Santee Shows No Signs of Slowing Down

March 31, 2006 hellabass

The pros thought it may get better and they were right. There were 7 anglers topping the 30lb mark and the total field bested Thursday’s total by more than 450 lbs.

Preston Clark continues to set the pace. His 5 fish weighed a mortal 29-05, pushing his two day total to 68-11, giving his a 5-02 lead on Kelly Jordan. Clark only needs about 20lbs per day in the final 2 days to break the record, not out of the question considering his first to limits. In fact, 8 anglers are more than half way to Rojas’ record, and funny enough, Dean Rojas is one of them. In fact, if more big fish keep coming to the banks, there is potential for someone outside the Top 10 to surge up and challenge the record. Below you will see the Top 50 anglers, and “the Bachelor” Byron Velvick was the last guy in the cut. Notice the cut here is about 5lbs heavier than that of the famed Amistad Tournament.

Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$

1. Preston Clark          Palatka, Fla.          10 68-11 310    $1,500.00
Day 1: 5   39-06    Day 2: 5   29-05
2. Kelly Jordon           Mineola, Texas         10 63-09 295      $500.00
Day 1: 5   31-15    Day 2: 5   31-10
3. Terry Scroggins        Palatka, Fla.          10 61-02 290
Day 1: 5   33-06    Day 2: 5   27-12
4. Skeet Reese            Auburn, Calif.         10 59-15 285
Day 1: 5   29-12    Day 2: 5   30-03
5. Kevin Wirth            Crestwood, Ky.         10 59-05 280    $1,000.00
Day 1: 5   27-06    Day 2: 5   31-15
6. John Crews             Salem, Va.             10 58-13 276
Day 1: 5   29-09    Day 2: 5   29-04
7. Dean Rojas             Lake Havasu, Ariz.     10 57-04 272
Day 1: 5   25-09    Day 2: 5   31-11
8. Steve Kennedy          Auburn, Ala.           10 55-03 268
Day 1: 5   23-06    Day 2: 5   31-13
9. Jimmy Mize             Ben Lomond, Ark.       10 52-10 264
Day 1: 5   27-08    Day 2: 5   25-02
10. Bink Desaro            Boise, Idaho           10 51-07 260
Day 1: 5   22-08    Day 2: 5   28-15
11. Mark Menendez          Paducah, Ky.           10 50-11 257
Day 1: 5   20-08    Day 2: 5   30-03
12. Jeff Reynolds          Idabel, Okla.          10 50-08 254
Day 1: 5   21-08    Day 2: 5   29-00
13. Aaron Martens          Leeds, Ala.            10 50-03 251
Day 1: 5   22-13    Day 2: 5   27-06
14. Timmy Horton           Muscle Shoals, Ala.    10 49-07 246
Day 1: 5   18-09    Day 2: 5   30-14
14. Jason Quinn            York, S.C.             10 49-07 246
Day 1: 5   23-08    Day 2: 5   25-15
16. Todd Faircloth         Jasper, Texas          10 49-05 243
Day 1: 5   24-10    Day 2: 5   24-11
17. Takahiro Omori         Emory, Texas           10 49-02 241
Day 1: 5   21-07    Day 2: 5   27-11
18. Russ Lane              Prattville, Ala.       10 48-07 239
Day 1: 5   23-00    Day 2: 5   25-07
19. Michael Iaconelli      Runnemede, N.J.        10 48-04 237
Day 1: 5   20-06    Day 2: 5   27-14
20. Bradley Hallman        Norman, Okla.          10 47-04 234
Day 1: 5   32-05    Day 2: 5   14-15
20. Greg Hackney           Gonzales, La.          10 47-04 234
Day 1: 5   21-09    Day 2: 5   25-11
