Category Archives: Announcements

Announcements, BASS Tour, Federation News

BASS Unveils Qualifying Structure for 2012 Bassmaster Classic, Elite Series

BASS announced Monday a new qualifying structure for the 2012 BassmasterClassic and Bassmaster Elite Series, expanding the Classic field toinclude an enhanced cross section of anglers and putting an increasedemphasis on performance in single events.
My comments and thoughts highlighted in red below where I have a take.

While the overall number of Classic spots (36) awarded through the EliteSeries will remain unchanged, in 2011 each Bassmaster Elite Seriesregular-season event winner will receive an automatic berth into the2012 Classic. The Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Angler of the Year standingswill still determine the majority of the Classic qualifiers as the top28 in those rankings will also advance to the Classic.
All the more reason to fish for the Win, guys like Kevin Short wished this rule would’ve been in effect for this year.  I like this twist!

Following the Elite format, each of the nine Open event winners willreceive automatic spots in the 2012 Classic. With each pro-level eventwinner receiving a Classic berth, BASS has upped the cache of the BassPro Shops Bassmaster Opens by allocating nine Classic berths, up fromsix, to the Series. The traditional points system used in the Opens willonly determine future Elite Series qualifiers and will have no bearingon Classic berths.
Not sure, if I am all behind this, but could increase participation, since you are never out of it and could increase jack-potting by locals at events.  I kind of like rewarding the best over 3 total events, but I can live with it.

The Classic field will increase to 54 – assuming all competitors are ingood standing – clearing the way for a guaranteed entry for the 2011College Bass Champion. The entire qualifying structure, for both theElites and the Classic, can be found below.
I think a few more anglers is good, as long as they don’t get too much larger, if its 75 anglers in a few year, loses prestige.

Providing a dedicated avenue for the College Bass Champion, again to beheld in Little Rock, AR, in 2011 and aired on ESPNU, will enhance theprofile of college bass fishing and represent an added, youth componentto the Classic. There are currently 220 colleges registered to competeto qualify for the 2011 College Championship. The qualification processfor college anglers can be found at www.collegebass.com.
Good for the sport, although, not sure how “qualified” these anglers are, guess we will see how they fair in Classic.  Wonder if any pros, will return to school to fish????

The defending Classic champion will automatically qualify as in yearspast. Additionally, six Federation Nation anglers will continue toqualify as well as the Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Weekend Series Championoperated by American Bass Anglers. In the case of double-qualifiers,BASS will work down the Elite Series AOY list.
Good to see Federation Nation spots did not get trimmed

The 2011 Classic and Elite Series qualifying implications will remain aspreviously released. In 2012, the Elite Series field will encompass 90competitors. BASS has a renewed emphasis on restricting the Elites tosmaller fields, putting more focus on individual anglers and creatingincreased brand-building opportunities for the best anglers in theworld.
Like it!

As such, the 2011 Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Angler of the Year standingswill advance 73 anglers into the 2012 Elite Series. The top five inpoints standings in each of the three Open Series will also receive 2012Elite qualifying berths and if any of those competitors decline, BASSwill work down the Open standings to fill the five berths.Additionally, the 2012 Bassmaster Classic champion and the 2011Federation Nation Champion can elect to fish the Elites. Alldouble-qualifiers will work down the Elite Series AOY standings.

As BASS previously laid out, only active Elite anglers have threeexemptions – former Bassmaster Classic champions, former Toyota TundraBassmaster Angler of the Year winners and anglers with 10 or moreClassic experiences – that can be applied if an angler fails to qualifythrough the outlined avenues.

With the revamp of the qualifying structure, the 2011 Bass Pro ShopsBassmaster Open payout has also been revised. In addition to theClassic qualifying berth, the winner of each event will receive $10,000and a $45,000 boat package. The total prize package – including theClassic berth – reflects the prestige of scoring an Open victory.
I have heard some griping here, some guys want an all cash prize, but if sponsors are contributing boats, that is great for sport, also the winners will get an automatic $10k just for showing up to Bassmaster Classic, plus with that automatic berth and publicity, they should be able to convert that to additional cash.

