsch of Edgewater, Fla., three bass, 13-13, $523

10^th: Kennie Steverson of Umatilla, Fla., three bass, 13-3, $458

Complete results can be found at FLWFishing.com.

Greico caught a 9-pound, 4-ounce largemouth to win the day’s Boater Big Bass award of $530.

Gee took home an extra $500 as the highest finishing FLW PHOENIX BONUS member. 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 FLW PHOENIX BONUS contingency program can be found at PhoenixBassBoats.com.

Mike Bruton of Oakland, Florida, won the Co-angler Division and $1,963 Saturday after catching a three-bass limit weighing 15 pounds, 15 ounces.

The top 10 co-anglers finished as follows:

1^st: Mike Bruton of Oakland, Fla., three bass, 15-15, $1,963

2^nd: Doug Staetter of Sanford, Fla., three bass, 15-12, $981

3^rd: Reyes Reyes Jr. of Belle Glade, Fla., three bass, 15-1, $655

4^th: Chuck Crow of Windermere, Fla., three bass, 13-12, $458

5^th: Chris Nickle of Sanford, Fla., three bass, 12-5, $393

6^th: Carl Scott of Coral Springs, Fla., three bass, 10-5, $343

6^th: Dana Bass of Miami, Fla., three bass, 10-5, $343

8^th: Jackie Barber of Cocoa, Fla., two bass, 9-12, $294

9^th: Chris Westhelle of Sanford, Fla., three bass, 9-6, $262

10^th: Rusty Fox of Palatka, Fla., one bass, 9-2, $494

Fox caught the largest bass in the Co-angler Division, a fish weighing in at 9 pounds, 2 ounces. The catch alone earned him 10^th place and the day’s Co-angler Big Bass award of $265.

The 2020 Phoenix Bass Fishing League presented by T-H Marine on the Harris Chain of Lakes was hosted by Lake County, Florida.

The top 45 boaters and co-anglers in the Gator Division presented by A.R.E. based on point standings, along with the five winners of each qualifying event, will be entered in the Oct. 22-24 Bass Fishing League Regional Championship on Lake Lanier in Gainesville, Georgia, hosted by the Gainesville Convention & Visitors Bureau. 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 co-anglers will fish for a new 18-foot Phoenix bass boat with a 200-horsepower outboard.

by AnglersChannel

Spiro High School Wins FLW High School Fishing presented by Favorite Fishing Fort Gibson Lake Open

WAGONER, Okla. (July 13, 2020) – Oklahoma’s Spiro High School duo of Gunner West and Trey McKinney brought five bass to the scale Saturday weighing 18 pounds, 4 ounces to win the FLW High School Fishing presented by Favorite Fishing Fort Gibson Lake Open.

For their win on Fort Gibson Lake, the team now advances to the 2021 High School Fishing National Championship.

The top four teams that qualified for the 2021 High School Fishing National Championship are:

1st: Spiro High School, Spiro, Okla. – Gunner West and Trey McKinney, five bass, 18-4

2nd: East Beauregard High School, DeRidder, La. – Hayden Farmer and Jayden Meadows, five bass, 18-2

3rd: Wagoner High School, Wagoner, Okla. – Garrett Barton and Braden Lankford, five bass, 17-7

4th: Flower Mound High School, Flower Mound, Texas – Ethan Boisvert and Caleb Boisvert, five bass, 17-5

Rounding out the top 10 were:

5th: Noble High School, Noble, Okla. – Brycen Soliday and Jaxon Windsor, four bass, 17-2

6th: Wagoner High School, Wagoner, Okla. – Aidan Murray and Gauge Merz, five bass, 14-2

7th: Charles Page High School, Sand Springs, Okla. – Reese David and Mack Taylor, five bass, 13-13

8th: Wagoner High School, Wagoner, Okla. – Hunter Alsip and Bryce Kyndell, five bass, 12-8

9th: Mannford High School, Mannford, Okla. – Sydney Meier and Joseph Case, four bass, 10-14

10th: Bryant High School, Little Rock, Ark. – Tucker Dottley and Brandon Gabe, five bass, 10-12

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

The event launched from the Whitehorn Cove Marina in Wagoner, Oklahoma, and was hosted by the Wagoner Area Chamber of Commerce.

The FLW High School Fishing presented by Favorite Fishing Fort Gibson Lake Open was a free, two-person (team) event for students in grades 7-12 and open to any FLW and Student Angler Federation-affiliated high school club. The top 10 percent of teams at each Open event along with the TBF High School Fishing state championships will advance to the 2021 High School Fishing National Championship. The High School Fishing national champions will each receive a $5,000 college scholarship to the school of their choice.

In addition to the High School Fishing National Championship, all High School Fishing anglers nationwide automatically qualify for the world’s largest open high school bass tournament, the 2021 High School Fishing World Finals, held in conjunction with the National Championship. More than $2.8 million in scholarships and prizes were offered at the 2020 World Finals.

Full schedules and the latest announcements are available at HighSchoolFishing.org and FLWFishing.com.

by AnglersChannel

Salisbury’s Bell Wins Phoenix Bass Fishing League Event on Kerr Lake

HENDERSON, N.C. (July 13, 2020) – Boater Rodney Bell of Salisbury, North Carolina, brought a five-bass limit to the scale Saturday weighing 18 pounds, 5 ounces to win the 2020 Phoenix Bass Fishing League presented by T-H Marine event at Kerr Lake in Henderson, North Carolina. For his victory, Bell earned $5,024.

Bell said he caught his fish throwing a True South Lures V-Twin Buzz buzzbait and an E&L Lures jig.

“I was mainly fishing from the mouth of Nutbush Creek up towards Grassy Creek – about halfway between the two,” said Bell, who picked up the fifth BFL victory of his career. “Fishing in and around the bream beds seemed to be the key.”

The top 10 boaters finished the tournament as follows:

1^st: Rodney Bell of Salisbury, N.C., five bass, 18-5, $5,024

2^nd: Marty Warren of Elon, N.C., five bass, 17-6, $2,697

3^rd: Tom Wilkinson of Oxford, N.C., five bass, 15-2, $1,464

4^th: Austin Farrell of Tega Cay, S.C., five bass, 14-11, $1,025

5^th: John Wiese of Charlotte, N.C., five bass, 14-2, $879

6^th: Ron Wolfarth of Oakboro, N.C., five bass, 13-14, $805

7^th: Cavin Young of Prince George, Va., five bass, 13-12, $732

8^th: Raymond Jones III of Statesville, N.C., five bass, 13-11, $659

9^th: Jason Tibbetts of Centreville, Va., five bass, 13-4, $586

10^th: Buddy Black of Lawndale, N.C., five bass, 12-15, $513

Complete results can be found at FLWFishing.com.

Bell also caught a 5-pound, 7-ounce bass to add the day’s Boater Big Bass award of $630 to his winnings.

Warren took home an extra $500 as the highest finishing FLW PHOENIX BONUS member. 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 FLW PHOENIX BONUS contingency program can be found at PhoenixBassBoats.com.

