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Thursday, October 10, 2024
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Let’s Make 2024 the Best Bass Fishing Season Yet!

Brian Carter
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Let’s Make 2024 the Best Bass Fishing Season Yet!

Dear Editor,

As we brush off the dust of 2023 and usher in the triumphant arrival of 2024, every angler worth their salt knows it’s time to set those resolutions for a stellar new year of Bass fishing. Here are a few tips to make this year’s Bass fishing season the best one yet.

Firstly, instead of setting rigid resolutions, try creating attainable intentions. This means setting daily, weekly, and monthly goals. For instance, you may want to learn a new casting technique, try out different fishing gear each month, or aim to catch a certain number of Bass each week. Writing down your goals can help crystalize your intentions in your mind, making them more achievable.

Secondly, let’s not forget the power of variety. Consider discovering a new fishing spot or exploring a new style of Bass fishing. These fresh experiences could ignite a renewed passion for the sport and create potential for impressive catches.

Don’t be afraid to venture out of your comfort zone. Perhaps you’ve always wanted to compete in a Bass fishing tournament, but something’s held you back — this is the year to face that fear head-on. Even small acts of bravery, such as trying out a risky bait or implementing a new strategy, can significantly enhance your fishing skills.

Develop a routine for your fishing escapades. Regularly scheduled fishing trips – whether weekly or monthly – can help you stay engaged and improve your angling skills. If fitness is a part of your 2024 goals, include some workouts specifically tailored for fishing — strength and conditioning exercises will definitely give you added endurance for those long fishing trips.

Eating healthy can skyrocket your energy levels for those extensive hours by the water. Consider replacing processed snacks with more wholesome options, providing you the energy to keep you alert at your hook-line.

One of the highlights after every fishing adventure should be celebrating your accomplishments, regardless of their size. Did you manage to hook a particularly crafty Bass? Did you learn a new knot? Each of these victories merits a hearty celebration.

Lastly, consider finding a mentor or fishing buddy who can help motivate and hold you accountable to your 2024 fishing goals. Genuine progress and improvement often come from constructive feedback and shared expertise.

Let’s make 2024 the year we all become better anglers, creating lasting memories not just of the Bass we caught, but of the personal milestones we conquered along the way.

Tight lines!



Chasing the Perfect Catch: The Amateur Angler’s Guide to Lake Conner, Virginia

Brian Carter
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Chasing the Perfect Catch: The Amateur Angler’s Guide to Lake Conner, Virginia


This modestly sized water body covering 77 acres is nestled quietly in Halifax County, Virginia. Not just a fishing hub, Lake Conner offers serene surroundings ideal for nature enthusiasts keen on enjoying a tranquil setting away from the hustles and bustles of city life. Wildflowers dot the bank with their vibrant colors, songbirds frequently pay visits, and the water is usually calm, except for when a fish occasionally indulges in a quick leap.

Modern-Day Fishing at Lake Conner:
Today, Lake Conner, with its lush ecosystem, continues to attract both amateur and seasoned anglers. A visit to Lake Conner promises a thrilling fishing day with abundant largemouth bass, along with a healthy population of bluegill, redear sunfish, and channel catfish. While waiting for that trophy catch, you can enjoy the peace and tranquility this idyllic setting offers.

If your planing on fishing at lake Conner in VA here are some recommendations

  1. Jumbo Shiner- Try using a large swimbait or soft plastic bait in a shiner color pattern. Look for lures that have a realistic shiner profile and swimming action.
  2. Small Bluegill– Use a bluegill imitating crankbait or soft plastic bait. Look for lures that mimic the shape, color, and movement of a small bluegill.
  3. Minnows- Opt for small jerkbaits or swimbaits that mimic the appearance and swimming action of a minnow. Look for lures with a realistic minnow profile and lifelike swimming motion.
  4. Crayfish- Select crawfish imitating jigs or soft plastic baits. Look for lures that resemble the color, shape, and movement of a crayfish.
  5. Nightcrawlers- Use soft plastic worm baits or rubber worms in natural colors. Look for lures that resemble the size and texture of a nightcrawler.
  6. Frogs- Choose topwater frog lures that replicate the appearance and movement of a frog. Look for lures with lifelike frog patterns and a realistic frog hopping action.

