DORTCH WINS COSTA FLW SERIES SOUTHEASTERN DIVISION FINALE ON WHEELER LAKE PRESENTED BY MERCURY

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May 14, 2016

DORTCH WINS COSTA FLW SERIES SOUTHEASTERN DIVISION FINALE ON WHEELER LAKE PRESENTED BY MERCURY

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ROGERSVILLE, Ala. (May 14, 2016) – Bradley Dortch of Bay Minette, Alabama, weighed a five-bass limit totaling 16 pounds, 11 ounces Saturday to win the Costa FLW Series Southeastern Division finale on Wheeler Lake presented by Mercury with a three-day total of 15 bass weighing 45 pounds, 10 ounces. For his win, Dortch took home $40,000.

“I spent each day of the tournament targeting postspawn bass on the Elk River,” said Dortch, who earned his first win in FLW competition. “I focused on stretches of bank on the outsides of spawning pockets where fish were moving out from the shallows.

“On day one I rotated between six areas that were 100- to 150-yard stretches of bank,” continued Dortch. “I threw a green-pumpkin Picasso Straight Shooter Swimjig with a green-pumpkin NetBait Paca Craw trailer to laydowns and flipped another Paca Craw under bushes and to undercut banks. I ended up catching six keepers.

Dortch said a specific fish on day one helped him dial in on where the bass were congregating in his areas.

“I skipped the swimjig all the way to the bank where the current had eroded a lip and caught a 3-pounder in six inches of water,” said Dortch. “The bream were feeding right there under the shore. It was a huge discovery for me. From then on, when I skipped laydowns, I made sure to get the bait all the way to the bank into those undercuts. If it didn’t get there, you weren’t getting a bite.”

The Alabama angler said the discovery allowed him to narrow down his six areas to two specific stretches, 15 to 20 miles up the Elk River.

“I kept on skipping and flipping and caught eight keepers on day two and another eight on day three,” said Dortch. “They were good bites, but I was not expecting to win. It was a great tournament.”

The top 10 pros on Wheeler Lake were:

1^st: Bradley Dortch, Bay Minette, Ala., 15 bass, 45-10, $40,000

2^nd: Kim Carver, Milledgeville, Ga., 15 bass, 44-14, $15,500

3^rd: Dustin Smith, Mount Dora, Fla., 15 bass, 44-5, $12,000

4^th: Bryan New, Belmont, N.C., 15 bass, 42-2, $10,000

5^th: Glenn Browne, Ocala, Fla., 15 bass, 40-8, $9,300

6^th: Allan Glasgow, Ashville, Ala., 15 bass, 40-2, $8,000

7^th: Terry Tucker, Gadsden, Ala., 15 bass, 39-11, $7,000

8^th: Jared Dial, Winter Haven, Fla., 15 bass, 38-10, $6,000

9^th: Bradford Beavers, Ridgeville, S.C., 15 bass, 37-5, $5,000

10^th: Bryant Adam, Madison, Miss., 12 bass, 30-5, $4,000

Complete results can be found at FLWFishing.com.

Browne caught a bass weighing 7 pounds, 2 ounces Friday – the biggest bass of the tournament in the pro division – that earned him the day’s Big Bass award of $300.

Allen Armour of Cumming, Georgia, won the co-angler division and a Ranger Z117 with a 90-horsepower Mercury outboard motor. Armour earned his win with a three-day total catch of 15 bass weighing 32 pounds, 15 ounces.

The top 10 co-anglers on Wheeler Lake were:

1^st: Allen Armour, Cumming, Ga., 15 bass, 32-15, $27,000

2^nd: Scap Cicero, Wetumpka, Ala., 12 bass, 30-1, $5,000

3^rd: Doug Logan, Springville, Ala., 14 bass, 29-1, $4,200

4^th: Anthony Hunt, Plantation, Fla., 13 bass, 28-0, $3,500

5^th: Clint Horton, Ripley, Miss., 12 bass, 24-12, $3,000

6^th: Jason Smith, Lawrenceburg, Tenn., 13 bass, 24-10, $2,500

7^th: David Hudson, Jasper, Ala., 12 bass, 23-13, $2,000

8^th: Josh Robbins, Chesnee, S.C., 12 bass, 23-12, $1,750

9^th: Matt Leicher, Athens, Ala., 10 bass, 22-10, $1,500

10^th: Eulon Lee Jr., Eclectic, Ala., 10 bass, 20-8, $1,250

Brent Barnes of Chattanooga, Tennessee, caught the biggest bass of the tournament in the co-angler division Thursday, a bass weighing 7 pounds, 3 ounces that earned him the day’s Big Bass award of $200.

The Costa FLW Series consists of five divisions – Central, Northern, Southeastern, Southwestern and Western. Each division consists of three tournaments with competitors vying for valuable points that could earn them the opportunity to fish in the Costa FLW Series Championship. The 2016 Costa FLW Series Championship is being held Nov. 3-5 on Table Rock Lake in Branson, Missouri.

The Costa FLW Series on Wheeler Lake was hosted by Florence/Lauderdale Tourism. It was the final Southeastern Division tournament of 2016. The next Costa FLW Series tournament will be the Western Division finale, held May 19-21, on the California Delta in Bethel Island, California. For a complete schedule, visit FLWFishing.com.

For complete details and updated information visit FLWFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow the Costa FLW Series on Facebook at Facebook.com/FLWFishing and on Twitter at Twitter.com/FLWFishing.

VanDam Maintains Lead At Toledo Bend After Slow Start On Second Day

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May 13, 2016

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VanDam Maintains Lead At Toledo Bend After Slow Start On Second Day

Kevin VanDam of Kalamazoo, Mich., maintains the lead on the second day of the A.R.E. Truck Caps Bassmaster Elite at Toledo Bend, bringing a two-day total weight of 50 pounds to the scales Friday.

Photo by Gary Tramontina/Bassmaster

May 13, 2016

VanDam Maintains Lead At Toledo Bend After Slow Start On Second Day

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MANY, La. — The biggest thing Kevin VanDam has caught so far this week has been himself.

But there could be far bigger catches ahead of him if he remains on his current path at the A.R.E. Truck Caps Bassmaster Elite at Toledo Bend.

VanDam had to have a treble hook removed from his hand during Friday’s second round after landing his biggest fish of the day. But it didn’t stop him from catching five bass that weighed 20 pounds, 11 ounces and helped him hold onto the tournament lead with a two-day total of 50-0.

“The fish had just one hook in its mouth, and those Mustad treble hooks are really sharp,” VanDam said. “The fish kind of shook as I was trying to take the hook out, and it jerked one of those trebles right in my hand. I had a crankbait with one hook connected to my hand and the other connected to a big bass.”

