Welcome to BassFan's Dock Talk section, where you will see brief, newsworthy items that for one reason or another can't be made into full-blown news articles. Despite the name, and in keeping with BassFan's editorial policy, every effort will be made to avoid publishing outright rumors.
Tomorrow's episode of The Bassmasters is dubbed the 2009 Bassmaster Classic Highlight Show. It'll feature Classic champion Skeet Reese, who appears in-studio to break down his win.
The show airs tomorrow (Saturday) on ESPN2 at 9 a.m. ET.
Cella lives dream 2/27/2009 Kent Cella, a 13-year-old angler from Shreveport, La., is still pinching himself. The teenager spent a day fishing with Bassmaster Elite Series pro Jeff Kriet during the recent Red River Bassmaster Classic. Berkley chose Cella as the Dream Come True Program recipient based on his career as a Junior Bassmaster angler.
Cella went head-to-head against Kriet on a Shreveport-area private lake.
"Kent's a great angler," Kriet said. "When Berkley approached me about taking Kent fishing I jumped at the opportunity. He's seriously started his career as a top junior angler, and it showed when we were on the water. I think he outfished me at least two-to-one."
As part of the Make a Dream Come True program, Cella was introduced on the Classic weigh-in stage during the day 2 ceremonies. He was also awarded a Berkley prize package that included rods, reels and Berkley baits and line.
"I'd like to thank the folks at Berkley," Cella said. "I had a great time fishing with Jeff, and without the help from Berkley, this wouldn't have happened."
Cella certainly earned his opportunity. He was the 2007 and 2008 Junior Bassmaster Angler of the Year, 2007 Media Bass Little League National Championship winner and 2008 North Louisiana Big Bass of the Year title-holder. Cella has also won nine of the 13 events that he's entered in the Junior Bassmasters.
Skeet the prophet 2/26/2009 Skeet Reese told BassFan last week that the new Crazy Leg Chigger Craw would be the Berkley bait that would play the biggest role in the outcome of the Bassmaster Classic. He was right – he used it to help compile his winning 54-13 total.
For his post-Classic take on the bait and how he foresees using it during the 2009 Bassmaster Elite Series, click on over to the Catch More Fish page.
Classic: 'hat hair' survey 2/26/2009 All right, this is pretty funny. Quantum's running a survey to see which of its pros had the craziest hat hair during the Bassmaster Classic.
To see the survey and the photos, click here. (You've gotta check out KVD.)
Bass Pro + BASS 2/26/2009 Bass Pro Shops (BPS) has rejoined BASS – not as a sponsor, but as a "marketing partner." Remember that Bass Pro Shops was for many years a BASS sponsor, but that relationship ceased several years ago. The new partnership, announced today, was described by BASS as a "marketing alliance."
In announcing the alliance, BPS VP of marketing Stan Lippelman said: "This is an exciting opportunity for us to partner with the premier bass-fishing organization in America and benefit our loyal customers at the same time."
BASS VP and GM Tom Ricks noted: "Aligning two industry leading organizations will only serve to benefit fishing fans and the outdoors industry as a whole. We're pleased to offer BASS members bonus reward points and augment the Bass Pro Shops experience for fans. We're excited to work with Bass Pro Shops and will continue to collaborate on innovative programs that provide long-term growth in the industry."
The "bonus reward points" Ricks alluded to is part of a new Bass Pro Shops rewards program, through which BASS members have "an opportunity to earn bonus points for purchasing select products associated with the Bassmaster Elite Series throughout the season," according to BASS.
The program will formally kick off tomorrow at the Bass Pro Shops Spring Fishing Classic with the "Bassmaster GearUp Giveaway" – a program that runs through March 16 (register here).
BPS will also serve as the official apparel company of the BASS Marshal program, and Marshals will receive a $25 BPS gift certificate.
Commentary: good day, bad day 2/26/2009 Fred Martin and Jay Yelas spent day 1 at the Guntersville FLW Tour just a few feet apart, but the former had a great day while the latter endured complete frustration. To read a commentary on it by BassFan managing editor John Johnson, click here.
Here's a depiction of the boat wrap that Russ Lane will run this year on the Bassmaster Elite Series (click on it to see a bigger version). It promotes Battery Outfitters, a retail chain that covers Missouri and Arkansas, but has plans for nationwide distribution via the Internet.
"Battery Outfitters carries a widely diverse line of products including Trojan marine batteries," he said. "Trojan flooded/wet deep-cycle and dual-purpose AGM batteries yield ideal performance and power for your boat. I'll be running the maintenance-free AGM battery in my Bass Cat/Yamaha rig.
"The Empire Battery logo will be on the side of my Cat as well – they provide all of your power-tool and communication-device batteries. If there's a hard-to-find battery that you need or just want the lowest price possible, visit BatteryOutfitters.com."
Battery Outfitters is a 27-year-old company based in Golden, Mo. It's the original-equipment supplier for Bass Cat, and company owner Lane Schumaker was introduced to Lane by Bass Cat chief Rick Pierce.
"We were looking for a way to broaden our advertising and thought this might be a good opportunity," Schumaker said. "We think Russ's boat will really help us as we expand onto the Internet. And in addition to that, we're just proud to be involved with the Elite Series."
Several BassFans inquired about purchasing the special blue-and-gold Mercury hoodies from the recent Bassmaster Classic. As of today, the hoodies are available for pre-order. For the order page, click here.
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Shimano is kicking off a national Anglers' Legacy Pledge drive this month, the Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation (RBFF) announced today. In an effort that will run throughout 2009, Shimano is encouraging anglers nationwide to "Take the Pledge," a promise to introduce at least one new person to fishing.
With a goal of recruiting 10,000 new Anglers' Legacy Ambassadors, Shimano's Pledge drive will coincide with the release of the new Voltaeus rod series. Each Voltaeus rod will carry an Anglers' Legacy hang tag – a first among major rod and reel manufacturers.
Shimano will also encourage new rod owners to take the Anglers' Legacy Pledge as part of its Voltaeus Ultimate Hook-Up contest. Those who enter the contest at www,Voltaeus.com are eligible to win prizes including an 18-foot Skeeter boat with trailer and Yamaha outboard, 2009 Toyota Tundra truck, $250 Shimano Gift Card, $2,500 shopping spree and NASCAR race tickets. Additionally, new Ambassadors will be automatically entered into monthly drawings to receive a Shimano Voltaeus rod/reel combo, complete with Sufix line and a pack of TriggerX lures.
"Shimano's customer base is a natural fit for the Anglers' Legacy message and we are excited that they will be encouraging boaters and anglers to sign on," said RBFF president and CEO Frank Peterson. "Anglers' Legacy has signed up more than 90,000 Ambassadors nationwide. This means the program may have already generated $23 million for the boating and fishing industries and more than 150,000 new fishing licenses for states, supporting critical conservation efforts."
Added Shimano marketing manager Cody Herman: "Shimano is proud to support Anglers' Legacy. We look forward to introducing thousands of newcomers to fishing during the coming months. The Voltaeus rod series is ideal for promoting Anglers' Legacy since it is versatile for both the avid angler as well as a new angler being introduced to the sport."
For the third consecutive year, CBS Sports will broadcast a one-hour special reprising the Toyota Texas Bass Classic (TTBC). The broadcast on Saturday, Nov. 21 will be from will air from 2 to 3 p.m. EST and will feature highlights from the 3 days of competition, with a focus on the crowning of the 2009 Toyota Texas Bass Classic champion.
The TTBC will be held October 16-18 at Lake Conroe. For the first year, the TTBC is positioned as the world championship of the PAA Tournament Series and the format will be an individual angling competition, The field will be comprised of 60 anglers, all qualified members of the Professional Anglers Association who earn spots based on PAA Tournament Series finishes or other merits.
“Our primary goal with this tournament is to raise funds and awareness for the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department's educational and conservation activities,” said Dan Friedkin, TTBC co-founder and TPWD commissioner. “We encourage everyone to come out and attend the festivities, which will be highlighted by spectacular country music and the crowning of the Toyota Texas Bass Classic World Champion.”