These artificial baits are effective because they mimic the natural prey of largemouth bass, such as minnows, crayfish, and frogs. The realistic appearance, color, and movement of these lures can attract the attention of largemouth bass and trigger their predatory instincts. Remember to experiment with different sizes, colors, and retrieval techniques to find what works best in the specific fishing conditions at Lake Conner, Virginia.



VMC extends partnership with B.A.S.S. for another three years

Brian Carter
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VMC extends partnership with B.A.S.S. for another three years

January 5, 2024

VMC extends partnership with B.A.S.S. for another three years

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — After a successful three-year partnership that began in 2021, B.A.S.S. announced today that it has extended its relationship with VMC, a Rapala Respected Brand, for another three years, through 2026.

VMC is known for making award-winning hooks for every style of fishing and, most recently, for its RedLine Series, which is made from extra-light, extra-strength VMC Vanadium steel — the same material used to make Formula One racecars.

Several anglers have used VMC products to make history on the Bassmaster Elite Series in recent years, including Minnesota’s Seth Feider, who won the Progressive Insurance Bassmaster Angler of the Year title in 2021, Idaho’s Brandon Palaniuk, who won his second AOY title in 2022 and South Carolina’s Patrick Walters, who caught the biggest four-day catch of smallmouth in B.A.S.S. history in 2023 with 105 pounds on the St. Lawrence River.

“The accomplishments speak for themselves when you talk about the effect VMC products have had on the sport of fishing,” said B.A.S.S. CEO Chase Anderson. “We’re excited to continue our partnership with VMC — and to watch their anglers use their hooks to entertain and enlighten fishermen around the world.”

VMC will be featured during Bassmaster LIVE broadcasts streamed daily on Bassmaster.com and on the FOX Sports platforms. They’ll sponsor the daily VMC On-Point segment, highlighting an exciting catch from that day’s competition.

As a tournament sponsor, they will also be exposed to the sport’s most rabid fans with coverage on Bassmaster.com, in Bassmaster and B.A.S.S. Times magazines and on the organization’s various social media platforms.

In addition to sponsorship of the Elite Series, VMC will be a supporting sponsor for the St. Croix Bassmaster Opens, Strike King Bassmaster College Series presented by Bass Pro Shops, Strike King Bassmaster High School Series, Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Team Championship and the grass-roots Mercury B.A.S.S. Nation Qualifier Series presented by Lowrance and championship tournaments.

VMC’s RedLine Series, which was introduced earlier this year, is comprised of eight hooks — all designed for tournament bass anglers who demand a better hook set and more landing certainty. With their velvety-smooth P.T.F.E. coating, RedLine hooks penetrate 50% faster than ordinary hooks — and with the company’s unique, compressed Needle Point design that produces an ultra-sharp point, fish practically hook themselves.

“In my opinion, you can have the best equipment in boats, motors, electronics, baits, rods, reels and line, but if you cut corners on your hook you will fail,” said Gerald Swindle, a member of the Rapala pro team and a two-time Angler of the Year (2004, 2016). “The most important piece of the puzzle to tie all of that equipment together is the hook that you tie on. The VMC RedLine is the ultimate fishing hook.”

Matt Jensen, vice president of marketing for Rapala VMC, agreed — and expressed his excitement about the continuing partnership with B.A.S.S.

“VMC is invested into products for tournament anglers, especially with the launch of the VMC RedLine Series,” he said. “This makes Bassmaster a vital partner of ours to help tell the story of the innovation and pro experience we put into all the new hooks and jigs available today. We listen to our pros and build products for the best of the best anglers.”