Freelance photographer and experienced saltwater angler Garrick Dixon was nearby, and he performed a quick hook removal for VanDam. Once the angler was free of his own bait, he turned his attention back to a day that was rapidly improving.

After a slow start, he quickly put together a limit that weighed better than 18 pounds. Then he managed a couple of culls to get to 20-11 — and he did it all despite a strong wind that gave him fits much of the day.

“I knew it was just a matter of running enough places,” VanDam said. “If you fish long enough here, you’re going to get them.

“I really only had the one big bite today, but it was a good one.”

VanDam will begin the semifinal round with a solid chance at securing his 21st career victory and the $100,000 check that goes with it.

He is followed closely by Alabamian Chris Lane (47-13), North Carolina pro Hank Cherry, Jr. (44-6), Californian Ish Monroe (43-9) and Arkansas pro Stephen Browning (43-0).

Lane, who has struggled at times this year, said he had hoped to catch a good limit early by targeting schooling fish. But when those fish wouldn’t cooperate, he made a long run and put together a catch of 23-15 doing something different.

Earlier this season, Lane complained that his “loonies,” were off, meaning he wasn’t making the best decisions on the water. But now he’s within striking distance of his first Elite Series win since the 2015 season-opening event on the Sabine River — another Louisiana fishery.

“I’m having a blast, and I’ve got a full head of confidence,” Lane said. “My loonies are starting to come back now.

“Feeling confident helps you make those early adjustments, and it helps you to grind it right to the end. I caught a good fish late (Thursday), and I caught a 4 1/2-pounder late today.”

Cherry began Friday’s round in third place and held onto that spot with a catch of 19-15 that gave him a two-day total of 44-6. He said he’s been fishing for bass that are still spawning, even as the weather in central Louisiana has turned hot.

“It was still slow this morning, just like it was the first morning,” Cherry said. “But once I got to where I thought the fish would be, they were there.

“I think all of the fish I’m catching are spawning. If you miss one, you can just about count on going back to that spot and getting bit again.”

Monroe had the heaviest bag Friday with 24-10 — and he didn’t hesitate to detail how he caught his fish.

“It’s no secret what I do,” Monroe said. “I love to frog and flip. This week, I’m throwing a River2Sea Tommy Biffle Jig that has a really big, wide-gap hook. I’m backing that up with a Missile Baits D Bomb Destroyer, and it gives the bait a big profile that these big fish down here love.”

Toledo Bend Reservoir is noted for producing big largemouth bass — so much that it topped the most recent list of America’s Top 100 Bass Lakes by Bassmaster Magazine.

The biggest bass of the week so far was caught Friday by Arkansas angler Stephen Browning. At 9-5, the fish took the lead for Phoenix Boats Big Bass and will earn Browning $1,500 if no one tops the mark the rest of the way.

VanDam also earned the Livingston Lures Leader award of $500 for leading the second day of the event.

The tournament will resume Saturday with the Top 50 remaining pros leaving Cypress Bend Park at 6:15 a.m. CT. The weigh-in will be held back at the park at 3:15 p.m., with only the Top 12 pros advancing to Championship Sunday.

2016 A.R.E. Truck Caps Bassmaster Elite at Toledo Bend 5/12-5/15
Toledo Bend Reservoir, Many LA.
(PROFESSIONAL) Standings Day 2

Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts

1. Kevin VanDam Kalamazoo, MI 10 50-00 110
Day 1: 5 29-05 Day 2: 5 20-11
2. Chris Lane Guntersville, AL 10 47-13 109
Day 1: 5 23-14 Day 2: 5 23-15
3. Hank Cherry Jr Maiden, NC 10 44-06 108
Day 1: 5 24-07 Day 2: 5 19-15
4. Ish Monroe Hughson, CA 10 43-09 107
Day 1: 5 18-15 Day 2: 5 24-10
5. Stephen Browning Hot Springs, AR 10 43-00 106
Day 1: 5 20-10 Day 2: 5 22-06
6. Andy Montgomery Blacksburg, SC 10 40-15 105
Day 1: 5 17-11 Day 2: 5 23-04
7. Paul Mueller Naugatuck, CT 10 40-09 104
Day 1: 5 17-13 Day 2: 5 22-12
8. Aaron Martens Leeds, AL 10 40-04 103
Day 1: 5 18-02 Day 2: 5 22-02
9. Tommy Biffle Wagoner, OK 10 39-08 102
Day 1: 5 18-07 Day 2: 5 21-01
10. Edwin Evers Talala, OK 10 39-00 101
Day 1: 5 22-11 Day 2: 5 16-05
11. Morizo Shimizu Suita, Osaka JAPAN 10 39-00 100
Day 1: 5 18-09 Day 2: 5 20-07
12. Fred Roumbanis Bixby, OK 10 37-14 99
Day 1: 5 19-11 Day 2: 5 18-03
13. Jacob Powroznik Port Haywood, VA 10 37-07 98
Day 1: 5 22-09 Day 2: 5 14-14
14. Keith Combs Huntington, TX 10 37-07 97
Day 1: 5 21-03 Day 2: 5 16-04
15. Brett Hite Phoenix, AZ 10 37-03 96
Day 1: 5 19-00 Day 2: 5 18-03
16. Dennis Tietje Roanoke, LA 10 36-14 95
Day 1: 5 13-14 Day 2: 5 23-00
17. Michael Iaconelli Pitts Grove, NJ 10 36-12 94
Day 1: 5 14-13 Day 2: 5 21-15
18. Brandon Palaniuk Rathdrum, ID 10 36-08 93
Day 1: 5 15-00 Day 2: 5 21-08
19. Matt Herren Ashville, AL 10 36-07 92
Day 1: 5 19-00 Day 2: 5 17-07
20. Shane Lineberger Lincolnton, NC 10 35-12 91
Day 1: 5 18-13 Day 2: 5 16-15
21. Chad Morgenthaler Reeds Spring, MO 10 34-15 90
Day 1: 5 21-14 Day 2: 5 13-01
22. Ott DeFoe Knoxville, TN 10 34-09 89
Day 1: 5 17-10 Day 2: 5 16-15
23. Jonathon VanDam Kalamazoo, MI 10 33-15 88
Day 1: 5 12-08 Day 2: 5 21-07
24. Dave Lefebre Erie, PA 10 33-12 87
Day 1: 5 17-00 Day 2: 5 16-12
25. John Murray Spring City, TN 10 33-10 86
Day 1: 5 16-06 Day 2: 5 17-04
26. Steve Kennedy Auburn, AL 10 33-07 85
Day 1: 5 19-09 Day 2: 5 13-14
27. David Mullins Mt Carmel, TN 10 33-00 84
Day 1: 5 15-04 Day 2: 5 17-12
28. Clent Davis Montevallo, AL 10 32-07 83
Day 1: 5 21-03 Day 2: 5 11-04
29. Gary Klein Weatherford, TX 10 32-07 82
Day 1: 5 14-02 Day 2: 5 18-05
30. Brent Ehrler Newport Beach, CA 10 32-03 81
Day 1: 5 20-02 Day 2: 5 12-01
31. Bill Lowen Brookville, IN 10 32-02 80
Day 1: 5 16-13 Day 2: 5 15-05
32. Jason Christie Park Hill, OK 10 32-01 79
Day 1: 5 20-00 Day 2: 5 12-01
33. Greg Hackney Gonzales, LA 10 32-01 78
Day 1: 5 14-11 Day 2: 5 17-06
34. Keith Poche Pike Road, AL 10 31-15 77
Day 1: 5 17-05 Day 2: 5 14-10
35. Clifford Pirch Payson, AZ 10 31-10 76
Day 1: 5 10-08 Day 2: 5 21-02
36. Bobby Lane Jr. Lakeland, FL 10 31-08 75
Day 1: 5 15-11 Day 2: 5 15-13
37. Drew Benton Panama City, FL 10 31-02 74
Day 1: 5 14-10 Day 2: 5 16-08
38. James Elam Tulsa, OK 10 31-00 73
Day 1: 5 18-08 Day 2: 5 12-08
39. Bradley Roy Lancaster, KY 10 30-09 72
Day 1: 5 14-12 Day 2: 5 15-13
40. Skeet Reese Auburn, CA 10 30-07 71
Day 1: 5 14-11 Day 2: 5 15-12
41. Cliff Pace Petal, MS 10 30-00 70
Day 1: 5 15-02 Day 2: 5 14-14
42. Matt Lee Guntersville, AL 10 29-09 69
Day 1: 5 11-07 Day 2: 5 18-02
43. Rick Clunn Ava, MO 6 29-07 68
Day 1: 5 24-10 Day 2: 1 04-13
44. Jeff Kriet Ardmore, OK 10 29-07 67
Day 1: 5 11-07 Day 2: 5 18-00
45. Gerald Swindle Warrior, AL 10 29-07 66
Day 1: 5 16-07 Day 2: 5 13-00
46. Josh Bertrand Gilbert, AZ 10 29-06 65
Day 1: 5 17-02 Day 2: 5 12-04
47. Kelley Jaye Dadeville, AL 10 29-03 64
Day 1: 5 16-10 Day 2: 5 12-09
48. Jordan Lee Grant, AL 10 29-00 63
Day 1: 5 16-10 Day 2: 5 12-06
49. Alton Jones Lorena, TX 10 28-10 62
Day 1: 5 16-14 Day 2: 5 11-12
50. James Niggemeyer Van, TX 9 28-09 61
Day 1: 4 13-02 Day 2: 5 15-07
51. Casey Ashley Donalds, SC 10 28-06 60
Day 1: 5 11-14 Day 2: 5 16-08
52. Mark Davis Mount Ida, AR 10 28-04 59
Day 1: 5 13-03 Day 2: 5 15-01
53. John Hunter Jr Shelbyville, KY 10 28-04 58
Day 1: 5 13-09 Day 2: 5 14-11
54. Brian Snowden Reeds Spring, MO 10 27-08 57
Day 1: 5 17-02 Day 2: 5 10-06
55. Jared Lintner Arroyo Grande, CA 10 27-08 56
Day 1: 5 16-04 Day 2: 5 11-04
56. John Crews Jr Salem, VA 10 27-07 55
Day 1: 5 13-09 Day 2: 5 13-14
57. Todd Faircloth Jasper, TX 10 27-04 54
Day 1: 5 13-09 Day 2: 5 13-11
58. Koby Kreiger Bokeelia, FL 10 27-02 53
Day 1: 5 18-03 Day 2: 5 08-15
59. Takahiro Omori Emory, TX 8 27-00 52
Day 1: 3 11-04 Day 2: 5 15-12
60. Brandon Card Caryville, TN 10 26-14 51
Day 1: 5 14-13 Day 2: 5 12-01
61. Seth Feider Bloomington, MN 10 26-14 50
Day 1: 5 14-08 Day 2: 5 12-06
62. Dean Rojas Lake Havasu City, AZ 10 26-12 49
Day 1: 5 17-01 Day 2: 5 09-11
63. Mark Menendez Paducah, KY 10 26-12 48
Day 1: 5 13-10 Day 2: 5 13-02
64. Cliff Crochet Pierre Part, LA 10 26-11 47
Day 1: 5 12-07 Day 2: 5 14-04
65. Justin Lucas Guntersville, AL 10 26-09 46
Day 1: 5 14-03 Day 2: 5 12-06
66. Shaw Grigsby Jr. Gainesville, FL 10 26-08 45
Day 1: 5 15-15 Day 2: 5 10-09
67. Chris Zaldain Laughlin, NV 10 26-05 44
Day 1: 5 12-06 Day 2: 5 13-15
68. Tim Horton Muscle Shoals, AL 10 26-03 43
Day 1: 5 13-00 Day 2: 5 13-03
69. Kelly Jordon Flint, TX 10 25-12 42
Day 1: 5 17-03 Day 2: 5 08-09
70. Boyd Duckett Guntersville, AL 8 25-10 41
Day 1: 3 05-00 Day 2: 5 20-10
71. Brandon Coulter Knoxville, TN 10 25-09 40
Day 1: 5 10-02 Day 2: 5 15-07
72. Billy McCaghren Jr Mayflower, AR 10 25-09 39
Day 1: 5 14-15 Day 2: 5 10-10
73. Randy Howell Guntersville, AL 10 25-09 38
Day 1: 5 14-04 Day 2: 5 11-05
74. Jason Williamson Wagener, SC 10 25-08 37
Day 1: 5 12-06 Day 2: 5 13-02
75. Casey Scanlon Rocky Mount, MO 8 25-00 36
Day 1: 5 16-09 Day 2: 3 08-07
76. Britt Myers Lake Wylie, SC 10 24-13 35
Day 1: 5 11-06 Day 2: 5 13-07
77. J Todd Tucker Moultrie, GA 10 24-05 34
Day 1: 5 13-09 Day 2: 5 10-12
78. Randall Tharp Port St. Joe, FL 9 24-02 33
Day 1: 5 13-09 Day 2: 4 10-09
79. Mike McClelland Bella Vista, AR 10 24-01 32
Day 1: 5 11-05 Day 2: 5 12-12
80. Jay Brainard Enid, OK 10 24-00 31
Day 1: 5 14-01 Day 2: 5 09-15
81. Marty Robinson Lyman, SC 8 23-11 30
Day 1: 3 05-07 Day 2: 5 18-04
82. Chad Grigsby Maple Grove, MN 10 23-09 29
Day 1: 5 11-08 Day 2: 5 12-01
83. Davy Hite Ninety Six, SC 10 22-12 28
Day 1: 5 09-03 Day 2: 5 13-09
84. Paul Elias Laurel, MS 8 22-11 27
Day 1: 5 09-05 Day 2: 3 13-06
85. Brent Chapman Lake Quivira, KS 10 22-08 26
Day 1: 5 10-06 Day 2: 5 12-02
86. Greg Vinson Wetumpka, AL 10 22-08 25
Day 1: 5 11-14 Day 2: 5 10-10
87. Ken Iyobe Tokoname Aichi JAPAN 10 22-06 24
Day 1: 5 08-11 Day 2: 5 13-11
88. Adrian Avena Vineland, NJ 10 21-15 23
Day 1: 5 12-08 Day 2: 5 09-07
89. Scott Rook Little Rock, AR 10 21-11 22
Day 1: 5 11-15 Day 2: 5 09-12
90. Yusuke Miyazaki Forney, TX 9 21-10 21
Day 1: 4 08-13 Day 2: 5 12-13
91. Fletcher Shryock New Philadelphia, OH 10 21-08 20
Day 1: 5 13-11 Day 2: 5 07-13
92. Brock Mosley Collinsville, MS 10 21-08 19
Day 1: 5 10-08 Day 2: 5 11-00
93. Micah Frazier Newnan, GA 10 21-07 18
Day 1: 5 11-04 Day 2: 5 10-03
94. Russ Lane Prattville, AL 10 21-02 17
Day 1: 5 09-03 Day 2: 5 11-15
95. Luke Clausen Otis Orchards, WA 7 20-14 16
Day 1: 2 03-06 Day 2: 5 17-08
96. Matt Reed Madisonville, TX 10 20-06 15
Day 1: 5 10-00 Day 2: 5 10-06
97. Chad Pipkens Lansing, MI 10 19-07 14
Day 1: 5 09-02 Day 2: 5 10-05
98. Brandon Lester Fayetteville, TN 8 19-05 13
Day 1: 5 13-11 Day 2: 3 05-10
99. Cliff Prince Palatka, FL 10 19-02 12
Day 1: 5 10-00 Day 2: 5 09-02
100. David Walker Sevierville, TN 10 18-13 11
Day 1: 5 10-08 Day 2: 5 08-05
101. Terry Scroggins San Mateo, FL 8 18-05 10
Day 1: 5 12-09 Day 2: 3 05-12
102. Brett Preuett Monroe, LA 7 18-02 9
Day 1: 5 12-12 Day 2: 2 05-06
103. Kotaro Kiriyama Moody, AL 10 17-11 8
Day 1: 5 07-14 Day 2: 5 09-13
104. Bernie Schultz Gainesville, FL 8 16-13 7
Day 1: 5 10-03 Day 2: 3 06-10
105. David Williams Newton, NC 7 16-02 6
Day 1: 5 08-13 Day 2: 2 07-05
106. Fabian Rodriguez Ocean City, DE 4 13-15 5
Day 1: 1 01-15 Day 2: 3 12-00
107. Randy Allen Shreveport, LA 5 07-14 4
Day 1: 1 01-06 Day 2: 4 06-08
108. Carl Jocumsen Queensland TX AUSTRALIA 1 02-01 3
Day 1: 1 02-01 Day 2: 0 00-00
———————————————————————–
Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 99 517 1556-06
2 96 511 1513-01
———————————-
195 1028 3069-07