The TTBC will continue its focus on conservation and adhere to strict slot limits that have earned the event national praise over the past 2 years. Through the TTBC, the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department (TPWD) has received $500,000 to benefit youth fishing and outreach programs. For the third consecutive year, a minimum of $250,000 will be donated to TWPD.
Wharton had to fish 2/24/2009 The Beaumont (Texas) Enterprise published an article recently about David Wharton, a former Bassmaster Tour stalwart who died of a heart attack last week. It describes how he decided to become a pro angler while filling out an application for a teaching job in 1972.
It's pretty nuts outside the CenturyTel Center right now. What looks like more than a capacity crowd is lined up outside the various entrances, and has been for hours. There's a ton of anticipation and energy. And judging by the way the weights looks today from on-the-water reports, it's going to be an extremely exciting Classic.
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Federation Nation qualifier Brian Schmidt from Olney, Texas made the day-2 cut in 18th place. He's got a pretty cool wrap. When he qualified for the Classic and needed to wrap his boat, but didn't have much money, all his friends and family pitched in and got it wrapped for him. The names of those who donated are integrated in the wrap. The photo to right shows just a small portion of the wrap. (Click the photo enlarge it).
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BassFan got a sneak peek at what's sure to be a hot new line from Berkley. It's called Trilene TransOptic. It's similar in concept to Vanish Transition fluorocarbon – above water, the line's a hi-vis yellow, but once in water, it reverts to clear. It's different from Transition, though, in that it's a traditional mono.
The benefits are obvious, and it should be a great line for plastics or flipping or dropshotting – any application where line-watching's important. Aside from bass, should be excellent for longline trolling and ice fishing.
The line's properties, based on test data, seem balanced – maximum shock resistance and knot strength, plus excellent flexibility and break strength.
According to Berkley officials, the line should be available sometime in May.
Remember the blue-and-gold Mercury hoodies that several Classic pros were wearing? Apparently, Mercury was flooded with inquiries from BassFans wanting to purchase one. Here's an update on availability.
Due to demand, Mercury will in fact produce more of the sweatshirts and offer them to the public. It might take a month or two, but Mercury's Kevin Luebke noted that folks should be able to pre-order them.
Also notable is that BassFan editor-in-chief Jon Storm's a real happy man right now. Luebke presented him with a sweatshirt yesterday at the Bassmaster Classic. Yeah!
Tim Horton withdrew form the Bassmaster Classic today after falling ill with a kidney stone.
A BASS official issued the following statement: "Tim Horton withdrew from competition. He was not feeling well, and we wish him the best. It's not believed to be serious."
BassFan spoke with Horton, who said: "I had a severe stomach flu and dehydration caused a kidney stone. It started at about 3:30 in the morning and my wife took me to the hospital. It's very frustrating, because I was looking forward to getting back out there today and trying to catch up."
Update: Horton was released from the hospital at about 4 p.m. Saturday. He said he was feeling much better and should be fully recovered within a few days.
Classic: Raining at the Red 2/21/2009 Just a weather update: It's been raining steadily at the Red River today, heavy at times, so the front has landed. It's a 180-degree turnaround in conditions, which should make things interesting out there. And tomorrow, expect post-front conditions and another 180-degree turn in the weather (from clouds and rain to sun and high skies). As a fan, could you ask for anything more at a Classic?
Classic: Meet bass coaches 2/20/2009 BassFans earlier this week learned about the new venture called My Bass Coach. Those attending this week's Bassmaster Classic Outdoor Expo can learn more about the site and its staff by visiting booth 506. And there's a darn good chance you'll be able to meet Clay Dyer at the booth, which is always an incredible experience.
Classic: Which Berkley bait? 2/20/2009 BassFan took a survey of some Berkley pros who are competing in the Bassmaster Classic, and the new Crazy Legs Chigger Craw was the consensus pick as the Berkley bait that'll have the biggest impact on the event. For more, click on over to the Catch More Fish page.
Classic: cast a blind eye 2/20/2009 Byron Velvick is competing in his first Classic and is fully aware that he'll be fishing within sight of other anglers. He'll do his best to avoid watching them, for fear that what he sees could negatively impact his own decision-making.
"I almost feel like I should have blinders on, like a racehorse," he said. "You don't want to be rubbernecking other people catching fish. You could literally watch somebody win the Classic right in front of you."
Michael Burns of Texas, a Classic qualifier through the Bassmaster Central Opens, related a story of a fish that literally jumped into his boat without ever tasting a hook on the final practice day.
He was flipping a logjam at the time, and didn't even have a hook on his bait because he wanted to avoid "burning up" the fish in that area.
"I was probably 10 to 15 feet away from the logjam (standing on the front deck), and the fish jumped into the boat right near the driver's side windshield," he said. "I've had shad jump in the boat before, but never a bass.
"That was as big a fish as I saw in practice. It was 5 pounds for sure."
Classic: Ray's ceremonial cast 2/19/2009 BASS founder Ray Scott will throw out the first cast to kick off the 39th Bassmaster Classic as part of Friday’s launch ceremonies at Red River South Marina in Bossier City, La.
Scott will make the ceremonial cast just after 7 a.m. from the boat of Kevin VanDam, the 2008 Elite Series Angler of the Year (AOY) and two-time Classic champion.
As the reigning AOY, VanDam earned the right to be the first boat to leave the docks at 7:15 a.m. Friday, the first of the Classic’s 3 competition days. Setting out right behind him will be defending Classic champion Alton Jones. Then the other 49 anglers will follow in an order determined by a random draw.
Classic launches are free and open to the public all 3 days of competition – Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Because there will be no public parking at the marina, spectators are asked to park at the CenturyTel Center and catch one of the shuttles that will run each day beginning at 4:30 a.m.
Classic: the Fed guys 2/19/2009 Six anglers will try to become the second Classic winner to qualify through the Federation Nation. To find out how each views his chances, click here.
BassFans who watched Edwin Evers struggle with how the Classic fell right on top of the impending birth of his child will be relieved to know the baby was actually born a week ago. The 8-pound, 2-ounce, 21-inch boy is named Kade Stanley.
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Today at the Bassmaster Classic in Shreveport, La., BASS announced the location of three of its future championships.
The 2009 WBT Championship will be held at the Red River – same site as the current Classic. Dates are Oct. 16–18. As before, the WBT Angler of the Year title (and resultant Classic berth) will be determined at the Championship.
BASS also announced that the next two Federation Nation Championships (2009-10) will he held at the Harris Chain of Lakes in Florida. The 2009 Championship is slated for Oct. 28–30. Dates for the 2010 event have not been finalized.
Regular BassFans probably don't pay much attention to the overall look of their trolling-motor mounts. Not so with Skeet Reese. Check out the custom job he's sporting on his boat. The whole mount is yellow, and includes a decorative plate that celebrates his 2007 Angler of the Year title.
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Talk about a tricked-out rig – Bobby Lane equipped his boat with two PowerPoles for this week's Bassmaster Classic and the 2009 Elite Series season. The rig looks cool up close, and downright intimidating when he's on pad and zooming down the river.
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Mercury's defining colors are of course the storied black and red. So it's a little interesting that Mercury ordered a limited run of sweatshirts for its Classic pros in a sharp-looking blue and gold motif.
Want one? BassFan editor-in-chief Jon Storm sure does. He's a rabid Buffalo Sabres fan (the team's official colors are blue and gold). He asked Mercury's Kevin Luebke if the sweatshirts were available to the public. The answer was no – it's a Classic-only run and very few exist.
Collectible? You bet!
Pictured to right are Gary Klein and Bryan Hudgins in the sweatshirts. Click to enlarge the photo.
BassFan caught up with Matt Herren yesterday as he exited the water after the final practice day. Remember that this is the first Classic for the former FLW Tour powerhouse turned Elite Series pro.
About his final practice day, Herren said: "I eliminated some stuff I had. I had kind of a checklist of things I wanted to look at. I had two spots in (Pool) 4 and two in 5 I wanted to look at. I finished that up. Now I'll just have to wait to see what to do. The spectator boats and the weather are going to determine what I do, but I've got fish in both pools. Until you see how this deal shakes out – where the pressure's going to be, and what that does to the fish – you really don't know."
