Ryan Butler of the Joe Bass team trail wins the Toyota Bonus Bucks Bassmaster Team Championship Classic Fish-Off on Norfork Lake with 18 pounds, 11 ounces. This victory earns Butler a berth in the 2018 GEICO Bassmaster Classic presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods, which will be held March 16-18 on South Carolina’s Lake Hartwell.
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Dec. 8, 2017
B.A.S.S. Urges Swift Action On Asian Carp Plan
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ANN ARBOR, Mich. — B.A.S.S., along with other hunting, angling, conservation and outdoor industry organizations, today submitted public comments in support of a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ plan to prevent Asian carp from infesting the Great Lakes.
The Brandon Road Lock and Dam, near Joliet, Ill., and below the Chicago Area Waterway System is a chokepoint to reduce the risk of invasive Asian carp swimming directly into Lake Michigan. The Corps’ “Tentatively Selected Plan” (TSP) proposes a gauntlet of technologies including an electric barrier, water jets, complex sound and a flushing lock to reduce the risk of Asian carp getting through, while still allowing navigation through the lock.
“Asian carp pose one of the greatest threats to the Great Lakes and the world-class smallmouth bass fishery that anglers travel from all over the country to enjoy,” said B.A.S.S. Conservation Director Gene Gilliland. “The Great Lakes are home to many invasive species. Some of those invaders have been worse than others, but just how many more can the system take before it reaches a tipping point and bad things start to happen? Bass fishermen sometimes don’t recognize invasive species as such a bad thing, especially when you talk about the Great Lakes.
“Zebra mussels and gobies, while real problems for industry and shipping, have proved to be a boon to the bass population, but nothing good can come from an Asian carp invasion. These fish have incredibly high reproductive potential, and in short order, can make up the majority of the pounds of fish a body of water can support. They filter out the plankton that is the base of the food chain for everything else, there are few markets for them and no real way to control the population explosion.”
While expressing support for the TSP, the groups in the letter also urge the Corps of Engineers to pursue full federal funding of the $275 million estimated cost, rather than require a local cost share, due to the national significance of the issue.
Additionally, the groups noted that Congress authorized the Corps to prevent aquatic invasive species transfer between the Great Lakes and Mississippi River basins, and therefore the Corps needs to continue pursuing a two-way solution to preventing aquatic invasive species transfer. However, that pursuit should be simultaneous without diverting resources from moving ahead with the TSP.
“Competing interests and politics-as-usual have stalled the closure of the carp pathway to Lake Michigan for too long,” said Gilliland. “It’s been studied to death, and we know what needs to be done. There is just no more time. This needs to be pushed through, or we stand to lose one of this country’s greatest fisheries.”
The groups also encourage the Corps to explore Aquatic Nuisance Species treatment technology that can be used in the locks, as well as continuing other efforts to reduce the Asian carp population below the lock and dam.
The Corps issued a timeline with the release of the plan, which estimates a final report in August 2019, at which point it will be up to Congress to approve and fund the project, with a construction completion date of 2025 if there is no delay in approval and funding.
B.A.S.S. is among 50 conservation and fishing industry groups signing the letter of support. Others include the American Sportfishing Association, Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation, Ducks Unlimited, National Wildlife Federation and B.A.S.S. Nation organizations in Ohio and Michigan.
Robert Dodson Sr. of the Joe Bass team trail leads the Toyota Bonus Bucks Bassmaster Team Championship Classic Fish-Off with 6 pounds, 6 ounces heading into the final day.
Dec. 8, 2017
MOUNTAIN HOME, Ark. — Given the 15-degree temperatures on Norfork Lake Friday morning, it sounds ridiculous that five of the six remaining anglers in the Toyota Bonus Bucks Bassmaster Team Championship are pleading for more wind.
But those five anglers say a good, windy day is the only thing that could give them a shot at winning the Classic Fish-Off portion of this tournament.
Right now, the rest of the field is chasing Robert Dodson Sr., a 71-year-old angler from nearby Harrison, Ark., who caught only three bass totaling 6 pounds, 6 ounces on Friday. That’s not much in a typical Bassmaster tournament, but with the bass extremely tight-lipped on Norfork Lake, it was enough to give Dodson the lead after Day 1 of the Fish-Off.
The rest of the field could muster only three bass among them. Ryan Butler of Blue Eye, Mo., is in second place with two bass that weighed 3-10. Beau Govreau, a St. Louis, Mo., resident who teamed with his brother Brett to win the Team Championship on Thursday, caught the only other bass on Friday, but it was a good one. He’s in third place with a 3-4 keeper that he hooked with only 14 minutes of fishing time remaining.
Brett Govreau of St. Louis, Mo., Dustin Lippe of Lampe, Mo., and Robbie Dodson Jr. also of Harrison, Ark., all zeroed Friday. Along with Butler and the younger Govreau, they are the chorus of anglers who say wind is key to stirring the bass bite to life Saturday.
Dodson Sr., who fishes on the Joe Bass team trail, liked the calm conditions. When he saw the glass-like surface of Norfork Lake on Friday morning, he figured the technique he’s employing (and keeping a closely guarded secret) could result in a few quality bites despite the cold.
He boated a keeper bass within 10 minutes after takeoff, though he had to wait another three hours before he got his other two bass in the livewell in quick succession. His biggest bass weighed about 3 pounds.
“I think we should just call it off and go home right now,” Dodson said with a laugh. “It was tough out there.” Having been in many competitive tournaments, he said he doesn’t feel pressure with a berth in the 2018 GEICO Bassmaster Classic presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods on the line.
The man with the heaviest two-day total in the Fish-Off will be a part of the Classic field when the event is held March 16-18 on Lake Hartwell in South Carolina.
“It’s the only big tournament I’ve never fished,” Dodson said. “But I thought someone would have five (today). I had my chances. I lost two 3-pounders that really could have made a difference.”
Dodson, who once competed in the FLW Tour’s Forrest Wood Cup, said he’ll fish Saturday the same way he did Friday.
Friday’s competition was delayed two hours because of fog. When the anglers launched onto Norfork Lake, they found the going extremely tough. Butler said he absolutely would welcome wind Saturday morning for several reasons.
“When the wind quits blowing, it gets in your head and you start to scramble,” Butler said. “For me, it’s a confidence booster. I think most of these guys are fishing shallow. The water has good color, but nothing was working without the wind.”
If he doesn’t get the conditions he desires?
“We’ll still lay it all on the line,” Butler said. “It’s the Bassmaster Classic on the line here. You go big or you go home.”
Beau Govreau weighed the biggest bass of the day, though it was the only keeper he had. He said he was worried until the final minutes, but the quality bass reassured him he still could win the Fish-Off.
“Catch another one of those tomorrow and it’s all tied up,” he said.
More than 320 anglers from B.A.S.S.-affiliated team trails covering 33 states, Canada and Australia started in the team tournament Wednesday. The Top 3 two-person teams following Thursday’s weigh-in are now fishing individually for a Classic berth.
The final launch is scheduled for Saturday at 6:45 a.m. CT. The final weigh-in will begin at 2:45 p.m. The weigh-in will be streamed on Bassmaster.com.
The Mountain Home Area Chamber of Commerce is hosting the event.
Name # Fish # Live Lbs-Oz # Fish # Live Lbs-Oz
1. Robert Dodson Sr Joe Bass 3 3 6-6 3 3 6-6
2. Ryan Butler Joe Bass 2 2 3-10 2 2 3-10
3. Beau Govreau US Anglers Choice 1 1 3-4 1 1 3-4
4. Robbie Dodson Jr Joe Bass 0 0 0-0 0 0 0-0
5. Brett Govreau US Anglers Choice 0 0 0-0 0 0 0-0
6. Dustin Lippe Joe Bass 0 0 0-0 0 0 0-0
TOTALS
Day # Fish # Live Lbs-Oz # Limits
1 6 6 13-4 0
BIG BASS
Day Name City,State Lbs-Oz
1 Beau Govreau Cedar Hill, MO 3-4
I’ve been sharing some of my fishing screenshots from my Lowrance HDS Carbon units recently on the Wired2fish Instagram page, and I’ve had a lot of messages from people wanting to know how I get such clear shots and how my screenshots show fish that actually look like fish. The answer is two fold.