Each event will pay through 40th place with a more even distributiontowards the lower rung. Additionally, with the allure of increasedClassic berths, the potential of sustained full fields throughout eachdivision increases.
This is good, and I think is direct correlation to boat for winner, better for more guys to make money at sport.

Entry fees will be slightly upped – $1,250 per event on theprofessional side and $350 per event on the co-angler side — but BASShas raised the stakes for Open anglers.

The Opens will only feature the top-12 pros and co-anglers on the finalday of competition, which at each event will be held at a convenientlylocated Bass Pro Shops.
LIKE IT!!!  Now they just need to open that new Bass Pro Shops by Mall of America in Bloomington, MN

2012 Bassmaster Classic qualifications:

2011 Bassmaster Toyota Tundra AOY Standings 28
2011 Bassmaster Elite Series Regular-Season Event Winners 8
2011 Bassmaster Classic Champion 1
2011 Bassmaster Southern Opens Event Winners 3
2011 Bassmaster Central Opens Event Winners 3
2011 Bassmaster Northern Opens Event Winners 3
2011 BASS Federation Nation Qualifiers 6
2011 Bassmaster Weekend Series Champion 1
2011 Bassmaster College Bass Champion 1

* Bassmaster Elite Series regular-season winners must compete in all2011 Elite competition days to be eligible for Classic berth
** Bassmaster Open event champions must compete in entire respective Open Series division to receive Classic berth
*** Defending Bassmaster Classic champion must compete in all Elite Series events to receive Classic berth

2012 Bassmaster Elite Series qualifications

2011 Bassmaster Elite Series Toyota Tundra Bassmaster AOY Standings 73
2011 Bassmaster Southern Opens Points Standings 5
2011 Bassmaster Central Opens Points Standings 5
2011 Bassmaster Northern Opens Points Standings 5
2012 Bassmaster Classic Champion 1
2011 BASS Federation Nation Champion 1

* Exemptions include former Bassmaster Classic champions, AOY titleholders and anglers with 10 or more Classic appearances as of March 1,2011. Must be an Elite angler in good standing to use.


Announcements, Sponsors

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Announcements, BASS Tour, FLW Tour

Crazy Happenings in Bass Fishing

I was all prepared and inspired to document all the things happening in bass fishing right now, but then the guys at Wired2Fish did such a damn good job , I am going to give you a link there , do a little summary and get to bed early!  So read W2F’s blog and see my editorials below:

Triton, Stratos & Ranger boats all under same roof and ownership, good or bad, too ealry to tell.  I see it can go 2 ways, either they use their clout and huge market share to control the price and make bass boats even more expensive for all of us or they use their economies of scale and give us all better products for a better price.  Also, interesting to see what changes they make to Pro-Staff and tournament circuits they sponsor.

KVD is a beast, but I cannot yet dieceide if I like the Post-Seaon format or not, what do you think?  Leave a comment, I think I kind of feel for Skeet.

I think McKInnis leading BASS forward will be a pretty good thing for all bass anglers, it will be great to have the right passion and knowledge leading the organization going forward.

I look for Bryan Thrift or Brent Ehrler to put the crown jewel on one of their awesome seasons!

Good night and see you on Tonka this weekend!

Announcements

Outdoor Channel Lures Mark Zona and his new show!

Zona! Set To Air in 2011


TEMECULA, CA, July 15  — Outdoor Channel (Nasdaq: OUTD), America’s leader in Outdoor TV, today announced three new and highly acclaimed fishing shows. “Madfin Shark Series,” “Spanish Fly” and “Zona!” will come to Outdoor Channel in 2011.  Formerly on ESPN2, these three established shows enhance and solidify Outdoor Channel’s commitment to the popular saltwater fishing genre.  

“Outdoor Channel viewers are passionate about saltwater fishing, and we are bringing the highest quality, most established shows in the genre to our network,” said Jeff Wayne, Executive Vice President of Programming at Outdoor Channel. “Broadcast in the spectacular clarity of 100% native HD, Outdoor Channel is the premier destination for best-in-class fishing programming in 2011.”

