http://gethookd.net
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Berkley HAVOC is Unleashed
There have been thousands of new introductions of soft plastics over the years, but none bigger or more anticipated than
Berkley® HAVOC® soft plastics.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
LSU Takes Bassmaster College Classic Title
The Fishing Tigers of Louisiana State University met the Alabama Crimson tide this morning on Lake Verret, which lies roughly 90 miles west of New Orleans. The Tide came into the event as reigning champs thanks to their win at the inaugural Bassmaster College Classic last year. However, the Tide proved to be a bit low this year as the Tigers won by more than 8 pounds.
"This was so much fun; winning here in front of the hometown crowd. You want to win at home because your home water is everything, and beating 'Bama was the icing on the cake," LSU angler Travis Laurent said. "Hearing the fight song got me jacked up; I got a little crazy."
Each school fielded three two-man teams that combined the weight of their total catches. Out of a possible 15 fish (if each team managed a five-fish limit), Alabama only registered nine bass for 20 pounds, 2 ounces. The Tigers brought 13 fish to the scales for a total heavier than 28 pounds.
New for this year was the weigh-in on the Toyota stage in the New Orleans Arena. Rather than weighing in at the Bassmaster Classic Outdoors Expo presented by Dick's Sporting Goods, the collegiate anglers got a warm welcome to the big stage.
"I can tell you right now that everybody was shaking when we walked across that stage," Laurent said.
2011 Bassmaster Classic local hosts: Louisiana Office of Tourism, Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation
2011 Bassmaster Classic Official Sponsors: Toyota Trucks, Berkley, Bass Pro Shops, Evan Williams Bourbon, Humminbird, Mercury, Minn Kota, Skeeter, Triton, Yamaha
About B.A.S.S.
For more than 40 years, B.A.S.S. has served as the authority on bass fishing. The organization advances the sport through advocacy, outreach and an expansive tournament structure while connecting directly with the passionate community of bass anglers through its Bassmaster media vehicles.
The Bassmaster brand and its multimedia platforms are guided by a mission to serve all fishing fans. Through its industry-leading publications - Bassmaster Magazine and B.A.S.S. Times - comprehensive website Bassmaster.com, and ESPN2 television programming, Bassmaster provides rich, leading-edge content true to the lifestyle.
The Bassmaster Tournament Trail includes the Bassmaster Elite Series, Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Open Series, B.A.S.S. Federation Nation events presented by Yamaha and Skeeter Boats and the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing, the Bassmaster Classic.
B.A.S.S. offers an array of services to its more than 500,000 members and remains focused on issues related to conservation and water access. The organization is headquartered in Celebration, Fla.
"This was so much fun; winning here in front of the hometown crowd. You want to win at home because your home water is everything, and beating 'Bama was the icing on the cake," LSU angler Travis Laurent said. "Hearing the fight song got me jacked up; I got a little crazy."
Each school fielded three two-man teams that combined the weight of their total catches. Out of a possible 15 fish (if each team managed a five-fish limit), Alabama only registered nine bass for 20 pounds, 2 ounces. The Tigers brought 13 fish to the scales for a total heavier than 28 pounds.
New for this year was the weigh-in on the Toyota stage in the New Orleans Arena. Rather than weighing in at the Bassmaster Classic Outdoors Expo presented by Dick's Sporting Goods, the collegiate anglers got a warm welcome to the big stage.
"I can tell you right now that everybody was shaking when we walked across that stage," Laurent said.
2011 Bassmaster Classic local hosts: Louisiana Office of Tourism, Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation
2011 Bassmaster Classic Official Sponsors: Toyota Trucks, Berkley, Bass Pro Shops, Evan Williams Bourbon, Humminbird, Mercury, Minn Kota, Skeeter, Triton, Yamaha
About B.A.S.S.
For more than 40 years, B.A.S.S. has served as the authority on bass fishing. The organization advances the sport through advocacy, outreach and an expansive tournament structure while connecting directly with the passionate community of bass anglers through its Bassmaster media vehicles.
The Bassmaster brand and its multimedia platforms are guided by a mission to serve all fishing fans. Through its industry-leading publications - Bassmaster Magazine and B.A.S.S. Times - comprehensive website Bassmaster.com, and ESPN2 television programming, Bassmaster provides rich, leading-edge content true to the lifestyle.
The Bassmaster Tournament Trail includes the Bassmaster Elite Series, Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Open Series, B.A.S.S. Federation Nation events presented by Yamaha and Skeeter Boats and the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing, the Bassmaster Classic.
B.A.S.S. offers an array of services to its more than 500,000 members and remains focused on issues related to conservation and water access. The organization is headquartered in Celebration, Fla.
Kevin VanDam busts records as he claims 4th Bassmaster Classic victory
The number four, how sweet it is — for Kevin VanDam, that is. Arguably the world’s best bass angler, the Kalamazoo, Mich., pro claimed his fourth Bassmaster Classic win on Sunday.
But for Aaron Martens, the number four isn’t so tasty. While VanDam’s win tied him with Rick Clunn’s 11-year-old record of four Classic trophies, Martens was left with the runner-up spot for the fourth time. The sting for Martens was the repeat of his second-place finish to VanDam in the 2005 Classic.
VanDam shook up a stack of Classic records on Sunday. Besides tying Clunn at four, he shattered a five-year-old Classic weight record when he brought 69 pounds, 11 ounces of Louisiana Delta bass to the scales over three days. The previous three-day, five-bass-limit mark was 56-2 by Luke Clausen in the 2006 Classic on a Florida bass factory, Lake Tohopekaliga.
Other new milestones for VanDam are a record 20 Bassmaster event wins, and crossing the $5 million line in B.A.S.S. winnings, thanks to the big bump provided by his $500,000 win Sunday in New Orleans. He remains the circuit’s top all-time money winner.
He also now shares Clunn’s claim as the only angler to take back-to-back Classic wins; Clunn did it in 1976-1977, VanDam in 2010-2011. To top off the superlatives list, VanDam now has twice held the sport’s top two titles concurrently: Classic champ while being the reigning Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Angler of the Year.
“The last few years have been really magical for me. It’s been incredible,” VanDam said on stage as he hugged the trophy.
Martens, who led on the first day but fell to third on the second day, pulled back up to post a 59-0 total for the second-place finish. But after it was all over, he said he was OK with the bridesmaid role once again.
“This is the easiest second place I’ve ever had,” said the pro from Leeds, Ala. “If it had been closer, it would have been different. But it was obvious after yesterday (Day 2) he was probably going to do it. No stress, no remorse. I’m very happy I got second.”
VanDam and Martens have a friendly relationship. They even posed together with the trophy during a press conference.
Claiming third place was Derek Remitz of Grant, Ala., who finished with 56-8 on the strength of his final-day catch of 26-5. His big bass of 8 pounds, 4 ounces, was a sample of the prolific spot he shared on the Delta’s Lake Cataouatche with VanDam and Martens, among others.
“It felt like I hit a big ball of grass,” Remitz said. “I leaned into it a little bit and felt it start moving. I thought, ‘Oh, boy, I think this is a big one.’ Then he came up — and from thereon, I can’t say what I said.”
Remitz said the fish fell to a Lucky Craft RC 1.5 in a bream finish.
Martens described the area they shared as a “bass factory” that he worked mainly with a square-billed crankbait and 3/8-ounce Vibe spinnerbait made by Davis Bait Co.
VanDam was using a Strike King KVD 1.5 crankbait, Quantum KVD Tour crankbait rod and 20-pound Bass Pro Shops brand fluorocarbon line.
A key to his win, he said, was being “dialed-in” on what was going on in the spot the leaders shared over the three days. He also made a crucial adjustment from a spinnerbait to his crankbait.
“The thing that probably helped me more than anything, what won this tournament for me, was the experiences I’ve had in the past in knowing how the fish react to these types of extreme weather changes, the time of the year with the full moon.”
Two days of long fog delays did not give most anglers time to demonstrate what they could do on the Louisiana Delta. The longer third day was a truer indication of their abilities and of the fishery’s health. Boyd Duckett, who finished sixth with 53-2, hauled in 28 pounds, 13 ounces the final day. VanDam had 28-0 on Day 3, Remitz 26-05, and Martens 25-14.
“Boy, what a day, what a week,” VanDam said.
2011 Bassmaster Classic local hosts: Louisiana Office of Tourism, Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation
2011 Bassmaster Classic Official Sponsors: Toyota Trucks, Berkley, Bass Pro Shops, Evan Williams Bourbon, Humminbird, Mercury, Minn Kota, Skeeter, Triton, Yamaha
About B.A.S.S.
For more than 40 years, B.A.S.S. has served as the authority on bass fishing. The organization advances the sport through advocacy, outreach and an expansive tournament structure while connecting directly with the passionate community of bass anglers through its Bassmaster media vehicles.
The Bassmaster brand and its multimedia platforms are guided by a mission to serve all fishing fans. Through its industry-leading publications — Bassmaster Magazine and B.A.S.S. Times — comprehensive website Bassmaster.com, and ESPN2 television programming, Bassmaster provides rich, leading-edge content true to the lifestyle.
The Bassmaster Tournament Trail includes the Bassmaster Elite Series, Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Open Series, B.A.S.S. Federation Nation events presented by Yamaha and Skeeter Boats and the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing, the Bassmaster Classic.
B.A.S.S. offers an array of services to its more than 500,000 members and remains focused on issues related to conservation and water access. The organization is headquartered in Celebration, Fla.
Bebber and Caka top 238 teams to win $25,000 with over 27 lbs on Rayburn
Even the fog couldn't put a damper on the great day that Mother Nature gave the 238 teams Saturday morning , February 19th. Bass Champs East Texas Region held their 2nd event of the season at the Umphrey Pavilion on lake Sam Rayburn. Is spring really here or was this just a teaser?
Search for America's Ultimate Fishing Town
Ask any angler across the USA the best place to fish and most of them will tell you about a hidden gem right in their own backyard. WFN: World Fishing Network, North America’s only 24-hour fishing lifestyle network, is posing that question to anglers through a nationwide contest and awarding a $25,000 prize and more to the community selected as WFN’s Ultimate Fishing Town USA.
BRP SPONSORS VETERAN WALLEYE ANGLER, ANNOUNCES CONTINGENCY PROGRAM FOR 2011
BRP announced today the addition of FLW Walleye Tour veteran Pete Harsh to Team Evinrude, the company’s elite professional fishing team.
Harsh, the 2008 FLW Walleye Angler of the Year and a Sauk Centre, Minn. native, has amassed more than $800,000 in career winnings and looks to add to his success in 2011 by relying on his 200-hp Evinrude E-TEC-powered Ranger 620T fishing package.
In good company, Harsh joins a well-respected and successful group of Team Evinrude Walleye anglers, including the reigning FLW Angler of the Year Paul Meleen and Chris Gilman, the defending FLW Walleye Champion. In fact, Team Evinrude anglers captured seven out of the top 10 positions at the 2010 Championship and all three 2010 Angler of the Year awards.
“Pete Harsh is a great addition to Team Evinrude,” said Steve Laham, vice president, Sales, Marketing and After-Sales Service for Evinrude. “As a professional angler, Pete depends on his engine to perform at every tournament. His switch to Evinrude makes a strong statement for our brand and his confidence in powering with Evinrude E-TEC.”
BRP’s Evinrude E-TEC engine line-up now includes 98 engine models from 15- to 300- horsepower. With no scheduled maintenance for three years or 300 hours, the Evinrude
E-TEC engine allows anglers to spend more quality time on the water. Visit www.evinrude.com for more information and follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/BRPEvinrude.
Evinrude to Offer Contingency Awards to FLW Walleye Tour Pros
Winning has its perks. Evinrude also announced today that anglers powering their boats with an Evinrude E-TEC outboard engine in the FLW Walleye Tour will be eligible for contingency awards in 2011.
Contingency prize money will be paid to anglers placing in the top 10 of each FLW Walleye tournament, including the Championship. Pro anglers can receive up to $8,000 of contingency money for first place in any FLW Walleye-sanctioned event. Co-anglers are also eligible for up to a $2,000 bonus if they take first place in any event. The pot is sweetened for the year-end championship - $15,000 in contingency money goes to the winning pro angler and $5,000 is awarded to the co-angler.
“We are proud to continue our support of FLW Outdoors and the many anglers who choose Evinrude by investing $250,000 in additional prize money,” said Christopher Berg, Director of Marketing and Strategic Planning for Evinrude. “Evinrude E-TEC owners are very loyal to the brand, and we want to reward those who choose our engines while fishing the most competitive Walleye tour in the United States.”
For additional details on the Evinrude contingency program and a complete list of official rules and eligibility requirements, please visit www.flwoutdoors.com/walleyefishing.
Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. (BRP), a privately-held company, is a world leader in the design, development, manufacturing, distribution and marketing of motorised recreational vehicles. Its portfolio of brands and products includes: Ski-Doo and Lynx snowmobiles, Sea-Doo watercraft and boats, Evinrude and Johnson outboard engines, direct injection technologies such as E-TEC, Can-Am all-terrain and side-by-side vehicles and roadsters, as well as Rotax engines. BRP products are distributed in more than 90 countries.
www.brp.com
Ski-Doo, Lynx, Sea-Doo, Evinrude, Johnson, Can-Am, Rotax, E-TEC and the BRP logo are trademarks of Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. or its affiliates.
Harsh, the 2008 FLW Walleye Angler of the Year and a Sauk Centre, Minn. native, has amassed more than $800,000 in career winnings and looks to add to his success in 2011 by relying on his 200-hp Evinrude E-TEC-powered Ranger 620T fishing package.
In good company, Harsh joins a well-respected and successful group of Team Evinrude Walleye anglers, including the reigning FLW Angler of the Year Paul Meleen and Chris Gilman, the defending FLW Walleye Champion. In fact, Team Evinrude anglers captured seven out of the top 10 positions at the 2010 Championship and all three 2010 Angler of the Year awards.
“Pete Harsh is a great addition to Team Evinrude,” said Steve Laham, vice president, Sales, Marketing and After-Sales Service for Evinrude. “As a professional angler, Pete depends on his engine to perform at every tournament. His switch to Evinrude makes a strong statement for our brand and his confidence in powering with Evinrude E-TEC.”
BRP’s Evinrude E-TEC engine line-up now includes 98 engine models from 15- to 300- horsepower. With no scheduled maintenance for three years or 300 hours, the Evinrude
E-TEC engine allows anglers to spend more quality time on the water. Visit www.evinrude.com for more information and follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/BRPEvinrude.
