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.
Triton-Ranger marriage: full report 7/30/2010 Did you miss BassFan's follow-up, expansive report on the recent sale of Triton Boats to Platinum Equity? If so, click here to read it.
As follow-up to today's announced sale of Triton Boats, Fishing Holdings issued a separate announcement that Triton founder and president Earl Bentz will stay on to oversee the brand.
"Triton founder Earl Bentz will join Fishing Holdings and resume his role at the helm of Triton Boats," the announcement said. "Additionally, several key members of Triton's executive management and sales-representative group will remain onboard the Triton team and will continue to lead the brand from their Tennessee office."
Bentz stated: "This move creates an exciting opportunity to reenergize the Triton brand. As we move ahead we'll look to our roots and to our dedication to the fishing community on which the Triton brand was founded. I've been working closely with many Triton dealers since I started the company. I look forward to continuing that collaboration with our dealer base and to serving our loyal customers into the future."
Fishing Holdings president Randy Hopper noted: "We're extremely pleased to have Earl and his senior management team join our organization. The acquisition will allow us to leverage our world-class manufacturing operations and further strengthen our unwavering commitment to fishing, boating families and competitive tournament angling."
> Fishing Holdings is an affiliate of Platinum Equity and its Project Boat Holdings division. Fishing Holdings oversees Platinum's bass-boat brands.
Depending on where you live, the local schools may have some type of fishing education. More likely they don't. A recent donation from Pure Fishing to the Future Fisherman Foundation aims to increase the presence of such programs and help bring fishing and conservation into the classroom.
Recent studies have shown that if a person doesn't engage in fishing activities by the age of 18, chances are they'll never develop an interest. The Future Fisherman Foundation helps public, private and charter schools incorporate the benefits and rewards of fishing, boating and aquatic-conservation activities into their school curriculum. Training and resources are available to school-based programs for grades K-12.
Foundation executive director Keith Sutton noted: "Pure Fishing's generous donation will enable us to teach our curriculum to educators who want to incorporate youth fishing activities into their learning programs. It also will allow us to begin creating online training opportunities that give educators a head start at implementing new programs in their communities. Without Pure Fishing's support, this wouldn't have been possible. We're very appreciative they've shown leadership in supporting youth fishing-education programs throughout the U.S."
Want to get in on the action? Qualified educators who sign up for the program can purchase rods, reels, fly-fishing tackle, accessories and more from a portfolio of Pure Fishing brands that includes Shakespeare, Berkley, Stren, Pflueger, Mitchell, Johnson and more. For information, visit FutureFisherman.org.
Triton sale: news coming? 7/29/2010 In regard to the rumored sale of Triton Boats to Platinum Equity, it's been relatively quiet out there, but several well-placed sources now say they expect news to land today or tomorrow. Stay tuned.
2010 Cup: What's up? 7/29/2010 Jay Yelas has won every major tour title in fishing except the FLW championship – now called the Forrest Wood Cup. Today on the Catch More Fish page, he calls in and talks about what he expects to find this year at Lake Lanier, and how he plans to begin the official Cup practice. To listen to his interview, click here.
Brent Long has a record of tournament success that would turn most guys green with envy. But until this year, amid all his success, he admits he was still leaving a lot of "green" on the table.
The 39-year-old homebuilder from North Carolina has competed in both the Bassmaster Classic and the BFL All American, and he recently won $125,000 at the FLW Tour event at Lake Guntersville. Still, he was missing out. Missing out on Toyota Trucks Bonus Bucks.
“I qualified to fish in the Bassmaster Federation Nation Championship in Florida last fall and while I was there I picked up a Toyota Bonus Bucks brochure and started reading it. I fast realized that in 2009 alone I had missed out on $10,000 in Bonus Bucks by not having a Toyota truck and not being registered for Bonus Bucks,” said Long, who lives a short cast from Lake Norman, N.C.
“Literally days after I read that Bonus Bucks brochure, I went out and bought a 2010 Toyota Tundra Double Cab with the TRD package,” said Long who loves to fish shallow, but won the recent Guntersville event on deeper ledges. “I love my Tundra, it’s got plenty of power. It’s the best tow vehicle I’ve ever had.
He plans to use the $125,000 he won at Guntersville toward a home he and his family recently built. He’ll also use a portion of it to pad his twin daughters’ college fund. The $2,000 in Bonus Bucks he collected to compliment the win could buy those softball-playing girls a lot of textbooks someday.
“Three years ago I rode in Terry Scroggins’ Tundra and I was really impressed. I knew at that point Toyota was building a great tow vehicle, but I continued to drive another brand and missed out on a lot of Bonus Bucks money along the way,” said Long.
Don’t wait – tow with a Toyota Truck and sign up for Bonus Bucks. It’s simple, own a 2007 or newer Tundra, Sequoia, 4Runner, FJ Cruiser or Tacoma, send in your registration form like Brent Long did, become the highest-finishing eligible participant in your BASS or FLW affiliated tournament – and you win the Bonus Bucks.
To find out more and to make sure you’re signed up, visit ToyotaTrucksBonusBucks.com or call Kendell at (918) 742-6424.
Scroggins talks title 7/27/2010 A new episode of BassFan Radio features Toyota Trucks pro Terry Scroggins, who weighs in on the BASS post-season this week in Alabama. Who does he think will win the title?
To listen to a Windows Media version of the show, click here.
For a QuickTime version, or to sign up for the BassFan Radio Podcasts, click here.
Manabu Kurita has decided to sell his world-record mount. He writes about the decision on his blog, worldrecord-giantbass.blogspot.com, and notes a few reasons he decided to sell.
For one, the mount just sits in his house collecting dust. He thinks it's a "waste of a situation" for the mount. And curiously, the mount seems to haunt him and he's grown to hate it, he writes, because it's nothing more than a tie for the world record. Plus, when a new world-record is caught, whether by him or someone else, the catch would make his mount worthless.
