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The Bass Spawn: A Thrilling Time for Anglers

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February 1, 2024

The Bass Spawn: A Thrilling Time for Anglers

Introduction:

When the Bass spawn arrives, it’s an exhilarating time for anglers. The impact on fishing during this period is significant, as Bass become more active and aggressive, making them prime targets for those seeking a thrilling fishing experience. However, it’s important to understand that the spawn also makes the Bass more vulnerable to predation. In this article, we will explore the fascinating impact of the Bass spawn on fishing, highlighting the increased activity and aggression of the fish, as well as the challenges they face from predators.

The Bass Spawn: A Time of Increased Activity and Aggression:

The Bass spawn is a natural reproductive phase where these fish lay their eggs and safeguard the future generations of their species. During this time, Bass become highly active and display heightened levels of aggression. They vigorously defend their nests, which are usually located in shallow waters near the shoreline or in areas with ample vegetation. This increased activity makes Bass more visible and accessible to anglers, creating an exciting opportunity for fishing enthusiasts.

Anglers often observe Bass engaging in aggressive behaviors during the spawn. Male Bass guard the nests with utmost dedication, fiercely defending them against any intruders, including other fish. This territorial behavior can lead to intense battles between Bass, providing anglers with thrilling moments as they witness the fish’s competitive nature firsthand.

The Impact on Fishing:

The active and aggressive behavior of Bass during the spawn has a direct impact on fishing. Anglers find that Bass are more willing to strike at lures and baits during this time, increasing the chances of a successful catch. The fish’s heightened aggression means they are more likely to aggressively attack anything that appears threatening or resembles prey.

Anglers often use this knowledge to their advantage by selecting lures that imitate small fish or insects, triggering Bass to strike with ferocity. The excitement of feeling the strong tug on the fishing line and engaging in a battle of wits with a determined Bass adds to the thrill of fishing during the spawn.

The Vulnerability of Bass:

While the Bass spawn brings increased activity and aggression, it also exposes the fish to greater vulnerability. The Bass’s intense focus on guarding their nests can make them more susceptible to predation. Opportunistic predators, such as larger fish and birds, recognize the defenseless nature of the Bass and take advantage of the situation.

Birds, such as herons and ospreys, are known to target Bass during the spawn. These skilled hunters patiently observe the Bass’s behavior and swoop down to snatch an easy meal. Other predatory fish, such as pike or muskie, also seize the opportunity to prey on the distracted Bass.

The vulnerability of Bass during the spawn serves as a reminder that conservation efforts are crucial. Protecting the spawning grounds and ensuring sustainable fishing practices is essential to maintaining healthy Bass populations and preserving this exciting fishing experience for future generations.

Conclusion:

The impact of the Bass spawn on fishing is undeniable. The heightened activity and aggression of Bass during this time provide anglers with thrilling opportunities to catch these prized fish. However, it’s important to remember that the Bass’s vulnerability to predation also increases during the spawn. As responsible anglers, we must appreciate the delicate balance of nature and actively participate in conservation efforts to protect these remarkable creatures and their spawning grounds.

So, next time you head out to fish during the Bass spawn, embrace the excitement and challenge. Enjoy the thrill of the chase, knowing that you are part of a natural phenomenon that has captivated anglers for generations. But also remember to respect the Bass and their spawning grounds, ensuring the sustainability of this incredible fishing experience for years to come.

Jeff Michels Leads Day One of WON Bass Lake Shasta Open with 16.77 pounds

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Brian Carter

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February 1, 2024

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Jeff Michels Leads Day One of WON Bass Lake Shasta Open with 16.77 pounds

Kyle Grover in Second with 16.58 pounds

Redding, Calif. – January 31, 2024 –– As can happen in early season bass tournament, especially those in upstate Northern California, the 156-boat field for the 2024 WON Bass Lake Shasta Open found cool temperatures, strong breezes out of the south and rain on the menu. While waterproof footwear and raingear were the outfits DuJour, those types of conditions can mean active spotted bass.

That is precisely what the field found as they began competition for the Ranger / Mercury prize boat and one of the five coveted entries into the 2025 B.A.S.S. Nation National Championship. Known as one of premier spotted bass fisheries in the West, Lake Shasta produced not only decent numbers of bites for the field, but also quality spotted bass found their way into livewells for rides to the weigh-in at Bridge Bay Marina.

To no one’s surprise, Jeff Michels, the Lakehead, Calif. pro who has earned a reputation as one of the anglers to beat on Lake Shasta, grabbed the day one lead with his AAA partner Chad Gmuca with 16.77 pounds. That was enough to overtake 2023 WON Bass U.S. Open Champion Kyle Grover from Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif. and his partner Jerry Frisbee, who weighed 16.58 pounds to finish day one in second place.