Evinrude to Offer Contingency Awards to FLW Walleye Tour Pros
Winning has its perks. Evinrude also announced today that anglers powering their boats with an Evinrude E-TEC outboard engine in the FLW Walleye Tour will be eligible for contingency awards in 2011.
Contingency prize money will be paid to anglers placing in the top 10 of each FLW Walleye tournament, including the Championship. Pro anglers can receive up to $8,000 of contingency money for first place in any FLW Walleye-sanctioned event. Co-anglers are also eligible for up to a $2,000 bonus if they take first place in any event. The pot is sweetened for the year-end championship - $15,000 in contingency money goes to the winning pro angler and $5,000 is awarded to the co-angler.
“We are proud to continue our support of FLW Outdoors and the many anglers who choose Evinrude by investing $250,000 in additional prize money,” said Christopher Berg, Director of Marketing and Strategic Planning for Evinrude. “Evinrude E-TEC owners are very loyal to the brand, and we want to reward those who choose our engines while fishing the most competitive Walleye tour in the United States.”
For additional details on the Evinrude contingency program and a complete list of official rules and eligibility requirements, please visit www.flwoutdoors.com/walleyefishing.
Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. (BRP), a privately-held company, is a world leader in the design, development, manufacturing, distribution and marketing of motorised recreational vehicles. Its portfolio of brands and products includes: Ski-Doo and Lynx snowmobiles, Sea-Doo watercraft and boats, Evinrude and Johnson outboard engines, direct injection technologies such as E-TEC, Can-Am all-terrain and side-by-side vehicles and roadsters, as well as Rotax engines. BRP products are distributed in more than 90 countries.
www.brp.com
Ski-Doo, Lynx, Sea-Doo, Evinrude, Johnson, Can-Am, Rotax, E-TEC and the BRP logo are trademarks of Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. or its affiliates.
Howden Wins Everstart Series Western Division Event On Lake Roosevelt
Ken Howden of Mesa, Ariz., weighed a five-bass limit totaling 22 pounds, 4 ounces Saturday to win the EverStart Series Western Division event on Lake Roosevelt with a three-day total of 15 bass weighing 56 pounds, 10 ounces. For his victory, Howden earned $32,913.
“I’m just speechless,” said Howden. “I found these fish in practice on Wednesday and I knew this was the area with the fish that would win the tournament. I was done fishing within an hour every day, today I was finished by 8:30.
“I have to thank my partner, Mike (Rychard), for literally giving me the shirt off his back,” Howden went on to say.” I have been flipping Strike King Coffee Tubes all week. The first fish I caught this morning I flipped into a tree and I had to go retrieve it through the water, I was literally drenched and Mike was good enough to give me his shirt.
Howden indicated that he was a little worried about what today’s weather would bring, however, despite unrelenting wind and rain, it didn’t seem to hamper a thing as he anchored today’s catch with a 6 pound, 9 ounce lunker.
Rounding out the top 10 pros were:
2nd: Clay Lippincott, Goodear, Ariz., 15 bass, 38-11, $11,28
3rd: Mark Kile, Payson, Ariz., 15 bass, 37-15, $9,404
4th: John Murray, Phoenix, Ariz., 15 bass, 36-13, $8,463
5th: Kevin Stewart, Elk Grove, Calif., 15 bass, 33-14, $7,523
6th: Keith Espe, New River, Ariz., 15 bass, 33-10, $6,583
7th: Young Yang, Los Angeles, Calif., 15 bass, 33-6, $5,642
8th: Andy Manahl, Mesa, Ariz., 15 bass, 33, $4,702
9th: Dean Kreuzer, Mesa, Ariz., 14 bass, 32-7, $3,762
10th: Rick Mason, Glendale, Ariz., 15 bass, 31-12, $2,821
Kevin Stewart caught the biggest bass of the tournament in the Pro Division Thursday – an 8-pound, 12-ounce bass – that earned him the day’s EverStart Series Big Bass award of $274.
Mike Rychard of Anderson, Calif., won the Co-angler Division and a Ranger boat with an Evinrude or Mercury outboard motor and $5,000 with a three-day total of 13 bass weighing 40 pound, 8 ounces. Rychard dedicated his victory to his father who is battling cancer.
Rounding out the top 10 co-anglers were:
2nd: Christopher Irigoyen, Henderson, Nev., 12 bass, 32-1, $4,282
3rd: Mike Powell, Heber City, Utah, 15 bass, 30-6, $3,806
4th: Lester Albury, Temecula, Calif., 14 bass, 29, $3,331
5th: Roy Desmangles Jr., Lincoln, Calif., 15 bass, 28-15, $2,855
6th: Bryant Smith, Castro Valley, Calif., 15 bass, 26-13, $2,379
7th: Pat Wilson, Petaluma, Calif., 15 bass, 26-4, $1,903
8th: Shannon Henry, Phoenix, Ariz., 15 bass, 25-6, $1,427
9th: Matthew Nadeau, Grass Valley, Calif., 13 bass, 22-10, $952
10th: Justin Arellano, Isleton, Calif., 12 bass, 21-13, $761
Christopher Irigoyen caught the biggest bass of the tournament in the Co-angler Division Friday – a 7-pound, 9-ounce bass – that earned him the day’s EverStart Series Big Bass award of $182.
The EverStart Series consists of five divisions – Central, Northern, Southeast, Texas and Western. Each division consists of four tournaments and competitors will be vying for valuable points in each division that could earn them the Strike King Angler of the Year title along with $5,000 for the pro and $2,000 for the co-angler. The top 40 pros and co-anglers from each respective division will qualify for the EverStart Series Championship that will be held on Kentucky Lake in Buchanan, Tenn., Oct. 27-30.
The next EverStart Series Western Division tournament will be May 5-7 at the California Delta in Stockton, Calif. and will be hosted by the Stockton Sports Commission.
ABOUT FLW OUTDOORS
FLW Outdoors is the largest fishing tournament organization in the world offering anglers worldwide the opportunity to compete for millions over the course of 191 tournaments in 2011. FLW Outdoors has taken fishing mainstream with the world’s richest fantasy sports game, FLW Fantasy Fishing presented by Straight Talk, where competitors can play for free as well as sign up for Player’s Advantage to gain an edge. For more information about FLW Outdoors and FLW Fantasy Fishing, visit FLWOutdoors.com or FantasyFishing.com.
“I’m just speechless,” said Howden. “I found these fish in practice on Wednesday and I knew this was the area with the fish that would win the tournament. I was done fishing within an hour every day, today I was finished by 8:30.
“I have to thank my partner, Mike (Rychard), for literally giving me the shirt off his back,” Howden went on to say.” I have been flipping Strike King Coffee Tubes all week. The first fish I caught this morning I flipped into a tree and I had to go retrieve it through the water, I was literally drenched and Mike was good enough to give me his shirt.
Howden indicated that he was a little worried about what today’s weather would bring, however, despite unrelenting wind and rain, it didn’t seem to hamper a thing as he anchored today’s catch with a 6 pound, 9 ounce lunker.
Rounding out the top 10 pros were:
2nd: Clay Lippincott, Goodear, Ariz., 15 bass, 38-11, $11,28
3rd: Mark Kile, Payson, Ariz., 15 bass, 37-15, $9,404
4th: John Murray, Phoenix, Ariz., 15 bass, 36-13, $8,463
5th: Kevin Stewart, Elk Grove, Calif., 15 bass, 33-14, $7,523
6th: Keith Espe, New River, Ariz., 15 bass, 33-10, $6,583
7th: Young Yang, Los Angeles, Calif., 15 bass, 33-6, $5,642
8th: Andy Manahl, Mesa, Ariz., 15 bass, 33, $4,702
9th: Dean Kreuzer, Mesa, Ariz., 14 bass, 32-7, $3,762
10th: Rick Mason, Glendale, Ariz., 15 bass, 31-12, $2,821
Kevin Stewart caught the biggest bass of the tournament in the Pro Division Thursday – an 8-pound, 12-ounce bass – that earned him the day’s EverStart Series Big Bass award of $274.
Mike Rychard of Anderson, Calif., won the Co-angler Division and a Ranger boat with an Evinrude or Mercury outboard motor and $5,000 with a three-day total of 13 bass weighing 40 pound, 8 ounces. Rychard dedicated his victory to his father who is battling cancer.
Rounding out the top 10 co-anglers were:
2nd: Christopher Irigoyen, Henderson, Nev., 12 bass, 32-1, $4,282
3rd: Mike Powell, Heber City, Utah, 15 bass, 30-6, $3,806
4th: Lester Albury, Temecula, Calif., 14 bass, 29, $3,331
5th: Roy Desmangles Jr., Lincoln, Calif., 15 bass, 28-15, $2,855
6th: Bryant Smith, Castro Valley, Calif., 15 bass, 26-13, $2,379
7th: Pat Wilson, Petaluma, Calif., 15 bass, 26-4, $1,903
8th: Shannon Henry, Phoenix, Ariz., 15 bass, 25-6, $1,427
9th: Matthew Nadeau, Grass Valley, Calif., 13 bass, 22-10, $952
10th: Justin Arellano, Isleton, Calif., 12 bass, 21-13, $761
Christopher Irigoyen caught the biggest bass of the tournament in the Co-angler Division Friday – a 7-pound, 9-ounce bass – that earned him the day’s EverStart Series Big Bass award of $182.
The EverStart Series consists of five divisions – Central, Northern, Southeast, Texas and Western. Each division consists of four tournaments and competitors will be vying for valuable points in each division that could earn them the Strike King Angler of the Year title along with $5,000 for the pro and $2,000 for the co-angler. The top 40 pros and co-anglers from each respective division will qualify for the EverStart Series Championship that will be held on Kentucky Lake in Buchanan, Tenn., Oct. 27-30.
The next EverStart Series Western Division tournament will be May 5-7 at the California Delta in Stockton, Calif. and will be hosted by the Stockton Sports Commission.
ABOUT FLW OUTDOORS
FLW Outdoors is the largest fishing tournament organization in the world offering anglers worldwide the opportunity to compete for millions over the course of 191 tournaments in 2011. FLW Outdoors has taken fishing mainstream with the world’s richest fantasy sports game, FLW Fantasy Fishing presented by Straight Talk, where competitors can play for free as well as sign up for Player’s Advantage to gain an edge. For more information about FLW Outdoors and FLW Fantasy Fishing, visit FLWOutdoors.com or FantasyFishing.com.
Stenglein & Goodwin Win National Guard FLW Soldier Appreciation Tournament On Lake Roosevelt
Staff Sgt. Lloyd Stenglein of Flagstaff, Ariz., and Pfc. Reno Goodwin of Flagstaff, Ariz., won the National Guard FLW Soldier Appreciation Tournament held on Lake Roosevelt Saturday. The team, fishing with National Guard pro Brett Hite of Phoenix, Ariz., caught a five bass limit for a total of 14 pounds, 1 ounce to take the title and bragging rights amongst their peers.
“The most important thing for us was good guidance and Brett’s experience and know-how on the lake,” said Staff Sgt. Stenglein. “It takes a lot of motivation to continue casting even if you’re not catching fish right away. Also, it takes a lot of teamwork out there.”
“I learned that I am extremely good at catching trees,” said Pfc. Goodwin. “I really enjoyed the day. It was a lot of fun being out there with a pro like Brett.”
Each of the participants in the National Guard FLW Soldier Appreciation Tournament are members of the Arizona National Guard and most have had at least one tour of duty in Iraq or Afghanistan.In this tournament, Walmart FLW Tour pro anglers took teams of two, which consist of members of the National Guard, fishing to compete amongst their peers. Each team was allowed to bring in three bass. FLW Outdoors is operating the tournaments in conjunction with the National Guard to show appreciation to our service members of the National Guard.
“We finally get to give back to these guys who make bass fishing possible for us by serving all over the world and protecting our freedom,” said National Guard pro Brett Hite. “The biggest thing in a tournament like this is to catch some fish, have a good time and keep the morale up. It’s supposed to be a fun day, so if we catch a fish once in a while to keep these guys interested, that’s really what it’s all about.”
A total of 18 service men and women, nine teams, participated in the tournament. Rounding out the teams was:
2nd: Capt. John Gehring, Chandler, Ariz., and Capt. Brian Dudley, Gilbert, Ariz., fishing with pro Eric Parra, 12
3rd: Sgt. 1st Class Douglas Rowe, Prescott, Ariz., and Sgt. 1st Class Devon Anderson, fishing with pro Fred Lewis, 10-6
4th: Staff Sgt. James Lawton, Phoenix, Ariz., and Sgt. Elizabeth Lawton, Phoenix, Ariz., fishing with pro Roy Hawk, 10-4
5th: Maj. James Oloffson and Staff Sgt Robert Goyer, fishing with pro Mike Lavalle, 8-11
6th: Pfc. Oscar Parra, Tucson, Ariz., and Sgt. 1st Class. Darrell Chrisman, Tucson, Ariz., fishing with pro Greg Haitleberg, 7-15
7th: Sgt. 1st Class Robert Dyer, Sholow, Ariz., and Sgt. 1st Class Mark Luna, Phoenix, Ariz., fishing with National Guard pro Jonathan Walker, 7-1
8th: Sgt. 1st Class Lonnie Osborne, Phoenix, Ariz., and Sgt. 1st Class Barton Sickler, Flagstaff, Ariz., fishing with pro Larry Wise, 3-3
9th: Spc. Shawn Wagner, Phoenix, Ariz., and Staff Sgt. EvanMartin, Sholow, Ariz., fishing with Don McBride, 1-6
The Soldier Appreciation Tournament was held in conjunction with the EverStart Series on Lake Roosevelt.
ABOUT FLW OUTDOORS
FLW Outdoors is the largest fishing tournament organization in the world offering anglers worldwide the opportunity to compete for millions over the course of 191 tournaments in 2011. FLW Outdoors has taken fishing mainstream with the world’s richest fantasy sports game, FLW Fantasy Fishing presented by Straight Talk, where competitors can play for free as well as sign up for Player’s Advantage to gain an edge. For more information about FLW Outdoors and FLW Fantasy Fishing, visit FLWOutdoors.com or FantasyFishing.com.
“The most important thing for us was good guidance and Brett’s experience and know-how on the lake,” said Staff Sgt. Stenglein. “It takes a lot of motivation to continue casting even if you’re not catching fish right away. Also, it takes a lot of teamwork out there.”
“I learned that I am extremely good at catching trees,” said Pfc. Goodwin. “I really enjoyed the day. It was a lot of fun being out there with a pro like Brett.”