Remember, he's a passionate angler without much money and he wants to be able to finance his chase for the "real" world record (as written about here).
How about it BassFans? Any guess on the selling price?
FYI: cheating scandal & more 7/27/2010 In this week's episode of Facts of Fishing FYI, host Dave Mercer covers several hop topics like the U.S. Open, the Canadian Open, the BASS post-season and a potential world-record brown trout.
BASS post-season 2011 7/26/2010 BASS today announced that next year's Toyota Trucks Championship Week will feature the exact same format as this year's and last year's Championship Weeks.
Competition in 2011 will again be at Lake Jordan and the Alabama River at the end of July. Here are the specific dates:
2011 Championship Week
July 23-24 -- Trophy Chase -- Lake Jordan -- Wetumpka, Ala.
July 29-30 -- Trophy Triumph -- Alabama River -- Montgomery, Ala
Dave Wolak caught a 16-02 bag today to win the Champlain Bassmaster Northern Open in Plattsburgh, N.Y. The Bassmaster Elite Series pro, who grew up in the region but now resides in North Carolina, compiled a 54-01 total over 3 days and held off runner-up Ryan Said by just over a pound.
“This tournament means more to me than anything in my career,” he said. “More than the Rookie of the Year or the Bassmaster Major that I won. This lake has a sense of purity about it, and when you come up here you really have to find the fish first. You have to make changes navigationally and strategically.
“I came up here planning to fish for largemouth, thinking that’s what was going to win it, but I started fishing for smallies early on. I made a critical move on Friday because the north wind made me fish shallow. I found a grass mat and whacked ‘em. That wind tucked the fish up under there.”
Said finished with 53-01. Tracy Adams was 3rd with 52-04, followed by Ish Monroe with 52-00 and Mike Haggerty with 51-15.
Wolak flipped a Fin-Tech Title Shot jig tipped with a Yum Craw Papi into grass to entice most of his fish. Details of his winning pattern will be published soon.
Most BassFans know that the legendary Rick Clunn holds the U.S. Open in extremely high regard – putting it right on par with the Bassmaster Classic (which he's won four times). The 1983 and 1986 Open champion and 3rd-place finisher this year today offered his thoughts on the cheating incident perpetrated by Mike Hart earlier this week.
"It's a type of desperation that's sickening in a way," he said. "I don't understand that mentality and why somebody would take that kind of chance. We've had isolated incidences of it over the years, but sooner or later these guys always get themselves caught.
"I think (WON Bass) handled it right, but if it were up to me, I'd have gotten a bunch of us old guys together who really respect the sport and we'd have taken him out in the desert and used the old Apache method of staking him to an ant bed. To me, that would be the fitting punishment."
The incident in no way diminishes the esteem he places upon the event.
"If I had one tournament to fish for the rest of my life, it would be the U.S. Open. The Classic isn't what it used to be because guys are getting so much help in that tournament and on the Elite Series. You can't get that kind of help on Lake Mead - you've got to do it yourself.
"It's the toughest tournament there's ever been and the toughest there ever will be. In my mind, you cannot say you're the best until you've won a U.S. Open in July, August or September."
It's all in the legs 7/23/2010 Berkley has introduced a toad into its Chigger family, and the key to its success lies in its buzzing legs. To learn more about it and pick up some pointers on fishing it from Boyd Duckett, click on over to the Catch More Fish page.
Denali signs three 7/23/2010 Denali rods continues its pro-staff expansion with the recent addition of FLW Tour pros Brian Travis, Christian Romans and John Voyles.
Of the three, Travis is most recognizable. A former TBF National Champion, he made a run at the Forrest Wood Cup title at Lake Murray in 2008 and qualified for this year's Cup through the Tour.
Denali president Scott Estes noted: "These are three young anglers who've already experienced success at the professional level and have all the tools to really go far. Christian, John and Brian have the talent and the marketing ability to help Denali, and we look forward to supporting and growing with them in their careers."
Skeet Reese wants BassFans to know that he launched a new video journal on his site that'll track his performance this week and next at Toyota Trucks Bass Championship week.
Worst-case scenario 7/23/2010 In the latest BassFan Opinion piece, Managing Editor John Johnson delves into the cheating scandal at the recent U.S. Open and surmises that the perpetrator would give just about anything to get a do-over. To read it, click here.
Evers, Pace chase 'dream' 7/22/2010 Talk of the Toyota Trucks BASS Angler of the Year (AOY) race tends to focus on two very likely suspects – current leader Skeet Reese and two-time defending champ Kevin VanDam.
But based on points, the two anglers who stand the best chance of winning the title, aside from Reese, are Edwin Evers and Cliff Pace, who enter Toyota Trucks BASS Championship Week at 2nd and 3rd in the points, respectively. Neither has ever won a major title in the sport.
"I'm ready – I'm real ready to go get it done," Evers said. "I'm not anxious or nervous. We've got two more tournaments and I'm ready."
The AOY title is perhaps the most coveted title among pros and Pace, who makes his second-consecutive post-season appearance, wants it bad. "It would be great for me to pull it off and do something I've always wanted to accomplish in my career," he said. "You just give yourself the opportunities and hope it happens. It would give me a great sense of accomplishment, more than anything else, if I won the title."
Evers likewise noted the sense of personal accomplishment the title would deliver. "It would be a dream come true," he said. "It's something I've been working for every year since I've been fishing, and it's something I've dreamed about since I was a kid. It's been a lifelong goal."
The official 2-day practice for the first leg of the post-season is underway at Lake Jordan in Alabama. Competition runs this Saturday and Sunday. The field then moves to the Alabama River in Montgomery for the final 2-day event next weekend.
A win for the elder Long 7/22/2010 Brent Long earned $125,000 for his victory at the FLW Tour regular-season finale last month at Alabama's Lake Guntersville. Now his father, Larry, has pocketed $50,000 as the FLW Fantasy Fishing grand-prize winner for 2010.