He added that he thinks the winning weight will be somewhere between 16 and 18 pounds a day, and that he's excited to have finally reached the Classic.
"I'm tickled to death. Everybody who's ever bass-fished has wanted to fish the Bassmaster Classic. I'm excited as can be, and I'm really looking forward to it. I really hope that I can make some big noise on the weekend. But there's 50 other guys wanting to do that. We're all here to win."
Herren also said he wanted to say a brief remembrance for Federation angler and two-time Classic qualifier Michael Holt, who passed away 2 days ago.
"He and I were pretty good friends," Herren said. "We fished against each other in the Federation years ago. I had the utmost respect for his angling ability, and my heartfelt condolences go out to his family. I was truly saddened to hear that he was gone."
Steve Kennedy used his full-size fiberglass bass boat for the 3-day Bassmaster Classic practice last weekend, but yesterday, for the final day of Classic practice, he opted to run a different boat. Here's a look (click photo to enlarge it).
Note the vintage motor on back. According to Kennedy, "Dad had the motor on his boat for years. It was just lying on the garage floor. I bought this boat and put it on. I didn't bring it over to begin with – I wasn't planning on using it. But once I started idling around (in the oxbows), I was spending hours just idling. It can take an hour to get out of some places."
The unmarked motor's about 20 years old, he noted. He mounted it on a 12-inch vertical jackplate. That not only allows him to raise it to clear stumps, but he can also lower the jackplate to well below the boat in order to pop him off stumps.
It's not his first use of an aluminum setup. "The first year I fished FLW, I fished out of aluminum," he said. "I won a bunch of money in those BFLs fishing out of aluminum. You ought to ask Timmy (Horton) and Randy (Howell) and those other Alabama guys. I took a bunch of their money fishing out of aluminum."
Now for the initial verdict: How did the rig fish on the final practice day, and is it an advantage?
"I found two new areas that had fish," Kennedy said. "One was really interesting. I never got a bite in there, but they're there, I can tell you that. (Terry) Scroggins got in there with a regular boat, but he couldn't get in some of it. I'm sure other boats have been in there. And I did get into some places where it wasn't obvious that anybody had been there.
"I just had a blast," he added. "Earlier this week I'd been running my fiberglass. I was all worried and scared about ruining it, but I didn't do any of that (yesterday). I don't want to say too much (more) right now, though."
Holt arrangements in place 2/18/2009 Services for Michael Holt, a two-time Bassmaster Classic qualifier through the BASS Federation who died on Tuesday, will be held Friday and Saturday in Lexington, Tenn. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday and noon to 2 p.m. Saturday. The funeral will start at 2 on Saturday.
The chapel is located at 302 W. Church St. For more information, call (731) 968-3643.
Wharton services set 2/18/2009 Memorial services for former Bassmaster Tour angler David Wharton of Texas will take place Sunday at the Lake Sam Rayburn Methodist Church (Highway 1007 at Highway 255 in Lake Sam Rayburn). A gathering of friends is set for 1 p.m., followed by the memorial at 2.
Wharton, who won four Bassmaster events during a career that spanned 27 seasons, died of a heart attack Monday at age 59.
The Stringer & Griffin Funeral Home in Jasper is handling the arrangements. The funeral home can be reached by calling (409) 384-5781.
Berkley announced today that it has renewed its longstanding association as an official sponsor and supporter of BASS. Berkley will continue as the official fishing line and soft plastic baits of BASS and its tournament trails and events.
Berkley, a subsidiary of Pure Fishing, has developed an award-winning product lineup, including Trilene, Fireline, Vanish, PowerBait, Gulp! and numerous other innovations that help anglers catch more fish.
The agreement includes sponsorship of the Bassmaster Classic, Bassmaster Elite Series, the BASS Federation Nation, the Bassmaster Opens and the Women’s Bassmaster Tour.
“BASS and Berkley have for decades been leaders in promoting bass fishing and conservation,” said Pure Fishing senior marketing director John Bartow. “Our baits and line have played major roles in the evolution of bass fishing. Our Classic champions, winners of Angler of the Year (AOY) awards, tournament victors and dominant team performances have all contributed to the growth of the sport and we are excited to continue our sponsorship in the BASS programs.”
The Berkley pro staff features two 2009 Classic competitors who've won both the Classic and the AOY: Mike Iaconelli and Davy Hite. It also includes past Classic champions Boyd Duckett and Ken Cook and former AOY winners Skeet Reese and Gary Klein.
“Berkley continues to be a brand that exemplifies sound leadership and loyalty,” said said BASS VP and GM Tom Ricks. “Their dedication to the industry and growing the sport of bass fishing is true and their continued support of anglers at all levels is impressive.”
For more, click here to visit the Berkley website.
Ex-Fed champ passes 2/17/2009 BassFan has learned that Michael Holt of Lexington, Tenn., a two-time Bassmaster Classic qualifier through the BASS Federation, died this morning. No further details were available.
He represented the Southern Division at the 2001 Classic on the Louisiana Delta and finished 21st. He also received the Bryan Kerchal Memorial Trophy that year as the winner of the Federation Championship.
His other Classic appearance was in 1993 at Logan Martin, where he finished 20th. He also competed in numerous Bassmaster Opens and Invitationals.
David Wharton, an 11-time Bassmaster Classic qualifier from Texas, died of a heart attack Monday at age 59.
He fished the Bassmaster Tour full-time for 27 years (1979-2005) and won more than $800,000. The last of his four victories occurred in 2003 at Toledo Bend.
"He was a great angler in his day," said fellow Texan Zell Rowland. "He'd had a pretty big heart attack (Sunday) and they ran him to the hospital and were going to do surgery. Then yesterday he had a massive heart attack right there when he was waiting to go in for the operation."
Said longtime Nitro teammate Kevin VanDam: "I'm just stunned by it. David and (wife) Carla would do anything for you. I've stayed with them many times when I've been down there and we had some great crawfish boils. They're really great people and it's just a shame.
"This really hits close to home and makes you think about your own life."
Elton Luce Jr. contacted BassFan and said that services will be held on Sunday at the Lake Sam Rayburn Methodist Church. The time had not yet been determined.
More information will be posted when it becomes available.
After 2 years of scaled-back marketing with all focuses on re-engineering, Biosonix is headed to market with the new RF-300. Following the requests of pro anglers such as Kevin VanDam, Mike Iaconelli, and Skeet Reese, Biosonix has designed the new RF-300 to mount on the bow of the boat or into the dash.
Wes Higgins of Biosonix explained: “Unlike its portable predecessor, this unit is going to allow anglers to use the benefits of sound technology without the small hassles of having to individually charge the unit and set it up each time they get on the water. Just like sonar and GPS, now fishermen will be able to have BSX technology as part of their total rig, ready to go.
"While anglers can use their GPS and sonar to locate fish, BSX allows anglers to not just find fish, but enables them to turn fish on. No other marine electronics company can claim this. Plus, I think fishermen will be glad to see the cost has come down from our previous product that was $700 – the suggested retail for the RF-300 is $579.”
Said VanDam: “I’ve been testing the new RF-300 prototype for nearly a year now, and to be able to use it for the first time on a fishery such as the Red River is ideal. There’s a tremendous shad population and being pre-spawn, I expect fish to be grouped up, and that’s where BSX really shines. I think BSX will be a big factor in my pattern.”
With a 5-inch-by-5-inch LCD screen, the new BSX unit contains on-screen pointers for choosing the right sounds for particular situations and makes learning the BSX quicker and easier. The BSX Sound Technology that is featured in Biosonix products consist of actual digital recordings of predator species (largemouth bass) feeding on prey species (shad and shiners). The sounds are played back through an underwater speaker.
For more, click here to visit the Biosonix website.
