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LAKE OKEECHOBEE SET FOR COSTA FLW SERIES SEASON OPENER PRESENTED BY POWER-POLE

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LAKE OKEECHOBEE SET FOR COSTA FLW SERIES SEASON OPENER PRESENTED BY POWER-POLE

LAKE OKEECHOBEE SET FOR COSTA FLW SERIES SEASON OPENER PRESENTED BY POWER-POLE

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OKEECHOBEE, Fla. (Jan. 2, 2018) – A full field of 500 pros and co-anglers are set to kick off the FLW tournament season this week at the season-opening Costa FLW Series at Lake Okeechobee. The tournament, presented by Power-Pole, is the first regular-season event scheduled in the FLW Series Southeastern Division. Hosted by the Okeechobee County Tourism Development Council, the event will feature anglers competing for a top award of up to $105,000, including a brand new Ranger Z518C boat with a 200-horsepower Evinrude outboard.

“The lake has been fishing great – some of the best fishing that we’ve had in a long time – but we’ve got a cold front coming through this week and it is going to get tough,” said FLW Tour pro Brandon McMillan of Clewiston, who has 11 career top-10 finishes as a pro on Lake Okeechobee in FLW competition. “They’re forecasting 30 degrees at takeoff on Thursday morning. Down here that’s frigid, and I expect it’s going to make this a tough event.

“It also takes away any sort of local advantage,” McMillan continued. “I had found 4 or 5 different off-the-beaten path areas while practicing and had this cold front not come in it would have given me a chance to get away from some of the crowds. But now, all of that is for naught.”

McMillan said that despite the frigid temperatures most anglers would still employ standard Florida-fishing tactics. He predicted that the winning pro would likely bring a three-day total of 40 pounds to win.

“It’s going to be a 15-minute window here, or a 10-minute window there. Somebody is going to get lucky and be in the right place at the right time. The fish are definitely still going to bite, but it’s not going to be a normal Okeechobee slugfest.”

Anglers will take off and weigh-in at C. Scott Driver Park, located at 10100 W. Highway 78, in Okeechobee. Takeoff will be held at 7 a.m. EST each day of competition and weigh-ins will start at 3 p.m. All takeoffs and weigh-ins are free to attend and open to the public.

In Costa FLW Series regular-season competition, payouts are based on the number of participants competing in the event. At Lake Okeechobee pros will fish for a top prize of $105,000, including a brand new Ranger Z518C boat with a 200-horsepower Evinrude outboard if Ranger Cup qualified. Co-anglers will cast for a brand new Ranger Z175 boat with a 90-horsepower Evinrude outboard, and $5,000 if Ranger Cup qualified.

The Costa FLW Series consists of five U.S. divisions – Central, Northern, Southeastern, Southwestern and Western – along with the International division. Each U.S. division consists of three regular-season tournaments with competitors vying for valuable points that could earn them the opportunity to compete in the season-ending Costa FLW Series Championship. The 2018 Costa FLW Series Championship is being held Nov. 1-3 on Lake Guntersville in Guntersville, Alabama, and is hosted by the Marshall County Convention and Visitors Bureau.

For complete details and updated information visit FLWFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow the Costa FLW Series on FLW’s social media outlets at Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and Snapchat.

Bass Edge’s The Edge – Episode 271 – Chris Groh January 1, 2018

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Bass Edge’s The Edge – Episode 271 – Chris Groh January 1, 2018

Bass Edge’s The Edge – Episode 271 – Chris Groh
January 1, 2018

Bass Edge Radio, presented by Megaware KeelGuard features 2018 BASS Elite Series Rookie Chris Groh in this episode of their top-rated podcast. Bass Edge hosts Aaron Martin and Kurt Dove discuss with Chris his success in the 2017 Bassmaster Opens as well as preparations and expectations for his rookie season on the Bassmaster Elite Series.

Where will your Journey Take you in 2018 A letter from the Editor

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Where will your Journey Take you in 2018 A letter from the Editor

As we look back at the year 2017, we would like to first welcome all of our new followers and thank all of those that have followed our journey over the years, to a community that was created during a difficult time in my life and has now become what we hope will be your resource for all angling needs in 2018 & beyond.