“I never once thought about winning," said the elder Long, a resident of Lincolnton, N.C. "I don’t know what I'll do. I've always wanted to take a trip to Montana, so maybe I'll do that.
“This is some surprise," he continued. “I thought I did well, maybe a Top 10 finish, but I never thought I would win the whole thing. This is going to take some time to sink in, but it will be put to good use – that I can guarantee. I still can’t believe it and don’t know what I'll do with the money. I guess I'll have to talk to my wife.”
Said Brent Long: “He does it all on his own, but I kept telling him if he wouldn’t pick me to win, he'd do better. When he told me he was in 9th after Lake Ouachita, I had no idea he was doing that well."
Dennis Burns of Tiffin, Ohio, took home $25,000 for finishing 2nd. Benny Esquivel of Tehachapi, Calif., took 3rd overall and will be heading to Cabela’s to redeem his $5,000 gift card before he and one guest go on a fishing trip to Lake El Salto in Mexico for 5 days.
Eli Purdy, a college student at the University of Kentucky who also competes on the National Guard FLW College Fishing circuit, finished 4th and won a BRP Can-Am Outlander 400 all-terrain vehicle. Brannon Morgan of Collierville, Tenn., rounded out the Top 5 and pocketed $5,000.
Plano Molding Co. made sizable donations to two organizations and recognized a longtime relationship with a sales pioneer at the recent ICAST show in Las Vegas.
Plano gave a $5,000 check to the Fish America Foundation, earmarking the money to benefit the group's newly created Gulf Relief Fund. The company also donated $5,000 to KeepAmericaFishing.org, an American Sportfishing Association-managed and operated website that was started earlier this year as a place to house information about California’s Marine Life Protection Act (MLPA). In light of other recent concerns regarding fisheries resources and access, including the Gulf oil spill, the scope of Keep America Fishing has since been expanded to cover a variety of topics.
“We don’t look at these donations as being something we should do; these are programs we want to support,” said Plano marketing manager Jesse Simpkins. “Plano believes these efforts are critical to the future of the sport, and we support them financially and with in-kind services. Plano has a legacy of giving back to this industry, and doing so now is more critical than ever."
Following the check presentations, Plano honored industry sales icon Charles F. Dunkin (at left in accompanying photo alongside Plano president Pete Henning), CEO of Dunkin-Lewis Inc., with special gifts commemorating a 50-year relationship with the salesman. Among the items was a decorative display case featuring one of the original Plano tackle boxes and related memorabilia. He also received an original oil painting by an Illinois artist of a man and a boy sitting on a dock.
“Starting with a few southern states that didn’t even include Florida at first, Charlie and the Dunkin-Lewis group have ended up representing Plano extremely well across a very large geography,” said Henning.
Conservation head leaving BASS 7/22/2010 Chris Horton is leaving his post as BASS conservation director to join the Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation as regional director for the National Assembly of Sportsmen's Caucuses (NASC). He'll assume his new position in September.
"Fishing, hunting and protecting our fish and wildlife resources is a personal passion that I share with millions of Americans and I'm both honored and excited about the opportunity to work with an organization that has such a proven track record of protecting America's hunting and angling heritage," he said. "I believe that accepting this position provides the best and most direct opportunity to implement policies that not only benefit our natural resources, but also safeguard our ability to enjoy those resources."
Horton joins CSF to deepen and expand the existing relationships that the NASC program has developed with state legislators, governors, and legislative staff. He'll be based out of his home state of Arkansas.
"This expansion with the addition of such a trusted and well-known figure in the sportsmen's community such as Chris will allow the organization to better serve NASC state caucuses and governors," said CSF president Jeff Crane. "By increasing awareness of the caucuses and developing a more in-depth knowledge of fish, wildlife, and conservation related issues and policies for different regions, Chris will provide valuable on-the-ground assistance to state legislators, governors and legislative staff."
Horton's primary role at BASS was to work with and represent the BASS Federation Nation and BASS members on local, state, and national conservation issues that impact sport fishing.
"Chris' vast knowledge of conservation practices and our precious natural resources served BASS well during his tenure," said BASS VP and GM Tom Ricks. "BASS' reputation in the industry and beyond is highly regarded because of Chris' work and we wish him the best of luck in the future."
Added a BASS communications official: "BASS introduced the catch-and-release concept in 1972 and has shown an unwavering commitment to conservation and our natural resources since its inception. Nothing will change. We anticipate filling Chris' role in some fashion in the near future."
WON Bass has indicated that due to what it believes was a cheating incident today at the U.S. Open, Mike Hart of Winnetka, Calif. has been banned for life from all WON Bass tournaments.
WON Bass stated that it will press charges against Hart. Allegedly, Hart stuffed weights into fish before weighing them. When confronted at weigh-in, Hart immediately left the scene, WON Bass said.
To the right is a photo of lead weights retrieved from the bellies of Hart's fish.
U.S. Open: Pirch wins, another angler banned 7/21/2010
Rick Clunn made a good run at it, but Cliff Pirch has emerged as the unofficial winner of the 2010 WON Bass U.S. Open. If the standings hold up when made official, Pirch will be crowned a two-time U.S. Open champ at tonight's awards banquet (when the official standings are announced).
Clunn unofficially finished 3rd, with Dick Watson in the runner-up position.
Also of note was a report by WON Bass on its tournament-coverage blog that the league had busted a "cheater" at the event. It's not known if the person in question is a co or pro. WON Bass features a shared-weight format, which would seemingly provide equal motive for a co or pro to cheat.
Allegedly, WON Bass found lead weights stuffed into fish 2 days in a row.
Desaro takes Open lead 7/21/2010 Bink Desaro caught a 13.34 bag today to move from 38th place into the lead after day 2 of the U.S. Open at Lake Mead in Nevada.