So I’m creating two separate articles. This one will cover the process I actually take to get the image while on the water. Then I’m also writing a piece on how to make sure your units are setup optimally to get the best quality imagery out of your graphs.
Modern day fish finders are a lot like televisions. There is literally one to fit every budget. While you get more resolution and quality as you go up in price, you can still get pretty good shots with the more affordable units if you get the process down for taking a good image on the water.
The Govreau brothers Brett (left) and Beau of US Anglers Choice team trail earn a victory at the 2017 Toyota Bonus Bucks Bassmaster Team Championship on Norfork Lake with a two-day total weight of 26 pounds, 2 ounces.
Dec. 7, 2017
Missouri Brothers Win Toyota Bonus Bucks Bassmaster Team Championship On Norfork Lake
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MOUNTAIN HOME, Ark. — Freezing temperatures made catching bass extremely difficult Thursday during the Toyota Bonus Bucks Bassmaster Team Championship.
But brothers Brett and Beau Govreau of St. Louis, Mo., stayed hot on the second and final day of team competition on Norfork Lake. Entering Day 2 in second place with a five-bass limit of 14 pounds, 5 ounces, they followed on Thursday with another limit that weighed 11-13.
That gave the Govreaus a two-day total of 26-2 and helped them win the tournament that attracted 162 of the finest tandems from team trails covering 33 states, as well as Canada and Australia.
The Govreaus fish on the US Anglers Choice team trail. Ryan Butler and Dustin Lippe of the Joe Bass team trail placed second overall in team competition with a two-day total of 24-12, and the father/son duo of Robbie Dodson Jr. and Robert Dodson Sr. finished third with 24-10.
With the win, the Govreau brothers collected a Nitro Z20 and Mercury 225 Pro XS boat/motor package valued at $41,995, including a Minn Kota trolling motor and Lowrance electronics. The duo also will be honored at the annual Bassmaster Classic Night of Champions in March.
But besides merchandise and prestige, there’s an even bigger prize within reach for the Top 6. The remaining anglers had their weights zeroed after Thursday’s weigh-in, and now they’ll compete individually in another two-day competition. The angler with the heaviest total weight in that portion of the tournament will earn the final spot in the 2018 GEICO Bassmaster Classic presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods to be held on South Carolina’s Lake Hartwell March 16-18.
It’s a lot to absorb, but the six men will have to do so quickly. Launch in the solo tournament is set for 6:45 a.m. CT on Friday.
The Govreaus decided to fish new water on Thursday, despite their success on the first day. They were tight-lipped about how they caught their fish in the team competition, but did say it’s not a particular area that is producing.
“We ran a little bit of the same water we did on Wednesday, but didn’t get a bite there,” Brett, 38, said. “It’s the way we’re fishing, not an area. It’s a pattern.”
Beau, 36, said his older brother located the bass they caught the past two days, so he’ll run new water to find his own bass for the next two days. He certainly can be proficient (Beau won the Academy Sports + Outdoors B.A.S.S. Nation Central Regional presented by Magellan Outdoors in April on Missouri’s Lake of the Ozark).
Whatever they have in mind for the next two days, both brothers hope the fishing is easier than it was on Thursday.
“It was really tough out there,” Beau said. “It was cold, and we were battling the wind all day. It was not easy by any means.”
Still, the struggle was well worth the result.
Butler, of Blue Eye, Mo., and Lippe, who lives in Lampe, Mo., won $11,000 for the second-place finish. The Dodsons, both of Harrison Ark., won $8,000. Like the Govreaus, all four have a chance to fish their way into the Bassmaster Classic with a solid showing Friday and Saturday.
Flannagan Fife of the Arkansas Bass Team won the inaugural Toyota Bonus Bucks Bassmaster Team Championship on Arkansas’ DeGray Lake in 2014. He and his new partner, Cody Davis, finished fourth on Norfork Lake with a two-day total of 24-2.
The big bass of the tournament went to the Dodsons who boated a 6-pounder bass on Thursday. Matthew Rittman had the big bass (5-0) on Day 1. Both awards come with a $500 prize.
Friday’s weigh-in will begin at 2:45 p.m. at the 101 Boat Dock.
The Mountain Home Area Chamber of Commerce is hosting the tournament.
Toyota Bonus Bucks Bassmaster Team Championship
12/6/2017 – 12/7/2017
Lake Norfork – 101 Boat Dock – Mountain Home, AR
STANDINGS BOATER DAY 2
Name # Fish # Live Lbs – Oz # Fish # Live Lbs – Oz
1 Brett Govreau – Beau Govreau US Anglers Choice 5 5 11-13 10 10 26- 2
2 Ryan Butler – Dustin Lippe Joe Bass 5 5 13- 6 10 10 24-12
3 Robbie Dodson Jr – Robert Dodson Sr Joe Bass 5 5 15- 2 10 10 24-10
4 Flannagan Fife – Cody Davis Arkansas Bass Team 5 5 12- 7 10 10 24- 2
5 David Mulkey – Sean Mulkey Joe Bass 5 5 8-11 10 10 23-14
6 Doyle Epperson – Joshua Muse NTBA 5 5 11- 8 10 10 23-12
7 Richard Bowling – Mickey Ballard NTBA 5 5 12- 8 10 10 23-11
8 Rick Johnston – Connor Cunningham Ozark Mountain TT 5 5 14- 5 10 10 23- 6
9 Doug Brownridge – David Chong Renegade Bass Team Trail 5 5 12- 9 10 10 23- 5
10 Barron Adams – Trevor Prince Chattanooga Bass Association 5 5 9-12 10 10 22-14