“Zona!” features the incomparable Mark Zona in his unscripted and unpredictable angling escapades.  

For these three series, Outdoor Channel partnered with CSE, a pioneer in delivering compelling content to the outdoor enthusiast via television programming, live events and online channels. CSE connects brands with fans through integrated marketing, media content, sponsorship, talent management, experiential marketing, digital and retail into big campaigns that drives business.  

In addition to “Madfin Shark Series”, “Spanish Fly” and “Zona!,” CSE’s programming includes The STIHL TIMBERSPORTS Series, The Fishin’ Hole with Jerry McKinnis and the Bassmaster Classic and Elite Series hosted by Tommy Sanders and Mark Zona. CSE has produced award-winning shows that connect with the viewer for 25 years.

“For 25 years we have used our fishing shows to take our viewers on worldwide adventures and tell great stories,” said Mike McKinnis, Vice President of Media Content for CSE. “We are excited to partner with Outdoor Channel to reach its audience of avid anglers, outdoorsmen and women and to take them on the boat with us as we battle sharks, visit incredible locations and fish the best waters available.  With Jose Wejebe and Mark Zona, I’m pretty sure we’ll have some fun too.” 

Zona!

Formerly host of The World’s Greatest Fishing Show and currently the co-host of the Bassmaster Classic and Elite Series on ESPN2, Zona! joins Outdoor Channel in 2011.  Zona! focuses on the unpredictable.  The special allure of fishing is not knowing what’s going to happen next, and each episode of Zona! captures the spirit of the unknown. Join host Mark Zona as he fishes with the very best anglers on the planet.  From bass to shark fishing, Zona! covers it all and will keep viewers guessing on what the next bite will bring.

Follow ZONA! on Facebook or http://www.markzona.com

About Outdoor Channel Holdings, Inc.

Outdoor Channel Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: OUTD) owns and operates Outdoor Channel, America’s leader in outdoor TV, and Winnercomm Inc., an Emmy Award winning production and interactive company. Outdoor Channel offers programming that captures the excitement of hunting, fishing, shooting, off-road motorsports, adventure and the Western lifestyle and can be viewed on multiple platforms including high definition, video-on-demand, as well as on a dynamic broadband website. Winnercomm Inc. is one of America’s largest and highest quality producers of live sporting events and sports series for cable and broadcast television. Winnercomm also owns and operates the patented Skycam and CableCam aerial camera systems which provide dramatic overhead camera angles for major sports events, including college and NFL football. For more information please visit www.outdoorchannel.com


Announcements

Important Law Change for Minnesota Fisherman and Boaters

Starting today, July 1st, 2010, if you have your drain plug in, while transporting your boat on any roadway in Minnesota, you could be subject to a $250.00 fine

Regulations on transport of water

As of July 1, 2010, the following regulations, apply to the transportation of water by boaters from all waters in the state (violations are misdemeanors):

  • a person leaving waters of the state must drain boating-related equipment holding water and live wells and bilges by removing the drain plug before transporting the watercraft and associated equipment on public roads; and
  • drain plugs, bailers, valves, or other devices used to control the draining of water from ballast tanks, bilges, and live wells must be removed or opened while transporting watercraft on a public road (marine sanitary systems and portable bait containers are excluded from this requirement).

This law is to help prevent spread of aquatic invasive species, particularly zebra mussels.  I always do this, I think its a good practice, plus you don’t want that extra water sitting in your boat anyways.  Hope this heads up saves a few of you $250!

Rich


Announcements, FLW Tour

FLW Announces 2011 Tour Schedule

Just a few days after the Bassmaster Elite Series released their schedule, FLW has released theirs.  Kudos to them for some creative marketing, making it look like they are expanding to 10 tourneys, when all they really did is rename the Eastern Series to the Opens and called Tour events Majors.

The 2011 FLW Tour season is listed below and can be viewed atFLWOutdoors.com.