Third place with 16.35 pounds went to pro Alex Niapas from Altaville, Calif. and his AAA Chris Trumbull; Niapas’ limit included a 4.72-pound spotted bass that was big fishing of the day. Fourth place for the day was Earl Dalton III from Jackson, Calif., who brought 15.70 pounds to the scales with his partner James Clayton and Nick Wood, another pre-tournament favorite from Yreka, Calif. weighed 15.59 pounds with his partner Brian Fesler to round out the top five.

No stranger to leading events on Shasta, Michels said that he knew he had to make the first day count. “With the weather we’ve been having, and the lack of vegetation surrounding the lake because of the fires, I knew today would be key,” said Michels. “It’s no secret that the upper Sacramento arm is where many of us are fishing, but with this rain, that’s probably going to be blown out tomorrow, so I did as much today as I could, and it was a pretty good day.”

He reported catching as many as 25 keepers from his main stretch but doesn’t know what to expect going forward. “I’m not sure what I’m going to do tomorrow but I’m fairly certain I won’t be able to rely on my primary area, I’ll go looking for more,” he said. “I’ve put myself in good position, I’ll have a lot to do to make it last two more days, I just have to find something to back it up.”

While the leader was no surprise to anyone with knowledge of Shata’s tournament history, one angler who did not expect to be this high in the standings was Grover. The reigning U.S. Open Champion said that it was his best tournament day ever on Lake Shasta. “I’d never caught a four pounder here at Shasta, so to weigh a 4.48 spot and four more three pounders was a treat,” he said. “I had my limit by 10:30 and went looking for more water but didn’t find anything else. I have a big area and I’m mostly by myself, so I think I can still catch some good bags, we’ll just have to see what happens.”

The day one livestream of the weigh-in scheduled to air on at Facebook.com/WONBassTournaments was cancelled due to the strong winds and heavy rains, but coverage is expected to resume for day two. More rain is in the forecast for the remainder of the tournament; however the winds are expected to decrease. Daily weigh-ins from Bridge Bay Marina in Redding, Calif. begin after the first flight checks in at 3:00 PM Pacific Time.

The Top 10 in each division are below, for complete standings go to: https://wonbassevents.com/pages/won-bass-shasta-open-2024-pairings-results.
WON Bass Lake Shasta Open 1/31 to 2/2/2024



Place	Pro Angler	Pro Day 1
1	Jeff Michels	16.77
2	Kyle Grover	16.58
3	Alex Niapas	16.35
4	Earl Dalton lll	15.70
5	Nick Wood	15.59
6	Joe Orozco	15.36
7	Randy Doyle	15.35
8	Jake Boomer	14.78
9	Bryan Cox	14.61
10	Matt Nadeau	14.14

Place	AAA Angler	AAA Day 1
1	Chad Gmuca	16.77
2	Jerry Frisbie	16.58
3	Chris Trumbull	16.35
4	James Clayton	15.70
5	Brian Fesler	15.59
6	Geoff Peterson	15.36
7	Randy Bruno	15.35
8	Anthony Souza	14.78
9	Clint Messner	14.61
10	Tanner Wood	14.14

The 2024 WON Bass Western Opens Series of events Consisting of five events in California, Arizona and Nevada, will culminate with the 2024 WON Bass U.S. Open at Lake Mohave in October. The five event dates are as follows:

Jan. 31–Feb. 2, Lake Shasta

April 17-19, Clear Lake

May 15-17, Lake Havasu

Sept. 18-20, Lake Mead

Oct. 14-16, U.S. Open at Lake Mohave For complete details or to register, look to wonbassevents.com and WONews.com to hear the latest news about the 2024 season and beyond and follow along at Facebook.com/WONBassTournaments.

The 2024 WON Bass Northern California Lake Shasta Open is brought to you by Bass Pro Shops, Ranger Boats, Mercury Marine, Nitro Boats, Triton Boats, Bridgford Foods, Phenix Rods, Yamamoto Baits, Bill Lewis Lures, Buckeye Lures, Steel Shad, SOG Knives, Cold Steel Knives, Gamma Line, Power Pole, Lowrance, Daiwa, AFTCO, Costa, Berkley, Abu Garcia, Anderson Toyota, A&M Graphics, Anglers Marine and Signature Gates.

Local presenting sponsors are Redding Tourism, Phil’s Propellers and security provided by the Redding Police Department.

Dustin Connell Cruises to Group B Lead at MLF Bass Pro Tour B&W Trailer Hitches Stage One Presented by Power-Pole at Toledo Bend

Brian Carter

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January 31, 2024

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Dustin Connell Cruises to Group B Lead at MLF Bass Pro Tour B&W Trailer Hitches Stage One Presented by Power-Pole at Toledo Bend

Alabama pro leads Group B by 21 pounds, 2 ounces after Day 1, Group A to wrap up two-day Qualifying Round Thursday

MANY, La. (Jan. 31, 2024) – After dancing around the top spot throughout the day, pro Dustin Connell of Clanton, Alabama , went on an afternoon flurry to pull away from the pack and grab the early lead for Group B after Day 1 of the Major League Fishing (MLF) Bass Pro Tour B&W Trailer Hitches Stage One at Toledo Bend Presented by Power-Pole. Connell and pro Matt Becker of Ten Mile, Tennessee, set the pace for Group B, both slipping in and out of the number one spot throughout the morning, as each had tallied more than 50 pounds of bass by the end of the second period. Connell pulled ahead during Period 3 to finish the day with 27 bass weighing 81 pounds, 14 ounces. Becker ended the day in second, with 18 bass weighing 61-12.

