Think back to your first time fishing. Maybe you were a young kid out with family on a vacation, maybe your dad or mom was an avid fisherman and you just grew up around the lake. Now think if that had never happened. Image you had never gotten the chance to go fishing the first time and you never discovered your passion for the water, the thrill of the catch, and your obsession for new fishing gear. Tragedy of epic proportions, right!
Kevin VanDam of Kalamazoo, Mich., took the lead on the first day of the Huk Bassmaster Elite at St. Lawrence River presented by Go RVing, bringing 24 pounds, 5 ounces to the scales on Thursday.
July 20, 2017
Kevin VanDam Takes Early Lead At Bassmaster Elite At The St. Lawrence River
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WADDINGTON, N.Y. — After one round of the Huk Bassmaster Elite at St. Lawrence presented by Go RVing, a familiar storyline has emerged.
Kevin VanDam, the Michigan superstar who already holds two B.A.S.S. victories on the St. Lawrence River, caught five bass Thursday that weighed 24 pounds, 5 ounces to take the lead in his latest chance at a big win on the fishery that splits upstate New York and Canada.
“Back when we used to have a lot of tournaments up here, I always fished the lake (Ontario),” said VanDam, who won two events on the St. Lawrence in 1995 and 1999. “I never really fished the river back then. So, every time I come here I learn a little bit more about it.”
Lake Ontario is off limits this year as it has been for the last two Elite Series trips to the St. Lawrence River.
VanDam said it was hard to gauge his chances of winning the $100,000 first-place prize after just one day because the fishing is so sporadic. He doesn’t know how his pattern will play out over a four-day event.
“There’s not huge numbers of fish,” he said. “It’s not like I’m working through hundreds of fish to get the ones I’m bringing to the scales. You pull up into a spot and you might catch one or two, but that’s it.
“You certainly can’t script it to know that you’re going to catch the kind of size I was able to catch today.”
The river is at its highest level in a century, but the conditions certainly didn’t seem to hurt the fishing. The Top 83 competitors in the 109-angler field caught at least 15 pounds of bass, and it took 20-1 to make the Top 20.
“The one thing the high water has done is changed the current,” VanDam said. “There used to be places where I would fish closer to the bank and the current would just be ripping. But now with the water higher, it seems slower in some of those places.
“With all of this water, it just seems like it’s fast in some places and slower in others — it definitely has changed.”
VanDam’s catch was only slight better than that of Virginia angler Bill Lowen, who placed second with 23-6.
Lowen — a noted shallow-water angler — brought all smallmouth to the scales Thursday, including two 5-pounders.
“I actually thought I had two 6-pounders, but they were just real long with no bellies,” said Lowen, who has 17 Top 10 finishes with B.A.S.S., but no wins. “In the area I was fishing, I think they were feeding on perch, crawfish and all kinds of little minnows.”
Third place was occupied by Seth Feider — a noted smallmouth specialist, whose fortunes took a big upward swing when the Elite Series schedule moved north last year.
“I didn’t execute that well today,” said Feider, who caught 22-11. “I could have done a little better, maybe another pound or so. But I’ve definitely got a lot of spots going.
“I was pretty much done by 10 a.m. today, so I went looking — and because of that, I found another really good spot around 2 o’clock.”
With the Toyota Bassmaster Angler of the Year race headed down its final stretch, the names at the top of the list shifted Thursday. South Carolina angler Casey Ashley caught 21-14 — good for sixth place in the tournament — and overtook Tennessee pro Ott DeFoe as the AOY leader.
VanDam moved into second in the AOY standings, with Jason Christie, Edwin Evers, Jacob Wheeler and DeFoe following close behind.
VanDam also moved into the early lead for the Phoenix Boats Big Bass Award of the week with a bass that weighed 6-1.
The tournament will resume Friday, with a 6:15 a.m. ET take off from Whittaker Park. The weigh-in will be held back at the park at 3:15 p.m.
At the end of Friday’s second round, the 109-angler field will be trimmed to the Top 51. After Saturday’s semifinal, only the Top 12 will advance to Championship Sunday.
The event is hosted by the Village of Waddington.
2017 HUK Bassmaster Elite at St. Lawrence presented by Go RVing 7/20-7/23
St. Lawrence River, Waddington NY.
