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Risk Vs. Reward At Winyah Bay Bassmaster Elite

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Risk Vs. Reward At Winyah Bay Bassmaster Elite

Bassmaster Elite Series pro Marty Robinson will be one of six South Carolina anglers competiting in a full field of 110 anglers at the Huk Performance Fishing Bassmaster Elite at Winyah Bay out of Georgetown, S.C., April 7-10. 

Photo by James Overstreet/Bassmaster

April 1, 2016

Risk Vs. Reward At Winyah Bay Bassmaster Elite

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GEORGETOWN, S.C. — Long boat rides for bigger river bass will likely set the pace for the second stop of 2016 season at the Huk Performance Fishing Bassmaster Elite at Winyah Bay in Georgetown, S.C., April 7-10.

Following an exciting season opener on the renowned St. Johns River out of Palatka, Fla., the 110-angler Bassmaster Elite Series field will be challenged by an unfamiliar destination. Winyah Bay and its tributaries, including several rivers that dump into Charleston Bay to the south, will be open game for this tournament.

The primary rivers include the Pee Dee, Waccamaw, Santee, Cooper and Black, among other smaller tributaries in the region.

Daily takeoffs will occur at 7 a.m. each morning out of Carroll Ashmore Campbell Marine Complex in Georgetown, S.C., and some competitors will make a long risky run to Charleston, S.C, and then up the Cooper River, which is a two-plus-hour trip one way. But it’s a risk that might be worth the $100,000 first-place payout.

“You can bet that there will be a number of anglers who choose to make the long-distance run to the Cooper River,” said the 1999 Bassmaster Classic champion Davy Hite of Ninety Six, S.C. “That’s the risky part of this game. By choosing to make a long run, an angler is sacrificing large amounts of fishing time, gambling mechanical failure, empty gas tanks or a myriad of other potential obstacles.”

Hite says that the payoff, however, could certainly be worth the risk.

“We don’t know much about the fishery as a whole,” he continued. “But, we do know that the rivers will play a critical role in the event. I wouldn’t be surprised if someone manages to weigh an 18-pound limit of bass from the Cooper River, but the question still remains: Can that be replicated four days in a row? We’ll have to see.”

Typically, playing it safe can pay off at the end of a tournament, said Hite. But, he hasn’t ruled out a long run just yet, especially if the fishing requires it.

Winyah Bay is essentially a delta where several rivers converge before completing the journey into the Atlantic Ocean. With a tremendous amount of water at their fingertips, the anglers who do their homework and locate the biggest bass during the official practice days of April 4, 5 and 6 will fare the best.

“I think having an Elite Series tournament at a destination like Winyah Bay was a great idea,” said Marty Robinson of Lyman, S.C. “I firmly believe that the unknowns of a fishery like this levels the playing field, which will make the outcome very interesting. As a group, we know so little about the fishery, and that means there will be little room for errors. Executing a well-laid-out plan will be the key to winning this event”

Local tournament angler John Proctor of Conway, S.C., won the 2015 Old Milwaukee B.A.S.S. Nation Southern Divisional on the Pee Dee River Basin. Proctor clinched the title with a three-day total of 34-11, which included a hefty 7-pound, 9-ounce largemouth bass that also earned him big-bass honors at that event.

“With the expansive water available to the Elite Series, estimating daily weights is somewhat difficult,” said Proctor. “If a pro decides to fish within relative close proximity of the main launch, I think it will take an average of 8 to 9 pounds per day to make the Top 50 cut on Saturday and 10 to 11 pounds per day to make the Top 12 on Sunday. To win in the same region, 15 pounds or better per day will be required.”

Proctor said that the Cooper River is the wild card.

The Cooper River is capable of producing 17 to 18 pounds per day, but, deciding to make that journey will require substantial risk assessment. That’s what makes the sport so exciting to fans and anglers like Proctor. Sometimes you have to put it all on the line and take the big risk for the sake of the title.

“I know what Winyah Bay and the Pee Dee River are capable of producing, and I’m always amazed at how the Elite Series pros can compete on any venue and demonstrate the true potential of each fishery,” he said. “I have no doubt the results will be the same here, and I’m excited to see it unfold.”

Proctor said that the bass population is in excellent health, and there will be plenty of fish caught. He believes the average big bass will weigh about 4 pounds, but seeing a fish in the 5- to 6-pound range, if not a little heavier, would not be a surprise.

Launches are scheduled daily for 7 a.m. ET at Carroll Ashmore Campbell Marine Complex, and weigh-ins will take place at 3:30 p.m. ET at the same location.

