Abu Garcia Silver Max Casting Reel Review Walker Smith

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August 13, 2016

Abu Garcia Silver Max Casting Reel Review

Walker Smith

This affordable bass fishing reel is an impressive piece of equipment, regardless of the price point. It casts well, retrieves smoothly and stays smooth for thousands of casts.

Although I’m the youngest guy at Wired2Fish, I’m fairly old-school when it comes to bass fishing equipment. I make a concerted effort to keep everything as simple as possible because having expensive gear is not required to catch lots of big bass. Just a few years ago, I was a college angler with very little money to spend on the “latest and greatest” tackle; so I have a big interest in affordable fishing gear.

I’ve been using the Abu Garcia Silver Max Casting Reel for the better part of a year. It’s priced at $59.99 and performs much like many reels in the $125 to $150 price range.

Phoenix Boats Announces New Models The Editors August 11,2016

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August 13, 2016

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Phoenix Boats Announces New Models

The Editors

August 11,2016

Popular bass boat manufacturer has released its two newest models, the 921 PHX and 721 Pro XP.

Gary Clouse, President of Phoenix Boats, announced today that Phoenix Boats has introduced its two newest models, the 921 PHX and the 721 Pro XP.

The 921 PHX is 21 feet, 6 inches in length with a wide 96-inch beam just like the 921 Pro XP.

“The 921 PHX will be the flagship for the Phoenix brand,” Clouse said. “We are very excited about this new model and I am excited to run one in the Bassmaster Opens for 2017. I am sure it will be the boat of choice for many of our Elite Series pros such as Aaron Martens and Greg Hackney.”

Bass Edge’s The Edge – Episode 237 – Wesley Strader

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August 13, 2016

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Bass Edge’s The Edge – Episode 237 – Wesley Strader
August 1, 2016

2016 FLW Cup Qualifier and 2017 Bassmaster Classic Contender Wesley Strader is featured on Bass Edge Radio presented by MegaWare KeelGuard. Wesley chats about how he handles tough summertime fishing conditions.

Lucas Maintains Bassmaster Elite Series Lead After Two Days On The Potomac River

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August 12, 2016

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Lucas Maintains Bassmaster Elite Series Lead After Two Days On The Potomac River

Justin Lucas of Guntersville, Ala., maintains the lead on the second day of the Bassmaster Elite at Potomac River presented by Econo Lodge, bringing a two-day total weight of 40 pounds, 2 ounces to the scales.

Photo by Gary Tramontina/Bassmaster

August 12, 2016

Lucas Maintains Bassmaster Elite Series Lead After Two Days On The Potomac River

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CHARLES COUNTY, Md. — Throughout his young professional fishing career, Alabama angler Justin Lucas says he’s never found a spot quite like the one he’s fished the first two days of the Bassmaster Elite at Potomac River presented by Econo Lodge.

The stats back up his claims.

Lucas caught the biggest limit of the tournament for the second day in a row Friday, landing five bass that weighed 19 pounds, 14 ounces. That catch pushed his two-day mark to 40-2 and gave him a comfortable lead of nearly 6 pounds over second-place angler Brent Ehrler (34-4) as the event heads into the semifinal round Saturday.

“I’ve fished tournaments for seven years, and I’ve never had a spot like this — especially to myself,” Lucas said. “The crazy thing is that I just stumbled into it. Yesterday morning, I had no clue. Then I got a couple of 3-pound bites early that clued me in on what was happening.”

Lucas estimates the stretch is no bigger than 300 to 400 yards long. But once he hits it just right, the bites come quickly.

“I didn’t get a bite on the first half of the pass I made on it today,” he said. “So I went around and went shallower for a little bit while the tide was pushed in. The wind had the tide pushed up.

“I wasted 45 minutes doing that. But then I went back to the sweet stretch — and within an hour, it seemed like I had 15 or 16 pounds.”

As he did on Thursday when the magic spot produced 20-4, Lucas spent more time guarding the area Friday than he did fishing it. But traffic hasn’t been much of an issue.

“One other competitor came to fish something just on the other end of where I was fishing,” Lucas said. “But there were no problems at all.”

Lucas said he only spent about three hours fishing because he wanted to save some of the 3-pounders that seem to be so numerous there.

With no pressure from other boats, he believes he should easily be able to land 15 or 16 pounds from the spot the next two days.

“I hope the local guys will be respectful, but obviously they can fish where they want,” Lucas said. “I think what I’m doing is different enough and off the beaten path enough that I should be OK.”

Lucas’ limit was anchored by a 5-8 largemouth Friday. It’s an ounce shy of the tournament big-bass mark of 5-9, set on Thursday, when Lucas and Luke Clausen each weighed in bass of that size. If no one catches a bigger bass by the end of the tournament, they will share in the $1,500 Phoenix Boats Big Bass Award.

Lucas’s closest competitor is Ehrler, a fellow California native who grew up fishing tidal waters just like Lucas. Ehrler caught 17-13 on Day 1 and added 16-7 Friday to push his two-day total to 34-4.

Ehrler came into this week’s event with loads of experience on the Potomac River from his time on the FLW Tour.

“It helps having the experience here,” Ehrler said. “I’ve fished this place about as many times as I have the California Delta at home.”

Like many anglers in the field, Ehrler is targeting the Potomac’s massive grassbeds.

“I’m fishing grass for the most part — some wood, but mostly grass,” he said. “That’s what everyone’s doing here. I’m throwing moving baits in some spots and flipping in some spots.”

Instead of looking for a certain tide, Ehrler is making his decisions based on what looks right at the time.

