Search
Subscribe
Thursday, December 18, 2025
Home Blog Page 131

Brian Scott & Brad Beatson Win CATT Santee Cooper, SC Fall Final Dec 14, 2024

Brian Carter
-
0
Brian Scott & Brad Beatson Win CATT Santee Cooper, SC Fall Final Dec 14, 2024

hanks for fishing with us! The 2025 CATT Spring Santee Cooper Trail is posted!

Tap on this link to view!
CATT Santee Cooper – Carolina Anglers Team Trail

The Santee Cooper Phantom Outdoors is March 22, 2025, at John C Land and 1st Place is guaranteed $10,000!

Brian Scott & Brad Beatson win the Santee Cooper Fall Final with 5 bass weighing 22.18 lbs!

Michael Craven & Randy Gibson take 2nd Place with 21.69 lbs and the BF at 7.68 lbs!

TeamBFWeightWinnings
Brian Scott – Brad Beatson0.0022.18$1,050.00
Randy Gibson – Michael Craven7.6821.69$665.00
Chuck Howard – Gary Pope3.8414.79
Caleb Acosta – Don Bustamante6.468.28
Tim Tyson0.008.07
La’Tonya Blanding – Montra Moore0.001.95
Dusty Hardy – Gunner Bowen0.000.00



Alex Cummings & Garrett Smith win CATT Lake Greenwood, SC Fall Final Dec 14, 2024

Brian Carter
-
0
Alex Cummings & Garrett Smith win CATT Lake Greenwood, SC Fall Final Dec 14, 2024

Thanks for fishing with us and we are looking forward to the Spring of 2025! Help spread the word, and we can build up the boat numbers which equals more $$ for you to take home!

The 2025 Lake Greenwood Spring Trail is posted! Tap on the link to view!

Alex Cummings & Garrett Smith win the Lake Greenwood Fall Final with 5 bass weighing 15.05 lbs! They also won the Greenwood Fall Points!

Chase Stewart & Dalton Dowdy took 2nd with 5 bass weighing 14.21 lbs!

Jermaine Roach & Christina Roach weighed in the BF at 4.81 lbs!

TeamBFWeightWinnings
Alex Cummings – Garrett Smith4.3415.05$1,200.00
Chase Stewart – Dalton Dowdy4.5314.21$525.00
Jermaine Roach – Christina Roach4.8112.88$125.00
Tony Everhart – Will Everhart2.9911.23
Ryan Franklin – Graham Price0.009.76
Christopher Burnett – Anthony Burnett0.009.53
Jodan Knight – Greg Knight3.037.43
Brian Hohn – Curtis Baird2.774.91
Anthony Kiker – Truett Hill0.000.00



Mike Kiser & Matt Stanley Win CATT Yadkin Fall Final High Rock Lake, NC Dec 14, 2024

Brian Carter
-
0
Mike Kiser & Matt Stanley Win CATT Yadkin Fall Final High Rock Lake, NC Dec 14, 2024

hanks for fishing with us guys! The 2025 Yadkin Spring Trail schedule is posted!

Tap on this link to view!

Matt Stanley & Mike Kiser win the 2024 Yadkin Fall Final with 5 bass weighing 23.32 lbs! They also weighed in the BF at 6.15 lbs! T0tal winnings $3.530.00!

Tom & Tate Coleman 2nd with 19.84 lbs! $2,050.00!

Wyatt & Bart Hill 3rd with 17.00 lbs! $1,040.00!

Michael Kinard -Aaron Harwood 2024 Yadkin Fall Point Winners!