A total purse of $638,000 will be paid to the Top 50 anglers. Those anglers will also earn points toward the Toyota Bassmaster Angler of the Year title and qualification for the 2017 GEICO Bassmaster Classic presented by GoPro.

Swift Creek Reservoir Fishing Report- April 2016 By Charlie Machek

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Swift Creek Reservoir Fishing Report- April 2016 By Charlie Machek

Swift Creek Reservoir Fishing Report- April 2016
By Charlie Machek
Owner of Swift Creek Reservoir Guide Service

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The up and down crazy weather of March should be behind us, and the Spring colors are here! With the dogwoods in full bloom, the largemouth bass of our beautiful lake are getting into their spawning mode. What this means to all of the fishermen is that it is time to target the shallows. All of the many coves, pockets, and flats of the lake should have bass creating beds, and pairing up to make the next generation of big bass. Any type of cover that you can find in these shallow areas, such as twigs, stick ups, grass, and the best cover of all… the “bad word,” hydrilla will increase your chances. If the Hydrilla starts to grow this month, it will clear up the water, and you may be able to see the fish creating their spawning nests. Catching these fish will not harm them, or affect their ability to spawn, as long as they are handled properly and are released after a quick photo. Catch and release, and proper handling of the fish is extremely important all spring because the fish have worked hard while spawning. Try to keep the fish off of boat carpet, seats, and dirt, get a good picture, and let them go as quickly as possible. Soft plastic lures (Texas rigged, and weightless) and jigs are the best lures for targeting spawning fish. Not all of the bass in the lake will spawn at the same time, and it typically lasts through May. For the fish that remain in the pre-spawn pattern, target the deeper water adjacent to the spawning areas. A wide range of lures can be used to target the pre-spawners including spinnerbaits, shallow crankbaits, swimbaits, as well as your favorite Texas rigged soft plastics. April is still a great month to catch a true giant bass. The saying, “big baits, big fish,” always rings true. Big jigs, and big swimbaits fished very slowly would be my choice. Think 6”-7” bluegill or shad imitators, and you are on the right track. With trophy fishing, you might only get 1 bite all day, but that is sometimes what it takes to get that giant bass. This is one of the best months to fish from the many Stop-a-whiles around Woodlake, so grab your rod, and take advantage of the great amenities dotted around the lake.

The Crappie will be showing up the shallow coves, and creeks as well. Keep moving until you find a school of them, then slow down, and pick them apart. Small 2” crappie jigs, or small minnows are my favorite baits. A small road runner style bait will work as well. The bluegills and shell crackers will be around too. Live earthworms and crickets can’t be beat, put them under a bobber, and have fun. Take a kid fishing, practice catch and release, and I’ll see you out on the water!
If you have questions feel free to contact me by email, or social media
[email protected] – social media: @SwiftCreekReservoirGuideService and @MachekFishing www.MachekFishing.com/swiftcreekguideservice

Set the Hook! with Pat Rose – Mar 26, 2016 – Featuring FLW Tour Pro John Cox, Bassmaster Elite Series Pro Nitro Pro Ott Defoe, and winners of the Battle on the Chick High Tournament, Team Kyle from the Grundy County High School Fishing Team.

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Set the Hook! with Pat Rose – Mar 26, 2016 – Featuring FLW Tour Pro John Cox, Bassmaster Elite Series Pro Nitro Pro Ott Defoe, and winners of the Battle on the Chick High Tournament, Team Kyle from the Grundy County High School Fishing Team.

Set the Hook! with Pat Rose – Mar 26, 2016

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john_coxott_defoegrundy_county_high_school_fishing_teamGuests this week were FLW Tour Pro John Cox, Bassmaster Elite Series Pro Nitro Pro Ott Defoe, and winners of the Battle on the Chick High Tournament, Team Kyle from the Grundy County High School Fishing Team.

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

On The AirYou 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.

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

Smith Mountain Lake Fishing Report April 2016 by Captain Dale Wilson

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Smith Mountain Lake Fishing Report April 2016 by Captain Dale Wilson

SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE FISHING REPORT
April 2016
DALE WILSON’S
SML GUIDE SERVICE
PHONE NO: 540-297-5650 / 540-874-4950
www.captaindalewilson.com

Picture: Citation smallmouth bass caught & released by a friend, while fishing with Captain Dale Wilson last month.