New Year, New Digs

Brian Carter
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New Year, New Digs
New Year, New Digs
DAIWA kicks off 2024 in new corporate headquarters and USA warehouse facilities.
Foothill Ranch, CA (January 5, 2024) – With the installation of the DAIWA logo sign above the main entrance this week, the tackle manufacturer has officially completed its office and warehouse move – doubling its space and capacity to ship product – to a new facility located at 20155 Ellipse in Foothill Ranch, Calif.Planning for the new facility started in 2019, but issues from the COVID-19 pandemic to supply chain delays, to construction and warehouse materials shortages and changes in their working environment slowed down the process. “We wanted to make sure the new facility met our needs in these post-Covid times, so we did a pause with selecting the right location,” said DAIWA USA president Carey Graves. “By discussing and collaborating with our warehouse and office operations managers on what was needed to run our business more efficiently, the new facility sets us up to grow DAIWA’s business and better serve our dealers and customers.”
According to warehouse operations manager Brian Nolte, the new facility gives DAIWA 20 truck bays dedicated to both inbound and outbound shipping. “We’ll also be able to use the added bays as flex space for extra storage needs and stage product for value-added builds of special combos,” said Nolte. “The extra warehouse space and bays give us the in-house capability to efficiently add UPCs, hang tags, and dealer stickers, giving us unique benefits to offer our dealers.”Nolte notes the added square footage enabled DAIWA to add both a dedicated shipping office and an after-service reel maintenance/repair center within the warehouse and main entrance area. A complete revamp of DAIWA racking systems for pick-and-ship needs also provides more efficient operations.
“While the warehouse needs were the main priority in the new facility, the secondary focus was our office needs,” Graves said. “With changes in the business environment to accommodate both in-office and out-of-office working capabilities, we’ve set up our corporate area with dedicated space for customer service, our accounting/financial operations, and our sales and marketing office needs. While many of our office staff work a hybrid in-office/OOF schedule, we have an excellent set-up in the new facility for the various teams to come together for in-person discussions and collaboration for our business.”Graves noted the entire DAIWA team is anxious to welcome its manufacturer reps, dealers, and distributors to the new facility in 2024. “It shows our commitment to the DAIWA tackle business, which in turn shows our commitment to their businesses,” said Graves.
DAIWA USA President, Carey Graves
For Daiwa’s latest color catalog and/or information on Daiwa dealers in your area, call Daiwa’s Customer Service Department at 562-375-6800 or e-mail inquiries to: CSR@Daiwa.com. The URL for Daiwa’s web site is daiwa.us



The Legacy of Lake Conner: Post Richard Tate’s record-breaking catch:

Brian Carter
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The Legacy of Lake Conner: Post Richard Tate’s record-breaking catch:

The Legacy of Lake Conner:
Post Richard Tate’s record-breaking catch:

Photo from Fish Brain.com

Located in the splendid landscapes of Halifax County, Virginia, Lake Conner humbly began with functional purposes in 1960 as a water supply reservoir but has grown into a symbolic monument in the fishing community. Covering an area of 77 acres, this minor lake underwent an astonishing transformation that resonates till date.

Epilogue of the Historic Event:
Following the momentous morning of April 16, 1985, Richard Tate and his unfathomable 16 lb 4 oz largemouth bass brought Lake Conner to national prominence. It wasn’t just an exhaustive battle of man against the king of bass, but it emanated a beacon of challenge that enveloped the world of sport fishing. Word of the unparalleled fish quickly spread amongst the angling community and overnight, Lake Conner became synonymous with the dream of the “one big catch.”

The Surge of Anglers:
In the wake of Richard Tate’s presiding record, Lake Conner started attracting flocks of hopeful anglers, each one eager to cast a line and try their luck. The tranquil waters of this small lake were suddenly dotted with countless fishing boats, embedded with the hope of an encore of the remarkable catch or even better.

Impact on the Local Community:
The notoriety of Lake Conner delivered profound effects on the neighboring Halifax County. Businesses flourished as new bait shops opened up, lodges filled up with visiting anglers, and culinary establishments thrived with influx of patrons. The local economy received an unprecedented boost, and the county saw a rise in tourism. This also led the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries to inject additional resources to maintain and feed the reservoir’s biodiversity, ensuring a lasting legacy for future generations.

The Lake’s Ecological Evolution:
The rapid rise in angling interest led to changes not only for the local community but also within the water body itself. Managing authorities undertook active efforts to sustain and improve the aquatic ecosystem. The regular stock monitoring and enhancement measures kept the lake’s fish population thriving, especially the largemouth bass. Today the lake houses a rich variety of water creatures, including, but not limited to, largemouth bass, bluegill, redear sunfish, and channel catfish.

Lake Conner – The Bearer of Unbroken Record:
As years turned into decades, anglers carefully eyed the record, hoping to tip the scales. However, the record has stood tall and unwavering. The closest contenders had come from Briery Creek Lake, their fishes falling a mere ounce short, a testament to Richard Tate’s awe-inspiring achievement.