Every little bit helps that much more in today's world, and BFL angler Dale Wolfskill of Orlando, Fla. recently got a nice bonus for his 8th-place finish at the Kissimmee Chain Gator event. He was the highest finisher to qualify for the Toyota Bonus Bucks program, and Toyota cut him a check for $250. Along with his $641 tournament check, he pocketed about $900 and officially became the first FLW-affiliated angler to cash in on Toyota's aggressive contingency program.
The 55-year old Wolfskill, who works as an automobile interior-restoration specialist, was inspired to purchase a Toyota Tundra after his buddy bought one. "My friend bought a Tundra and was really pleased with it, and man, I had to have one," he said. "I love everything that Toyota's doing in bass fishing, and I like the way this Tundra has big, bold looks. I bought the smaller V-8 and it still pulls like a powerhouse. I even bought a white Tundra to match my white boat."
Wolfskill also noted you don't need to win to cash in on Bonus Bucks – you simply need to be the highest finishing registered participant. "If you're a serious bass fisherman, you've gotta pull a boat – now with Bonus Bucks, why not pull with a Tundra?" he said.
If you own a 2007 or newer Tundra, Sequoia, 4Runner or Tacoma, send in your registration form, catch more pounds of bass than the other eligible Toyota owners in your event, and you win the Bonus Bucks. Before you know it, you'll be offsetting some serious tournament expenses just for towing with a Toyota.
For more info, or to enroll, visit ToyotaTrucksBonusBucks.com or call (918) 742-6424 to speak with a Bonus Bucks representative.
Classic: Berkley tank 2/16/2009 BassFans attending the Bassmaster Classic Outdoor Expo should note that the Berkley Bass Tank will be on-hand. Be sure to stop by and check out the seminars and demonstrations.
Here's a heads-up on a pretty cool effort toward getting BassFans hooked up with each other, and with the pros. A site called MyBassCoach.com is both a community based networking site, as well as a personal-instruction and interaction site.
Frequent video and written blogs are uploaded by pros like Alton Jones, Brent Chapman, Matt Herren, Sean Hoernke, Jay Yelas, Todd Faircloth and Clay Dyer, as well as fitness and nutrition expert Ken Hoover and sponsorship guru Elvin Smith. Members can also interact with the pros via electronic messaging to get their own personal coaching.
The content is top-notch with tons of good info. It's worth a look. Cost is $5.95 per month.
BassFans who want more info on the site can visit the MyBassCoach booth (booth 506) at this week's Bassmaster Classic.
While most everyone else was throwing lipless rattlebaits in the shallow grass at the Guntersville FLW Tour, eventual winner David Fritts was targeting deeper grass with Rapala DT Series crankbaits (he used both a DT10 and a DT06, with the former accounting for all five fish in his final-day bag that was just shy of 24 pounds).
He designed both the baits and the VMC Sure Set hooks, and the hooks won a best-in-show award at ICAST in 2004.
He threw the chartreuse/brown color (pictured) during the morning hours, then switched to blue shad when the sun popped out in the afternoon. Full details of his winning pattern will be posted soon.
Hi-Seas fishing line announced a new sponsorship agreement with Bassmaster Elite Series pro Jeff Connella.
"I started using Grand Slam Braid and Hi-Seas fluorocarbon about 6 months ago and kept at it for the last six Elite Series events of 2008," Connella said. "The lines turned out to be a perfect complement to my fishing style and favorite techniques and they helped me finish in the money in five out of those six tournaments. You can bet I'm sold on Hi-Seas."
Hi-Seas VP of sales and marketing Mike Shields noted: "We're pleased to have Jeff Connella as part of the Hi-Seas Pro Staff. Jeff's a consummate professional who's capable of competing at the highest levels of the sport and we look forward to working with him to forward his career while benefiting from his experience and knowledge."
BassFans may have noted David Fritts wearing a new shirt at this week's Guntersville FLW Tour. He was formerly part of Team Chevy, but is now sporting a Tums shirt. Remember too the reported rumors that FLW Outdoors was ready to announce at least two, perhaps three major new sponsors? Tums, and its parent company GlaxoSmithKline, would thus be the first.
For now, Fritts is the only member of the Tums team.
According to an official press release about the deal, the Tums brand will sponsor FLW Outdoors tournaments as well as its fantasy fishing program. The Tums Dual Action heartburn product is at the core of the sponsorship.
In the press release, Fritts (who's reportedly a "big user" of the Tums product) was quoted as saying: "When I've got heartburn, I want something that's going to work fast, so I take Tums. Now I can take just one tablet of the Tums Dual Action to relieve my heartburn quickly, but also get relief all day or all night. I'm out on the water for long stretches of time, so I need something I can count on – it's got to work fast and keep on working for hours. Tums Dual Action does just that."
Pro bass fishing's about to lose a good one. Ken Cook, a 26-year veteran of the bass wars, former Bassmaster Classic champion and owner of six BASS wins and 34 Top 10s, has announced that this will be his final season.
His love affair with fishing hasn't ended, but at 62 years of age, it seems his body has finally caught up with his spirit. He plans to dedicate his time after to his Tarbone Ranch enterprise (see KenCookOutdoors.com).
Do you use bright-colored baits when bed-fishing? Do you set the hook when you see the fish strike the bait? According to bed-fishing guru Kelly Jordon, that's what most folks do, but you won't get better until you throw natural colors and fish strictly by feel. For the reasons why, click on over to the Catch More Fish page.
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Bet on the Classic? 2/13/2009 BassFan in no way promotes or condones gambling, but it is notable that one bookmaker, Sportingbet.com, has placed odds on next week's Bassmaster Classic. Greg Hackney, the favorite, sits at +1000, followed by Kevin VanDam at +1200, then Matt Herren and Scott Rook at +1400.
Todd Faircloth, Kelly Jordon, Gary Klein and Bobby Lane are at +1600, and another five competitors are at +1800, including 2008 Classic champion Alton Jones.
Bass Cat Boats received its fifth straight J.D. Power and Associates award for highest customer satisfaction in fiberglass boats today at the Miami International Boat Show.
“Over the past 5 years we have been humbled by this study," said Bass Cat chief Rick Pierec. "It is overwhelming that our BCB owners have such a positive view of our product. We are extremely dedicated to that Bass Cat family, and along with that are the Bass Cat dealers and the staff of Bass Cat. They all are what make this award possible for those mentioned. This award is truly shared by all.”
Bass Cat's fifth award is a record for bass-boat companies. Only one award per category is presented each year.
For more on Bass Cat, click here to visit the company's website.
BASS and ESPN released details of the Red River Classic coverage. Here's an overview.
TV Details
The Classic starts next Friday, and ESPN2 programming begins the following day (Saturday, Feb. 21). The first block (8-11 a.m. ET) will cover day 1. The second block airs at 10 p.m. and covers day 2.
Sunday's coverage includes a 4-hour block (6–10 a.m.), Final-day wrap-up coverage airs Sunday night at 10:00 p.m. and runs 2 hours.
Notable too is that ESPN Classic will air five shows, each with highlights from a previous Bassmaster Classic. Those shows begin Sunday at 1 p.m.
Internationally, coverage will be carried on ESPN Pac Rim, ESPN Africa, ESPN Middle East, ESPN Israel, ESPN 2 Caribbean and ESPN Dos.
Note that the 2006 Classic, which Luke Clausen won, is not slated for highlight broadcast.
Internet Details
Bassmaster.com will stream three cameras throughout the Classic – one showing the river, one showing the Outdoor Expo, and one showing behind-the-scenes footage as pros wait to weigh in.
Bassmaster.com will also include the live audio stream of each weigh-in, plus the real-time leaderboard. BASS will offer a highlight audio podcast too.
Fans will also be able to follow BASSCast and BASSTrakk data on the site.
Members of BASS Insider receive exclusive live coverage of daily press conferences and access to the archived footage of the weigh-ins 48 hours after the completion of each competition day.
As previously announced, the live, daily weigh-ins will be housed on ESPN360.com each night from 5-7 p.m. ET.
Radio Coverage
There'll be a live, onsite broadcast of ESPN Radio's Mike & Mike in the Morning on Friday, Feb. 20 from 6-10 a.m. ET.