The past years’ journey has taken us to places we thought would never. We had the opportunity to meet new friend’s as well as create new relationships in the business. With our trip to Icast 2017, I began my journey with Josh Roller & Bass Boat 4 Sale. What a journey that has become, to watch that company grow to what we hope will be your go-to site for selling your boat & buying a boat.

Our social media followers have been an inspiration as well. By spreading the word to all of our followers and you in turn giving your feedback to the direction that you would like to see the company go in 2018 & beyond, so a very special thanks to you all.

To all of our amazing Sponsors, we and I say thank you. Without your backing and willingness to help promote the sport of Bass Fishing we would not be able to do what we do, to travel to the events and to report and tell everyone about this great sport that we all love.

Last, but not least, my main man Bruce Callis has helped us go in directions I thought that we would never go with his amazing content & his willingness to do whatever it takes to make this journey be as smooth as possible we owe more then we could ever give to his wisdom & motivation to keep us going so Thank you Bruce.

Where will this Journey take all of us in 2018?

Thank You, everyone, see you all in 2018

Brian Carter

 

 

 

 

 

Catch Big Fish Through The Ice With Big Loud Baits – MTB – December 30,2017

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Catch Big Fish Through The Ice With Big Loud Baits – MTB – December 30,2017

Catch Big Fish Through The Ice With Big Loud Baits

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Fishing beneath hard water is usually panfishing, mixing in a few pike and walleye here and there. But if you want those big walleye and pike, don’t overlook BIG & LOUD rattling baits to drop in the ice hole. Here’s a few tips for catching big fish through the ice.

Blades of Steel


Ice Season can be a great time to target big walleyes, pike, and other top predators. A good way to pick off active fish is to use a jigging spoon or blade bait, subtly ripping it off the bottom with a consistent jigging approach lifting the bait through the water column. The biggest and baddest fish are likely to key in on the loud disturbance your presentation is providing.

This technique works especially well in murky water, or when there is snow covered ice. This technique is not for tough biting, high pressure days but if you’re fishing during a good window, try this technique to really maximize your day on the ice.

How They Work

noisy baits
Vibrating baits are a perfect tool for covering water and exploring new holes. It’s the type of bait you can drop right into a hole to see if the fish is in an aggressive mood. In open water. As far as technique goes, I like to use a ‘ripping’ action when fishing a blade bait in open water. However, during the ice season I’ve found a more subtle movement works best.

Try working your bait with action so soft you can barely feel the vibrating ticks. The slower cadence will likely be the ticket. Keep in mind that a preferred cadence can change with the time, conditions, or fishing pressure so be sure to play around with the action to see which works best for you.

Stick and Move

bladed bait 101
Once you get on a good blade bait bite, remember to move constantly to target big active fish. If fish are hammering it on one end of the lake, chances are they will in similar areas too, so instead of sitting on the same hole, move around and see what’s out there. You can always go back to a hot hole if your adventure fails to produce.

Another advantage to a loud rattling bait is its fish calling ability, and the loud disturbance from the baits inherent action. The action piques the interest of fish through their lateral lines which sparks enough interest for a potential easy meal.

Call Them In


Another good idea is to set a ‘dead stick’ rod with live bait near or around your jigging hole. When the bite is tough and you need a few extra fish, try calling the fish in with the jigging spoon while still presenting a more subtle, natural bait option. Shiners, fatheads or small suckers are my live bait favorites. This powerpack combo can really get fish firing and make for a memorable day on the ice.

No matter where you’re fishing, always remember ice fishing safety conditions can change at a moment’s notice, so it’s important to make sure you have a backup plan in case things go south. I try to always fish with a partner and make sure to let someone know where we’re fishing and when we’ll be back. Good luck on the hard water this season, stay dry!

 

Catch More Fish With Mystery Tackle Box

Gear up and catch more fish! With a Mystery Tackle Box Subscription, you’ll get a box of baits hand delivered to your door each month. In addition to the best new baits you’ll have access to our expert tips, how-to videos, fishing decals, MTB exclusive baits, and more. With baits up to 40% off retail, this is one service every angler needs to try!