Conclusion:
Today, over 35 years later, Richard Tate’s unbelievable catch still echoes in the waters of Lake Conner, making it much more than just a fishing spot. It’s a symbol of aspiration, a pilgrimage for anglers. It stands as a testament to the mantra “patience rewards,” unifying the angling community under the hopeful dream of encountering the next “big one.” The tranquil waters tell a tale of an epic tussle, a sensational triumph, an unbroken record, and a lasting legacy that continues to impact the world of sportfishing, ultimately keeping the spirit of Richard Tate’s record alive.



Rapala extends premier sponsorship with B.A.S.S. through 2026

Brian Carter
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Rapala extends premier sponsorship with B.A.S.S. through 2026

January 4, 2024

Rapala extends premier sponsorship with B.A.S.S. through 2026

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Rapala, a Minnesota-based company and one of the world’s foremost makers of premium lures, terminal tackle and fishing accessories, has extended its premier sponsorship of B.A.S.S., signing a new three-year deal through 2026.

In addition to continuing to serve as the title sponsor of the mega-popular Rapala Bassmaster Fantasy Fishing program as it has for the past four years, Rapala will continue its sponsorship of the Monster Bag contingency, which pays $2,000 to the angler with the heaviest single-day bag during all regular-season Bassmaster Elite Series events and $7,000 for the same feat during the Bassmaster Classic.

“We’ve had a fantastic partnership with Rapala for several years that just keeps evolving,” said B.A.S.S. CEO Chase Anderson. “Their involvement with Fantasy Fishing and the Monster Bag award — and really their participation at all levels of B.A.S.S. — has been mutually beneficial for both companies and for the sport in general.”

The Monster Bag contingency, which has been named after Rapala’s popular VMC line of hooks in the past, will now be called the “Rapala CrushCity Monster Bag” after a new line of Rapala soft plastics that includes baits like the Ned BLT, the Cleanup Craw, the Bronco Bug and The Mayor.

The new plastics, along with stalwart hard baits like the DT Series crankbaits and the Original Floating Minnow, make Rapala one of the more well-rounded bait companies in the world.

“Rapala is investing heavily into product innovation for both hard baits and soft baits for tournament anglers,” said Matt Jensen, vice president of marketing for Rapala. “With the launch of CrushCity, we couldn’t be more excited for our newly renewed contract with B.A.S.S. and all the new promotions that come with it. Rapala and Bassmaster have put together a super-fun program to promote our highest level of products and to introduce all anglers to the excitement around CrushCity!”

Rapala will be a premier sponsor for the Bassmaster Classic, Bassmaster Elite Series, St. Croix Bassmaster Opens, Strike King Bassmaster College Series presented by Bass Pro Shops, Strike King Bassmaster High School Series, Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Team Championship and the grass-roots Mercury B.A.S.S. Nation Qualifier Series presented by Lowrance and championship tournaments.

The company will be highlighted during Bassmaster LIVE, which will be streamed daily this year during the Bassmaster Classic, Bassmaster Elite Series events and Bassmaster Opens on Bassmaster.com and broadcast Saturday and Sunday mornings on the FOX Sports platforms. Rapala will also enjoy exposure in Bassmaster and B.A.S.S. Times magazines and across B.A.S.S.’s industry-leading social media platforms.

With the 2024 Elite Series season set to begin Feb. 22 at Toledo Bend Reservoir in Many, La., registration is already open for Rapala Bassmaster Fantasy Fishing at Bassmasterfantasy.com. Throughout the season, the winner of each individual tournament will receive a prize package that is worth $4,000 or $4,500 depending on whether the winner is a B.A.S.S. member. The grand prize winner will take home a $15,000 Bass Pro Shops gift card, $5,000 cash, a Rapala prize package and a trip package to the 2025 Bassmaster Classic.



WON Bass adds more partnerships, prizes for 2024 Open Tournaments

Brian Carter
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WON Bass adds more partnerships, prizes for 2024 Open Tournaments

WON Bass adds more partnerships, prizes for 2024 Open Tournaments
Bass Pro Shops, Ranger Boats, and Bridgford Foods Step Up for Western Anglers

San Clemente, Calif. – January 3, 2024 –– In addition to the partnership with Bassmaster, WON Bass, a division of Western Outdoor News announces a new prize boat partnership for the 2024 WON Bass Western Opens Series of events, and a new partner for the WON Bass Angler of the Year prize.