Each of the participants in the National Guard FLW Soldier Appreciation Tournament are members of the Arizona National Guard and most have had at least one tour of duty in Iraq or Afghanistan.In this tournament, Walmart FLW Tour pro anglers took teams of two, which consist of members of the National Guard, fishing to compete amongst their peers. Each team was allowed to bring in three bass. FLW Outdoors is operating the tournaments in conjunction with the National Guard to show appreciation to our service members of the National Guard.
“We finally get to give back to these guys who make bass fishing possible for us by serving all over the world and protecting our freedom,” said National Guard pro Brett Hite. “The biggest thing in a tournament like this is to catch some fish, have a good time and keep the morale up. It’s supposed to be a fun day, so if we catch a fish once in a while to keep these guys interested, that’s really what it’s all about.”
A total of 18 service men and women, nine teams, participated in the tournament. Rounding out the teams was:
2nd: Capt. John Gehring, Chandler, Ariz., and Capt. Brian Dudley, Gilbert, Ariz., fishing with pro Eric Parra, 12
3rd: Sgt. 1st Class Douglas Rowe, Prescott, Ariz., and Sgt. 1st Class Devon Anderson, fishing with pro Fred Lewis, 10-6
4th: Staff Sgt. James Lawton, Phoenix, Ariz., and Sgt. Elizabeth Lawton, Phoenix, Ariz., fishing with pro Roy Hawk, 10-4
5th: Maj. James Oloffson and Staff Sgt Robert Goyer, fishing with pro Mike Lavalle, 8-11
6th: Pfc. Oscar Parra, Tucson, Ariz., and Sgt. 1st Class. Darrell Chrisman, Tucson, Ariz., fishing with pro Greg Haitleberg, 7-15
7th: Sgt. 1st Class Robert Dyer, Sholow, Ariz., and Sgt. 1st Class Mark Luna, Phoenix, Ariz., fishing with National Guard pro Jonathan Walker, 7-1
8th: Sgt. 1st Class Lonnie Osborne, Phoenix, Ariz., and Sgt. 1st Class Barton Sickler, Flagstaff, Ariz., fishing with pro Larry Wise, 3-3
9th: Spc. Shawn Wagner, Phoenix, Ariz., and Staff Sgt. EvanMartin, Sholow, Ariz., fishing with Don McBride, 1-6
The Soldier Appreciation Tournament was held in conjunction with the EverStart Series on Lake Roosevelt.
ABOUT FLW OUTDOORS
FLW Outdoors is the largest fishing tournament organization in the world offering anglers worldwide the opportunity to compete for millions over the course of 191 tournaments in 2011. FLW Outdoors has taken fishing mainstream with the world’s richest fantasy sports game, FLW Fantasy Fishing presented by Straight Talk, where competitors can play for free as well as sign up for Player’s Advantage to gain an edge. For more information about FLW Outdoors and FLW Fantasy Fishing, visit FLWOutdoors.com or FantasyFishing.com.
Berkley Experience Trailer to Appear at Houston Fishing Show March 2-6; February 22, 2011
The Berkley Experience Trailer will be at the 36th annual Houston Fishing Show that will be located at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, Texas. The trailer will roll in March 2-6 and have product demonstrations, seminars, super special deals on product and the Texas Knot Wars!
Texas Knot Wars is completely free and will have hourly and daily winners, but competitors must be present to win. Everyone that competes will have the opportunity to win Berkley hats, shirts, rods and reels as prizes for competing in the Texas Knot Wars. More details at the show. Who will be the Knot Tying Grand Champion? Could it be YOU?
“The Houston Fishing Show will be a great venue for anglers of all ages and skill levels to learn more about our products, fishing techniques, reel maintenance, line and rod selection along with touring the interactive Trailer,” said Andrew Marks, Berkley Marketing Director “The Houston Fishing show will allow 10’s of thousands of consumers to enjoy the Experience and see the newest products for 2011”.
Pro Staff will also be on hand to share their knowledge and help anglers select the best products to help them catch more fish.
About Pure Fishing, Inc.
Pure Fishing is a leading global provider of fishing tackle, lures, rods and reels with a portfolio of brands that includes Abu Garcia®, All Star®, Berkley®, Fenwick®, Gulp!®, Mitchell®, Penn®, Pflueger®, SevenStrand®, Shakespeare®, Spiderwire®, Stren®, Trilene® and Ugly Stik®. With operations in 19 countries and a dedicated workforce conversant in 28 languages, Pure Fishing is part of Jarden Outdoor Solutions, a leader in developing outdoor and active lifestyle products and a division of Jarden Corporation. Additional information can be found at www.purefishing.com.
Jarden Corporation is a leading provider of niche consumer products. Jarden operates in three primary business segments through a number of well recognized brands, including: Outdoor Solutions: Abu Garcia®, Aero®, Berkley®, Campingaz® and Coleman®, Fenwick®, Gulp!®, K2®, Marker®, Marmot®, Mitchell®, Penn®, Rawlings®, Shakespeare®, Stearns®, Stren®, Trilene®, Völkl® and Zoot®; Consumer Solutions: Bionaire®, Crock-Pot®, FoodSaver®, Health o meter®, Holmes®, Mr. Coffee®, Oster®, Patton®, Rival®, Seal-a-Meal®, Sunbeam®, VillaWare® and White Mountain®; and Branded Consumables: Ball®, Bee®, Bicycle®, Billy Boy®, Crawford®, Diamond®, Dicon®, Fiona®, First Alert®, First Essentials®, Forster®, Hoyle®, Kerr®, Lehigh®, Leslie-Locke®, Lillo®, Loew Cornell®, Mapa®, NUK®, Pine Mountain®, Quickie®, Spontex® and Tigex®. Headquartered in Rye, N.Y., Jarden has over 25,000 employees worldwide. For more information, please visit www.jarden.com.
Texas Knot Wars is completely free and will have hourly and daily winners, but competitors must be present to win. Everyone that competes will have the opportunity to win Berkley hats, shirts, rods and reels as prizes for competing in the Texas Knot Wars. More details at the show. Who will be the Knot Tying Grand Champion? Could it be YOU?
“The Houston Fishing Show will be a great venue for anglers of all ages and skill levels to learn more about our products, fishing techniques, reel maintenance, line and rod selection along with touring the interactive Trailer,” said Andrew Marks, Berkley Marketing Director “The Houston Fishing show will allow 10’s of thousands of consumers to enjoy the Experience and see the newest products for 2011”.
Pro Staff will also be on hand to share their knowledge and help anglers select the best products to help them catch more fish.
About Pure Fishing, Inc.
Pure Fishing is a leading global provider of fishing tackle, lures, rods and reels with a portfolio of brands that includes Abu Garcia®, All Star®, Berkley®, Fenwick®, Gulp!®, Mitchell®, Penn®, Pflueger®, SevenStrand®, Shakespeare®, Spiderwire®, Stren®, Trilene® and Ugly Stik®. With operations in 19 countries and a dedicated workforce conversant in 28 languages, Pure Fishing is part of Jarden Outdoor Solutions, a leader in developing outdoor and active lifestyle products and a division of Jarden Corporation. Additional information can be found at www.purefishing.com.
Jarden Corporation is a leading provider of niche consumer products. Jarden operates in three primary business segments through a number of well recognized brands, including: Outdoor Solutions: Abu Garcia®, Aero®, Berkley®, Campingaz® and Coleman®, Fenwick®, Gulp!®, K2®, Marker®, Marmot®, Mitchell®, Penn®, Rawlings®, Shakespeare®, Stearns®, Stren®, Trilene®, Völkl® and Zoot®; Consumer Solutions: Bionaire®, Crock-Pot®, FoodSaver®, Health o meter®, Holmes®, Mr. Coffee®, Oster®, Patton®, Rival®, Seal-a-Meal®, Sunbeam®, VillaWare® and White Mountain®; and Branded Consumables: Ball®, Bee®, Bicycle®, Billy Boy®, Crawford®, Diamond®, Dicon®, Fiona®, First Alert®, First Essentials®, Forster®, Hoyle®, Kerr®, Lehigh®, Leslie-Locke®, Lillo®, Loew Cornell®, Mapa®, NUK®, Pine Mountain®, Quickie®, Spontex® and Tigex®. Headquartered in Rye, N.Y., Jarden has over 25,000 employees worldwide. For more information, please visit www.jarden.com.
Terry Bolton Named to Team OFF
FLW Outdoors announced Tuesday that veteran Walmart FLW Tour pro Terry Bolton has been named to the OFF!® fishing team. Bolton, a nine time Forrest Wood Cup qualifier, will fish the six Walmart FLW Tour Majors and the EverStart Series Central Division from an OFF!®-branded Ranger Z-520 boat powered by a 250 horsepower Evinrude H.O. outboard.
A Jonesboro, Ark., resident, Bolton is known as one of the best ledge fishermen in the sport of bass fishing and will be among a handful of favorites when the Tour heads to Kentucky Lake June 16-19.
In his FLW Outdoors career, Bolton has accumulated over $750,000 and his 40 top-10 finishes rank fourth all time. In addition, his 38-pound, 15-ounce stringer from the 2008 event on Falcon Lake ranks as the fourth-heaviest single-day catch in company history.
Bolton’s first event of the 2011 season takes place March 3-6 on Beaver Lake in Rogers, Ark.
ABOUT OFF!® INSECT REPELLENTS
First introduced in 1957, OFF!® has been bringing trusted products and effective protection to families and individuals for over 50 years. OFF!® continues to evolve its family of products and offers personal and area forms of protection to make it easy for people to choose the right repellent for their lifestyle.OFF!® Insect Repellents are available in grocery, mass merchandise and drug stores nationwide. Visit www.off.comfor more information.
ABOUT FLW OUTDOORS
FLW Outdoors is the largest fishing tournament organization in the world offering anglers worldwide the opportunity to compete for millions over the course of 191 tournaments in 2011. FLW Outdoors has taken fishing mainstream with the world’s richest fantasy sports game, FLW Fantasy Fishing presented by Straight Talk, where competitors can play for free as well as sign up for Player’s Advantage to gain an edge. For more information about FLW Outdoors and FLW Fantasy Fishing, visit FLWOutdoors.com or FantasyFishing.com.
A Jonesboro, Ark., resident, Bolton is known as one of the best ledge fishermen in the sport of bass fishing and will be among a handful of favorites when the Tour heads to Kentucky Lake June 16-19.
In his FLW Outdoors career, Bolton has accumulated over $750,000 and his 40 top-10 finishes rank fourth all time. In addition, his 38-pound, 15-ounce stringer from the 2008 event on Falcon Lake ranks as the fourth-heaviest single-day catch in company history.
Bolton’s first event of the 2011 season takes place March 3-6 on Beaver Lake in Rogers, Ark.
ABOUT OFF!® INSECT REPELLENTS
First introduced in 1957, OFF!® has been bringing trusted products and effective protection to families and individuals for over 50 years. OFF!® continues to evolve its family of products and offers personal and area forms of protection to make it easy for people to choose the right repellent for their lifestyle.OFF!® Insect Repellents are available in grocery, mass merchandise and drug stores nationwide. Visit www.off.comfor more information.
ABOUT FLW OUTDOORS
FLW Outdoors is the largest fishing tournament organization in the world offering anglers worldwide the opportunity to compete for millions over the course of 191 tournaments in 2011. FLW Outdoors has taken fishing mainstream with the world’s richest fantasy sports game, FLW Fantasy Fishing presented by Straight Talk, where competitors can play for free as well as sign up for Player’s Advantage to gain an edge. For more information about FLW Outdoors and FLW Fantasy Fishing, visit FLWOutdoors.com or FantasyFishing.com.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
David versus Goliath- The Louisiana Delta
David Watson is a weekend warrior who is living the dream. He has worked his way up through the BASS Federation ranks for the coveted Bassmaster Classic spot.
“We are cheering for the underdog to win.” said Nathan Gray of Secret Lures, David’s title sponsor. ”David is a great example of how the Federation gives the hopeful weekend angler a chance at the big show. David has every intention of winning and we at Secret Lures hope he does. David is a hardworking pipe fitter from Indiana who is taking the movie Hoosiers to the bass fishing extreme. David will debut our new HD Flippin jig, Wacky Jig, and the new Tailshaker J-bend against the best in the world. GOOD LUCK David.”
“I am here to win; I am going to give it my all.” said Watson the Bass Federation Nation Northern Qualifier. “I appreciate all of the help Secret Lures has provided me; and hope to make them proud.”
Secret Lures is a new and innovative tackle company. Their signature line of tackle includes The Chubby Frog, MVP Jigs (Football, Swim, Finesse, Flippin) Meat Hooks, and Tailshaker jig heads. For more information on Secret Lures, please visit www.secretlures.com.
“We are cheering for the underdog to win.” said Nathan Gray of Secret Lures, David’s title sponsor. ”David is a great example of how the Federation gives the hopeful weekend angler a chance at the big show. David has every intention of winning and we at Secret Lures hope he does. David is a hardworking pipe fitter from Indiana who is taking the movie Hoosiers to the bass fishing extreme. David will debut our new HD Flippin jig, Wacky Jig, and the new Tailshaker J-bend against the best in the world. GOOD LUCK David.”
“I am here to win; I am going to give it my all.” said Watson the Bass Federation Nation Northern Qualifier. “I appreciate all of the help Secret Lures has provided me; and hope to make them proud.”
Secret Lures is a new and innovative tackle company. Their signature line of tackle includes The Chubby Frog, MVP Jigs (Football, Swim, Finesse, Flippin) Meat Hooks, and Tailshaker jig heads. For more information on Secret Lures, please visit www.secretlures.com.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
iRod Fishing Signs Harold Allen
When asked why the 5-Time Bassmaster Classic top ten finisher joined iRod he stated, “I’ve been watching what Matt (Newman) and the guys at iRod have been doing, they are aggressive and already have a great lineup or rods and anglers. The future is going to be good for iRod and I want to be a part of it from the ground floor.”
Matt Newman president of iRod Fishing was equally excited about Harold becoming the latest member of the pro staff, “Harold Allen is a true living legend of our sport. He’s been fishing professionally since 1970 and without question his expertise on rods will be a valuable asset to the iRod company.”
Allen will join forces with Bassmaster Elite Series anglers Fred Roumbanis and Nate Wellman, FLW veteran Gabe Bolivar and western pro Bub Tosh on the iRod pro staff. "Fred’s Magic Stick, Gabe’s Rip Rap Special and Bub’s Punching rod are already big sellers for us at iRod. We've already talked about some models Harold would like to see in the lineup,” Newman quipped.
Fred Roumbanis was another key element in Allen’s decision. “I’ve been talking with a close friend, Fred Roumbanis, about these rods for a while. If Fred says they are quality rods, then they are quality rods, so I knew I was going to like them before I ever held one,” stated Allen.