22. Zell Rowland           Montgomery, Texas      10 46-11 231
Day 1: 5   22-12    Day 2: 5   23-15
23. Randy Howell           Springville, Ala.      10 46-08 229
Day 1: 5   19-09    Day 2: 5   26-15
24. John Murray            Phoenix, Ariz.         10 46-05 227
Day 1: 5   26-02    Day 2: 5   20-03
25. Mark Rogers            Naples, Fla.           10 46-00 225
Day 1: 5   20-11    Day 2: 5   25-05
26. Denny Brauer           Camdenton, Mo.         10 43-13 223
Day 1: 5   26-06    Day 2: 5   17-07
27. William Smith, Jr      Somerset, Ky.          10 43-12 221
Day 1: 5   22-02    Day 2: 5   21-10
28. Bernie Schultz         Gainesville, Fla.      10 43-02 219
Day 1: 5   21-01    Day 2: 5   22-01
29. Lee Bailey             Boaz, Ala.             10 42-09 217
Day 1: 5   17-02    Day 2: 5   25-07
30. Ishama Monroe          Hughson, Calif.        10 42-06 215
Day 1: 5   16-10    Day 2: 5   25-12
31. Dave Wolak             Warrior Run, Pa.       10 42-04 213
Day 1: 5   19-06    Day 2: 5   22-14
32. Mike Wurm              Hot Springs, Ark.      10 42-01 210
Day 1: 5   14-06    Day 2: 5   27-11
32. Kevin Langill          Terrell, N.C.          10 42-01 210
Day 1: 5   21-06    Day 2: 5   20-11
34. Brent Chapman          Lake Quivira, Kan.     10 42-00 207
Day 1: 5   18-09    Day 2: 5   23-07
35. Vince Hurtado          Waterford, Calif.      10 41-15 205
Day 1: 5   16-14    Day 2: 5   25-01
36. Robert Hamilton Jr     Nashville, Tenn.       10 41-05 203
Day 1: 5   21-07    Day 2: 5   19-14
37. Gary Klein             Weatherford, Texas     10 41-04 201
Day 1: 5   21-08    Day 2: 5   19-12
38. Paul Elias             Laurel, Miss.          10 41-03 199
Day 1: 5   22-09    Day 2: 5   18-10
39. Bradley Stringer       Huntington, Texas      10 40-14 195
Day 1: 5   27-11    Day 2: 5   13-03
39. Shaw E Grigsby, Jr     Gainesville, Fla.      10 40-14 195
Day 1: 5   16-10    Day 2: 5   24-04
39. Jarrett Edwards        Page, Ariz.            10 40-14 195
Day 1: 5   17-15    Day 2: 5   22-15
42. Bill Lowen             North Bend, Ohio       10 40-11 191
Day 1: 5   23-09    Day 2: 5   17-02
43. Scott Rook             Little Rock, Ark.      10 40-04 189
Day 1: 5   26-05    Day 2: 5   13-15
44. Mark Tyler             Scottsdale, Ariz.      10 40-03 187
Day 1: 5   23-03    Day 2: 5   17-00
45. Peter E Thliveros      Jacksonville, Fla.     10 40-00 185
Day 1: 5   27-01    Day 2: 5   12-15
46. Gerald Swindle         Hayden, Ala.           10 39-15 183
Day 1: 5   23-15    Day 2: 5   16-00
47. Darrin Schwenkbeck     Silver Spring, Md.     10 39-14 181
Day 1: 5   21-11    Day 2: 5   18-03
48. Kurt Dove              Warrenton, Va.         10 39-10 179
Day 1: 5   17-07    Day 2: 5   22-03
49. Kotaro Kiriyama        Moody, Ala.            10 39-07 176
Day 1: 5   20-12    Day 2: 5   18-11
49. Byron Velvick          Boulder City, Nev.     10 39-07 176
Day 1: 5   19-14    Day 2: 5   19-09

Makes me excited for BassCenter,
Rich
www.richlindgren.com
basstournament.blogspot.com

BASS Tour

Santee Cooper – The Big Bass Parade Continues

March 31, 2006 hellabass

Just when you think, the Elite Series cannot get any better…..