In 2024 the WON Bass Western Opens Series will include five Pro-Am style events that will be held in California, Nevada and Arizona. Thanks to Bass Pro Shops, Ranger Boats, and Mercury Marine, each WON Bass event will feature a Ranger / Mercury prize boat for the pro winner.

The partnership with Bass Pro Shops and Ranger Boats signals their strong commitment to the region and the anglers who make up The West. It provides seamless continuity between the WON Bass Customer base and one of the largest dealer networks made up of Bass Pro Shops locations and Ranger Boats Independent Dealers as well.

Along with the support factor, the new partnership directly improves earnings potential for the competitors through the contingency programs offered by Ranger Boats. WON Bass will now feature the Ranger Cup program as well as Nitro Rewards and Triton Gold.

Along with the news of Bass Pro Shops and Ranger Boats, longtime WON Bass partner and of bass fishing in general, Bridgford Foods has renewed for their “Bridgford in the Boat” promotion for all of the 2024 WON Bass Opens Series events, but they have also agreed to provide a $10,000 prize to the 2024 WON Bass Pro Angler of the Year.

“We are excited to announce our multi-year partnership with Bass Pro Shops and Ranger Boats, the Ranger Boats / Mercury prize boats will be welcomed by the field and provide our anglers with more value, as well as more service availability,” said WON Bass tournament director Billy Egan.  “We are also very happy to renew and extend our partnership with Bridgford Foods, they are a great partner and care about the industry and its anglers.

“These great companies are among the best in their industries and WON Bass is grateful for their partnerships.”

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

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, look to wonbassevents.com and WONews.com to hear the latest news about the 2024 season and beyond at Facebook.com/WONBassTournaments.



Richard Tate’s 16 lb 4 oz Largemouth Bass: The Record That Still Stands After More Than 30 Years

Brian Carter
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Richard Tate’s 16 lb 4 oz Largemouth Bass: The Record That Still Stands After More Than 30 Years

Introduction:
Tales of the one big catch have graced campfires and dining room conversations, turning ordinary people into legends overnight. Virginia’s quiet Lake Conner has one such tale–that of Richard Tate, an angler who reeled in a fish larger than life.

The Legacy of Lake Conner:
In Halifax County, Virginia, bordered by luscious forests and clear skies, Lake Conner tells its own tale of a remarkable catch that has confounded anglers for over 20 years. Built in 1960 as a water supply reservoir, this petite 77-acre lake, managed by the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, proved its potential as an angler’s paradise offering a healthy population of largemouth bass, bluegill, redear sunfish, and channel catfish.

The Man and The Moment:
On the spring morning of April 16, 1985, Richard Tate, brimming with patience and finesse, cast his line into the tranquil Lake Conner. Unbeknownst to him, he was on the brink of angling history. The day went by as any other, the wheel of time spinning unnoticed, until a tug on his line snapped him back to reality. He had hooked a gigantic largemouth bass that would mark the threshold of his life as an angler.

An Epic Struggle Unfolds:
The experience of reeling in a mammoth fish often veers towards the extraordinary, entering the realm of mythology. Richard’s encounter with the largemouth bass was no less tantalizing. The fish dove deep into the water, thrashing and twisting with defiance, challenging Richard’s strength and endurance. An hour of intense struggle, beads of sweat trickling down Richard’s forehead, the crowd holding its breath, everything hung in a spellbinding balance. Finally, Richard Tate emerged victorious with an unbelievable prize – a 16 lb 4 oz behemoth, a largemouth bass hitherto undocumented in Virginia’s sport-fishing records.

The Unruffled Record:
Richard Tate’s monumental catch went on to be officially documented as the largest largemouth bass ever caught in Virginia, etching his name permanently into the state records. Over two decades have passed, but his record remains unbroken to this day. The closest contenders from Briery Creek Lake, with catches weighing 16 lb 3 oz and 16 lb 2 oz, fell but a hair short of claiming Richard’s hard-earned title.

Reverberations of Richard’s Catch:
Beyond the sheer size of the largemouth bass, Richard’s record embodies a deep-seated testament to the thrill and dedication inherent in the sport of fishing. Anglers far and wide drew inspiration from his determination, their hands itching to cast reels and hearts longing to unlock the lake’s mystery, hoping to make their mark in the face of Richard’s legacy.