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OVERVIEW- Fishing should be great this month! Water temperature will be in the 60’s to mid 70’s. Best times will be cloudy days. Late afternoon is usually when fish are most active and at night later in the month. Fishing the past few weeks has been good! Most of the baitfish has moved towards the upper end of the rivers, coves and the major creeks. The warmer weather has caused fishing patterns to change for the better. The longer days and the water temperature rising causes the fish to get more active in shallow water as they prepare to spawn.

Largemouth Bass- Fishing for largemouth bass will be good this month. Best lures will be jigs, spinner baits, drop shots, shallow diving crank baits, jerk baits and shaky heads. Most largemouth bass will be caught near shallow coves, stumps, shallow brush piles, secondary points and shallow water docks. Best depths will be from 2 to 15 feet deep. Look for stained water and shad movements to help locate bass. Most largemouth bass will start to spawn this month.

Smallmouth Bass- Fishing should be good. Best areas will be humps, stumps and shallow secondary points. Best lures will be jerk baits, tubes, jigs and shallow to medium running crank baits.. Best areas will be in the mid to the lower sections of the lake. Most smallmouth bass will be suspended under schools of baitfish. Cloudy days with wind are good times to try your luck! Look for areas with rocks on points next to deep water. Late April some smallmouth bass will start to spawn in shallower water. Look for stumps and isolated rocks on flats near deep water.

Striped Bass- Fishing should be good this month. Stripers will be caught in most sections of the lake and the large creeks. Best lures will be swim baits, Red- fins, Thunder Sticks and Zoom flukes fished on 1/4 to 3/8 oz. lead heads. Casting early and late day will be productive. The best depths will be from the surface to 30 feet deep. Live bait fished on planner boards will work good this month. Most fish will be suspended and will constantly be on the move. Find the largest concentration of shad. Night fishing should improve later in April. Mid to lower end of the lake seems to work best when night fishing.

Crappie- Fishing for crappie will be great this month. They will be found 2 to 10 ft. deep. Crappie will be found around docks, brush piles, stumps and fallen tree tops. Small live minnows and 1½ to 2 inch tubes or shad shaped plastic lures fished on 1/32 to 1/16 oz. lead heads will work best to catch crappie this month. Most crappie will spawn this month.

TIP OF THE Month- Shad constantly move to the shallow water at night to spawn, when the water temps warm. Most species of fish, especially bass and stripers, will feed at night. You can also hear reports about local fishing on the website: THE BASS CAST RADIO SHOW each month. Make sure your running lights are on after dark! Remember to be courteous and obey all the boating laws. Take a kid fishing!

BEAVER LAKE SET TO HOST ANNUAL WALMART FLW TOUR EVENT PRESENTED BY JACK LINK’S

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BEAVER LAKE SET TO HOST ANNUAL WALMART FLW TOUR EVENT PRESENTED BY JACK LINK’S

BEAVER LAKE SET TO HOST ANNUAL WALMART FLW TOUR EVENT PRESENTED BY JACK LINK’S

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ROGERS, Ark. (March 31, 2016) – The third tournament of the 21st season of the Walmart FLW Tour, the most competitive circuit in professional bass-fishing, kicks off April 14-17 with the Walmart FLW Tour at Beaver Lake presented by Jack Link’s. Hosted by Visit Rogers, the tournament will feature 167 of the world’s best bass-fishing professionals and co-anglers casting for top awards of up to $125,000 cash in the pro division and up to $25,000 cash in the co-angler division.

The Walmart FLW Tour has visited Beaver Lake 17 times, with 2016 marking the 18th visit in FLW’s 21-year history. One angler who is looking forward to the Tour’s annual return to the 28,000-acre White River impoundment is Quaker State pro Matt Arey of Shelby, North Carolina, who has won this tournament in each of the last two seasons.

“Beaver Lake has always been my favorite lake that we go to on Tour, way before I had any success,” said Arey, who has more than $720,000 in career earnings in FLW competition. “The lake is so versatile and offers a lot of diversity. You can fish the shallow, stained water in the river targeting bushes and wood or you can fish the clean water in the lower end and see 20 feet deep. It’s a great pattern lake and you can really fish your strengths. I always look forward to this tournament.”

Arey said that the water levels have pretty much returned to normal after being very high a few months back, but that water clarity could be different for Tour anglers this year.

“Certain sections of the lake that are normally clear have dirtier water this year,” he said. “It could confuse some people. The lake is fishing really well right now, though. In local tournaments there over the past few weeks 19- and 20-pound stringers have been winning, while anglers who catch 13 or 14 pounds aren’t cashing checks.