11 Teddy Bogard – Brandon Rhoden Arkansas Bass Team 5 5 10- 9 10 10 22-12
12 Wayne Dixon – Jared Allen Arkansas Bass Team 5 5 10-12 10 10 22-12
13 Keith Allen – Jeffery Montgomery Angler Nation 5 5 9- 9 10 10 22-10
14 Randy Brickell – Spencer Shuffield Arkansas Bass Team 5 5 12-13 10 10 21-15
15 Bryce Kalen – Bryan Kalen IN BN Team Trail 5 5 12- 4 10 10 21-11
16 Mark McDonnel – Quincy Houchin Arkansas Bass Team 5 5 11- 7 10 10 21- 7
17 Joe Wieberg – Walon Kleffner Joe Bass 5 5 12- 2 10 10 21- 6
18 Matt Green – Justin Nunley Alabama Bass Trail 5 5 11-13 10 10 21- 1
19 Kelly Power – Mark Wiese Jr Ozark Mountain Team Trail 5 5 11- 3 10 10 20-12
20 Ed Young – Joe Penzo Joe Bass 5 5 10- 0 10 10 20- 5
21 Roger Waters – Larry Brooks Anglers In Action 5 4 8-10 10 9 19-15
22 Shawn Freeman – Justin Hayden Ozark Mountain 5 5 8-12 10 10 19-14
23 Mark Cox – Brian Stacy Morristown Marine 5 5 10-14 10 10 19-11
24 Lyle Armstrong – Mitchell Armstrong Anglers in Action 5 5 10-15 9 9 19- 7
25 Ashton Laird – Daniel Urbino Upstate Angelrs 5 5 10- 4 9 9 18-10
26 Jesse Riemersma – David Riemersma West Michigan Bass 5 5 8- 0 10 10 18- 9
27 Greg Bent – Brian Gottfried Upstate Anglers 5 5 11- 1 8 8 18- 5
28 Dave Frost – Nick Manfredo FL BN Team Trail 5 5 8- 7 10 10 18- 5
29 Chuck Austin III – Frank Sinn US Anglers Choice 5 5 8-11 10 10 18- 5
30 Dean Silvester – Mark Ferguson Australia BASS Nation 5 5 8-10 10 10 18- 3
31 Tim Garner – Martin Villa Priority James River Series 5 5 10- 3 10 10 18- 2
32 Steve Barnett – Jack Levert Renegade Bass 5 5 12-12 8 8 17- 9
33 Joey Nania – Zeke Gossett Tracker Nitro Big Bucks Buddy Trail 5 5 10- 4 9 9 17- 8
34 Jeffrey Woods – Dennis Phelps Weekend Warrior Bass Series 3 3 8- 4 8 8 17- 8
35 Ty Faber – John Gardner Ultimate Bass Team Tour 4 4 8- 5 9 9 17- 8
36 Brandon Hoppert – Lucas Knotts Cheat Lake Anglers 5 5 8- 8 10 10 17- 7
37 Michael Slocki – John Hawley Bassmania Team Trail 5 5 10-15 9 9 17- 6
38 Allan Glasgow – George Crain Fishers of Men 5 5 9- 1 9 9 17- 3
39 Jason Vance – Roger Mikels US Anglers Choice 5 5 9-15 9 9 16-14
40 William Samples – Tom Campagna Anglers Choice 4 4 7-14 9 9 16- 7
41 Marc Wagy – Joshua Wagy VA Elite 70 5 5 8- 1 9 9 16- 6
42 William Pioch – JJ Dickens WV BN Buddy Trail 5 5 9- 5 9 9 16- 4
43 Cory Steckler – Ronnie Kane Ozark Mountain 5 5 8- 2 10 10 16- 4
44 Matthew Farrabee – Mark Mounts Keystone Bass Buddy Circuit 5 5 10- 2 9 9 16- 3
45 Brian Thompson – Eric Hammond Joe Bass 5 5 12- 5 7 7 15-15
46 Christopher Risner – Tim Eaton West Michigan Bass 5 5 10- 0 8 8 15-15
47 Rickey Knight – Torrey Jones Alabama Bass Trail 3 3 7- 1 8 8 15-14
48 Ryan Claypool – Kyle Claypool Upstate Anglers 5 5 6-11 10 10 15- 9
49 Nick Deering – Conner Petropoulos Maine BN – Man vs Bass 5 5 6- 1 10 10 15- 4
50 Dustin Neat – Mark Wethington NTBA 5 5 7-11 9 9 15- 4
51 Marty Torrence – JC Warrington Media Bass 2 2 4- 2 7 7 14-14
52 Joe Lee – Jimbo Harris Tennesee Team Trail 5 5 7-13 10 10 14-14
53 Matt McCoy – Terry McWilliams IN BN Team Trail 5 5 10-11 8 8 14-13
54 Jay Hulsey – Bob King Joe Bass 3 3 5-12 8 8 14- 6
55 Rusty Darnell – Tim Newberry Sr Joe Bass Team Trail 2 2 4- 2 7 7 14- 5
56 Jonathan Spivey – Derick Livingston Carolina Bass Challenge 5 5 5-13 10 10 14- 5
57 Elisa Bernstein – Samuel Lauzon Renegade Bass 2 2 3- 8 7 7 14- 4
58 Blake Riddle – John Wilson Fishers of Men 3 3 4- 4 8 8 14- 3
59 Gale Brown – Darrell Brown KS BN Team Trail 4 4 7-15 8 8 14- 1
60 Cory Hartfield – Eddie Levin Ohio BASS Nation Team Trail 4 4 6- 4 9 9 14- 1
61 Greg Blair – Robert Shackelford Joe Bass 4 4 7- 2 8 8 14- 1
62 Hunter Hamilton – Kyle Smith Morristown Marine Team Trail 4 4 5-10 9 9 13-15
63 Marc Czachowski – Mike Purse Joe Bass 1 1 1- 1 6 6 13-14
64 Kyle Welcher – Chris Haynes Alabama Bass Trail 5 5 11- 7 6 6 13-14
65 Jason Talbot – Dan Hattabaugh Ultimate Bass Team Tour 3 3 3- 2 8 8 13-14
66 Erhardt Tulgestka Jr – Ted Prisbe MI BN Team Trail 2 2 4- 5 7 7 13-14
67 Broc Lindauer – Jakob Calkin Ultimate Bass Team Tour 5 5 7-12 8 8 13-13
68 Mike Brueggen – Jim Caulum IA BN Team Trail 2 2 4- 4 7 7 13-12
69 Mitch Mitchell – Candler McCollum Alabama Bass Trail 5 5 9- 2 7 7 13-10
70 Peter Owen – Mike Deal NH BN Team Trail 5 5 7-13 9 9 13- 6
71 Tad Dowker – Jeremiah Steffen West Michigan Bass 3 3 4-13 8 7 13- 5
72 Martin Elshout – Mark Price Fishers of Men 5 5 8- 7 8 8 13- 0
73 Tim Goad – Mark Williams Anglers Choice 3 3 9- 9 5 5 12-15
74 Cody George – Josh Prince Morristown Marine 3 3 5- 4 7 7 12-10
75 Mike McCullers – Jason Shockley Alabama Bass Trail 2 2 3-13 7 7 12- 9
76 Matthew Rittman – Jason Daily FL BN Team Trail 0 0 0- 0 3 3 12- 6
77 Todd Buckingham – Chris Beaudrie KY BN Team Trail 3 3 3- 7 8 8 12- 4
78 Dennis Chavez – Donnie Coleman Jr Ultimate Bass Team Trail 3 3 7- 5 6 6 12- 2
79 Marvin Olive – Melvin Thompson Ozark Mountain 4 4 7- 5 7 7 12- 1
80 Jason Smith – Chaz McMahan Alabama Bass Trail 5 5 11-14 5 5 11-14
81 Bobby Loyd – Jeff Moseley Ozark Mountain 3 3 6- 7 6 6 11-11
82 Forrest Brown – Chris Van Houten BBT Bass R Us 5 5 9- 7 7 7 11-10
83 Michael Hyrtle – Jack Morgan Bassmania 4 4 5- 3 8 8 11- 6
84 Matt Hicks – John Bomar Anglers Choice 1 1 1- 5 6 6 11- 3
85 Carlton Newhouse – Cameron Newhouse Anglers Choice 3 3 5-11 8 8 11- 3
86 Scott Hinds – Aaron Watson ME BN – Man vs Bass 1 1 2- 4 3 3 10-15
87 Sam Wooten – Jay Mitchell Media Bass 4 4 7-10 6 6 10-13
88 Austin Weaver – Pride Weaver Alabama Bass Trail 0 0 0- 0 5 5 10-11