“In certain areas, even if it’s a certain tide, it’ll be a moving bait,” Ehrler said. “In other areas, on the same tide, I’ll be flipping. I’m just changing it up a little bit.

“I really have to base it on what I see in a particular spot.”

Behind Lucas and Ehrler are Jacob Powroznik (32-12), Jason Christie (31-7), Bill Lowen (31-3) and Gerald Swindle (30-5). Swindle maintained his spot in the Top 6 with today’s catch of 14-0 and kept a comfortable lead in the Toyota Bassmaster Angler of the Year standings.

The tournament will resume Saturday with only the Top 50 remaining anglers taking part in the semifinal round. The take-off will be at 6:15 a.m. ET from Smallwood State Park. But unlike the past two days when the weigh-in was also held back at the park, Saturday’s weigh-in will be at 3 p.m. at Indian Head Pavilion on the Village Green.

2016 Bassmaster Elite at Potomac River presented by Econo Lodge 8/11-8/14
Potomac River, Charles County MD.
Standings Day 2

Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts

1. Justin Lucas Guntersville, AL 10 40-02 110
Day 1: 5 20-04 Day 2: 5 19-14
2. Brent Ehrler Newport Beach, CA 10 34-04 109
Day 1: 5 17-13 Day 2: 5 16-07
3. Jacob Powroznik Port Haywood, VA 10 32-12 108
Day 1: 5 16-09 Day 2: 5 16-03
4. Jason Christie Park Hill, OK 10 31-07 107
Day 1: 5 16-01 Day 2: 5 15-06
5. Bill Lowen Brookville, IN 10 31-03 106
Day 1: 5 16-13 Day 2: 5 14-06
6. Gerald Swindle Guntersville, AL 10 30-05 105
Day 1: 5 16-05 Day 2: 5 14-00
7. Skeet Reese Auburn, CA 10 30-02 104
Day 1: 5 11-13 Day 2: 5 18-05
8. Luke Clausen Otis Orchards, WA 10 30-02 103
Day 1: 5 17-09 Day 2: 5 12-09
9. Andy Montgomery Blacksburg, SC 10 30-02 102
Day 1: 5 13-08 Day 2: 5 16-10
10. Jordan Lee Grant, AL 10 30-00 101
Day 1: 5 13-04 Day 2: 5 16-12
11. Koby Kreiger Bokeelia, FL 10 30-00 100
Day 1: 5 13-10 Day 2: 5 16-06
12. Keith Combs Huntington, TX 10 28-05 99
Day 1: 5 14-13 Day 2: 5 13-08
13. Bobby Lane Jr. Lakeland, FL 10 28-02 98
Day 1: 5 17-04 Day 2: 5 10-14
14. Randall Tharp Port St. Joe, FL 10 27-13 97
Day 1: 5 14-12 Day 2: 5 13-01
15. Greg Hackney Gonzales, LA 10 27-12 96
Day 1: 5 14-07 Day 2: 5 13-05
16. Jason Williamson Wagener, SC 10 27-10 95
Day 1: 5 13-13 Day 2: 5 13-13
17. Clifford Pirch Payson, AZ 10 27-08 94
Day 1: 5 14-05 Day 2: 5 13-03
18. Fred Roumbanis Bixby, OK 10 27-08 93
Day 1: 5 13-08 Day 2: 5 14-00
19. Mark Davis Mount Ida, AR 10 27-01 92
Day 1: 5 14-04 Day 2: 5 12-13
20. Brett Hite Phoenix, AZ 10 26-01 91
Day 1: 5 11-04 Day 2: 5 14-13
21. Edwin Evers Talala, OK 10 26-00 90
Day 1: 5 14-05 Day 2: 5 11-11
22. Davy Hite Ninety Six, SC 10 26-00 89
Day 1: 5 12-08 Day 2: 5 13-08
23. Greg Vinson Wetumpka, AL 10 25-13 88
Day 1: 5 13-15 Day 2: 5 11-14
24. Todd Faircloth Jasper, TX 10 25-12 87
Day 1: 5 14-11 Day 2: 5 11-01
25. Keith Poche Pike Road, AL 10 25-10 86
Day 1: 5 13-02 Day 2: 5 12-08
26. Chris Zaldain Laughlin, NV 10 24-14 85
Day 1: 5 10-11 Day 2: 5 14-03
27. Chris Lane Guntersville, AL 10 24-09 84
Day 1: 5 11-11 Day 2: 5 12-14
28. Bradley Roy Lancaster, KY 10 24-07 83
Day 1: 5 14-02 Day 2: 5 10-05
29. Chad Grigsby Maple Grove, MN 10 24-03 82
Day 1: 5 11-11 Day 2: 5 12-08
30. Cliff Pace Petal, MS 10 24-02 81
Day 1: 5 14-03 Day 2: 5 09-15
31. Brandon Lester Fayetteville, TN 10 24-02 80
Day 1: 5 13-01 Day 2: 5 11-01
32. Steve Kennedy Auburn, AL 10 24-02 79
Day 1: 5 11-13 Day 2: 5 12-05
33. Fletcher Shryock New Philadelphia, OH 9 24-00 78
Day 1: 5 14-04 Day 2: 4 09-12
34. Mike McClelland Bella Vista, AR 9 24-00 77
Day 1: 4 11-04 Day 2: 5 12-12
35. Aaron Martens Leeds, AL 10 23-07 76
Day 1: 5 09-15 Day 2: 5 13-08
36. Hank Cherry Jr Maiden, NC 10 23-06 75
Day 1: 5 12-15 Day 2: 5 10-07
37. David Walker Sevierville, TN 10 23-06 74
Day 1: 5 12-03 Day 2: 5 11-03
38. Jeff Kriet Ardmore, OK 10 22-14 73
Day 1: 5 11-13 Day 2: 5 11-01
39. Chad Morgenthaler Reeds Spring, MO 7 22-13 72
Day 1: 2 07-12 Day 2: 5 15-01
40. Brian Snowden Reeds Spring, MO 10 22-12 71
Day 1: 5 11-06 Day 2: 5 11-06
41. Alton Jones Lorena, TX 9 22-07 70
Day 1: 4 08-12 Day 2: 5 13-11
42. Shaw Grigsby Jr. Gainesville, FL 8 22-05 69
Day 1: 5 14-12 Day 2: 3 07-09
43. Stephen Browning Hot Springs, AR 8 22-02 68
Day 1: 4 10-04 Day 2: 4 11-14
44. Tommy Biffle Wagoner, OK 10 22-00 67
Day 1: 5 11-03 Day 2: 5 10-13
45. Drew Benton Panama City, FL 8 21-14 66
Day 1: 3 07-05 Day 2: 5 14-09
46. Jared Lintner Arroyo Grande, CA 6 21-10 65
Day 1: 1 02-01 Day 2: 5 19-09
47. Casey Ashley Donalds, SC 10 21-06 64
Day 1: 5 11-07 Day 2: 5 09-15
48. David Williams Newton, NC 10 20-14 63
Day 1: 5 09-11 Day 2: 5 11-03