(PROFESSIONAL) Standings Day 1
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$
1. Kevin VanDam Kalamazoo, MI 5 24-05 110
Day 1: 5 24-05
2. Bill Lowen Brookville, IN 5 23-06 109
Day 1: 5 23-06
3. Seth Feider Isle, MN 5 22-11 108
Day 1: 5 22-11
4. Brent Ehrler Redlands, CA 5 22-09 107
Day 1: 5 22-09
5. Marty Robinson Lyman, SC 5 22-04 106
Day 1: 5 22-04
6. Casey Ashley Donalds, SC 5 21-14 105
Day 1: 5 21-14
7. James Elam Tulsa, OK 5 21-12 104
Day 1: 5 21-12
8. Bernie Schultz Gainesville, FL 5 21-12 103
Day 1: 5 21-12
9. Dave Lefebre Erie, PA 5 21-11 102
Day 1: 5 21-11
10. Jesse Wiggins Cullman, AL 5 21-10 101
Day 1: 5 21-10
11. Justin Lucas Guntersville, AL 5 21-08 100
Day 1: 5 21-08
12. Edwin Evers Talala, OK 5 21-02 99
Day 1: 5 21-02
13. Randall Tharp Port St. Joe, FL 5 20-11 98
Day 1: 5 20-11
14. Michael Iaconelli Pitts Grove, NJ 5 20-09 97
Day 1: 5 20-09
14. Jonathon VanDam Kalamazoo, MI 5 20-09 97
Day 1: 5 20-09
16. Keith Combs Huntington, TX 5 20-08 95
Day 1: 5 20-08
16. Russ Lane Prattville, AL 5 20-08 95
Day 1: 5 20-08
16. Brock Mosley Collinsville, MS 5 20-08 95
Day 1: 5 20-08
19. Alton Jones Lorena, TX 5 20-06 92
Day 1: 5 20-06
20. Takahiro Omori Emory, TX 5 20-01 91
Day 1: 5 20-01
21. Brett Hite Phoenix, AZ 5 19-14 90
Day 1: 5 19-14
22. Chris Lane Guntersville, AL 5 19-12 89
Day 1: 5 19-12
23. Jared Lintner Arroyo Grande, CA 5 19-11 88
Day 1: 5 19-11
24. Brandon Coulter Knoxville, TN 5 19-10 87
Day 1: 5 19-10
25. Dustin Connell Clanton, AL 5 19-09 86
Day 1: 5 19-09
25. Mike McClelland Bella Vista, AR 5 19-09 86
Day 1: 5 19-09
27. Jason Christie Park Hill, OK 5 19-09 84
Day 1: 5 19-09
28. Josh Bertrand San Tan Valley, AZ 5 19-07 83
Day 1: 5 19-07
29. John Crews Jr Salem, VA 5 19-07 82
Day 1: 5 19-07
30. Kelley Jaye Dadeville, AL 5 19-05 81
Day 1: 5 19-05
31. Gary Klein Mingus, TX 5 19-03 80
Day 1: 5 19-03
31. Britt Myers Lake Wylie, SC 5 19-03 80
Day 1: 5 19-03
33. David Walker Sevierville, TN 5 19-02 78
Day 1: 5 19-02
34. Greg Hackney Gonzales, LA 5 19-01 77
Day 1: 5 19-01
35. Jamie Hartman Newport, NY 5 19-00 76
Day 1: 5 19-00
36. Brian Snowden Reeds Spring, MO 5 18-15 75
Day 1: 5 18-15
37. Chad Pipkens Lansing, MI 5 18-15 74
Day 1: 5 18-15
38. John Murray Spring City, TN 5 18-14 73
Day 1: 5 18-14
39. Mark Daniels Jr. Tuskegee, AL 5 18-13 72
Day 1: 5 18-13
39. Koby Kreiger Bokeelia, FL 5 18-13 72
Day 1: 5 18-13
41. Gerald Swindle Guntersville, AL 5 18-12 70
Day 1: 5 18-12
42. Adrian Avena Vineland, NJ 5 18-10 69
Day 1: 5 18-10
42. Matt Lee Guntersville, AL 5 18-10 69
Day 1: 5 18-10
44. Brandon Card Knoxville, TN 5 18-05 67
Day 1: 5 18-05
44. Robbie Latuso Gonzales, LA 5 18-05 67
Day 1: 5 18-05
44. Jordan Lee Grant, AL 5 18-05 67
Day 1: 5 18-05
44. David Williams Newton, NC 5 18-05 67
Day 1: 5 18-05
48. Micah Frazier Newnan, GA 5 18-04 63
Day 1: 5 18-04
49. Greg Vinson Wetumpka, AL 5 18-03 62
Day 1: 5 18-03
50. Jacob Wheeler Harrison, TN 5 18-00 61
Day 1: 5 18-00
51. Mark Davis Mount Ida, AR 5 17-10 60
Day 1: 5 17-10
51. Matt Herren Ashville, AL 5 17-10 60
Day 1: 5 17-10
53. Skeet Reese Auburn, CA 5 17-07 58
Day 1: 5 17-07
54. Cliff Pace Petal, MS 5 17-06 57
Day 1: 5 17-06
54. Jason Williamson Wagener, SC 5 17-06 57
Day 1: 5 17-06
56. Scott Rook Little Rock, AR 5 17-05 55
Day 1: 5 17-05
57. Luke Clausen Otis Orchards, WA 5 17-04 54
Day 1: 5 17-04
57. Jacob Powroznik North Prince George, VA 5 17-04 54
Day 1: 5 17-04
59. Bradley Roy Lancaster, KY 5 16-15 52
Day 1: 5 16-15
60. Ott DeFoe Knoxville, TN 5 16-12 51
Day 1: 5 16-12
61. Todd Faircloth Jasper, TX 5 16-11 50
Day 1: 5 16-11
62. Hank Cherry Jr Lincolnton, NC 5 16-10 49
Day 1: 5 16-10
62. Aaron Martens Leeds, AL 5 16-10 49
Day 1: 5 16-10
64. Jesse Tacoronte Orlando, FL 5 16-07 47
Day 1: 5 16-07
65. Clifford Pirch Payson, AZ 5 16-05 46
Day 1: 5 16-05