Dale Surrett of Midland, North Carolina, won the Co-angler Division and $2,197 Saturday after catching a five-bass limit weighing 13 pounds, 15 ounces.

The top 10 co-anglers finished as follows:

1^st: Dale Surrett of Midland, N.C., five bass, 13-15, $2,197

2^nd: Tyler Dover of Blacksburg, S.C., five bass, 10-4, $915

2^nd: Stephen Kocell of Waxhaw, N.C., five bass, 10-4, $915

4^th: Jason Hinger of Timberlake, N.C., five bass, 9-12, $713

5^th: Kiel Guin of Durham, N.C., four bass, 9-10, $439

6^th: Clay Jackson of Daniels, W. Va., four bass, 9-9, $403

7^th: Nathan Grose of Summersville, W. Va., five bass, 9-5, $348

7^th: Robert Wedding of Welcome, Md., five bass, 9-5, $348

9^th: Brian Bird of Huntersville, N.C., five bass, 9-2, $293

10^th: William Lisenby of Centreville, Va., five bass, 8-13, $256

Eric Richards of Kannapolis, North Carolina, caught the largest bass in the Co-angler Division, a fish weighing in at 4 pounds, 9 ounces. The catch earned him the day’s Co-angler Big Bass award of $315.

The 2020 Phoenix Bass Fishing League presented by T-H Marine on Kerr Lake was hosted by the Vance County Tourism Development Authority. The event was the fourth of five qualifying events in the North Carolina Division.

The top 45 boaters and co-anglers in the North Carolina Division based on point standings, along with the five winners of each qualifying event, will be entered in the Oct. 8-10 Bass Fishing League Regional Championship on the James River in Richmond, Virginia, hosted by Richmond Region Tourism. 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 co-anglers will fish for a new 18-foot Phoenix bass boat with a 200-horsepower outboard.

by AnglersChannel

Oklahoma State University Wins Abu Garcia College Fishing presented by YETI Tournament on Fort Gibson Lake

WAGONER, Okla. (July 13, 2020) – The Oklahoma State University team of Rhett Meyer of Stilwell, Oklahoma and Jake Biram of Tulsa, Oklahoma, won the Abu Garcia College Fishing presented by YETI at Fort Gibson Lake event Friday with a five-bass limit weighing 19 pounds, 14 ounces. The victory earned the Oklahoma State bass club $2,000 and qualified them to compete in the 2021 College Fishing National Championship.

The Cowboys duo won by a comfortable 2-pound, 9-ounce margin over the second-place team of Derek Pietsch and Trey Dawson from Texas A&M-Galveston, who weighed in five bass totaling 17 pounds, 5 ounces. The tournament launched from Whitehorn Cove Marina in Wagoner, Oklahoma.

The top 10 teams that advanced to the 2021 College Fishing National Championship are:

1^st: Oklahoma State University – Rhett Meyer, Stilwell, Okla., and Jake Biram, Tulsa, Okla., five bass, 19-14, $2,000

2^nd: Texas A&M at Galveston – Derek Pietsch, Montgomery, Texas, and Trey Dawson, Montgomery, Texas, five bass, 17-5, $1,000

3^rd: Lamar State College – Grady Doucet and Trent Buchholz, both of Beaumont, Texas., five bass, 17-1, $500

4^th: Rogers State University – Ty Crutchfield, Inola, Okla., and Alec Murphy, Claremore, Okla., five bass, 16-11, $500

5^th: Oklahoma State University – Dexter Flick, Stillwater, Okla., and Cameron Simmons, Owasso, Okla., five bass, 15-14, $500

6^th: Angelo State University – Lance Culak, San Angelo, Texas, and Steven Armstrong, Brownwood, Texas, five bass, 15-13

7^th: Texas A&M-Commerce – Augustus McLarry, Quinlin, Texas, and Dawson Cassidy, Gainesville, Texas, five bass, 15-13

8^th: East Texas Baptist University – Grant Hendrix, Livingston, Texas, and Josh Manuel, Burleson, Texas, five bass, 15-12

9^th: Northeastern State University – Bo Adams, Henryetta, Okla., and Jeremy Tolle, Bixby, Okla., five bass, 15-6

10^th: University of Nebraska – Charlie DeShazer, Lincoln, Neb., and Hunter Suchsland, Kearney, Neb., five bass, 15-4

Complete results for the entire field can be found at FLWFishing.com.

The Abu Garcia College Fishing presented by YETI event on Fort Gibson Lake was hosted by the Wagoner Area Chamber of Commerce. It was the first of three regular-season qualifying tournaments for Southern Conference anglers. The next event for College Fishing anglers will be July 31 at the Abu Garcia College Fishing presented by YETI at Lake Erie in Sandusky, Ohio.

Abu Garcia College Fishing presented by YETI teams compete in regular-season qualifying tournaments in one of five conferences – Central, Northern, Southern, Southeastern and Western. The top ten teams from each division’s three regular-season tournaments and the top 20 teams from the annual Abu Garcia College Fishing Open advance to the following year’s Abu Garcia College Fishing presented by YETI National Championship.

For complete details and updated information visit FLWFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow the Abu Garcia College Fishing presented by YETI on FLW’s social media outlets at Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

by AnglersChannel

Two Bassmaster Elite Series Tournaments Moving Forward In New York

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Working alongside local hosts and officials to develop new competition plans that adhere to strict health and safety guidelines, B.A.S.S. announced that two Bassmaster Elite Series events planned for the State of New York would continue.
Competition for the SiteOne Bassmaster Elite at St. Lawrence River will be held July 23-26 with daily takeoffs and weigh-ins moved to a new location in Jefferson County, which is hosting the event in cooperation with the Village of Clayton and the Clayton Chamber of Commerce. The St. Lawrence River event was originally scheduled to be held in Waddington, home to the event since 2017.
The Bassmaster Elite at Lake Champlain, hosted by the Adirondack Coast Visitors Bureau and City of Plattsburgh, will continue as scheduled July 31-Aug. 2 in Plattsburgh.
The State of New York recently released guidelines for professional sports competitions which include diagnostic testing and protocols for daily health screenings for all athletes and staff, along with a host of other safety and social distancing measures. Under these guidelines, no fans or spectators are allowed to attend events, even those held at outdoor venues.
“We have enjoyed record-breaking fan support in New York for years,” said Bruce Akin, B.A.S.S. CEO. “While fans won’t be able to attend the events on-site this year, we are thankful to everyone who is helping B.A.S.S. to safely bring the fun of competition and beauty of these fisheries into the homes of millions of fans via our live, on-the-water coverage.”
Complementing the award-winning Bassmaster LIVE coverage on Bassmaster.com and ESPN3 that fans are familiar with during an Elite Series event, both the St. Lawrence River and Lake Champlain tournaments will also be televised live on ESPN2. Almost 2.8 million viewers got hooked on fishing during the four days of live coverage of June’s DEWALT Bassmaster Elite at Lake Eufaula, Ala.
“I’m pleased the North Country will once again play host to the Bassmaster Elite Series,” said Senator Patty Ritchie. “Given current public health concerns, it’s critical this event is executed safely. To that end, state and local officials are working tirelessly to ensure the safety of the community, as well as tournament participants.