Desaro's 22.32-pound total gave him a narrow advantage over Kevin Johnson, who has 22.29. Johnson would've moved into 1st had he not occurred a .20-pound penalty.
The legendary Rick Clunn climbed from 14th to 3rd with an 11.79 sack today for a 22.01 total. Here's a look at the Top 20 with 1 day to fish:
1. Bink Desaro: 22.32
2. Kevin Johnson: 22.29
3. Rick Clunn: 22.01
4. Sean Stafford: 21.77
5. Dick Watson: 20.60
6. Gerald Loughran: 20.59
7. David Kemper: 20.56
8. Clifford Pirch: 20.54
9. Randy Estrada: 20.46
10. John Weisfuss: 20.37
11. John Perkins: 20.24
12. Keith Ferlanie: 19.68
13. Wade Strelic: 19.49
14. Jeff Hudson: 19.40
15. Kevin Wiggins: 19.20
16. Michael Hart: 18.82
17. Dennis Kolender: 18.80
18. Byron Velvick: 18.77
19. Gilbert Valadez: 18.42
20. Steve Czerinski: 18.38
Rumors surrounding a BASS sale have intensified over the past few days, and the current buzz is there could be an announcement as soon as this weekend. Remember that BASS returns to its Alabama birthplace this week and next for the BASS post-season. The first leg of the post-season is based in Wetumpka, then the second leg is based in Montgomery – site of BASS headquarters from its founding until April 2005 (when ESPN relocated BASS to Celebration, Fla.). Either venue seems a fitting site to announce news.
Jerry McKinnis is still the name most connected to the sale, but the name Don Logan has also arisen alongside McKinnis. Logan, a passionate bass angler who now lives in Birmingham, Ala., is a former corporate heavy hitter.
Logan's best known as the former chairman and CEO of Time Inc. and later chairman of the media and communications division of the merged AOL Time Warner. Immediately prior to his retirement in 2005 he oversaw Time Inc., America Online, Time Warner Cable, and the AOL Time Warner Book Group and Interactive Video Unit.
Before his Time appointment, Logan enjoyed a long and successful tenure as head of Southern Progress Corp. (SPC), which publishes magazine titles such as Southern Living, Cooking Light and Health. SPC was acquired by Time in 1985.
The rumored Logan connection is interesting on several fronts. Whereas McKinnis traditionally focused on broadcast and more recently digital, Logan boasts deep roots in print media, as well as his obvious digital management experience overseeing the post-merger AOL.
Additionally, Logan is currently co-owner of Seek Publishing with sons Jeff and Stan. Seek is a Birmingham-based venture that publishes greeting-card-style booklets that focus on specific years and are popular birthday gifts.
The Logan trio also own the Birmingham Barons minor-league baseball club.
BASS generates media on every major platform, and Logan's print, electronic and cable management experience would thus seem a strong complement to McKinnis' demonstrated excellence in broadcast media and affinity with the BASS membership at large.
When asked about a potential sale announcement this week or next, BASS offered only its previous statement: "BASS has not been sold. It's a coveted property and parties are always looking to acquire its assets, but there's nothing to announce."
Lucky Craft didn't have a display booth at the recent ICAST industry tradeshow in Las Vegas, which fueled rumors that the company, or at least its U.S. division, was in bankruptcy or in the process of being sold.
Upon inquiry from BassFan, Lucky Craft said such rumors were untrue.
Here's the company's full statement:
"Recently there's been wide and inaccurate speculation throughout the fishing industry about Lucky Craft lures. Rumors and speculation that Lucky Craft is going bankrupt are completely untrue. Lucky Craft has not filed for bankruptcy nor is there a need to do so.
"Likewise, rumors and speculation that Lucky Craft is for sale are completely untrue. Lucky Craft is not for sale and there are no plans whatsoever to sell the company.
"Lucky Craft continues to design, manufacture, stock and ship premium hardbaits for the USA, Japan, Europe and several other markets. A full list of new products for the 2011 season can be found here.
"Lucky Craft USA is a subsidiary of Lucky Craft Japan and continues to be owned and operated by the original officers."
It's never too early to start thinking about bed-fishing baits for next spring, and one to consider is the Swimming Ninja G90 soft swimbait from Jackall that debuted last week at ICAST in Las Vegas. When you stop reeling it, it falls to the bottom and stands on its mouth, imitating a small fish preying on bass eggs or fry.
Scheduled to hit the stores in the fall, it'll come in six colors (bluegill, spawn gill, black crappie, threadfin shad, baby bass and baby bluegill). It's just over 3 1/2 inches long and weighs in at 3/4-ounce.
There's an additional eye under the throat for placement of a second hook, if desired.
'Rude summer promo 7/19/2010 BassFans who plan to make a motor purchase this summer should be aware that Evinrude recently announced its Summer Sales Event. Here are the details.
From now through Sept. 6, consumers who purchase an eligible Evinrude E-Tec outboard will qualify for a 5-year BRP factory-backed limited warranty (3-year factory warranty plus an additional 2-year B.E.S.T. coverage) on eligible 25-hp and higher engines.
FLW Outdoors: beta 7/19/2010 FLW Outdoors is getting ready to launch a redesigned site. The link to the new-site preview can be found on the FLWOutdoors.com homepage.
Bass cards: a history lesson 7/19/2010 BASS recently announced a joint promotion with sponsor Bass Pro Shops, whereby shoppers at the Prattville, Ala. Bass Pro will receive limited-edition trading cards that feature the 12 BASS post-season competitors. The cards can be used for discounts and to win prizes.
Of course, these aren't the first pro-bass trading cards the sport has seen. Way back in the day, Mike Jones dreamed up the idea of trading-card sets for pro angling. The cards actually landed him in a little bit of hot water with BASS.
George Kramer posts about that topic on his blog and Jones reviews the history of his original Pro League Bass trading cards. Check out the story here, and be sure to click the photos to enlarge.
