SRD20’s Boat Care Products work wonders on your boat and eco-friendly at the same time.
Lafayette, LA (December 20, 2023) – Like getting your car or truck detailed, the feeling of fishing or relaxing in a clean boat is hard to beat—especially when you do the work yourself.But it can be a hard decision to pick out the right soaps, wax, and surface finishing products with so many options on store shelves. And for most of us anglers and boaters, in a perfect world, we’d like to choose the most eco-friendly boat care products available.While lots of sprays, soaps, and other products claim “natural” ingredients and splash big, eye-catching logos on bottles, there’s a lot more to being really eco-friendly than what’s on the label.
“It can be hard to determine which boat care products are more or less harmful to the environment,” says SRD20 founder, Stewart Delcambre “And then there’s the processing that creates the materials that goes into the products. That can vary a lot in terms of being eco-friendly.”Unlike a lot of boat care formulas out there, American-made SRD20 uses ingredients and processes those ingredients in a manner that minimizes any potential environmental issues. For starters, SRD20 does not use solvents, opting primarily for water-based mixes and mild oils.SRD20’s Pink Soap— the central component to their complete boat care system—“is one of the of the most environmentally-friendly and biodegradable soaps that you can find on the market. It’s ‘harbor safe’ so you can use it over water,” says Delcambre.
SRD20’s Waterless Wash and Wax is also eco-friendly because you don’t have to use the gallons and gallons of water it would take with other products to do the same job.The last step in their boat cleaning kit process, SRD20 Graphene boat finishing surface protectant was designed to be safer to the environment than competitive products. So, over time, as your boat finish disintegrates into the waterways you enjoy, you don’t have to worry about pollution. “We’ve strived to create something better from day 1. Every time we have a choice in formula ingredients we always choose that one that is most eco-friendly,” adds Delcambre.And not only does SRD20 strive to produce eco-friendly products, their greater mission is to teach anglers and boaters that using SRD20’s complete boat care system leads to increased boat lifespan, keeping more vessels out of the landfill.
“We help boaters prolong their paint job, gel coat, and the overall look of the boat which leads to a longer lifespan for that vessel,” offers Delcambre. Ultimately, the SRD20 story is about one company’s choice to go a sometimes more expensive path in product design in a small attempt to help protect our waterways and fisheries. The company’s waterless formulas and straight protectants are made with the most eco-friendly ingredients that can be sourced and still offer excellent protection. Also, SRD20’s Pink Soap is designed to be used over water and biodegrade. What’s that mean to the average angler or boater?It means that when staring at a shelf of boat cleaning products, choosing SRD20 will not only keep your boat looking sparkly and new, it’ll keep your local waterways and environment free of harsh chemicals and byproducts—a future we all want as avid anglers and boaters. Sounds like a win-win. All SRD20 products are made in the USA and are available at SRD20.com and select retail locations. Some formulas are also available on Amazon.com.
It is with mixed emotions that we announce the decision to discontinue our beloved kayak series. The success of our website/brand over the last few years has prompted us to make strategic choices about where to channel our focus and energy.
While the kayak series has been a source of joy and growth for many anglers, it has become financially unsustainable for our business. Additionally, the challenges and drama of recent seasons have impacted our team’s well-being.
We understand this news may be disappointing, but we remain committed to supporting our community. We invite you to explore other kayak trail options in Virginia, and we’d love to help you find new and exciting opportunities. Visit the Bass Cast Kayak Bass Series Facebook page to find our current list.
Thanks to those who have been a part of our journey, especially our biggest supporter – Journey Outdoors. We look forward to continuing to grow and evolve with you, our bass fishing community.
Introduction: For centuries, anglers have relied on various baits to entice fish, but few have stood the test of time like the craw. Known for its lifelike appearance and irresistible action, the craw has become a staple for anglers around the world. In this blog post, we will dive deep into the creation and history of this ancient bait, exploring its origins, evolution, and why it has become a must-have for all anglers.
Origins of the Craw: The roots of the craw can be traced back to ancient times when early anglers observed the natural prey of fish and sought to replicate it. These early innovators discovered that the small crustaceans commonly known as crayfish or crawfish were a favorite food for many fish species. Thus, the idea of the craw bait was born.
Early anglers would often use live or dead crayfish as bait, attaching them to hooks to entice fish. The movement and appearance of the crayfish proved highly effective in attracting predatory fish, and this primitive form of the craw bait persisted for centuries.