“I would like to thank Bassmaster and Jefferson County officials for making this event a reality. There’s no place in the world like the Thousand Islands, and I’m excited for the opportunity to again showcase the St. Lawrence River and this beautiful part of Northern New York."
Echoing that sentiment is Scott Gray, Chairman of the Jefferson County Board of Legislators. “Jefferson County is delighted to host and welcome the professional sport Bassmaster Elite Series tournament and ESPN to the Thousand Islands region. Our world-renowned waterfront is ideal for sportfishing.
“It has been a pleasure working with B.A.S.S. to ensure the nonspectator event features our beautiful region while considering the safety of everyone involved by adhering to the New York State guidance for traveling anglers and our community.”
The second stop in New York takes anglers to Lake Champlain, on the Vermont border, which last hosted the Elite Series three years ago.
"With approval from New York State and the Clinton County Health Department, the City of Plattsburgh and Adirondack Coast Visitors Bureau are happy to welcome the Bassmaster Elite Series back to Lake Champlain,” said Alyssa Senecal, Assistant Director of Tourism & Marketing for the Adirondack Coast Visitors Bureau. “Although this year will look a lot different with no spectators, quarantining while off the water, masks and a whole lot of hand sanitizer, all partners involved in this planning process have gone above and beyond in making sure all guidelines have been followed and the health and safety of our community stays top priority. We’re looking forward to seeing what the Elites reel in!"
A previously scheduled tournament in New York — the Bassmaster Elite at Cayuga Lake, originally set for July 14-17 in the Village of Union Springs, N.Y. — is being rescheduled for another fishery later this season.

by AnglersChannel

STH Bait Co. Drifter Minnow ICAST 2020

All New STH Bait Co. Drifter Minnow Designed to Get Bites When the Pressure is on

OCEAN SPRINGS, Miss. (July 14, 2020) Smallmouth fishing is a delicate blend of art and science. Smallmouth anglers know that notoriously finicky smallmouth are most often enticed by finesse style baits that closely match the color and action of resident forage fish to generate bites.

In 2018, STH unveiled the Drifter – a small, finesse style drop shot and jigging bait that netted huge tournament results on smallmouth fisheries across the nation. Today, STH Bait Co. is creating new excitement with the addition of the Drifter Minnow to the Drifter Series of baits sold under the NetBait/ STH Finesse Series in the USA.

The Drifter Minnow is designed for serious smallmouth anglers with subtle features that bring the perfect blend of art and science to smallmouth fishing. The secret of the Drifter Minnow is centered around the hand-finished 3D eyes that truly mimic a baitfish coupled with a unique, pintail design that delivers unreal action when the bait presented as either a dropshot, vertical jig or with STH Flatty Rig.

The Drifter Minnow also boasts the same key features that make all Drifter Series baits so good; Premium high float plastic blends give the bait incredible action accentuated through a ribbed body design and finished with high quality scent that smallmouth can’t resist.

“The Drifter Minnow is an innovative addition to the Drifter Series, and we’re excited to bring these baits to smallmouth anglers across the country. The Drifter Minnow is adding even more versatility to our products and giving anglers more choice and more bites.” said STH Bait Co. President and Lure Designer Peter Savoia.

Launching through Virtual ICAST 2020, the STH Finesse Series products will be available in August 2020 through NetBait Tackle throughout the United States and will be offered in updated dimensional clamshell packaging designed to give anglers full visibility of each bait profile and color.

For more information about any of our new products for 2020/21, visit www.americanbaitworks.com

by AnglersChannel

St. Croix New Rod Introductions for ICAST 2021

ICAST Online: St. Croix Announces All New Rod Introductions for 2021

New Legend Xtreme, Mojo Inshore and Croix Custom Ice headline a parade of all-new St. Croix series and models for 2021
Park Falls, WI (July13, 2020) – There’s a lot to see at St. Croix’s booth during this week’s ICAST Online, including the company’s headlining New Product Showcase entries… NEW Legend Xtreme in the Freshwater Rod category, NEW Mojo Inshore in the Saltwater Rod category, and the NEW CCI EYE RAISER in the Ice category. But there’s so much more coming from St. Croix for 2021. Here’s the full rundown you’ve been waiting for.
NEW St. Croix Legend Xtreme Freshwater Series
Building on the historic and wildly successful March, 2020 Bassmaster Classic launch of St. Croix’s most-sensitive rods ever, four new, made-in-the-USA Legend Xtreme freshwater rod models are being unveiled at ICAST Online.
Insanely sensitive and awash with St. Croix’s proprietary technologies, these rods are extreme in both design and on-the-water performance. New models include 6’3”, medium power, extra-fast action (XFS63MXF) and 7’6”, medium power, fast action (XFS76MF) spinning rods; and 6’8”, medium power, fast action (XFC68MF) and 6’8”, medium power, extra-fast action (XFC68MXF) casting rods. The expanded Legend Xtreme freshwater series now includes 11 rods – five spinning models and six casting models –supporting anglers in an even wider range of freshwater presentations and techniques with pinnacle St. Croix performance.
The reengineered SCV and SCVI carbon blank of the new Legend Xtreme is an example of St. Croix’s constant drive to obtain the unimaginable – proven Xtreme durability with proven, unprecedented sensitivity – so anglers can fish without compromise. Engineered as a result of a new proprietary manufacturing processes, the new Legend Xtreme employs a resin that significantly increases strength in compression during the hookset, as well as flexural strength when the rod is under load. The new SCV carbon construction also incorporates an improved, overlaid ART (Advanced Reinforcing Technology) to yield the highest levels of carbon fiber density found on any fishing rod on earth. Simply put, the new Legend Xtreme offers an unquestionably pure and dense carbon, to transmit the slightest vibration through a carbon fiber guide train and proprietary new handle, all while achieving a tensile strength never attained in any previous St. Croix fishing rod. Retail prices range from $630 to $650.

Rated for use with 6-12-lb. line and lures from 3/16 to 5/8 oz., the NEW 7’6” medium power, fast action Legend Xtreme spinning (XFS76MF) model is designed and handcrafted as the ultimate utility rod. Serving discriminating freshwater anglers with the utmost in sensitivity to support wide-ranging techniques with plastics, topwaters, jerkbaits, jigging presentations and more, the versatile new XFS76MF’s generous 7’6” length affords long, accurate casts, fast line pickup, and is also ideal for kayak use. The ultra-sensitive XFS76MF is so versatile, in fact, it has been selected by St. Croix for entry into the prestigious 2020 ICAST New Product Showcase Awards in the Freshwater Rod category.
NEW St. Croix Legend Xtreme Freshwater Models
XFS63MXF - 6’3”, medium power, extra-fast action, spinning / Retail $630
XFS68MXF - 6’8”, medium power, extra-fast action, casting / Retail $630
XFS76MF - 7’6”, medium power, fast action, spinning / Retail $650
XFC68MF - 6’8”, medium power, fast action, casting / Retail $630
New St. Croix Legend Xtreme Features
Blending St. Croix’s highest-grade materials and proprietary technologies with Daiwa AGSTM guides, the Legend Xtreme has extreme sensitivity that begs to be fished
Integrated Poly Curve® (IPC™) mandrel technology
Advanced Reinforcing Technology™ (ART™)
Taper Enhancement Technology (TET) blank design provides curved patterns for improved action with increased sensitivity
Super high-modulus SCVI carbon with FRS in lower section for maximum power and strength with reduced weight
New proprietary manufacturing processes uses a resin that significantly increases strength in compression during the hookset and flexural strength as the rod is under load
SCV incorporates externally overlaid ART™Technology to construct the highest level of carbon fiber density ever used by St. Croix
Daiwa AGSTM Carbon Fiber Guides with Fuji KG Tip Top with Torzite ring
Fuji® SK2™ split reel seat for the ultimate in light weight and sensitivity
2nd Generation Xtreme-Skin™ handle provides unparalleled control
Kigan titanium hook-keeper.
Machined wind check, handle trim pieces and butt cap.
Two coats of Flex-Coat slow sure finish.
15-year transferable warranty backed by St. Croix Superstar Service.
Designed and handcrafted in Park Falls, U.S.A.
Retail price $630 to $650

