All posts by hellabass

Top 10 Bass Fishing Blogs that you should check out!

If you’re into your fishing, you’ll be online most of the time looking for fishing tips and advice as well! There are so many different ways to do things, sometimes someone else’s way is better than yours. That is why it is important to have a read of different blogs! And that is why you’ve stumbled across my site. I was invited by Blogs.com to be featured guest and to create a Top 10 outdoor/fishing related blog list.  They do a lot of different lists like this.  I naturally gravitated to a list of Bass Fishing blogs, so here is my 10 favorite blogs that are not my own – see Blogs.com feature here.

Rich Lindgren’s Top 10 Bass Fishing Blogs

Bass East Blog

BassEast is a relatively young blog, but has great content. There are several young bass anglers co-authoring this blog and it’s linked to many other video and audio features that add to the Bass East conglomerate.

Bass Pundit

When I started blogging, Bass Pundit was one of the only other games in town. He has kept a good thing going and mainly sticks to fishing and bass related topics. I like to think of us as co-pioneers in bass fishing blogging– we were there before it was cool to have a bass blog.

Boyd Duckett :: Bassmaster

Boyd Duckett is a Bassmaster Classic champion and Elite Series tour pro. He does a good job of finding time to blog with his hectic schedule.

Carl’s “BassAckwards” Fishing Blog

Team BassAckwards is doing a good job of covering their Minnesota tournament fishing endeavors and mixing in some other relevant bass fishing topics.

Hardkore Fishing

Hardkore Fishing is blog from a tournament angler in New York. He has had a very good thing going talking about tournaments, product reviews and relevant fishing topics. It’s been awhile since he has posted however, and it worries me when good bloggers don’t write for awhile. Many good blogs go by the wayside that way.

I am a bass fisherman

This Louisiana bass blog was started out of spite, when the author was wronged by a popular bass forum. He has done a great job re-channeling his inner outdoorsman onto the pages.

JoshDouglasFishing.com Blog

Josh Douglas mainly blogs about his tournament success and challenges, mixes in fun fishing, guide trips, and some tips & techniques. Too bad he doesn’t allow commenting.

Minnesota Bass Fishing

I only recently started reading Jason’s blog but so far he’s got great info on his tournaments and shares thoughts on sponsorships and more.

Rattletrap Ramblings

Rattletrap Ramblings is all about bass fishing in Florida and the author’s campaign to move up the bass fishing tournament food chain and become a Pro Bass Angler.

Wired Angler

Wired Angler is a California-based blog. It’s a great place to learn about swimbaits and fishing the big bass waters out west.

Hope you enjoy these blog sa much sa I do!
RichLindgren.com 
Bass Fishing Today
Rich’s Bassin’ Forum
Bass Fishing Tackle Blog

Bass Tackle Depot - Free Shipping $50 Orders - Great spot for hard to find Bass Fishing Gear!!


Table Rock Fantasy Fishing Group Winner!

Congratulations to Josh Pingel, he was the best of the best in our group at Table Rock.  Not quite good enough to get an FLW prize, but cashed in on this group.

Brief email interview with Josh and this is what he had to say on his strategy:
” I looked up the guys that did well on the lake in the past. Who has been doing good now, and who has done good on lakes close in detail and in the past in the month of March. The rest I guess was luck!

For Josh’s efforts, he has won a 9/16oz Citrus Shad Secret Weapon Lure QuickStrike Spinnerbait, a Decal and a 30% off promo code to order anything he wants in the Secret Weapon Armory! 

Citrus Shad Quickstrike Spinnerbait

I am sure Josh will catch plenty of bass with this great spinnerbait!  Thanks to Secret Weapon Lures for helping out with the prizes.
Secret Weapon Lures

Its not too late to join my group, prizes will be awarded at every tournament and year end.

Sign up today!
Play Fantasy Fishing for Millions

Best regards,
The Commissioner
RichLindgren.com 
Rich’s Bassin’ Forum
Bass Fishing Tackle Blog

Bass Tackle Depot - Free Shipping $50 Orders - Great spot for hard to find Bass Fishing Gear!! 