Link to Photo Gallery of Group B’s Day 1 Qualifying Round Highlights

The six-day tournament, hosted by Toledo Bend Lake Country and the Louisiana Office of Tourism, showcases 80 of the top professional anglers in the world, competing for a purse of $659,000, including a top payout of $100,000, and valuable Fishing Clash Angler of the Year (AOY) points in hopes of qualifying for the General Tire Heavy Hitters all-star event and REDCREST 2025, the Bass Pro Tour championship.

If Connell didn’t have enough motivation when he took to the water for Group B’s first day of competition on Toledo Bend — wanting to start the 2024 season strong, to get back in the Championship Round after making just one Top 10 last year — all he had to do was look at the SCORETRACKER® leaderboard for the event.

Jacob Wheeler, who has roomed with Connell throughout their Bass Pro Tour careers, rocketed to the Day 1 lead in Group A when he landed 28 bass for 91 pounds on Tuesday. Though the two pros won’t compete head-to-head until the Knockout Round, Connell wanted to one-up his close friend – and he nearly pulled it off.

“I always try to beat Jacob,” Connell said. “It’s very hard to do. He’s on another level, and he motivates me to become better every day. It’s just cool to see me and him on top.”

While dynamic conditions on Toledo Bend have made the bite tricky for much of the field, Connell made it look easy, boating seven scorable bass for 20-6 in the first hour, then putting together an even stronger surge across the second and third periods. Between 10:53 a.m. and 1:58 p.m. (which included a 15-minute period break), Connell stacked 14 bass on SCORETRACKER®, including his biggest of the day, a 6-11. The flurry added 45-13 to his total and gave him some breathing room over Becker.

While Connell was pleased by his performance, he said his total could have been significantly larger. He lost several fish, including the biggest one he hooked.

“I had a good start,” he said. “I told myself before the day started, if I can catch 10 pounds per period, I’ll probably be leading, and I was right there on track. And I lost several fish today. I lost one probably 8 pounds. I lost a 5-pounder, two more 4-pounders. I don’t know what was going on. I think it was just the first day jitters.”

Connell did his damage in an area that he identified a few months ago, during pre-practice. However, he had to move around throughout the day to stay on the fish. With dirty runoff from recent rains continuing to flow through Toledo Bend and water temperatures on the rise, the bite is constantly changing.

“I came over here and pre-practiced, found a certain area that I really liked, and I just milled around and caught what I could,” he explained. “Things are changing, though. The water has come up – it’s dirty in some areas, and it’s clearing up in others – and there’s so many different variables right now. I had to move around a decent amount.”

Connell expects that change to continue. While finesse tactics paired with forward-facing sonar have dominated so far — that’s how Connell caught all his fish Wednesday, and per SCORETRACKER® Insider, Becker employed similar tactics — Connell isn’t willing to guarantee that’s how the first trophy of the year will be won.

“I think there’s going to be a lot of fish moving, and I wouldn’t doubt this tournament gets won shallow,” Connell said. “That water temperature really gets fish wanting to move up. So, I don’t know. I mean, I would think that my pattern would hold, but you just can’t ever tell.”

The good news for Connell is, with a buffer of more than 50 pounds over the elimination line, he can use the second day of qualifying to explore new water. He said he plans to spend all day Friday practicing.

“I’m going to be able to expand my area on Friday,” he said. “I’ll move around a lot, and I’ll have a whole day to look for fish for the Knockout and Championship Rounds. So, I feel really good about it.”

The 40 anglers in Group B will now have an off day from competition Thursday, while the 40 anglers competing in Group A will wrap up their two-day Qualifying Round. Group B will finish their Qualifying Round on Friday.

The top 20 pros in Group B after Day 1 on Toledo Bend are:

1st:          Dustin Connell, Clanton, Ala., 27 bass, 81-14
2nd:        Matt Becker, Ten Mile, Penn., 18 bass, 61-12
3rd:        Alton Jones Jr., Waco, Texas, 16 bass, 54-2
4th:         Brent Chapman, Lake Quivira, Kan., 19 bass, 52-14
5th:         Michael Neal, Dayton, Tenn., 12 bass, 46-14
6th:         Cole Floyd, Leesburgh, Ohio, 14 bass, 45-4
7th:         Jared Lintner, Covington, Ga., 15 bass, 39-12
8th:         Mark Daniels Jr., Tuskegee, Ala., 12 bass, 35-1
9th:         David Walker, Huntingdon, Tenn., 10 bass, 31-8
10th:      Jacob Wall, New Hope, Ala., 10 bass, 30-13
11th:      Nick Hatfield, Greeneville, Tenn., eight bass, 29-12
12th:      Dave Lefebre, Erie, Penn., nine bass, 29-5
13th:      Andy Morgan, Dayton, Tenn., eight bass, 24-13
14th:      Jesse Wiggins, Addison, Ala., seven bass, 24-11
15th:      Anthony Gagliardi, Prosperity, S.C., seven bass, 24-6
16th:      Randy Howell, Guntersville, Ala., nine bass, 23-15
17th:      Brandon Coulter, Knoxville, Tenn., six bass, 21-15
18th:      Shin Fukae, Osaka, Japan, eight bass, 21-5
19th:      Matthew Stefan, Junction City, Wis., four bass, 20-15
20th:      Grae Buck, Green Lane, Penn., four bass, 19-5

A complete list of results can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.

Pro Michael Neal of Dayton, Tennessee, earned the $1,000 Berkley Big Bass award after a 9-pound, 6-ounce largemouth bit his jig in Period 3. Berkley awards $1,000 to the angler who weighs the heaviest bass each day, and another $3,000 bonus to the angler who weighs the heaviest bass of the tournament.

The 40 Anglers in Group A compete in their two-day Qualifying Round on Tuesday and Thursday – the 40 anglers in Group B on Wednesday and Friday. After each two-day Qualifying Round is complete, the anglers that finish first through 10^th from both groups advance to Saturday’s Knockout Round. In the Knockout Round, weights are zeroed, and the remaining 20 anglers compete to finish in the top 10 to advance to Sunday’s Championship Round. In the final-day Championship Round, weights are zeroed, and the highest one-day total wins the top prize of $100,000.

Anglers will launch at 7:30 a.m. CT each day from Cypress Bend Park, located at 3462 Cypress Bend Drive in Many. Each day’s General Tire Takeout will be held at the park, beginning at 4 p.m. Fans are welcome to attend all launch and takeout events and also encouraged to follow the event online throughout the day on the SCORETRACKER® leaderboard and event coverage at MajorLeagueFishing.com.

The MLFNOW!® broadcast team of Chad McKee and J.T. Kenney will break down the extended action live on the final four days of competition from 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. CT. MLFNOW!® will be live streamed on MajorLeagueFishing.com and the MyOutdoorTV (MOTV) app.

On Friday, Feb. 2, Toledo Bend Lake Country will host an Education Day in conjunction with the tournament at Cypress Bend Park, where 260 eighth-grade students from local area schools will have the opportunity to learn about lake ecology, casting techniques and the Toledo Bend fishery. Bass Pro Tour pros will be onsite throughout the event providing instruction and working with students.

On Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 3-4, from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. MLF invites fans of all ages to visit Cypress Bend Park for the MLF Watch Party. Fans can watch the action from the water live on the MLFNOW! big screen, enjoy free food, enter to win hourly giveaways and cheer on their favorite pros. The first 50 kids 14 and under will receive a free rod and reel from Pure Fishing each day. The final 10 Championship Round Bass Pro Tour anglers will be on hand at the trophy celebration on Championship Sunday to meet and greet fans, sign autographs and take selfies.

The B&W Trailer Hitches Stage One at Toledo Bend Presented by Power-Pole features the MLF catch, weigh, immediate-release format, in which anglers catch as much weight as they can each day, while also feeling the pressure and intensity of the SCORETRACKER® leaderboard. The tournament features anglers competing with a 2-pound minimum weight requirement for a bass to be deemed scorable. The MLF Fisheries Management Division determines minimum weights for each body of water that the Bass Pro Tour visits, based on the productivity, bass population and anticipated average size of fish in each fishery.

The Bass Pro Tour features a field of 80 of the top professional anglers in the world, competing across seven regular-season tournaments around the country, for millions of dollars and valuable points to qualify for the annual General Tire Heavy Hitters all-star event and the REDCREST 2025 championship.

Bass Pro Tour anglers will also compete throughout the 2024 season for the prestigious Fishing Clash Angler of the Year (AOY) award and its $100,000 payday. Fishing Clash – an interactive 3D fishing simulation game that’s played by more than 80 million people worldwide – is the official AOY sponsor of the Bass Pro Tour, Tackle Warehouse Invitationals, Toyota Series and Phoenix Bass Fishing League.

Television coverage of the B&W Trailer Hitches Stage One at Toledo Bend Presented by Power-Pole Knockout Round will air as a two-hour episode starting at 7 a.m. ET, on Saturday, July 20 on Discovery, with the Championship Round premiering on July 27. New MLF episodes premiere each Saturday morning on Discovery, with re-airings on Outdoor Channel.