66. Terry Scroggins San Mateo, FL 5 16-04 45
Day 1: 5 16-04
67. Cliff Crochet Pierre Part, LA 5 16-03 44
Day 1: 5 16-03
67. Kelly Jordon Flint, TX 5 16-03 44
Day 1: 5 16-03
67. Steve Kennedy Auburn, AL 5 16-03 44
Day 1: 5 16-03
67. Cliff Prince Palatka, FL 5 16-03 44
Day 1: 5 16-03
71. James Niggemeyer Van, TX 5 16-01 40
Day 1: 5 16-01
72. Brandon Palaniuk Hayden, ID 5 15-15 39
Day 1: 5 15-15
73. Fred Roumbanis London, AR 5 15-13 38
Day 1: 5 15-13
74. Brandon Lester Fayetteville, TN 5 15-10 37
Day 1: 5 15-10
75. Boyd Duckett Guntersville, AL 5 15-07 36
Day 1: 5 15-07
75. Randy Howell Guntersville, AL 5 15-07 36
Day 1: 5 15-07
77. Stetson Blaylock Benton, AR 5 15-06 34
Day 1: 5 15-06
78. Tommy Biffle Wagoner, OK 5 15-05 33
Day 1: 5 15-05
78. Jeff Kriet Ardmore, OK 5 15-05 33
Day 1: 5 15-05
80. Mark Menendez Paducah, KY 5 15-04 31
Day 1: 5 15-04
81. Stephen Browning Hot Springs, AR 5 15-04 30
Day 1: 5 15-04
82. Ish Monroe Hughson, CA 5 15-01 29
Day 1: 5 15-01
83. Alton Jones Jr. Lorena, TX 5 15-00 28
Day 1: 5 15-00
84. David Mullins Mt Carmel, TN 5 14-15 27
Day 1: 5 14-15
84. Fletcher Shryock New Philadelphia, OH 5 14-15 27
Day 1: 5 14-15
86. Shaw Grigsby Jr. Gainesville, FL 5 14-11 25
Day 1: 5 14-11
87. Drew Benton Panama City, FL 5 14-07 24
Day 1: 5 14-07
88. Clent Davis Montevallo, AL 5 14-06 23
Day 1: 5 14-06
89. Paul Mueller Naugatuck, CT 5 14-05 22
Day 1: 5 14-05
90. Brent Chapman Lake Quivira, KS 5 14-03 21
Day 1: 5 14-03
91. Morizo Shimizu Suita, Osaka JAPAN 5 14-01 20
Day 1: 5 14-01
92. Darrell Ocamica New Plymouth, ID 5 13-13 19
Day 1: 5 13-13
93. Bobby Lane Jr. Lakeland, FL 5 13-12 18
Day 1: 5 13-12
94. Tim Horton Muscle Shoals, AL 5 13-10 17
Day 1: 5 13-10
95. Chad Morgenthaler Reeds Spring, MO 5 13-09 16
Day 1: 5 13-09
96. Gerald Spohrer Gonzales, LA 5 13-07 15
Day 1: 5 13-07
97. Rick Clunn Ava, MO 5 12-14 14
Day 1: 5 12-14
98. John Hunter Jr Shelbyville, KY 5 12-07 13
Day 1: 5 12-07
99. Dean Rojas Lake Havasu City, AZ 5 12-06 12
Day 1: 5 12-06
100. Brett Preuett Monroe, LA 5 11-10 11
Day 1: 5 11-10
101. Andy Montgomery Blacksburg, SC 5 11-07 10
Day 1: 5 11-07
102. Paul Elias Laurel, MS 5 10-10 9
Day 1: 5 10-10
103. Skylar Hamilton Dandridge, TN 4 10-02 8
Day 1: 4 10-02
104. Chris Zaldain Laughlin, NV 4 10-01 7
Day 1: 4 10-01
105. Shane Lineberger Lincolnton, NC 3 09-12 6
Day 1: 3 09-12
106. Keith Poche Pike Road, AL 5 09-05 5
Day 1: 5 09-05
107. David Fritts Lexington, NC 5 09-02 4
Day 1: 5 09-02
108. Tyler Carriere Youngsville, LA 5 08-07 3
Day 1: 5 08-07
109. Chad Grigsby Maple Grove, MN 1 05-09 2
Day 1: 1 05-09
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Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 105 537 1855-01
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105 537 1855-01
Walker Smith
This high-end bass fishing rod has been one of the more impressive models we’ve tested this year.
I can’t even begin to count how many rods I’ve tested throughout my career. Regardless of price point, I consistently look for three very important characteristics before anything else: Weightlessness, sensitivity and durability. It’s quite difficult to find a rod that has all three.
I’ve spent a lot of time this year testing the Abu Garcia Fantasista Premier Casting Rods. It’s a high-end rod that’s priced at $299, so I had some lofty expectations once I saw the price tag. We all work hard for our money, so I needed to make sure that it was worth the extra Benjamins before I recommended it to any of our readers.
Here’s what I’ve learned about these rods.
Is there anything in fishing more fun than seeing a fish explode on a topwater bait? We didn’t think so. The best thing about topwater fishing is that not only is it an extremely fun way to catch bass, it’s also one of the best ways to catch giant bass.