“The smallmouth also tend to always be a wildcard in this tournament,” Arey continued. “I’m a firm believer that you can’t win there without catching largemouth, but it seems like somebody always sneaks into the top 10 by targeting the smallmouth. Putting together multiple limits of smallmouth over a multi-day tournament is extremely tough.”

With 17 previous visits to Beaver Lake, the bait selection amongst the FLW Tour pros isn’t much of a secret. For anglers fishing the lower lake – nearer to the dam – most fish will be caught on drop-shot rigs, swimbaits, grubs and jerkbaits. Finesse will rule in the clear, deep waters. The same baits will play in the mid-lake area as in the lower end, but some pros will speed up with spinnerbaits and Storm Wiggle Warts on staging banks or around wood cover. Upstream, the brush bite is best with buzzbaits, Texas-rigged creature baits and swimbaits.

“I think if you can average 14 to 14½ pounds a day, you’ll be right there at the end,” Arey went on to say. “I think that if somebody can catch 60 pounds, that will probably seal it up.”

In FLW Tour competition, anglers are also vying for valuable points in hopes of qualifying for the 2016 Forrest Wood Cup, the world championship of bass fishing. The 2016 Forrest Wood Cup will be on Wheeler Lake in Huntsville, Alabama, Aug. 4-7 and is hosted by the Huntsville/Madison County Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Pros Robert Pearson of Herndon, Virginia, and Kenneth “Boo” Woods of London, Kentucky, withdrew from competition at the Beaver Lake event. Pearson was recently involved in an automobile accident and was instructed to not fish or participate in any strenuous activities for at least 30 days. He has not yet decided if he will re-join the Tour for the remaining three regular-season events. Woods withdrew from the Beaver Lake event to stay home with his family after his wife recently gave birth. Woods is expected to return to competition at the next FLW Tour event in May, at Pickwick Lake. The FLW Tour event at Beaver Lake will fish 167 pros and co-anglers.

Anglers will take off from the Prairie Creek Park Marina located at 9300 N. Park Road in Rogers at 6:30 a.m. each day of competition. Thursday and Friday’s weigh-ins will be held at Prairie Creek Park beginning at 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday’s final weigh-ins will be held at Walmart, located at 2110 W. Walnut St., in Rogers beginning at 4 p.m.

Fans will also be treated to the FLW Expo on Saturday and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. at Walmart prior to the final weigh-ins. The Expo includes a 100-yard Lew’s Casting Lane, the opportunity to interact with professional anglers, enjoy interactive games, activities and giveaways provided by FLW sponsors, and learn more about the sport of fishing and other outdoor activities. All activities are free and open to the public.

As part of the FLW Tour’s community outreach initiative, FLW Tour anglers will visit students at Westside Elementary School in Rogers on Wednesday, April 13, from 8-10 a.m. to introduce students to fishing and outdoor activities in their community. During the presentations the pro anglers will reinforce how science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) relate to outdoor activities as well as boating safety. The presentation will promote the sport of fishing and outdoor recreation and give youth the information they need to “Get Outdoors. Go Fish!”

FLW Tour pros will also be visiting youth patients at Mercy Hospital, located at 2710 S. Rife Medical Lane in Rogers on Wednesday, April 13 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Quaker State pro Jimmy Houston will be joined by fellow Tour anglers to interact with guests, snap photos with patients and share fishing stories.

Also for youth, the FLW Foundation’s Unified Fishing Derby will be held at the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) Bentonville Community Lake, located at 2805 West Oak St., in Rogers on Saturday, April 16, from 9-11 a.m. The event is hosted by FLW Foundation pro Cody Kelley along with other FLW Tour anglers, and is free and open to area youth 15 years of age and younger and Special Olympics athletes. Rods and reels are available for use, but youth are encouraged to bring their own if they own one. All bait is provided by the DMF Bait Company.

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.

First Day Of Southern Open Cancelled Due To Inclement Weather

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First Day Of Southern Open Cancelled Due To Inclement Weather

March 31, 2016

First Day Of Southern Open Cancelled Due To Inclement Weather

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JASPER, Ala. — It came as no surprise to the anglers early this morning when B.A.S.S. Opens Tournament Director Chris Bowes canceled Day 1 of the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Southern Open at Smith Lake.

“We addressed the possibility in the anglers’ meeting last night,” Bowes said. “Everyone knew this was a possibility. This weather system was literally on everybody’s radar for the last few days.”

Bowes said he started monitoring weather radar and forecasts at 2 a.m. today, and he made the decision to cancel Day 1 about 4 a.m. It began raining shortly after 5 a.m. Thunderstorms are predicted to last all day and into the evening, with lightning, high winds and hail included as potential dangers to anglers on the water. Up to 2 inches of rain is forecast for the next 24 hours in the area.