R U ready? 7/19/2010 Every once in a while we here at BassFan see a new fishing commercial worth sharing. The spot below is for Frabill's new FXE Storm Suit, which won a Best of Show award in the apparel division last week at ICAST. Check it out and see if you're ready.
Show winner: youth focus 7/16/2010 Pflueger won a Best of Show award this week at ICAST for its Apprentice youth combo. The setup's built for kids who want to make that step from beginner to apprentice, and it's reasonably priced at $59.99. All the details, plus photos, can be found over at the Catch More Fish page.
Mark Zona's fishing show will move to Outdoor Channel. An announcement from Outdoor Channel noted that Zona's show, plus Madfin Shark and Spanish Fly, will all air on OC, although Spanish Fly is playing there currently.
ESPN2, which recently confirmed it would drop its outdoor programming next year (except for The Bassmasters), owns the title to Zona's World's Greatest Fishing Show. Zona told BassFan today that his new show will be titled Zona's Awesome Fishing Show and it'll dedicate approximately 90% to 95% of its time to bass content.
All three shows are produced by CSE, which acquired JM Associates in September 2007.
Mike McKinnis, VP of media content at CSE, noted: "For 25 years we've used our fishing shows to take our viewers on worldwide adventures and tell great stories. We're excited to partner with Outdoor Channel to reach its audience of avid anglers, outdoorsmen and women and to take them on the boat with us as we battle sharks, visit incredible locations and fish the best waters available. With Jose Wejebe and Mark Zona, I'm pretty sure we'll have some fun too."
2010 ICAST: Best of Show 7/15/2010 The American Sportsfishing Association today announced the Best in Show winners at this week's ICAST tradeshow in Las Vegas. Here's the list.
Carp update 7/15/2010 There's movement along several fronts in the battle to keep Asian carp out of the Great Lakes.
At the Maumee River flashpoint, the Indiana DNR plans to install a mesh barrier at Eagle Marsh. The hope is to prevent the travel of carp from the Wabash River to the Maumee River (a Lake Erie tributary) in the event of flooding.
There's little to report concerning the Chicago flashpoint. On the one hand are groups that want the Chicago locks closed as a sure measure to prevent carp from reaching Lake Michigan via the locks. On the other hand are groups with a vested interest in the locks that argue against closure and cite the need for further science.
The Obama administration plans to appoint a carp czar within a month to oversee state and federal issues during the ongoing battle.
Lastly, Illinois governor Pat Quinn announced a partnership with a Chinese packing company whereby Asian carp would be commercially harvested then sent to China for consumption, where the fish is a delicacy. Several groups, however, have raised the specter of PCB, mercury and chlordane contamination in the carp, which are bottom-feeders.
All BassFans, and especially those who care about the Great Lakes, are encouraged to call or write their representatives in Congress and tell them that Asian carp must be stopped.
Z-Man Fishing products announced today that it's been granted a second utility patent that expands the protection of its ChatterBait product line. The initial patent issued last month covers the unique bladed swimjig inventions of the Original ChatterBait. The new patent (No. 7,726,062) expands the intellectual property (IP) to cover a variety of bladed lures and broadens the protection covering the mechanism by which the blade is attached.
"We are confident that with two patents behind us covering the ChatterBait, Z-Man will be successful in preventing copycats from profiting from our advancements in lure design," said company president Jonathan Zucker. "We have gone to great lengths to protect the research and development, innovations and inventions evidenced in the ChatterBait line and anticipate that our issued IP protections will deter knock-offs and strengthen the integrity of the Z-Man and ChatterBait brands."
Z-Man noted in its release that it has additional pending patent applications aimed at expanding its IP coverage.
Remember when Skeet Reese told BassFan that he'd have a new reel sponsor to announce this summer? Turns out it's Wright & McGill – the same company that manufactures his relatively new series of signature Tessera rods.
Wright & McGill announced the news at the ICAST tradeshow this week.
The new reels will be called the Victory series. Reese's partnership with Wright-McGill, since its start, has been geared toward quality, affordable products and the Victory reels continue that strategy. The reels carry an MSRP of $119.99, although the manufacturer noted they'll more likely sell for $99.99.
Reese noted in the official announcement: "Wright & McGill and I feel strongly about providing anglers high-quality products that they can afford to fish. I've been testing these reels – they're what I use on tour – and they'll meet the needs and budgets of any angler."
Two other noteworthy bits: Wright & McGill announced new Skeet Reese Micro Honeycomb rods as well as a Skeet Reese Jr. Champion combo for kids that matches a spincast reel with a Tessera casting rod.
> Reese previously fished with Abu Garcia reels and had a signature-series Revo model.
Yesterday, Tommy Biffle noted in his Winning Pattern story that Zell Rowland might be fishing next week's WON Bass U.S. Open. There's an interesting historical footnote there: Rowland won the Mead Bassmaster Top 150 in 1999. Rick Clunn, who typically fishes the Open, finished 2nd to Rowland at that event.
WON Bass, however, informed BassFan today that Rowland won't fish the U.S. Open. His son is arriving home early from duty overseas and Rowland understandably wants to be there. Happy homecoming to the Rowlands.
Like Skeet Reese before him, longtime Champion pro Mike McClelland will now run a Stratos. But it's not a huge change, since he'll still essentially run a Champion.
Project Boat Holdings, a subsidiary of Platinum Equity, acquired the Ranger, Stratos and Champion brands at the Genmar bankruptcy auction. Champion was presumably shuttered as an independent brand, and its three premier products ported over to Stratos as the Champion Elite Series.
McClelland will continue to run the 210 hull.
"I couldn't be more excited," McClelland said in the announcement. "The 210 Elite is an amazing design and is a big part of my overall confidence every time I'm on the water. Just as important, though, are the people at Stratos. They're a great group with a huge love for fishing, an uncompromising product and total commitment to solid performance - just the kind of drive that delivers a lot of winning momentum."