TeamBFWeightWinnings
Mike Kiser – Matt Stanley6.1523.32$3,530.00
Tom & Tate Coleman0.0019.84$2,050.00
Bart Hill – Wyatt Hill5.2517.00$1,040.00
Rodney Thomas – Jason Thomas0.0016.98$500.00
Tod Haynes – Jeremy Talbert0.0016.84$300.00
Michael Swaringen – CJ Johnston0.0016.32$150.00
Todd Harris- Travis Dodson0.0015.26
Byron Brush – Byron Brush Sr0.0013.93
Todd Shoaf6.0112.73
Jason Riggs – Steve Sink0.0010.35
Zach Scelsi – Kris Scelsi0.009.91
Phillip Hedrick – Jack Vanderford3.458.99
Chris Brown – Sam Cole0.007.74
Ladd Whicker – Landon Whicker0.007.27
Michael Kinard -Aaron Harwood0.000.00$500.00
Austin Garland0.000.00
Ronnie Smith – Robin Collins0.000.00
Thomas Ludwick – Tom File0.000.00
Mike Ray – Orlando Giles0.000.00
Bailey Hollingsworth – Jon Jones0.000.00
Manny Leneau0.000.00
Ethan Fseperman – Bryson Perry0.000.00
Jeff White – Tommy Coleman0.000.00
Mike Allen – Shawn Williams0.000.00
Mark Mohler – Graeme Bosch0.000.00
David Wright – Scott Faulkner0.000.00
Dillon Simpson – Nathan Sparks0.000.00
Randy Weddington – Ronnie Smith0.000.00
Kevin Stowell – Richard McDuffie0.000.00
Michael Huffman0.000.00
Jonathan Lowe – Mack Lowe0.000.00
Micah Speights – Chad Coley0.000.00



Britt Myers/Mike Stephens Win CATT Lake Wylie, SC Dec 14, 2024 Fall Final

Brian Carter
-
0
Britt Myers/Mike Stephens Win CATT Lake Wylie, SC Dec 14, 2024 Fall Final

The 2025 CATT Lake Wylie Spring Trail is posted! Tap on the link to view!

Britt Myers Jr & Mike Stephens win the Lake Wylie Fall Final with 5 bass weighing 18.70 lbs!

Corey Stone & Nick Williams claim 2nd with 5 bass weighing 16.51 lbs!

Chris Bumgardner & Glenn Sparrow were our Fall Point winners!

TeamBFWeightWinnings
Britt Myers/Mike Stephens4.0518.70$980.00
Corey Stone/Nick Williams4.3616.51$350.00
Sawyer Sparrow/Taylor Bonds4.2016.31
David Winters/Derek Lilley3.5315.70
Glen Sparrow/Chris Bumgardner2.3510.77
Dave Calbert0.000.00
Chip Ladigo/Kyle Westerman0.000.00



John  Michenfelder Wins CATT Old North Fall Final Jordan Lake, NC Dec 14, 2024

Brian Carter
-
0
John  Michenfelder Wins CATT Old North Fall Final Jordan Lake, NC Dec 14, 2024

Thanks for fishing with us! The 2025 CATT Old North Spring Trail is posted!

Tap on this link to view!

We added a Phantom Outdoors Event which is April 5th at Fall Lake! The Phantom features a much higher payback pay 1 in 7 places! 3 optional side pots are offered just like the CATT Championship! $100- $50 – $25 all 100% Payback! The April 5th Phantom will also count toward your Old Final Qualification! Must be a CATT member!

John Michenfelder wins the Old North Fall Final on Jordan Lake with 5 bass weighing 22.15 lbs!

Rick Dunstan & Mike Farell 2nd with 5 bass weighing 19.24 lbs! They also weighed in the BF at 7.71 lbs!

Kevin Rigsbee & Joe Edwards 3rd with 18.54 lbs!

Jody George & Ricky Parker Old North Fall Points Winners!

TeamBFWeightWinnings
John  Michenfelder7.0122.15$1,830.00
Rick Dunstan – Mike Farell7.7119.24$1,170.00
Joe Edwards – Kevin Rigsbee6.8618.54$325.00
Jeffrey Davis – Shane Burns0.0013.56
Zach Huey7.3512.82
Jody George – Ricky Parker0.0011.30
Rick Ambrosini – Adam Ambrosini6.6310.25
Roby Wyatt – Mike Prytula3.084.46
Clay Ausley – Ken Mcneil0.001.99
Damon Clark – Nolan Clark0.000.00
George Stone0.000.00
Scott Smith – Dennis Reedy0.000.00
Todd Sumner0.000.00
Landon Siggers – Bob Mahan0.000.00



Gilbert & Gilbert Win 5 Alive/ NC MARINE HYCO TRAIL Tournament #1

Brian Carter
-
0
Gilbert & Gilbert Win 5 Alive/ NC MARINE HYCO TRAIL Tournament #1

We had the first of five tournaments of the NC MARINE HYCO TRAIL last Saturday. It’s was COLD

?

and the wind blowed continuously all day!
We had 27 teams show up to brave the weather and take their chance at being the winner of the 1st Tournament of the New Year. Fishing was tough for most but like I always say ” Somebody’s going to figure them out”.