49. Kelly Jordon Flint, TX 8 20-12 62
Day 1: 5 12-11 Day 2: 3 08-01
50. Tim Horton Muscle Shoals, AL 10 20-06 61
Day 1: 5 10-03 Day 2: 5 10-03
51. Ott DeFoe Knoxville, TN 10 20-00 60
Day 1: 5 11-13 Day 2: 5 08-03
52. Paul Mueller Naugatuck, CT 10 19-15 59
Day 1: 5 14-06 Day 2: 5 05-09
53. Michael Iaconelli Pitts Grove, NJ 7 19-13 58
Day 1: 5 16-01 Day 2: 2 03-12
54. Gary Klein Weatherford, TX 10 19-13 57
Day 1: 5 09-08 Day 2: 5 10-05
55. Dean Rojas Lake Havasu City, AZ 10 19-07 56
Day 1: 5 10-12 Day 2: 5 08-11
56. Boyd Duckett Guntersville, AL 8 19-05 55
Day 1: 4 06-02 Day 2: 4 13-03
57. James Elam Tulsa, OK 10 19-05 54
Day 1: 5 11-14 Day 2: 5 07-07
58. Brandon Palaniuk Rathdrum, ID 8 18-12 53
Day 1: 5 10-13 Day 2: 3 07-15
59. J Todd Tucker Moultrie, GA 8 18-11 52
Day 1: 5 12-09 Day 2: 3 06-02
60. Cliff Prince Palatka, FL 9 18-11 51
Day 1: 4 07-04 Day 2: 5 11-07
61. Britt Myers Lake Wylie, SC 7 18-10 50
Day 1: 2 03-06 Day 2: 5 15-04
62. Jonathon VanDam Kalamazoo, MI 8 18-10 49
Day 1: 3 03-14 Day 2: 5 14-12
63. Brett Preuett Monroe, LA 6 18-05 48
Day 1: 1 03-12 Day 2: 5 14-09
64. Cliff Crochet Pierre Part, LA 9 18-02 47
Day 1: 5 10-01 Day 2: 4 08-01
65. Micah Frazier Newnan, GA 7 18-00 46
Day 1: 5 10-14 Day 2: 2 07-02
66. Billy McCaghren Jr Mayflower, AR 9 17-14 45
Day 1: 5 10-03 Day 2: 4 07-11
67. Scott Rook Little Rock, AR 9 17-10 44
Day 1: 5 09-07 Day 2: 4 08-03
68. Brent Chapman Lake Quivira, KS 9 17-09 43
Day 1: 5 10-15 Day 2: 4 06-10
69. Rick Clunn Ava, MO 9 17-08 42
Day 1: 4 07-01 Day 2: 5 10-07
70. David Mullins Mt Carmel, TN 10 17-05 41
Day 1: 5 09-14 Day 2: 5 07-07
71. Mark Menendez Paducah, KY 6 17-05 40
Day 1: 3 08-07 Day 2: 3 08-14
72. Yusuke Miyazaki Forney, TX 7 17-04 39
Day 1: 4 11-01 Day 2: 3 06-03
73. Morizo Shimizu Suita, Osaka JAPAN 7 17-00 38
Day 1: 4 11-06 Day 2: 3 05-10
74. Josh Bertrand Gilbert, AZ 10 16-11 37
Day 1: 5 04-15 Day 2: 5 11-12
75. Dennis Tietje Roanoke, LA 8 16-09 36
Day 1: 5 12-04 Day 2: 3 04-05
76. Kelley Jaye Dadeville, AL 8 16-04 35
Day 1: 3 03-09 Day 2: 5 12-11
77. Fabian Rodriguez Ocean City, DE 8 16-02 34
Day 1: 5 11-08 Day 2: 3 04-10
78. Paul Elias Laurel, MS 7 15-10 33
Day 1: 2 05-05 Day 2: 5 10-05
79. Ish Monroe Hughson, CA 8 15-08 32
Day 1: 5 10-01 Day 2: 3 05-07
80. Brandon Coulter Knoxville, TN 7 15-07 31
Day 1: 4 08-11 Day 2: 3 06-12
81. Kotaro Kiriyama Moody, AL 6 15-04 30
Day 1: 5 12-10 Day 2: 1 02-10
82. Dave Lefebre Erie, PA 7 15-02 29
Day 1: 4 08-07 Day 2: 3 06-11
83. Matt Lee Guntersville, AL 6 14-12 28
Day 1: 1 03-10 Day 2: 5 11-02
84. Russ Lane Prattville, AL 6 13-12 27
Day 1: 4 08-11 Day 2: 2 05-01
85. Seth Feider Bloomington, MN 6 13-03 26
Day 1: 1 02-05 Day 2: 5 10-14
86. Casey Scanlon Rocky Mount, MO 6 13-03 25
Day 1: 3 07-12 Day 2: 3 05-07
87. James Niggemeyer Van, TX 8 12-13 24
Day 1: 5 07-15 Day 2: 3 04-14
88. Brandon Card Caryville, TN 4 12-11 23
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 4 12-11
89. Carl Jocumsen Queensland TX AUSTRALIA 6 12-09 22
Day 1: 5 11-04 Day 2: 1 01-05
90. John Crews Jr Salem, VA 8 12-03 21
Day 1: 5 07-12 Day 2: 3 04-07
91. Chad Pipkens Lansing, MI 9 12-02 20
Day 1: 5 07-11 Day 2: 4 04-07
92. Shane Lineberger Lincolnton, NC 6 11-15 19
Day 1: 2 02-13 Day 2: 4 09-02
93. Takahiro Omori Emory, TX 7 11-07 18
Day 1: 5 07-07 Day 2: 2 04-00
94. Matt Herren Ashville, AL 5 11-05 17
Day 1: 2 05-04 Day 2: 3 06-01
95. Adrian Avena Vineland, NJ 4 10-14 16
Day 1: 4 10-14 Day 2: 0 00-00
96. Randy Allen Shreveport, LA 4 09-12 15
Day 1: 3 06-12 Day 2: 1 03-00
97. Marty Robinson Lyman, SC 4 09-10 14
Day 1: 1 03-05 Day 2: 3 06-05
98. John Murray Spring City, TN 5 09-08 13
Day 1: 5 09-08 Day 2: 0 00-00
99. Kevin VanDam Kalamazoo, MI 5 08-03 12
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 5 08-03
100. Terry Scroggins San Mateo, FL 3 07-13 11
Day 1: 1 02-13 Day 2: 2 05-00
101. Brock Mosley Collinsville, MS 5 06-13 10
Day 1: 4 04-10 Day 2: 1 02-03
102. Randy Howell Guntersville, AL 2 06-08 9
Day 1: 2 06-08 Day 2: 0 00-00
103. John Hunter Jr Shelbyville, KY 4 06-03 8
Day 1: 3 04-04 Day 2: 1 01-15
104. Ken Iyobe Tokoname Aichi JAPAN 3 05-03 7
Day 1: 2 02-07 Day 2: 1 02-12
105. Clent Davis Montevallo, AL 2 04-11 6
Day 1: 2 04-11 Day 2: 0 00-00
106. Bernie Schultz Gainesville, FL 1 03-01 5
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 1 03-01
107. Jay Brainard Enid, OK 1 02-13 4
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 1 02-13
———————————————————————–
Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 69 440 1074-10
2 63 424 1035-15
———————————-
132 864 2110-09