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Why to Go Big with Small Swimbaits for Winter Bass Fishing By David A Brown

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Why to Go Big with Small Swimbaits for Winter Bass Fishing By David A Brown
A big head on a small swimbait might look awkward at first, but it makes for a great presentation on winter bass. (Photo: Jason Sealock)

Distance and depth can lead to more bass fishing success when fishing clear cold water in the winter and early prespawn.

During an early winter trip to Alabama’s Lewis Smith Lake, I watched Aaron Martens grow increasingly frustrated with pods of spotted bass that were blowing up on shad in the mouths of deep creeks. The frequent boils seemed to imply an easy feeding deal, but the fish remained out of reach for even a heaving cast.

Sneaking into range can be easier said than often done in deep, clear, highland reservoirs.

“They’ll hear you coming and move,” Martens lamented. “That’s why it can be so hard when the fish are actively feeding; they won’t stay in one place long enough.”

Set the Hook! with Pat Rose – Dec 23, 2017 Featuring Mike Iaconelli

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Set the Hook! with Pat Rose – Dec 23, 2017 Featuring Mike Iaconelli

Set the Hook! with Pat Rose – Dec 23, 2017

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Real Deal Home Store in LaFayette, GA

Set the Hook! would like to welcome our new sponsor Real Deal Home Store in LaFayette, GA.  Go by and check them out, they have something of everything – and tell ’em Pat sent you!

Mike Iaconelli

Darren Gallaher

This week’s guests were Bassmaster Classic champion and Bassmaster Elite Series Pro Mike Iaconelli, and in-studio our co-host Darren Gallaher.

podcastIf you missed the show, you can listen to the podcast here.

Visit our sponsors page and tell them Pat sent you! If you would like to advertise on Set the Hook! with Pat Rose, give us a call at (423) 314-4541. Put Set the Hook! with Pat Rose to work for you.

Please follow Set the Hook! with Pat Rose on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/SetTheHookWithPatRose.

How To Fish A Suspending Stickbait For Winter Bass – MTB

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How To Fish A Suspending Stickbait For Winter Bass – MTB

How To Fish A Suspending Stickbait For Winter Bass

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 Big bass are generally lazy, especially in the winter. The ideal bass fishing lure for catching lazy big bass is the suspending stickbait because you can fish the bait so slowly.

Suspending Stickbaits For Trophy Bass

The suspending stickbait catches trophy bass because it produces best during late winter warming trends when prespawn heavyweight bass move up in the water column. Ideal conditions for throwing a stickbait are a sunny day with a light wind on a lake with slightly stained to clear water (visibility between 1 1/2 to 10 feet).

A suspending stickbait is so effective because you can work it over any type of structure. You can catch a lot of fish on a stickbait over open water. It is great when you have an isolated target such as one standing tree on the end of a point, but it is also a bait that you can take off down a bank and cover a lot of water whether it is deep or shallow.

How To Suspend A Stickbait

Getting the lure to suspend properly is a key to success. Every stickbait you take out of the package isn’t going to suspend perfectly at every water temperature every place you are going to fish the bait. There are too many outside variables that affect what the bait is going to do once you put it in the water. You have to make sure the bait is truly suspending when you put it in the water.

Before casting the lure, toss it in the water next to the boat and pull it slightly under the water to check the stickbait’s buoyancy. If the lure floats up too fast, add weight by upsizing a treble hook or sticking lead tape to the body. Make sure the bait sits slightly nose down in the water for better hookups because bass tend to attack the front of a stickbait more often.

How To Cast And Retrieve A Suspending Stickbait

Make a long cast with your stickbait to help it reach maximum depth. Then wind your reel eight to 10 turns to get the lure down 3 or 4 feet. Pause your retrieve, pull the bait a few inches and resume your presentation with a twitch-twitch-pause sequence.

Patience is a virtue with this tactic because it sometimes requires prolonged pauses. If you have the bait in a prime target area, the longer you can let the lure sit there the better your chances of catching a lazy big bass.

Give The Gift Of Fishing This Holiday Season!

