All posts by hellabass

Announcements, Product Reviews, Sponsors

Elite Series Pro MENENDEZ SIGNS WITH RETROTEC

March 9, 2009 hellabass

MENENDEZ SIGNS WITH RETROTEC

Retrotec Inc. is very excited about a new partnership with long time Elite Pro angler Mark Menendez.” We have followed Mark’s career. Mark has done things differently from other anglers as far as his ideas with saving weight on his boat. This saves wear and tear on not just his boat, but on his tow vehicle as well. This saves money for him and also saves energy for the planet. Mark has already found a way to save thousands of dollars every year on his approach of weight control and how his rigs are set up. We are very happy to join him in a new adventure this year. Marks new boat is carrying the Stay-N-Charge Systems. He won’t have to worry about his batteries not making it through a day on the water” said Jim Payne.

Stay-N-Charge products are designed to take power already generated from the tow vehicle
as well as the outboard motors to recover lost power in batteries. This process will keep batteries at a higher rate of charge with less heat build up. Stay-N-Charge allows the batteries take the power needed to recover faster without the need of power from the power grid.

“It is the system that is perfect for the angler needing an edge,” Menendez stated. “I run a Skeeter 20 I-Class bass boat. This boat rates for 250hp. This makes my third boat rigged with a Yamaha 225 HPDI. I have reduced the weight my boat carries to maximize performance. I have removed my heavy on board charger from my rig. My batteries are Optima Bluetop Marine Batteries (D34M) that weigh 43lbs each. This reduces approximately 190lbs from my boat. This boosts my top end performance by nearly 2 mph. The Stay-N-Charge All Charge system is continually passing power to all of my batteries as the outboard is running. I never have to worry about having enough power to troll. The Stay-N-Charge also charges my batteries from the alternator of my tow vehicle on my way home from the water. This allows my boat to utilize manufactured electricity that is lost in most cases. I do not have to pull power from the power grind on a regular basis like most anglers. The Stay-N-Charge is helping me to be ‘greener’ to the planet”, said Menendez.

An additional benefit to the weight reduction is that my tow vehicle does not have to haul the additional 190lbs across the country. This gives me better fuel economy for my vehicle. This all translates to more fishing and less costs”, claimed Menendez.

To find out more on the Stay-N-Charge System, visit Media Contact
Stay-N-Charge Systems www.stayncharge.com

Get to Know'em, Multimedia

2009 Bassmaster Classic Champion – Skeet Reese – Video

March 6, 2009 hellabass

This is actually video 4 of 4 in his post classic follow up, this one talks more about the area and the mental game of approaching his 10th classic vs. his first classic.

The other 3 videos are good as well, you should be able to pull them up in this window after this video is over.
Video #1 – Focuses on the Win itself and talks baits a bit
Video #2 – Touches on the keys to the area he fished, the presentations he used
Video #3 – Skeet breaks down in detail the Lucky Craft Redemption Spinnerbait

Enjoy your weekend, check back next week for Fantasy Fishing Picks for both tours.

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

Fantasy Bass Fishing Corner, Sponsors

Tru-Tungsten Jigs, Bass Fishing Seminars, & Fantasy Bass Fishing Info

March 5, 2009 hellabass

Kind of a clearing house blog entry today. First of all, if you had read this blog much, you know I catch a ton of fish on Tru-Tungsten bass jigs. They are a great jig, have many advantages and really catch bass! Many people ask me where they can get them and often do not want to order them online. Many of us bass anglers like to touch & feel before we buy, kind of old fashioned in that respect. After working with Capra’s Sporting Goods, they now stock the Tru-Tungsten Bass jigs, they have them out at their store in Blaine and they are priced very reasonably at $4.99, most places charge between $5.39 & $5.99. So when you are in the area, swing in and check them out, buy 1 or 2, I am positive you will not be disappointed with their performance.

Read about many of my Tru-Tungsten Jig success here.

If you are looking for something do this Saturday morning, check out these great bass fishing seminars presented by the Minnesota BASS Federation Nation at the Medina Entertainment Center – they are free & open to the public.

March 7, 2009 at the Medina Entertainment Center
9:30am Sport Smith – Tackle Craft & Modification
10:15am Rick Billings – 2008 Divisional & National Tournaments Recap

Lastly, Bass Pundit has a great breakdown of the ESPN BASS Fantasy Fishing anglers and salary cap, so check it out here! Below is an excerpt from his entry
The worst deals among the top priced Elite Anglers
Kelly Jordan ($21.00) BWR #42 Home Run Hitter, Strike’s Out a lot.
Klien ($20.30) BWR #35 Consistently good, but not great.
Howell ($20.20) BWR #45 Was good in 2008 not so good 2007

Here is something kind of cool, I was watching WFN the other day and they were promoting their website and showing screen shots of the website on TV, they talked about their blogs and show a screen shot, you could see my name! Since I had DVR, I backed up a bit and shot a quick shot with my camera.

Click on image to see reel deal!

More stuff added to my eBay store last night as well, jigs & swimbaits.