2011 FLW Tour Schedule
Date Fishery Location Tournament
Feb. 2-5 Lake Okeechobee Clewiston, FL – FLW Tour Open
March 2-5 Falcon Lake Zapata,TX – FLW Tour Major
March 23-26 Lake Hartwell Greenville, SC – FLW Tour Major
April 13-16 Lake Chickamauga Chattanooga,TN – FLW Tour Major
May 4-7 Table Rock Lake Branson, MO -.FLW Tour Major
May 18-21 Red River Shreveport, LA – FLW Tour Major
June 1-4 Potomac River National Harbor, MD – FLW Tour Open
June 15-18 Kentucky Lake Murray, KY – FLW Tour Major
Aug. 11-14 Lake Ouachita Hot Springs,AR – Forrest Wood Cup
Sept. 14-17 Lake Champlain Plattsburgh,NY – FLW Tour Open
Oct. 19-22 Lake Guntersville Guntersville, AL – FLW Tour Open

The prestigious Angler of the Year title for 2011 will be determined over the 10 events. The top 30 pros and co-anglers from the FLW Tour Majors will qualify for the 2011 Forrest Wood Cup, which will consist of 58 pros and co-anglers. In 2012, the top 35 pros and co-anglers from the FLW Tour Majors, along with the top five from the 2011 FLW Tour Opens, will qualify for the 2012 Forrest Wood Cup.

The full field will compete the first two days of each FLW Tour event.On day three, the top 75 pros and co-anglers will compete with the co-angler winner being crowned based on cumulative weight from all 3 days. Day four will feature the top five pro anglers with the winner determined by cumulative weight from all four days.

Pro anglers will compete for up to $125,000 and co-anglers will be vying for up to $25,000 in each tournament. With a full field, the paybacks will be $10,000 through 50th place on the pro side and $1,000 on the co-angler side.

Once again in 2011, there are 3 conflicts between BASS & FLW at the Tour level, so no 2 tour pros in 2011!

Announcements, BASS Tour

2011 Bassmasters Elite Series Tour Schedule

BASS recently released their 2011 Elite Series Bassmasters Schedule:

2011 BassmasterElite Series Schedule

Date
March 10-13
March 17-20
April 6-9*
April 14-17
May 5-8
May 12-15
June 9-12
June 16-19 		Event
Sunshine Showdown
Citrus Slam
Alabama Charge
Battle on the Bayou
Pride of Georgia
Carolina Clash
Diamond Drive
Dixie Duel 		Fishery
Harris Chain
St. Johns River
Pickwick Lake
Toledo Bend
West Point Lake
Lake Murray
Arkansas River
Wheeler Lake 		Host City
Tavares, FL
Palatka, FL
Florence, AL
Many, LA
LaGrange, GA
Columbia, SC
Little Rock, AR
Decatur, AL

*Wednesday-Saturday event

The Florida whiners will be happy, Pickwick should be a sight fishing event.  Toledo Bend and West Point should be good as first time Elite events.  I actually fished West Point awhile back, interested to see the Pros there.  Interestingly enough no Kentucky, Guntersville or West Texas fisheries, good to see they mix it up a little, but once again the lack of Northern venues is a major Buzz Kill!


Announcements, Bass Fishing Podcasts, FLW Tour, Tips and Techniques

New Favorite FLW Pro

We recently did a great interview with FLW Pro Angler Bryan Thrift, he is a great interview and I think I may be a Yankee version of him in the making.  Take a listen and let me know what you think!  Bryan breaks down how he won the FLW Lake Norman tournament and some great bass fishing tips.

His comments about pre-tournament reasearch and dock fishing are particularly interesting!  Find some more great podcasts here – http://twincitylimits.podbean.com

On another note, I have yet to get out fishing even though the ice off the lakes, maybe I will get out on Friday afternoon.  If  you are looking for some tips on saving some bassin bucks, take a look here.

Also looking for something to do this weekend, see below!  St Jude Fundraiser is a good time and a great cause!

Announcements, BASS Tour, Product Reviews, Sponsors

Bass Tackle Depot News Letter Delta Edition

John Crews Cranks and Flips to Win Elite Series Duel in the Delta

Bassmaster Elite Series John Crews from Salem, VA rode two areas of the South Delta to victory over what could be called one of the most stacked Elite 12 in Elite Series competition. The victory in the Duel in the Delta; Crews’ first in Elite Series competition, earned him $101,000, pushing his career earnings to nearly $550,000 in 93 career BASS entries.