Set the Hook! with Pat Rose – May 07, 2016 Featuring Bassmaster Elite Series Pro Takahiro Omori, Bassmaster Elite Series Pro Randall Tharp, and Larry Brown.

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May 13, 2016

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Set the Hook! with Pat Rose – May 07, 2016

Posted on May 7, 2016 by Webdude Kaminski

Guests on this week’s show were Bassmaster Elite Series Pro Takahiro Omori, Bassmaster Elite Series Pro Randall Tharp, and friend of the show Larry Brown.

If you missed the show, you can listen to the podcast here.

You can listen to the show on any of the following Set the Hook! with Pat Rose radio network affiliates: Saturday 7-8 am EST on ESPN 105 1 The Zone espnchattanooga.com, 1-2 pm EST on Fox Sports Radio 1670 foxsports1670.com (IHeart Radio app), 7-8 am CST on KEWI 690 am 103.4 FM saline247.com (Tunein Radio app), Sunday 9-10 am EST on Copperhead 1240 Soddy Daisy, TN 1240wsdt.com (Tunein Radio app), 4-5 pm CST on 1480 The Fan! 5-6 pm EST on WKWN 1420 AM 106.1 FM Trenton, GA discoverdade.com/1061FM.htm (Freestream Radio app).

Please visit our sponsors page and tell them Pat sent you! If you would like to advertise on Set the Hook! with Pat Rose, give us a call at (423) 314-4541. Put Set the Hook! with Pat Rose to work for you.

Follow Pat Rose on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/SetTheHookWithPatRose, he would love to add you as a friend.

Please send any comments or suggestions about this website to [email protected].

Bass Edge’s The Edge – Episode 231 – Bradley Roy

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May 13, 2016

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Bass Edge’s The Edge – Episode 231 – Bradley Roy
May 1, 2016 at 1:00 AM
Bassmaster Elite Series Angler Bradley Roy is featured on Bass Edge Radio presented by MegaWare KeelGuard. Bradley talks about his great start to the 2016 season as well as late spawn and early post spawn bass fishing strategies.

Click Here To Listen

Changes At Douglas Lake Impact Final Bassmaster Southern Open

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May 13, 2016

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Changes At Douglas Lake Impact Final Bassmaster Southern Open

Bassmaster Elite Series angler and Opens champion Ott DeFoe will be one of 148 pro anglers competing at the final Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Southern Open on Douglas Lake out of Dandridge, Tenn., May 19-21.

Photo by James Overstreet/Bassmaster

May 13, 2016

Changes At Douglas Lake Impact Final Bassmaster Southern Open

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DANDRIDGE, Tenn. — Douglas Lake won’t be like its old self when the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Southern Open is held May 19-21. But that’s not necessarily a bad thing.

First, the water is low. Due to various construction projects around the lake, the water level has been held several feet below full pool — 990 feet above sea level.

But the most significant change is a thriving smallmouth bass population that now permits a seasonal daily limit until June 1 of five smallmouth over 15 inches in length. In previous B.A.S.S. tournaments on Douglas Lake, anglers were allowed to weigh in only one smallmouth measuring at least 20 inches.