BassFans may remember a report from November that the boating industry would suspend its Discover Boating campaign, and that meant Bill Lowen would need a new wrap for 2009. Lowen recently revealed his boat wrap for the upcoming Bassmaster Classic and 2009 Elite Series season, and it's pretty cool.
He wrapped the boat in memory of his late friend Billy Backman. One could say that Billy will be fishing with Lowen every day.
"Billy Backman and I shared a bond in the outdoors from the time we started hunting and fishing together on the Ohio River," Lowen said. "We shared the dream of competing on tour and winning the Bassmaster Classic. Unfortunately, Billy got into some bad habits with a group of friends and kept it a secret from his family and friends. We all took the news of his death very hard."
After the loss of their son, Billy's parents decided to help Lowen pursue his pro career. "They knew about the dreams that Billy and I shared," Lowen noted. "They've been my biggest supporters for the past 4 years. I can never repay them for that, but if this helps one person stay on the right path, then at least it's a start."
Incorporated in the wrap is Feather ‘Flage "Ducks in a Row" camo and Buck Knives.
About the motif, and working with Lowen, Feather ‘Flage "Ducks in a Row" president Brian Frederick noted: "This story captivated us from the very outset. When we heard about what Bill Lowen was doing to honor his friend's memory, we had to be a part of it. All of us that enjoy time in the outdoors have created strong relationships by spending together in a blind or on a boat. The draw of the outdoors is the time away to clear your head and think about all the great things in life. Friendships are at the heart of those feelings. Bill's story is a perfect example of that."
Buck Knives national sales manager Bob George added: "Every person that heads outdoors carries two very special things with them – their favorite knife and either a good friend or the memories of a good friend. We wish Bill the best this year as he competes to win on the Elite Series and the Bassmaster Classic."
There's at least one Bassmaster Classic competitor who won't launch Friday morning for the start of the official 3-day Classic practice. That's Greg Pugh. He's fishing tomorrow's 4-day Guntersville FLW Tour.
What that means is, at the least, Pugh will miss all of Friday's Classic practice. If he doesn't make the cut, he's free to head over to the Red River as soon as checks are cut at G-Ville.
The drive from Guntersville to Shreveport is about 8 hours. But he doesn't have a driver to help, so he'll be wiped if he leaves late Friday.
The other possible scenario is that he makes the G-Ville cut, fishes there Saturday and Sunday, misses all of the 3-day Classic practice, and relies simply on the final Classic practice day next Wednesday.
"I plan on trying real hard to make the cut (at G-Ville)," he said. "If I do, I just won't get those few days of practice, which is fine. If I have to go blind, I know what I'll do and I just hope (the fish) will be there."
Alabama's Lake Guntersville is one of the country's top bass destinations, but some of the anglers preparing for the FLW Tour opener there this week reported a tough bite in practice (which concluded today). The prevailing opinion is that a lot of fish are transitioning from the winter to the pre-spawn mode – they're on the move and tough to pin down.
"It's probably the worst practice I've ever had for a springtime event on a great fishery," said Arkansas veteran Mark Rose (pictured). "I came in looking for one little ridge somewhere that had some fish and wasn't getting a lot of pressure, and I didn't find it.
"Everybody knows where the warmer creeks are, and they seem to be where all the fish are right now. I think the bulk of the money that's going to be made in this tournament will come from a few select places. The winner will probably do something like what I tried to do, but it won't be me – I'm in survival mode now."
Some in the field reported having their best practice day today, but a cold front will move through during tomorrow's off-day. What effect that will have won't be known until day 1 (Thursday).
BassFan will publish a detailed scouting report, including the Top 10 pros to watch at this event, early Wednesday evening.
Two new deals for Lowen 2/10/2009 Ohio Bassmaster Elite Series pro Bill Lowen has inked sponsorship deals with Buck Knives and Feather 'Flage.
Buck, based in Post Falls, Idaho, turned out its first product in 1902. Today the company offers many types of knives, including hunting, tactical and outdoor models, as well as sharpeners and sheaths.
Feather ’Flage, based in Shreveport, La., manufactures a camouflage pattern called Ducks in a Row.
Berkley will give one lucky attendee at the Bassmaster Classic in Shreveport, La., the chance to win $100,000 by simply casting into a target. During the final weigh-in on Feb. 22, one individual in the arena will be randomly drawn from the crowd and allowed to cast to a target on the arena floor.
“This is a great opportunity for anyone who is drawn to cash an easy check,” said Berkley senior marketing director John Bartow. "Everyone at the final weigh in has an equal chance to “Cast for Cash” and hopefully walk out of the arena $100,000 richer. Berkley is proud to give this opportunity to the Bassmaster Classic weigh-in audience.”
The Cast for Cash will be nationally televised on ESPN2. The participant will be given his or her choice of a Berkley/Abu Garcia spincast, spinning or baitcast rod/reel combination spooled with Berkley Trilene line. The individual will be allowed a 15-minute practice session to become better acquainted with the tackle, and a Berkley pro staff member will be on hand to provide one-on-one assistance and casting tips.
Berkley is an official sponsor of the Classic and will have a large booth with interactive demonstrations and a bass tank with pro angler seminars and sales promotions.
Greg Hackney's on the hunt. The Bassmaster Classic official practice doesn't start until the end of this week, but he's out getting loose today on the Arkansas River – the same stretch he grew up on.
Given what he sees at "The Ark," will the Red be on? "I feel like it's going to be really good – just the way the weather's lining up," he said. "I think it's going to be very good fishing."
Funny thing is, that doesn't have the river rat in him too excited. "I'd rather it be miserable," he added.
Shut out of 360? 2/10/2009 A number of BassFans have wrote in to state their frustration with BASS's live weigh-in move. This season, weigh-ins will be streamed on the ESPN360 site, rather than on Bassmaster.com.
Trouble is, ESPN360's basically an attempt to carry the cable TV format to the Internet. Thus, you can't choose whether or not you get ESPN360 – that decision resides with your Internet Service Provider (ISP). If your ISP pays ESPN to carry the ESPN360 content, then you can watch. If not, you're out of luck.
Several major ISPs of course carry 360, but many do not. One example is Time Warner. If you get your Internet through Time Warner, you can't watch 360.
BassFan asked BASS about the move, and what options frustrated BassFans might have.
According to a BASS official, yes, ESPN360 will be the only way to watch live and replayed streams of the weigh-ins. However, BASS will carry some streaming content on its site. For the Classic, streams of the launch and Outdoors Expo will be on Bassmaster.com, as will be an audio feed from the Classic weigh-in. And the live leaderboard will still reside on Bassmaster.com.
The official hinted that the audio feed might continue on Bassmaster.com with regular-season Elite Series events.
When asked why BASS would move popular content from its own site with unlimited distribution onto a site with limited distribution, the official said: "That's consistent with the broader commitment from ESPN to ESPN360, which is ESPN's online home for live sports events. Furthermore, it puts us on a platform alongside other major sporting events, and that's something that allows us to have more eyeballs on outdoor content from the general sports brand."
The official added: "Another part of the reason is it gives us a larger opportunity to host more outdoors video content. Our Bassmaster.com website functionality doesn't allow us to do all we can do, but this (360) vehicle does. We're looking at the possibility of having a devoted outdoors channel on this (360) vehicle."
To read between the lines, this was ESPN's decision, not BASS's.
> To find out if you get ESPN360, visit ESPN360.com, choose "Get Access" and then follow the instructions. If you don't get it, your ISP may choose to purchase the programming in the future. Then again, it might not.
> For the record, FLW Outdoors did charge folks to watch its FLW Tour weigh-ins for a time last season via the Player's Advantage program, but later opened the weigh-ins to the public (although viewers still needed to register).
> Wired published an in-depth look at the ESPN360 enterprise last week. To read it, click here.
Thanks go out to BassFan Will Skucius, who pointed out a story on Rick Clunn's site that announces he'll run an 18-foot aluminum at next week's Bassmaster Classic, and at several other Elite Series events this year. To read the story, click here, then scroll down to "A Defining Moment in Time."