In that spirit – we thought it would be a great idea to run down the most popular topwater baits, and discuss the ideal locations, rod setups, and techniques for maximizing the effectiveness of each.
PROFESSIONAL BASS FISHING’S FORREST WOOD CUP SET TO RETURN TO LAKE MURRAY
World’s Best Anglers Eye $300,000 Title in Historic 22nd-Annual Championship
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COLUMBIA, S.C. (July 19, 2017) – The Forrest Wood Cup, the world championship of professional bass fishing, will return to Lake Murray Country, Aug. 11-13, to crown bass fishing’s top angler of 2017. Hosted by the Capital City Lake Murray Country Regional Tourism Board, the tournament will feature 53 of the world’s best bass-fishing professionals casting for the sport’s biggest award – $300,000 cash.
The Forrest Wood Cup has been held at Lake Murray, the Jewel of South Carolina, twice, in 2008 and 2014. Michael Bennett of Lincoln, California, won the 2008 Forrest Wood Cup fishing with a frog. Bennett ran all around the lake, targeting shade and a variety of shallow cover, fishing new water each day. The 2014 Forrest Wood Cup went to local favorite Anthony Gagliardi of Prosperity, South Carolina, who fished points and some upriver brush the first couple of days, but relied mostly on offshore schooling bass to earn the win.
“The key factor in this year’s event will be catching a 5-pounder every day,” Gagliardi said. “The lake is fishing really good – similar to 2014 – but there are also some differences. There is a lot more grass and vegetation this year. The fish are a little bigger, and there won’t be co-anglers fishing in this tournament. But the patterns will be similar to 2014, and guys will be doing a lot of the same things to catch fish.”
Blueback-chasing schoolers and shallow bluegill eaters dominated the 2014 event, and topwater baits were the predominant tactic, but a few other patterns emerged, including drop-shotting, dragging on offshore structure and fishing a mayfly hatch far up the Saluda River.
“I think that guys fishing shallow will have a good chance, but the offshore guys should do well, too,” Gagliardi continued. “Everybody is going to be able to fish to their strengths and I think that it is likely that we will see a 20-pound limit or two.”
At the 2014 Forrest Wood Cup, Gagliardi earned the win over Quaker State pro Scott Canterbury of Odenvile, Alabama, by just 1-ounce. Canterbury – known for being one of the best shallow-water power fisherman on Tour – will also be one of the 53 anglers competing this year and is considered by many competitors to be a favorite in the event.
“I’ve finished in second place at the Forrest Wood Cup twice in my career, including at Lake Murray in 2014,” Canterbury said. “It’s a title that has eluded me and to win it would mean everything for my career. I really enjoy fishing at Lake Murray and I can’t wait to get out there.”
Anglers will take off from Dreher Island State Park located at 3677 State Park Road in Prosperity, at 7 a.m. EDT each morning at the Folger’s Morning Takeoff. Each day’s weigh-in will be held at the Colonial Life Arena located at 801 Lincoln St., in Columbia, beginning at 5 p.m.
Fans will be treated to the FLW Expo at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center located at 1101 Lincoln St. in Columbia, each day from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. prior to the weigh-ins. The Expo includes games, activities and giveaways provided by more than 40 FLW sponsors, the opportunity to shop the latest tackle and outdoor gear from more than 100 exhibitors, Ranger boat simulators, a casting pond and a trout pond for children, as well as the opportunity to meet and interact with top professional anglers, including Hank Parker, Jimmy Houston and Byron Velvick. FLW’s namesake Forrest L. Wood, the legendary founder of Ranger Boats, will also be greeting fans.
On Saturday and Sunday the first 500 children 14 and under each day who are accompanied by an adult will receive a voucher to redeem for a free Kid Caster’s no-tangle, rod-and-reel combo courtesy of WLTX 19 after the evening’s weigh-in. Also on Sunday one lucky fishing fan will win a brand new Ranger Z521C bass boat with a 250-horsepower Evinrude outboard motor courtesy of 97.5 WCOS radio. The Ranger Boat giveaway is free to enter but the winner must be present at the conclusion of Sunday’s final weigh-in to win.
Also on Saturday and Sunday, FLW fans will be treated to the Bass & BBQ Festival in conjunction with the FLW Expo. FLW and the South Carolina BBQ Association have partnered to feature award-winning BBQ teams offering delicious fare to visitors at the Forrest Wood Cup Expo. A portion of all proceeds will be donated to local South Carolina charities.
Country music superstar Easton Corbin will perform a free concert on the weigh-in stage at Colonial Life Arena on Sunday starting at 4 p.m., prior to the final weigh-in. The concert is presented by 97.5 WCOS radio. With two No. 1 singles, multiple awards and nominations, plus performances on some of the biggest stages in the world, Mercury Nashville’s Corbin has made a lasting impression on the country music landscape. He is lauded for his traditional country sound, authentic lyrics and mastery of understatement. American Songwriter says, “Easton Corbin has one of those rare, glorious voices that was made – just made – for singing country music.”
The Folger’s Morning Takeoff, FLW Expo, Bass & BBQ event, live concert and weigh-ins are all free and open to the public.