Stratos marketing VP Bart Schad noted: "The addition of the Champion Elite Series helps solidify Stratos' position within the ultra-competitive world of professional-level bass fishing. It doesn't matter if you fish for a living, want to fish for a living or enjoy spending your weekends on the water trying to win some money and a few bragging rights, anglers want a boat that suits their personality. At Stratos, it's all about being aggressive, high performance – built to get the job done."
In addition to McClelland and Reese, the Stratos tour-level pro staff includes Larry Nixon.
Triton for sale? 7/13/2010 The boat business is abuzz with talk that Brunswick Corp. will sell its Triton Boats brand. Platinum Equity is believed to be the buyer.
Project Boat Holdings, a Platinum Equity subsidiary, acquired a number of boat brands at the Genmar bankruptcy auction including Ranger, Champion and Stratos. If the rumors are true, the addition of Triton to that portfolio would be significant. Brunswick would recede from the bass-boat market and leave Project Boat, Tracker Marine, Skeeter and Bass Cat as the dominant bass-boat companies.
Interesting is that the boat-building community assumes Earl Bentz will not regain control of the Triton brand. He started the company, then sold to Brunswick in May 2005, but stayed on as president.
Also interesting is that some industry leaders believe the potential sale of Triton and BASS are linked. Many have pointed out the close friendship between Jerry McKinnis and Ranger founder Forrest Wood. Presumably, if Project Boat did purchase the Triton brand, it would move production to Ranger headquarters in Flippin, Ark., as it did with Stratos.
Because Project Boat is a private-equity firm with a grow-and-sell plan, it could foreseeably sell its boat brands within a few years. The Wood family back at the helm of Ranger et. al., allied with a McKinnis-led group at the head of BASS, could make for a powerful partnership.
Again, all rumor, but it's a heavy line of conversation in the industry right now.
Not unrelated: The talk of a Triton sale has also raised talk of whether Brunswick would seek to sell its Lund and Crestliner aluminum brands.
Neither Brunswick nor Platinum Equity would comment on the rumors. Brunswick, as a publicly traded company, cannot comment on potential sales or acquisitions. Platinum told BassFan it doesn't comment on market rumors nor potential sales or acquisitions.
This week's FYI 7/13/2010 Dave Mercer updates fans with the latest edition of Facts of Fishing FYI. This time week he covers Lebron James, the PAA and ICAST 2010. Check it out.
Former Bassmaster Elite Series pro Mike O'Shea has launched a guide service on the California Delta.
"What I love most is tournament fishing and teaching fishing," he said. "I get such joy and satisfaction from teaching tips and techniques that I've learned in 30-plus years of tournament bass fishing. Hiring a guide not only can show you the right way to approach many on-the-water situations, but can improve your confidence in your ability to catch fish."
As part of his service, he'll also evaluate his clients' equipment and give advice on future purchases for specific applications.
"Let's face it, in the beginning we all are guilty of purchasing and wasting money on insufficient rods and reels that were wrong for a specific technique, and tackle boxes are filled with lures that just look good and never get used."
Stuff that works 7/12/2010 With ICAST opening on Wednesday and all the focus shifting to new gear, BassFan Managing Editor John Johnson has highlighted some equipment that's been around for at least a little while that he's had good experiences with. For a brief synopsis of what those items were and why he liked them, click here.
Yamaha Marine Group recently announced the Sizzlin’ Summer Sales Event, a promotion that offers two different consumer benefits depending upon the technology and horsepower of the eligible outboard purchased.
The consumer benefit for purchasing a new eligible Yamaha 2.5-60 hp four-stroke and 8-150 hp carbureted two-stroke outboard is a credit based on MSRP toward the purchase of goods and/or services at the authorized, participating dealer that sold the outboard, at no extra cost to consumer.
The consumer benefit for purchasing a 75-150 hp, 200-250 hp 3.3L V6 and 300-350 hp 5.3L V8 four-stroke outboard is a 24-month Yamaha Extended Service (Y.E.S.) contract (choice offered in Florida is a 24-month Yamaha Limited Warranty).
This promotion is only applicable for eligible outboard models sold from July 9 through Aug. 31, 2010. Any outboard sold before or after these dates is not eligible.
Additional terms, conditions and procedures apply. For more, visit YamahaOutboards.com.
New spin on Revo 7/9/2010 Abu Garcia has created a high-end spinning reel that's worthy of the Revo name that's so prevalent in the baitcasting realm over the past few years. It'll debut next week at ICAST.
It's made with NanoShield technology gleaned from the nuclear power industry, which the company says makes it 300% stronger than graphite and 50% lighter than aluminum. To learn more, head on over to the Catch More Fish section.
Jacobs in news again 7/9/2010 Earlier this week, Twin Cities Business interviewed Irwin Jacobs about the Genmar bankruptcy and what comes next.
Another Twin Cities trade pub covered Jacobs this week, and focuses more heavily on Jacobs' strategy for the boat market in the coming years. Interesting stuff – especially the news that Jacobs personally lost $100 million in the bankruptcy, and that he sees potential to build 10,000 FinCraft boats within 3 years. Those are the value-priced fiberglass fishing boats that retail for as little as $15,000.
To read the full story in the Minneapolis–St. Paul Business Journal, click here.
Japanese line manufacturer Sunline announced today that it's added Bassmaster Elite Series pro Dean Rojas to its pro staff.
“Dean is known to many as the best frog fisherman on the planet, and what a perfect candidate to help Sunline develop and promote its newest addition to the U.S. fishing line market – FX2 braid," said Sunline's Jimmy Okamoto. "Dean has a great knowledge of what it takes to make a quality braided line for frog fishing and flipping and we used that insight to develop our new FX2 braid."
Said Rojas: “Sunline has an outstanding reputation of making quality line for fishermen all across the board, from Super Natural mono to Shooter fluorocarbon. When they came to me and asked me to help them develop a new braided line for the U.S. market, I was excited and took them up on their offer."