2009 Skeeter SX190 / Yamaha 150HP

For Bid: 2009 Skeeter SX190 / Yamaha 150HP
Current high bid $17,000 by SA on 03/11/08
BID HERE


*Actual boat up for bidding is equipped with a Yamaha 150HP (carb)*

The Minnesota B.A.S.S. Federation is selling a 2009 Skeeter SX190 dual or single console boat.   This boat will be sold via a silent bid auction with a minimum accepted bid greater than $16,000. This package has a retail value of over $24,000+.  Expected delivery is the last two weeks of April. – BID HERE

Specifications

     

Boat Color Scheme

Length on Trailer (w/Swing-away tongue)   20′ 8″   Deck: LAZER (RED)
Width on Trailer   98″   Deck Stripe: BLACK GALAXY
Length Overall   18’5″   Deck Pin: STERLING
Beam   90″   Shadow Pin: N/A
Shaft Length   20″   Secondary Deck: N/A
Height Overall on Trailer   69″   Console: Optional
Interior Depth   18″   Carpet: GUNMETAL
Draft   12″      
Dry Weight   1,390 lbs   Hull: LAZER (RED)
Max H.P.   150 h.p.   Hull Stripe: BLACK GALAXY
        Hull Pin: STERLING
        Double’s: N/A
        Running Surface: BLACK GEL

Capacities

 

    Primary Uphol: BLACK
Maximum Weight   1,290 lbs   Insert Uphol: PEWTER
Maximum Persons   5/715 lbs      
Fuel Capacity   36 gals.      

*Actual boat up for bidding is a Yamaha 150HP carb*

Motor

 

Electronics

Accessories

Yamaha 150 HP (v150LTR carb)   Two Lowrance X50
MinnKota Edge 70 (24 volt)
3 batteries

 
BID HERE

Setting an ESPN Fantasy Fishing Line-up for Lake Dardanelle

Lake Dardanelle is once again much different then Amistad, but probably a little similar to the Red River classic site, so if you have guys on your roster from that event, maybe think about keeping them.  Lake Dardanelle is kind of hybrid body of water that is kind of lake, kind of a river, so keep that in mind.  For the most part, from what I read, its a fairly shallow fishery.  Based on what I have read & seen of this fishery, probably a power fishing technique will win.

It also seems that on river systems, home field advantage can be a little more important.  Guys like Scott Rook, Greg Hackney & Kevin Short have done real well in past tourneys on different sections of the Arkansas River.  I think it has to do with these small little quirky spots and trees and stuff like that, seems like you can bank on some of these spots for a few key fish in tournaments, that looms large in a tough bite, as reported right now.  It also sounds like there could be a little sight fishing if weather warms.

Hopefully somebody beat Mr. Mayer this week, he is hawging all the prizes

Here are a few guys that I think would be solid picks that are not on my team.  Randy Howell, Scott Rook, Bill Lowen.  The breakdown on my team is as follows:
KVD – He will likely be on my team all year, plus he has been strong here in the past, but where does he not catch them???
Clark Reehm – When I dropped Velvick, I looked down the list for a bargain pick, this is my bargain pick, local angle, good value, hopefully he has his best finish of the year here, cause I probably will rotate him out for Wheeler.
Iaconelli – When I picked up Reehm, I had all kind of cap space, so I added the Space Monkey, he is fishing hot.
Hackney – He remains on my team, actually doing research on whether I wanted Rook or Short, made me feel better about Hackney, he has been awesome on this system
Kevin Short – I wanted to pick Scott Rook, but searching through archives, especially old BFL results, Short is my guy this week.

Do not be surprised if only KVD & IKE are left on my roster for Dardanelle.

Rich’s Roster
Angler 1 Angler 2 Angler 3 Angler 4 Angler 5
Kevin VanDam
Kalamazoo, MI
Michael Iaconelli
Runnemede, NJ
Greg Hackney
Gonzales, LA
Kevin Short
Mayflower, AR
Clark Reehm
Russellville, AR
MKT: $24.6 (+0.1)
LKD: $24.5
MKT: $21.9
LKD: $21.9
MKT: $19.7 (+0.2)
LKD: $19.5
MKT: $17.9
LKD: $17.9
MKT: $14.2
LKD: $14.2

Its not too late to join my group, prizes will be awarded at every tournament and year end.

Best regards,
The Commissioner
RichLindgren.com 
Bass Fishing Today
Rich’s Bassin’ Forum
Bass Fishing Tackle Blog

Bass Tackle Depot - Free Shipping $50 Orders - Great spot for hard to find Bass Fishing Gear!! 

Don’t Wait

As I drove home last night, at times, driving rain, I thought to myself bring on the rain.  Sure it was tough to drive in at times, but warm rain really melts ice, and I need open water bad!  Plus most of the lakes I have drove by of late seem pretty low.  I thought we had received a lot of snow this year, but it does not seem like much of it ended up in our lakes, guess it evaporated instead of melting and going into our lakes.