Television coverage of the 2017 Forrest Wood Cup will premiere in high-definition (HD) on NBC Sports Network (NBCSN) Sept. 27 from Noon -1 p.m. EDT. The Emmy-nominated “FLW” television show airs on NBCSN, the Pursuit Channel and the World Fishing Network and is broadcast to more than 564 million households worldwide, making it the most widely distributed weekly outdoors-sports television show in the world.
For a full schedule of events, complete details and updated information visit FLWFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow us on Facebook at Facebook.com/FLWFishing and on Twitter at Twitter.com/FLWFishing.
The Bassmaster Elite Series heads to Plattsburgh, N.Y., July 27-30 for the Bassmaster Elite at Lake Champlain presented by Dick Cepek Tires & Wheels. This is the eighth of nine regular-season Elite Series tournaments scheduled for 2017.
July 19, 2017
Bassmaster Elites To Converge On Picturesque Lake Champlain
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PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. — The world’s best bass fishermen will be catching mixed bags of fat largemouth and smallmouth while surrounded by some of the country’s most beautiful scenery in upstate New York at the Bassmaster Elite at Lake Champlain presented by Dick Cepek Tires & Wheels out of Plattsburgh, July 27-30.
The last time the Elite Series visited the huge lake was during July 2007, when Alabama’s Tim Horton won with a four-day total of 83 pounds, 10 ounces. The lake forms a border between northeastern New York and Vermont stretching approximately 125 miles in length, 14 miles at its widest and boasting a max depth of about 400 feet.
As the season is winding down, a $100,000 payday is not the only thing on the line. After this derby, there is just one regular-season event remaining on Michigan’s Lake St. Clair. The field of 109 anglers will have their final opportunities to earn valuable Toyota Bassmaster Angler of the Year points.
Point totals in the Top 50 earn an invitation to the Toyota Bassmaster AOY Championship on Minnesota’s Mille Lacs Lake, and from there a possible berth into the 2018 GEICO Bassmaster Classic presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods.
“Tournament catch rates have been very good over recent years on Champlain,” said Bernie Pientka, fisheries biologist with the Vermont Department of Fish and Wildlife. “The popularity of both species of bass has been increasing, and a very healthy resource exists thanks to the lake’s dynamic forage base and modern catch-and-release practices.”
Available baitfish include sunfish, yellow perch, golden shiners and alewives, said Pientka.
“Recently, we’ve really seen the bass’ focus shift from traditional prey species like sunfish and perch to a heavier focus on the alewife population,” he said. “As a result, the bass are very healthy and in plentiful numbers. I fully expect to see a smallmouth tip the scales at 5 pounds or better, and a largemouth over 6 pounds.”
He also mentioned that a 20-pound, five-bass limit each day is very likely, which would put the event on par with the one Horton won a decade ago.
“It’s been a cool spring and early summer in this part of the country,” Pientka said. “The water north to south is cooler on average for this time of year, and that will impact how anglers approach their patterns. The bass quality won’t suffer very much, but the fish may be spread out and somewhat unpredictable when compared to years past.”
Overall, Pientka believes Lake Champlain is in fantastic shape and will really show off when the Elite Series anglers begin competition on Thursday, July 27.
Takeoff will occur each morning at 6:15 a.m. ET out of Plattsburgh City Marina, and weigh-in will take place at 3:15 p.m. near the Plattsburgh City Beach.
The event is hosted by the Adirondack Coast Visitors Bureau and the City of Plattsburgh.
1000 ISLANDS SET TO HOST COSTA FLW SERIES NORTHERN DIVISION TOURNAMENT PRESENTED BY EVINRUDE
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CLAYTON, N.Y. (July 18, 2017) – As many as 400 pros and co-anglers are ready to compete July 27-29 in the Costa FLW Series Northern Division event on 1000 Islands. The tournament, presented by Evinrude, is the second regular-season event of 2017 scheduled in the Northern Division. Pros will be casting for a top award of up to $44,000 in cash and a new Ranger Z518C boat with a 200-horsepower Evinrude outboard.
“Overall, 1000 Islands is fishing really well right now,” said FLW Tour pro Chris Johnston, of Peterborough, Ontario, Canada, who finished runner-up when the Costa Series visited 1000 Islands in 2016. “The spawn is done and bass are in their summer patterns, which I like because they’ll be spread out. You’re going to be able to fish your strengths whether it’s deep or shallow.
“In places like Henderson and Chaumont Bays, anglers will be able to do both,” Johnston continued. “For shallower areas reaction baits will be the deal. Jerkbaits and spinnerbaits will be big for covering water and the fish will be aggressive when they find them. The deep-water bite will be strong whether anglers work in the center of the bays or out toward the islands. They will be throwing their favorite soft-plastics on a drop-shot rig.”
Johnston said the St. Lawrence River will also be in play, especially if bad weather moves through the region during the event.
“You may get a nice day, but the wind will blow so hard the next that getting out onto the main lake can be tough,” said Johnston. “You’ve got to have some fish marked in the river for that reason alone. I know a lot of anglers that are weighing 20- to 25-pound limits from the river right now.”
Johnston predicted that it will take a three-day cumulative of 74 pounds to win the event.