Rojas, formerly with Izorline, joins a staff that includes Tommy Biffle, Aaron Martens, Mike McClelland, Brent Ehrler and Takahiro Omori.
Clay Dyer will be featured in a special segment of the 700 Club on Friday (July 9). The spot will focus on his work as an assistant coach for a high school football team and his fishing, in addition to his faith.
The show airs on the Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN). Check local listings for time and channel.
BASS announced Wednesday that JL Marine Systems, supplier of Power-Pole shallow-water anchors, has signed with the organization as a supporting sponsor of the 2011 Bassmaster Elite Series. As part of the collaboration, Power-Pole will title sponsor the 2011 Power-Pole Citrus Slam Bassmaster Elite Series event, to be held on the St. Johns River March 17-20.
JL Marine Systems will also introduce the Power-Pole Captains Cash contingency program for Elite events. If the champion angler at each event – including the Elite Series Postseason – uses a Power-Pole anchor, they will receive a $1,000 bonus.
“Being a sponsor of BASS has been a long-time goal of JL Marine Systems and now with the overwhelming product acceptance among anglers, this opportunity is even more special,” said JL Marine president John Oliverio. “We are looking forward to a mutually beneficial relationship with BASS and its Elite Series anglers for years to come.”
The Tampa, Fla.-based company will also serve as a promotional sponsor of the Bassmaster Elite Series Marshal program. In addition to being attached to the majority of Elite pros' boats, Power-Pole serves as the title sponsor of Elite pro Chris Lane of Guntersville, Ala.
“Power-Pole has made significant inroads in the freshwater fishing market with its ability to innovatively market its product, and this agreement will only take their exposure opportunities to the next level,” said BASS VP and GM Tom Ricks.
Stick it to 'em 7/7/2010 With a head at both ends and a non-tapered main body, the Big Bite Baits Cane Stick is actually two baits in one. It'll catch fish, and when you've worn out one end, you can just flip it around and rig it up by the other.
It has some other attractive features, too – some for the bass and some for the angler. To find out more, check out the latest BassFan Product Review.
The summer fishing around Knoxville, Tenn. can be notoriously tough. But Lake Cherokee right now is all-around brutal.
The 109-boat PAA Tournament Series field this week faces conditions that include a full pool with no water moving through the system, scattered fish, plus daytime highs near 100.
Ott Defoe, who grew up in Knoxville and fished his first Cherokee tournament at the age of 9, says the lake's fishing "as bad as (he's) ever seen it."
"We've not had any rain in a couple of weeks, so they haven't been generating any water," Defoe told BassFan. "Cherokee's a reservoir, it's not like a river system where they pull water all the time, so with no water coming in and none going out, it seems kind of stagnated. And it's super clear. Normally there's a fair amount of visibility in the lower end – 3 to 5 feet – but it's more like 6 to 8 feet of visibility right now."
He added that he's gotten bit pretty much in all depths, but has yet to put together any type of pattern – everything's pretty random. And he thinks it could take 12 pounds a day or less to win the 3-day event.
Check back tomorrow night for BassFan's day-1 coverage of the event.
Earlier this week, Denali Rods announced the addition of FLW Tour pro Ray Scheide to its pro staff, and hinted that further additions were forthcoming. The company announced its newest pro-staff member today – Florida pro Preston Clark.
Clark, a former Bassmaster Elite Series pro who now fishes the Bassmaster Opens, still holds the record for the heaviest bass ever caught in the Bassmaster Classic (11-10, Feb. 2006).
Denali president Scott Estes noted: "Preston's obviously a great fisherman who's had a lot of success over the years. But he's also a hustler off the water, working hard for his sponsors and a dedicated family man as well – all things we consider important when selecting anglers to represent the Denali name."
"I've fished with many different rods over the years and none have excited me more than these Denali rods," Clark said. "I put them hard to the test on these big Florida bass and they've exceeded all my expectations. They're very light, very sensitive, and tough as nails."
We all know the feeling – you reach your destination, but find out the access ramp is closed. The area's deserted, and you have no idea where to start looking for another ramp. Uggh!
The Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation recently launched a helpful tool. The free Take Me Fishing – Boat Ramps app for iPhone and Droid phones is available in the iTunes Store (click here) and the Droid Marketplace and features more than 35,000 boat ramps across the country. The app includes ramp locations by zip code or city and provides driving directions. Nice.
Next year's Potomac FLW Tour Open will showcase an important partnership when it's held in conjunction with the Nation's River Bass Tournament, which provides underserved youth with a hands-on fishing and boating experience to increase their exposure to, and appreciation for, the nation's natural resources. Living Classrooms of the National Capital Region manages the tournament and helped forge the unique partnership.
FLW Outdoors president Charlie Evans noted: "We're excited to be returning to the Potomac River in 2011 and to be working with Living Classrooms and (host location) National Harbor. The Nation's River Bass Tournament for underserved youth in the Washington metropolitan region is a fantastic event, and we're thrilled to have the opportunity to help make a difference in the lives of the children."
John Dillow, Living Classrooms National Capital Region executive director, added: "The FLW Tour Open will add a new level of excitement and opportunity for youth in connecting them to their natural resources of the Potomac River at our Nation's River Bass Tournament in 2011."
For more about Living Classrooms National Capital Region, and how to get involved, visit LivingClassroomsDC.org.
The PAA Series kicks off this week at Cherokee Lake in Tenessee. Competition runs Thursday through Saturday, with Saturday's weigh-in at the Sevierville/Kodak Bass Pro Shops. BassFan will provide daily coverage of the event.
Another bit of noteworthy PAA news – Jasper Engines & Transmissions signed on as an associate sponsor. The company has supported the PAA since 2008 through the PAA's Affinity Partner program, which offers $100 mail-in rebates. Jasper has also sponsored PAA president Chad Morgenthaler for 5 years, and Morgenthaler was instrumental in convincing the company to increase its involvement.