Conclusion:
As the sun dips, casting long shadows and painting the waters of Lake Conner in picturesque hues, one can almost picture Richard’s boat rocking gently on the surface. His spirit of perseverance continues to ripple through Virginia’s angling community even today. Tales of Richard Tate and his colossal largemouth bass are told and retold, his legend as enduring as his record, the memory of that day serving as a relentless challenge to anglers, echoing the tantalizing possibility of achieving the extraordinary.



NPAA Conference LIVESTREAM This Weekend

Brian Carter
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NPAA Conference LIVESTREAM This Weekend
NPAA Conference LIVESTREAM This Weekend
Free livestream features educational seminars around the topic “Taking Passion To Profession!” in the Sportfishing Business – Experts in Diverse Fields from Tournament Angling, to the Tackle/Endorsement Business, to Artificial Intelligence
Forestville, WI (January 3, 2024) – The National Professional Anglers Association (NPAA) Annual Conference gets underway in Fort Myers, Florida, in just a couple days, and the organization wants the angling world to know its featured seminars will livestream (Facebook and YouTube) on Saturday, January 7, free of charge for all to take advantage of and enjoy.Beginning Friday and continuing through Sunday, this year’s conference theme is “Taking Passion To Profession!,” and it features an all-star line-up whose wisdom, experience, and professionalism speaks for itself.“Those earning a living in the sportfishing industry – or aspiring to do so – will really benefit from listening to our speakers,” says NPAA president Patrick Neu. “This is your chance to see, hear, and learn how leading pros in the sportfishing community do business. Quite simply, they’ll be talking about how to turn your passion into positive branding with professionalism and make more money doing what you love to do. Those two topics certainly dovetail in this industry, making this a great opportunity to watch and learn online.”
The digital feed kicks off at 9 a.m. (EST) with winning professional bass angler, Justin Lucas’ featured presentation “Taking Passion to Profession as a Professional Angler,” and continues to tackle industry veteran, Eric Naig’s seminar, “How to Create Value and Drive Sales For Your Fishing Tackle Partner” starting at 10:15 a.m. 
At 11:15 a.m. you’ll hear one of world’s foremost authorities on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and fishing content generation, Professor Sid Dobrin, explains “How Artificial Intelligence Can Help Your Fishing Business.” Given paradigm shifts in the sportfishing business, The Fishing Professor’s presentation is definitely a must-attend session. 
At 12:30 p.m. the American Sportfishing Association’s VP of Government Affairs, Mike Leonard, will talk about angler stewardship in his seminar “Get Involved Today To Ensure A Future”. 
Anchoring the list of featured speakers will be Keith Kavajecz presenting on how to take “Passion to Profession Fishing”. Keith is a superstar, veteran walleye tournament angler, Freshwater Hall of Fame member and former television co-host of The Next Bite television series. With more than 40 years in his competitive walleye fishing belt, there are few who know the fishing business inside and out as well as Kavajecz. 
The NPAA Annual Conference is open to all – you do not have to be a member to attend in person or online. For more information on the conference, check out the NPAA Conference Page.The free livestreaming on Saturday will take place on the NPAA Facebook page and on the NPAA YouTube channel. Both can be accessed by going to the platforms on Saturday morning starting at 8:45 a.m.For more information on joining the NPAA and exploring the many benefits membership provides, visit www.npaa.net.
JOIN NPAA!