“I expect to see a lot more weight this year than when we visited a year ago,” said Johnston. “There aren’t any secret patterns out there. It’s all going to come down to who finds those special sweet spots.”
Anglers will take off from the Clayton Village Ramp, located at 750 Mary St. in Clayton at 6:30 a.m. EDT each day. Weigh-ins will be held at the marina beginning at 2:30 p.m. each day. Takeoffs and weigh-ins are free and open to the public. The event is hosted by the Clayton Chamber of Commerce.
In Costa FLW Series regular-season competition, payouts are based on the number of participants competing in the event. At 1000 Islands, pros will fish for as much as $44,000 and a Ranger Z518C boat with a 200-horsepower Evinrude outboard if Ranger Cup qualified. Co-anglers will cast for a Ranger Z175 boat with a 90-horsepower Evinrude outboard and an additional $500 if Ranger Cup qualified.
The Costa FLW Series consists of five U.S. divisions – Central, Northern, Southeastern, Southwestern and Western. Each division consists of three tournaments with competitors vying for valuable points that could earn them the opportunity to fish in the Costa FLW Series Championship. The 2017 Costa FLW Series Championship is being held Nov. 2-4 on Kentucky Lake in Paris, Tennessee.
For complete details and updated information visit FLWFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow the Costa FLW Series on Facebook at Facebook.com/FLWFishing and on Twitter at Twitter.com/FLWFishing.
TENNESSEE’S BOGGS WINS T-H MARINE FLW BASS FISHING LEAGUE LBL DIVISION EVENT ON KENTUCKY-BARKLEY LAKES
Pierce Claims Co-angler Title
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GILBERTSVILLE, Ky. (July 17, 2017) – Drew Boggs of Lebanon, Tennessee, won the T-H Marine FLW Bass Fishing League (BFL) LBL Division tournament on Kentucky and Barkley lakes Saturday after catching a five-bass limit weighing 24 pounds, 11 ounces. Boggs took home $4,498 for his victory.
“Saturday was a special day on the water,” said Boggs, who earned his fifth career-victory in BFL competition. “I fished the same pattern recently in another tournament held on Kentucky Lake, but didn’t catch them like I did this weekend. I can’t tell you what made the difference. It was just a great day.”
Boggs said he spent his entire day fishing south of Paris Landing. He said he delivered a one-two punch of fishing ledges out deep and flipping wood up shallow to craft his limit.
“My two biggest bass came from the ledges on a prototype jig from Jenko Fishing,” said Boggs. “Around 9:30 (a.m.) I headed to main-lake shallows and flipped trees, laydowns and bushes to round out my limit.”
Boggs said he sat in 2 to 3 feet of water and threw a Tilapia-colored Big Bite Baits Craw Tube with a Jenko Creature Weight.
“I’d hop it up right under the surface and then let it fall freely,” said Boggs. “I put 20 good keepers in the boat just flipping the tube – it was nuts.”
The top 10 boaters finished the tournament in:
1st: Drew Boggs, Lebanon, Tenn., five bass, 24-11, $4,498
2nd: Ed Rounsaville, Indianapolis, Ind., five bass, 19-13, $1,981
3rd: Cole Floyd, Leesburg, Ohio, five bass, 19-4, $1,322
4th: Peter Merkel, Lynnville, Ind., five bass, 19-1, $925
5th: Harry Barber, Earlington, Ky., five bass, 18-11, $793
6th: Josh Malone, Alma, Ill., five bass, 17-8, $993
6th: Stephen Barga, Benton, Ky., five bass, 17-8, $893
8th: John Hopkins, Hendersonville, Tenn., five bass, 17-4, $694
9th: Dan Morehead, Paducah, Ky., five bass, 17-0, $528
10th: Billy Schroeder, Paducah, Ky., five bass, 16-11, $462
Complete results can be found at FLWFishing.com.
Boggs’ largest bass weighed 7 pounds, 1 ounce and was the heaviest caught in the Boater Division. The catch also earned him the day’s Boater Big Bass award of $535.
Jim Pierce of Medon, Tennessee, won the Co-angler Division and $2,081 Saturday after catching a five-bass limit weighing 16 pounds, 2 ounces.
The top 10 co-anglers were:
1st: Jim Pierce, Medon, Tenn., five bass, 16-2, $2,081
2nd: Jacob Greco, Edwardsville, Ill., four bass, 15-7, $991
3rd: Jim Dietel, Loami, Ill., five bass, 13-1, $662
4th: Daniel Pope Jr., Cincinnati, Ohio, five bass, 12-14, $462
5th: Travis Williams, Jackson, Mo., five bass, 12-13, $396
6th: Michael Swift, Alma, Ill., five bass, 12-10, $363
7th: Joseph Gulash, Edwardsville, Ill., four bass, 12-6, $330
8th: Kevin Lamb, Gallatin, Tenn., five bass, 12-4, $297
9th: Trevor Gooch, Yuma, Tenn., four bass, 11-13, $314
10th: Howard Dowdy, Livingston, Tenn., four bass, 11-10, $231
Scott Sims of Morgantown, Indiana, caught the largest bass in the Co-angler Division – a fish weighing 5 pounds, 9 ounces – and earned the day’s Co-angler Big Bass award of $267.