About iRod Fishing company:iRod Fishing rods are developed by the pros for their favorite techniques which makes iRod Fishing Rods the most technologicallyadvanced and comfortable fishing rods on the market. iRods are bridging thegap between the high cost of technology and affordability. We know onceyou've got an iRod in your hands you'll feel what we are talking about.
About Harold Allen:
Harold Allen has competed professionally since 1970 and with Bassmaster since 1974. Currently Harold fishes the PAA events and is a dual qualifier for the PAA Allstar event in 2011 (points and legend status). Harold is also the co-host of The Bass Zone which provides live on location coverage of BASS Elite Series events and the Bassmaster Classic.
Contact iRod Fishing Matt Newman 818-312-2704
Matt Newman president of iRod Fishing was equally excited about Harold becoming the latest member of the pro staff, “Harold Allen is a true living legend of our sport. He’s been fishing professionally since 1970 and without question his expertise on rods will be a valuable asset to the iRod company.”
Allen will join forces with Bassmaster Elite Series anglers Fred Roumbanis and Nate Wellman, FLW veteran Gabe Bolivar and western pro Bub Tosh on the iRod pro staff. "Fred’s Magic Stick, Gabe’s Rip Rap Special and Bub’s Punching rod are already big sellers for us at iRod. We've already talked about some models Harold would like to see in the lineup,” Newman quipped.
Fred Roumbanis was another key element in Allen’s decision. “I’ve been talking with a close friend, Fred Roumbanis, about these rods for a while. If Fred says they are quality rods, then they are quality rods, so I knew I was going to like them before I ever held one,” stated Allen.
About iRod Fishing company:iRod Fishing rods are developed by the pros for their favorite techniques which makes iRod Fishing Rods the most technologicallyadvanced and comfortable fishing rods on the market. iRods are bridging thegap between the high cost of technology and affordability. We know onceyou've got an iRod in your hands you'll feel what we are talking about.
About Harold Allen:
Harold Allen has competed professionally since 1970 and with Bassmaster since 1974. Currently Harold fishes the PAA events and is a dual qualifier for the PAA Allstar event in 2011 (points and legend status). Harold is also the co-host of The Bass Zone which provides live on location coverage of BASS Elite Series events and the Bassmaster Classic.
Contact iRod Fishing Matt Newman 818-312-2704
Z-Man Unveils Premiere Pro Staff
Z-Man Fishing Products is proud to announce the signing of professional anglers Luke Clausen, David Walker, Stephen Browning and David Goshorn to Z-Man's national freshwater pro-staff.
These top-notch anglers will assist Z-Man in the design and promotion of ElaZtech® baits, as well as educating anglers on how to achieve maximum results when fishing ElaZtech space-age soft plastic baits.
"We are thrilled to have four of bass fishing's best aboard to help promote and design ElaZtech baits for Z-Man," said Daniel Nussbaum, General Manager and Executive Vice President of Z-Man. "In addition, these pros will be very active on our social media channels, providing a look inside the lives of pro anglers for our Facebook fans and Website visitors."
Luke Clausen of Spokane, Wash., is one of only five pros to have won both the Bassmaster Classic (2006 at Lake Toho) and the FLW Tour Forrest Wood Cup (2004 at Lake Logan Martin). He will be fishing the FLW Tour in 2011.
"ElaZtech is a product of the future and I'm really pumped to be a part of it," said Clausen. "ElaZtech has a lot of advantages fishermen have yet to discover. Yes, it's a departure from conventional plastics, and just as fluorocarbon is different than monofilament and tungsten is different from lead, there's going to be a period of adjustment for anglers to get used to it. But once anglers realize the advantages of ElaZtech, they will definitely incorporate it into their arsenals.
David Walker of Sevierville, Tenn., won the FLW Tour Angler of the Year title in 1999, has qualified for the FLW Tour Forrest Wood Cup 10 times, the Bassmaster Classic six times, and has amassed an amazing 32 top-10 finishes in FLW Tour and Bassmaster Tour competition. He will be fishing the B.A.S.S. Elite Series in 2011.
"This is a huge opportunity to influence the future of soft plastics, and I'm certainly looking forward to it," Walker said. "The supreme durability of ElaZtech in high-impact situations such as skipping docks, flipping heavy cover or punching mats will reveal just how much unnecessary plastic we go through and time we waste in a day's fishing due to conventional plastic tearing up so easily. I started fishing ElaZtech baits on the Redfish circuit years ago and have been a believer ever since."
Stephen Browning of Hot Springs, Ark., has 15 top-10 appearances in Bassmaster Tour and Elite Series competition, with one Tour win, and seven Bassmaster Classic qualifications, including the 2011 Classic coming up in New Orleans.
"I'm excited about being involved with Z-Man," Browning said. "The Original Chatterbait® lure has been a big plus in my fishing the last couple of years. This fall I had a chance to try some of the ElaZtech products and it opened my eyes to how much fishing time and money can be saved with it. The days of constantly stopping your fishing to dig out a new jig chunk or creature bait are over."
Rounding out the Z-Man pro staff is David Goshorn of Harleyville, SC. Goshorn fished the FLW Tour from 1997-2000 and recently re-qualified for the 2011 FLW Tour through the FLW Series.
Clausen, Walker and Browning will all be making appearances at the Z-Man booth throughout the Bassmaster Classic (February 18-20 in New Orleans) for meet and greets and limited-edition poster signings. Visit the Z-Man booth for complete details.
For more information, visit Z-Man at www.zmanfishing.com. Learn more about Luke Clausen at www.lukeclausenfishing.com and David Walker at www.davidwalkerfishing.com.
These top-notch anglers will assist Z-Man in the design and promotion of ElaZtech® baits, as well as educating anglers on how to achieve maximum results when fishing ElaZtech space-age soft plastic baits.
"We are thrilled to have four of bass fishing's best aboard to help promote and design ElaZtech baits for Z-Man," said Daniel Nussbaum, General Manager and Executive Vice President of Z-Man. "In addition, these pros will be very active on our social media channels, providing a look inside the lives of pro anglers for our Facebook fans and Website visitors."
Luke Clausen of Spokane, Wash., is one of only five pros to have won both the Bassmaster Classic (2006 at Lake Toho) and the FLW Tour Forrest Wood Cup (2004 at Lake Logan Martin). He will be fishing the FLW Tour in 2011.
"ElaZtech is a product of the future and I'm really pumped to be a part of it," said Clausen. "ElaZtech has a lot of advantages fishermen have yet to discover. Yes, it's a departure from conventional plastics, and just as fluorocarbon is different than monofilament and tungsten is different from lead, there's going to be a period of adjustment for anglers to get used to it. But once anglers realize the advantages of ElaZtech, they will definitely incorporate it into their arsenals.
David Walker of Sevierville, Tenn., won the FLW Tour Angler of the Year title in 1999, has qualified for the FLW Tour Forrest Wood Cup 10 times, the Bassmaster Classic six times, and has amassed an amazing 32 top-10 finishes in FLW Tour and Bassmaster Tour competition. He will be fishing the B.A.S.S. Elite Series in 2011.
"This is a huge opportunity to influence the future of soft plastics, and I'm certainly looking forward to it," Walker said. "The supreme durability of ElaZtech in high-impact situations such as skipping docks, flipping heavy cover or punching mats will reveal just how much unnecessary plastic we go through and time we waste in a day's fishing due to conventional plastic tearing up so easily. I started fishing ElaZtech baits on the Redfish circuit years ago and have been a believer ever since."
Stephen Browning of Hot Springs, Ark., has 15 top-10 appearances in Bassmaster Tour and Elite Series competition, with one Tour win, and seven Bassmaster Classic qualifications, including the 2011 Classic coming up in New Orleans.
"I'm excited about being involved with Z-Man," Browning said. "The Original Chatterbait® lure has been a big plus in my fishing the last couple of years. This fall I had a chance to try some of the ElaZtech products and it opened my eyes to how much fishing time and money can be saved with it. The days of constantly stopping your fishing to dig out a new jig chunk or creature bait are over."
Rounding out the Z-Man pro staff is David Goshorn of Harleyville, SC. Goshorn fished the FLW Tour from 1997-2000 and recently re-qualified for the 2011 FLW Tour through the FLW Series.
Clausen, Walker and Browning will all be making appearances at the Z-Man booth throughout the Bassmaster Classic (February 18-20 in New Orleans) for meet and greets and limited-edition poster signings. Visit the Z-Man booth for complete details.
For more information, visit Z-Man at www.zmanfishing.com. Learn more about Luke Clausen at www.lukeclausenfishing.com and David Walker at www.davidwalkerfishing.com.
Diamond in the Rough
In nature, the critical goal of prey is to blend in, to hide from predators who seek to eat them. The intent of fishing lures on the other hand is exactly the opposite—to look and boldly swim like live prey, while fully exposing themselves to hungry gamefish. Remarkably, the new LIVE-FORAGE ® WEEDLESS SPOON does both – slipping, sliding and attempting to escape through the densest grass, brush and timber with a dangerously brave wobble and flash. Printed with real live baitfish imaging on one side, and stamped with the sparkle of precious metal on the other, this slick new lure doesn’t stay hidden for long . . . big bass, redfish and pike find it and snatch it like a diamond in the rough.
Stratos Boats Unveils Bassmaster Classic Promotions
In conjunction with the 2011 Bassmaster Classic in New Orleans, Stratos Boats is calling all Stratos enthusiasts and avid anglers to visit the Stratos booth and receive limited-edition free gear while taking in one of the industry’s most exciting displays. With some of the biggest names in the sport among the Stratos pro staff, including Skeet Reese, Mike McClelland and Larry Nixon, Classic attendees will have the opportunity for first hand buying advice and insight from bass fishing’s elite.
BoatUS Smart Phone App Will Get You Home When Your Boat Won't
When your boat breaks down on the water or runs out of gas, calling for an on-the-water tow is simple. The hard part, sometimes, is being able to tell the BoatUS towing fleet precisely where to find you, which can delay a safe tow home.
Now, Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS) offers the only smart phone "App" that helps you call for a tow in a hurry and also adds helpful location and tracking features just for boaters, sailors and anglers. And you don't have to be a BoatUS or BoatUS Angler member to download the free App.
Now, Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS) offers the only smart phone "App" that helps you call for a tow in a hurry and also adds helpful location and tracking features just for boaters, sailors and anglers. And you don't have to be a BoatUS or BoatUS Angler member to download the free App.
Monday, February 14, 2011
Big Bite Baits Releases the YoDaddy
Big Bite Baits is proud to introduce the YoDaddy, the first signature baits from pro staffer Russ Lane. For the last year Russ has been working with Big Bite to create a versatile new shape that could be used in a variety of ways.
Optima Batteries Joins PAA as Premier Sponsor
OPTIMA® Batteries, manufacturer of high-performance marine and automotive batteries, known among anglers worldwide for its Blue Top® batteries, has joined the Professional Anglers Association as a Premier Sponsor.
Sunline Forms Partnership with BoatUS Collegiate Bass Fishing Championship
Sunline America is proud to announce that it has formed a partnership with the BoatUS Collegiate Bass Fishing Championship Series.
"Sunline America is anxious to get involved with collegiate anglers and we feel this partnership will help provide these anglers with a platform to showcase competitive fishing within collegiate sports," said vice president Jimmy Okamoto. "Most of our products are new to the US market and we are anxious to start promoting college fishing."
"Sunline America is anxious to get involved with collegiate anglers and we feel this partnership will help provide these anglers with a platform to showcase competitive fishing within collegiate sports," said vice president Jimmy Okamoto. "Most of our products are new to the US market and we are anxious to start promoting college fishing."
U.S. Reel Signs Cliff Pace
A rising star of the Bassmaster Elite Series has joined the pro staff of a leading innovator in fishing reels.
U.S. Reel has announced 2011 Bassmaster Classic qualifier Cliff Pace is the newest member of the company's star-studded pro staff that includes Guido and Dion Hibdon, Jimmy Houston, Lance Vick and O.T. Fears. The Mississippi angler has won two Bassmaster Open events and was the runner-up in the 2008 Bassmaster Classic and the 2010 Alabama Charge Elite Series event.
U.S. Reel has announced 2011 Bassmaster Classic qualifier Cliff Pace is the newest member of the company's star-studded pro staff that includes Guido and Dion Hibdon, Jimmy Houston, Lance Vick and O.T. Fears. The Mississippi angler has won two Bassmaster Open events and was the runner-up in the 2008 Bassmaster Classic and the 2010 Alabama Charge Elite Series event.
Randall Tharp Sets Record Catch With New ATTRAXX Design
Team ATTRAXX pro Randall Tharp will carry momentum – and a secret weapon he designed himself – to the Bassmaster Classic, slated for Feb. 18-20 in New Orleans.
The momentum comes from his record-setting performance in the FLW Open, held Feb. 3-6 on Lake Okeechobee in Clewiston, Fla. Tharp landed 20 bass weighing a tournament record 102 pounds, 2 ounces. Unfortunately, the record didn’t stand long and he placed second in the 160-boat event, but that excellent finish should carry him into his first Bassmaster Classic.
Vann Branch & Richard Davis cash in BIG at Bass Champs on Falcon
Jackpotting takes on a whole new meaning as Vann Branch and Richard Davis fish their first tournament in over 15 years and win big! Two sacks over 40 lbs, lots of double digit kickers and huge paybacks for Bass Champs South Region teams.
Crappie USA Returns to Alabama's Weiss Lake
Coming up next weekend February 26, 2011 Crappie USA Inc., “America’s Premier National Crappie Fishing Tournament Organization” will return to the "Crappie Capital of the World" Weiss Lake. Anglers will be fishing for a 7-fish limit of crappie, which could net them a check along with the opportunity to advance to the Cabela’s Crappie USA Classic, the most prestigious event in crappie fishing today. This year's classic will be held October 12-15, 2011 on the Kentucky/Barkley Lakes at Paris, Tennessee.
Bryan McDonough Wins B.A.S.S. Weekend Series at Toledo Bend
Battling freezing temperatures, Bryan McDonough won the Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Weekend Series, operated by American Bass Anglers, Louisiana Division 13 tournament, held Feb. 12, 2011, on Toledo Bend Reservoir.
Running out of Cypress Bend Park in Many, the 37-year-old angler from Katy, Texas, landed five bass weighing 20.09 pounds with a 5.40-pound kicker. McDonough went home about $2,500 richer. The anglers could fish anywhere in the 186,000-acre lake straddling the Louisiana-Texas line along the Sabine River.