Minn Kota® Introduces New PowerDrive® Motors for 2017

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August 12, 2016

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Minn Kota^® Introduces New PowerDrive^® Motors for 2017

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Racine, WI (August 12, 2016): Minn Kota^® announces the introduction of new PowerDrive^® motors. Rugged and reliable PowerDrive^® and Riptide^® PowerDrive^®trolling motors have been made even better with a host of improvements, including new aesthetics, redesigned foot pedal* and Bluetooth^® wireless communication.

New PowerDrive^® shown

Bluetooth enables compatibility with the new i-Pilot system featuring a redesigned remote and reinvented Spot-Lock, the most accurate electronic GPS anchor ever and also extends trolling motor controls to a phone app.

New PowerDrive and Riptide PowerDrive* motors are available in 12- and 24-volt models, with 45-, 55-, and 70 lbs. thrust, and 48-, 54-, and 60-inch shaft lengths. The new product launch also includes two models specifically designed for pontoon use with 48-inch shaft length, and either 54- or 68 lbs. thrust. Product will be available in late fall, 2016.

PowerDrive MSRP: $529.99 – $1349.99

Riptide PowerDrive MSRP: $869.99 – $1369.99

*Riptide PowerDrive models come standard with CoPilot, foot pedal sold separately. PowerDrive and Riptide PowerDrive models with i-Pilot pre-installed are not available with foot pedal.

For more information, visit minnkotamotors.com, contact Minn Kota, P.O. Box 8129, Mankato, MN 56002, or call 800-227-6433.

PLAINFIELD MAN WINS $5,000 PLAYING FLW FANTASY FISHING

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August 12, 2016

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PLAINFIELD MAN WINS $5,000 PLAYING FLW FANTASY FISHING

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MINNEAPOLIS (Aug. 11, 2016) – Lajos Draviczki of Plainfield, Illinois, correctly picked seven of the top 10 finishers at last week’s Forrest Wood Cup championship on Wheeler Lake presented by Walmart. For his picks, Draviczki won $5,000 by playing FLW Fantasy Fishing, held in conjunction with the tournament.