Until next time, I will be out of town this weekend, probably no blogging, but next week we will focus on strategies for setting lineups for both FLW on Table Rock & BASS on Amistad.
RichLindgren.com
Bass Fishing Today
Rich’s Bassin’ Forum
Bass Fishing Tackle Blog

General

Spring Cleaning leads to Tackle Sale

March 4, 2009 hellabass

Last Saturday’s Tackle Swap meet inspired me to get into the basement and garage to do some sorting or my gear. Time to decide which stuff I really use and which stuff could be sold or donated. The past couple years I have donated a couple totes worth of stuff to youth fishing groups. As I obtain more gear and tackle, some stuff has to go, most of it never even used, kind of like my wife’s shoes

As I came across stuff, it went into 1 of 3 piles:
1. Keep & Use
2. Donate
3. Sell on Ebay

As the ebay pile started to grow, I started listing some stuff in my ebay store. I have more to go, but I have a decent amount of stuff up there now, including a G-Loomis baitcasting rod, Shimano Castaic reel, power craws, jigs and other stuff. Check it out if you need some gear at a good price, I start all my auctions at $.98 with no reserves, the bidders set the fair price. I will continue to add more gear, so check back often or save me as a favorite seller. My tackle problem creates opportunity for all of you to get good deals on stuff. Maybe your tax rebates will go a little farther on ebay…..
My Bass Fishing eBay Store

Just noticed a new email subscriber, so welcome #88!

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

Fantasy Bass Fishing Corner, Sponsors

Red River Fantasy Fishing Group Winner!

March 2, 2009 hellabass

Congratulations to Jason Mayer from Indiana, he was the highest scoring member of my Bassin’ Blog group for ESPN Fantasy Fishing.

Brief email interview with Jason and this is what he had to say on his strategy:
“Skeet and Bobby Lane is always at the top, Ike usually steps up for the big tourneys. Bill Lowen is a river god and he also fishes the same pool as I do on the Ohio. Just mostly went with my gut, every year Skeet and Ike are always on my team.“

For Jason’s efforts, he has won a 5/16oz Threadfin Shad Secret Weapon Lure Sidearm Spinnerbait and will get a 30% off promo code to order anything he wants in the Secret Weapon Armory!

Threadfin Shad Sidearm - Click Image to Close

I am sure Jason will catch plenty of bass with this great spinnerbait! 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.

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

Announcements

Fishing Tackle Swap Meet – Feb 28th

February 27, 2009 hellabass

Plan to attend the 1st annual Fishing Tackle Swap Meet presented by the MN National Guard and MFBA (a TBF affiliated organization) on Saturday, February 28th from 9 am to 6 pm at the St. Paul Armory at 600 Cedar St, St Paul, MN.

There will be booths by Bass, Walleye and Muskie Pros along with MN Tackle Manufacturers displaying and selling used, new, non-current stock and blow out specials.

Seminars will include:
10:00 am – Rick Pelletier, President MFBA
11:00 am – FLW Bass Angler of the Year David Dudley
1:00 pm – FLW Walleye Champion Tommy Skarlis
2:30 pm – Local Muskie Pro Travis Frank

Ranger and Stratos Boats on display, the MN National Guard wrapped Ranger boat and climbing rock, the MFBA Reel Kids Casting and other fun events for the whole family! – Admission is $3.00 with children under 12 free.

That’s right, free Fantasy Fishing scratch off tickets to the first 1,000 adults (18 or older) at the Fishing Tackle Swap Meet this Saturday at the National Guard Armory in St. Paul.

Prizes include free Players Advantage memberships, Fantasy Fishing t-shirts and up to $1,000 in cash!!!

Plus, there will be lots of guys selling all kinds of fishing stuff for great prices, kid’s casting event starting at 12:00, National Guard climbing wall and target shooting simulator, Ranger & Stratos boats on display, not to mention FLW Angler of the Year, David Dudley will be speaking immediately following the MFBA Informational Meeting which starts at 10:00.

Doors open at 9:00, so get there early to make sure you get your free scratch off ticket.

Here are a few specials the MFBA will have at Saturday’s Fishing Tackle Swap Meet:
Yamalube – $15 gallon / $50 case (4 gallons)
Castrol Oil – $10 gallon / $25 case (3 gallons)
MFBA T-shirts – $10

Cash or check only.
Hope to see everyone Saturday!!!

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

Fantasy Bass Fishing Corner, Sponsors

Lake Guntersville Fantasy Fishing Group Winner!

February 26, 2009 hellabass

Congratulations to Ryan Hoffman & Jeff Schwartzkopf, they both had great teams and won items from FLW. Looks like Ryan won a $ 55 BP Die Cast Boat and Jeff won a $ 21 Berkley Prize Package. But the prize winner in the RichLindgren.com Fantasy Fishing group is David Sicheneder!! Yes, he took 3rd in the group, but he was the highest now FLW winner. My goal is to spread the wealth.