89 Ben Jacobi – Curtis Callahan Jr Priority James River Series 4 4 6- 2 7 7 10- 7
90 Rick Camp – Jamie Hatcher Chattanooga Bass Association 3 3 5- 9 6 6 10- 6
91 David Craft – Stoney Johnson Chattanooga Bass Association 1 1 2- 4 5 5 9-14
92 Jason Lee – A-Jay Smith Anglers Choice 0 0 0- 0 5 5 9- 8
93 Gregory Lewis – Stephen Dement NTBA 2 2 3-14 6 6 9- 8
94 Ed Loughran III – Chris Morrison Priority James River Series 0 0 0- 0 5 5 9- 7
95 Allen Williford – Austin Moore IL BN Team Trail 4 4 6-15 5 5 9- 4
96 Shannon Denson – Doug Perkins Media Bass 0 0 0- 0 5 5 9- 1
97 Keith Mayfield – Daryl Adams Alabama Bass Trail 0 0 0- 0 5 5 8-14
98 Tim Hurst – Mark McCaig Alabama Bass Trail 0 0 0- 0 4 4 8-13
99 Mike Crowther – Allen Bratton Ultimate Team Tour 3 3 5- 2 5 5 8-13
100 Jacob Coverdale – Bobby Smith Delaware BN Team Trail 1 1 2- 2 4 4 8- 4
101 Douglas Polasek – Ty Nguyen West Michigan Bass 3 3 6- 3 4 4 8- 2
102 Raymond Trudeau – Fred George FL BN Team Trail 2 2 4-12 4 4 7-14
103 Rob Messenger Jr – John Levesque New Hampshire BN Team Trail 0 0 0- 0 3 3 7-12
104 Craig Powers – Edward Baker Tennessee Team Trail 0 0 0- 0 5 5 7-10
105 John Kleinoeder – John Collins Great Lakes Largemouth Series 2 2 3- 2 6 6 7-10
106 Scott Clift – Ashley Medley Joe Bass TT 0 0 0- 0 5 5 7- 8
107 Alan Agnoli – Fred Boettjer FL BN Team Trail 3 3 5- 8 4 4 7- 8
108 Greg Ault – Huey Applegate Arkansas Bass Team Trail 0 0 0- 0 4 4 7- 4
108 Thomas McMillan – Tom Stinson Media Bass 0 0 0- 0 4 4 7- 4
110 Brian Shook – Randy Tolbert Alabama Bass Trail 0 0 0- 0 4 4 7- 2
111 Tom Haynes – George Toalson Angler Nation 0 0 0- 0 3 3 6- 9
112 Keith Carney – Christopher Beeson Texas BN Team Trail 3 3 5- 9 4 4 6- 9
113 Kelly Robinette – Billy Lane Priority James River Series 0 0 0- 0 5 5 6- 7
114 Jeff Bonner – Steve Coggin Media Bass 2 2 3- 3 4 4 6- 7
115 Ryan Hubler – Ryan Fingleton West Michigan Bass 1 1 1-13 3 3 6- 3
116 Andrus Kung – Evan Kung Bassmania 0 0 0- 0 3 3 6- 0
117 James Holencik – George Holencik Western PA Team Bass Series 2 2 5-14 2 2 5-14
118 Curtis Talbott – Craig Wright Anglers Choice 0 0 0- 0 3 3 5-11
119 Clint Harrison II – Jessie Harrison Morristown Marine Team Trail 0 0 0- 0 3 3 5- 9
120 Trent Bowles – Robert McDonald Anglers Choice 2 2 3- 7 3 3 5- 8
121 Trey McGuire – Jon Richardson Fishers of Men 0 0 0- 0 3 3 5- 6
122 Roger Hughes – Waynes Hughes Anglers in Action 1 1 1-12 2 2 4-10
123 Mark Thompson – Jim Smith Joe Bass TT 0 0 0- 0 3 3 4- 9
124 Bryan Humphreys – Maurice Oakes Fishers of Men 0 0 0- 0 2 2 4- 5
125 Danny Lavoie – Todd Mahoney Alabama Bass Trail 0 0 0- 0 2 2 4- 1
126 John McCurdy – Jack McCurdy Joe Bass 1 1 2- 3 2 2 4- 1
127 Bryan Baker – Darren Baker Joe Bass 2 2 3-15 2 2 3-15
128 Leidy Clark – Rickey West Priority James River Series 0 0 0- 0 2 2 3-12
129 Matt Robertson – Wendell Anderson Priority James River Series 0 0 0- 0 2 2 3- 9
130 Dylan Dew – Randy Fox Keystone Bass Buddy Circuit 1 1 1- 0 2 2 3- 9
131 Tim Carmouche – Cary Beard Fishers of Men 0 0 0- 0 2 2 3- 8
131 Ryan Hovatter – Bryson Grimes Cheat Lake Anglers 0 0 0- 0 2 2 3- 8
133 Joshua Hubbard – Tom Catlin IL BN Team Trail 2 2 3- 7 2 2 3- 7
134 Jeff Gee – Steve Majewski US Anglers Choice 0 0 0- 0 2 2 3- 4
135 David Perry – Randy Shirley Ultimate Bass Team Tour 0 0 0- 0 2 2 3- 1
135 Travis Salo – Garret Seppala NH BN Team Trail 0 0 0- 0 2 2 3- 1
137 Justin Harris – Dell Mettlen Jr KS BN TT 0 0 0- 0 1 1 2-11
138 Kyle Kempkers – Brett Haveman BBT Bass R Us 0 0 0- 0 2 2 2- 9
139 Jason Hodge – Lonnie Bowlin AC Tournament Trail 0 0 0- 0 1 1 2- 4
139 Kris Von Ahn – John Von Ahn Joe Bass 0 0 0- 0 1 1 2- 4
141 Ken Walters – Jason Beasley Alabama Bass Trail 0 0 0- 0 1 1 2- 3
142 William Goots – James Ward Anglers Choice 0 0 0- 0 1 1 2- 1
142 Robert Paxton – Steven Caldwell Media Bass 0 0 0- 0 1 1 2- 1
142 Shane Pope – Joel Lee Dockside Marine Team Trail 0 0 0- 0 1 1 2- 1
145 Jason Walcott – Jimmy Vanden Berg Jr BBT Bass R Us 1 1 1-15 1 1 1-15
146 Jack Womack – Kathy Womack Alabama Bass Trail 0 0 0- 0 1 1 1-14
147 Kelly Pratt – Charles Rackley James River Priority 0 0 0- 0 1 1 1-13
148 James Nuckols – Doug Plemons Morristown Marine 0 0 0- 0 1 1 1-11
149 Michael Mcknight – Brian Delf IA BN Team Trail 1 1 1- 8 1 1 1- 8
149 Stephen Rogers – Jimmy Rogers Alabama Bass Trail 0 0 0- 0 1 1 1- 8
151 Jason Smith – Sam Spruill Fishers of Men 0 0 0- 0 1 1 1- 0
152 Ronald Cancilla – Leo Cancilla Keystone Bass Buddy Circuit 0 0 0- 0 0 0 0- 0
152 Aaron Davis – Matthew Sewell Media Bass 0 0 0- 0 0 0 0- 0
152 Ronald Foley – Dan Corbin NTBA 0 0 0- 0 0 0 0- 0
152 Brant Grimm – Bobby Drinnon Morristown Marine 0 0 0- 0 0 0 0- 0
152 Logan Johnson – Jeremy Christian Alabama Bass Trail 0 0 0- 0 0 0 0- 0
152 Matthew Klinker – Dusty Chaulk MA BN Team Trail 0 0 0- 0 0 0 0- 0
152 Jerry McCafferty – Josh Benford Alabama Bass Trail 0 0 0- 0 0 0 0- 0
152 Jack Miller – Curt Ferri Keystone Bass Buddy Circuit 0 0 0- 0 0 0 0- 0
152 Richard Schultz – Richard Schultz Keystone Bass Buddy Circuit 0 0 0- 0 0 0 0- 0
152 Eric Silverstrim – Joe Johnson TN BN Team Trail 0 0 0- 0 0 0 0- 0
152 Lee Sisson – Michael Nicknadarvich Lakeland Bassmasters Team Trail 0 0 0- 0 0 0 0- 0
TOTALS
Day # Fish # Live Lbs-Oz # Limits
1 519 518 996- 3 62
2 414 413 819- 2 56
BIG BASS
Day Name City, State Lbs-Oz
1 Matthew Rittman – Starke, FL 5- 7
2 Robbie Dodson Jr – Harrison, AR 6- 0
Mike Richmer of Sellersburg, Ind., won the 2017 Bassmaster Toyota Tundra Ultimate Truck Giveaway, a prize value worth more than $44,000.