Evolution of the Craw: As angling techniques advanced, so did the craw bait. In the mid-20th century, the first artificial craw baits were introduced, made from various materials such as rubber, silicone, or plastic. These baits aimed to replicate the movement and appearance of live crayfish, offering anglers a more practical and accessible alternative.
Throughout the years, manufacturers continuously refined the design of the craw bait, enhancing its realism and durability. The introduction of soft plastic materials allowed for intricate detailing, such as segmented bodies, realistic appendages, and even natural color patterns. These advancements made the artificial craw bait even more effective in fooling fish into striking.
Why the Craw Became a Staple for All Anglers: The craw’s popularity among anglers can be attributed to several key factors. Firstly, the natural appearance and lifelike movement of the bait make it highly enticing to a wide range of fish species. The craw’s segmented body, undulating claws, and twitching antennae closely mimic the actions of a live crayfish, triggering predatory instincts in fish.
Additionally, the versatility of the craw bait makes it suitable for various fishing techniques and conditions. Whether you prefer flipping and pitching, Texas rigging, or jigging, the craw can be effectively used in all these methods. Its ability to imitate a crayfish in different stages of its life, from molting to defensive postures, makes it an irresistible target for predatory fish.
Furthermore, the craw’s effectiveness is not limited to freshwater fishing alone. It has proven equally successful in saltwater environments, attracting species such as redfish, snook, and even saltwater bass. Its versatility and ability to mimic a natural food source have made it a go-to bait for anglers in both freshwater and saltwater habitats.
The craw’s popularity has also been fueled by the competitive angling scene. Professional anglers, such as Kevin VanDam and Denny Brauer, have showcased the effectiveness of the craw bait in tournaments, leading to its widespread adoption among recreational anglers. The consistent success achieved with craw baits has solidified its place as a staple in every angler’s tackle box.
Conclusion: The craw bait’s journey from its humble beginnings to becoming a beloved and indispensable bait for anglers is a testament to its effectiveness and versatility. Evolving from the use of live crayfish to highly realistic artificial imitations, the craw has consistently proven its worth in fooling fish and enticing strikes. Whether you’re targeting bass, walleye, trout, or even saltwater species, the craw bait is a reliable choice that can help you land that trophy fish. So, the next time you head out on a fishing trip, don’t forget to tie on a craw bait and experience its magic firsthand.
We have got you covered just head on over to Discount Tackle
The Castpresented by Bass Pro Shops covers the beginnings of B.A.S.S. and stories of sportfishing’s biggest stars.
Photo by B.A.S.S.
December 19, 2023
Bassmaster to debut new series on FOX Sports in 2024
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — B.A.S.S. is partnering with Bass Pro Shops on a new seven-part series documenting the untold stories and bold cast of characters who built the sportfishing industry. The Castpresented by Bass Pro Shops will air in early January 2024 on FS1 and introduce viewers to the visionaries, storytellers and superstars who made B.A.S.S. the biggest stage in fishing.
“While many people know about Ray Scott’s passion and vision for bass fishing, they don’t always know about the colorful and innovative people who were building both our organization and this industry alongside Ray,” said B.A.S.S. CEO Chase Anderson. “The Cast not only delves into Ray’s contributions to fishing and legacy of conservation, but it is a look at the people behind the evolution of tournament bass fishing from where it started in the late ’60s to the spectacle of the Bassmaster Classic, drawing more than 160,000 fans in Knoxville.”
Episodes feature interviews and personal stories never heard before from some of fishing’s most iconic voices, including Bob Cobb, Bill Dance and Roland Martin, as well as insights from personalities like former B.A.S.S. CEO Helen Sevier and longtime tournament director Trip Weldon.
“For decades B.A.S.S. and Bass Pro Shops have shared a vision to get more people on the water and fishing,” said Anderson. “I’m excited that they’re joining with us to tell the story of the people who have shaped the sport both brands love so much.”
A longtime B.A.S.S. partner, Bass Pro Shops is also a premier sponsor for the Bassmaster Tournament Trail as well as title sponsor of the Bassmaster Team Championship and presenting sponsor of the Bassmaster College Series.