A Jig for the Naturalist from Northland Fishing Tackle

Brian Carter
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A Jig for the Naturalist from Northland Fishing Tackle
A Jig for the Naturalist
Famed basser Jeff “Gussy” Gustafson collaborates with Northland Fishing Tackle to design nature’s finest Elite Series Marabou Jig.
BEMIDJI, Minn. (January 3, 2024) – Nothing beats nature. Want proof? For decades, tackle manufacturers – Northland included – have been compelled to design lures with authentic looks that gamefish flat-out eat. Just think about the detailed, sculpted baitfish heads on Northland’s Mimic Jig and new Smeltinator Jig, or lifelike patterns on Reed-Runner Frogs.That same authenticity manifests in the form of locomotion, too – how it moves in the water. And when you dip ultra-soft feathers in the water – combining nature and nature – the result is a genuine work of art. Such is the case with Northland’s new Elite Series Marabou Jig…
Northland Elite Series Marabou Jig (BLACK)
The natural, fluffy material is a mainstay for fly-tyers aiming to create silky baits that pulse delicately in the water. An innovative few Canadian anglers also employ natural marabou feathers to craft rarified smallmouth bass jigs. Amazingly effective, but tedious to produce, these jigs have been difficult to find…until now.   Still handtied, but now produced in mass, Northland’s Elite Series Marabou Jig features premium marabou feathers meticulously wound onto a strong, shockingly sharp, Gamakatsu® hook with bait keeper. They are available in three proven, earth-toned patterns and three sizes – 1/16 oz., 3/32 oz., and 1/8-ounce.We thought it was prudent to have a real Canadian bass angler talk about the Elite Series Marabou Jig: Jeff “Gussy” Gustafson. (And, by the way, Gussy has claimed numbers of bass tournaments using handtied, workshop-made marabou jigs. Not to mention he’s the reigning Bassmaster Classic Champion, so quite qualified to speak on the subject.)
Gussy on the Origins of Marabou Jigs“Marabou jigs as tournament baits really originated in Northwest Ontario. In the late 90’s, when tournaments on Lake of the Woods and Rainy Lake really started to get popular, there were a few guides and local anglers winning with consistency. We found out later that a lot successes for guys like the Lindsay brothers, Joe Pritchett, and Hiram Archibald in particular were utilizing these finesse jigs. They made their own, built on a quality hook and mostly just fished a black pattern.”“In the 2000’s, the Lindsay’s brought handmade marabou jigs to Wisconsin’s Sturgeon Bay and had several top five finishes in the competitive Sturgeon Bay Open. Eventually, the cat got out of the bag, and marabou jigs are now standard equipment for smallmouth anglers throughout the smallmouth belt, across the Midwest, on the Great Lakes, and throughout Canada.”“The problem with quality marabou jigs is that it was always hard to find them, ones capable of landing big smallmouth bass, four pound plus fish. Most of the marabou jigs were designed for crappie fishing, so the hooks were light and low quality. So, I started tying my own.”“I have tied hundreds of “fluffs” over the years and won thousands of dollars with them. I’ve tried every hook available and settled on a 604 Gamakatsu. It’s strong, yet extremely sharp and has proven capable of handling big smallies. So, we put the same hook on the new Northland Elite Series Marabou Jig.” 
BROWN
BLACK/PURPLE
The Gussy Way“The key to the system is using a longer, softer rod for casting these light jigs and providing some absorption for fighting fish and preventing hooks from tearing out. I like a 7’6″ spinning rod in a 1 or 2 power (which is a light action). A 2500 or 3000 sized spinning reel with a good drag is important and I always use 8 lb. Power Pro braid with an 8 lb. fluorocarbon leader at the business end. I like yellow braid because it’s easy to see – you’ll often see your line jump when a smallmouth slurps up your jig. The bright braid is important to the system.”“Marabou jigs are mostly a shallow water weapon. I typically use them in 12-feet or less, but have caught smallmouths and crappies dropping marabou down to fish seen on my electronics under the boat. I typically cast marabou jigs to smallmouths cruising along shallow flats. Marabou also excels at plucking smallmouths that are parked next to cover like weed clumps, logs, or boulders. Simply cast past the cover and swim the jig next to it. If there is a smallmouth hiding out, they’ll probably eat the jig.”“I’m a big fan of black and seldom deviate, but I hear stories from friends who have had great days with olive and brown. I mostly fish the 3/32 oz. size but will drop to 1/16 oz. in water under six feet or move up to an 1/8 oz. in water deeper than ten.” “Finally, when you’re retrieving an Elite Series Marabou Jig, you don’t want them to touch the bottom. My general rule is retrieving them through the middle of the water column. So, if it’s eight feet deep, I try to keep the jig around four feet below the surface. If it’s twelve feet, I like keep it at about six feet.”“People ask all the time, “what do you think the smallmouths think the hair jig is?” I use the analogy that they are like an after-dinner mint, where a spinnerbait or topwater might be like a steak. All I know is fish eat them!”
Elite Series Marabou Jig FEATURES: Handtied premium marabou feathers Premium Gamakatsu® hook with bait keeper SIZES: 1/16 oz., 3/32 oz., and 1/8 oz. COLORS: Black, Black/Purple, and Brown MSRP $8.99 (2 card)



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Texarkana’s Wright Patman Lake Set for Phoenix Bass Fishing League Regional Tournament

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200 Qualified Boaters and Strike King Co-anglers Ready to...

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