NEW St. Croix Mojo Inshore Series
St. Croix’s popular Mojo Inshore Series is all-new for 2021 with a host of comprehensive upgrades, improvements and eight all-new models. Mojo Inshore’s transformation begins with lighter, upgraded one-piece SCIII carbon blanks, further enhanced via Integrated Poly Curve (IPC) mandrel technology. Split handles have been replaced by full cork on light, medium-light, and medium power models. Medium-heavy, heavy and extra-heavy power rods have been upgraded with full-length cork and EVA combination handles that afford additional protection to rods stowed in rod holders. The hybrid handle design also allows anglers to enjoy the soft touch of the EVA in the upper part of the grip while retaining the familiar cork grip feel toward the bottom. Hybrid-handled Mojo Inshore rod models also feature an Alps non-marring rubber gimble which keeps rods – especially those carrying large reels – from banging around in rocket launchers and other rod holders during rough rides to and from the fishing grounds. Including 19 spinning and 8 casting rods, the new and expanded Mojo Inshore Series provides the flexibility to target virtually any species along every saltwater coast, while offering a staggering combination of technology, durability, performance and value. Retail prices range from $160 to $230.

A new 7’9” extra-heavy, moderate-fast conventional (JIC79XHMF) Mojo Inshore model is St. Croix’s entry into the highly competitive Saltwater Rod category in the 2020 ICAST Online New Product Showcase. This unique rod (also available in a spinning configuration) has been specifically designed to handle 2- to 6-oz. lures, including large metal-lip swimmers and 9” swimbaits, and to put maximum pressure on large inshore and nearshore fish. Thanks to SCIII carbon composition and IPC technology, this extra-heavy power rod remains exceptionally light in the hand for such a powerful stick. Anglers will admire its strength and backbone for everything from dragging giant snook out from under rickety docks up to popping medium, school-sized bluefin tuna.
NEW St. Croix Mojo Inshore Models
JIS66MF - 6’6”, medium power, fast action spinning / Retail $160.00
JIS66MHF - 6’6”, medium-heavy power, fast action spinning / Retail $170.00
JIS66HF - 6’6”, heavy power, fast action spinning / Retail $180.00
JIS70LF - 7’, light power, fast action spinning / Retail $160.00
JIS70MLF - 7’, medium-light power, fast action spinning / Retail $160.00
JIS70MF - 7’, medium power, fast action spinning / Retail $170.00
JIS70MM – 7’, medium power, moderate action spinning / $160.00
JIS70MHF - 7’, medium-heavy power, fast action spinning / Retail $170.00
JIS70MHM - 7’, medium-heavy power, moderate action spinning / Retail $170.00
JIS70HF - 7’, heavy power, fast action spinning / Retail $190.00
JIS76MLF - 7’6”, medium-light power, fast action spinning / Retail $180.00
JIS76MF - 7’6”, medium power, fast action spinning / Retail $180.00
JIS76MHF - 7’6”, medium-heavy power, fast action spinning / Retail $200.00
JIS76HF - 7’6”, heavy power, fast action spinning / Retail $210.00
JIS79XHMF - 7’9”, extra-heavy power, moderate-fast action spinning / Retail $230.00
JIS711MF - 7’11”, medium power, fast action spinning / Retail $180.00
JIS711MHF - 7’11”, medium-heavy power, fast action spinning / Retail $210.00
JIS711HMF - 7’11”, heavy power, moderate-fast action spinning / Retail $220.00
JIS711HF - 7’11”, heavy power, fast action spinning / Retail $210.00
JIC70MLM - 7’, medium-light power, moderate action casting / Retail $160.00
JIC70MHF - 7’, medium-heavy power, fast action casting / Retail $170.00
JIC70HF - 7’, heavy power, fast action casting / Retail $180.00
JIC76MLM - 7’6”, medium-light power, moderate action casting / Retail $170.00
JIC76MHF - 7’6”, medium-heavy power, fast action casting / Retail $190.00
JIC76HF - 7’6”, heavy power, fast action casting / Retail $200.00
JIC79XHMF - 7’9”, extra-heavy power, moderate-fast action casting / Retail $210.00
JIC711HMF - 7’11”, heavy power, moderate-fast action casting / Retail $210.00
NEW St. Croix Mojo Inshore Features
Designed for inshore specific techniques, the Mojo Inshore series puts exceptional performance rods in angler’s hands at an affordable price
Premium quality SCIII carbon
Integrated Poly Curve® (IPC®) mandrel technology
Sea Guide Hero Hi-Grade guides with slim aluminum oxide rings and SS316 stainless gun smoke frames
Fuji® DPS Deluxe reel seat with gun metal hoods on spinning models
Fuji® ECS and TCS Deluxe reel seat with gun metal hoods on casting models
Fuji® Back Stop lock nut on select models
Contoured handle with EVA and Cork combination on select models
Alps rubber gimbal on select models
Kigan hook-keeper
Two coats of Flex-Coat slow cure finish
5-year warranty backed by St. Croix Superstar Service
Specialized inshore saltwater rods designed and built for superior performance
Designed in Park Falls, USA and handcrafted in North America (Fresnillo, Mexico)
Retail price $160 to $230

NEW Croix Custom Ice (CCI) Models
Continuing its promise to deliver technique-specific rods to ice anglers, St. Croix’s pinnacle CCI series of ice rods grows for 2020 with three exciting new extra-fast models. Requested by anglers, the new 38” medium, extra-fast EYE RAISER (CI38MXF), 32” light, extra-fast PAN DANCER (CI32LXF) and 30” medium, extra-fast HOUSE (CI30MXF) expand the 2021 made-in-the-USA CCI series to 16 models, and feature proprietary blank technologies for extreme performance unavailable in any other production ice rod.