Interestingly, Jasper noted that its primary customer target for the sponsorship is the professional auto technician, not necessarily the end consumer (i.e. vehicle owner). The goal is often the same for other building and trade sponsors involved in the sport. An established strategy, for example, is to influence buyers and distributors at tradeshows, where investment returns can regularly outmatch consumer-targeted advertising.
As noted several times, Irwin Jacobs has been noticeably silent in the sport of fishing. A recent story in Twin Cities Business provides some insight into why.
Jacobs, in a lengthy interview, clearly shows his focus is on the boat business. He seems genuinely scarred, and saddened, by the Genmar bankruptcy and the lives it affected, and he's bent on reviving the boat brands he and partner John Paul DeJoria now own: Carver and Marquis yachts, plus Larson, Seaswirl, FinCraft, and Triumph boats.
Only passing mention is made of Jacob's other businesses, except to note they're operated by family members. J. R. Watkins is headed by son Mark, FLW Outdoors by daughter Trisha Blake, and Jacobs Trading by son-in-law Howard Grodnick.
Fishing FYI returns 7/6/2010 Host Dave Mercer took a few weeks off to fish. You can't fault him for that. But he's back this week with another episode of Facts of Fishing FYI. Check it out.
Sonar in the Last Frontier 7/6/2010 Miles Burghoff has put away his bass-fishing equipment for the summer and has headed off to Alaska to earn some money so he can afford to fish tournaments when he returns to Florida in the fall. In his newest Sonar Sound-Off column, he reflects on this annual sojourn and how the short-term "sacrifice" is a necessary part of his long-term plan.
Carp cartoon 7/2/2010 Detroit Free Press political cartoonist Mike Thompson published a panel today that will surely resonate with anglers who are frustrated by the current lack of action regarding the Asian carp threat to the Great Lakes. Click here to check it out.
Carp update: new Erie threat 7/2/2010 The Asian carp war escalated this week with news that the fish had reached the upper Wabash River in Indiana. The Wabash drains into the Mississippi, but the adjacent Maumee River flows into Lake Erie. The two watersheds are separated only by ditches and marshes that are prone to flooding, and a flood incident could easily give the carp access to Lake Erie.
That creates two immediate flashpoints for Asian carp to enter the Great Lakes. Earlier, a sexually mature carp was found 6 miles from Lake Michigan in Lake Calumet, beyond the electric barrier in the Chicago lock system. The lock system, which connects the Mississippi River and Lake Michigan, was built 100 years ago.
Erie, which is the warmest, shallowest and most fertile of the Great Lakes, would seem to offer perfect habitat for the invaders. The threat to Lake Erie sportfisheries and tourism is immense.
Several Great Lakes lawmakers introduced a bill to Congress this week titled the Permanent Prevention of Asian Carp Act. The bill was introduced to the Senate by Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), and to the House by Dave Camp (R-MI). If passed, the act would require the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which controls the Chicago locks, to conduct and expedite a study detailing engineering options in order to determine the best way to permanently separate the Mississippi River Basin from Lake Michigan.
According to the bill's language, the study must begin within 30 days of the bill's enactment, and the Corps must send a progress report to Congress and the President within 6 months and again in 12 months. The full study must be completed and given to Congress and the President 18 months after the bill is enacted. It would be monitored by the Council on Environmental Quality to ensure thorough and timely completion.
Co-sponsors of the bill are:
Senate
Carl Levin (D-MI), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Al Franken (D-MN), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Roland Burris (D-IL).
House
Michigan Representatives John Dingell, Vern Ehlers, Pete Hoekstra, Dale Kildee, Carolyn Kilpatrick, Sandy Levin, Thaddeus McCotter, Candice Miller, Gary Peters, Mike Rogers, Mark Schauer, Bart Stupak, Fred Upton.
All BassFans, and especially those who care about the Great Lakes, are encouraged to call or write their representatives in Congress and tell them that Asian carp must be stopped.
The long-circulated rumor that BASS might be sold to the Outdoor Channel, or a Tulsa-based group loosely connected to the network, seems to be dead on the vine. Instead, the hot new rumor is that Jerry McKinnis (pictured) and a group of investors now lead the charge to acquire the organization.
McKinnis, of course, is a name synonymous with bass fishing. He got his start in the sport before BASS was born, and was one of the first multimedia giants to emerge during the sport's golden era. His JM Associates group, now part of Career Sports & Entertainment, continues to crank out top-quality bass and multispecies programming, including The Bassmasters on ESPN2.
The origin of the rumor isn't known, although it's certainly being talked about heavily within the industry and especially among the pros.
McKinnis could not be reached for comment.
A BASS official told BassFan: "BASS has not been sold. It's a coveted property and parties are always looking to acquire its assets, but there's nothing to announce."
BASS contest: win a boat 7/1/2010 BASS is offering BassFans a chance to win a boat through its Toyota Tundra Fan Favorite Contest. To enter, visit Bassmaster.com/vote, then vote for your favorite angler among the 12 post-season qualifiers. The vote will automatically enter you in the contest.
The prize boat is a Nitro Z-7 powered by a Mercury OptiMax 150. The winner will be revealed onstage during the BASS post-season.
The pro who receives the most votes will be named the 2010 Toyota Fan Favorite.
Fish Fishburne will be in the analyst's chair alongside veteran host Joe Thomas when the 2010 season of Ultimate Match Fishing gets under way at 8:30 p.m. EST Friday (July 2) on the Outdoor Channel.
The list of competing anglers this year includes George Cochran, Denny Brauer, Greg Hackney, Andy Morgan, Luke Clausen, David Dudley, J.T. Kenney, Ken Cook, Mike Wurm, Rich Tauber and Marty Stone. The unique, single-elimination format pits anglers against each other while fishing from the same boat.
A new twist this year will be the appearance of an amateur competitor – Jason "Cowboy" Cooper will square off against Clausen in the final first-round match.
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