Designer Gowing's new gig 2/9/2010
Lure designer Jim Gowing recently joined forces with Bandit Lures. Gowing (Altus, Ark.) has been a lure designer for 40 years with nearly 300 models to his credit. He's best known for his design work for brands under Pradco Fishing. Just one example among many is the Rebel Crawfish.

In announcing the news, Bandit sales and marketing manager Chris Armstrong noted: "It's an honor to be working with such a legend in lure design. Jim's extensive lure knowledge is two-fold: He understands the technical aspects of lures, and just as importantly, his deep historical perspective of the lure market is a treasure trove when it comes to designing products for specific market segments."

According to Bandit, Gowing will add two new lure families to the bandit lineup.

"I've known about Bandit Lures since their inception 35 years ago," Gowing said. "I'm pleased to be joining a lure company that has such a strong, established brand. Bandit crankbaits are a fishing staple for bass anglers and I'm looking forward to helping them expand in a couple of new directions.

"On one hand I'm helping with a Bandit line of smaller lures for bank fishermen who wade creeks and walk pond banks. And on the other hand I want to assist them with a 'pro series' line of baits designed for hardcore tournament anglers. Bank anglers and tournament anglers are two different niches, but I'm very familiar with both groups in terms of what they need from a lure."

Secret signs two 2/8/2010

“We are proud to continue expanding our presence on the FLW Tour," said Secret's Nathan Gray. "These guys are accomplished anglers and we are excited about the opportunities for them to expose our products to their fans and co-anglers alike. I love the positive feedback from John and Christian. The number of pros who rely and have the utmost of confidence in our products is encouraging.”

Said Voyles: “I am very excited to be working with Secret Lures. I used the Secret Lures Chubby frog to locate the fish in practice when I finished 3rd in the Stren Series on Lake Champlain. The clear legs really increased my hook-up ratio.

"My No. 1 confidence bait is no doubt the MVP football jig. I have one tied up everywhere I go, no matter the season."

Added Romans: “Fishing with Secret lures products has been an awesome experience. The MVP football jig has become a mainstay in my fishing arsenal, helping me to catch quality fish on the Tour. When the bite gets tough, I can rely on the Tail Shaker to keep me in the game."

For more about Secret Lures, click here.

Minn Kota aligns with BASS 2/8/2010

“As the preferred trolling motor of tournament anglers, it is a perfect fit for Minn Kota to join forces with BASS, the leading authority in bass fishing,” said Minn Kota business director Judy Douglas. “We are proud to support the BASS community and contribute to the growth of competitive fishing.”

Said BASS VP and GM Tom Ricks: “Minn Kota has a long-standing reputation as a company that is committed to developing leading-edge technology into viable products for all anglers. We are pleased to be associated with a powerful brand like Minn Kota.”

Berkley trailer: Lake Mary 2/8/2010

The store is located at 3750 Flagg Lane. The phone number is (407) 804-0514.

The trailer has new videos and interactive demonstrations on line and bait. The Berkley Experience Team will present seminars scheduled throughout the day to cover the four main components of fishing: line selection, rigging techniques for bait, reel maintenance and rod selection.

Each stop has special retail promotions on line, bait, rods, reels and combos only available while the trailer is at the location.

“We are excited about having the Experience Trailer on the road in 2010 and stopping at many new locations across the country,” said senior marketing manager Andrew Marks. "Our Experience Trailer staff is ready to help anglers of all ages and skill levels learn about fishing, our products and how best to use them to catch more fish.”

Other elements include a knot-tying contest and demonstration, where participants can learn new knots and even win a prize. Under the tent, there will be racks filled with the latest products and big screen videos that help you experience the adventure with Berkley. The Berkley Experience staff is always on hand to answer questions.

The trailer's next stop will be at the Bassmaster Classic Expo in Birmingham, Ala. from Feb. 19-21.

Stone joins TW staff 2/8/2010

Stone's role will be to bring more awareness to the company’s brand among anglers on the East Coast and to keep tournament anglers informed on the latest tackle trends on the national tours through his own website, MartyStone.com.