The all-new, extra-fast, tubular carbon and glass (TCG) CCI EYE RAISER (CI38MXF), is St. Croix’s entry to the Ice category of the 2020 ICAST Online New Product Showcase. Designed to present large baits to trophy walleye, the standout CCI CI38MXF EYE RAISER features an angler-requested full cork grip and reel seat, and is the complete power-jigging package. The new EYE RAISER and HOUSE ROD models are crafted from a dynamic blend of carbon and glass patterns in a tubular construction (TCG), resulting in blanks that are extremely light and exceptionally sensitive, with tip flex for superior bite detection and the power necessary to control large predators. Optimal for panfish presentations – especially with jigs and spoons – the new PAN DANCER model is crafted from St. Croix’s advanced solid glass (SG), delivering the ideal taper for bite detection without compromise to control or hook-setting ability.
The House Rod features a full cork handle, while the Pan Dancer features a cork split-grip handle, both without reel seats for optimized reel placement depending on size and weight. Each Croix Custom Ice rod is uniquely designed and engineered to exceed the expectations of the most demanding ice anglers.

NEW St. Croix CCI Models
CI30MXF HOUSE ROD, 30”, medium power, extra-fast action spinning, Tubular Carbon Glass (TCG) construction / Retail $140
CI32LXF PAN DANCER, 32”, light power, extra-fast action spinning, Solid Glass (SG) construction / Retail $140
CI38MXF EYE RAISER, 38”, medium power, extra-fast action spinning, Tubular Carbon Glass (TCG) construction / Retail $150
St. Croix CCI Features
Proprietary blank technology built into each model for extreme performance, including Solid Carbon (SC material), Solid Glass (SG material), Tubular Carbon (TC material), Tubular Carbon / Tubular linear S Glass (TCG material), and Tubular Carbon Fused to Tubular linear S Glass (TCFG material)
16 technique-specific models feature unrivaled technology and performance
REC Recoil guides with black pearl finish
Split-grip or full grip / super-grade cork handle
Two coats of Flex-Coat slow cure finish
5-year warranty backed by St. Croix Superstar Service
Designed and handcrafted in Park Falls, U.S.A.
Retail price $130 to $160

NEW St. Croix Triumph Freshwater Collection
The best-selling North American-made rod series in the world, St. Croix’s durable, sensitive and powerful Triumph rods are made for savvy anglers seeking the best in performance and value. For 2021, the entire Triumph collection has been fully reimagined with all-new, upgraded cosmetics and new Sea Guide components. Featuring 41 distinct freshwater spinning, casting, travel, musky, and salmon & steelhead models, the expansive Triumph family of rods blends technology with value to give anglers the precise tools they need to maintain the upper hand at an exceptional price. Retail prices range from $90 to $140.

NEW St. Croix Triumph Freshwater Features
Premium quality SCII carbon
Sea Guide Atlas Performance slim aluminum-oxide guides with black frames
Sea Guide XDPS reel seat with eco-friendly sandblasted hoods on spinning models
Sea Guide ECS or TCS reel seat with eco-friendly sandblasted hood on casting models
Premium-grade cork handle
Two coats of Flex-Coat slow cure finish
5-year warranty backed by St. Croix Superstar Service
Outstanding strength, sensitivity and hook-setting power
New triumph logo and Deep-Run Blue color
41 distinct freshwater spinning, casting, travel, musky, and salmon & steelhead models
Designed in Park Falls, U.S.A. and handcrafted in North America (Fresnillo, Mexico)
Retail price: $90-$140

NEW St. Croix Mojo Bass Carbon Crankers
Featuring the dynamic combination of premium, high-modulus SCIII carbon and IPC® mandrel technology lauded by anglers for smooth, sensitive and lightweight performance, St. Croix’s new Mojo Bass Carbon Cranker casting rods hit the sweet spot for anglers who value the characteristics of carbon – including lightness, durability and sensitivity – in a moderate-action cranking rod with an equally moderate price. The new 7’1”, medium power (MJC71MM) Carbon Cranker and 7’1” medium-heavy power (MJC71MHM) Mid-Carbon Cranker casting rods bring sweet, moderate-action options to the angler-favorite Mojo Bass lineup for the first time ever… and at an equally sweet Mojo Bass retail price of just $150.

NEW St. Croix Mojo Bass Carbon Cranker Casting Models
MJC71MM – 7’1”, medium power, moderate action, casting / Retail $150
MJC71MHM - 7’1”, medium-heavy power, moderate action, casting / Retail $150
NEW St. Croix Mojo Bass Carbon Cranker Features
Designed for crankbaits and other lures ideally matched to a moderate action rod
Two models: MJC71MM and MJC71MHM
Integrated Poly Curve® (IPC®) mandrel technology
Premium, high-modulus SCIII carbon
Slim-profile ferrules
Kigan Master Hand 3D guides with slim, strong aluminum-oxide rings and black frames
Fuji® ECS reel seat with black hood
Split-grip/premium-grade cork handle
Kigan hook-keeper
Two coats of Flex-Coat slow cure finish
5-year warranty backed by St. Croix Superstar Service
Designed in Park Falls, U.S.A. and handcrafted in North America (Fresnillo, Mexico)
Retail price: $150

NEW St. Croix 9’6” Mojo Musky Telescopic Casting Models
Musky anglers want longer rods for longer casts and deeper figure 8s farther from the boat, but length alone does not a happy musky angler make. St. Croix’s two new 9’6” telescopic Mojo Musky models afford all the advantages a 9’6” musky rod can deliver, with the added convenience of precision-engineered telescopic construction that allows them to collapse to under 8’ for more convenient transportation and storage. Specifically, a 9’6”, medium-heavy power, fast action telescopic model (MJM96MHFT) and a 9’6”, heavy power, fast action telescopic model (MJM96HFT) have been added to St. Croix’s expanded Mojo Musky series lineup for 2021. Like the rest of the recently upgraded Mojo Musky Series, these new 9’6” rods feature premium SCIII carbon, IPC® mandrel technology and custom Winn split-grip handles. Retail price is $330.

NEW St. Croix Mojo Musky Telescopic Casting Models
MJM96MHFT - 9’6”, medium-heavy power, fast action, telescopic casting / Retail $330
MJM96HFT - 9’6”, heavy power, fast action, telescopic casting / Retail $330
NEW St. Croix Mojo Musky Telescopic Casting Rod Features
Specialized musky series designed for superior performance
Two new 9’6” telescopic models: MJM96MHFT and MJM96HFT
Collapse down to under 8’ for easy transport and storage in most boat rod lockers
Integrated Poly Curve® (IPC®) mandrel technology
Premium, high-modulus SCIII carbon
Kigan Master Hand 3D guides with slim, strong aluminum-oxide rings and black frames
Kigan Master Hand 3D top with SiC ring
Fuji® TCS or PSSSD Deluxe reel seat with black hood
Custom Winn split-grip handle
Kigan hook-keeper
Two coats of Flex-Coat slow cure finish
Designed in Park Falls, U.S.A. and handcrafted in North America (Fresnillo, Mexico)
Retail price $330

NEW St. Croix Triumph Inshore Series
The all-new Triumph Inshore Series includes six versatile spinning rods with full, premium cork handles, plus seven unique casting models with a mix of full cork and split-grip handles. Ranging from 6’8” to 7’6” in length and medium-light to heavy power, all are one piece, crafted from trusted SCII carbon and feature the new Triumph-family cosmetics, premium Sea Guide components, and a special SeaSmoke color unique to Triumph Inshore. Designed with key input from regional coastal anglers, all models have fast or moderate-fast actions, with the exception of the 7’ medium-light casting model, which features a moderate, parabolic action. These exceptional handcrafted rods break new ground in St. Croix’s inshore rod retail pricing structure, with all models selling between $130 and $150.