Regardless, my boat is now ready as soon as the water opens.  The guys out at Extreme Marine did a great job, they always do.  I would not drive from Lakeville to Andover to get my boat worked on if they were not good.  My recommendation would be to put some of your tax rebate to good use (don’t waste it on some big TV) and give your outboard a tune-up for preventive maintenance.  Easier to catch something before it breaks and takes out something else with it, plus you will have that peace of mind when you do go fishing for the first time this spring, your motor will start   Nothing worse being that guy/gal hogging the boat ramp trying to get your motor started.

Not too mention, a good tune up will probably save you on oil & gas over the summer, they usually pay for themselves.  Things are starting to pick up at the marine shops as the weather warms, but you can still beat the rush if you can get your boat in before April.  My advice is to give the guys at Extreme Marine a call and get your boat in now, so you are not waiting to get it back on the first warm weekend when I am already out fishing!!!

Extreme Marine is located just north of the cities on HWY 65, 763-413-0025, ask for Mike or Bill and tell them I sent you, they will hook you up!!!

Good fishing,
RichLindgren.com 
Bass Fishing Today
Rich’s Bassin’ Forum
Bass Fishing Tackle Blog

Bass Tackle Depot - Free Shipping $50 Orders - Great spot for hard to find Bass Fishing Gear!! 

ALABAMA’S LAY LAKE SELECED FOR 2010 BASSMASTER CLASSIC

LAY LAKE IN ALABAMA’S SHELBY COUNTY TAPPED AS FISHERY FOR 2010 BASSMASTER CLASSIC

BASS announced Tuesday that the 2010 Bassmaster Classic will return in February to Lay Lake in Shelby County, AL, site of three previous Classic competitions – 1996, 2002 and 2007.

Fifty-one Classic qualifiers will hit the Coosa River impoundment Feb. 19-21 for the 2010 Classic title. As previously announced, the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex in downtown Birmingham, AL, will be the site of the daily weigh-ins and accompanying 2010 Bassmaster Classic Outdoors Expo. This weekend BASS firmed up the location for the morning festivities at Beeswax Creek Boat Ramp, 537 Beeswax Park Road, near the town of Columbiana, AL.

“Shelby County is excited about the opportunity to showcase our natural resources and attract an international audience as we host our fourth Bassmaster Classic,” said Shelby County Manager Alex Dudchock. “Lay Lake continues to be a destination for anglers and water recreation enthusiasts, and Shelby County will continue to promote tourism through these types of events in our local, regional and state economy.”

Alabama is no stranger to the biggest event in the sport. The state has hosted 10 Classic events, including three contested on Lay Lake. The most recent, in 2007, is famous for being the first to be won by a home-state pro: Bassmaster Elite Series pro Boyd Duckett of Demopolis. He laid to rest the myth of “home-state jinx” when he won with 48 pounds, 10 ounces of Lay Lakebass.

Duckett bested fellow Elite pro Skeet Reese of Auburn, CA, by just 6 ounces.

Reese, who landed his first Classic title less than a month ago at the Red River in Louisiana, said another Classic on Lay Lake could be his chance to extract about 6 ounces’ worth of revenge.

“Another Classic on Lay Lake is great news. I will get the opportunity to go back to Lay Lake and try to win. Finishing second to Boyd in 2007 was a little tough to swallow,” he said half-jokingly.

“I feel a Classic on Lay also will be an opportunity for me to repeat as champion, and I’m excited about going back there.”

With the defending champion’s automatic qualification for 2010, right now Reese is the only angler with a secured berth – the other 50 will qualify through various BASS tournament circuits.

“Birmingham is excited to host the 40th Bassmaster Classic and we anticipate another fantastic event,” said Mike Gunn, vice president, Greater Birmingham Convention & Visitors Bureau. “This is our seventh time hosting this prestigious, major sporting event.”

More info Bassmaster.com

Don’t Judge

You may or may not have noticed the new Twitter feed on the left sidebar of my Blog.  Before you judge, I never though I would actually Tweet either, but I started looking into it and basically it seemed like a cool way to have a mini-blog update tool.  So my main reason to have the Twitter Feed on the Bassin’ Blog is so that I can give more short & quick updates using that.  Its also really easy to do from my phone.  I still kind of feel like a Twit for adding it, but what the heck….

I hope to give quicker tournament results and other bass fishing notes via this new feature.  So if you are not a subscriber (we are at 88 email subscribers), when you stop in to check the blog for new entires, glance at the Twitter feed as well.  If you are using Twitter, you can follow me there as well at – http://twitter.com/HellaBass

I will have my Lake Dardanelle picks for Bass Fantasy Fishing posted as well before Wednesday.