“I’ve been playing FLW Fantasy Fishing since its inception,” said Draviczki. “I’ve always been an advocate of the organization’s online tools when picking my teams. There’s a ton of information. It was really the years of learning about anglers, lakes and patterns that got me to where I am.

“For the first part of my team, I chose anglers who excel in the summer,” Draviczki continued. “It’s a tough event, so Jacob Wheeler was a no-brainer. Quaker State pro Scott Canterbury was my second choice. He’s a local and has done well on Wheeler Lake. Third, I went with Quaker State pro Matt Arey. He was the one who I thought would win it all. He’s been on fire lately.”

Draviczki said he went on to choose Walmart pro Mark Rose and Michael Neal for their knowledge of Tennessee River fisheries.

“Not having them on your team would’ve been a mistake,” said Draviczki. “That was a common-sense decision for me.”

Draviczki said he added a few “sleeper picks” to anchor his team, or anglers who have a lot of potential to do well.

“Guys like Jeremy Lawyer and Bill Chapman ended up carrying my team,” said Draviczki. “There wasn’t a ton of information on them, but I did my homework and they were the difference makers.”

Finishing in second place was Steve Reed of San Francisco, California, who won $1,000, and in third place was Darryl Sanchez of Trenton, Florida, who won $500.

Several other winners from across the globe took home prizes including cash, ShopFLW gift cards, hats and baits.

The 2016 Fantasy Fishing season consists of seven tournaments surrounding the Walmart FLW Tour regular season as well as the season-ending Forrest Wood Cup, the world championship of bass fishing. Fans compete for more than $7,000 in cash and prizes from each of the six tournaments and a top prize of $5,000. The cumulative grand prize for the highest ranked player at the end of the season was $10,000.

For 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.

Bass Edge’s The Edge – Episode 236 – Bryan Schmitt

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August 12, 2016

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Bass Edge’s The Edge – Episode 236 – Bryan Schmitt

July 15, 2016 at 1:00 AM
FLW Tour Pro and 2016 Forrest Wood Cup Qualifier Bryan Schmitt is featured on Bass Edge Radio presented by MegaWare KeelGuard. Kurt and Aaron discuss Bryan’s success on unfamiliar waters and Bryan provides details on his approach.

Lucas Takes Early Lead On The Potomac River With ‘One Special Place’

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August 11, 2016

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Lucas Takes Early Lead On The Potomac River With ‘One Special Place’

Justin Lucas of Guntersville, Ala., takes the lead on the first day of the Bassmaster Elite at Potomac River presented by Econo Lodge, bringing 20 pounds, 4 ounces to the scales on Thursday.

Photo by Gary Tramontina/Bassmaster

August 11, 2016

Lucas Takes Early Lead On The Potomac River With ‘One Special Place’

CHARLES COUNTY, Md. — There has been a lot of talk the past few years about the declining quality of bass fishing on the Potomac River.

But on Thursday, the best bass fishermen in the world proved there is still plenty of hope for the famed fishery.

Things were especially good for Alabama pro Justin Lucas.

Lucas caught five bass that weighed 20 pounds, 4 ounces, off “one special place” to take the lead in the Bassmaster Elite at Potomac River presented by Econo Lodge. California angler Brent Ehrler is second with 17-13, and Washington pro Luke Clausen is third with 17- 9.

The Top 62 anglers in the 107-angler field caught at least 10 pounds of bass.

“I think the river has taken a little hit the last couple of years, but there’s more grass growing this year than there has been the past two or three years,” Lucas said. “That really helps the weights in a tournament.

“The bass get up in there and eat bluegill and whatever baitfish they can — and it fattens them up.”

Lucas worked his Day 1 magic in one spot that he was surprised to have to himself.

“At certain times of the year, I think the place I’m fishing is a pretty popular place,” Lucas said. “But this time of year, I don’t think it is. I only saw one other boat all day, and that was surprising.

“I stayed there almost until the end of the day — just guarding it more than anything.”
With three days left to fish, Lucas wouldn’t say which lures he was using. He only said he was fishing “West Coast style.”

He also wouldn’t say which stage of the tide was best for him during the opening round. But he did say his experience fishing tidal fisheries in his native California played a role in his success.

“This is so different from a place like the California Delta,” said Lucas, who won the 2015 Elite on the California Delta with 82-14. “Honestly, other than the fact that the water goes in and out every day a couple of feet, they’re just two totally different places.

“But the understanding of how to fish tidal waters is definitely helpful.”

Lucas is hoping that other anglers will stay away from his magic spot as Day 2 begins Friday — and he can’t afford to let up with six anglers within 4 pounds of him.

One of those anglers is Alabama pro Gerald Swindle, the current leader in the Toyota Bassmaster Angler of the Year standings.

Swindle said he believed his day was one of those that was “just meant to happen.”

“Anybody who looks at my weight and thinks I really caught them, needs to talk to my marshal,” said Swindle, who brought in 16-5 to land in seventh place. “It was a grind. At one point, I told (my marshal) ‘I ain’t getting no bites; I’m lost; I’ve burned 30 gallons of gas.’ It was just tough.”

But then, things eventually worked out.

“It was truly a blessing,” said Swindle, who caught most of his fish late after a day-long struggle. “I don’t really get all sappy about crazy stuff like that. But I believe sometimes, when you’re meant to catch them, you’re just meant to catch them.”

Swindle’s catch increased his lead in the AOY battle to 44 points over Keith Combs. Jacob Powroznik is in third place 51 points back, and Randall Tharp is 69 points back in fourth.

The anglers’ catches were especially impressive, considering the tournament was very much in doubt back in March because of biologists’ concerns that the bass fishery is declining.