NEW St. Croix Triumph Inshore Models
TRIS70MLF - 7’ spinning, medium-light power, fast action / Retail $130
TRIS70MF - 7’ spinning, medium power, fast action / Retail $130
TRIS70MHF - 7’ spinning, medium-heavy power, fast action / Retail $140
TRIS70HF - 7’ spinning, heavy power, fast action / Retail $140
TRIS76MF - 7’6” spinning, medium power, fast action / Retail $140
TRIS76MHF - 7’6” spinning, medium-heavy power, fast action / Retail $150
TRIC68MLMFSG - 6’8” casting, medium-light power, moderate-fast action, split-grip / Retail $130
TRIC68MMFSG - 6’8” casting, medium power, moderate-fast action, split-grip / Retail $130
TRIC68MHMFSG - 6’8” casting, medium-heavy power, moderate-fast action, split grip / Retail $140
TRIC70MLM - 7’ casting, medium-light power, moderate action / Retail $130
TRIC70MMFSG - 7’ casting, medium power, moderate-fast action, split-grip / Retail $130
TRIC70MF - 7’ casting, medium power, fast action / Retail $130
TRIC70MHF - 7’ casting, medium-heavy power, fast action / Retail $140
NEW St. Croix Triumph Inshore Features
Premium-quality SCII carbon
Sea Guide Atlas Performance slim aluminum-oxide guides with sandblasted frames
Sea Guide XDPS reel seat with eco-friendly sandblasted hoods on spinning models
Sea Guide ECS or TCS reel seat with eco-friendly sandblasted hood on casting models
Premium-grade cork handle
Two coats of Flex-Coat slow cure finish
5-year warranty backed by St. Croix Superstar Service
Outstanding strength, sensitivity and hook-setting power
Designed in Park Falls, U.S.A. and handcrafted in North America (Fresnillo, Mexico)
Retail price $130 to $150

NEW St. Croix Legend Xtreme Inshore Series
It’s hard to imagine St. Croix’s renown Legend® Xtreme Inshore Rod Series could get any better, but it has, with an all-new refresh for 2021. Designed for the rigors of inshore fishing and awash with St. Croix proprietary technologies, these rods are extreme in design and on-water capability. Yet advancements in technology and materials continue to offer new horizons, allowing St. Croix to bring their performance to even greater heights with amazing strength, unprecedented sensitivity and increased durability. Indeed, the new made-in-the-USA Legend® Xtreme Inshore lineup is so solid, it can improve success for any angler – especially an expert.
The all-new Legend® Xtreme Inshore lineup for 2021 includes three spinning models and one casting model. All one-piece blanks feature super high-modulus SCVI carbon with St. Croix’s Fortified Resin System (FRS) in the lower section for maximum power and strength with reduced weight. Blanks also feature SCV carbon with externally overlaid Advanced Reinforcing Technology (ARTTM) to construct the highest level of carbon fiber density ever used by St. Croix. New manufacturing processes employ a resin that significantly increases strength in compression during the hookset and flexural strength as the rod is under load. A beautiful new Sandbar finish completes the upgrade to the new Legend Xtreme Inshore’s incredibly sensitive, high-performance blank. Sensitivity enhancing features continue with Lightweight Daiwa AGSTM carbon fiber guides, which help channel vibrations down the rod and into the angler’s hand for extreme sensitivity. A raindrop-textured 2nd Generation Xtreme-Skin™ high-density handle affords improved grip in all conditions and further promotes overall feel and vibration transmission. Retail prices range from $660 to $670.

NEW St. Croix Legend Xtreme Inshore Models
XSS70MF - 7’, medium power, fast action spinning / Retail $660.00
XSS70MHF - 7’, medium-heavy power, fast action spinning / Retail $670.00
XSS76MF - 7’6”, medium power, fast action spinning / Retail $670.00
XSC70MHF - 7’, medium-heavy power, fast action casting / Retail $670.00
NEW St. Croix Legend Xtreme Inshore Features
Integrated Poly Curve® (IPC®) mandrel technology
Incorporates externally overlaid ART™ Technology to construct the highest level of carbon fiber-density ever used by St. Croix
Taper Enhancement Technology (TET) blank design provides curved patterns for improved action with increased sensitivity
Super high-modulus SCVI carbon with FRS in lower section for maximum power and strength with reduced weight
Features resin that significantly increases strength in compression during the hookset and flexural strength as the rod is under load
Daiwa AGS Carbon Fiber Guides with Fuji KG Tip Top with SiC ring
Fuji® SK2™ split reel seat for the ultimate in light weight and sensitivity
2nd Generation Xtreme-Skin™ handle provides unparalleled control
Kigan titanium hook-keeper
Impact-dampening butt cap
Two coats of Flex-Coat slow cure finish
15-year transferable warranty backed by St. Croix Superstar Service
Designed and handcrafted in Park Falls, U.S.A.
Retail price $660 to $670

NEW St. Croix Avid Trek Series
St. Croix Rod sets a new standard in the travel rod category with the introduction of its new Avid® Trek Series for 2021. Packed with power, exceptional sensitivity and a selection of models to cover virtually any fishing scenario, three-piece Avid Trek Travel rods give anglers the upper hand wherever they venture. Avid Trek travel rods combine St. Croix’s Integrated Poly Curve® (IPC®) mandrel technology with premium, high-modulus SCIII carbon fiber for smooth power, improved casting accuracy and increased sensitivity. Featuring slim-profile ferrules, they sport Sea Guide Hero Hi-Grade guides with slim zirconia rings and SS316 stainless gun smoke frames. The series’ six spinning models have Fuji® DPS reel seats with gun smoke hoods, while the casting model has a Fuji® ECS reel seat with gun smoke hood. All Avid Trek rods are designed and handcrafted in Park Falls, USA, and come with a Sea Guide hook-keeper, select-grade cork handle, and two coats of Flex Coat slow cure finish for a sharp, clean and polished appearance. Retail prices range from $260 to $290.