“We are proud of our longtime affiliation with B.A.S.S. and remain deeply grateful to my dear friend Ray Scott,” said legendary angler, noted conservationist and Bass Pro Shops founder Johnny Morris. “The Cast will bring to light some exciting stories about many of our buddies and tournament fishing pioneers. These individuals helped make the sportfishing industry what it is today, and telling their stories to sportsmen and sportswomen of all ages will help showcase the history of this great sport and organization.”
The Castpresented by Bass Pro Shops will begin airing in January on FS1 leading up to live Bassmaster Elite Series tournament coverage on FS1 and the FOX Sports platforms. Check Bassmaster.com/how-to-watch or check your local listings for airdates.
About Bass Pro Shops
Bass Pro Shops is North America’s premier outdoor and conservation company. Founded in 1972 when avid young angler Johnny Morris began selling tackle out of his father’s liquor store in Springfield, Missouri, today the company provides customers with unmatched offerings spanning premier destination retail, outdoor equipment manufacturing, world-class resort destinations and more. In 2017 Bass Pro Shops acquired Cabela’s to create a “best-of-the-best” experience with superior products, dynamic locations and outstanding customer service. Bass Pro Shops also operates White River Marine Group, offering an unsurpassed collection of industry-leading boat brands, and Big Cedar Lodge, America’s Premier Wilderness Resort. Under the visionary conservation leadership of Johnny Morris, Bass Pro Shops is a national leader in protecting habitat and introducing families to the outdoors.
In the realm of tournament bass fishing, where intense competition reigns, one might not immediately associate the concept of self-awareness with this exhilarating sport. However, behind the skillful techniques and strategic decision-making lies a crucial factor that separates average anglers from the exceptional ones: self-awareness. Derived from conscious knowledge of one’s own character, feelings, motives, and desires, self-awareness serves as a catalyst in unraveling an angler’s full potential and achieving success in tournament bass fishing.
Understanding Your Character:
Self-awareness begins with understanding your character, acknowledging your strengths and weaknesses, and accepting them as part of your unique fishing style. Reflecting on your past experiences and analyzing your preferred techniques will allow you to identify your strengths, such as finesse fishing or power fishing, and leverage them to your advantage. Equally important is recognizing weaknesses, whether it be patience, decision-making under pressure, or adapting to changing conditions. By acknowledging these areas for improvement, you can focus your efforts on refining your skills and seeking guidance from mentors or fellow anglers.
Unraveling Your Feelings:
Taking a moment to be conscious of your feelings while on the water can significantly impact your decision-making and overall performance. Emotions like frustration, excitement, or nervousness can cloud your judgment, leading to impulsive choices that may not yield successful results. Being aware of your emotional state allows you to recognize when it is beneficial to take a step back, regroup, and regain a composed mindset. Controlling your emotions and maintaining focus can increase your chances of making sound judgments and ultimately catching more fish.
Motivation: The Driving Force:
Motivation is the driving force behind success in any endeavor, and tournament bass fishing is no exception. Understanding your motives behind participating in tournaments will help establish goals and provide the necessary inspiration to persevere during tough times. Some anglers may find their motivation lies in the thrill of competition, the pursuit of a challenge, or the desire to improve their skills. By aligning your motives with your actions, you can remain dedicated to the long hours of practice, hone new techniques, and stay committed to your goals, regardless of the inevitable setbacks.
Desires: Turning Dreams into Reality:
Conscious awareness of your desires plays a significant role in pursuing excellence in tournament bass fishing. Understanding what you hope to achieve as an angler enables you to tailor your efforts towards fulfilling those aspirations. Whether your desire is to win a specific tournament, qualify for a higher level of competition, or simply become a more knowledgeable angler, setting achievable goals rooted in introspection is essential. Continuously evaluate your progress, adjust your strategies, and seek opportunities to fine-tune your skills as you work towards transforming your dreams into reality.
Conclusion:
Even in the realm of tournament bass fishing, self-awareness is a powerful tool that can significantly impact an angler’s success. By understanding your character, uncovering your feelings, embracing motivation, and acknowledging your desires, you can maximize your potential and elevate your performance. Tournament bass fishing demands not only technical skill, but also a deep sense of self-awareness to adapt to changing conditions, make effective decisions, and persevere in the face of stiff competition. So, as you embark on your journey as a tournament angler, remember to dive deep into the waters of self-awareness, and uncover the incredible potential that lies within.