Preston Clark blows up for almost 40lbs on Day 1 of the competition. He even reports passing on 7-8lb fish on beds because he did not think they would help him much and he wanted to save them. He even came to the dock 45 minutes early, to ensure the safety of his fish. Preston Clark would only need to average about 23 and a half pounds per day to catch Rojas’ mark of 108-12.

Amazing as the 39-06 that Clark brought to the scales, is that two anglers zeroed. How is that possible? If you ask me; that is just plain stubbornness when there are that many fish weighed and you take a zero.

Alton Jones DQ’d as well. Not a lot of detail at this point, but it seems to be a similar violation to that of KVD. The difference being that he had his son on the front deck looking for fish while he drove the boat. Alton’s Statement.

It is quite amazing how BASS has been able to line up these lakes and hit them so well. Good planning and a little good fortune go along way. Most of the pro’s do not think it will Supported Constitutional Amendment to preserve our rights to hunt and fish

· Participate in the discussion on the US Fish and Wildlife Services Upper Mississippi Management Plan with a special focus on maintaining access to backwaters

· Supported further research into the effects of lead tackle on our aquatic resources rather than banning it outright

· Interceded when a metro lake association passed an ordinance restricting fishing within 100 feet of shore

· Opposed a statewide “no cull”

· Attend the annual MnDNR fisheries roundtable

· Developed Internet creel survey collection tool to supply the DNR with fish population data

· Annually, organize and participate in lake and ramp cleanups statewide

· Sponsor Junior Bassmaster Clubs and Bassmaster CastingKids events

· Annual fundraising for local charities and non-profit lobbying

There are benefits beyond supporting the MNBF’s activities. Below are some benefits for associate members.

Benefits to joining as an Associate Member:

· Annual subscription to BASS Times magazine

· Discounts to Federation sponsor products

· Paid AD&D Insurance

· Free Internet classifieds

· Open invitation to attend Federation meetings and to network with other anglers

· E-mail notification of special events and legislative alerts

“I joined the MNBF as an associate member to support tournament bass fishing in Minnesota,” said Gregg Ripley, one of the inaugural members to the newly founded associate program. “We really designed this membership program for the casual anglers and sportsmen that do not have the time to dedicate but still want to contribute,” said Stephanie Peterson, board member MNBF.

To find out more about membership opportunities, check out www.mnbf.org You can also get more ersonName>infoersonName>rmation at the MNBF booth at the Northwest Sports Show in Minneapolis, MN; March 28 – April 2, 2006

For additional information on the news that is the subject of this release (or for a sample, copy or demo), visit www.mnbf.org.

About Minnesota Bass Federation Nation:

The Minnesota BASS Federation is committed to promoting fishing for all ages & skill levels. We offer our assistance to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources to improve fishing opportunities, habitat, water quality & preservation of public access to Minnesota’s waterways. We work with state & local government, lake associations & other outdoor organizations to protect our fishing heritage. Through our youth initiatives, we provide education & on the water experiences to foster youth involvement & sustained interest in our sport. Please visit www.mnbf.org

I think this is a great program – check it out!

Rich
www.richlindgren.com
basstournament.blogspot.com

Announcements

Good Tournament & a Great Cause!

March 24, 2006 hellabass

This a great event, check it out! 2006 St. Jude Tournament, a fundraiser for St. Jude Children’s Reserach Hospital.
Click here for more info

Check it out!
http://www.stjude.org/

Fish for a cause,
Rich
www.richlindgren.com
basstournament.blogspot.com

Product Reviews

Chatterbait Craze! Is it the Swimming Jig Phenom all over again?

March 23, 2006 hellabass

Overnight sensation: the Chatterbait

If you live under a rock & have not heard about the chatterbait, then time to wake up! It is a extremely hot lure & they are almost impossible to get. Below you will see many comments & excerpts from the owner of Rad Lures & other Bass Pros. It is currently taking 2-3 months to get these lures….. But there is another similar bait – Gambler Swim Blade out there that you should be able to get much quicker. Below you see the “Original Chatter Bait” on the left and the “Gambler Swim Blade” on the right. Gambler Swim Blade can be found at Basspro.com as well, not to mention they seem to be cheaper than the original. Here are some other Chatter Style Jig Options.