“This is a once-in-a-million opportunity to be associated with a company that leads the way in bringing new fishing techniques to the consumer – something that is vital to the overall growth of our sport,” he said. “When it comes to being the first retailer to have a specialty product available for the consumer, no one does it better than TackleWarehouse.com.

“The site is so simple and efficient to use, you can have tackle delivered to your home or straight to a tournament location. It’s the greatest tackle store on earth, no matter where you are.”

Said Tackle Warehouse COO Rich Zeilenga: “We are extremely excited to welcome Marty Stone to the Tackle Warehouse team. Marty brings a wealth of on-the-water and industry experience.

Marty’s professionalism, work ethic and ability to communicate effectively are all qualities that we respect and admire. We look forward to a long, successful relationship with Marty.”

Live chat with KVD 2/8/2010
Kevin VanDam will conduct a live chat session regarding the upcoming Bassmaster Classic on the forum at his website from 7 to 9 p.m. Eastern time today.

To join in, log onto www.KevinVanDam.com and click the "KVD Live Chat" box on the homepage.

Menendez and the Mafia 2/8/2010

"I'll be writing tips and how-to articles and (there will be) other never-seen-before attractions to the Internet," he said. "This website will be a great source of information for fishermen.

“I am also proud to say that the fans will be able to autograph my rig, as always. I started this tradition at the beginning of the Elite Series several years ago. It has been a hit everywhere I travel. To see a young fisherman’s face light up when I ask for their autograph on my boat is absolutely the best in rewards for me and my sponsors."

The wrap will also feature a tribute to Barkley, his longtime canine traveling partner who died last year.

"Barkley will have his picture on the sponsons of my boat. He will be with me in spirit, as always. It will be nice to be reminded of all the support I have at home.”

DeFoe with BPS 2/8/2010

"I'm very excited about the performance and room this boat offers, and I’m looking forward to representing Bass Pro Shops," said DeFoe, who last year was a member of the now-defunct FLW Land O'Lakes team. "It is such an honor that an incredible company like Bass Pro Shops would even allow my family this opportunity. I cannot thank them enough.”

The Sevierville store will host the upcoming PAA event on Lake Cherokee in July.

"We are extremely excited to have a rising star like Ott DeFoe join our pro staff and fishing team," said BPS' Chris Vaden. "Ott's known for strong values, integrity, and dedication to the sport of fishing and outdoor conservation. We look for great things to come as a result of Ott being a part of the team."

Ranger, Stratos, Champion? 2/7/2010
There'll no doubt be some shuffling in the bass brands that were recently sold as part of the Genmar bankruptcy auction. Remember that investment firm Platinum Equity purchased the Ranger, Stratos and Champion boat brands at auction. Ranger represents one of the most powerful brands in the sport and was certainly the prize purchase in terms of bass boats, but remember that Champion is a premium brand as well. Stratos, on the other hand, largely represents the value brand among the group.

Over the past several years, Champion has seemed in limbo. Its former senior managers and marketers left Genmar to form the new Phoenix boat company, and there was the feeling among many that Champion marketing was placed on the backburner in order to focus on Ranger.

Now that the bankruptcy sale has closed, Champion seems even more in limbo. Ranger president Randy Hopper recently told the Baxter Bulletin – a local Arkansas newspaper – that Stratos production will probably move from Murfressboro, Tenn. to the Ranger plant in Flippin, Ark. That news was confirmed by Anglers Marine owner Rick Grover, who wrote to BassFan and said: "The Champion line is at this time 'on hold' until the Tennessee factory can be shut down and the Stratos tooling moved to Flippin. When that's complete they'll address Champion. All past and future warrantees will be honored. Platinum management has been contacting the Champion dealers getting feedback on how to go forward with that brand in the future."

With Stratos in Flippin, that would provide the Ranger plant with value-, mid- and premium-priced products. Champion would perceivably add another premium product to the mix that would compete directly with Ranger.

Several sources close to the bankrupcty sale told BassFan they believe Irwin Jacobs is on track to purchase the Champion brand from back Platinum Equity. Such a deal would thus give Jacobs the FinCraft super-value brand and the Champion premium brand.