Shiver me timbers, its getting cold. We just got our first taste of snow and the thoughts of big bass are dancing in my thoughts. I already have my Christmas List on it’s way to Santa. Not sure what he may get me this year, but I know it will be good. And until he arrives, I’m going fishing, looking for the thrill of the tug. Winter fishing is one of my favorite times, but it isn’t for the faint of heart, or at least those who get cold easy. I’ve got my clothing set out so I can stay out there all day. Now to rig up the rods with my top winter baits and hit the water. The first thing I’m going to do is spray down my line with Reelsnot and the eyes too, so that I can keep the ice from making things too difficult.
First While there are many choices, for me the top choice is a lipless crankbait. I have caught so many big bass during the winter with it. My choice is the SPRO Aruku Shad 75. I like the ability to throw the 5/8 ounce bait a long ways and let it sink to the bottom and then rip it up and make a slow steady retrieve just keeping it off the bottom. While this is my top choice, I will also count it down to different depths and work it back slowly as well. On bright, sunny days, I prefer to use Chrome Blue, Chrome Shad, or Chrome Black for the flash to help attract the bass. When it is overcast, I will go with Cell Mate, Nasty Shad, or even Pearl Shad. The thing to remember is to make changes if one isn’t working. Change the color, or the action through the retrieve. Repeated cast is the key, and make fan casts to cover as much water as possible.
Second My second choice is a SPRO Jerkbait. My first choice here is a McStick 110. It suspends at a depth of 3-5 feet. If I need it to get deeper, I will go to the McStick 110+1 as it dives 9-12 ft. And I like to use 10 pound Red Label Seaguar Fluorocarbon to achieve it’s maximum depth. For bright days I prefer Chrome, SPRO Blue, or Chrome Shad. And on overcast days I change up to Cell Mate, Matte Shad or Dirty Bone. The secret is to make long casts and work it slow. Vary your jerks and pauses until you find what they want at that time. In the 110+1, the Deadly Black Shad or Blue Bandit are my choices.
Third I have really started to get into the swimbaits. And here is where I would throw the SPRO Megalojohn 6 inch swimbait. It has a great thumping action and can be slow rolled or a fast retrieve. But I prefer a slow retrieve this time of year. It comes with a single Gamakatsu treble hook that is held in place by soft bait magnet and a 1.75 ounce weight. Again, long casts are important. I will bump up my line to 12 to 15 pound test. It is a slow bait that can really catch those big winter hawgs.
Fourth The Missile Baits jig is my next choice. We all know that jigs are big bass baits and winter is a great time to use them. Either a Ike’s Flip Out Jig or Head Banger Jig are my top choices. Whether you are working them down the drops, around any submerged structure or any laydowns or brush, the secret is to be ready to set the hook on a hawg. Bruiser, Brown Purple Passion or PB&J are my prime choices for the Head Banger while Bruiser or Brewgill are my top Flip Out colors. The trailer can be the do or die here as well. Winter is when everything moves slow, so you don’t want a trailer with a lot of action. A Missile D Bomb or Baby D Bomb can be a great choice. There is action, but it is more subtle. A Mini D Chunk will offer just a little more action. But don’t overlook a Quiver or Magic Worm that offers a different look without too much action in the cold water.
Fifth Here is where we get a little more finesse. A Missile Baits 3.5 inch Shockwave or a Spunk Shad 3.5 on an 1/8 to 1/4 ounce round ball head jig. This is I use a spinning rod set up with a 8- 10 pound fluorocarbon leader to a 10 pound test braid mainline. I prefer a 7’3” to 7’6” medium to medium light action rod with a fast action. This allows me to make long casts and to keep the bass pinned as I work it in. Let it sink to the bottom and work it back. I have been listening to others discuss about different baits that can be used for the winter and it has made me think, think about trying a few this year. One is a spybait, like the Spin John 80. And we can’t forget about the crankbaits, which I love to throw. And you can’t forget about a spinnerbait, my brother’s main bait year round. The main thing is that you need to throw what you have confidence in. Be smart while out there. Wear your life jacket! Bring a complete change of clothes, just in case an accident does happen, and be ready to catch some of the biggest bass of your life. And make sure to share them with us at The BassCast!!
BENTON, Ky. (Dec. 18, 2023) – Major League Fishing (MLF) announced today the angler roster for the 2024 Tackle Warehouse Invitationals, the second season of professional bass fishing’s lucrative proving ground for anglers looking to qualify for the Bass Pro Tour. The Invitationals consist of six three-day tournaments that feature a field of 150 anglers competing for a top prize of $115,000, and an invitation to compete at REDCREST 2025 in Huntsville, Alabama.
