Fred Bland, known to many in the fishing industry as "Taco" Bland, died on May 25 at his home in Birmingham, Ala., according to an obituary published on the Birmingham News website Thursday night.
Bland, one of the pioneers of the shaky-head jig, is survived by his wife of 42 years, Belinda (Brinson) Bland, and his son Nick Bland, along with two sisters and four grandchildren.
A memorial service is planned for 5 p.m. on June 4 by Church in the Pines located inside Pell City Civic Center Complex. A boat procession will immediately follow.
To read the complete obituary, click here
Bland competed in 88 B.A.S.S. tournaments between 1994-2005. His best finish was a 4th place at the Lake Lanier Georgia Invitational in 1994. He was best known, however, for his innovative modification of a small ball-head crappie jig that he turned into what's now known as a shaky-head jig. He upsized the hook, but kept the smaller head, giving bass anglers a finesse presentation that kept bigger fish hooked better.
To read an in-depth and well-researched piece from In-Fisherman on the history of the jigworm, including Bland's contributions to the genre, click here.