It’s gift giving season! Do you want to give the gift of fishing this year? Or just looking to treat yourself to the gift you have always wanted? Either way a Mystery Tackle Box Subscription is an incredible gift idea. You’ll get the best new baits plus tips, how-to videos, fishing decals and more. With baits delivered to your door at up to 40% off retail price, this is one service every angler needs to try!

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The Ups and Downs to Growing 2017 in Review By Bruce Callis December 26,2017

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The Ups and Downs to Growing 2017 in Review By Bruce Callis December 26,2017

The Ups and Downs to Growing
2017 in Review By Bruce Callis

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As we sit and celebrate the birth of Jesus and the arrival of the jolly elf, Santa Claus, I think back to what 2017 held for us, and also the dream of what lies ahead in 2018. But exactly what did 2017 give us? Heartache? Joy? Laughter? Victory? Lessons learned? I can honestly say it gave me all of them and so much more. I have so much to be thankful for this amazing year.

I have been able to connect with so many of you reading this story and all of those I have written this year for The BassCast. I have listened to your words of wisdom and have learned that what I don’t know is everything. I have never claimed to be the best, just to be the best I can be. I have never said that I always have the right answer, but have learned to listen to others and find out where I am wrong. You have opened my eyes in ways that have helped me grow and be a better writer. Thank you to each and every one of you.

I have also learned that I’m never too old to learn new techniques or to learn new ways to work the techniques I already use. For instance, I love a jig, have caught fish on them, but I’m terrible at them. I have tried to use them more this year. I have talked to many of you about them to try and discover what I am doing wrong. So many members of the Virginia Bass League have helped me along with Bill Lewis of Diablo Custom Baits. I have had more success with a jig this year over 2016 and 2018 is looking to be even better!

The year really started off great with the Richmond Fishing Expo. I always learn so much there. I use SPRO Baits, and getting to talk with John Crews about the baits he has designed helps me understand them better. Getting to know exactly how he fishes them helps me fish them better. I’m still not great with a crankbait, but I have gotten better. Thank you John for the advice and knowledge you have passed on to me.

Another high for 2017 was getting to meet Ott DeFoe and listen to him. He really helped open my eyes to things I was doing that wasn’t quite right. I’m still not sure if I got all the information straight, but it has payed off. Still kicking myself for being tired and not going out to dinner with Ott and the others. Hopefully I don’t mess up again.

This year has been full of highs. I have learned so much by them. The highs are great for the ego and can really set you up for a big fall if you let them. I have seen my biggest bass, the one dreams are made of, and fought it hard. But then the low of feeling the line go slack for no reason. I was left drained, but I didn’t let it get to me. There was nothing anyone could do to make it not happen, to bring the bass into the boat. I could have pulled an Ike, slammed my rod down and broke it, but I didn’t. I just tried to learn from it and keep moving forward. I did not let it ruin my day!

I fished the BFL on the James River and had an awesome boater. This makes 2 years in a row that I have had great boaters. He put us both on big bass and I had just as much of a chance of landing one as he did. I know we fished one area 4 times before he finally caught the big 10 pounder holding there, I had my chance. I also got to net the fish for him and I was probably just as nervous as he was watching me. I let him lead the bass into the net and then scooped him up into the boat.

Brian Carter has been a high point this year, as he has given me both the opportunity to write these articles and the opportunity to co-host the BassCast Radio Show. Now if only I would listen to him and learn some more behind the scenes things so I can help you, our readers and listeners have an even better experience in 2018 and beyond.

My year review would not be complete if it did not include my fishing partner and best friend, Tiffany Risch, aka Snookie. We have had a great year fishing and having fun. In September we celebrated 2 years fishing together. We have had days where we have struggled and learned. We have fished new water and managed to find fish, just not the big ones and we have had days we were left scratching our head as to why we couldn’t find them or make them bite. But through the coldest of days to the hottest, we have filled each of our adventures with laughter. It is the laughter that helps keep us grounded and making every trip amazing. And we are looking forward to 2018 being an even better year of fun.