Dec. 7, 2017
Indiana Resident Wins Bassmaster Toyota Tundra Ultimate Truck Giveaway
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — An Indiana man and father of three entered the Bassmaster Toyota Tundra Ultimate Truck Giveaway more than 50 times. And it goes to show, the dedication paid off.
Mike Richmer of Sellersburg, Ind., who is a process technician for Beach Mold and Tool, won a 2017 Toyota Tundra in blazing blue pearl with genuine Toyota accessories.
He also was awarded items from B&W Trailer Hitches, Covercraft, Volant and Yakima, plus a $4,000 cash allowance. The total prize value was more than $44,000.
“I was leaving work on a typical Monday afternoon, ready to go home, and I saw the email stating I won,” said Richmer. “I couldn’t believe it. I showed it to my wife, who also entered a few times, and she didn’t get that email. So I called the contact number, and I was shocked to find out that I really did win.”
Richmer is an avid outdoorsman who enjoys hiking. The Toyota Tundra will be the ultimate tow vehicle for his camper.
“I entered every day,” he said. “I really wanted to win the truck.” He plans to take it on many camping trips with his family.
In addition to the sweepstake’s grand prize, five runner-ups received a $200 gift card to Advance Auto Parts.
For more information on Bassmaster sweepstakes, visit Bassmaster.com/sweepstakes.
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Now, these fish are moving into their wintertime haunts offshore, and preparing for colder weather. While many anglers are storing their boats for the winter and putting their gear away until warmer weather, there are still a few who brave this colder weather in search of some giants. You read that right, giants.
Winter bass fishing can be one of the best times of the year to catch your biggest fish of the season. This time of year, fish are grouping up in deeper water to prepare to hide out for winter, but even in this cold-water fish still have to feed.
Granted, everything you do will be slowed way down and your retrieves that once took 30 seconds are now taking multiple minutes. With large groups of fish comes competition, no matter what the temperature is. This can be a recipe for big fish.
So now that I’ve talked it up, its time to figure out where you want to look to try to find these schools of fish. The biggest key is trying to find the active fish in the groups. The first major thing you want to key in on is deeper water. This term “deep” is a very relative term. You’re going to want to look for the deepest parts of any fishery.
To some that might mean 12 feet and to others it could mean 100 feet, depending on the lake. The next key thing to look at is quick changes in depth. These fish aren’t going to move a hundred yards up a slow tapered point to feed. They are more apt to move up and down in the water column to take advantage of any warm spells and take advantage of these short windows to feed. Things like creek channel swings are great things too look for.
As I mentioned previously, these feeding windows can be short. So, you could be on the right spot, but if they aren’t feeding it can be brutal. This means you have to try to time it just right. The best winter bass fishing times that I have found from experience and talking to others, is first thing in the morning or when the day is at its warmest point.
Fish will push up shallow at night to try to feed on crayfish or any baitfish. This means you have a chance to catch them before they sink back down in the morning. If you have a week of 35-degree days and then a 45-degree day, I would make sure to be on your most productive winter spots during that warmest day. The fish will take advantage of a few degree temperature change to put some food in their stomachs.
This time of the year, unlike most other times, there isn’t a whole lot of variety in the baits you can throw. I try to make my selection as thin as possible due to the fact I’m fishing so much slower I don’t want to be thinking about all of the things I should try. I stick to a few of my confidence baits, swimbaits, jerkbaits and a shaky head to cover water.
A drop shot, jigs, and worms with little action such as ned rigs and senkos worked when I found a productive area. Everything underwater has slowed movement, nothing down there is moving crazy fast, so that’s what you want to imitate. If you think you are moving your bait too slow the standard thing to do is go slower!
So, keep these winter bass fishing tips in mind next time you’re thinking about packing up your gear for the winter and hopefully it’ll result in some of your best fish of the year!
This post was guest written by:
Jon Dietz
Penn State Bass Fishing Team
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The father-son duo of David and Sean (pictured) Mulkey of the Joe Bass team trail lead on the first day of the Toyota Bonus Bucks Bassmaster Team Championship on Norfork Lake with 15 pounds, 3 ounces.
Dec. 6, 2017
Despite Engine Problems, Father/Son Team Takes Early Lead In National Team Bass Fishing Championship
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MOUNTAIN HOME, Ark. — Some bass tournament anglers like to run and gun, and others like to methodically work a spot looking for the right bites.
David and Sean Mulkey of the Joe Bass team trail in Missouri had no choice — they were forced to stay in one spot on Wednesday during the first round of the Toyota Bonus Bucks Bassmaster Team Championship. Their boat broke down during the first hour of fishing, and they had no other option than to remain where they were and hope for the best.
The father-son tandem found the bass they needed, and they now lead the two-day national team fishing championship taking place on Norfork Lake in northern Arkansas.
The Mulkeys, who reside in Ash Grove, Mo., boated a five-bass limit that weighed 15 pounds, 3 ounces. That total gave them an edge over brothers Brett and Beau Govreau of St. Louis, Mo. who are in second place with five bass totaling 14-5.
In all, 162 two-person teams (324 anglers) from 33 states and two foreign countries (Canada and Australia) are taking part in the team championship on 22,000-acre Norfork Lake. Each qualified for the event as one of the top performing teams on their local tournament trails this season.
The Mulkeys made the best of what could have been a frustrating day after their motor “blew up” while running in open water shortly after 7 a.m. Wednesday.
“We started losing power,” David said. “My son heard it blow. We started fishing right where we were. We couldn’t do much else.”
While the elder Mulkey was bent over the outboard assessing the damage, 21-year old Sean hooked a 4-pounder. Soon after, he added another 4-pounder to the livewell, and David followed with a 3-pounder of his own. Though their bite slowed from that point, they landed two more keepers later in the day to reach their limit.
The Mulkeys relied on their trolling motor to cover a half-mile radius of water all day long. Luckily for them, they broke down less than a mile from the launch and were able to easily navigate back in time for weigh-in.
“I had no idea we would be leading this tournament after having the motor blow up early in the morning like that,” David said after the Day 1 weigh-in was complete. “It could have been bad. But the spot we fished, my son caught a 3-9 there in practice. We knew it had bass on it.”
Now, the issue is finding a boat to use for the second day of the team championship. The Mulkeys planned to spend the evening trying to secure another vessel or fix their motor in time for Thursday’s 6:45 a.m. launch.
The Govreau brothers fish with U.S. Anglers Choice team trail, and they located quality fish during practice. They found them again in the same spot on Wednesday despite a 40-degree temperature drop during the past 48 hours. The Govreaus said they will head to new water on Thursday. The high temperature is expected to be 38 degrees in Mountain Home.
“Same technique, but different area,” Brett Govreau said. “What we found is just as good, if not better than, what we were fishing. It’s hard to stay on one spot in what could be a four-day tournament.”
There’s a lot at stake in this championship. The winning duo will receive a Nitro Z20 and Mercury 225 Pro XS boat/motor package valued at $41,995. The prize includes a Minn Kota trolling motor and Lowrance electronics.
But the victors’ spoils bring much more than just prizes. There are bragging rights that go with being the top tournament trail team of the year, as well as the chance to rub elbows with the biggest names in professional bass fishing when they are recognized at the annual Bassmaster Classic Night of Champions.
The final spot in the 2018 GEICO Bassmaster Classic presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods is on the line too. The six anglers who compose the Top 3 teams after the team portion of the tournament is complete Thursday will fish individually for a Classic berth. Each of that sextet of surviving anglers will have his weight zeroed after Thursday’s weigh-in, and the angler with the heaviest two-day total caught Friday and Saturday will head for the Classic on South Carolina’s Lake Hartwell in March.