Proud sponsors of the 2024 MLF Bass Pro Tour include: Abu Garcia, B&W Trailer Hitches, Bass Pro Shops, Berkley, BUBBA, Epic Baits, Garmin, General Tire, Humminbird, Lowrance, Mercury, MillerTech, Minn Kota, Mossy Oak Fishing, NITRO, Onyx, Plano, Power-Pole, Rapala, StarBrite, Suzuki, Toyota and U.S. Air Force.

For complete details and updated information on Major League Fishing and the Bass Pro Tour, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow MLF’s social media outlets at Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube.

ACHIGAN – For those who love Bronze

Brian Carter

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January 31, 2024

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Achigan: Noun. French for Smallmouth Bass. Translates in Algonquin to “One Which Fights”

We get asked all the time what “ Achigan” actually means. For us, it represents so much more than the definition. Our love for the smallmouth bass and the waters it inhabits run deep in our veins. From the sound of the water running over a rocky stream, to the soreness you feel in your hands after a long day on the water, we love the entire experience of chasing these fish.

This brand embodies those feelings for us. Every product and design comes straight from the heart. Whether you just caught your first smallmouth or you Bleed Bronze like us: This brand is for you. Free the Fighter.

CLICK LINK TO LEARN MORE

The NPFL and Bass Cat Boats Announce Exclusive Partnership, Promising Game-Changing Rewards for Anglers

Brian Carter

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January 31, 2024

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The NPFL and Bass Cat Boats Announce Exclusive Partnership, Promising Game-Changing Rewards for Anglers

Bass Cat Boats and NPFL Announce Exclusive Two-Year Partnership with Exciting Rewards for Anglers

WILKESVILLE, OH (JANUARY 31, 2024) — The National Professional Fishing League (NPFL) announces groundbreaking move solidifying a two-year deal that makes Bass Cat Boats the exclusive boat of “the league” for the 2024 and 2025 seasons. With the collaboration, NPFL competitors stand to gain significant financial rewards as qualifying regular season winners are eligible for a $7,500 bonus through the Bass Cat Quest Program.

“The NPFL is excited to announce our partnership with Bass Cat Boats. The synergy between our organizations is unmistakable, as the Bass Cat brand seamlessly aligns with the core values upheld by the NPFL,” said Brad Fuller, President of the NPFL. “Together, we have a shared vision of enhancing the angler’s experience by providing additional financial support for those who champion our common cause.”

Cody Blair, President of Bass Cat Boats, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “We are thrilled to join forces with the NPFL and support the angling community. This collaboration aligns perfectly with our commitment to advancing the sport and ensuring a rewarding experience for anglers.”

To kick things off in 2024, the partnership is taking things up a notch by offering an extra incentive for NPFL Bass Cat qualified anglers. The NPFL will award a $5,000 cash prize to the top finisher in each of the six regular season events, ramping up the competition and injecting an additional dose of excitement into the highly praised tournament series.

Similarly for 2025, with additional incentives for anglers to participate in the Bass Cat Quest Program, qualified anglers winning a regular season NPFL event will be awarded an additional $20,000. In the event a qualifying angler does not win the event, the NPFL will pay the highest placing qualified finisher $7,500.

2024 Season Details
$7,500 for qualifying events via the Bass Cat Quest Tournament Rewards Program
NPFL $5,000 check for highest placing qualified finisher in each of the six regular season events.

2025 Season Details
$7,500 for qualifying events via the Bass Cat Quest Tournament Rewards Program
NPFL $20,000 check for qualified regular season event winning anglers
NPFL $7,500 check for highest finishing qualified non-event winning angler
*NPFL payouts are in addition to the Bass Cat Quest Tournament Rewards Program Details
 Added Brad Fuller, President of the NPFL. “This collaboration unequivocally reinforces this commitment. The recently inked two-year deal serves as a clear testament to Bass Cat Boats’ belief in the NPFL and our collective potential. We eagerly anticipate a long-lasting partnership that extends well beyond 2025, solidifying our shared dedication to the angling community.”

To learn more about the NPFL, visit https://thenationalprofessionalfishingleague.com/.

Welcome Lake Almanor to the BAM Trail

Brian Carter

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January 31, 2024

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Feather River Tourism Association, Lake Almanor Country Club, and Lake Almanor Chamber of Commerce Partner with BAM Tournament Trail for Upcoming Pro Tour Event

Lake Almanor, CA – Jan 31st 2024

In a collaboration that promises to elevate the upcoming BAM Pro Tour event, Feather River Tourism Association (FRTA), Lake Almanor Country Club, and the Lake Almanor Chamber of Commerce have announced their partnership with the BAM Tournament Trail for the event scheduled from May 31st to June 2nd at Lake Almanor.

Mark Lassagne, CEO of BAM, expressed his enthusiasm about this joint effort: “This partnership marks a milestone for the BAM Tournament Trail. With the support and collaboration of such esteemed local organizations, we are confident that the Pro Tour event at Lake Almanor will be an outstanding experience for all participants and spectators.”