Terry Stevens Wins Bass Weekend Series at Lake Seminole
Terry Stevens stopped fishing early, but still won the Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Weekend Series, operated by American Bass Anglers, Georgia Division 8 tournament, held Feb. 12, 2011, on Lake Seminole near Bainbridge.
The Marianna, Fla., angler brought in five bass weighing 24.95 pounds after anchoring his bag with a 5.37-pounder to win the Boater Division and $2,839. After catching a total of eight fish, he quit to let his co-angler catch more fish.
Wilson Wins EverStart Series Texas Division Event on Sam Rayburn Reservoir
Kris Wilson of Montgomery, Texas, weighed a five-bass limit totaling 19 pounds, 4 ounces Saturday to win the FLW EverStart Series Texas Division event presented by Evinrude on Sam Rayburn Reservoir with a two-day total of 10 bass weighing 34 pounds, 9 ounces. For his victory, Wilson earned $29,409 and a 198VX Ranger boat with a 200-horsepower Evinrude or Mercury outboard motor.
Sam Houston State Wins College Fishing Texas Division Event on Sam Rayburn Reservoir
The Sam Houston State team of Seth Brittain and Tanner Walker won the National Guard FLW College Fishing Texas Division event on Sam Rayburn Reservoir Sunday with five bass weighing 18 pounds even. The victory earned the team $10,000 to be split between the university and the university’s bass fishing club - $7,500 for the bass club and $2,500 for their school. The win also helped them advance to the Texas Division Regional Championship.
T-H Marine Continues Partnership with PAA
T-H Marine Supplies, makers of the rugged Atlas Jackplate, has renewed its partnership with the PAA for the 2011 Bass Pro Shops PAA Tournament Series presented by Carrot Stix.
"We are pleased to continue our partnership with T-H Marine, along with designating the Atlas Jackplate as the "Official Jackplate" of the PAA," said Danny Blandford, PAA Programs Director. "T-H Marine has been producing quality marine components for decades. The Atlas is a great example of their quality workmanship and understanding of what tournament fishermen want."
"We are pleased to continue our partnership with T-H Marine, along with designating the Atlas Jackplate as the "Official Jackplate" of the PAA," said Danny Blandford, PAA Programs Director. "T-H Marine has been producing quality marine components for decades. The Atlas is a great example of their quality workmanship and understanding of what tournament fishermen want."
Saturday, February 12, 2011
LanierMAPPED newest PAA Affinity Partner
LanierMAPPED.com is the newest PAA Affinity Program partner, offering anglers one of the neatest pieces of information on one of the Southeast’s most well-known spotted bass fishery.
Solar Bat Renews Partnership with PAA
Solar Bat sunglasses has renewed its commitment to the PAA by continuing its longtime partnership for the 2011 Bass Pro Shops PAA Tournament Series presented by Carrot Stix.
Solar Bat is based in Missouri and owned by Dr. Gary Nesty, O.D., an avid outdoorsman with a commitment to provide the best sunglasses to anglers and outdoors enthusiasts at reasonable price points.
Solar Bat is based in Missouri and owned by Dr. Gary Nesty, O.D., an avid outdoorsman with a commitment to provide the best sunglasses to anglers and outdoors enthusiasts at reasonable price points.
Thompson Leads at EverStart Series Texas Division Event on Sam Rayburn Reservoir
Bert Thompson of Benton, La., weighed a five-bass limit totaling 27 pounds, 13 ounces Friday to lead day one of the EverStart Series Texas Division event presented by Evinrude on Sam Rayburn Reservoir. Thompson holds a 5-pound, 15-ounce lead going into the final day of competition.
Thursday’s opening day of competition was cancelled due to unsafe weather conditions. The event was reformatted to two days of competition where the full fields of both pros and co-anglers fish both Friday and Saturday. The winners of each field will be decided by two-day cumulative weights. Anglers will take off at 8 a.m. Saturday at the Umphrey Family Pavilion in Sam Rayburn, Texas, and the final weigh-in on Saturday will be at the Umphrey Family Pavilion at 3 p.m.
Thursday’s opening day of competition was cancelled due to unsafe weather conditions. The event was reformatted to two days of competition where the full fields of both pros and co-anglers fish both Friday and Saturday. The winners of each field will be decided by two-day cumulative weights. Anglers will take off at 8 a.m. Saturday at the Umphrey Family Pavilion in Sam Rayburn, Texas, and the final weigh-in on Saturday will be at the Umphrey Family Pavilion at 3 p.m.
Friday, February 11, 2011
FLW Outdoors Rebrands Walleye Magazine
FLW Outdoors, the world’s largest tournament-fishing organization, has rebranded the Walleye edition of FLW Outdoors magazine to just Walleye. FLW Outdoors produces FLW Outdoors magazine andWalleyemagazine, each the world’s leading authority on their species.
Walleye magazine will continue to be available in print version through a subscription and at multiple Walmart locations throughout the country. Fans will also be able to enjoy the magazine and all its features in the new e-Edition. Digital readers will see more than 30 videos per issue including pro fishing tips, features, tackle tips and more.
Walleye magazine will continue to be available in print version through a subscription and at multiple Walmart locations throughout the country. Fans will also be able to enjoy the magazine and all its features in the new e-Edition. Digital readers will see more than 30 videos per issue including pro fishing tips, features, tackle tips and more.
Triton Boats Becomes Official Sponsor of All Bassmaster Tournament Trails
Long-time Bassmaster sponsor Triton Boats, LLC has expanded its commitment to the premier level, B.A.S.S. LLC announced today.
Under a new sponsorship agreement, Triton becomes an Official Sponsor of all Bassmaster tournament trails and events: the Bassmaster Classic, Bassmaster Elite Series, Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Opens, and B.A.S.S. Federation Nation events presented by Yamaha and Skeeter Boats.
"Triton is extremely proud to be named a premier sponsor of B.A.S.S.," said company founder Earl Bentz. "We have been a supporting sponsor of the organization for some time, and feel our elevation to the highest sponsorship level symbolizes our deep commitment not only to B.A.S.S. and its members, but to the entire sport of bass fishing. The fishing and boating industries have faced and weathered difficult challenges during our nation's current economic slowdown, but as our economy continues to rebound, we envision a bright future for B.A.S.S., Triton and the entire sport."
Said Jerry McKinnis, a B.A.S.S. owner: "B.A.S.S. is proud to continue its close association with the Triton brand. The Triton reputation for solid service and quality products appeals to anglers of all skill levels, and certainly to our core membership of bass anglers."
Along with other Bassmaster Classic Official Partners, Triton will have a big presence at the Feb. 18-20 Bassmaster Classic in New Orleans, and especially at the concurrent Bassmaster Classic Outdoors Expo presented by Dick's Sporting Goods at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center.
There, anglers can view Triton's newest bass boats, including the 18- and 19-foot XS Series models and the all-new SE Series, as well as the legendary 21HP. In addition, tournament anglers can learn about Triton's redesigned contingency program, Triton Gold, now one of the largest in the industry.
For more information about Triton products, visit TritonBoats.com.
FLW Outdoors, Z-Man Announce Partnership
Providing 25 years of experience in the tackle industry, Z-Man®has joined the world’s largest tournament-fishing organization, FLW Outdoors, as a sponsor.
Trisha Blake, president, FLW Outdoors Marketing Division, stated: “We are excited to have Z-Man as a partner for the 2011 tournament season. There has been a lot of discussion in the industry surrounding their products recently and we will help them continue to enhance their brand by putting their products in front of millions of fishing enthusiasts.”
Through this new partnership, Z-Man will have the opportunity to set up displays and provide promotional offers to fans at the FLW Outdoors Expo, held in conjunction with tournaments along the Walmart FLW Tour, and the College Fishing Festivals, held in conjunction with National Guard FLW College Fishing. Z-Man will be exposed to millions of fishing and outdoor enthusiasts via events held in Walmart parking lots throughout the country, where they will be highlighted in displays as well as benefit from retailtainment, a concept popularized by Walmart that brings fun to the retail environment.
Z-Man will also be featured across the multiple promotional platforms of FLW Outdoors, including all bass and walleye events, FLW Outdoors’ multiple websites, FLW Outdoors magazine and additional functions operated by FLW Outdoors.
"We at Z-Man are thrilled about our partnership with FLW Outdoors," said Daniel Nussbaum, General Manager and Executive Vice President of Z-Man. "Our association with FLW Outdoors, in conjunction with our relationship with FLW Tour anglers Luke Clausen and David Goshorn, will provide us an excellent opportunity to promote our extensive product line. We are especially excited about the opportunity to generate significant exposure for our line of 10X Tough ElaZtech soft baits among tournament anglers of all levels. ElaZtech is the soft plastic material of the future, and FLW Outdoors presents an ideal platform for Z-Man to educate anglers about the virtues of our ElaZtech plastics in addition to our Original ChatterBait product line."
Z-Man baits feature ElaZtech, which is a soft and pliable substance that is 10 times tougher than other soft baits. Manufactured in South Carolina, ElaZtech baits are non-toxic and contain no PVC, plastisol or phthalates.
ABOUT FLW OUTDOORS
FLW Outdoors is the largest fishing tournament organization in the world offering anglers worldwide the opportunity to compete for millions over the course of 191 tournaments in 2011. FLW Outdoors has taken fishing mainstream with the world’s richest fantasy sports game, FLW Fantasy Fishing presented by Straight Talk, where competitors can play for free as well as sign up for Player’s Advantage to gain an edge. For more information about FLW Outdoors and FLW Fantasy Fishing, visit FLWOutdoors.com or FantasyFishing.com.
Trisha Blake, president, FLW Outdoors Marketing Division, stated: “We are excited to have Z-Man as a partner for the 2011 tournament season. There has been a lot of discussion in the industry surrounding their products recently and we will help them continue to enhance their brand by putting their products in front of millions of fishing enthusiasts.”
Through this new partnership, Z-Man will have the opportunity to set up displays and provide promotional offers to fans at the FLW Outdoors Expo, held in conjunction with tournaments along the Walmart FLW Tour, and the College Fishing Festivals, held in conjunction with National Guard FLW College Fishing. Z-Man will be exposed to millions of fishing and outdoor enthusiasts via events held in Walmart parking lots throughout the country, where they will be highlighted in displays as well as benefit from retailtainment, a concept popularized by Walmart that brings fun to the retail environment.
Z-Man will also be featured across the multiple promotional platforms of FLW Outdoors, including all bass and walleye events, FLW Outdoors’ multiple websites, FLW Outdoors magazine and additional functions operated by FLW Outdoors.
"We at Z-Man are thrilled about our partnership with FLW Outdoors," said Daniel Nussbaum, General Manager and Executive Vice President of Z-Man. "Our association with FLW Outdoors, in conjunction with our relationship with FLW Tour anglers Luke Clausen and David Goshorn, will provide us an excellent opportunity to promote our extensive product line. We are especially excited about the opportunity to generate significant exposure for our line of 10X Tough ElaZtech soft baits among tournament anglers of all levels. ElaZtech is the soft plastic material of the future, and FLW Outdoors presents an ideal platform for Z-Man to educate anglers about the virtues of our ElaZtech plastics in addition to our Original ChatterBait product line."
Z-Man baits feature ElaZtech, which is a soft and pliable substance that is 10 times tougher than other soft baits. Manufactured in South Carolina, ElaZtech baits are non-toxic and contain no PVC, plastisol or phthalates.
ABOUT FLW OUTDOORS
FLW Outdoors is the largest fishing tournament organization in the world offering anglers worldwide the opportunity to compete for millions over the course of 191 tournaments in 2011. FLW Outdoors has taken fishing mainstream with the world’s richest fantasy sports game, FLW Fantasy Fishing presented by Straight Talk, where competitors can play for free as well as sign up for Player’s Advantage to gain an edge. For more information about FLW Outdoors and FLW Fantasy Fishing, visit FLWOutdoors.com or FantasyFishing.com.
TroKar, the only surgically sharpened fishhook in the world, will be a hot item at this year's Bassmaster Classic in New Orleans. Visit TroKar booth #2065 to see a full selection of the ten different styles and sizes of these wickedly sharp hooks. During the Classic, participating retailers will be selling the TKELITE Kit comprised of some of the best selling Lazer TroKar Bass hooks on the market that are specifically designed for the competitive bass angler. This kit normally retails for $79.99 but at the Classic will be selling for $59.00.
BRP to Spend $15 Million Making Facility "Heart of Evinrude"
BRP will invest over $15 million in the next three years to transform its outboard engine facility in Sturtevant, Wisconsin and become the heart of the Evinrude brand.
Evinrude product development, marketing and sales functions as well as customer service will be consolidated under one roof. In so doing, all employees from the Waukegan, IL facility will be regrouped in the Sturtevant campus. There will be no job terminations resulting from this move. Employee relocations will begin in late spring and should be completed by the end of 2011.
Evinrude product development, marketing and sales functions as well as customer service will be consolidated under one roof. In so doing, all employees from the Waukegan, IL facility will be regrouped in the Sturtevant campus. There will be no job terminations resulting from this move. Employee relocations will begin in late spring and should be completed by the end of 2011.
Register Early for Big Bass Bash and be Entered to Win a Garmin Echo Fishfinder
Collegiate anglers registering for the nationally televised Big Bass Bash presented by Hydrowave no later than March 1, 2011, will be eligible to win a Garmin Echo fishfinder valued at $400. Garmin will launch the Echo series in early March. Therefore, the lucky angler winning this prize will be one of the very first to have access to the most advanced fish finding technology ever made available by Garmin. The drawing to determine the winner will be held during registration on March 25. Register now for your chance to win!
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Popular Crazy Legs Now on a Lizard
The crazy legs phenom that revolutionized by the Berkley® PowerBait® Chigger Craw is now available on the new PowerBait 6-inch Crazy Legs Lizard.
Anglers across the nation know the power of Carolina rigging a lizard down to a point, but little do they know how much more power adding crazy legs can have. Generating more strikes with the crazy legs, the PowerBait Crazy Legs Lizard is soon to be one of the biggest baits on the water.
Brass N’ Blades Launches New Product Line with Bill Lowen
Brass N’ Blades Lures announced today that it is partnering with Bassmaster Elite Series angler Bill Lowen to promote its new line of lures.
“We are very pleased to have Bill on our staff. His style of fishing really matches well with our line of products,” said David Nichols, Founder and President of Brass N’ Blades. “Bill is gaining a serious reputation for designing lures, so his expertise in the design process was invaluable.”
3M, FLW Outdoors Announce Partnership
Modern research and development pioneer 3M has joined forces with FLW Outdoors, the world’s largest tournament-fishing organization, to highlight its ScotchBlue™Painter’s Tape, Command™Brand adhesive strips, Scotchgard™ and Scientific Anglers™brands.