Georgia’s Barron Adams and Trevor Prince of the Chattanooga Bass Association are in third place with 13-2. They finished third in last year’s team championship.
Keith Allen and Jeffery Montgomery of Angler Nation (Oklahoma) are fourth with 13-1, and Marc Czachowski and Mike Purse of Joe Bass in Missouri are fifth with 12-13.
Thursday’s launch will begin at 6:45 a.m. CT from the 101 Boat Dock and weigh-in will begin at 2:45 p.m. from the same location.
The Mountain Home Area Chamber of Commerce is hosting the event.
12/6/2017 – 12/7/2017
Lake Norfork – 101 Boat Dock – Mountain Home, AR
STANDINGS BOATER DAY 1
Name # Fish # Live Lbs – Oz # Fish # Live Lbs – Oz
1 David Mulkey – Sean Mulkey Joe Bass 5 5 15- 3 5 5 15- 3
2 Brett Govreau – Beau Govreau US Anglers Choice 5 5 14- 5 5 5 14- 5
3 Barron Adams – Trevor Prince Chattanooga Bass Association 5 5 13- 2 5 5 13- 2
4 Keith Allen – Jeffery Montgomery Angler Nation 5 5 13- 1 5 5 13- 1
5 Marc Czachowski – Mike Purse Joe Bass 5 5 12-13 5 5 12-13
6 Matthew Rittman – Jason Daily FL BN Team Trail 3 3 12- 6 3 3 12- 6
7 Doyle Epperson – Joshua Muse NTBA 5 5 12- 4 5 5 12- 4
8 Teddy Bogard – Brandon Rhoden Arkansas Bass Team 5 5 12- 3 5 5 12- 3
9 Wayne Dixon – Jared Allen Arkansas Bass Team 5 5 12- 0 5 5 12- 0
10 Flannagan Fife – Cody Davis Arkansas Bass Team 5 5 11-11 5 5 11-11
11 Ryan Butler – Dustin Lippe Joe Bass 5 5 11- 6 5 5 11- 6
12 Roger Waters – Larry Brooks Anglers In Action 5 5 11- 5 5 5 11- 5
13 Richard Bowling – Mickey Ballard NTBA 5 5 11- 3 5 5 11- 3
14 Shawn Freeman – Justin Hayden Ozark Mountain 5 5 11- 2 5 5 11- 2
15 Elisa Bernstein – Samuel Lauzon Renegade Bass 5 5 10-12 5 5 10-12
15 Doug Brownridge – David Chong Renegade Bass Team Trail 5 5 10-12 5 5 10-12
15 Jason Talbot – Dan Hattabaugh Ultimate Bass Team Tour 5 5 10-12 5 5 10-12
15 Marty Torrence – JC Warrington Media Bass 5 5 10-12 5 5 10-12
19 Austin Weaver – Pride Weaver Alabama Bass Trail 5 5 10-11 5 5 10-11
20 Jesse Riemersma – David Riemersma West Michigan Bass 5 5 10- 9 5 5 10- 9
21 Ed Young – Joe Penzo Joe Bass 5 5 10- 5 5 5 10- 5
22 Rusty Darnell – Tim Newberry Joe Bass Team Trail 5 5 10- 3 5 5 10- 3
23 Mark McDonnel – Quincy Houchin Arkansas Bass Team 5 5 10- 0 5 5 10- 0
24 Blake Riddle – John Wilson Fishers of Men 5 5 9-15 5 5 9-15
25 Dave Frost – Nick Manfredo FL BN Team Trail 5 5 9-14 5 5 9-14
25 Matt Hicks – John Bomar Anglers Choice 5 5 9-14 5 5 9-14
27 Chuck Austin – Frank Sinn US Anglers Choice 5 5 9-10 5 5 9-10
28 Kelly Power – Mark Wiese Jr Ozark Mountain Team Trail 5 5 9- 9 5 5 9- 9
28 Dean Silvester – Mark Ferguson Australia BASS Nation 5 5 9- 9 5 5 9- 9
28 Erhardt Tulgestka Jr – Ted Prisbe MI BN Team Trail 5 5 9- 9 5 5 9- 9
31 Mike Brueggen – Jim Caulum IA BN Team Trail 5 5 9- 8 5 5 9- 8
31 Robbie Dodson Jr – Robert Dodson Sr Joe Bass 5 5 9- 8 5 5 9- 8
31 Jason Lee – A-Jay Smith Anglers Choice 5 5 9- 8 5 5 9- 8
34 Bryce Kalen – Bryan Kalen IN BN Team Trail 5 5 9- 7 5 5 9- 7
34 Ed Loughran III – Chris Morrison Priority James River Series 5 5 9- 7 5 5 9- 7
36 Matt Green – Justin Nunley Alabama Bass Trail 5 5 9- 4 5 5 9- 4
36 Joe Wieberg – Walon Kleffner Joe Bass 5 5 9- 4 5 5 9- 4
36 Jeffrey Woods – Dennis Phelps Weekend Warrior Bass Series 5 5 9- 4 5 5 9- 4
39 Nick Deering – Conner Petropoulos Maine BN – Man vs Bass 5 5 9- 3 5 5 9- 3
39 Ty Faber – John Gardner Ultimate Bass Team Tour 5 5 9- 3 5 5 9- 3
41 Randy Brickell – Spencer Shuffield Arkansas Bass Team 5 5 9- 2 5 5 9- 2
42 Shannon Denson – Doug Perkins Media Bass 5 5 9- 1 5 5 9- 1
42 Rick Johnston – Connor Cunningham Ozark Mountain TT 5 5 9- 1 5 5 9- 1
44 Brandon Hoppert – Lucas Knotts Cheat Lake Anglers 5 5 8-15 5 5 8-15
45 Ryan Claypool – Kyle Claypool Upstate Anglers 5 5 8-14 5 5 8-14
45 Keith Mayfield – Daryl Adams Alabama Bass Trail 5 5 8-14 5 5 8-14
47 Todd Buckingham – Chris Beaudrie KY BN Team Trail 5 5 8-13 5 5 8-13
47 Mark Cox – Brian Stacy Morristown Marine 5 5 8-13 5 5 8-13
47 Rickie Knight – Torrey Jones Alabama Bass Trail 5 5 8-13 5 5 8-13
50 Tim Hurst – Mark McCaig Alabama Bass Trail 4 4 8-13 4 4 8-13
51 Mike McCullers – Jason Shockley Alabama Bass Trail 5 5 8-12 5 5 8-12
52 Scott Hinds – Aaron Watson ME BN – Man vs Bass 2 2 8-11 2 2 8-11
53 Jay Hulsey – Bob King Joe Bass 5 5 8-10 5 5 8-10
54 William Samples – Tom Campagna Anglers Choice 5 5 8- 9 5 5 8- 9
55 Jonathan Spivey – Derick Livingston Carolina Bass Challenge 5 5 8- 8 5 5 8- 8
56 Tad Dowker – Jeremiah Steffen West Michigan Bass 5 4 8- 8 5 4 8- 8
57 Lyle Armstrong – Mitchell Armstrong Anglers in Action 4 4 8- 8 4 4 8- 8
58 Ashton Laird – Daniel Urbino Upstate Angelrs 4 4 8- 6 4 4 8- 6
59 Hunter Hamilton – Kyle Smith Morristown Marine Team Trail 5 5 8- 5 5 5 8- 5
60 Marc Wagy – Joshua Wagy VA Elite 70 4 4 8- 5 4 4 8- 5
61 Cory Steckler – Ronnie Kane Ozark Mountain 5 5 8- 2 5 5 8- 2
62 Allan Glasgow – George Crain Fishers of Men 4 4 8- 2 4 4 8- 2
63 Tim Garner – Martin Villa Priority James River Series 5 5 7-15 5 5 7-15
64 Cory Hartfield – Eddie Levin Ohio BASS Nation Team Trail 5 5 7-13 5 5 7-13
65 Rob Messenger Jr – John Levesque New Hampshire BN Team Trail 3 3 7-12 3 3 7-12
66 Craig Powers – Edward Baker Tennessee Team Trail 5 5 7-10 5 5 7-10
67 David Craft – Stoney Johnson Chattanooga Bass Association 4 4 7-10 4 4 7-10
68 Dustin Neat – Mark Wethington NTBA 4 4 7- 9 4 4 7- 9
69 Scott Clift – Ashley Medley Joe Bass TT 5 5 7- 8 5 5 7- 8
70 Cody George – Josh Prince Morristown Marine 4 4 7- 6 4 4 7- 6
71 Greg Ault – Huey Applegate Arkansas Bass Team Trail 4 4 7- 4 4 4 7- 4
71 Thomas McMillan – Tom Stinson Media Bass 4 4 7- 4 4 4 7- 4
71 Joey Nania – Zeke Gossett Tracker Nitro Big Bucks Buddy Trail 4 4 7- 4 4 4 7- 4
74 Greg Bent – Brian Gottfried Upstate Anglers 3 3 7- 4 3 3 7- 4