Echoing this sentiment, Sharon Roberts, chair of the Feather River Tourism Association shared her excitement: “Lake Almanor is a jewel in our region, and this event is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the area’s natural beauty and vibrant community. We are thrilled to partner with BAM and contribute to making this event a resounding success.”

Chelsea Harrison, staff of the Lake Almanor Chamber of Commerce and a bass angler herself, voiced her anticipation: “As someone passionate about bass fishing, I’m particularly excited to bring this stellar event to Lake Almanor. This tournament is not just about sport; it’s about community, showcasing our region, and celebrating our shared love for fishing.”

The BAM Pro Tour event at Lake Almanor is expected to draw a significant crowd, including some of the top western pros in bass fishing. The event will feature NASCAR-style wrapped boats, professional anglers, and a custom stage with a professional emcee, ensuring a vibrant and engaging atmosphere.

This partnership underscores the commitment of Feather River Tourism, Lake Almanor Country Club, and the Lake Almanor Chamber of Commerce to promote regional tourism and community events. The collaboration is set to enhance the overall experience of the tournament, further establishing Lake Almanor as a premier destination for fishing and outdoor activities.

Feather River Tourism Association (FRTA): Feather River Tourism is dedicated to promoting the unique attractions and natural beauty of Plumas County.

For places to stay, places to visit, and information on fishing and guide services, visit PlumasCounty.org

About Lake Almanor Country Club: Nestled in the heart of Northern California, Lake Almanor Country Club is a community-focused organization offering a range of recreational and social activities.

About Lake Almanor Chamber of Commerce: The Lake Almanor Chamber of Commerce is committed to supporting local businesses and fostering a vibrant community through various initiatives and events.

About BAM Tournament Trail

The Bass Angler Magazine Tournament Trail (BAM TT) is an exclusive west coast pro level tournament circuit. BAM TT delivers multiple opportunities to showcase the talents of western anglers on several professional platforms.

As BAM TT continues to provide and refine a platform of elite events for competitive anglers, it simultaneously creates a logical avenue for sponsors to have direct contact with our west coast customers.

BAM TT is dedicated to creating a complete package of advertising opportunities including on-site activation, internet/social media, and a YouTube series that reaches a large number of viewers each day.

Tournament events include BAM Pro Tour, Pro-Am and a Kayak Tour with a no entry Championship can be viewed on YouTube. Learn more here: BAM TRAIL, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Media / Advertising Contact Mark Lassagne

#bamtrail #bassanglermagazine #lakealmanor

B.A.S.S. mourns death of WKU angler Johnathan Brian

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Brian Carter

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January 31, 2024

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January 31, 2024

B.A.S.S. mourns death of WKU angler Johnathan Brian

COLUMBIA, S.C. — As previously shared, two boats were involved in an incident on Thursday of last week, resulting in injuries, during the practice round for the Bassmaster College Series event on Lake Murray. On Friday, two of the three anglers who were hospitalized were released.

Authorities have since confirmed the death of Western Kentucky angler Johnathan Brian.

“We are all heartbroken to learn the news of Johnathan’s tragic death,” said B.A.S.S. CEO Chase Anderson.

B.A.S.S. will continue to support the ongoing investigation into the incident.

“Our hearts go out to Johnathan’s family, friends, and college fishing community,” Anderson said, “and we continue to offer our deepest condolences, thoughts and prayers to Johnathan’s family and loved ones while respecting their privacy during this painful time.”

Jacob Wheeler Grabs Early Lead at Major League Fishing B&W Trailer Hitches Stage One Presented by Power-Pole at Toledo Bend

Brian Carter

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January 30, 2024

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Jacob Wheeler Grabs Early Lead at Major League Fishing B&W Trailer Hitches Stage One Presented by Power-Pole at Toledo Bend

Tennessee pro weighs in 91 pounds even to lead after Day 1 for Group A – Group B begins competition Wednesday

MANY, La. (Jan. 30, 2024) – Despite a three-way battle atop the SCORETRACKER® leaderboard Tuesday, pro Jacob Wheeler of Harrison, Tennessee , weighed in 28 scorable bass totaling 91 pounds even to jump to the early lead for Group A after Day 1 of the Major League Fishing (MLF) Bass Pro Tour B&W Trailer Hitches Stage One at Toledo Bend Presented by Power-Pole. Pro Spencer Shuffield of Hot Springs, Arkansas, ended the day just 2 pounds, 15 ounces behind Wheeler with 29 scorable bass totaling 88-1, good for second place. Drew Gill of Mount Carmel, Illinois , began his rookie season on the Bass Pro Tour with a bang, weighing 26 scorable bass totaling 81-13 to round out the top three.

The six-day tournament, hosted by Toledo Bend Lake Country and the Louisiana Office of Tourism, showcases 80 of the top professional anglers in the world, competing for a purse of $659,000, including a top payout of $100,000 and valuable Fishing Clash Angler of the Year (AOY) points in hopes of qualifying for the General Tire Heavy Hitters all-star event and REDCREST 2025, the Bass Pro Tour championship.