This tournament now becomes a two-day event for the entire field of 179 boats. There won’t be a cut to the Top 12, as is the usual format for a three-day Bassmaster Open. Champions in the pro and co-angler field will be crowned Saturday. However, rather than the final weigh-in being held at the Bass Pro Shops in Leeds, Ala., both the Friday and Saturday weigh-ins will be held at the Smith Lake Dam Access Area beginning at 2:30 p.m. CT each day.

“I want to thank the Walker County Chamber of Commerce for working so closely with us and being involved in this decision,” Bowes said. “They’ve been on top of this weather situation too, and they’ve worked hand-in-hand with us in getting the tournament schedule changed and disseminating that information.”

Live Coverage Of Bass Fishing Reaches Record Audience

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Live Coverage Of Bass Fishing Reaches Record Audience

A “Bassmaster Live” camera followed legendary angler Rick Clunn on the final day of the Bassmaster Elite at St. Johns River presented by Dick Cepek Tires & Wheels. Clunn took home the trophy with a four-day total weight of 81-15.

Photo by Seigo Saito/B.A.S.S.

March 30, 2016

Live Coverage Of Bass Fishing Reaches Record Audience

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BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — When live, on-the-water coverage of the GEICO Bassmaster Classic presented by GoPro debuted in 2015, producer Mike McKinnis predicted fans would be “blown away” by the video that would be streamed through their computers and mobile devices.

They were. Video plays of “Classic LIVE” programming during the Greenville Classic grew each day, totaling 312,622 after three days, for a total of 9.9 million minutes viewed.

But even McKinnis, the longtime producer of the award-winning The Bassmasters TV show on ESPN2, could not have predicted the boom in popularity of live-streamed fishing action a year later.

The 2016 version of “Classic LIVE,” streamed from Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees, Oklahoma, on Bassmaster.com, earned 416,381 video plays, an increase of 33 percent. Minutes viewed during the three-day event reached nearly 12 million, a 19 percent increase over 2015.

The “LIVE” momentum has carried over into the start of the 2016 Bassmaster Elite Series, with video plays and minutes viewed more than doubling during the Bassmaster Elite at St. Johns River presented by Dick Cepek Tires & Wheels March 17-20, compared to the season-opening Bassmaster Elite at Sabine River presented by STARK Cultural Venues in Orange, Texas, a year ago.

“This is nothing short of amazing,” said B.A.S.S. CEO Bruce Akin. “Not only were the total minutes viewed in Florida this year for Saturday and Sunday up 100 percent over the first Elite last year, but the minutes viewed are up 145 percent over the average minutes from the six regular-season Elites in 2015 during which we ran ‘Bassmaster LIVE’ for three days.”

“Bassmaster LIVE” is made possible by an investment in new technology built into the same high definition cameras used for The Bassmasters on ESPN2 that enables them to stream on-the-water video through cell service to Bassmaster.com. As many as eight videographers are deployed with the leaders after the first round of fishing in each Elite event. Live streams typically run for six hours, beginning at about 7:30 a.m. each day.

“Having a year of ‘Bassmaster LIVE’ under our belts, we expected more fans to be watching in 2016,” McKinnis said, “but wow! Our fans really do want to consume the Bassmasters live, and we’re just getting started.”

The St. Johns event drew 119,096 video plays on Saturday (Day 3) and 166,319 on Sunday, increases of 116 percent and 122 percent, respectively, over the Sabine River streams from those days in 2015.

Part of the increase can be attributed to the incredible come-from-behind victory of legendary angler Rick Clunn, who bagged a five-bass limit weighing 31 pounds, 7 ounces on the third day to take the lead at the St. Johns, Akin noted.

“But that would have had an effect only on the final day, when a ‘Bassmaster LIVE’ camera was assigned to Clunn,” he said. “He wasn’t on anybody’s radar — or video — until the end of the weigh-in on the third day.”

Clunn, who chalked up his 15th victory March 20 at age 69, has won an incredible four Bassmaster Classic championships in his 42-year career as a professional bass fisherman. Fans can watch his historic feat when The Bassmasters TV program on the St. Johns Elite premieres Sunday, April 24, on ESPN2. (Check Bassmaster.com for program times.)

The 2016 GEICO Bassmaster Classic “Winner’s Circle” program premieres this Sunday, April 3, on ESPN2, while an additional five hours of original programming on the 2016 Classic will air on the ESPN Classic channel on Sunday, April 10, and Sunday, April 17.