New state regulations in Maryland would have only allowed anglers to weigh in five bass per day, 12 inches or longer, with only one that measured 15 inches or longer. The regulations caused B.A.S.S. officials to consider canceling the event.

But an alternative plan was reached that allowed anglers to weigh five bass that measure at least 12 inches with no maximum size limit.

Special fish care measures were observed during the first round, including an expedited weigh-in that lasted less than 90 minutes.

The tournament will resume Friday with takeoff from Smallwood State Park at 6:15 a.m. ET. The weigh-in will be held back at the park at 3 p.m.

2016 Bassmaster Elite at Potomac River presented by Econo Lodge 8/11-8/14
Potomac River, Charles County MD.
Standings Day 1

Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts

1. Justin Lucas Guntersville, AL 5 20-04 110
Day 1: 5 20-04
2. Brent Ehrler Newport Beach, CA 5 17-13 109
Day 1: 5 17-13
3. Luke Clausen Otis Orchards, WA 5 17-09 108
Day 1: 5 17-09
4. Bobby Lane Jr. Lakeland, FL 5 17-04 107
Day 1: 5 17-04
5. Bill Lowen Brookville, IN 5 16-13 106
Day 1: 5 16-13
6. Jacob Powroznik Port Haywood, VA 5 16-09 105
Day 1: 5 16-09
7. Gerald Swindle Guntersville, AL 5 16-05 104
Day 1: 5 16-05
8. Jason Christie Park Hill, OK 5 16-01 103
Day 1: 5 16-01
8. Michael Iaconelli Pitts Grove, NJ 5 16-01 103
Day 1: 5 16-01
10. Keith Combs Huntington, TX 5 14-13 101
Day 1: 5 14-13
11. Randall Tharp Port St. Joe, FL 5 14-12 100
Day 1: 5 14-12
12. Shaw Grigsby Jr. Gainesville, FL 5 14-12 99
Day 1: 5 14-12
13. Todd Faircloth Jasper, TX 5 14-11 98
Day 1: 5 14-11
14. Greg Hackney Gonzales, LA 5 14-07 97
Day 1: 5 14-07
15. Paul Mueller Naugatuck, CT 5 14-06 96
Day 1: 5 14-06
16. Edwin Evers Talala, OK 5 14-05 95
Day 1: 5 14-05
16. Clifford Pirch Payson, AZ 5 14-05 95
Day 1: 5 14-05
18. Mark Davis Mount Ida, AR 5 14-04 93
Day 1: 5 14-04
18. Fletcher Shryock New Philadelphia, OH 5 14-04 93
Day 1: 5 14-04
20. Cliff Pace Petal, MS 5 14-03 91
Day 1: 5 14-03
21. Bradley Roy Lancaster, KY 5 14-02 90
Day 1: 5 14-02
22. Greg Vinson Wetumpka, AL 5 13-15 89
Day 1: 5 13-15
23. Jason Williamson Wagener, SC 5 13-13 88
Day 1: 5 13-13
24. Koby Kreiger Bokeelia, FL 5 13-10 87
Day 1: 5 13-10
25. Andy Montgomery Blacksburg, SC 5 13-08 86
Day 1: 5 13-08
25. Fred Roumbanis Bixby, OK 5 13-08 86
Day 1: 5 13-08
27. Jordan Lee Grant, AL 5 13-04 84
Day 1: 5 13-04
28. Keith Poche Pike Road, AL 5 13-02 83
Day 1: 5 13-02
29. Brandon Lester Fayetteville, TN 5 13-01 82
Day 1: 5 13-01
30. Hank Cherry Jr Maiden, NC 5 12-15 81
Day 1: 5 12-15
31. Kelly Jordon Flint, TX 5 12-11 80
Day 1: 5 12-11
32. Kotaro Kiriyama Moody, AL 5 12-10 79
Day 1: 5 12-10
33. J Todd Tucker Moultrie, GA 5 12-09 78
Day 1: 5 12-09
34. Davy Hite Ninety Six, SC 5 12-08 77
Day 1: 5 12-08
35. Dennis Tietje Roanoke, LA 5 12-04 76
Day 1: 5 12-04
36. David Walker Sevierville, TN 5 12-03 75
Day 1: 5 12-03
37. James Elam Tulsa, OK 5 11-14 74
Day 1: 5 11-14
38. Ott DeFoe Knoxville, TN 5 11-13 73
Day 1: 5 11-13
38. Steve Kennedy Auburn, AL 5 11-13 73
Day 1: 5 11-13
38. Jeff Kriet Ardmore, OK 5 11-13 73
Day 1: 5 11-13
38. Skeet Reese Auburn, CA 5 11-13 73
Day 1: 5 11-13
42. Chad Grigsby Maple Grove, MN 5 11-11 69
Day 1: 5 11-11
42. Chris Lane Guntersville, AL 5 11-11 69
Day 1: 5 11-11
44. Fabian Rodriguez Ocean City, DE 5 11-08 67
Day 1: 5 11-08
45. Casey Ashley Donalds, SC 5 11-07 66
Day 1: 5 11-07
46. Brian Snowden Reeds Spring, MO 5 11-06 65
Day 1: 5 11-06
47. Morizo Shimizu Suita, Osaka JAPAN 4 11-06 64
Day 1: 4 11-06
48. Brett Hite Phoenix, AZ 5 11-04 63
Day 1: 5 11-04
48. Carl Jocumsen Queensland TX AUSTRALIA 5 11-04 63
Day 1: 5 11-04
50. Mike McClelland Bella Vista, AR 4 11-04 61
Day 1: 4 11-04
51. Tommy Biffle Wagoner, OK 5 11-03 60
Day 1: 5 11-03
52. Yusuke Miyazaki Forney, TX 4 11-01 59
Day 1: 4 11-01
53. Brent Chapman Lake Quivira, KS 5 10-15 58
Day 1: 5 10-15
54. Micah Frazier Newnan, GA 5 10-14 57
Day 1: 5 10-14
55. Adrian Avena Vineland, NJ 4 10-14 56
Day 1: 4 10-14
56. Brandon Palaniuk Rathdrum, ID 5 10-13 55