75 Brian Shook – Randy Tolbert Alabama Bass Trail 4 4 7- 2 4 4 7- 2
76 Joe Lee – Jimbo Harris Tennesee Team Trail 5 5 7- 1 5 5 7- 1
77 Greg Blair – Robert Shackelford Joe Bass 4 4 6-15 4 4 6-15
77 William Pioch – JJ Dickens WV BN Buddy Trail 4 4 6-15 4 4 6-15
77 Jason Vance – Roger Mikels US Anglers Choice 4 4 6-15 4 4 6-15
80 Tom Haynes – George Toalson Angler Nation 3 3 6- 9 3 3 6- 9
81 Kelly Robinette – Billy Lane Priority James River Series 5 5 6- 7 5 5 6- 7
82 Michael Slocki – John Hawley Bassmania Team Trail 4 4 6- 7 4 4 6- 7
83 Michael Hyrtle – Jack Morgan Bassmania 4 4 6- 3 4 4 6- 3
84 Gale Brown – Darrell Brown KS BN Team Trail 4 4 6- 2 4 4 6- 2
85 Jacob Coverdale – Bobby Smith Delaware BN Team Trail 3 3 6- 2 3 3 6- 2
86 Matthew Farrabee – Mark Mounts Keystone Bass Buddy Circuit 4 4 6- 1 4 4 6- 1
87 Broc Lindauer – Jakob Calkin Ultimate Bass Team Tour 3 3 6- 1 3 3 6- 1
88 Andrus Kung – Evan Kung Bassmania 3 3 6- 0 3 3 6- 0
89 Christopher Risner – Tim Eaton West Michigan Bass 3 3 5-15 3 3 5-15
90 Curtis Talbott – Craig Wright Anglers Choice 3 3 5-11 3 3 5-11
91 Gregory Lewis – Stephen Dement NTBA 4 4 5-10 4 4 5-10
92 Peter Owen – Mike Deal NH BN Team Trail 4 4 5- 9 4 4 5- 9
93 Clint Harrison II – Jessie Harrison Morristown Marine Team Trail 3 3 5- 9 3 3 5- 9
94 Carlton Newhouse – Cameron Newhouse Anglers Choice 5 5 5- 8 5 5 5- 8
95 Trey McGuire – Jon Richardson Fishers of Men 3 3 5- 6 3 3 5- 6
96 Bobby Loyd – Jeff Moseley Ozark Mountain 3 3 5- 4 3 3 5- 4
97 Steve Barnett – Jack Levert Renegade Bass 3 3 4-13 3 3 4-13
97 Rick Camp – Jamie Hatcher Chattanooga Bass Association 3 3 4-13 3 3 4-13
97 Dennis Chavez – Donnie Coleman Jr Ultimate Bass Team Trail 3 3 4-13 3 3 4-13
100 Marvin Olive – Melvin Thompson Ozark Mountain 3 3 4-12 3 3 4-12
101 Martin Elshout – Mark Price Fishers of Men 3 3 4- 9 3 3 4- 9
101 Mark Thompson – Jim Smith Joe Bass TT 3 3 4- 9 3 3 4- 9
103 John Kleinoeder – John Collins Great Lakes Largemouth Series 4 4 4- 8 4 4 4- 8
104 Mitch Mitchell – Candler McCollum Alabama Bass Trail 2 2 4- 8 2 2 4- 8
105 Ryan Hubler – Ryan Fingleton West Michigan Bass 2 2 4- 6 2 2 4- 6
106 Ben Jacobi – Curtis Callahan Jr Priority James River Series 3 3 4- 5 3 3 4- 5
107 Bryan Humphreys – Maurice Oakes Fishers of Men 2 2 4- 5 2 2 4- 5
108 Matt McCoy – Terry McWilliams IN BN Team Trail 3 3 4- 2 3 3 4- 2
109 Danny Lavoie – Todd Mahoney Alabama Bass Trail 2 2 4- 1 2 2 4- 1
110 Leidy Clark – Rickey West Priority James River Series 2 2 3-12 2 2 3-12
111 Mike Crowther – Allen Bratton Ultimate Team Tour 2 2 3-11 2 2 3-11
112 Brian Thompson – Eric Hammond Joe Bass 2 2 3-10 2 2 3-10
113 Matt Robertson – Wendell Anderson Priority James River Series 2 2 3- 9 2 2 3- 9
114 Tim Carmouche – Cary Beard Fishers of Men 2 2 3- 8 2 2 3- 8
114 Ryan Hovatter – Bryson Grimes Cheat Lake Anglers 2 2 3- 8 2 2 3- 8
116 Tim Goad – Mark Williams Anglers Choice 2 2 3- 6 2 2 3- 6
117 Jeff Bonner – Steve Coggin Media Bass 2 2 3- 4 2 2 3- 4
117 Jeff Gee – Steve Majewski US Anglers Choice 2 2 3- 4 2 2 3- 4
119 Sam Wooten – Jay Mitchell Media Bass 2 2 3- 3 2 2 3- 3
120 Raymond Trudeau – Fred George FL BN Team Trail 2 2 3- 2 2 2 3- 2
121 David Perry – Randy Shirley Ultimate Bass Team Tour 2 2 3- 1 2 2 3- 1
121 Travis Salo – Garret Seppala NH BN Team Trail 2 2 3- 1 2 2 3- 1
123 Roger Hughes – Waynes Hughes Anglers in Action 1 1 2-14 1 1 2-14
124 Justin Harris – Dell Mettlen Jr KS BN TT 1 1 2-11 1 1 2-11
125 Kyle Kempkers – Brett Haveman BBT Bass R Us 2 2 2- 9 2 2 2- 9
126 Dylan Dew – Randy Fox Keystone Bass Buddy Circuit 1 1 2- 9 1 1 2- 9
127 Kyle Welcher – Chris Haynes Alabama Bass Trail 1 1 2- 7 1 1 2- 7
128 Allen Williford – Austin Moore IL BN Team Trail 1 1 2- 5 1 1 2- 5
129 Jason Hodge – Lonnie Bowlin AC Tournament Trail 1 1 2- 4 1 1 2- 4
129 Kris Von Ahn – John Von Ahn Joe Bass 1 1 2- 4 1 1 2- 4
131 Forrest Brown – Chris Van Houten BBT Bass R Us 2 2 2- 3 2 2 2- 3
132 Ken Walters – Jason Beasley Alabama Bass Trail 1 1 2- 3 1 1 2- 3
133 Trent Bowles – Robert McDonald Anglers Choice 1 1 2- 1 1 1 2- 1
133 William Goots – James Ward Anglers Choice 1 1 2- 1 1 1 2- 1
133 Robert Paxton – Steven Caldwell Media Bass 1 1 2- 1 1 1 2- 1
133 Shane Pope – Joel Lee Dockside Marine Team Trail 1 1 2- 1 1 1 2- 1
137 Alan Agnoli – Fred Boettjer FL BN Team Trail 1 1 2- 0 1 1 2- 0
138 Douglas Polasek – Ty Nguyen West Michigan Bass 1 1 1-15 1 1 1-15
139 John McCurdy – Jack McCurdy Joe Bass 1 1 1-14 1 1 1-14
139 Jack Womack – Kathy Womack Alabama Bass Trail 1 1 1-14 1 1 1-14
141 Kelly Pratt – Charles Rackley James River Priority 1 1 1-13 1 1 1-13
142 James Nuckols – Doug Plemons Morristown Marine 1 1 1-11 1 1 1-11
143 Stephen Rogers – Jimmy Rogers Alabama Bass Trail 1 1 1- 8 1 1 1- 8
144 Keith Carney – Christopher Beeson Texas BN Team Trail 1 1 1- 0 1 1 1- 0
144 Jason Smith – Sam Spruill Fishers of Men 1 1 1- 0 1 1 1- 0
146 Bryan Baker – Darren Baker Joe Bass 0 0 0- 0 0 0 0- 0
146 Ronald Cancilla – Leo Cancilla Keystone Bass Buddy Circuit 0 0 0- 0 0 0 0- 0
146 Aaron Davis – Matthew Sewell Media Bass 0 0 0- 0 0 0 0- 0
146 Ronald Foley – Dan Corbin NTBA 0 0 0- 0 0 0 0- 0
146 Brant Grimm – Bobby Drinnon Morristown Marine 0 0 0- 0 0 0 0- 0
146 James Holencik – George Holencik Western PA Team Bass Series 0 0 0- 0 0 0 0- 0
146 Joshua Hubbard – Tom Catlin IL BN Team Trail 0 0 0- 0 0 0 0- 0
146 Logan Johnson – Jeremy Christian Alabama Bass Trail 0 0 0- 0 0 0 0- 0
146 Matthew Klinker – Dusty Chaulk MA BN Team Trail 0 0 0- 0 0 0 0- 0
146 Jerry McCafferty – Josh Benford Alabama Bass Trail 0 0 0- 0 0 0 0- 0
146 Michael Mcknight – Brian Delf IA BN Team Trail 0 0 0- 0 0 0 0- 0
146 Jack Miller – Curt Ferri Keystone Bass Buddy Circuit 0 0 0- 0 0 0 0- 0
