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Showing posts with label Angler Headlines. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Angler Headlines. Show all posts
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
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.”
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.
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.
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!
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.
Monday, February 7, 2011
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.
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.
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