”To have one of the world’s most renowned and innovative companies embrace the sport of fishing and outdoor lifestyle is exciting,” said Trisha Blake, president, FLW Outdoors Marketing Division. “They will be heavily rewarded for supporting such a loyal consumer group.”
”To have one of the world’s most renowned and innovative companies embrace the sport of fishing and outdoor lifestyle is exciting,” said Trisha Blake, president, FLW Outdoors Marketing Division. “They will be heavily rewarded for supporting such a loyal consumer group.”
First Day of EverStart Series Texas Division Event on Sam Rayburn Canceled
The first day of competition of the EverStart Series Sam Rayburn Reservoir event scheduled for Feb. 10-12 has been cancelled due to unsafe weather conditions.
“With water temperatures in the low 40s, winds gusting to 25 miles per hour and air temperatures of 28 degrees we just can’t let the guys go out,” said tournament director Ron Lappin. “If someone had mechanical problems or some other sort of incident they could end up getting killed and it’s just not worth it. Protecting our guys is my first concern.”
Lappin and FLW Outdoors officials are studying weather forecasts and weighing options and exploring alternative formats for the remaining days of the event. Go to FLWOutdoors.com for the latest updates on the EverStart Series Sam Rayburn Reservoir event.
ABOUT FLW OUTDOORS
FLW Outdoors is the largest fishing tournament organization in the world offering anglers worldwide the opportunity to compete for millions over the course of 191 tournaments in 2011. FLW Outdoors has taken fishing mainstream with the world’s richest fantasy sports game, FLW Fantasy Fishing presented by Straight Talk, where competitors can play for free as well as sign up for Player’s Advantage to gain an edge. For more information about FLW Outdoors and FLW Fantasy Fishing, visit FLWOutdoors.com or FantasyFishing.com.
“With water temperatures in the low 40s, winds gusting to 25 miles per hour and air temperatures of 28 degrees we just can’t let the guys go out,” said tournament director Ron Lappin. “If someone had mechanical problems or some other sort of incident they could end up getting killed and it’s just not worth it. Protecting our guys is my first concern.”
Lappin and FLW Outdoors officials are studying weather forecasts and weighing options and exploring alternative formats for the remaining days of the event. Go to FLWOutdoors.com for the latest updates on the EverStart Series Sam Rayburn Reservoir event.
ABOUT FLW OUTDOORS
FLW Outdoors is the largest fishing tournament organization in the world offering anglers worldwide the opportunity to compete for millions over the course of 191 tournaments in 2011. FLW Outdoors has taken fishing mainstream with the world’s richest fantasy sports game, FLW Fantasy Fishing presented by Straight Talk, where competitors can play for free as well as sign up for Player’s Advantage to gain an edge. For more information about FLW Outdoors and FLW Fantasy Fishing, visit FLWOutdoors.com or FantasyFishing.com.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Keith Poche Hooks New Sponsor
Keith Poche will be sponsored in 2011 by Bonnie Plants, an Alabama-based grower of bedding plants for home gardeners.
“It’s a great deal, I’m excited,” said Poche, a second-year Bassmaster Elite Series pro who lives in Troy, Ala. “I approached them in 2009, soon after I qualified for the Elites. They contacted me this year and said they were ready to do something.”
His new 2011 boat wrap continues to feature his main sponsor, NetBait. Bonnie Plants graphics appear in several spots on the boat as well as on his tow vehicle, he said.
“It’s a great deal, I’m excited,” said Poche, a second-year Bassmaster Elite Series pro who lives in Troy, Ala. “I approached them in 2009, soon after I qualified for the Elites. They contacted me this year and said they were ready to do something.”
His new 2011 boat wrap continues to feature his main sponsor, NetBait. Bonnie Plants graphics appear in several spots on the boat as well as on his tow vehicle, he said.
Manabu Kurita Joins Yamaha/Skeeter Pro Staff
Yamaha Marine Group announced today Manabu Kurita, who officially tied the world record for the largest bass ever caught, has joined the Yamaha/Skeeter® professional fishing staff and will display his catch at the Yamaha booth during the Bassmaster® Classic in New Orleans, Feb. 17-20, 2011.
75-Year-Old Illinois Woman Wins First FLW Fantasy Fishing Event
Mary Zedonis of St. Charles, Ill., knows a thing or two about professional fishing. The mother of five children, including an avid competitive angler, also knows a bit about Fantasy Fishing. In fact, the self-proclaimed “Fishin’ Momma” won $15,000 by playing FLW Fantasy Fishing presented by Straight Talk held in conjunction with the Walmart FLW Tour presented by Evinrude tournament on Lake Okeechobee Feb. 3-6. Zedonis correctly picked Brandon McMillan of Belle Glade, Fla., to win the event.
McCoy Re-signs Jason Williamson
McCoy Fishing announced today that it has re-signed Bassmaster Elite Series pro Jason Williamson (Wagener, S.C.) for the 2011 season.
On the McCoy pro staff for 2009 and 2010, Jason has proven to be a great asset for McCoy and a top tier Elite Series angler. Since switching over to McCoy line in 2009, Jason has notched two Elite Series victories and qualified for this year's Bassmaster Classic in New Orleans.
On the McCoy pro staff for 2009 and 2010, Jason has proven to be a great asset for McCoy and a top tier Elite Series angler. Since switching over to McCoy line in 2009, Jason has notched two Elite Series victories and qualified for this year's Bassmaster Classic in New Orleans.
Randy Montana & Casey Ashley to Perform at 2011 Bassmaster Classic
Mercury/Nashville recording artist Randy Montana and Casey Ashley have signed on to perform live, free concerts from the Costa stage for thousands of fishing fans filling the New Orleans Arena during the 2011 Bassmaster Classic. The Bassmaster Classic is set for Feb. 18-20 on the Louisiana Delta out of New Orleans, La.
Lazer TroKar Signs Jonathon VanDam
Lazer TroKar is thrilled to announce the expansion of their pro staff, by adding Jonathon VanDam. Jonathon will join Skeet Reese, Shaw Grigsby, Brent Chapman, Gerald Swindle, Scott Martin, Jason Williamson and Rick Clunn representing Lazer TroKar hooks during 2011 bass season.
TroKar manufactures the only hooks in the world utilizing surgically sharpened technology. Introduced two years ago, these wickedly sharp hooks are sweeping the competitive bass market.
TroKar manufactures the only hooks in the world utilizing surgically sharpened technology. Introduced two years ago, these wickedly sharp hooks are sweeping the competitive bass market.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Jacobug Makes Great Tournament Debut
Jacob Powroznik, a top professional bass angler on the FLW trail, fished several different flipping baits, but none quite worked the way he wanted so he designed his own – the ATTRAXX Jacobug!
Diet Mountain Dew, AMP Energy Join FLW Outdoors
PepsiCo, which offers the world’s largest collection of billion-dollar food and beverage brands, is enhancing FLW Outdoors’ sponsor portfolio in 2011 with two key brands: Diet Mountain Dew and AMP Energy. Both brands will be highlighted nationally across the promotional platforms supported by the world’s largest tournament-fishing organization.
Pure Fishing Acquires Sebile Fishing
Pure Fishing, Inc., a leading global provider of fishing tackle and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Jarden Corporation, today announced that it has acquired substantially all of the assets of the Sebile fishing lure business from Sebile International SA and its subsidiaries, a global supplier of fresh and saltwater fishing lures marketed under the Sebile® brand name.
Skeet Reese and Wright & McGill Offer a Classic Promo
Two of the most recognized names in the fishing world have joined together to offer Classic attendees some of the best products and promotions during the 3-day BassMaster's Classic taking place on February 18 - 20, 2011.
Buy any Skeet Reese rod, reel, or tackle bag from a participating retailer at the show and receive a FREE adult Skeet Reese jersey from TroKar booth #2065. That's a $69.99 value.
Buy a Skeet Reese Jr. Combo from a participating retailer at the show and receive a FREE Skeet Reese junior t-shirt valued at $19.99 from booth #2065.
It's all part of the excitement fans can expect at the 2011 BassMaster's Classic in New Orleans.
Buy any Skeet Reese rod, reel, or tackle bag from a participating retailer at the show and receive a FREE adult Skeet Reese jersey from TroKar booth #2065. That's a $69.99 value.
Buy a Skeet Reese Jr. Combo from a participating retailer at the show and receive a FREE Skeet Reese junior t-shirt valued at $19.99 from booth #2065.
It's all part of the excitement fans can expect at the 2011 BassMaster's Classic in New Orleans.
Dobyns Rods joins forces with ArmyBassAnglers
The mission statement behind ArmyBassAnglers (ABA) is "SUPPORT. DEFEND. FISH.," and Gary Dobyns, founder of Dobyns Rods Company, pledged his support today of the ABA mission through a multi-year sponsorship.
Dick's Sporting Goods Signs Skeet Reese
Skeet Reese, the 2007 Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Angler of the Year and the 2009 Bassmaster Classic Champion has reached an endorsement agreement with Dick's Sporting Goods; the largest U.S. based full line sporting goods retailer.
Reese will join an already strong team of anglers who wear the Dick's Sporting Goods logo; the current team features Bassmaster Elite Series pros Mike Iaconelli and Shaw Grigsby along with saltwater pro Capt. Blair Wiggins. The addition of Reese creates an even stronger presence on the national fishing scene.
Reese will join an already strong team of anglers who wear the Dick's Sporting Goods logo; the current team features Bassmaster Elite Series pros Mike Iaconelli and Shaw Grigsby along with saltwater pro Capt. Blair Wiggins. The addition of Reese creates an even stronger presence on the national fishing scene.
WFN and ABA Announce Marketing Partnership
ABA: American Bass Anglers, Inc. (ABA) and WFN: World Fishing Network today announced a marketing partnership between North America’s only 24-hour fishing lifestyle network and America’s largest tournament organization for the weekend angler. Through the agreement, the ABA and WFN will collaborate on multiple levels, including showcasing ABA events weekly on WFN, cross promotion opportunities and the creation of multi-platform initiatives for new and existing sponsors and marketers.
Monday, February 7, 2011
Lazer TroKar Renews Sponsorship With PAA
Lazer TroKar premium fishing hooks has renewed its commitment to the Professional Anglers Association as an Associate Sponsor for 2011.
Lazer TroKar will be featured during the year on multiple platforms including FishPAA.com, FishPAA Television broadcast on Versus and at 2011 Bass Pro Shops PAA Tournament Series events.
Lazer TroKar will be featured during the year on multiple platforms including FishPAA.com, FishPAA Television broadcast on Versus and at 2011 Bass Pro Shops PAA Tournament Series events.
With E15, Boaters, Anglers Will Need Extra Vigilance When Filling up at the Gas Station
With the EPA's recent decision to allow the use of gasoline with up to 15% ethanol (E15) in 2001 and newer model cars and trucks, Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS) says that trailerboaters will need to remain extra vigilant when filling up their truck and trailered boat at the local gas station. That's because while E15 could be fine for the tow vehicle, it's not good - nor authorized by the EPA - for use with boats. A strong solvent, ethanol has been known to degrade marine fuel systems, damage engines, add safety concerns, and lead to expensive repair bills.
SPRO Teams with Collegiate Bass Fishing Championship Series
SPRO is proud to announce it has become involved with the BoatUS Collegiate Bass Fishing Championship Series. This is a great step to insure that the future of fishing will be around for years to come.
Reins Fishing Signs Bill Lowen, Ott Defoe & Cliff Crochet
Reins Fishing announced today that it is partnering with Bassmaster Elite Series anglers Bill Lowen, Ott Defoe and Cliff Crochet to promote its line of tungsten products. Reins is Japan’s top tungsten supplier.
“Elite anglers like Bill Lowen, Ott DeFoe and Cliff Crochet demand the highest quality products available. Anglers in Japan are the same way. We are very excited to be making Reins Tungsten available in the United States and look forward to hearing about anglers using the weights to catch more fish,” said Mike Clark, Reins Tungsten’s National Sales Manager.
“I fished Reins on the Elite Series last year and felt extremely confident with them. They have custom shapes in the widest available weight range. They have an awesome matte finish that won’t chip and a sleeve insert to eliminate line fray,” said 2011 Bassmaster Classic qualifier Bill Lowen.
Ott DeFoe is excited about using Reins Tungsten for flipping tubes. “The perfect weight for a 4” tube is 5/16 ounce. That weight allows a tube to impart the exact action necessary to trigger strikes. Reins is the only company that I can find that sells that exact size in tungsten,” said DeFoe. “At the Toho Southern Open I was sight fishing using a Berkley Power Hawg and an ‘absolutely tiny’ 3/16 Reins bullet weight. It was the perfect setup for that situation.” Defoe finished in 4th place out of 193 anglers in that event.
“At the recent Southern Open a fisherman saw my flipping stick and asked how I was able to fish mats with a 3/4 ounce weight. It was actually a 1.5 ounce Reins weight,” said Cliff Crochet. “The size of these weights is so much less than old-school weights. They are even smaller than other tungsten weights. People ask me what’s the big deal about the size of the weight. I tell them the smaller the weight the better the hook up.”
Reins Tungsten warns anglers that all tungsten products are not the same. Reins Tungsten weights are constructed of the highest concentration of tungsten on the market, and thus smaller in size.
ABOUT REINS TUNGSTEN
Based in West Palm Beach, Florida, Reins Fishing USA imports Reins Tungsten from Japan. Reins is Japan’s top Tungsten supplier, with proprietary shapes and styles that give anglers an edge. Slip sinker sizes range from 1/16 ounce to 2.5 ounces. Down shot, slim down shot and nail weights are also available. For more information about Reins Tungsten visit www.reinsfishing.com and Like them on Facebook at Reins Fishing.
ABOUT BILL LOWEN
Bill Lowen is a three-time Bassmaster Classic qualifier. He completed the 2010 Bassmaster Elite Series in 20th place highlighted by a 2nd place finish in the Golden State Shootout in March. Fans can interact with Bill at www.BillLowen.com and through his Facebook page.
ABOUT OTT DEFOE
Ott DeFoe became the first Tennessean into the Bassmaster Elite Series by finishing the 2010 Bassmaster Southern Open in 5th place. Ott amassed over $400,000 in earnings fishing FLW Outdoors events beginning at the age of 16. Fans can read a blog and recaps of Ott’s events going back to 2009 at www.ODFishing.net and interact with him through his Facebook page.