NEW St. Croix Avid Trek Rod Models
ATS66MF3 - 6’6” three-piece, medium power, fast action spinning / Retail $260.00
ATS70MLF3 - 7’ three-piece, medium-light power, fast action spinning / Retail $260.00
ATS70MF3 - 7’ three-piece, medium power, fast action spinning / Retail $260.00
ATS70MHF3 - 7’ three-piece, medium-heavy power, fast action spinning / Retail $280.00
ATS76MF3 - 7’6” three-piece, medium power, fast action spinning / Retail $280.00
ATS76MHF3 - 7’6” three-piece, medium-heavy power, fast action spinning / $290.00
ATC66MHF3 - 6’6” three-piece, medium-heavy power, fast action casting / Retail $260.00
NEW St. Croix Avid Trek Features
Integrated Poly Curve® (IPC®) mandrel technology
Premium, high-modulus SCIII carbon
Slim-profile ferrules
Sea Guide Hero Hi-Grade guides with slim zirconia rings and SS316 stainless gun smoke frames
Fuji® DPS reel seat with gun smoke hoods on spinning models
Fuji® ECS reel seat with gun smoke hoods on casting models
Sea Guide hook keeper
Select-grade cork handle
Two coats of Flex-Coat slow cure finish
15-year transferable warranty backed by St. Croix Superstar Service
Incredibly light, super sensitive and durable
Designed and handcrafted in Park Falls, U.S.A.
Retail price $260 to $290

NEW Reimagined St. Croix Mojo Ice Series
St. Croix’s angler-favorite line of technique-specific ice rods, the Mojo Ice Series has been refreshed and improved for 2021 with updated cosmetics and new EVA handles. Precision-taper solid carbon (SC) blanks now wear a stealthy new Carbon Dust color with Black Cherry Metallic accents. Mojo Ice’s angler-acclaimed proprietary custom reel seat has also been upgraded with a new, flat finish. Mojo Ice’s ten spinning models feature new split-grip EVA handles, while the series’ two casting models feature full EVA handles. Mojo Ice models retail between $50 and $60.

Reimagined St. Croix Mojo Ice Models
MJI24UL – 24” ultra-light power spinning / MSRP $50
MJI24ML – 24” medium-light power spinning / MSRP $50
MJI24M – 24” medium power spinning / MSRP $50
MJI28UL – 28” ultra-light power spinning / MSRP $50
MJI28ML – 28” medium-light power spinning / MSRP $50
MJI28M – 28” medium power spinning / MSRP $50
MJI32M – 32” medium power spinning / Retail $55
MJI36L – 36” light power spinning / Retail $55
MJI36M – 36” medium power spinning / Retail $55
MJI36MH – 36” medium-heavy power spinning / Retail $60
MJIC34MH – 34” medium-heavy power casting / Retail $60
MJIC34H – 34” heavy power casting / Retail $60
Reimagined St. Croix Mojo Ice Features
Precision-taper solid carbon (SC material) blank provides superior performance
Premium split-grip cork/EVA handle
Custom reel seat ideal for all techniques
Sea Guide lightweight stainless-steel guides
1-year warranty backed by St. Croix Superstar Service
Designed in Park Falls, U.S.A. and handcrafted in North America (Fresnillo, Mexico)
Retail price $50 to $60
All new St. Croix series and models being announced at ICAST 2020 Online will be available at St. Croix dealers worldwide in Fall of 2020.

by AnglersChannel

New Berkley Hit Stick ICAST 2020

New Berkley® Hit Stick: Better Than Balsa in Every Category

COLUMBIA, S.C. (July 13, 2020) — While it’s true that balsa baits have long been favored by lure makers and anglers for their ability to deliver a desirable action, they lack in durability and consistency due to the imperfections that are inherent in natural materials. Berkley scientists knew there had to be a better way, and after extensive research, their bait development team developed the new Hit Stick, a durable, polycarbonate, floating minnow-style bait that delivers the large, rolling action of a balsa bait. This versatile bait epitomizes Berkley’s dedication to science-driven innovations that put more — and bigger — fish in the boat.

The new Hit Stick achieves the unique, high-speed rolling action of balsa baits by using FlashDisc™ technology developed by the Berkley bait development team. The integrated FlashDisc weighting in the Hit Stick also means every bait produced has consistent action and tracking unlike many balsa baits. Combined with the construction of Polycarbonate and ABS materials, the Hit Stick delivers exceptional durability to withstand toothy bites and keep the bait swimming consistently.

The added mass of the polycarbonate construction also makes the Hit Stick easier to cast, both for accuracy and significantly longer casting distance. This means anglers can set up on fishing locations from increased distances, lessening the likelihood of spooking fish all while covering more water on the retrieve.

The Hit Stick offers ultimate species versatility in a minnow-style bait that floats. Trollers will appreciate the consistency with which the Hit Stick runs. The bait delivers a high-speed rolling action long associated with balsa baits with maximum side flashes at even the slowest trolling speeds. The tail of the Hit Stick exhibits a tight, finesse action that entices trailing predatory fish, while the versatility of the Hit Stick makes it ideal for use as a finesse jerk bait, a trolling bait for everything from walleye to trout or a casting bait for all predator fish. The new Hit Stick is equipped with ultra-sharp Fusion19™ hooks, comes in seven sizes from 3.5cm to 15cm and 21 of the hottest colors for walleye, bass, trout and other predator fish. The Hit Stick has an MSRP of $5.99 for Sizes 3.5 through 9; $6.99 for sizes 11 and 13 and $7.99 for the Size 15.

For more information on the Berkley Hit Stick visit https://bit.ly/HitStick.

Berkley Hit Stick: Specifications

Sizes:
3.5 (Sinking) • 5 • 7 • 9 • 11 • 13 • 15

Colors:
Black Silver • Firetiger • Black Gold • Blue Bullet • Yellow Perch • Clown • Crazy Steel • Rainbow Trout • FX Shad • Sunset 84 • Stealth Minnow • Purple Glimmer • Blue Smelt • Ghost White • Sand Shiner (Ayu) • Tennessee Shad • Danald • Hot Pink Silver • Fluorescent Orange/Gold • Green Shad • Brown Trout

MSRP:
$5.99 — Sizes 3.5 through 9
$6.99 — Sizes 11 and 13
$7.99 — Size 15

Key Features:
• Equipped with ultra-sharp Fusion19™ hooks
• Integrated FlashDisc™ improves tracking stability and accuracy to give the bait true balsa-like action
• High-pitch rattle to attract predator fish

by AnglersChannel

Abu Garcia Spinning Reel Zenon ICAST 2020

COMING MARCH 2021: Abu Garcia® Introduces the World’s Lightest Spinning Reel, the Sub-5 Ounce Zenon

COLUMBIA, S.C. (July 13, 2020) — Abu Garcia’s new Zenon spinning reel is poised to reset the standards by which all ultra-premium fishing reels are judged. Designed to give serious bass and walleye anglers the advantages they need to propel them to fish to win, the Zenon is the lightest spinning reel ever produced, tipping the scales at an unbelievably light 4.9 ounces for the Size 20 and 5.4 ounces for the Size 30. Paired with a light spinning rod, the result is a configuration that brings unparalleled sensitivity and all-day comfort to serious anglers.

Zenon was developed for those who desire the very best to complement their skills, regardless of whether anglers are fishing for fun or for a paycheck. Abu Garcia engineers worked with their Japanese design team to build the ultimate finesse-style spinning reel that would succeed in the sophisticated finesse-specific Japanese market and find a strong foothold in the competitive U.S. bass and walleye tournament scene.