“The Chatterbait works best when either a spinnerbait or swimming jig would be a choice, says Ron Davis. The Chatterbait has a tremendous vibration and frantic action like a startled critter hightailing it.”

The Chatterbait begins as a jig with a silicone skirt and soft plastic trailer, and then appends a blade to the jig eye, which some say makes it akin to a spinnerbait. Except the blade doesn’t spin like on a spinnerbait. The blade makes a Chatterbait wobble vigorously like a crankbait.

In mid-January 2006, FLW co-angler Bryan Thrift of Shelbyville, NC, blew the lid off the Chatterbait, crediting it for his first place win in the Stren Series event on Lake Okeechobee, Fla. In the two months since, Thrift spilled the beans, Ron Davis’ business problems have gotten much bigger and much better. First quarter sales forecasts for Rad Lures have skyrocketed from 50,000 to 75,000 pieces & there are currently over two million Chatterbaits on order now — with no end in sight.

“I had no idea that Bryan’s win would do what it has done. Bryan was even apologetic about it. First, Bryan felt sorry that we got flooded beyond our wildest dreams with orders,” says Davis. “We are now working round the clock to get Chatterbaits to the people who want them.”

He continues, “Second, Bryan apologized because he had won two Stren Southeast series events as a co-angler in 2005 but did not publicize the Chatterbait at that time. Bryan didn’t realize the impact that publicity by him would have on sales. In one event, Bryan was so far ahead that all he needed to do was catch one fish on the last day to clinch the co-angler win. When Bryan got that fish early in the morning, he sat out the rest of the day so his pro partner could get some rod time with the Chatterbait to win the pro side of the event.”

“Top national pros, if they hadn’t been using it, surely were aware of the Chatterbait and now that it’s out in the open, they either have to use it — or possibly risk the consequences of not using it,” says Bassmaster Tournament Trail pro Ben Matsubu, who used the Chatterbait to help him take third and $33,000 on Sam Rayburn Reservoir at the Southern Tour stop in March 2006.

“Every lure has its place,” adds Davis. “When Bryan Thrift won Okeechobee, he was smack in the middle of 15 to 20 boats. The only other guys getting any bites at all were some of the best flippers in Florida. They were flipping into thick mats for fish hunkered down in dense cover.”

“Meanwhile, Bryan was getting hammered on the Chatterbait on a day when fast-moving reaction baits weren’t working,” continues Davis. “Watching Bryan, many of the other boaters started slinging spinnerbaits, trying to do what they could to copy his success, but not catching any fish. While people say the Chatterbait blade makes it like a spinnerbait, fish may see it differently. What I mean is people who throw spinnerbaits, you can come down the bank behind them with the Chatterbait and catch fish they didn’t catch.”

“The Chatterbait is somewhat snag-free but not entirely snagless. It works best where there are no thick weeds or wood,” claims pro Tom Monsoor from La Crosse, Wis. (Note: Monsoor is rightly famous for making his own style of swimming jig.) “Another situation where I feel the Chatterbait will do best is earlier in the season while the water is still too cold for my own swimming jig to produce,” he adds. You can find Monsoor’s Swimming Jig at Basspro.com

“The Chatterbait is like a lipless rattling crankbait in that it gives off heavy vibrations and therefore works in dirtier water than my own style of swimming jig,” continues Monsoor. “An example is the last FLW Tour event on Pickwick. I caught all my fish on my own swimming jig in clear water the first day. The water dirtied up so much the second day that I had to switch to the Chatterbait in order to continue to do well in the dirty water.” Another high quality swim jig is the Outkast Pro Swim Jig.

Rich
www.richlindgren.com
basstournament.blogspot.com