“There’s a lot of 3-pound smallmouth in the lake,” said Bassmaster Elite Series pro Ott DeFoe. “You’re going to see that in this tournament. They’re going to be a factor.”

DeFoe of Knoxville, Tenn., won the last time B.A.S.S. came to Douglas Lake. He took the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Northern Open title in May 2014, with a three-day total of 62 pounds, 5 ounces.

That total weight points to one factor unlikely to change at Douglas Lake: It will take an average of more than 20 pounds a day to win. Patrick Bone of Cleveland, Ga., won a three-day Southern Open on Douglas Lake in April 2013 with 65-04. Jeremy Starks of Charleston, W.V., won a four-day Elite Series tournament in May 2012 with 81-02. And, Bobby Ferguson of Chuckey, Tenn., won a three-day Southern Open in June 2011 with 61-09.

“In nearly every event held here in recent years, it has taken about 20 pounds a day to win, and I expect it to be about the same this time,” DeFoe said.

This marks the third and final Southern Open event of the year. Wesley Strader of Spring City, Tenn., won the first Southern Open in January on Florida’s Kissimmee Chain of Lakes. Jesse Wiggins of Cullman, Ala., won at Alabama’s Smith Lake last month.

An Opens victory provides a berth in the 2017 GEICO Bassmaster Classic presented by GoPro March 24-26 in Houston, Texas, provided the winner fishes all three tournaments in the division.

DeFoe readily admits his decision to add the Southern Opens to his busy Elite season schedule was because of the tournament at Douglas Lake, which he’s fished most of his life.

He said there are still lots of fish shallow, maybe more than usual for this late in the spring. “But I don’t see how it won’t be won deep,” he added. “Several guys will make the Top 12 by fishing shallow, but winning at Douglas is almost always about the deep bite.”

Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Opens angler Skylar Hamilton of Dandridge, Tenn., lives on Douglas Lake. He noted that bass are just starting to move into a late-spring/early summer pattern.

“I was catching them on spawning beds two weeks ago,” Hamilton said. “They’re not grouping up deep yet.”

Hamilton agrees with DeFoe about the smallmouth bass factor.

“This lake has changed so much from the way it has fished in the past,” Hamilton said. “Now it’s full of smallmouth. You can catch a 17- to 18-pound bag of smallmouth pretty regularly.”

Finally, there’s one other factor that could affect the tournament at Lake Douglas: fishing pressure. Hamilton said large tournament fields will have been on the lake both of the previous weekends before the Southern Open.

“I don’t remember it ever being pressured this hard this early in the year,” Hamilton said.

Anglers will take off each day at 6:15 a.m. at the Point Marina. Weigh-ins will be held at 2:30 p.m. at the Point Marina the first two days, with the final weigh-in on Saturday taking place at the Bass Pro Shops in Kodak, Tenn., at 3:15 p.m.

The local host for the event is the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce.

FLW ADDS PEDIGREE® AND DENTASTIX™ BRANDS TO SPONSORSHIP LINEUP

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May 13, 2016

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FLW ADDS PEDIGREE® AND DENTASTIX™ BRANDS TO SPONSORSHIP LINEUP

MINNEAPOLIS (May 10, 2016) – Fishing League Worldwide (FLW), the world’s largest tournament-fishing organization, announced today a sponsorship agreement with Mars Petcare to feature the PEDIGREE® Food for Dogs and PEDIGREE® DENTASTIX™ treats brands. The partnership will offer the No. 1 pet food manufacturer in the world the opportunity to directly engage the millions of fishing and outdoor enthusiasts that FLW reaches through their bass-fishing tournaments and other promotional platforms.

FLW will showcase PEDIGREE® and DENTASTIX™ at the National Fishing and Boating Expos being held at Walmart stores around the country, June 3-5. FLW and its partners will present a two-hour expo at local Walmart stores that will be packed with games, giveaways and fishing tips to help families make the most of their time on the water. A complete list of Walmart stores hosting National Fishing and Boating Week expos will be posted in May.

The PEDIGREE® and DENTASTIX™ brands will also receive exposure across multiple FLW media platforms, including its tournaments and Expos, website and social media outlets.

The PEDIGREE® Brand is the number one brand of dog food in the world, offering a wide variety of products for different dog life stages. As an innovative market leader, the PEDIGREE® Brand is at the forefront of pet nutrition and understands pet owner needs by providing a range of innovative products and resources. The PEDIGREE® Brand is built on an unwavering love for dogs and commitment to dog adoption. For more information, please visit www.Pedigree.com

About FLW

FLW is the world’s largest tournament-fishing organization, providing anglers of all skill levels the opportunity to compete for millions in prize money in 2016 across five tournament circuits. Headquartered in Benton, Kentucky, with offices in Minneapolis, FLW conducts more than 235 bass-fishing tournaments annually across the United States and sanctions tournaments in Canada, China, Mexico and South Korea. FLW tournament fishing can be seen on the Emmy-nominated “FLW” television show, broadcast to more than 564 million households worldwide, while FLW Bass Fishing magazine delivers cutting-edge tips from top pros. For more information visit FLWFishing.com and follow FLW at Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and Periscope: @FLWFishing.

Catch Bass in More Places with Topwater Frogs By David A. Brown & Ish Monroe

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May 12, 2016

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Catch Bass in More Places with Topwater Frogs

David A. Brown

12:45 PM

Ish Monroe owes a lot of his professional fishing success to a frog and it’s largely due to him throwing it where others don’t.

Whether it’s his tournament marshals or co-anglers in a pro-am, Ish Monroe raises a lot of eyebrows with his fishing success on a topwater hollow-bodied frog, namely his signature series Snagproof Ish’s PHAT Frog. And not so much that he throws a frog; but rather, where he throws it.

Perhaps a simpler answer, and certainly a shorter list, would be where he does not throw the amphibian impostor. If he can reach it—and that’s not always a certainty—Monroe will send his frog there.

The splashing, spitting, walking, gurgling act a frog exhibits mimics multiple entrees on the largemouth bass’s menu.

“The frog imitates so many different types of (forage) for bass, you can go just about anywhere you want with it,” the California pro said. “You can fish it on a bluegill pattern, a crappie pattern, a shad pattern, a duck pattern, a gopher pattern.

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V&M J-Bug Soft Plastic Lure Review by Jason Sealock

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May 12, 2016

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V&M J-Bug Soft Plastic Lure Review

Jason Sealock

This unique new creature bait can serve a lot of purposes for bass fishing anglers.

Most anglers like lures that serve multiple purposes so they can carry less tackle and cover more bass fishing scenarios. Plastics often are designed with one purpose in mind, whether it’s dragging behind a Carolina rig or punching into heavy cover. I too have an affinity for plastics that can do a lot of different things and provide a lot of options for anglers. That’s probably the attribute I liked most about the new V&M Baits J-Bug.