Of the 150 anglers fishing each Tackle Warehouse Invitational, 137 have committed to compete in all six events. The payout at each Invitational is $652,000, with a total payout of more than $3.9 million for the season.
The roster of anglers fishing all six events in 2024 includes the Bass Pro Tour’s Kelly Jordon of Flint, Texas; Keith Carson of Debary, Florida; Drew Gill of Mount Carmel, Illinois; and Keith Poche of Pike Road, Alabama. They’ll be joined by a stout field of competitors, including Bass Fishing Hall of Famer’s Paul Elias of Laurel, Mississippi, and Shaw Grigsby of Gainesville, Florida, along with former Boston Red Sox player Mike Greenwell, a two-time Major League Baseball All-Star and 1988 American League MVP runner-up, who will be making the jump to compete in the “big leagues” of bass fishing. Tackle Warehouse Invitational anglers compete over three days in a five-fish, weigh-in format. All 150 anglers compete the first two days, with the top 30 pros advancing to the third and final day. The winner of each Invitational is determined by heaviest three-day cumulative weight. The winner of each of the six Invitationals in 2024 will receive an invitation to compete at REDCREST 2025 at Lake Guntersville in Huntsville, Alabama. Additionally, the season-long Invitational Angler of the Year (AOY) will also earn a berth into REDCREST, for a total of seven qualification opportunities.
Every day of competition will be broadcast live on MLFNOW!® and streamed to the Major League Fishing app, MyOutdoorTV (MOTV), and at MajorLeagueFishing.com. Each event will also air on the CBS Sports Network.
For compete details and up-to-date tournament information, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow MLF’s social media outlets at Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.
The 137 anglers that will compete in all six events to qualify for the 2025 Bass Pro Tour are:
Shannon Abbott, Louisville, Tenn.
Charles Abshire Lake Charles, La.
Ryan Armstrong, Robinson, Ill.
John Baranik, Earleville, Md.
Evan Barnes, Dardanelle, Ark.
Clayton Batts, Butler, Ga.
Matt Baty, Bainbridge, Ga.
David Boelkins, Waukesha, Wis.
Drew Boggs, Lebanon, Tenn.
Brock Bolden, Rogers, Ark.
Alex Bradley, Wellford, S.C.
Cole Breeden, Lebanon, Mo.
Chandler Brewer, Meridianville, Ala.
Dennis Burdette, Pembroke, Va.
Craig Burwell, North Baltimore, Ohio
Tim Cales, Beckley, W. Va.
Brody Campbell, Oxford, Ohio
Jon Canada, Helena, Ala.
Brett Carnright, Plattsburgh, N.Y.
Jason Carpenter, Castle Pines, Colo.
Keith Carson, DeBary. Fla.
J.D. Chandler, Liberty, Texas
Travis Coleman, Lake Ozark, Mo.
Jordan Collom, Canyon Lake, Calif.
Ramie Colson, Jr., Cadiz, Ky.
Mark Condron, Murfreesboro, Tenn.
Kyle Cortiana, Broken Arrow, Okla.
Dean Cox, Coweta, Okla.
Ben Cox, Andrews, S.C.
Austin Culbertson, Moberly, Mo.
Connor Cunningham, Springfield, Mo.
Colby Dark, West Monroe, La.
Alex Davis, Albertville, Ala.
Flint Davis, Leesburg, Ga.
Randy Despino, Colfax, La.
Tommy Dickerson, Orange, Texas
Paul Elias, Laurel, Miss.
Hunter Eubanks, Landrum, S.C.
Charlie Evans, Berea, Ky.
Mark Fisher, Wauconda, Ill.
Terry Fisher, Decatur, Ala.
Drew Gill, Mount Carmel, Ill.
Robert Grabow, Morgantown, W. Va.
Joe Grafeman, Camdenton, Mo.
Matt Greenblatt, Port St. Lucie, Fla.
Ethan Greene, Eufaula, Ala.
Mike Greenwell, Alva, Fla.
Christian Greico, Tampa, Fla.
Shaw Grigsby, Gainesville, Fla.
Chris Groh, Spring Grove, Ill.
Thomas Guthke, Anderson, S.C.
Brett Haake, Shorewood, Ill.