Here's a relevant excerpt:
"With that said, we the anglers do need to become a little wiser about our pursuit. Tournament anglers, myself included, have unintentionally sent the wrong message to young anglers and fans. Due to high-profile tournament coverage by the media we've mistakenly implied that to be a good angler you must fish out of a $40,000 to $50,000 boat. Not true! The boat size and price does not make you a good angler. Most good anglers could perform just as well fishing out of much smaller, less expensive boats...
"It's time to be more sensible about what boat you really need. I'm going to rig a Tracker 18-foot aluminum boat with a 150-hp engine for the Classic at the Red River in February, and yes, the Red River's ideal for this type boat, but I also intend to use this boat at several of the other BASS events this year including Toledo Bend and Amistad. This boat's more fuel-efficient, requires a smaller towing vehicle, requires cheaper insurance, and is all around more user-friendly. I restate, "I've caught just as many fish out of an 18-foot, 150-hp boat in my career as I have the larger boats."
New poll: Classic odds 2/10/2009 A new BassFan poll asks for your prediction on who will win the upcoming Bassmaster Classic. To participate, visit the homepage, then scroll down the right-hand side of the page to find the poll.
Bassmaster Elite Series pro and Classic competitor Bobby Lane has signed a new endorsement deal with RMC BoatWorks of Mingoville, Pa. The company's Trol-Lok product created quite a bit of buzz when it debuted last year at ICAST, and it's no surprise to see another big-name pro get involved with the company. FLW Tour pro Koby Kreiger also endorses the product.
The gist of the Trol-Lok is simple – it's a heavy duty stainless-steel hold-down device for bow-mount trolling motors that'll reportedly stand up to mega-punishing runs, even on waterbodies like Erie and Champlain.
"It mounts inside your boat, and has a shaft with a rubber stopper," Lane noted. "When you pull up your trolling motor it automatically locks into place and won't move. There's no more strapping, or worrying about Bungee cords, or stopping halfway through a run to tie down the trolling motor again. It's just one of those great inventions, like the PowerPole, where you know every angler's going to need one. It's awesome. And if you have a short run, you can set it to where it won't lock down, but will still keep everything stable and protected."
Lane added that the deal had its roots in competition, when he fished with company personnel at a Santee Cooper Stren.
Opinion: Beat the Elites 2/9/2009 BassFan managing editor John Johnson's covered a lot of major sporting events in his 20-plus-year sports-journalism career – from the World Series to the NFL playoffs and golf's U.S. Open. But this "Beat the Elites" business has him worked up and in rare form.
He sounds off (sarcastically) about the controversial tournament in a new BassFan Opinion. Click here to check it out.
Need some background on the Beat the Elites event? It's a local tournament being organized at Smith Mt. Lake to overlap the Bassmaster Elite Series event there. More details on the event can be found here.
BASS announced today that Booyah Bait Company has become the official wire bait of BASS and its tournament structures and events. The agreement includes sponsorship of the Bassmaster Classic, Bassmaster Elite Series, BASS Federation Nation, Bassmaster Opens and Women’s Bassmaster Tour.
“Booyah Bait Company has long been a supporter of BASS and we are proud to become the official wire bait of BASS,” said sales and marketing manager Andy Carroll, “With 2008 Bassmaster Classic Champion Alton Jones winning the most prestigious tournament in the world by fishing Booyah jigs last year, it’s a natural step for us.”
In addition to Jones, Booyah's pro staff also includes Edwin Evers, Terry Scroggins, Zell Rowland, Matt Reed, Terry Butcher and Tim Horton.
Said BASS VP and GM Tom Ricks: “We look to developing our relationship with Booyah and to building their brand recognition across our multimedia platforms, We applaud Booyah for their longtime support of our anglers and devotion to the sport.”
The Berkley Experience Trailer is headed to the Cabela’s store in Ft. Worth, Texas. The trailer will roll in February 13-15 and will offer demonstrations and interactive, giving the everyday angler the opportunity to view baits in the Berkley line and chances to see them in action. Youths and adults alike will enjoy fishing games and competing in knot-tying contests.
“We want everyone, young and old alike, to enjoy the Berkley experience,” said Berkley marketing manager Andrew Marks. "In addition to our bait and line interactive displays, we will have Abu Garcia reel demonstrations, interactive touch screens to Learn How to Catch More Fish and a showcase for our latest and most innovative fishing products.”
Special sales and promotions will be offered. The store's address is 12901 Cabela Dr., and the phone number is (817) 337-2400.
Here's a schedule of upcoming stops:
> Feb. 19-22 – Bassmaster Classic, Bossier City, La.
> Feb. 27-March 1 – Bass Pro Spring Classic Bolingbrook, Ill.
> March 6-8 – Bass Pro Spring Classic, Rossford, Oh.
> March 13-15 – Bass Pro Spring Classic, Cincinnati, Oh.
> March 20-22 – Gander Mountain, Washington, Pa.
Former Bassmaster Elite Series pro Keith Phillips passed along this photo of one of the 77 deer that were taken by 95 disabled children and veterans on a recent Outdoors Without Limits hunt near Troy, Ala. The harvest from the 2-day event also included five wild hogs and a cow elk.
More than 35 landowners in the Troy area made their properties available for the hunt. For more about OWL, click here.
Jones Q&A 2/9/2009 Ray Sasser of the Dallas Morning News recently did a question-and-answer piece with reigning Bassmaster Classic champion Alton Jones. To read it, click here.
Remember the PAA's new contingency program called PAA Payday? The PAA announced today that it expanded the program through the addition of several trails. To see if your trail's included, visit the PAA's Payday info page.
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Ike in USA Today 2/6/2009 USA Today did in fact publish a lengthy story on urban fishing, as Mike Iaconelli hinted earlier this week. To check it out, click here.
Meet pros tomorrow: Scottsboro, Ala. 2/6/2009 Several big-name FLW pros will be in attendance tomorrow (Saturday) at Waterfront Grocery & Tackle in Scottsboro, Ala. from 6:00–8:00 p.m. to present Berkley products and talk with the public. The pros are in town for next week's Guntersville FLW Tour.
Pros slated to attend include:
Jim Dillard
Tim Johnson
Ott Defoe
Greg Bohannan
Stetson Blayloch
Justin Lucas
Jonathan Newton
Dave Lefebre
Scott Canterbury
Jay Yelas
Randy Howell announced two new sponsorship deals recently – one with the Italian company Molix and the other with Blue Water LED lights.
The Alabama Bassmaster Elite Series angler represented Molix's terminal tackle and hardbaits the past 2 seasons and this year he'll be using its XBait line. Molix products had previously been available only in the Asian and European markets.
“Molix has superior fluorocarbon and monofilament lines made in Japan, and I'm excited to be using them in the upcoming (Bassmaster) Classic and Elite Series season," he said.
Blue Water LED makes compartment and deck lighting for boats. "Not only will it give me more light to organize and work on tackle at night and before take-off, it will also turn a lot of heads at the boat ramp as well," he said. "I'm looking forward to pulling my Triton and Mercury into the Classic arena and lighting it up with Blue Water’s color-coordinated LED lights."
Said Blue Water owner Mike Daleo: “We've been looking for an angler with Randy’s faith and passion for the sport. We're looking forward to seeing him lift that trophy over his head in Louisiana this year."
Lane's attack arsenal 2/6/2009 BassFans know Bobby Lane's one of the sport's absolute best in the grass – especially when it's matted. To learn the how and why behind his tackle choice – from weights and hooks to rods and reels – click on over to the Catch More Fish page.
BASS goes to ESPN360 2/5/2009 BASS today announced that it will offer live, streaming video of the Bassmaster Tournament Trail on ESPN360.com, ESPN’s online destination for live sports events and home to over 3,000 live, global events annually. The debut of BASS coverage marks ESPN360.com’s first foray into outdoors content.
The 24/7 broadband sports network will begin its coverage with the 2009 Bassmaster Classic, to be held Feb. 20-22 on the Red River out of Shreveport-Bossier City, La. Throughout 2009, ESPN360.com will also carry live weigh-ins of all BASS events, including the Bassmaster Elite Series, Bassmaster Opens, Women’s Bassmaster Tour and the BASS Federation Nation.