The J-Bug was designed by Bassmaster Elite Series pro Jacob Powroznik, and gives an angler a great flipping bait, finesse Texas rig bait, sight-fishing lure and even a Carolina rig option. Although we didn’t fish it this way, you could probably swim it around on a small jighead or buzz it on top like a toad if so inclined.

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VanDam Takes Lead As Elite Series Pros Show Out In First Round On Toledo Bend

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May 12, 2016

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VanDam Takes Lead As Elite Series Pros Show Out In First Round On Toledo Bend

Kevin VanDam of Kalamazoo, Mich., takes the lead on the first day of the A.R.E. Truck Caps Bassmaster Elite at Toledo Bend, bringing 29 pounds, 5 ounces to the scales on Thursday.

Photo by Gary Tramontina/Bassmaster

May 12, 2016

VanDam Takes Lead As Elite Series Pros Show Out In First Round On Toledo Bend

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MANY, La. — Kevin VanDam wanted badly to fish offshore during the three-day practice period for the A.R.E. Truck Caps Bassmaster Elite at Toledo Bend.

But a steady 20-mph wind just wouldn’t allow it.

The winds died Thursday as the tournament began, and fishing fans in central Louisiana got to see why VanDam was so anxious to move away from the banks.

The pro fishing superstar from Kalamazoo, Mich., brought in a five-bass limit that weighed 29 pounds, 5 ounces to top the leaderboard on a day when 12 anglers caught at least 20 pounds. He leads a star-studded Top 5 that includes 69-year-old Missouri legend Rick Clunn (24-10), North Carolina pro Hank Cherry, Jr. (24- 7), 2012 GEICO Bassmaster Classic winner Chris Lane (23-14) and reigning Classic champion Edwin Evers (22-11).

“I started on the shallow pattern and caught a good limit early, and that gave me the confidence to go and fish deep,” said VanDam, who has four Classic titles on his resume. “I didn’t get to fish deep in practice the way I like to because of all the wind. So I fished a lot of places today that I hadn’t fished at all this week.

“You just can’t physically fish out there when it’s blowing 20 — if you want to fish off the bank.”

VanDam, who also had the big bass of the day with an 8-5 largemouth, said he was keying on areas that had big numbers of white bass and yellow bass. Both, he said, are good signs that hungry largemouth will be nearby.

“There are a lot of yellow bass — they call them ‘bar fish’ here — and a lot of the big largemouth eat those,” VanDam said. “Those yellow bass and the white bass are all following shad just like the largemouth.

“I caught a lot of white bass — and when you’re doing that, you know there will always be largemouth in the area.”

Clunn, who also has four Classic wins, already wowed the pro fishing community back in March when he won the season-opening Elite Series event on the St. Johns River in Florida. That win made him the oldest angler to ever win a B.A.S.S. event.

On Thursday, he moved into position to equal that feat with a bag of 24-10 that was bolstered by one magic area.

“I have one spot that’s always been good for me,” Clunn said. “It’s only good for one to three fish a day, but they’re always big fish. You can fish there all day long, and that’s all you’re going to get.”

The spot produced three big fish Thursday — a 7-pounder, a 6-pounder and a 4-pounder. When asked how long the spot has been good for him, Clunn responded, “How old is the lake?”

“I think I’ve been fishing that spot since 1974,” he said. “A lot of people won’t fish it because it’s only good for one or two. They pull up there, and if they don’t get a bite pretty soon, they’re moving on.”

Clunn is just 3 ounces ahead of Cherry, who brought in 24-7 despite some bad luck early.

“I weighed in one 3-pound fish, and I hated to do that,” Cherry said. “I lost a 4 1/2-pounder and a 7-pounder this morning. So I could have weighed in close to 30 pounds.”

Cherry said his unfortunate near misses might have been the result of him being “too wired up” because he knew he was on good fish.

“I knew I was going to get a lot of bites,” he said. “I didn’t know how big they were going to be, but I knew I was around a lot of fish.

“The fish are still there, because I know I left some.”

In all, 99 of the 108 Elite Series anglers weighed in five-bass limits today, validating Toledo Bend’s ranking as the No. 1 bass fishery in the country, according to Bassmaster Magazine’s current 100 Best Bass Lakes list.

If no one catches a bass as heavy as VanDam’s 8-5 largemouth through the end of the event Sunday, he will win the Phoenix Boats Big Bass award, worth $1,500.

The tournament will resume Friday, with take-off scheduled for 6:15 a.m. CT at Cypress Bend Park. The weigh-in will be held back at the park at 3:15 p.m., with the field being trimmed to the Top 50 for Saturday’s semifinal round.
2016 A.R.E. Truck Caps Bassmaster Elite at Toledo Bend 5/12-5/15
Toledo Bend Reservoir, Many LA.
(PROFESSIONAL) Standings Day 1

Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts

1. Kevin VanDam Kalamazoo, MI 5 29-05 110
Day 1: 5 29-05
2. Rick Clunn Ava, MO 5 24-10 109
Day 1: 5 24-10
3. Hank Cherry Jr Maiden, NC 5 24-07 108
Day 1: 5 24-07
4. Chris Lane Guntersville, AL 5 23-14 107
Day 1: 5 23-14
5. Edwin Evers Talala, OK 5 22-11 106
Day 1: 5 22-11
6. Jacob Powroznik Port Haywood, VA 5 22-09 105
Day 1: 5 22-09
7. Chad Morgenthaler Reeds Spring, MO 5 21-14 104
Day 1: 5 21-14
8. Keith Combs Huntington, TX 5 21-03 103
Day 1: 5 21-03
8. Clent Davis Montevallo, AL 5 21-03 103
Day 1: 5 21-03
10. Stephen Browning Hot Springs, AR 5 20-10 101
Day 1: 5 20-10
11. Brent Ehrler Newport Beach, CA 5 20-02 100
Day 1: 5 20-02
12. Jason Christie Park Hill, OK 5 20-00 99
Day 1: 5 20-00
13. Fred Roumbanis Bixby, OK 5 19-11 98
Day 1: 5 19-11
14. Steve Kennedy Auburn, AL 5 19-09 97
Day 1: 5 19-09
15. Matt Herren Ashville, AL 5 19-00 96
Day 1: 5 19-00
15. Brett Hite Phoenix, AZ 5 19-00 96
Day 1: 5 19-00
17. Ish Monroe Hughson, CA 5 18-15 94
Day 1: 5 18-15
18. Shane Lineberger Lincolnton, NC 5 18-13 93
Day 1: 5 18-13
19. Morizo Shimizu Suita, Osaka JAPAN 5 18-09 92
Day 1: 5 18-09
20. James Elam Tulsa, OK 5 18-08 91
Day 1: 5 18-08
21. Tommy Biffle Wagoner, OK 5 18-07 90
Day 1: 5 18-07
22. Koby Kreiger Bokeelia, FL 5 18-03 89
Day 1: 5 18-03
23. Aaron Martens Leeds, AL 5 18-02 88
Day 1: 5 18-02
24. Paul Mueller Naugatuck, CT 5 17-13 87
Day 1: 5 17-13
25. Andy Montgomery Blacksburg, SC 5 17-11 86
Day 1: 5 17-11
26. Ott DeFoe Knoxville, TN 5 17-10 85
Day 1: 5 17-10
27. Keith Poche Pike Road, AL 5 17-05 84
Day 1: 5 17-05
28. Kelly Jordon Flint, TX 5 17-03 83
Day 1: 5 17-03
29. Josh Bertrand Gilbert, AZ 5 17-02 82
Day 1: 5 17-02
29. Brian Snowden Reeds Spring, MO 5 17-02 82
Day 1: 5 17-02
31. Dean Rojas Lake Havasu City, AZ 5 17-01 80
Day 1: 5 17-01
32. Dave Lefebre Erie, PA 5 17-00 79
Day 1: 5 17-00
33. Alton Jones Lorena, TX 5 16-14 78
Day 1: 5 16-14
34. Bill Lowen Brookville, IN 5 16-13 77
Day 1: 5 16-13
35. Kelley Jaye Dadeville, AL 5 16-10 76
Day 1: 5 16-10
35. Jordan Lee Grant, AL 5 16-10 76
Day 1: 5 16-10
37. Casey Scanlon Rocky Mount, MO 5 16-09 74
Day 1: 5 16-09
38. Gerald Swindle Warrior, AL 5 16-07 73
Day 1: 5 16-07
39. John Murray Spring City, TN 5 16-06 72
Day 1: 5 16-06
40. Jared Lintner Arroyo Grande, CA 5 16-04 71
Day 1: 5 16-04
41. Shaw Grigsby Jr. Gainesville, FL 5 15-15 70
Day 1: 5 15-15
42. Bobby Lane Jr. Lakeland, FL 5 15-11 69
Day 1: 5 15-11
43. David Mullins Mt Carmel, TN 5 15-04 68
Day 1: 5 15-04
44. Cliff Pace Petal, MS 5 15-02 67
Day 1: 5 15-02
45. Brandon Palaniuk Rathdrum, ID 5 15-00 66
Day 1: 5 15-00
46. Billy McCaghren Jr Mayflower, AR 5 14-15 65
Day 1: 5 14-15
47. Brandon Card Caryville, TN 5 14-13 64
Day 1: 5 14-13
48. Michael Iaconelli Pitts Grove, NJ 5 14-13 63
Day 1: 5 14-13
49. Bradley Roy Lancaster, KY 5 14-12 62
Day 1: 5 14-12
50. Greg Hackney Gonzales, LA 5 14-11 61
Day 1: 5 14-11
50. Skeet Reese Auburn, CA 5 14-11 61
Day 1: 5 14-11
52. Drew Benton Panama City, FL 5 14-10 59
Day 1: 5 14-10
53. Seth Feider Bloomington, MN 5 14-08 58
Day 1: 5 14-08
54. Randy Howell Guntersville, AL 5 14-04 57
Day 1: 5 14-04
55. Justin Lucas Guntersville, AL 5 14-03 56
Day 1: 5 14-03
56. Gary Klein Weatherford, TX 5 14-02 55
Day 1: 5 14-02
57. Jay Brainard Enid, OK 5 14-01 54
Day 1: 5 14-01
58. Dennis Tietje Roanoke, LA 5 13-14 53
Day 1: 5 13-14
59. Brandon Lester Fayetteville, TN 5 13-11 52
Day 1: 5 13-11
59. Fletcher Shryock New Philadelphia, OH 5 13-11 52
Day 1: 5 13-11
61. Mark Menendez Paducah, KY 5 13-10 50
Day 1: 5 13-10
62. John Crews Jr Salem, VA 5 13-09 49
Day 1: 5 13-09
62. Todd Faircloth Jasper, TX 5 13-09 49
Day 1: 5 13-09
62. John Hunter Jr Shelbyville, KY 5 13-09 49
Day 1: 5 13-09
62. Randall Tharp Port St. Joe, FL 5 13-09 49
Day 1: 5 13-09
66. J Todd Tucker Moultrie, GA 5 13-09 45
Day 1: 5 13-09
67. Mark Davis Mount Ida, AR 5 13-03 44
Day 1: 5 13-03
68. James Niggemeyer Van, TX 4 13-02 43
Day 1: 4 13-02
69. Tim Horton Muscle Shoals, AL 5 13-00 42
Day 1: 5 13-00
70. Brett Preuett Monroe, LA 5 12-12 41
Day 1: 5 12-12
71. Terry Scroggins San Mateo, FL 5 12-09 40
Day 1: 5 12-09
72. Adrian Avena Vineland, NJ 5 12-08 39
Day 1: 5 12-08
72. Jonathon VanDam Kalamazoo, MI 5 12-08 39
Day 1: 5 12-08
74. Cliff Crochet Pierre Part, LA 5 12-07 37
Day 1: 5 12-07
75. Jason Williamson Wagener, SC 5 12-06 36
Day 1: 5 12-06
75. Chris Zaldain Laughlin, NV 5 12-06 36
Day 1: 5 12-06
77. Scott Rook Little Rock, AR 5 11-15 34
Day 1: 5 11-15
78. Casey Ashley Donalds, SC 5 11-14 33
Day 1: 5 11-14
78. Greg Vinson Wetumpka, AL 5 11-14 33
Day 1: 5 11-14
80. Chad Grigsby Maple Grove, MN 5 11-08 31
Day 1: 5 11-08
81. Jeff Kriet Ardmore, OK 5 11-07 30
Day 1: 5 11-07
82. Matt Lee Guntersville, AL 5 11-07 29
Day 1: 5 11-07
83. Britt Myers Lake Wylie, SC 5 11-06 28
Day 1: 5 11-06
84. Mike McClelland Bella Vista, AR 5 11-05 27
Day 1: 5 11-05
85. Micah Frazier Newnan, GA 5 11-04 26
Day 1: 5 11-04
86. Takahiro Omori Emory, TX 3 11-04 25
Day 1: 3 11-04
87. Brock Mosley Collinsville, MS 5 10-08 24
Day 1: 5 10-08
87. Clifford Pirch Payson, AZ 5 10-08 24
Day 1: 5 10-08
87. David Walker Sevierville, TN 5 10-08 24
Day 1: 5 10-08
90. Brent Chapman Lake Quivira, KS 5 10-06 21
Day 1: 5 10-06
91. Bernie Schultz Gainesville, FL 5 10-03 20
Day 1: 5 10-03
92. Brandon Coulter Knoxville, TN 5 10-02 19
Day 1: 5 10-02
93. Cliff Prince Palatka, FL 5 10-00 18
Day 1: 5 10-00
93. Matt Reed Madisonville, TX 5 10-00 18
Day 1: 5 10-00
95. Paul Elias Laurel, MS 5 09-05 16
Day 1: 5 09-05
96. Davy Hite Ninety Six, SC 5 09-03 15
Day 1: 5 09-03
96. Russ Lane Prattville, AL 5 09-03 15
Day 1: 5 09-03
98. Chad Pipkens Lansing, MI 5 09-02 13
Day 1: 5 09-02
99. David Williams Newton, NC 5 08-13 12
Day 1: 5 08-13
100. Yusuke Miyazaki Forney, TX 4 08-13 11
Day 1: 4 08-13
101. Ken Iyobe Tokoname Aichi JAPAN 5 08-11 10
Day 1: 5 08-11
102. Kotaro Kiriyama Moody, AL 5 07-14 9
Day 1: 5 07-14
103. Marty Robinson Lyman, SC 3 05-07 8
Day 1: 3 05-07
104. Boyd Duckett Guntersville, AL 3 05-00 7
Day 1: 3 05-00
105. Luke Clausen Otis Orchards, WA 2 03-06 6
Day 1: 2 03-06
106. Carl Jocumsen Queensland TX AUSTRALIA 1 02-01 5
Day 1: 1 02-01
107. Fabian Rodriguez Ocean City, DE 1 01-15 4
Day 1: 1 01-15
108. Randy Allen Shreveport, LA 1 01-06 3
Day 1: 1 01-06
———————————————————————–
Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 99 517 1556-06
———————————-
99 517 1556-06