As I look towards 2018, I see so many adventures awaiting me with some amazing people and companies. The Richmond Fishing Expo is right around the corner, January 19-21, 2018. I can’t wait to see so many of you there. And I am looking forward to the 2018 Bassmaster Classic, it will be my first time attending. I can’t wait to let you know and bring you into my adventure. And then there is the fishing. Snookie and I have so much planned for this year, to help bring laughter to you that follow us. And then the BFL tournaments. I’m hoping to land some sponsors that will help me pay to be able to fish the entire season. This new year is full of so much hope that all of my adventures will not fit here. Cast for Kids on the James River, Free Kids Fishing Day, Go Wild, and everything in between.

Now what is the biggest hope you have for 2018? One person that leaves a comment on this article on the website (scroll down to leave a comment) will have a surprise package sent to them. I haven’t decided how big it will be, but it will be awesome! Once the Richmond Fishing Expo ends, I will pick a random winner. Who will it be??

When To Use Jumbo Jig Trailers For Bass Jigs MTB December 22,2017

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When To Use Jumbo Jig Trailers For Bass Jigs MTB December 22,2017

When To Use Jumbo Jig Trailers For Bass Jigs

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Bass anglers with hearty appetites like to super-size their meal combos when eating at a fast-food place. The same can be done for a hungry bass by serving it with a big jig and jumbo-sized trailer.

Despite the success of finesse fishing, there are still many big-bait advocates who believe bass prefer a magnum-sized dinner. A lot of times you’ll find that with a spinnerbait, jig or anything else, the fish just prefer a big bite over a small one, so you can start out with a big jig and trailer before going small.

Jumbo Jig Trailer Tips

zoom super chunk

Source: Scout

A Zoom Super Chunk combined with a 1/2- or 3/4-ounce jig is a deadly combo for flipping and pitching in the early spring. A lot of bass may only feed once or twice in a six-hour period then.

Big bass especially want a big bait then and frequently ignore a finesse offering.

A magnum plastic or pork chunk matched with a jig produces throughout the spring when the water is high and muddy. The magnum chunk creates a big, bulky looking bait that bass can find easier in the dirty water. If the water is cold, the magnum trailer also helps your jig fall slower to trigger more bites. You want the jig-and-pig to imitate a crawfish so pick dark colors such as black or brown mixed in with black-and-blue or black-and-chartreuse for your magnum combo.

Ideal magnum trailers for the postspawn technique of stroking a 3/4- or 1-ounce jig off the bottom are the Zoom Super Chunk and Gambler Lures Ninja Claw. The jig and jumbo trailer appeals to the appetites of hungry postspawn bass that are looking for a bigger meal. The stroking technique works best in clear water along ledges that drop off into a river or creek channel. Use a pumpkin/green flake combination for your magnum jig and jumbo trailer.

Swimming a jig along boat docks in the summer and fall is another tactic calling for a jumbo chunk or craw trailer. Try combining a 1/4-ounce jig with a #1 pork frog or 4- to 5-inch plastic craw for pitching along the sides of docks and swimming the lure near the foam flotation. Using heavy line (20- to 25-pound test) will allow you go keep the big bait near the surface. Bass are keying on shad along the docks so use a white or pearl jig and trailer to mimic the baitfish.

 

Give The Gift Of Fishing This Holiday Season!

It’s gift giving season! Do you want to give the gift of fishing this year? Or just looking to treat yourself to the gift you have always wanted? Either way a Mystery Tackle Box Subscription is an incredible gift idea. You’ll get the best new baits plus tips, how-to videos, fishing decals and more. With baits delivered to your door at up to 40% off retail price, this is one service every angler needs to try!

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Bass Edge’s The Edge – Episode 270 – Josh Douglas December 15, 2017

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Bass Edge’s The Edge – Episode 270 – Josh Douglas December 15, 2017

Bass Edge’s The Edge – Episode 270 – Josh Douglas
December 15, 2017

Breaking down the use of Navionics and electronics, with FLW Tour Pro Josh Douglas right here on the latest podcast of Bass Edge Radio, presented by Megaware KeelGuard. Show hosts Aaron Martin and Kurt Dove discuss with Josh his use and understanding of these important bass angling tools.

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