In addition to the video and television coverage of Bassmaster Elite Series events, fans can follow the action on Bassmaster.com through the BASSTrakk live leaderboard, timely updates and photos from marshals and roving reporters on the water and live streamed weigh-ins each afternoon.

PLANO ADDS THE ULTIMATE SPINNERBAIT, BUZZBAIT AND CHATTERBAIT® WRAP TO THEIR SUPERIOR GUIDE SERIES LINE OF TACKLE TOTES

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PLANO ADDS THE ULTIMATE SPINNERBAIT, BUZZBAIT AND CHATTERBAIT® WRAP TO THEIR SUPERIOR GUIDE SERIES LINE OF TACKLE TOTES

BLADE SLINGERS HAVE THEIR SOFT-SIDE

PLANO ADDS THE ULTIMATE SPINNERBAIT, BUZZBAIT AND CHATTERBAIT® WRAP TO THEIR SUPERIOR GUIDE SERIES LINE OF TACKLE TOTES

 

Plano, IL (March 30, 2016) – There’s no denying the best method of locating active predator fish is to cover as much water with artificial lures as possible in a short period of time. And the supreme baits to handle the task, by far, are spinnerbaits, buzzbaits and ChatterBaits®.

Flash, flutter and vibration… these offerings have it all. And any fish on the hunt will, at the very least, give up its whereabouts when it takes a poke at one.

Ask anyone with big-bladed-bait knowhow, however, and they’ll tell you the size, style and color of these aggressively-fished lures can make a difference between getting bit and being ignored day to day, hour to hour. This is why some of today’s top blade slingers take a wide variety with them every time out, along with component parts in case a minor tweak is required.

In the past, this meant a tote full of the flamboyantly-bladed baits here and a box of pieces and parts there, scattered all throughout the boat.

It’s for this very reason Plano has created the distinctive Guide Series Blade Bag – the heavy-duty yet totally soft-wrap solution for taming these run-cast-and-gun baits.

“Plano has always offered so many options for anglers and their tackle needs, and the new Guide Series Blade Bag is proof perfect they never stop innovating,” say Bassmaster Elite pro and Plano prostaffer Kevin VanDam (KVD). “The Blade Bag holds spinnerbaits and the like in a more compact manner, and will be ideal for the angler with limited space or who is always on the go. It slides easily in any boat compartment, or can be tucked in a larger soft-sided bag with ease.”

New for 2016, the Guide Series Blade Bag allows anglers full examination of a multitude of the temptations that just might make the grade with a flip of each double-compartmental clear PVC sleeve. And inside the heavy-duty nylon shell are various zippered and slip-in pockets to hold extra blades, skirts, trailer hooks and the other components anglers use to customize their baits.

An easy-to-grasp pull tab makes securing all zippered compartments a breeze, and all hold lures snug and secure no matter the size or shape.

461300 Guide Series Blade Bag

  • Organize up to 64 bladed baits in one small bag
  • Interior walls with 8 clear zippered sleeves with 2 pockets per sleeve
  • Size: 10.75”L x 2.5”W x 13”H

MSRP: $24.99

Plano’s new Blade Bag joins others in the Guide Series line, which includes multiple sizes of Tackle and Hydro-Flo totes as well as the Worm Wrap Bag to form a hard-hitting, customized tackle storage system for any angler’s specific needs. Learn more at www.planomolding.com.

 

 

 

 

 

#PlanoFishing

GRAND LAKE SET TO HOST COSTA FLW SERIES SOUTHWESTERN DIVISION EVENT PRESENTED BY EVINRUDE

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GRAND LAKE SET TO HOST COSTA FLW SERIES SOUTHWESTERN DIVISION EVENT PRESENTED BY EVINRUDE

GRAND LAKE SET TO HOST COSTA FLW SERIES SOUTHWESTERN DIVISION EVENT PRESENTED BY EVINRUDE

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GROVE, Okla. (March 29, 2016) – The Costa FLW Series is headed to Grand Lake April 7-9 for a tournament presented by Evinrude when as many as 400 pros and co-anglers will take to the water for the second stop of 2016 in the Southwestern Division.

“Grand Lake is setting up to fish well for this event,” said Walmart FLW Tour pro Bradley Hallman of Norman, Oklahoma, who won the first Tour event of 2016 in February on Lake Okeechobee. “We’ve had a lot of flooding this past winter, so the water will look a bit different than in previous years in terms of clarity, but I still expect it to be a great tournament.