Lake Anna Fishing Report by Chris Craft May 2016

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May 12, 2016

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Lake Anna Fishing Report by Chris Craft May 2016

MAY OUTLOOK

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It seems that we are still 2-3 weeks off with the weather. It is supposed to be April showers bring May flowers, but here is is May 3 and there is rain in the forecast for the next 6 days!!!!

Mark your calendar for Saturday May 14, we are holding our annual Youth Fishing Tournament from 9am-1pm. Registration starts at 7am. The entry fee is $10 per youth angler.

There are three age groups for this event.

3-9, 10-12 & 13-17

We will be giving back cash and prizes for the largest Bass, Crappie, Sunfish & Catfish in each age group. There is also a Grand Champion for the largest overall fish of the tournament.

There will be food following the weigh in and then the prize ceremony. If you plan on attending, and it is convenient, please bring some sort of a covered dish for all to enjoy. We hope to you here!!!!!!!!!!!!!

SUNDAY MORNING BASS SERIES
Every Sunday from May-Sept
May- Safe Light until Noon
June- 6am-11am
July- 6am-11am
Aug- 6am-11am
Sept- 7am-12pm

5 Fish Limit
12″ Minimum Size
$100 Entry Fee
80% Payback
NO MEMBERSHIP FEE
Payback 1 in 3 BoatsExample Payback
12 Boats Event
1st- $380
2nd- $200
3rd- $140
4th- $14020
BF- $120

BASS- Early this month, you will still be able to find fish spawning. Although most of the fish spawned with the full moon last month, there will still be spawning activity all month long. Towards the middle to the end of the month, we will really be getting into post spawn conditions. You will have male fry guarders and recovered females in search of an easy meal.

If you are not wanting to sight fish for spawners, then break out your soft jerkbaits and start fishing every boat dock you can, every lay down and every blade of willow grass. Although you can catch them on spinnerbaits, shakey heads, jig & pig combos, shallow crankbaits and a vareity of top water baits, the soft jerkbait is my favorite early in the month.

About mid month, the top water bite will really start to kick in. Walking baits such as the Paycheck Baits Repoman & Damiki Rambler as well as buzz baits will draw VIOLENT STRIKES from hungry largemouth. Fish them on rocky points, around emerging willow grass and boat docks.

Look for bluegill beds in the shallows, especially the ones around boats docks. There will be bass somewhere in the area waiting for the opportunity to seek revenge on them. Poppers are a great way to catch these fish, the new for 2016 Live Target Hollow Body Sunfish should also catch them around the blue gill beds.

As the month draws to a close, shakey head rigged plastics will be the number one choice of many anglers out here. Zoom Trick Worms are my favorite plastic to use. Watermelon Seed, Green Pumpkin and June Bug are my top 3 color choices.

CRAPPIE- The Specks are still shallow at this time, but will be heading back out to deeper water very soon. Their spawn has been long and drawn out this spring due to Mother Nature not being able to make up her mind! They can still be found around willow grass, boat docks, lay down trees and beaver huts. Small minnows rigged on a slip bobber fished in 2 to 10 feet of water and 2″ curly tail grubs rigged on a 1/16oz jig head will produce best for you.

STRIPER- The striper are currently uplake and will be heading down to their summer haunts by the end of the month. four inch swim baits rigged on a 1/4oz jig head and broken back redfins will produce fish for you. Live bait is also producing numbers of fish right now.

Water Clarity

Up Lake-stain

Mid lake-slight stain

Down Lake-clear

Water Temps-

Up Lake- 65-69

Mid Lake- 65-67

Down Lake- 67-69

Chris Craft

Anna Point Marina

Fish Tales Tackle Manager

540-895-5900 Ext5

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DORTCH WINS COSTA FLW SERIES SOUTHEASTERN DIVISION FINALE ON WHEELER LAKE PRESENTED BY MERCURY

VanDam Maintains Lead At Toledo Bend After Slow Start On Second Day

Set the Hook! with Pat Rose – May 07, 2016 Featuring Bassmaster Elite Series Pro Takahiro Omori, Bassmaster Elite Series Pro Randall Tharp, and Larry Brown.

Set the Hook! with Pat Rose – May 07, 2016

Bass Edge’s The Edge – Episode 231 – Bradley Roy

Click Here To Listen

Changes At Douglas Lake Impact Final Bassmaster Southern Open

Catch Bass in More Places with Topwater Frogs By David A. Brown & Ish Monroe

Catch Bass in More Places with Topwater Frogs

Click Here To Read More

V&M J-Bug Soft Plastic Lure Review by Jason Sealock

V&M J-Bug Soft Plastic Lure Review

Click Here To Read More

VanDam Takes Lead As Elite Series Pros Show Out In First Round On Toledo Bend

Lake Anna Fishing Report by Chris Craft May 2016

MAY OUTLOOK

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