Interestingly, many of those same sources share the belief that Platinum Equity will also sell the Ranger brand quite sooner than expected – perhaps this year. Suitors are believed to be employees of the current Ranger company along with family members of Ranger founder Forrest Wood.

B.U. Dallas: Super Bowl party 2/4/2010

"It won't be anything official, but some guys will be hanging around and watching it," said co-organizer Pete Gluszek.

Instructors are co-organizers Gluszek and Mike Iaconelli, along with Ish Monroe, Fred Roumbanis, Peter Thliveros and Byron Velvick. There's still time to register – click here to find out how.

Hoernke rolls with Tiremax 2/4/2010

“We are proud to have a world-class angler represent us on the water,” said Tiremax president Christopher Wilkerson. “We’re equally excited to share his knowledge in the world of competitive fishing. We know this is going to be a successful season for us – with Sean’s credentials, he’ll take our program to the next level.”

Said Hoernke: “I’m thrilled to be part of the Tiremax team. I love to fish, and I’m always trying to achieve more in this sport. Working with the Tiremax team will only add to my determination, passion and energy to be the best angler on the water.”

Hoernke will debut his new Tiremax wrap at next week's FLW Tour opener at the Red River in Louisiana, where he's won events on both the FLW Outdoors and Bassmaster circuits.

Howell's new deals 2/4/2010

"The wraps look really good and I look forward to promoting the world's fastest bass prop," he said.

He's also worked out a deal with Team Daiwa and will use the company's rods and reels in this month's Bassmaster Classic and during the 2010 Elite Series campaign.

"I've very excited about the opportunity to be added to their pro staff and to use the new Steez equipment, which is the lightest made," said Howell, who was formerly with Quantum. "Daiwa also has so many good products in the lower to middle price range and I'll be using a little bit of all of it."

Other additions to his portfolio are Odyssey batteries and Do-it Molds. The latter is a leading manufacturer of products used to create homemade baits.

License sales up 2/3/2010

The 12-state index represents recreational fishing in the United States. Eight of those states recorded higher license sales increases from January through December of 2009 over the previous year, according to Southwick Associates, a research firm that monitored the license sales information.

"Although the RBFF/ASA Fishing License Sales Index is a strong indicator of fishing license sales, it isn't an exact measure of all fishing license sales nationally. However, should the 4.7 percent rise hold true nationwide, it would represent one of the largest percentage increases in fishing license sales in over 30 years," said ASA president and CEO Mike Nussman.

Said RBFF president and CEO Frank Peterson: "We feel confident that our national Take Me Fishing direct mail marketing program and other efforts designed to reach lapsed anglers contributed to the 2009 rise in fishing license sales."

According to Southwick Associates, fishing license sales increased at a faster rate in the first quarter of 2009 compared to the second quarter. Increases of 20 percent or more were common in the first quarter. However, a larger volume of sales occurred in the second quarter – the peak period for license sales nationally – and had the greatest effect on 2009 sales.

In general, more fishing licenses are sold during the second quarter (April, May, June) than any other time of the year. Although the growth rate for license sales eased slightly in the latter half of the year, sales were still up for a majority of states in the index.

State natural resource agencies reporting license sales numbers in 2009 were Florida, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Texas and Utah. They were selected on their ability to provide consistent license sales data to illustrate both a national and regional perspective. As more states expand their data reporting capacity, the number of reporting states will increase. For participating coastal states, adjustments were made to account for new federal saltwater license requirements that went into effect in 2009.

"The typical angler spends $176 a year on just fishing tackle alone and contributes over $40 annually to conservation via license dollars and excise taxes," said Nussman. "When the license sales index moves by just a tenth of a point, 40,000 anglers have entered or quit sportfishing. Even a small uptick in the index represents big changes in recreational fishing participation."

Solar Bat stays with PAA 2/3/2010
The Professional Anglers Association (PAA) announced that Solar Bat sunglasses will continue its sponsorship of the organization through the 2010 PAA Tournament Series.