The top 45 boaters and co-anglers in the region based on point standings, along with the five winners in each qualifying event, will be entered in the Oct. 12-14 BFL Regional Championship on the Barren River in Scottsville, Kentucky. Boaters will compete for a top award of a Ranger Z518C with a 200-horsepower Evinrude outboard and $20,000, while co-anglers will fish for a new Ranger Z518C with a 200-horsepower Evinrude outboard.
The 2017 BFL is a 24-division circuit devoted to weekend anglers, with 128 tournaments throughout the season, five qualifying events in each division. The top 45 boaters and co-anglers from each division, along with the five winners of the qualifying events, will advance to one of six regional tournaments where they are competing to finish in the top six, which then qualifies them for one of the longest-running championships in all of competitive bass fishing – the BFL All-American. Top performers in the BFL can move up to the Costa FLW Series or even the FLW Tour.
For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow the BFL on Facebook at Facebook.com/FLWFishing and on Twitter at Twitter.com/FLWFishing.
PENNSYLVANIA’S BUCK WINS T-H MARINE FLW BASS FISHING LEAGUE NORTHEAST DIVISION TOURNAMENT ON ONEIDA LAKE
Dubernas Earns Co-angler Title
BREWERTON, N.Y. (July 17, 2017) – Pro Grae Buck of Harleysville, Pennsylvania, caught a five-bass limit weighing 18 pounds even Saturday to win the T-H Marine FLW Bass Fishing League (BFL) Northeast Division tournament on Oneida Lake. For his win, Buck pocketed $5,303.
“I fished in 9 to 12 feet of water around grass and rock that were mixed together,” said Buck, an FLW Tour rookie who logged his third career-victory in BFL competition. “I rotated through seven areas and hit each one twice, focusing on individual fish that were cruising by themselves. Other anglers were catching them from schools, but I couldn’t get them going.”
Buck said he utilized a Yamamoto Shad Shape Worm on a drop-shot rig as his key bait. He preferred 7.3-pound test Seaguar Finesse Fluorocarbon line because it eliminated some of the twisting that comes with fishing a drop-shot rig.
“I did my best to make contact with the rock between the grass patches,” said Buck. “I was dragging the rig more than anything. If you weren’t dragging it, you weren’t getting bit. I’m pretty sure they were feeding on perch down there.
“I caught my heaviest fish with 20 minutes left in the day,” Buck went on to say. “It culled out a 2½-pounder, so it basically won me the tournament.”
The top 10 boaters finished the tournament in:
1st: Grae Buck, Harleysville, Pa., five bass, 18-0, $5,303
2nd: Kevin Park, Waymart, Pa., five bass, 17-9, $2,232
3rd: Ian Renfrew, Phoenix, N.Y., five bass, 17-6, $1,589
4th: Tyler Sheppard, Hermitage, Pa., five bass, 16-6, $1,041
5th: Tyler Morgan, Pine Grove, Pa., five bass, 16-3, $893
6th: Paul Kimball, Glastonbury, Conn., five bass, 16-1, $818
7th: Brandon Esterly, Forest, Va., five bass, 15-15, $744
8th: Jeremy Douglas, Rochester, N.Y., five bass, 15-10, $669
9th: Jason Shipton, Muncy, Pa., five bass, 15-8, $595
10th: Shaun Kucharski, Pittston, Pa., five bass, 15-5, $521
Complete results can be found at FLWFishing.com.
Buck’s 4-pound, 11-ounce fish was the heaviest of the event in the Boater Division, and also earned him the day’s Boater Big Bass award of $640.
Jason Dubernas of Old Forge, Pennsylvania, won the Co-angler Division and $2,232 Saturday after catching five bass weighing 18 pounds, 6 ounces.
The top 10 co-anglers were:
1st: Jason Dubernas, Old Forge, Pa., five bass, 18-6, $2,232
2nd: Henry McKee, Haddon Heights, N.J., five bass, 16-1, $1,116
3rd: Matt Maze, Johnsonburg, Pa., five bass, 14-5, $743
4th: Robby Zellers, Philadelphia, Pa., five bass, 13-11, $521
5th: William Allie, Wynantskill, N.Y., five bass, 13-10, $446
6th: Roy Bilby, Richmondville, N.Y., five bass, 13-8, $409
7th: Peter Longo, Neptune, N.J., five bass, 13-5, $372
8th: Thomas Dellinger, Myerstown, Pa., five bass, 13-2, $335
9th: Shawn Flynn, Dexter, N.Y., five bass, 12-15, $298
10th: Bryan Folino, Cheshire, Mass., four bass, 12-11, $460
Rick Hahn of Fulton, New York, caught the largest bass in the Co-angler Division – a fish weighing 4 pounds, 8 ounces – and earned the day’s Co-angler Big Bass award of $320.
The top 45 boaters and co-anglers in the region based on point standings, along with the five winners in each qualifying event, will be entered in the Oct. 12-14 BFL Regional Championship on the James River in Williamsburg, Virginia. Boaters will compete for a top award of a Ranger Z518C with a 200-horsepower Evinrude outboard and $20,000, while co-anglers will fish for a new Ranger Z518C with a 200-horsepower Evinrude outboard.