“Right now, the upper end of the lake is pretty clear, while the lower end is still muddy,” Hallman continued. “I think we’re going to see a lot of prespawn patterns with maybe a few spawners caught here and there. It depends on how warm the weather gets over the next couple of weeks.”

Hallman said that no matter where competitors choose to fish, bait choices will likely revolve around jigs, crankbaits and spinnerbaits.

“If anglers head north, there are a lot of docks, wood and log jams to choose from,” said Hallman. “Brown and green-pumpkin-colored baits will do well. Those who stay south may choose to hit some areas on the Neosha River. That’s where black-and-blue colors will be a good bet.”

Hallman went on to say that a three-day catch worth 65 pounds should be enough to win the tournament.

“We’ve seen some big weights coming in over the past couple of weekends,” said Hallman. “It will all depend on how much the water clears up as the tournament approaches.”

Anglers will take off from Wolf Creek Park located at 963 N. 16th St. in Grove at 7 a.m. CST each day. Weigh-ins will be held at the park beginning at 3 p.m. Takeoffs and weigh-ins are free and open to the public. The event is being hosted by the City of Grove.

Pros will fish for a top award of $40,000 plus a Ranger Z518C with a 200-horsepower Evinrude or Mercury outboard if Ranger Cup guidelines are met. Co-anglers will cast for a top award consisting of a Ranger Z175 with a 90-horsepower Evinrude or Mercury outboard and $5,000 if Ranger Cup guidelines are met.

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.

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.

FLW COLLEGE FISHING CENTRAL CONFERENCE OPENER SET FOR TABLE ROCK LAKE

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FLW COLLEGE FISHING CENTRAL CONFERENCE OPENER SET FOR TABLE ROCK LAKE

FLW COLLEGE FISHING CENTRAL CONFERENCE OPENER SET FOR TABLE ROCK LAKE

KIMBERLING CITY, Mo. (March 29, 2016) – FLW College Fishing is headed to Table Rock Lake April 9 for the first of three regular-season stops in the Central Conference. A full field of college teams will be competing for a top award of $2,000 and a berth into the 2017 College Fishing National Championship.

“Table Rock offers a lot of opportunities to catch big bass,” said Walmart FLW Tour pro James Watson, of Nixa, Missouri. “There’s a lot of color in the water so it’s going to be a great tournament for moving baits.

“The spawning flats will likely play a big role in this event,” Watson continued. “If the water clears up and the temperature continues to rise, there could be some strong sight-fishing areas in coves, especially in the James River. Also, if the water clarity is there, I see a fast-moving jerkbait doing well near bluff-ends.”

In addition to jerkbaits, Watson said that crankbaits and spinnerbaits will likely dominate the field.

“Red or brown-colored crankbaits will be a good bet,” said Watson. “Spinnerbaits in chartreuse and white varieties should catch them as well.”

Watson finished by saying that he expects the winning team to weigh in a five-bass limit nearing 18 pounds.

Anglers will take off from Port of Kimberling Marina, located at 72 Marina Way in Kimberling City, at 6:30 a.m. CST Saturday. Weigh-in will be held at the marina beginning at 2:30 p.m. Takeoff and weigh-in are free and open to the public.

Schools are allowed to register up until the morning of the tournament. Entries may be made either by phone or at CollegeFishing.com. Schools currently registered to compete in the Table Rock Lake tournament, which is hosted by the Table Rock Lake Chamber of Commerce, include:

Bellarmine University – James Kuhns, Louisville, Ky., and Joseph Allgeier, Bardstown, Ky.

Bellarmine University – Matthew Smith, Bardstown, Ky., and Kathleen Guice, Chattanooga, Tenn.

Bellarmine University – Patrick Clark and Trevor Hulsey, both of Louisville, Ky.

Bemidji State University – Thor Swanson and Mitchell Swanson, both of Blaine, Minn.

Bemidji State University – Tyler Robinson, Ham Lake, Minn., and Samuel Moore, Crystal, Minn.

Eastern Illinois University – Ian Snowden and Jacob Daily, both of Mattoon, Ill.

Eastern Kentucky University – Logan Gabbard, Richmond, Ky., and Steven Petz, Strongsville, Ohio

Eastern Kentucky University – Shaw Owens and Corey Owens, both of Barbourville, Ky.

Elizabethtown Community and Technical College – Natalie Reichmuth and Ryan Dowell, both of Brandenburg, Ky.

Iowa State University – Dylan Rague, Carroll, Iowa, and Pat Morrison, Omaha, Neb.