Day 1: 5 10-13
57. Dean Rojas Lake Havasu City, AZ 5 10-12 54
Day 1: 5 10-12
58. Chris Zaldain Laughlin, NV 5 10-11 53
Day 1: 5 10-11
59. Stephen Browning Hot Springs, AR 4 10-04 52
Day 1: 4 10-04
60. Tim Horton Muscle Shoals, AL 5 10-03 51
Day 1: 5 10-03
60. Billy McCaghren Jr Mayflower, AR 5 10-03 51
Day 1: 5 10-03
62. Cliff Crochet Pierre Part, LA 5 10-01 49
Day 1: 5 10-01
62. Ish Monroe Hughson, CA 5 10-01 49
Day 1: 5 10-01
64. Aaron Martens Leeds, AL 5 09-15 47
Day 1: 5 09-15
65. David Mullins Mt Carmel, TN 5 09-14 46
Day 1: 5 09-14
66. David Williams Newton, NC 5 09-11 45
Day 1: 5 09-11
67. Gary Klein Weatherford, TX 5 09-08 44
Day 1: 5 09-08
67. John Murray Spring City, TN 5 09-08 44
Day 1: 5 09-08
69. Scott Rook Little Rock, AR 5 09-07 42
Day 1: 5 09-07
70. Alton Jones Lorena, TX 4 08-12 41
Day 1: 4 08-12
71. Brandon Coulter Knoxville, TN 4 08-11 40
Day 1: 4 08-11
72. Russ Lane Prattville, AL 4 08-11 39
Day 1: 4 08-11
73. Dave Lefebre Erie, PA 4 08-07 38
Day 1: 4 08-07
74. Mark Menendez Paducah, KY 3 08-07 37
Day 1: 3 08-07
75. James Niggemeyer Van, TX 5 07-15 36
Day 1: 5 07-15
76. John Crews Jr Salem, VA 5 07-12 35
Day 1: 5 07-12
77. Casey Scanlon Rocky Mount, MO 3 07-12 34
Day 1: 3 07-12
78. Chad Morgenthaler Reeds Spring, MO 2 07-12 33
Day 1: 2 07-12
79. Chad Pipkens Lansing, MI 5 07-11 32
Day 1: 5 07-11
80. Takahiro Omori Emory, TX 5 07-07 31
Day 1: 5 07-07
81. Drew Benton Panama City, FL 3 07-05 30
Day 1: 3 07-05
82. Cliff Prince Palatka, FL 4 07-04 29
Day 1: 4 07-04
83. Rick Clunn Ava, MO 4 07-01 28
Day 1: 4 07-01
84. Randy Allen Shreveport, LA 3 06-12 27
Day 1: 3 06-12
85. Randy Howell Guntersville, AL 2 06-08 26
Day 1: 2 06-08
86. Boyd Duckett Guntersville, AL 4 06-02 25
Day 1: 4 06-02
87. Paul Elias Laurel, MS 2 05-05 24
Day 1: 2 05-05
88. Matt Herren Ashville, AL 2 05-04 23
Day 1: 2 05-04
89. Josh Bertrand Gilbert, AZ 5 04-15 22
Day 1: 5 04-15
90. Clent Davis Montevallo, AL 2 04-11 21
Day 1: 2 04-11
91. Brock Mosley Collinsville, MS 4 04-10 20
Day 1: 4 04-10
92. John Hunter Jr Shelbyville, KY 3 04-04 19
Day 1: 3 04-04
93. Jonathon VanDam Kalamazoo, MI 3 03-14 18
Day 1: 3 03-14
94. Brett Preuett Monroe, LA 1 03-12 17
Day 1: 1 03-12
95. Matt Lee Guntersville, AL 1 03-10 16
Day 1: 1 03-10
96. Kelley Jaye Dadeville, AL 3 03-09 15
Day 1: 3 03-09
97. Britt Myers Lake Wylie, SC 2 03-06 14
Day 1: 2 03-06
98. Marty Robinson Lyman, SC 1 03-05 13
Day 1: 1 03-05
99. Shane Lineberger Lincolnton, NC 2 02-13 12
Day 1: 2 02-13
100. Terry Scroggins San Mateo, FL 1 02-13 11
Day 1: 1 02-13
101. Ken Iyobe Tokoname Aichi JAPAN 2 02-07 10
Day 1: 2 02-07
102. Seth Feider Bloomington, MN 1 02-05 9
Day 1: 1 02-05
103. Jared Lintner Arroyo Grande, CA 1 02-01 8
Day 1: 1 02-01
104. Jay Brainard Enid, OK 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
104. Brandon Card Caryville, TN 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
104. Bernie Schultz Gainesville, FL 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
104. Kevin VanDam Kalamazoo, MI 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
———————————————————————–
Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 69 440 1074-10
———————————-
69 440 1074-10

PLANO PARTNERS WITH MAJOR LEAGUE FISHING

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August 11, 2016

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PLANO PARTNERS WITH MAJOR LEAGUE FISHING

PREMIER TACKLE STORAGE BRAND TO SPONSOR ONE OF TELEVISION’S MOST POPULAR FISHING SHOWS IN 2017

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Plano, IL (August 11, 2016) – Major League Fishing (MLF), the unique, televised bass fishing competition showcasing the nation’s top professional anglers in real-time format, has quickly grown to become one of the most popular fishing show on TV. Featuring a live-action style broadcast based on in-boat cameras, officials and real-time scoring, MLF conveys and broadcasts all the action, strategies, drama and emotion of top-level competitive fishing like no other program.