“The Zenon sets the bar for future spinning reels in terms of weight, comfort and overall performance in finesse fishing applications,” said Abu Garcia Vice President of Marketing Jon Schlosser. “With the smoothness of the drag, you can fish light line with confidence and do so comfortably because the reel is so light and easy to hold. Our reel designers minimized the weight of the reel to a point few thought possible while making sure the reel retains its Abu Garcia durability. I believe we will see a lot of these reels on the front decks of tournament boats next year.”

At the heart of the Zenon’s weight-saving design and striking looks is the elimination of empty spaces commonly found in spinning reels. The Zenon body design is noticeably smaller than the spool and rotor; it features a one-piece gear box with no sideplate while the frame is integrated with the stem. Combined, these design features shrink the overall footprint and weight of the reel while providing a rigid system for the gears. The magnesium body is contoured to fit comfortably in hands and provides greater weight savings and durability than the advanced plastics commonly used in other spinning reels touted as “lightweight.”

Featuring a silky-smooth drag across all settings to make the most of light-line finesse presentations, the Zenon is equipped with low-inertia, silent-rotation rotors and an ultralight hybrid spool. Additional weight savings are found in the hollow, soft-touch handle knob. Both sizes of the Zenon feature a 6.2:1 gear ratio.

The new Abu Garcia Zenon will be available in March 2021 and will have an MSRP of $499.95 for both the Size 20 and Size 30 versions. For more information about the reel or the entire lineup of Abu Garcia products, visit AbuGarcia.com.

Abu Garcia Zenon: Specifications

Size 20
Weight: 4.9 ounces
Bearings: 11
Gear Ratio: 6.2:1
Max Drag: 11 pounds
Line Capacity: Mono (Std spool) 6 pounds/185 yards
MSRP: $499.95

Size 30
Weight: 5.4 ounces
Bearings: 11
Gear Ratio: 6.2:1
Max Drag: 11 pounds
Line Capacity: Mono (Std spool) 6 pounds/225 yards
MSRP: $499.95

Key Features:
• Lightest spinning reel ever produced
• Contour-formed magnesium body
• Ultra lightweight Hybrid Rocket Turbine Spool
• Hollow, soft-touch handle knob
• Friction-free main shaft support
• Spare shallow spool included

by AnglersChannel

Gamakatsu Superline Offset Round Bend Hook ICAST 2020

Tacoma, Washington (July 13, 2020) Offset worm hooks have been around for years and have proven to be extremely effective when fishing Carolina or Texas rigs into thick cover. The offset keeps the worm running true through the water column, presenting the bait naturally while protecting the point from debris when rigged properly.

Gamakastu's Pro and Professional Bass Angler Stetson Blaylock is no stranger to working a worm rig through heavy cover. And to make Stetson even more successful on the water, Gamakatsu has introduced its new Superline Offset Round Bend Hook. This hook is designed with a heavier Superline wire best suited for braided and fluorocarbon lines, enabling anglers to fish a finesse worm rig in the heaviest of covers with no worries, just as Stetson likes it.

The Round Bend offers a larger bite area perfect for any worm presentation while increasing your hook-up ratios. The newly enhanced Z-Bend holds your plastics on the hook longer, reducing the number of pull-offs and saving you a few bucks on plastics.

Visit the Gamkatsu New Product Site Here!

A more durable worm hook designed for heavier lines that hold your bait on longer sounds like a match made in fishing heaven. Gamakatsu has provided us with just that and made the Superline Offset Round Bend hook in sizes 2/0 - 5/0 for all your fishing situations.

Superline Offset Round Bend Hook Features:

● Popular Offset Round Bend in Superline wire
● Ideal for heavy line and heavy cover
● New modified Z bend offset holds plastics more efficiently
● Size: 2/0, 3/0, 4/0, 5/0
● Color: NS Black
● Qty/Pack: 5 (Sizes 2/0, 3/0)
● Qty/Pack: 4 (Sizes 4/0, 5/0)

by AnglersChannel

Gamakatsu New Treble SP Medium Heavy Hypershield Hook ICAST 2020

Tacoma, Washington (July 13, 2020) Gamakatsu has anglers covered from inshore saltwater fishing to light offshore fishing. Gamakatsu's new Treble SP Medium Heavy hook utilizes their Hypershield technology making it more corrosion resistant than standard hooks. The new Treble SP MH is long-lasting and dangerously sharp, allowing anglers to spend more time fishing and less time changing out old rusty hooks.

Using Gamakatsu's innovation of the G Finesse Treble Hook platform, the new Treble SP MH features TGW (Tournament Grade Wire). TGW is thinner, stronger, and sharper than the standard wire and ensures the hook point stays sharper, longer. Hypershield coating dramatically increases corrosion resistance and keeps hooks sharper longer, making it the perfect treble hook for big, toothy fish.
The Treble SP MH is paired with the iconic ME (Magic Eye), making it extremely simple to replace existing hooks on to any split ring of a crankbait or plug. The Treble SP MH comes in several popular sizes to choose from, ensuring you're geared with the best in all situations.

Visit the Gamakatsu New Product Site Here

Treble SP Medium Heavy Hypershield Hook Features:

Utilizes Hypershield technology making it more corrosion resistant than standard hooks
TGW (Tournament Grade Wire) is thinner, stronger and sharper than the standard wire
Magic Eye makes it easy to replace existing hooks on lures
Size: 6, 4, 2, 1, 1/0, 2/0
Color: Hypershield
Qty/Pack: 6- size 6, 4
Qty/Pack: 5- size 2, 1
Qty/Pack: 4- size 1/0, 2/0

by AnglersChannel

SPRO Rattle Little John 50 and Rattle Little John MD50 ICAST 2020

Kennesaw, GA (July 13, 2020) In murky water and low-light conditions, a rattling lure creates sounds for bass to zero in on. The SPRO Little John 50, one of the finest crankbaits on the market, is now even better thanks to a hard steel ball that generates a loud bass-attracting rattle. The SPRO Little John 50, designed by B.A.S.S Elite Series Angler John Crews, is a shallow-running crankbait, deadly when teased across the tops of shallow underwater vegetation. It also excels at targeting suspended bass.

The Rattle Little John 50 and MD50 Crankbait inherit the best tournament-proven features of the original lure, including a unique lip made from a computer-chip board. An internal steel ball creates a loud hard-rattling sound bass find irresistible. You can cover more water thanks to the lure's silent weight transfer system. The design translates into unbelievably long casts for this small crankbait.

These compact crankbaits pack a big, bold sound. Rigged with the world's sharpest trebles made by Gamakatsu, the Rattle Little John 50s are ready to catch fish right out of the package. Both lures weigh ½-ounces and are 50 mm long. The Rattle Little John 50 is tuned to run at 3 -5 feet of water, while the Rattle Little John MD50 runs deeper at 7-9 ft.

SPRO Rattle Little John 50 Features:

Weight: 1/2 oz.
Size: 50 mm
Hook: Gamakatsu # 5 Round Bend treble hooks
Depth: 3-5 ft.
MSRP: $11.99

SPRO Rattle Little John MD50 Features:

Weight: 1/2 oz.
Size: 50 mm
Hook: Gamakatsu # 5 Round Bend treble hooks
Depth: 7-9 ft.
MSRP: $11.99

by AnglersChannel

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