Iowa State University – Zac Beek, Bloomington, Minn., and Zachary Hartley, Minneapolis, Minn.

McKendree University – Austin Niggli, Highland, Ill., and Brock Wilke, Saint Rose, Ill.

McKendree University – Brad Wyss, Gardener, Ill., and Taylor Schmitt, Belknap, Ill.

McKendree University – Curtis Lilly, Saint Rose, Ill., and Brian McClanahan, Elkville, Ill.

McKendree University – Reece Ellerbusch, Belknap, Ill., and Austin Chapman, Blue Mound, Ill.

McKendree University – Shane Campbell, Summerfield, Ill., and Phillip Germagliotti, Highland, Ill.

Milwaukee School of Engineering – Nicolas Matschinegg, Chicago, Ill., and Kevin Gross, Wheeling, Ill.

Milwaukee School of Engineering – Shaylan Reardon, Oconomowoc, Wis., and Brooke Scott, Wan Dyne, Wis.

Missouri State University – Alex Macomber, Springfield, Mo., and Cody Hightower, Hartville, Mo.

Missouri State University – Brian Bueker, Higginsville, Mo., and Cody Hamacher, Jefferson, Mo.

Missouri State University – Crosley Welch, Branson, Mo., and Hayden Lee, Jefferson City, Mo.

Missouri State University – Grant Gaskill, Sullivan, Mo., and Brandon Duemmel, Jefferson City, Mo.

Missouri State University – Kyle Doherty, Chesterfield, Mo., and Nick King, Oakville, Mo.

Missouri State University – Quinton Booth and Andrew Guilliams, both of Springfield, Mo.

Moraine Valley Community College – Andrew Jensen and John Neubauer, both of Oak Lawn, Ill.

Murray State University – Chandler Christian, Owensboro, Ky., and Lance Freeman, Eddyville, Ky.

Saint Ambrose University – Cole Atkinson and Tanner Atkinson, both of Camanche, Iowa

Saint Cloud State University – Erik Quanrud, Cambridge, Minn., and Daniel Carlson, Milaca, Minn.

Saint Cloud State University – Joachim Speldrich, Paynesville, Minn., and Tyler Gromberg, Saint Cloud, Minn.

Saint Cloud State University – Seth Cupersmith, Minneapolis, Minn., and Alex Almich, Buffalo Lake, Minn.

South Dakota State University – Kaiden Karst, Pierre, S.D., and Chase Porter, Sioux Falls, S.D.

Southeast Missouri State University – Luke Brozovich, Minooka, Ill., and Reid Millburg, Glenarm, Ill.

Southern Illinois University – Blake Henry and Kyle Wagner, both of Waterloo, Ill.

Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville – Alex Mosella, Fort Myers, Fla., and Sean Clarkson, Edwardsville, Ill.

Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville – Parker Nesbit, Saint Jacob, Ill., and Colten Hunter, Brownstown, Ill.

University of Dubuque – Matt Smith, Harvard, Ill., and Alex Steffen, Cascade, Iowa

University of Kansas – Jake Smith, Benton, Kan., and Kevin Harden, Olathe, Kan.

University of Louisville – Jeffry Endly and Jacob Meadows, both of Carrollton, Ky.

University of Louisville – Joseph Faulconer, Sadieville, Ky., and Corey Skaggs, Louisville, Ky.

University of Minnesota-Duluth – Mark Shirley, Saint Cloud, Minn., and James Chapman, South Haven, Minn.

University of Nebraska-Omaha – Zach Kroeger and Ben Kroeger, both of Omaha, Neb.

University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point – Cody Bergerson, Black River Falls, Wis., and Reed Fredrick, Wisconsin Rapids, Wis.

University of Wisconsin-Whitewater – Jared Mataczynski, Wausau, Wis., and Steve Nebel, Whitewater, Wis.

Winona State University – Wyatt Stout, Sauk City, Wis., and Riley Diske, Winona, Minn.

FLW College Fishing teams compete in regular-season qualifying tournaments in one of five conferences – Central, Northern, Southern, Southeastern and Western. The top ten teams from each division’s three regular-season tournaments and the top 15 teams from the annual FLW College Fishing Open will advance to the 2017 FLW College Fishing National Championship.

College Fishing is free to enter. All participants must be registered, full-time students at a college, university or community college and members of a college fishing club.

For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow College Fishing on Facebook at Facebook.com/FLWFishing and on Twitter at Twitter.com/FLWFishing. Visit FLWFishing.com to sign up or to start a club at your school.

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