RichLindgren.com 
Bass Fishing Today
Rich’s Bassin’ Forum
Bass Fishing Tackle Blog

Bass Tackle Depot - Free Shipping $50 Orders - Great spot for hard to find Bass Fishing Gear!! 

Lake Amistad Fantasy Fishing Group Winner!

Congratulations to Jason Mayer from Indiana, he was the highest scoring member of my Bassin’ Blog group for ESPN Fantasy Fishing AGAIN!!!.  Someone needs to step up at Dardanelle, take Mr. Mayer down a notch or he is going to run away with the overall title as well, just kidding, Jason is doing a great job
  Jason has not won any BASS prizes, but he is cleaning up here and likely scored some Tackle Warehouse group prizes.  He is 16th overall on the total site right now.

Brief email interview with Jason and this is what he had to say on his strategy:
“I kept the Skeet, Ike, and Hack from my Classic line-up.  Then I just did some research on the web and ended up picking up Short and Williamson.

For Jason’s efforts, he has won a SWL Recoil Rig Field Kit, another decal & another promo code, guess he will have to give that promo code to a friend, because he already used it for SWL Expedition Kit, so he is set on Spinnerbaits & Buzzbaits!!  I think the boys & girls in Indiana better watch out if there is a good blade bite this spring!!!

Howellsketch_RRpkg200.jpg
I am sure Jason will catch plenty of bass as well when he employs the Recoil Rig to the already deadly Drop Shot technique!  Thanks to Secret Weapon Lures  for helping out with the prizes.

Its not too late to join my group, prizes will be awarded at every tournament and year end.  Only a week until the next tourney, time to sharpen your lineups to catch Jason!

Sign up today!
Play Fantasy Fishing for Millions

Best regards,
The Commissioner
RichLindgren.com 
Rich’s Bassin’ Forum
Bass Fishing Tackle Blog

Bass Tackle Depot - Free Shipping $50 Orders - Great spot for hard to find Bass Fishing Gear!! 

Secret Weapon Lures’ Economic Stimulus Plan

Up to
20%
OFF
Pre-season Price Cuts on All Buzzbaits
Spinnerbaits
& Tackle
Packs!

Secret Weapon Launches
Pre-season Saving Event!

An economic stimulus plan to keep more money in your wallet while putting more fish in your livewell.

Get ready for the hottest spring fishing action of your life! Now is the time to build your Secret Weapon arsenal. And to help you be ready when the fish are, we’re reducing prices 15-20% on all Secret Weapon spinnerbaits, buzzbaits, and kits. Consider it our own, little stimulus plan!
Purchase at the Secret Weapon Lure Armory

USA-made quality and service, greater selections, unparalleled value and performance… all at a savings of up to 20%!

Howellsketch_RRpkg200.jpgHowell’s Recoil Rig Tips

Bassmaster Elite Series angler Randy Howell’s weapon of choice is the Recoil Rig. Howell used this rig in the past to upgrade his drop shot presentation, and he’s discovered a number of new ways to employ it.

  • Jump Shot — retrieve baits like you are Carolina-rigging, pausing to work the lure by each piece of cover. The Recoil Rig increases the soft plastic’s action a few inches off the bottom as it dances in place.
  • Slap Shot — pitch the weight onto a dock, shore, or floating milfoil mats, put a little tension in the line, and slap the lure on the surface to make it look like a struggling critter. An 8-pound Guntersville largemouth exploding on this presentation convinced him that this approach works.
  • Brushpiles and timber — On the Red River, one tactic that paid off for Howell was pitching a soft plastic on a Recoil Rig next to a tree stump or lay-down that was likely to hold fish. He was able to work the lure for three, four, even five minutes in one spot without moving it away from the fish’s ambush zone.  This is an improved version of the Flip Shot rig recently discussed in FLW Outdoors Magazine. 

Here’s a tip you can use: As spring creeps northward, bass are heading to the beds. The Recoil Rig with a creature bait or lizard, shaken hard right over the bed, then letting it drop into it, catches fish quicker than anything else out there.

Learn more Recoil Rig information and techniques on Secret Weapon’s Website.

Keep an eye out for a post that I am working on called:  Bass Fishing in a Recession!

RichLindgren.com 
Bass Fishing Today
Rich’s Bassin’ Forum
Bass Fishing Tackle Blog

Bass Tackle Depot - Free Shipping $50 Orders - Great spot for hard to find Bass Fishing Gear!!