Fans will be able to access archived weigh-ins through ESPN360.com for 48 hours after the completion of competition. After that timeframe, the weigh-in footage will be permanently housed on BASS Insider at Bassmaster.com. The real-time leaderboard will remain at Bassmaster.com.
“We’re committed to serving the outdoors enthusiast, and ESPN360.com is a great platform for distributing live coverage online,” said BASS VP and GM Tom Ricks.
Trouble brewing at Smith? 2/5/2009 Local tournaments overlap with tour-level events all the time and encroachment issues invariably crop up, but there's a 4-day derby in the works for Virginia's Smith Mountain Lake to precisely coincide with the Bassmaster Elite Series event in April that could really create some controversy. According to a Roanoke Times column by Mark Taylor, the organizers admit that the idea stemmed from BASS' decision to eliminate Elite Series co-anglers this year.
Its official name is Beat the Elites, and it's billed on the FAQ section of the tournament website as an opportunity for amateur anglers to "expose their talent." The top prize is a hefty $12,000, and a $1,000 bonus will be awarded to an angler with a 4-day weight that's higher than the Elite winner's total. The cuts (Top 50 after 2 days, Top 12 after 3 days) will mirror those of the Elite Series.
Here's a look at Kansas Bassmaster Elite Series angler Brent Chapman's 2009 wrap. It promotes Ultra-Tech, Inc., a machine shop owned by his father, and replaces the GE Silicone II skin he sported for the past 3 years until that deal dissolved this offseason. He's also picked up Labette County, Kan. as a new sponsor.
Mercury Marine has introduced MercMonitor, an affordable, high-value vessel-monitoring system that features a completely digital display and a multi-color customizable LCD screen. Three versions are offered: Basic MercMonitor, MercMonitor with RPM SmartTow and MercMonitor with SmartTow Pro.
MercMonitor has an engine-detection system that automatically determines the boat’s engine type and configures the gauge appropriately. Additionally, the 42 functions can be programmed to appear in groups of three in as many as five configurations. The face consists of three information segments, and any of the functions can appear in groups of three.
The 3 3/8-inch round gauge can be fitted for engine models dating back to 2002. Available colors include blue, yellow, red, purple, green and teal, and every gauge can be programmed to show any of the colors.
Depending on engine and installation, available features include: air/sea temperature, auto speed sensor transition, battery voltage, boat speed, coolant pressure, coolant temperature, depth, digital speed, dot matrix LCD display, engine alarms, engine horn, engine synchronizer, engine trim, fuel flow, fuel level, fuel range, fuel to waypoint, fuel used, GPS course and speed, GPS speed, horn fault, ignition fault, injector fault, low-depth warning, low-fuel warning, low-oil warning, oil level, oil pressure, oil system fault, oil temperature, reserve oil, RPM, Smart Tow, speed sensor fault, steering angle, system link range connection, time of day, trip pop-up, trim synchronizer, troll control, water in fuel fault and water pressure.
Mike Iaconelli fans may want to note that the new season of his City Limits fishing show begins this Friday at 9:00 p.m. and 12:00 a.m. The show airs on Versus. For more info on the show, click here.
Also, word came from Ike that USA Today will run a large urban-fishing story this Thursday or Friday, so keep an eye out.
Bassmaster Elite Series pro Bill Lowen recently inked an endorsement deal with Zag Enterprises, inventor of the Rod Guard. Terms of the deal were described as multiyear.
The Rod Guard is a foam flotation product that helps safeguard rods and reels from sinking should they fall overboard.
In announcing the deal, Zag Industries founder Steve Hall said: "I met Bill at a charity event in 2007 and was immediately impressed with how easily he interacted with people and honestly tried to help them catch more fish. We developed and patented the Rod Guard over a 2-year period, with Bill's input taking it to the next level. He expanded its effectiveness and practicality to make it work for all rods and all fishermen. The simple, yet patented technology of the Rod Guard is a must-have for anglers of all levels and we're excited to be working with one of the best in Bill Lowen."
Lowen noted: "The Rod Guard is a solution to several issues fishermen face, the most obvious being the safeguarding of expensive rods and reels. With rod and reel combinations costing up to $700, it hurts to lose a pole over the side of the boat. Not only is that money down the drain, but it also means presenting a lure without the ideal tool until the rod's replaced.
"I also love how the Rod Guard protects my side during hard hooksets," Lowen added. "About 2 weeks into each season I had a deep bruise in my abdomen from hooksets. The Rod Guard eliminates that problem. Another benefit is peace of mind when taking kids fishing. With the Rod Guard in place I can focus on creating a positive experience for a beginner."
Remember the Swimming Ninja swimbait that Kota Kiriyama had rushed to him at last year's Amistad Bassmaster Elite Series? A friend of his hand-carried them on a plane from Japan, raced to Amistad by car, then handed the baits to Kota.
Kota caught all his big fish on the Swimming Ninjas and finished 12th. All told, with plane fare included, each of the eight baits Kota got cost about $1,000 each. Jackall picked up the tab.
At the time, the Swimming Ninja – created by famed designer Seiji Kato – was predicted to ship in a month or two. That was pushed back and pushed back. But the good news is Kiriyama confirmed to BassFan that Jackall's Swimming Ninja will be available at the upcoming Red River Bassmaster Classic. Be sure to seek 'em out, as these baits will be hot.
> For more about Jackall and its products, click here.
> Kiriyama also sells Jackall items, as well as other Japanese tackle, on his site: NinjaTackleBox.com.
> To read BassFan's original story on the Swimming Ninja and the hurried flight from Japan, click here.
Nobody appreciates a good value more than BassFan editor-in-chief Jon Storm. Last fall, he had the chance to test Berkley's new Amp rods, which come with a lot of modern components, but cost only $29.95. For Storm's take on the sticks, click here.
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Evan goes bigger with BASS 2/3/2009 BASS announced today the Evan Williams Bourbon has increased its sponsorship agreement with the organization, and the bourbon-seller will now be an official sponsor of BASS.
The multi-year agreement includes sponsorship of the Bassmaster Classic, Bassmaster Elite Series, Bassmaster Opens and BASS Federation Nation. In addition, Evan Williams will title-sponsor two Elite Series events this season, including the Dixie Duel at Wheeler.
In announcing the news, Evan Williams brand manager Susan Wahl said: "Evan Williams Bourbon is excited about extending our involvement with BASS through the official sponsorship. We've continuously upped our stake in professional bass fishing, through our sponsorship of both BASS and Team Evan Williams angler Jason Quinn, since we first became involved 6 years ago. We feel we're supporting an important and growing sport and that we're reaching many of our customers and prospects in a relevant way."
BASS VP and GM Tom Ricks added: "We're pleased with Evan Williams' multiyear commitment to BASS and we'll provide increased exposure opportunities across our event platforms. It takes companies like Evan Williams who are committed to BASS and the outdoors to grow the sport."
As noted, Quinn will retain his Evan Williams sponsorship, but as previously reported on BassFan, former teammate Russ Lane will not carry his Evan Williams sponsorship into the new season.
Oroville Stren rescheduled 2/3/2009 FLW Outdoors announced that the Western Stren and FLW College Fishing events scheduled for Jan. 22-24 and Jan. 24, respectively, at California's Lake Oroville have been rescheduled for May 14-16 and May 16 due to delays in ramp construction at the Bidwell Canyon Marina. According to officials, ramp construction is now slated for completion around the end of February.
College teams are encouraged to register early to secure their spots in the event. Registration is being taken at www.CollegeFishing.com.
FLW rumor update 2/3/2009 There's still the persistent rumor that FLW will soon announce several new major sponsors, but there's no hint as to who it might be.
Also, another rumor has surfaced and it's pretty interesting. There's chatter that with FLW's move to the Versus network, there may be live coverage of this year's Forrest Wood Cup.