The 40 anglers in Group A will now have an off day from competition Wednesday, while the 40 anglers competing in Group B will begin their first day of competition. Group A will resume competition on Thursday.

It’s no secret that the past three years on the Bass Pro Tour have been defined by Wheeler’s dominance. During that span, the Tennessee pro has racked up 20 Championship Round appearances (in 27 total events) and four wins. He took home the Fishing Clash Angler of the Year title in 2021 and 2022 before finishing second to Matt Becker last season.

Wheeler wasted no time on Day 1 showing that his game remains as sharp as ever, boating a Toledo Bend giant less than 10 minutes into the first period. By the time Wheeler trailered his boat, other anglers had already peppered him with questions about the 8-pounder, asking whether he’d marked the fish during practice and run to his starting spot to find it. He insisted the giant caught him by surprise.

“I just happened to pull into a little area that I caught some fish (during practice), and my first bite just happened to be an 8-pounder,” Wheeler said. “And if that’s any telltale sign for how the year is going to go, I’m all about 8-pounders.”

While the longterm implications remain to be seen, his early success proved indicative of the pattern Wheeler ran throughout the day. He didn’t divulge many details but did say that once he found a spot with the right ingredients, he generally caught fish quickly and in bunches.

“It’s definitely a pattern where if I see what I’m looking for, it’s pretty quick to generate a bite,” he explained. “I’m hoping to have enough of that stuff because that’s really what it comes down to.”

With an advantage of more than 55 pounds over 11^th place, Wheeler plans to use most of Day 2 for Group A exploring new water in hopes of finding more productive areas. That could prove key, as conditions are changing rapidly on Toledo Bend.

The region was hit hard by storms prior to practice, and swaths of muddy water are moving through the reservoir as a result. Wheeler said the lake fished differently than even a day or two ago — which might explain why the Day 1 weights were a bit top-heavy, with 19 of the 40 anglers falling short of 20 pounds. With more dirty water expected to reach the main lake and temperatures likely to warm in the coming days, Wheeler said he doesn’t believe he’ll be able to ride the areas he fished Tuesday through Sunday’s Championship Round.

“A lot of water is going to continue to move down the system,” Wheeler predicted. “So I think that’s definitely going to continue to be the trend, water continuing to dirty up and things continuing to change. It’s prespawn, spring fishing. When you have that kind of rain, it’s definitely going to change some things, and every day is going to be different.”

While Wheeler held the top spot on SCORETRACKER® for most of the day, both Shuffield and Gill challenged his lead at times. Those three have separated themselves from the rest of the pack; they each cleared 80 pounds on the day while no one else reached 50.

Gill wasn’t the only newcomer to get off to a strong start. Rookie Martin Villa sits sixth with 40-7, while fellow rookie Justin Cooper — who lives in nearby Zwolle, Louisiana, and guides on Toledo Bend — finished ninth with 36-14.

The top 20 pros in Group A after Day 1 on Toledo Bend are:

1st:          Jacob Wheeler, Harrison, Tenn., 28 bass, 91-0
2nd:       Spencer Shuffield, Hot Springs, Ark., 29 bass, 88-1
3rd:        Drew Gill, Mount Carmel, Ill., 26 bass, 81-14
4th:         James Elam, Tulsa, Okla., 17 bass, 49-15
5th:         Wesley Strader, Spring City, Tenn., 19 bass, 49-13
6th:         Martin Villa, Charlottesville, Va., 12 bass, 40-7
7th:         Ott DeFoe, Blaine, Tenn., 15 bass, 39-2
8th:         Bryan Thrift, Shelby, N.C., 14 bass, 39-1
9th:         Justin Cooper, Zwolle, La., 12 bass, 36-14
10th:      Justin Lucas, Guntersville, Ala., 10 bass, 36-5
11th:      Ryan Salzman, Huntsville, Ala., 11 bass, 35-14
12th:      Edwin Evers, Talala, Okla., 11 bass, 35-3
13th:      Nick LeBrun, Bossier City, La., 11 bass, 32-0
14th:      John Hunter, Shelbyville, Ky., 10 bass, 30-0
15th:      Dean Rojas, Lake Havasu City, Ariz., nine bass, 29-15
16th:      Zack Birge, Blanchard, Okla., nine bass, 29-4
17th:      Casey Ashley, Donalds, S.C., 11 bass, 28-9
18th:      Keith Poche, Pike Road, Ala., 10 bass, 28-0
19th:      Luke Clausen, Spokane, Wash., eight bass, 24-5
20th:      Marshall Robinson, Landrum, S.C., 10 bass, 23-7

A complete list of results can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.

Local favorite “Cajun Baby” Cliff Crochet of Pierre Part, Louisiana , earned Tuesday’s $1,000 Berkley Big Bass Award after an 11-pound, 1-ounce largemouth bit his crankbait in Period 1. Berkley awards $1,000 to the angler who weighs the heaviest bass each day, and another $3,000 bonus to the angler who weighs the heaviest bass of the tournament.