“It seems like just yesterday that Gary Klein and Boyd Duckett called to discuss an idea they and some fellow anglers had for a new tournament format and fishing show,” says MLF General Manager Jim Wilburn. “We met with them, loved their live format and secret destination concept, brought our television expertise to the table and, as they say, the rest is history. Every episode literally puts the viewers right there in the boat with the pros.”

Plano, makers of the world’s most complete line of premier tackle storage products, has announced a deal that will result on the iconic brand’s sponsorship of MLF’s events and television program in 2017.

Of course, it doesn’t hurt that two of Plano’s top pro anglers are currently enjoying so much success in MLF’s star-studded field of competitors. The Bionic Basser himself, Plano pro, Kevin VanDam, finished the 2016 MLF Challenge Cup Championship Round in first place, and leads the series going into the 2017 season. Brent Ehrler, also a Plano pro, is currently third in the Cup Angler Point Rankings, which reads as a who’s who of premier professional bass anglers, from top to bottom.

“It has been amazing to watch what the MLF team has been able to accomplish in the short six years since their unique vision was implemented,” says Plano Synergy’s Vice President of Marketing, Pete Angle. “Anytime real innovation takes place in the outdoor lifestyle space where our consumers live, we want to recognize and support that,” he continues. “Major League Fishing instills true joy and a passion for fishing in its viewers, which is the exact same thing we strive to deliver to those who use Plano products.”

Major League Fishing airs on Outdoor Channel. For more information about MLF events, anglers, schedules, standings and more, visit www.majorleaguefishing.com.

Northern Open Returns To The James River

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August 11, 2016

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Northern Open Returns To The James River

Opens competitors will take on the James River during the second Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Northern Open of the season, held out of Richmond, Va., Aug. 18-20.

Photo by James Overstreet/Bassmaster

August 11, 2016

Northern Open Returns To The James River

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RICHMOND, Va. — Getting to a prime spot early and fishing it thoroughly could be the key to victory on the James River Aug. 18-20 during the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Northern Open.

That’s about the same strategy Chris Dillow relied on last year when he won the Northern Open on the James by a 9-pound margin. The Waynesboro, Va., angler stayed within about 15 minutes of the launch site and methodically worked his area with a Dillow’s Perfect Jig and a Strike King Denny Brauer Structure Jig to trigger “a couple of big bites a day.”

While other competitors banked their hopes on catching fish during the low tide, Dillow favored the high tide because it kept more water over the cover (downed trees, pilings and rocks) he was fishing. Playing the tide paid off for him as he caught a 7-pounder each day to finish with a winning weight of 50 pounds, 12 ounces.

Next week’s Open will be held more than a month later than the 2015 event, but Dillow thinks James River bass will be in the same summertime patterns, setting up on wood cover, dropoffs, creek channel bends and lily pad patches.

“I caught fish as deep as 18 feet last year, but the majority should be around 6 feet or less,” he said.

While Dillow plans to stick close to the takeoff site and fish familiar waters, he knows there will be a temptation to make the long run to a traditional summer hot spot loaded with bass.

“I’ve learned in the past that the hotter the weather, the better the ‘Chick’ (Chickahominy River) is — that’s for sure,” he said. “It’s probably going to set up pretty good for the Chick with frogs in the pads and all that stuff. I’m sure a lot of guys who make the run there have the chance to do really well in this tournament because the Chick just seems to prevail when the weather is hot.”

The Virginia angler predicts the mouth of the Appomattox River will also produce well in the summertime heat. Even though he thinks the backs of creeks should provide some good action during the tournament, Dillow avoids these areas because of the tide.

“I don’t go too far back in those creeks because it gets shallow and you have to get out of there pretty quick if the tide gets a lot lower,” he said.

Jigs will once again be a top producer during the Open, but Dillow suggests other lures will also catch plenty of James River bass.

“Topwaters may come into play when they are feeding in the morning, and I guarantee the frog (both hollow belly and toad styles) is going to be on big time,” he said.

Michael Simonton took second place last year skipping a Spro Bronzeye Frog around laydowns and under overhanging branches.

“I think a buzzbait will also come into play,” he said. He envisions plastic worms and creature baits also producing during the tournament.

Presenting lures to cover could become a challenge for some of the Northern Open contenders who rarely fish tidal currents. Dillow suggests the current can be strong in some areas, and that influences where he has to deliver his lure around cover.

“If I am up in the Chick fishing docks, I have to get my jig pretty far up in front of a dock and let it swing back down to it,” he said.

Dillow predicts the Northern Open contenders will need to catch 25 to 26 pounds the first two days to make the Top 12 final cut. He thinks the weights might be down this year, so the winner could top the pro division field with 45 pounds during the three-day event.

Anglers will take off each day at 6:30 a.m. ET at Osborne Park and Boat Landing. Weigh-ins will be held at 2:30 p.m. at Osborne Park and Boat Landing the first two days, with the final weigh-in on Saturday taking place at the Bass Pro Shops in Ashland, Va., at 3:30 p.m.

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