ABOUT CLIFF CROCHET
Cliff “The Cajun Baby” Crochet highlighted his Bassmaster Elite Series rookie season in 2010 by finishing 13th at the Bassmaster Classic and finishing as runner-up at both the Pride of Georgia on Clarks Hills Lake and the Elite Series Rookie of the Year race. Fans can read more about Cliff at www.CliffCrochet.com and interact with him through his Facebook page.
Lew's Signs Tim Horton
Lew's® proudly announces that Bassmaster Elite Series angler and former BASS Angler of the Year Tim Horton has picked Lew's for his choice of reels, starting immediately. The popular Muscle Shoals, Ala., angler's decision to join Team Lew's® places him among other high profile anglers who have recently signed with the brand that is turning heads in the fishing industry.
Rick Clunn Signs With Lazer TroKar
Rick Clunn, four time Bassmaster Classic winner, recently joined the ranks of pros, Skeet Reese, Shaw Grigsby, Gerald Swindle, Scott Martin, Brent Chapman and Jason Williamson to represent and endorse Lazer TroKar Bass hooks.
"We know pros like Rick are always looking for an edge, some new angle to give them an advantage. When we learned a legend like Rick Clunn was excited to fish with TroKar hooks because he felt they were the best on the market, of course, we jumped at the chance. Rick brings such a high level of expertise and "know-how" to the bass market. We are excited to work with him on new projects TroKar has in the works," stated Chris Russell, Marketing Director for Wright & McGill Co.
TroKar manufactures the only hooks in the world that are surgically sharpened. Introduced two years ago, these wickedly sharp hooks are sweeping the competitive market.
Rick Clunn commented, "No matter what your favorite style of angling is, to achieve peak performance in hooking and landing fish, it is essential that you use the very best hooks."
Rick will be in the TroKar booth #2065, on Friday, February 18th and Saturday, February 19th in the afternoon during the BassMaster's Classic. Take advantage of this rare opportunity to talk to a pro that has been fishing for over 37 years, was voted ESPN All-time Greatest Bass Angler in 2004, has 14 B.A.S. S. Championship wins and 100 top ten finishes to his name. Rick never felt he needed to endorse a hook before now but knows what it takes to be a winner, and that's why TroKar bass hooks are his hook of choice.
For more information on TroKar, be sure to visit our website at www.lazertrokar.com where you can download screen savers, view tech info about styles & sizes, visit the TroKar pro's, check out trick TroKar apparel and much more. Follow Lazer TroKar on Facebook.
"We know pros like Rick are always looking for an edge, some new angle to give them an advantage. When we learned a legend like Rick Clunn was excited to fish with TroKar hooks because he felt they were the best on the market, of course, we jumped at the chance. Rick brings such a high level of expertise and "know-how" to the bass market. We are excited to work with him on new projects TroKar has in the works," stated Chris Russell, Marketing Director for Wright & McGill Co.
TroKar manufactures the only hooks in the world that are surgically sharpened. Introduced two years ago, these wickedly sharp hooks are sweeping the competitive market.
Rick Clunn commented, "No matter what your favorite style of angling is, to achieve peak performance in hooking and landing fish, it is essential that you use the very best hooks."
Rick will be in the TroKar booth #2065, on Friday, February 18th and Saturday, February 19th in the afternoon during the BassMaster's Classic. Take advantage of this rare opportunity to talk to a pro that has been fishing for over 37 years, was voted ESPN All-time Greatest Bass Angler in 2004, has 14 B.A.S. S. Championship wins and 100 top ten finishes to his name. Rick never felt he needed to endorse a hook before now but knows what it takes to be a winner, and that's why TroKar bass hooks are his hook of choice.
For more information on TroKar, be sure to visit our website at www.lazertrokar.com where you can download screen savers, view tech info about styles & sizes, visit the TroKar pro's, check out trick TroKar apparel and much more. Follow Lazer TroKar on Facebook.
Z-Man Hires Adventure Advertising
Z-Man Fishing Products, Inc., makers of the Original ChatterBait®, is pleased to announce the hiring of Adventure Advertising, LLC as its Agency of Record to develop and deploy a multimedia marketing strategy directed at building awareness of Z-Man products and their proprietary brand of ElaZtech® soft plastics.
Sunday, February 6, 2011
McMillan Wins Walmart FLW Tour Presented By Evinrude On Lake Okeechbee
Walmart FLW Tour pro Brandon McMillanof Belle Glade, Fla., caught a five-bass limit weighing 25 pounds, 7 ounces Sunday to win $125,000 at the Walmart FLW Tour presented by Evinrude on Lake Okeechobee with a four-day catch of 20 bass weighing 106-10. McMillan’s total weight set a new FLW Tour record for heaviest total tournament weight caught.
American Bass Anglers and Hobie Polarized Announce Hobie Big Bass Program
Catch the big bass in any ABA bass tournament and you could win a pair of Hobie Polarized Sunglasses.
1. Personally own a pair of Hobie Polarized Sunglasses
2. Catch the big bass in any ABA tournament
3. Have your tournament director take a picture of the big bass and you wearing your Hobie Polarized Sunglasses. The Tournament director fills out a form and sends the photo to ABA
4. Once a month we will draw one winner from all entries.
The winner will receive a free pair of Hobie Polarized Sunglasses.
What tournaments can participate: Any ABA tournament.
Only one winner per month February through October. Each monthly winner’s photo will be posted on the lower portion of this page.
Photos of the big bass can be emailed to hobiebigbass@americanbassanglers.com
Hobie offers a 40% discount for Hobie Polarized Sunglasses to all ABA members by visiting HTTP://HOBIE.3POINT5.COM and using the ABA code HPABAMBR when your register.
How do you get started? go to HTTP://HOBIE.3POINT5.COM and register on Hobie's website and look at the 40% off deal on their sunglasses exclusively for ABA members.
1. Personally own a pair of Hobie Polarized Sunglasses
2. Catch the big bass in any ABA tournament
3. Have your tournament director take a picture of the big bass and you wearing your Hobie Polarized Sunglasses. The Tournament director fills out a form and sends the photo to ABA
4. Once a month we will draw one winner from all entries.
The winner will receive a free pair of Hobie Polarized Sunglasses.
What tournaments can participate: Any ABA tournament.
Only one winner per month February through October. Each monthly winner’s photo will be posted on the lower portion of this page.
Photos of the big bass can be emailed to hobiebigbass@americanbassanglers.com
Hobie offers a 40% discount for Hobie Polarized Sunglasses to all ABA members by visiting HTTP://HOBIE.3POINT5.COM and using the ABA code HPABAMBR when your register.
How do you get started? go to HTTP://HOBIE.3POINT5.COM and register on Hobie's website and look at the 40% off deal on their sunglasses exclusively for ABA members.
Prough Maintains Lead At Walmart FLW Tour On Lake Okeechobee
Walmart FLW Tour pro Chad Prough of Chipley, Fla.,caught a five-bass limit weighing 20 pounds, 8 ounces Saturday and continues to lead the Walmart FLW Tour presented by Evinrude on Lake Okeechobee advancing to the final day of competition as the No. 1 seed. With a three-day catch of 15 bass weighing 87-15,he now holds a 5 pound, 1 ounce lead in the tournament.
Gorie & Alfonso Win National Guard FLW Soldier Appreciation Tournament On Lake Okeechobee
Staff Sgt. Gorie of Tampa, Fla., and Sgt. 1st Class Alfonso of Val Rico, Fla., won the National Guard FLW Soldier Appreciation Tournament held on Lake Okeechobee Saturday. The team, fishing with Pickens Plan pro Randy Blaukat of Joplin, Mo., caught three bass for a total of 14 pounds, 15 ounces to take the title and bragging rights amongst their peers.
Friday, February 4, 2011
Prough Continues To Lead Walmart FLW Tour Presented By Evinrude On Lake Okeechobee
Walmart FLW Tour pro Chad Prough of Chipley, Fla.,caught a five-bass limit weighing 32 pounds, 4 ounces Friday to maintain the lead on day two of the Walmart FLW Tour presented by Evinrude on Lake Okeechobee. His two-day catch of 10 bass weighing 67 pounds, 7 ounces gives him a commanding lead heading into the third day of the tournament. There were 160 pros and 160 co-anglers from across the United States, Canada and Spain that started the tournament. The top 20 will fish day three and the top 10 will compete for the title on day four.
Lady Bass Anglers Association
The Lady Bass Anglers Association (LBAA) fully launches out into the deep as 2011 marks their first full year of tournament competition with four tournaments and a tour championship.
“If someone had told me that at some point we would all be running and competing in our own tour, I would have said – not me, I just fish,” LBAA co-founder Secret York said recently. “You know, I’ve said it often times that things always happen for a reason. Its great see that the LBAA is working and that it is going somewhere.”
“If someone had told me that at some point we would all be running and competing in our own tour, I would have said – not me, I just fish,” LBAA co-founder Secret York said recently. “You know, I’ve said it often times that things always happen for a reason. Its great see that the LBAA is working and that it is going somewhere.”
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Prough Leads Walmart FLW Tour Presented By Evinrude On Lake Okeechobee
Walmart FLW Tour pro Chad Prough of Chipley, Fla., crossed the stage Thursday with a five-bass limit weighing 35 pounds, 3 ounces to lead day one of the Walmart FLW Tour presented by Evinrude on Lake Okeechobee. Prough now holds a 5-pound, 15-ounce lead over Duracell/Gillette pro Jacob Powroznik of Prince George, Va., who caught five bass weighing 29-4 in a tournament featuring 320 anglers from all across the country, Canada and Spain.
RoadHouse Tackle Signs Rick Morris
RoadHouse Tackle is proud to add 20-year Bassmaster Elite Series veteran Rick Morris to its national pro staff.
Rick's experience speaks for itself, not only from his many years on tour but his knowledge of the industry as a whole.
Rick's experience speaks for itself, not only from his many years on tour but his knowledge of the industry as a whole.
Berkley’s Experience Trailer Starts the 2011 Tour in Florida
The Berkley Experience Trailer will be at the Bass Pro Shops in Orlando, Fla., to start the 2011 tour on January February 4th – 6th. With 60-feet of fun and activities, the Experience Trailer brings fishing education to all levels and skill sets of anglers.
Toyota Share Lunker 508 Sets New Record for Lake Austin
T.J. Nissen of Austin holds the new record for Lake Austin after catching a 16.03-pound bass late in the day on January 27.
Nissen was fishing in four to five feet of 49-degree water when the fish took his crankbait. The fish is 28.25 inches long and 21.75 inches in girth. Only three other fish entered into the Toyota ShareLunker program have been that long.
Abu Garcia Launch's New Website
Abu Garcia recently launched an updated abugarcia.com. The revamped site contains extensive information for any level angler, which will enhance their online and angling experience. The site features improved an improved Flash home page that reinforce Abu Garcia precision engineering and cutting edge design.
“The launch of the Abu Garcia site is a big step to improve the online experience for all levels of angling experience,” said David Lund, Abu Garcia Vice President of Marketing – The Americas. “Abu Garcia strives to improve the angler’s online experience, and with that increase their success on the water.”
“The launch of the Abu Garcia site is a big step to improve the online experience for all levels of angling experience,” said David Lund, Abu Garcia Vice President of Marketing – The Americas. “Abu Garcia strives to improve the angler’s online experience, and with that increase their success on the water.”
Federal Consideration of Bottom Fishing Closure Suspended
The Secretary of Commerce has agreed with recommendations of NOAA Fisheries Services and the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council to suspend consideration of the potential large bottom fishing closure in the Southeast. Economic impact information generated by the American Sportfishing Assn. (ASA) in cooperation with the Berkley Conservation Institute (BCI) and Big Rock Sports led to the decision. Keeping the zone open protects potentially thousands of jobs and industry retail sales in the impacted areas.
"I believe that two things primarily impacted this decision," said BCI Director Jim Martin. "First, the Council and NOAA Fisheries heard loud and clear that risking such an economic impact in a time of economic recession was the wrong decision. While we are all committed to the full rebuilding of red snapper in the South Atlantic, closing the entire bottom fishing complex for so long…perhaps over a decade, was going to have a devastating impact on the economy, our jobs and the industry as a whole. We have ASA and Big Rock to thank for doing the exceptional survey of potential economic impacts.
"Secondly, the new stock assessment for South Atlantic red snapper showed what anglers have been saying all along….that the stock was stronger than was originally reflected in previous stock assessments. The good news is that the most recent assessment showed several younger year classes have moved into the catchable population. With the continuation of prohibition on targeting red snapper, it is believed that most of these fish will recruit into spawning populations to help rebuild red snapper to levels without the drastic measure of closing all bottom fishing."
It will still take many years to fully rebuild red snapper, even with the prohibition on target fishing this species. Once this happens, a sustained yield of many times the current catch is expected if management is careful not to overfish red snapper.
There is still the issue of the incidental mortality of red snapper that are caught in recreational fishing, and are brought to the surface and released. Pure Fishing is working with ASA and others to examine techniques to resubmerge these fish back to the depth that they were caught before releasing them.
Added Martin, "In the short term, an economic disaster has been avoided by the wise decision by the Secretary of Commerce. The longer term good news is we expect to be able to rebuild South Atlantic red snapper without having to close the whole bottom fishing complex."
About Pure Fishing
Pure Fishing, Inc. is a leading global provider of fishing tackle, lures, rods and reels with a portfolio of brands that includes Abu Garcia®, All Star®, Berkley®, Fenwick®, Gulp!®, Mitchell®, Penn®, Pflueger®, SevenStrand®, Shakespeare®, SpiderWire®, Stren®, Trilene® and Ugly Stik®. With operations in 19 countries and a dedicated workforce conversant in 28 languages, Pure Fishing, Inc. is part of Jarden Outdoor Solutions, a leader in developing outdoor and active lifestyle products and a subsidiary of Jarden Corporation. Additional information can be found at www.purefishing.com.
About Jarden
Jarden Corporation is a leading provider of niche consumer products. Jarden operates in three primary business segments through a number of well recognized brands, including: Outdoor Solutions: Abu Garcia®, Aero®, Berkley®, Campingaz® and Coleman®, Fenwick®, Gulp!®, K2®, Marker®, Marmot®, Mitchell®, Penn®, Rawlings®, Shakespeare®, Stearns®, Stren®, Trilene®, Völkl® and Zoot®; Consumer Solutions: Bionaire®, Crock-Pot®, FoodSaver®, Health o meter®, Holmes®, Mr. Coffee®, Oster®, Patton®, Rival®, Seal-a-Meal®, Sunbeam®, VillaWare® and White Mountain®; and Branded Consumables: Ball®, Bee®, Bicycle®, Billy Boy®, Crawford®, Diamond®, Dicon®, Fiona®, First Alert®, First Essentials®, Forster®, Hoyle®, Kerr®, Lehigh®, Leslie-Locke®, Lillo®, Loew Cornell®, Mapa®, NUK®, Pine Mountain®, Quickie®, Spontex® and Tigex®. Headquartered in Rye, N.Y., Jarden has over 25,000 employees worldwide. For more information, please visit www.jarden.com.