Ryan Habenicht, Meadow Vista, Calif.
Blake Hall, Rogersville, Ala.
Kyle Hall, Granbury, Texas
Nick Hargis, Wentzville, Mo.
Michael Harlin, Sunrise Beach, Mo.
Jeff Harper, Fleming Island, Fla.
Dillon Harrell, New Caney, Texas
Travis Harriman, Huntsville, Ark.
Rick Harris, Kingsland, Texas
Byron Haseotes, Osterville, Mass.
Jacob Heath, Essex, Mass.
Jordan Hirt, Glenwood, Iowa
Paul Hodges, III, Glendale, Ariz.
Michael Hood, Winchester, Tenn.
Laker Howell, Guntersville, Ala.
Derik Hudson, Concord, Va.
Marshall Hughes, Hemphill, Texas
Darrell Ivey, Jr., Lebanon, Mo.
Brad Jelinek, Lincoln, Mo.
Kelly Jordon, Flint, Texas
Frank Kitchens, III, Oxford, Ga.
Drew Kleine, Galesburg, Ill.
William Kronander, Brownsville, Pa.
Cal Lane, Guntersville, Ala.
Brian Latimer, Belton, S.C.
Jake Lawrence, Paris, Tenn.
Robby Lefere, Jackson, Mich.
Destin Lesesne, Blue Ridge, Ga.
Scott Lindstam, Plant City, Fla.
Bret Loomis, Groveland, N.Y.
Steve Lopez, Oconomowoc, Wis.
Terry Luedtke, Burton, Texas
Adam Lynn, Columbia, Tenn.
Blake Martin, Dardanelle, Ark.
Aspen Martin, White, Ga.
Cameron Mattison, Benton, La.
James Maupin, Stanardsville, Va.
Ben McCann, Bradenton, Fla.
Bronk McDaniel, Alexandria, La.
Shayne McFarlin, Martin, Ga.
Joshua McGeary, Mount Pleasant, Pa.
Bryan McNeal, Madison, Ala.
Colby Miller, Elmer, La.
Hunter Mills, Mayfield, Ky.
Alec Morrison, Peru, N.Y.
Chad Mrazek, Montgomery, Texas
Tony Muina, Wewahitchka, Fla.
Britt Myers, Jr., Lake Wylie, S.C.
Robert Nakatomi, Sacramento, Calif.
Andrew Nordbye, Guntersville, Ala.
Terry Olinger, Louisa, Va.
Lane Olson, Forest Grove, Ore.
Eric Panzironi, Longwood, Fla.
Taylor Parker, Lake View, Ala.
Jaden Parrish, Liberty, Texas
Cody Petit, Arundel, Maine
Keith Poche, Pike Road, Ala.
Tom Redington, Royse City, Texas
Matt Reed, Madisonville, Texas
Jimmy Reese, Witter Springs, Calif.
Brock Reinkemeyer, Warsaw, Mo.
Christian Rich, Eufaula, Ala.
Mitchell Robinson, Landrum, S.C.
Cody Ross, Livingston, Texas
Rusty Salewske, Alpine, Calif.
Braxton Setzer, Wetumpka, Ala.
Curtis Shaw, Catlett, Va.
Mike Smola, Gravette, Ark.
Jeremy Southerly, Fulks Run, Va.
Cody Spetz, Hollister, Mo.
Tim Sprouse, Clarksville, Tenn.
Kennie Steverson, Umatilla, Fla.
Tyler Stewart, Dubach, La.
Spike Stoker, Cisco, Texas
Troy Stokes, Trenton, Mich.
Ken Thompson, Roaring Springs, Pa.
Stephen Toth, Alachua, Fla.
Tim Tyson, Daniel Island, S.C.
Scotty Villines, Ponca, Ark.
Jacob Walker, Springville, Ala.
Todd Walters, Kernersville, N.C.
Jordan Wiggins, Cullman, Ala.
Scott Wiley, Bay Minette, Ala.
Jack Daniel Williams, Kingsport, Tenn.
Thomas Wooten, Huddleston, Va.
The 13 anglers who will join them to fill the 150-angler field at Tackle Warehouse Invitational Stop 1 at Sam Rayburn Reservoir are:
Adrian Avena, Marmora, N.J.
Matt Becker, Ten Mile, Tenn.
Jeff Bridges, Prosper, Texas
John Cox, DeBary, Fla.