Following a lackluster practice, Crews decided to stay in the only areas he had found he could generate bites. One of those areas on the south end of the California Delta, proved to be the winning area. While the field struggled to produce giant stringers overall due to less than seasonable weather, Crews managed to bag 18 Delta bass that tipped the scales at 72 pounds, 6 ounces; good enough to best California’s Skeet Reese by one ounce.

Crews used three baits throughout the Duel in the Delta, a Reaction Innovations Sweet Beaver, a Gambler BB Cricket as flip baits, and a SPRO Little John crankbait in Blood Craw. He used the Sweet Beaver early in the competition, but switched to the BB Cricket as the event wore on due to fishing pressure in the narrow, confined area. The Little John was used to cover water between matted grass mats, and was responsible for several key bites as well.

He paired his flip baits with Gamakatsu built Punch Hooks and tungsten punch sinkers with 65-pound test braided line by Vicious Fishing, while his Little John was thrown on 15-pound-test Vicious Fishing Ultimate co-polymer.

Bass Tackle Depot is a licensed dealer for all of these products, and wishes to congratulate Crews on a great victory in our backyard. All of the products mentioned here are available at www.basstackledepot.com; where the pros shop.


Thinking Outside The Box

Each and every year a new lure is brought to the forefront as a touring pro uses it on his way to victory in a major event. Whether it was the Sebile Magic Swimmer, BassTrix Paddle Tail Tube or even the Yamamoto Senko that went ignored for years. These lures all have one thing in common; they were relatively obscure prior to making headlines.

Success on these unknown baits can go hidden for years at local and regional levels until the cat is finally let out of the bag. The trick to real success is to be open minded, think outside the box and identify these lures on your own. Fish can get conditioned to seeing the same offering over and over. If you can present something they haven’t seen you may just find that edge, then others will have to wait until the cat is out of the bag. Here are just a few ideas for you to consider.

The 10 inch P-Stix or as we like to call it “The Big Stick” has DRAWING POWER like no bait you have ever thrown. In clear water you will see fish rushing from depths of 20ft “Big Fish” to inhale this bait and they don’t let go.

Most stick baits have a quiver on the fall but the 10 inch P-Stix “Wiggles and Wobbles” like no other. Although we haven’t used this bait on big bedding females yet we can’t wait to try.

We are excited about this bait and believe it will be winning events as soon as it hits tackle boxes. This bait is loaded with salt and anise and as we said fish hang on and do not let go. Rig this bait with 7/0 hook or larger if you are Texas rigging. For wacky rig applications use and O-ring with a 2/0 or larger hook. Pencil weights can be used to increase the fall rate and we recommend using them. You can make this bait do crazy things with pencil weights and with a body diameter of 1/2 of an inch they insert and work great.

This isn’t a small fish bait it weighs 1.4 ounces and is 10 inches in length. Be sure to watch the video

CBT Big Hair Jig; This isn’t your daddies’ hair jig. The Hair Jig has been around for years but CBT has created a new modern twist on the hair jig. This large profile hair jig works great for suspended fish and fish relating to offshore structure.

This premium hair jig sports a 4/0 Mustad black nickel hook in the 3/8oz and a 5/0 in the 5/8oz that has a good bite for both freshwater and saltwater fish. The head has been custom painted to match the colors in the jig which include deer hair, mylar, and feathers. After tying is complete, the tying threads are sealed and cleared for extreme durability.

The rate of fall for this jig is about 1 foot per second for the 3/8oz and 2 feet per second for the 5/8oz. Be sure to watch the video.

The V&M Hula Shad is the most versatile soft plastic bait on the market! The Hula Shad has combined the head and body of a soft plastic jerkbait with the skirt of a tube. Fish have never seen anything like it. The V&M Hula Shad can be used as a jerkbait, flipping bait, drop shot bait, Carolina or Texas rig. It darts like a soft plastic jerkbait, but EXPLODES when the bait stops!

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