Of course, live coverage of a fishing tournament is a massive undertaking. Although it can be less intensive if just the final weigh-in is broadcast. For a look back into the BassFan archive, to a time when live championship coverage was largely untested, click here to read a story from 2003 titled, What It Takes To Put The Classic On TV.
Academy titles WBT 2/2/2009 The Women's Bassmaster Tour is getting a lot of press lately, namely because it qualified its first angler, Kim Bain, to the Bassmaster Classic.
Academy Sports + Outdoors must have liked what it saw, because it has increased its involvement with the Tour and will serve as title sponsor (it had been presenting sponsor since 2007).
Academy director of outdoor marketing Jerry deBin noted: "Academy Sports and Outdoors is actively involved in communities and events promoting healthy sports and outdoors lifestyles for every member of the family. We're pleased to sponsor the Women's Bassmaster Tour because it reflects our own philosophy that team sports and outdoors recreation should be accessible and affordable for everyone."
deBin added: "Each tournament week kicks off at the Academy Sports + Outdoor store with meet the pros Wednesday night, daily weigh-ins Thursday and Friday, and the final weigh-in Saturday that includes a host of free games and festivities for the whole family."
Here's a photo of Greg Hackney's wrap for the upcoming season. It's a Youvella wrap with some Tru-Tungsten art mixed in. Remember that Fish Harder Companies, parent of Tru-Tungsten, purchased Youvella (a hook company) in July of last year.
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TONIGHT: VanDam, more on Nat Geo 2/2/2009 Some pretty cool news here. Tonight at 10:00 p.m. on the National Geographic Channel, BassFans can watch a film called Hooked On Bass, which takes a look at bass-fishing culture and science. Subjects include a father and son pair from Texas, the Mac Weakley posse, plus the one-and-only Kevin VanDam.
The film was produced and directed by Tim Schick of Career Sports & Entertainment. Narrator is Tommy Sanders.
Cajun ties up Hack, Wurm 2/2/2009 Zebco Brands announced that Bassmaster Elite Series anglers Greg Hackney and Mike Wurm have been signed to the pro staff of the company's Cajun Line brand. They'll be fishing Cajun's red monofilament lines and braid, and the recently introduced clear fluorocarbon.
There's some lineage here. Both Hack and Wurm are sponsored by Quantum. BassFans may remember that Cajun was formerly a Shakespeare line brand, but when Pure Fishing acquired Shakespeare, the Federal Trade Commission forced Pure Fishing to sell the Cajun line brand. Zebco, parent company of Quantum, purchased Cajun.
"Getting Greg and Mike on board to promote Cajun Line is big news and symbolizes the emphasis we're putting behind this brand and the fishing line category," said said Cajun Line product manager James Therrell, "These anglers represent the same kind of integrity and get-it-done fortitude by which the Cajun brand was originally founded, and most importantly, they believe in the quality of these products as strongly as we do."
Hackney was among several pro-staffers who left Gamma recently when terms of the contracts were altered. Wurm was formerly with Stren, but fished last year without a line sponsor.
"I actually tested the fluorocarbon line on redfish because they're stronger and harder on line than bass," Hackney said. "I fished all day, caught 12 redfish ranging from 5 to 20 pounds and never had to re-tie and never broke the line. I have a lot of confidence knowing that my Quantum reels will be spooled with Cajun for the Bassmaster Classic."
Said Wurm: "I did some thorough testing of the new fluorocarbon line at the recent PAA tournament on Lake Toho, and I was very impressed. It casts extremely well, and after 3 days of testing, I saw no evidence of wear and never had to re-spool. I'm confident Cajun will make many bass anglers better fishermen."
Former Bassmaster Elite Series pro Bryan Hudgins caught 30-15 on day 2 of the weekend's Harris Chain Bassmaster Southern Open, then followed up with 14-09 the next day and won the event by more than 10 pounds. It marked his first BASS victory.
Hudgins flipped close, while most others in the field made runs.
"Most of the guys ran way far away, so the water was all muddied from the boats passing through there all day for the past week," Hudgins said. "Those fish took a pounding so I thought the bite would slow, and it did. I didn't burn a quarter tank of gas the whole time. It all came together (on day 2), and continued into (day 3)."
The full details of his winning pattern will be published soon.
Harris Chain Final Top 10
1. Bryan Hudgins -- Orange Park, Fla. -- 15, 68-06
Day 1: 5, 22-14 -- Day 2: 5, 30-15 -- Day 3: 5, 14-09
2. Scott Ashmore -- Broken Arrow, Okla. -- 15, 58-02
Day 1: 5, 17-13 -- Day 2: 5, 28-04 -- Day 3: 5, 12-01
3. Bobby Lane -- Lakeland, Fla. -- 15, 54-13
Day 1: 5, 20-00 -- Day 2: 5, 20-02 -- Day 3: 5, 14-11
4. John Kremer -- Sanford, Fla. -- 11, 51-06
Day 1: 5, 29-13 -- Day 2: 5, 17-13 -- Day 3: 1, 3-12
5. Timmy Horton -- Muscle Shoals, Ala. -- 15, 51-02
Day 1: 5, 23-00 -- Day 2: 5, 10-15 -- Day 3: 5, 17-03
6. Greg Vinson -- Wetumpka, Ala. -- 15, 45-11
Day 1: 5, 25-09 -- Day 2: 5, 9-04 -- Day 3: 5, 10-14
7. Todd Auten -- Lake Wylie, S.C. -- 14, 44-12
Day 1: 5, 18-07 -- Day 2: 5, 16-04 -- Day 3: 4, 10-01
8. Jimmie Murphy -- Ocala, Fla. -- 14, 43-03
Day 1: 5, 17-03 -- Day 2: 5, 16-11 -- Day 3: 4, 9-05
9. Mike White -- Reynoldsburg, Ohio -- 15, 41-06
Day 1: 5, 17-10 -- Day 2: 5, 9-00 -- Day 3: 5, 14-12
10. Terry Segraves -- Kissimmee, Fla. -- 11, 41-00
Day 1: 1, 6-09 -- Day 2: 5, 18-09 -- Day 3: 5, 15-14
Day 4 at the Okeechobee Eastern FLW Series was pretty brutal. Four of the final Top 10 blanked, and four more failed to weigh more than 10 pounds. But Jimmy McMillan caught 16-14 and extended his buffer even more to win the event by a 13-pound margin.
"This is the best feeling in the world," McMillan said, who won the Eastern Series points title last year. "This win is for my family. They're my biggest supporters. I went out looking for fish on Jan. 7 and found some key places (where) I knew I could catch fish during the tournament. This area had the right water quality and was perfect for bass. The bottom was made up of mussel beds and sand. After finding this area I couldn't wait for the tournament to start. I knew that the fish would be caught on the north end of the lake."
He added that he caught all his fish with two baits – a Reaction Innovations Skinny Dipper and Sweet Beaver. The full details of his winning pattern will be posted soon.
George Jeane Jr. came out of relative obscurity to win the Pickwick FLW Tour in March 2006 and then logged some decent finishes the following year, but completely fell off the map in 2008. In the six regular-season events last year, he fared no better than 123rd and ended up 185th in the Angler of the Year (AOY) standings.
The 45-year-old confessed that he probably shouldn't have fished after March. He blew out the rotator cuff on his left (casting) shoulder and, despite several cortisone shots, was in immense pain for the rest of the season. He had the injury repaired via surgery in September, though, and said he'll be at full strength this year.
"It's hard to be effective when you can't use all of your limbs," he said. "I don't know how it happened, but all of a sudden it started hurting. I let it go for a month or so and then finally went to the doctor, and it had torn completely loose."
He said the doctor wanted to operate right away, but he opted to put it off until after the season.
"I had to do a lot of fishing with spinning gear and trying to cast right-handed. All I was doing was spending my (entry-fee) money doing that.
"In practice I was doing a lot of looking instead of fishing because I was trying to save the shoulder for the tournament. It was unbearable at times."
He said the surgery and his rehabilitation both went extremely well.
"It's doing real good – I finished with my therapy last month and I'm ready to go. I've actually got more reach (with the repaired arm) than I do with my right arm right now."
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