"I believe that two things primarily impacted this decision," said BCI Director Jim Martin. "First, the Council and NOAA Fisheries heard loud and clear that risking such an economic impact in a time of economic recession was the wrong decision. While we are all committed to the full rebuilding of red snapper in the South Atlantic, closing the entire bottom fishing complex for so long…perhaps over a decade, was going to have a devastating impact on the economy, our jobs and the industry as a whole. We have ASA and Big Rock to thank for doing the exceptional survey of potential economic impacts.
"Secondly, the new stock assessment for South Atlantic red snapper showed what anglers have been saying all along….that the stock was stronger than was originally reflected in previous stock assessments. The good news is that the most recent assessment showed several younger year classes have moved into the catchable population. With the continuation of prohibition on targeting red snapper, it is believed that most of these fish will recruit into spawning populations to help rebuild red snapper to levels without the drastic measure of closing all bottom fishing."
It will still take many years to fully rebuild red snapper, even with the prohibition on target fishing this species. Once this happens, a sustained yield of many times the current catch is expected if management is careful not to overfish red snapper.
There is still the issue of the incidental mortality of red snapper that are caught in recreational fishing, and are brought to the surface and released. Pure Fishing is working with ASA and others to examine techniques to resubmerge these fish back to the depth that they were caught before releasing them.
Added Martin, "In the short term, an economic disaster has been avoided by the wise decision by the Secretary of Commerce. The longer term good news is we expect to be able to rebuild South Atlantic red snapper without having to close the whole bottom fishing complex."
About Pure Fishing
Pure Fishing, Inc. is a leading global provider of fishing tackle, lures, rods and reels with a portfolio of brands that includes Abu Garcia®, All Star®, Berkley®, Fenwick®, Gulp!®, Mitchell®, Penn®, Pflueger®, SevenStrand®, Shakespeare®, SpiderWire®, Stren®, Trilene® and Ugly Stik®. With operations in 19 countries and a dedicated workforce conversant in 28 languages, Pure Fishing, Inc. is part of Jarden Outdoor Solutions, a leader in developing outdoor and active lifestyle products and a subsidiary of Jarden Corporation. Additional information can be found at www.purefishing.com.
About Jarden
Jarden Corporation is a leading provider of niche consumer products. Jarden operates in three primary business segments through a number of well recognized brands, including: Outdoor Solutions: Abu Garcia®, Aero®, Berkley®, Campingaz® and Coleman®, Fenwick®, Gulp!®, K2®, Marker®, Marmot®, Mitchell®, Penn®, Rawlings®, Shakespeare®, Stearns®, Stren®, Trilene®, Völkl® and Zoot®; Consumer Solutions: Bionaire®, Crock-Pot®, FoodSaver®, Health o meter®, Holmes®, Mr. Coffee®, Oster®, Patton®, Rival®, Seal-a-Meal®, Sunbeam®, VillaWare® and White Mountain®; and Branded Consumables: Ball®, Bee®, Bicycle®, Billy Boy®, Crawford®, Diamond®, Dicon®, Fiona®, First Alert®, First Essentials®, Forster®, Hoyle®, Kerr®, Lehigh®, Leslie-Locke®, Lillo®, Loew Cornell®, Mapa®, NUK®, Pine Mountain®, Quickie®, Spontex® and Tigex®. Headquartered in Rye, N.Y., Jarden has over 25,000 employees worldwide. For more information, please visit www.jarden.com.
Charlie Moore: No Offense Preview
Here is a sneak peek at the new new original series Charlie Moore:No Offense, featuring the Boston native and Emmy Award-winning host, beginning on February 4, at 8:30 p.m. ET. The ten-episode show features this one-of-a-kind, cigar loving sports fanatic and avid angler, as he leaves his native waters and goes on numerous adventures taking viewers on a rip-roaring ride through the water.
The Mad Fisherman Comes To VERSUS - Series Premiere Of Charlie Moore: No Offense
VERSUS will debut the new original series Charlie Moore:No Offense, featuring the Boston native and Emmy Award-winning host, beginning on February 4, at 8:30 p.m. ET. The ten-episode show features this one-of-a-kind, cigar loving sports fanatic and avid angler, as he leaves his native waters and goes on numerous adventures taking viewers on a rip-roaring ride through the water.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Kyle Fox First to Win BoatUS "Weigh-to-Win"
Thanks to the recently launched BoatUS Angler "Weigh-to-Win" program, several Bassmaster Classic competitors will have the chance to get a little richer beyond the fruitful $500,000 first-place prize. The highest finishing eligible "Weigh-to-Win" Bassmaster Classic competitor will haul home $1,500 cash from New Orleans, and regular season Elite Series events will pay $500.
"Weigh-to-Win" is a cash contingency program for BoatUS Angler members ranging from weekend warriors to pros that compete in B.A.S.S., FLW, PAA and the BoatUS Collegiate Bass Fishing Championship. BoatUS Angler represents America’s oldest and largest association of boat owning anglers, offering members the largest towing fleet with 24/7 towing dispatch assistance and insurance for when the unexpected happens on the road and water.
"Weigh-to-Win" is a cash contingency program for BoatUS Angler members ranging from weekend warriors to pros that compete in B.A.S.S., FLW, PAA and the BoatUS Collegiate Bass Fishing Championship. BoatUS Angler represents America’s oldest and largest association of boat owning anglers, offering members the largest towing fleet with 24/7 towing dispatch assistance and insurance for when the unexpected happens on the road and water.
Iaconelli Joins Effort to Protect Louisiana's Wetlands
Michael Iaconelli, one of professional bass fishing's elite anglers and host of City Limits Fishing on the Versus Network, is giving his support to help the National Wildlife Federation and Louisiana Wildlife Federation raise awareness for the need to restore and protect Louisiana's imperiled coastal wetlands.
The Mental Side of Bass Fishing – Don’t Panic!
Recently, Zoom pro staffer Gerald Swindle won his first B.A.S.S. tournament at Lake Toho in Kissismee, Florida. The video above is Gerald, in his own words, describing how he dealt with his co-angler catching back-to-back nine pounders early on day three of the tournament. Wow!!
The mental side of bass fishing tournaments is so important because it involves confidence and decision making. Gerald talks about how he didn’t get “rattled” and took back control of the situation. Congratulations Gerald!!
EverStart Series Texas Division to Host Event on Sam Rayburn Reservoir
The EverStart Series is headed to Sam Rayburn Reservoir Feb. 10-12 for the second of four stops in the Texas Division. As many as 300 pros and co-anglers will be competing for top awards up to $35,000 plus a Ranger boat with an Evinrude or Mercury outboard for the pro and a Ranger boat with an Evinrude or Mercury outboard plus $5,000 for the co-angler.
Give Your Reels a Blast
While a dry cloth will remove the obvious dust, Ardent's Reel Blast is a pressurized dirt remover that can get in those hard-to-reach places, removing excess dust and leftover debris from last season. Simply point and shoot the pressurized spray, and it will remove remaining particles of debris without requiring disassembly of your equipment.
Plano says "don't let the groundhog overshadow February tackle duties"
Whether Pennsylvania's famous furry little butterball saw his shadow today or not, most anglers across the country have already accepted the fact they are in for six more weeks of winter because it is only February. However, the groundhog sighting still offers encouragement since the plump little rodent looks to be about a 10-pounder, a size that stirs illusions of a double-digit bass or walleye on the line during a nice warm outing that surely will occur just a few weeks from now.
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Releases Video on Fizzing Bass
The Inland Fisheries Division of Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) today announced the availability of a seven-minute video detailing the results of a two-year study to determine the best method of treating largemouth bass suffering from barotrauma.
BoatUS Foundation President Ruth Wood Retires
After 28 years with the BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water, most recently serving as the 501(c)(3) non-profit's President for the last five years, Ruth Wood has announced her retirement. She plans to continue her passion for choral singing and spending time outdoors camping, hiking, sailing and kayaking with her Golden Retriever, Jackie. She will also remain as a volunteer member of the Board of Trustees of the Foundation, helping to guide the organization well into the next decade.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Mercury Marine Introduces Propeller for Volvo Penta Drives
Mercury Marine is proud to introduce the Quicksilver Thunderbolt line of propellers for Volvo Penta® Duoprop® drives.
Now owners of Volvo Penta DPS drives now can experience the performance improvement that comes with running a Quicksilver Propeller. Quicksilver propellers are manufactured by Mercury Propellers – the world leader in marine propulsion. The Quicksilver Thunderbolt is made in the U.S. at Mercury Propellers Investment Casting foundry in Fond du Lac, Wis.
Now owners of Volvo Penta DPS drives now can experience the performance improvement that comes with running a Quicksilver Propeller. Quicksilver propellers are manufactured by Mercury Propellers – the world leader in marine propulsion. The Quicksilver Thunderbolt is made in the U.S. at Mercury Propellers Investment Casting foundry in Fond du Lac, Wis.
Bassmaster Classic TV Schedule
Coverage of the 2011 Bassmaster Classic by ESPN2 will be aired Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 26-27, and again on Sunday, March 6.
The Saturday show will recap the world championship from 10-11 a.m. On Sunday, Feb. 27, the air times will be at 5-8 a.m.; 3-5 p.m.; and 10 to midnight. The March 6 shows will air from 5-9 a.m.
B.A.S.S. Fantasy Fishing Presented by Toyota Trucks
It’s time again for B.A.S.S. Fantasy Fishing presented by Toyota Trucks, with prizes of Bass Pro Shops gift cards and a grand prize that includes a trip for two to the 2012 Bassmaster Classic.
Registration begins today, Feb. 1, at www.bassmaster.com/fantasy. The play is free.
The first tournament of 2011 Fantasy Fishing will be the Feb. 18-20 Bassmaster Classic. The Fantasy Fishing prize will be a $1,000 Bass Pro Shops gift card.
For the eight regular-season Bassmaster Elite Series events, player prizes will be $500 gift cards from Bass Pro Shops. A $1,000 Bass Pro Shops gift card will also be awarded to the grand prize winner, in addition to the trip to the 2012 Bassmaster Classic in Shreveport, La.
Registration begins today, Feb. 1, at www.bassmaster.com/fantasy. The play is free.
The first tournament of 2011 Fantasy Fishing will be the Feb. 18-20 Bassmaster Classic. The Fantasy Fishing prize will be a $1,000 Bass Pro Shops gift card.
For the eight regular-season Bassmaster Elite Series events, player prizes will be $500 gift cards from Bass Pro Shops. A $1,000 Bass Pro Shops gift card will also be awarded to the grand prize winner, in addition to the trip to the 2012 Bassmaster Classic in Shreveport, La.
Win a Abu Garcia Revo SX
We are pleased to announce that the new Abu Garcia website has been upgraded with ratings and reviews. Just getting to review and share your favorite Abu Garcia product on the website is great, but we thought getting to review a product while being entered in a weekly drawing for a Revo® SX reel is even better.
That's why we are giving away an Abu Garcia Revo SX every week through March 8th just for writing a review on the Abu Garcia website. All you have to visit a product page and write a review. It's that simple!
Click Here To Visit AbuGarcia.com And Write A Review
That's why we are giving away an Abu Garcia Revo SX every week through March 8th just for writing a review on the Abu Garcia website. All you have to visit a product page and write a review. It's that simple!
Click Here To Visit AbuGarcia.com And Write A Review
Vicious Pro Elite Fluorocarbon Helps Swindle to First Bassmaster Victory
Once Gerald Swindle figured out the bass wanted an achingly slow presentation with his lipless crankbait, it was a matter of staying focused and grinding out his first Bassmaster tournament win.
More than 80 pounds in three days might not be considered "grinding" to some anglers. But for the G-Man, who rarely operates in slow motion, his Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Southern Open victory on Lake Toho was a course in patience and tackle refinement.
Xcite Baits Signs Goldbeck & Clark to Pro Staff
Xcite Baits, a rapidly growing manufacturer of "Texas-sized" soft plastics and terminal tackle, announced today that it has added Grant Goldbeck and Brian Clark to the company's pro staff.
Goldbeck, who is about to begin his sixth season on the Bassmaster Elite Series tournament trail, recently moved from Maryland to Boerne, Texas, to be closer to noted big-bass factories like Amistad and Falcon, where outsized plastics typically rule the day.
Goldbeck, who is about to begin his sixth season on the Bassmaster Elite Series tournament trail, recently moved from Maryland to Boerne, Texas, to be closer to noted big-bass factories like Amistad and Falcon, where outsized plastics typically rule the day.
Bassmaster Classic Media Day Plans Announced
Fifty of the top anglers in the world will be at Mardi Gras World on Feb. 17 and available for one-on-one interviews. This exclusive media event comes the day before the 41st Bassmaster Classic is slated to begin on the Louisiana Delta.
To register for the event and for more information, visit bassmastermedia.com, or contact Melissa J. Dixon at 407-566-2295 or Todd Ragusa in Louisiana at 504-330-2202.
To register for the event and for more information, visit bassmastermedia.com, or contact Melissa J. Dixon at 407-566-2295 or Todd Ragusa in Louisiana at 504-330-2202.
Alabama vs. LSU at the Bassmaster College Classic
Longtime SEC football rivals Louisiana State University and the University of Alabama will meet Feb. 20 not on the field, but on the water.
The LSU and Alabama bass fishing teams will compete that Sunday in the Bassmaster College Classic on Louisiana's Lake Verret. At the same time, the world's top anglers will be competing elsewhere on the Louisiana Delta on the final day of the 41st Bassmaster Classic, the world championship of bass fishing, out of New Orleans.
The one-day, combined-weight college tournament will award bragging rights, a coveted trophy and the right to come back to defend their title next year. All team members will weigh in on the Bassmaster Classic stage just before the final 25 contenders for the Classic crown appear.
The LSU and Alabama bass fishing teams will compete that Sunday in the Bassmaster College Classic on Louisiana's Lake Verret. At the same time, the world's top anglers will be competing elsewhere on the Louisiana Delta on the final day of the 41st Bassmaster Classic, the world championship of bass fishing, out of New Orleans.
The one-day, combined-weight college tournament will award bragging rights, a coveted trophy and the right to come back to defend their title next year. All team members will weigh in on the Bassmaster Classic stage just before the final 25 contenders for the Classic crown appear.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)