146 Richard Schultz – Richard Schultz Keystone Bass Buddy Circuit 0 0 0- 0 0 0 0- 0
146 Eric Silverstrim – Joe Johnson TN BN Team Trail 0 0 0- 0 0 0 0- 0
146 Lee Sisson – Michael Nicknadarvich Lakeland Bassmasters Team Trail 0 0 0- 0 0 0 0- 0
146 Jason Smith – Chaz McMahan Alabama Bass Trail 0 0 0- 0 0 0 0- 0
146 Jason Walcott – Jimmy Vanden Berg Jr BBT Bass R Us 0 0 0- 0 0 0 0- 0
BIG BASS
Day Name City,State Lbs-Oz
1 Matthew Rittman – Jason DaSilytarke, FL 5- 7
TOTALS
Day # Fish # Live Lbs-Oz # Limits
1 519 518 996- 3 62
2 0 0 0- 0 0
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A rip rap shoreline all looks about the same from a distance. So you have to get up close and fish it, then you’ll start seeing the little irregularities in the rocks that hold bass. Rip rap fishing is a haven for bass on waterways lacking natural cover. It holds baitfish and usually has current running against the rocks so bass use it as an ambush spot.
Here are three tips for rip rap fishing to catch bass on those rocky banks.
Rip rap provides plenty of hiding places for bass. Any kind of indentations in the rip rap where rocks have fallen off and piled up into a little point are good hot spots.
The bottleneck section below a bridge is another hot spot. Any corner of rip rap is also good.
That’s where most of the current comes around and leaves an eddy down the side of the riprap. Then the bass will stack in that eddy and use it as a place to ambush shad.
When waves crash into the rip rap, look for bass hiding behind any bigger rock sticking out of the water. One predominant rock is almost a guarantee to be a fish-holding place. Other fish-attractors found along rip rap include lay-downs, brush piles, drainage pipes and culverts.
The strike zone for rip rap bass is usually within 2 to 3 feet of the shoreline, but some hot spots exist in deeper water. You can locate these hidden treasures by keeping a vigil on your electronics. This allows you to find bass holding along the edge where a steep riprap bank flattens out on the bottom or on any sunken roadbeds that were originally used by dump trucks hauling rocks to the riprap.
Watch your electronics while fishing riprap and you can find offshore structure such as channel swings, ditches and humps. You’ll notice where you’ll be in 8 feet forever and then all of a sudden you are in 12 feet or in 4 feet. That’s one of those irregularities you want to find.
Lure choices for rip rap bass depends on the season. During the warmer months try topwater plugs, buzz baits, squarebill crankbaits and plastic worms.
The best lures for rip rap fishing from late fall until the spawn in the spring include medium-diving crankbaits, spinnerbaits, jig-and-plastic craw combos, Texas-rigged plastic craw worms and suspending stickbaits.
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Perfect Blend of Youth and Experience
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St. Croix Hires Alex Smay as New Northeast Regional Account Manager
Park Falls, WI (December 5, 2017) – Alex Smay joins the St. Croix Rod family, taking on the role of Northeast Regional Account Manager. He brings nearly 10-years’ experience in outdoor marketing and sales management in both fishing and hunting. Smay’s territory will cover Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey and Ohio.
“The candidates we interviewed for this position were the strongest I have encountered in more than 20 years in the fishing industry. That made the selection process very challenging,” said Jeff Crockett, St. Croix’s Director of Sales.
“We are extremely selective in hiring Regional Account Managers, but once we bring them into our family at St Croix, they are traditionally with us throughout their careers,” said Crockett. This trend of longevity creates stability and consistency in the region for St. Croix dealers. It proliferates a more focused knowledge of the local market as it relates to the product line, competition, dealers and consumers. The result is a more highly skilled, focused, knowledgeable and dedicated account manager for St. Croix Rod dealers.”
St. Croix Rod’s 70-year history was intriguing to Smay. “Being on the retail side for over nine years and working closely with a lot of reps, I am very familiar with St. Croix Rod. When I was with Kinsey, they were our high-end rod company.
“I have a lot of appreciation for the family-run aspect of the company, too. It means a lot to dealers— many of them are also family-owned businesses. Knowing the owners make decisions and take pride in every aspect of the product is something they can relate to,” adds Smay.
Smay holds a degree in Marketing Management from Grove City College. Upon graduation, he accepted a position in internet marketing sales. A lifetime lover of outdoor sports, Smay made the move to the hunting and fishing industry in 2009, taking a position in customer service for Kinsey’s Outdoors, a division of Kinsey’s Archery, based in Mount Joy, PA.
Throughout his career with Kinsey Outdoors, he worked as the Customer Service Manager, moved into the Sales Manager position, and most recently filled the role of Marketing Manager for the retail store.
A passionate outdoorsman, Smay enjoys fly fishing, archery season and winter rabbit hunting. “I started fishing when I was a kid. I fish as often as I can and have been lucky enough to catch fish from Mexico to Maine,” he said. “Recently, I’ve been focusing on new fly fishing techniques like Czech Nymphing and improving my fly tying game.”
“We have selected the best of the best. We are confident that Alex is the perfect fit for St Croix and our customers, for today and for many years to come,” said Crockett.