“We are excited to support the PAA as we continue to grow together," said Solar Bat founder Gary Nesty. "Exposing our products to members and fans of the PAA in conjunction with the Bass Pro Shops Tournament Series is an excellent opportunity. Our company and pro staff will be able to showcase our products in conjunction with exciting events."

El Grande inks Morgenthaler 2/2/2010
El Grande Lures of Linton, Ind. announced that it's signed Illinois FLW Tour angler Chad Morgenthaler to a sponsorship deal.

“I’m really excited about the opportunity to work with a great soft plastics company like El Grande Lures,” Morgenthaler said. “I hope to play an instrumental part in helping to brand and market their products as they broaden and expand their business plan. It is always an honor to be included in the design process while a company ‘tweaks’ their products to maximize their effectiveness.”

Said El Grande owner Jay Schurz: “We are excited about this partnership as Chad will be instrumental in working directly with me in product design. Chad fully understands our niche in the market, which is creating big soft plastics with industry-leading color schemes. We look forward to many years of working with Chad and hope to be an integral part of helping him achieve his goals."

El Grande currently has three products in its lineup:

> The Gila Monster, an 8-inch lizard that can be Carolina-rigged or Texas rigged;
> The El Grande tube, a flipping tube meant to handle the toughest cover and fish around;
> The El Grande Sapo, a soft-plastic toad that churns the water like a buzzbait.

All three lures are available in standard colors, as well as some patterns unique to El Grande.

Lane with Buckeye 2/2/2010

“I’m so proud to be involved in product development and promotions with Buckeye Lures,” he said. “They have a large variety of innovative products, from the Circuit Breaker line of balsa crankbaits, the Wake Up bait, to the Flick-It and the ever popular Spot-Remover jighead.”

Lane, an Alabama resident, will be one of the anglers to watch in a couple of weeks when the 2010 Bassmaster Classic gets under way at Lay Lake.

Tiny fish, Fish's comeback, etc. 2/2/2010
Pro angler and fishing funnyman Dave Mercer is at it again with his weekly online show. The world's smallest fish, Scott Martin, Fish Fishburne, a gopher and Pamela Anderson are all part of this week's FYI.

To see it, click below:

'Warriors' set for April 21-23 2/2/2010

The tournament has morphed into a 3-day event. A pairings meeting featuring a special guest from the fishing industry will take place on Wednesday evening, followed by tours of Pope Air Force Base and Fort Bragg for some of the sponsors and fishermen on Thursday. The tournament will launch at daybreak Friday from the New Hope ramp.

Through sponsor donations, the event is conducted at no charge to the participants. To register as an angler, volunteer or sponsor, go to www.WarriorsOnTheWater.com.

Ranger welcomes Platinum 2/2/2010

Wood Manufacturing will be operated independently from the other divisions and will continue under the leadership of the existing local management. Both initiatives are designed to maintain the company’s focus on quality products and longstanding commitment to the sport of fishing. In addition, the same management team will also oversee the Stratos and Champion brands

“Ranger has always been the leader in its marketplace, with an established brand, broad product line and extremely loyal customers," said Platinum Equity's Louis Samson. "It’s an extraordinary company and we’re excited and privileged to partner with this outstanding management team. We are totally committed to helping our new partners continue to thrive and ensure their leadership position well into the future.

“Their focus on bringing quality products and services to their dealers and family of owners will only intensify through our partnership.”

Said Ranger president Randy Hopper: “We couldn’t be more pleased. Our capital structure going forward will allow us to keep our focus where it should be – building the most sought-after fishing boats in the world.”

Added company founder Forrest L. Wood: “It’s great to see this partnership promoting so many unique opportunities. The Ranger family is full of wonderful, talented folks and Nina and I are so proud to be a part of it all. We look forward to continuing the programs that have served Ranger well for more than 40 years.

"Building the best product and encouraging increased participation in a sport for all ages have always been our goals, and we all look forward to a thriving relationship with our new partner.”

According to Hopper, Ranger Boats enters 2010 with the strongest model lineup in its 40-plus-year history. The new Z521 Comanche recently received Trailer Boats magazine's 2010 Excellence in Design award for freshwater fishing boats.