The 40 Anglers in Group A compete in their two-day Qualifying Round on Tuesday and Thursday – the 40 anglers in Group B on Wednesday and Friday. After each two-day Qualifying Round is complete, the anglers that finish first through 10^th from both groups advance to Saturday’s Knockout Round. In the Knockout Round, weights are zeroed, and the remaining 20 anglers compete to finish in the top 10 to advance to Sunday’s Championship Round. In the final-day Championship Round, weights are zeroed, and the highest one-day total wins the top prize of $100,000.

Anglers will launch at 7:30 a.m. CT each day from Cypress Bend Park, located at 3462 Cypress Bend Drive in Many. Each day’s General Tire Takeout will be held at the park, beginning at 4 p.m. Fans are welcome to attend all launch and takeout events and also encouraged to follow the event online throughout the day on the SCORETRACKER® leaderboard and event coverage at MajorLeagueFishing.com.

The MLFNOW!® broadcast team of Chad McKee and J.T. Kenney will break down the extended action live on the final four days of competition from 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. CT. MLFNOW!® will be live streamed on MajorLeagueFishing.com and the MyOutdoorTV (MOTV) app.

On Friday, Feb. 2, Toledo Bend Lake Country will host an Education Day in conjunction with the tournament at Cypress Bend Park, where 260 eighth-grade students from local area schools will have the opportunity to learn about lake ecology, casting techniques and the Toledo Bend fishery. Bass Pro Tour pros will be onsite throughout the event providing instruction and working with students.

On Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 3-4, from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. MLF invites fans of all ages to visit Cypress Bend Park for the MLF Watch Party. Fans can watch the action from the water live on the MLFNOW! big screen, enjoy free food, enter to win hourly giveaways and cheer on their favorite pros. The first 50 kids 14 and under will receive a free rod and reel from Pure Fishing each day. The final 10 Championship Round Bass Pro Tour anglers will be on hand at the trophy celebration on Championship Sunday to meet and greet fans, sign autographs and take selfies.

The B&W Trailer Hitches Stage One at Toledo Bend Presented by Power-Pole features the MLF catch, weigh, immediate-release format, in which anglers catch as much weight as they can each day, while also feeling the pressure and intensity of the SCORETRACKER® leaderboard. The tournament features anglers competing with a 2-pound minimum weight requirement for a bass to be deemed scorable. The MLF Fisheries Management Division determines minimum weights for each body of water that the Bass Pro Tour visits, based on the productivity, bass population and anticipated average size of fish in each fishery.

The Bass Pro Tour features a field of 80 of the top professional anglers in the world, competing across seven regular-season tournaments around the country, for millions of dollars and valuable points to qualify for the annual General Tire Heavy Hitters all-star event and the REDCREST 2025 championship.

Television coverage of the B&W Trailer Hitches Stage One at Toledo Bend Presented by Power-Pole Knockout Round will air as a two-hour episode starting at 7 a.m. ET, on Saturday, July 20 on Discovery, with the Championship Round premiering on July 27. New MLF episodes premiere each Saturday morning on Discovery, with re-airings on Outdoor Channel.

Proud sponsors of the 2024 MLF Bass Pro Tour include: Abu Garcia, B&W Trailer Hitches, Bass Pro Shops, Berkley, BUBBA, Epic Baits, Garmin, General Tire, Humminbird, Lowrance, Mercury, MillerTech, Minn Kota, Mossy Oak Fishing, NITRO, Onyx, Plano, Power-Pole, Rapala, StarBrite, Suzuki, Toyota and U.S. Air Force.

For complete details and updated information on Major League Fishing and the Bass Pro Tour, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow MLF’s social media outlets at Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube.

Revolutionize Your Boat Setup with These Jaw-Dropping Graph Mounts

Brian Carter

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January 30, 2024

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Revolutionize Your Boat Setup with These Jaw-Dropping Graph Mounts

Hey, everyone! This is Brendan from Boat Effects, and I’m excited to showcase our latest graph mounts that we’ve developed over the past year. These mounts are crafted entirely from sturdy 1/4-inch-thick aluminum, ensuring durability and strength. Whether you prefer a locking or non-locking version, we’ve got you covered with a variety of 10 vibrant colors to choose from. Our mounts come in different heights, including a 3.5-inch and a 5-inch version, both thoughtfully angled for optimal positioning. For those seeking an 8-inch version, stay tuned, as it’s in the works. Our locking models boast industry-first locks on both the feet and the bridge, along with locking hardware on all gimbals. If you opt for the non-locking version initially, you can easily add locks later. We also offer fully adjustable console mounts, available in both locking and non-locking versions. These mounts slide in and out, adapting to various console pitches, and their track system allows for easy up-and-down adjustments. Visit boatefx.com to explore our full range of products, including console mounts with locks, singles, and doubles, suitable for any size unit. Upgrade your boating experience with our reliable and versatile graph mounts!

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