Wesley Dawson, Chester, Texas
Randy Deaver, Blanchard, La.
Dakota Ebare, Brookeland, Texas
Ty Faber, Pagosa Springs, Colo.
Bobby Lane, Lakeland, Fla.
Nick LeBrun, Bossier City, La.
Spencer Shuffield, Hot Springs, Ark.
Charley Slaton, Valliant, Okla.
Martin Villa, Charlottesville, Va.
2024 MLF Tackle Warehouse Invitationals Schedule:
Feb. 9-11 Sam Rayburn Reservoir Brookeland, Texas Hosted by the Jasper County Development District
March 1-3 West Point Lake LaGrange, Ga. Hosted by Visit LaGrange
April 19-21 Kentucky Lake Calvert City, Ky. Hosted by the Kentucky Lake Convention & Visitors Bureau
May 10-12 Lake Eufaula Eufaula, Ala. Hosted by the Eufaula Barbour County Chamber of Commerce
June 15-17 Lake Champlain Plattsburgh, N.Y. Hosted by City of Plattsburgh & Adirondack Coast Visitors Bureau
July 26-28 Detroit River Trenton, Mich. Hosted by the Detroit Sports Commission
In the world of competitive fishing, it seems that a new tournament trail emerges every other year. Whether it’s the prestigious Bassmaster Elite Series or the popular FLW Tour, & the National Professional Fishing League the angling community is saturated with opportunities to showcase their skills and compete for hefty cash prizes. So, when news broke about the Touring Anglers Association (TAA), one couldn’t help but wonder: Do we really need another tournament trail?
The TAA promises to deliver the most creative innovation the sport has ever seen, but skepticism looms over its potential success. While some anglers crave something new and exciting, others argue that the existing tournament trails already provide ample opportunities for anglers to showcase their talents. The question remains: Will the TAA be able to carve out its own niche in the competitive fishing world?
One of the most debated aspects of the TAA is their decision to eliminate the top fish finders in the world from the competition. With the No Information Period Rule and the restrictions on GPS units, some anglers may see this as a hindrance to their fishing strategies. After all, technology has become an integral part of the angling experience, aiding anglers in locating fish and improving their chances of a successful catch. By removing such advanced equipment, the TAA is undoubtedly taking a bold and unconventional step.
The TAA’s move may deter some anglers from signing up, as they rely heavily on their fish finders to gain a competitive edge. It’s understandable that seasoned anglers would be hesitant to participate in a tournament that restricts the very tools they have mastered over years of experience. However, for those who crave a more level playing field and desire to showcase their true angling skills, the TAA may provide an exciting and refreshing opportunity.
The absence of a practice round is another aspect that sets the TAA apart from traditional tournament trails. Instead, anglers are provided with a 3-hour ride around the lake the Sunday before the tournament. This decision aims to reduce travel expenses for anglers, as they no longer need to arrive early for a practice session. However, it also challenges anglers to rely solely on their knowledge and adaptability to the lake conditions. It is a risky move, but one that could potentially reward those with a keen understanding of the water and its inhabitants.
On the marketing front, the TAA grants anglers the freedom to livestream and promote their own brand. This incorporation of social media platforms allows anglers to connect with their fans and enhance their personal brand image. While this approach may seem unconventional to some, it aligns with the current trends of the digital era. Anglers who embrace this opportunity may significantly benefit from the ability to reach a wider audience and foster a dedicated following.
The TAA also aims to revolutionize the weigh-in process with its “Weigh and Stay” concept. By eliminating lengthy stage interviews and emphasizing swiftness and camaraderie, the TAA hopes to deliver a more efficient and engaging experience for both anglers and spectators alike. This approach is a refreshing departure from the traditional weigh-ins, making it an intriguing prospect for avid fishing enthusiasts.
As the TAA prepares for its soft launch in January 2024, the fishing community is rife with anticipation and curiosity. Only time will tell if this new tournament trail will succeed in carving its own path and attracting a dedicated following. Whether it will be embraced as a breath of fresh air in the angling world or dismissed as yet another addition to an already crowded field is up for debate.
In the end, the success of the Touring Anglers Association hinges on how the angling community perceives and embraces its unique approach. For now, the future of the TAA remains uncertain, but if it can deliver on its promises of innovation and excitement, it may just have a shot at joining the ranks of the esteemed tournament trails in the world of competitive fishing.