Brief email interview with David and this is what he had to say on his strategy:
“I tried to stay away from anglers that are good at shallow water and finesse fisherman. I new it was going to take a lot of weight to win. so, i took power fisherman and consistent anglers.”

For David’s effort, he has won 2 packs of Tru-Tungsten Marty Stone T-Rigs.

I am sure David will catch plenty of bass with these Tungsten sinkers! Thanks to Tru-Tungsten for helping out with the prizes.

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

Bassmaster Classic Fantasy Fishing group winner will be announced very soon as well.

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

Announcements, Product Reviews

Lowrance to Add Side-Viewing Sonar Option for HDS Models in 2009

February 25, 2009 hellabass

A sample image of an underwater channel as seen through Lowrance side-viewing sonar technology to be released in 2009.

Proving, once again, that HDS (High Definition System) is the most versatile and expandable consumer marine electronics choice, Lowrance announces an exciting new sonar technology for release later this year.
   In 2009, Lowrance will introduce a side-viewing sonar option, with wide-angle coverage to the sides of the boat and the best underwater field of vision ever achieved — an exclusive option for all HDS users.
   Presenting a new dimension in bottom and structure viewing, Lowrance side-viewing technology, Structure Scan, delivers the same legendary total sonar performance that anglers have come to expect from Lowrance. Plus, it can be displayed in tandem with existing high-definition 2D sonar images — powered by the built-in HDS Broadband Sounder.
   As a simple, cost-efficient add-on accessory module, the new sonar technology is easily networked using Lowrance ethernet connections – allowing anglers to enjoy this Lowrance sonar advantage on all HDS displays mounted on their boat. The side-viewing sonar technology can be added at any time after the HDS display is installed on a boat, and it will work with all HDS displays, including GPS chartplotter-only models.

Designed by the leader in recreational fishfinder innovations, the new Lowrance side-viewing sonar option for HDS is great news for serious and pro anglers, as well as those involved in underwater search and recovery, marine archeology and marine ecology sciences.

Further details on Lowrance side-viewing sonar technology will be released later this year. At this time, no additional information is available. For more information on Lowrance’s revolutionary HDS multi-function display systems, please contact Lowrance Sales Service at 1-800-324-0044.

This is truly some exciting news for dedicated Lowrance users not wanting to switch to Hummingbird just to get Side Imaging technology. Hopefully it is as good or better then what is out there. Sounds like you will be able to just add this feature on to any HD unit you have bought or will buy in the near future.

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

BASS Tour

2009 Bassmaster Classic First Glance

February 22, 2009 hellabass

I am going First Glance, because in a day or so, all the footage will be out, photos, articles on baits and presentation, the real nuts & bolts of how the anglers caught their fish. Right now we are going off the cuff, a little anyways.

Congrats to Skeet Reese, this with his AOY title validates his career if he never boats another bass in a tournament, not likely! I think several guys were on fish to win this event, but it seems that Skeet just made the right decisions and for the most part must have fished pretty clean and landed his bites. The early reports are he used two main baits, the new Crazy Legs Chigger craw and the Lucky Craft Redemption Spinnerbait. These baits seem very fitting, since a chigger craw was Skeet’s demise when Boyd Duckett used it to knock him to second on Lay Lake and Skeet designed the Redemption Spinnerbait for Lucky Craft and that is exactly what he got, REDEMPTION!!! It will also be interesting if other anglers start sporting Skeet’s new hair style…. Maybe since he could spend less time on his hair and more time preparing tackle or sleeping and that is what fueled his win…….

Iaconelli is a great angler, but I think our ear drums will appreciate him not winning As I review the final standings, the most interesting thing I noticed is that not a single angler was able to break 20lbs on more then one day. The weighs were really kind of up and down for all the anglers, I think that is just the nature of the Red RIver to some degree. I believe the guys weights who varied less were the ones that made the better adjustments in either area or presentation or both. COngrats to Federation Nation champ Brian Schmidt for his 6th place finish, awesome job!!!

Couple interesting things, Kelly Jordan left his primary area early today with a few small fish, later in the day Alton Jones slipped in and caught 20lbs, so if KJ would have stuck it out or came back earlier, it could have been a different story. Also Jami Fralick was sharing an area with Snowden, the first two days, Fralick caught the big bag, today Snowden had the big bag and would have won it for Fralick, tough to say what would have happened if they didn’t have to share.

Seemed like pad stems and wood were big keys. Soft plastics, Spinnerbaits, jigs and a few crankbait fish. Like Kenyon Hill said, it is very much Meat & Potato fishing.

Photo Courtesy of ESPN.com
I think my Fantasy team took a nose dive as all 3 of my remaining anglers fell in the standings. Better luck in 2 weeks at Amistad.

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

BASS Tour

Skeet Wins Bassmaster Classic!

February 22, 2009 hellabass

Congratulations to Skeet Reese!!
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Man some big bags of fish were weighed in again today, I hope they give some better coverage to those 20lb plus bags tonight on TV. There were 5 monster bags outside of the Super Six. A couple of 6 & 7 pound fish weighed. Man I wish I had the ESPN360.com