The 2017 BFL is a 24-division circuit devoted to weekend anglers, with 128 tournaments throughout the season, five qualifying events in each division. The top 45 boaters and co-anglers from each division, along with the five winners of the qualifying events, will advance to one of six regional tournaments where they are competing to finish in the top six, which then qualifies them for one of the longest-running championships in all of competitive bass fishing – the BFL All-American. Top performers in the BFL can move up to the Costa FLW Series or even the FLW Tour.
For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow the BFL on Facebook at Facebook.com/FLWFishing and on Twitter at Twitter.com/FLWFishing.
OHIO’S MARTINKOVIC WINS T-H MARINE FLW BASS FISHING LEAGUE BUCKEYE DIVISION EVENT ON OHIO RIVER
Lindsey Earns Co-angler Title
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LAWRENCEBURG, Ind. (July 17, 2017) – Chris Martinkovic of Hamilton, Ohio, won the T-H Marine FLW Bass Fishing League (BFL) Buckeye Division tournament on the Ohio River Saturday after catching five bass weighing 9 pounds, 2 ounces. For his efforts, Martinkovic took home $6,640.
“I only fished about five miles from the takeoff ramp because the main river is flooded and there was a lot of debris,” said Martinkovic, who notched his fifth career-win in BFL competition – third on the Ohio River. “I picked apart flooded wood in less than 2 feet of water and caught 10 to 15 keepers.
“The majority of my fish were caught on a black (D&L Tackle) Advantage Jig with a black (Zoom) Super Chunk Jr. trailer,” continued Martinkovic. “I hit about 20 small areas with debris and logjams and did a lot of culling.”
Martinkovic said his personal history on the river was a crucial part of his success.
“It’s my home pool, so I know just about every piece of wood out there,” said Martinkovic. “When it’s muddy like that you have to put your head down and fish. There weren’t too many secrets out there.”
The top 10 boaters finished the tournament in:
1st: Chris Martinkovic, Hamilton, Ohio, five bass, 9-2, $4,640 + $2,000 Ranger Cup Bonus
2nd: Chris Wilkinson, Farmersburg, Ind., five bass, 7-7, $1,730
2nd: James Hailstones, Cincinnati, Ohio, five bass, 7-7, $1,730
4th: Sean Wieda, Florence, Ky., five bass, 7-5, $970
5th: Ronald Nutter, Saint Louisville, Ohio, five bass, 7-2, $931
6th: Cody Seeger, Lewistown, Ohio, five bass, 6-15, $762
7th: Mike Combs, Frenchburg, Ky., five bass, 6-14, $693
8th: Dave Fricke, Hamilton, Ohio, three bass, 6-11, $623
9th: Josh Smith, Hamilton, Ohio, five bass, 6-10, $554
10th: Craig Burwell, North Baltimore, Ohio, five bass, 6-7, $485
Complete results can be found at FLWFishing.com.
Martinkovic’s limit included a 3-pound, 11-ounce bass – the heaviest of the event in the Boater Division – and earned the day’s Boater Big Bass award of $285.
Colton Lindsey of Raymond, Ohio, won the Co-angler Division and $2,178 Saturday after catching four bass weighing 5 pounds, 11 ounces.
The top 10 co-anglers were:
1st: Colton Lindsey, Raymond, Ohio, four bass, 5-11, $2,178
2nd: Kenny Mitchell, Franklin, Ohio, five bass, 5-7, $1,039
3rd: Gary Hoffman, Stoutsville, Ohio, three bass, 5-6, $691
4th: Jeffrey Yost, Zanesfield, Ohio, three bass, 4-15, $770
5th: Lawrence Clontz, Middletown, Ohio, four bass, 4-5, $416
6th: Brett Warrick, Westerville, Ohio, four bass, 4-2, $431
7th: Bill Cordle, London, Ohio, two bass, 3-14, $346
8th: Ryan Sykes, Hamilton, Ohio, two bass, 3-13, $312
9th: Hunter Fillmore, Waynesville, Ohio, two bass, 3-8, $277
10th: Herbert Jones, Cincinnati, Ohio, two bass, 3-5, $242
Yost caught the largest bass in the Co-angler Division – a fish weighing 3 pounds, 3 ounces – and earned the day’s Co-angler Big Bass award of $285.
The top 45 boaters and co-anglers in the region based on point standings, along with the five winners in each qualifying event, will be entered in the Oct. 12-14 BFL Regional Championship on the Barren River in Scottsville, Kentucky. Boaters will compete for a top award of a Ranger Z518C with a 200-horsepower Evinrude outboard and $20,000, while co-anglers will fish for a new Ranger Z518C with a 200-horsepower Evinrude outboard.
The 2017 BFL is a 24-division circuit devoted to weekend anglers, with 128 tournaments throughout the season, five qualifying events in each division. The top 45 boaters and co-anglers from each division, along with the five winners of the qualifying events, will advance to one of six regional tournaments where they are competing to finish in the top six, which then qualifies them for one of the longest-running championships in all of competitive bass fishing – the BFL All-American. Top performers in the BFL can move up to the Costa FLW Series or even the FLW Tour.
For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow the BFL on Facebook at Facebook.com/FLWFishing and on Twitter at Twitter.com/FLWFishing.