When the scales closed it was the Father/Son team of Larry Gilbert and Kyle Gilbert that took home the WIN

?

They had a 5 fish limit weighing 15.17 pounds beating the field by just shy of 2 pounds. They also Won the tournament in a Caymas Boat. That has its perks in this trail. NC Marine Sales and Caymas Boats pays $300.00 extra to the top finishing Caymas in the tournament. All that being said the Gilbert & Gilbert duo pocketed $1325.00

?

for the day. Great job guys!!!

The 2nd place team was the the team of Scearce & Slade. They had a 5 fish limit weighing 13.32 pounds. That earned them a total of $475.00

?

for the day.

?

Hold up tho!! As I always do I get to needle the ones that didn’t get in the TWT and they miss the extra money. The 2nd place team missed out on an extra $150.00 by not getting in the TWT!

?

I do believe I recall hearing Mr. Scearce say at the weigh in that he would be getting in the rest of them from now on.

?

Big fish was Won by the one and only Keith Wray ( A.K.A. Fish Doctor). He had a 3.99 pound bass that earned him $270.00.

As I said earlier that NC MARINE and Caymas Boats pays the top 2 finishing Caymas Boats in the tournament.
Top finishing Caymas was the winners of the tournament Gilbert & Gilbert – $300.00
2nd highest finishing Caymus was
G. Fox & Oakley – $200.00

BIG CONGRATULATIONS to everyone that finished in the money

?

As always tournament director Tim Staton and his wife Pam did a excellent job running the tournament.  Now if I could just get him to quit being so shy at the end of the tournament.

?

Definitely got to give a BIG SHOUT OUT to NC Marine for Sponsoring the Hyco Trail again this year. Mr. Brandon-Stacy Patrick ( the owner of NC MARINE) has been a sponsor of the 5 Alive Team Trail from the very beginning. We can’t say enough how much we appreciate them for being apart of the 5 Alive Family!
If your looking for a Caymas Boat go check them out and the will hook you up!!

The 2nd tournament of the NC MARINE HYCO TRAIL will be on 1/11/2025.
If you want to pre register contact me Kevin Sheppard at 336-264-8416.
REMEMBER! this year you must be pre registered for all tournaments by the Thursday before the tournament. If your not pre registered you can still fish but it will be CASH ONLY at the ramp and there will be a late fee of $20.00
If your not sure that you can fish but you don’t want to pay the late fee you can go ahead and pre register. If it works out that you can’t fish I will either refund you your money back or move it to the entry of another tournament. It’s your call. We do not keep entry fee’s of anyone that doesn’t get to fish. Also as a reminder we are not keeping the late fee money. All late fee money is going into a pot and will be added to the payout of the Guaranteed $7000.00 two day Championship in the Fall.
Thank you to everyone that came out and fished with us last Saturday and we will see yall in January. 

From the 5 Alive Team Trail Family to your family we want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

Results.
1st. Gilbert & Gilbert- 15.17 pounds- $1325.00 TWT
2nd. Scearce & Slade- 13.32 pounds- $475.00
3rd. Moore & Moore- 13.08 pounds- $500.00 TWT
4th. G. Fox & Oakley- 12.42 pounds- $350.00 TWT
5th. Adam White – 12.10 pounds- $135.00
6th. Denton & Denton- 10.84 pounds
7th. T. Staton & P. Staton- 10.43 pounds
8th. Walker & Stump- 10.09 pounds.
9th. K. Sheppard- 9.41 pounds
10th. Keith Wray- 8.45 pounds

Big fish.
Keith Wray- 3.99 pounds- $270.00

NC Marine/ Caymas Money Winners
1st. Gilbert & Gilbert $300.00
2nd. G.Fox & Oakley $200.00



B.A.S.S. Shutters Bassmaster Opens Co-Angler Program

Bruce Callis
-
0
B.A.S.S. Shutters Bassmaster Opens Co-Angler Program

B.A.S.S. shutters Bassmaster Opens Co-Angler Program

Written by B.A.S.S.

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The longstanding co-angler program within the Bassmaster Opens has been eliminated for the 2025 season, B.A.S.S. announced today. Due to multiple reasons, including fairness to the field of boaters and reduced interest since COVID, the program has been shuttered.

Co-anglers have been a staple in the Bassmaster Opens since the inception of the league. Not only did these anglers get to compete for great prizes, but they were able to learn from veteran anglers while competing. When COVID struck our nation in 2020, the number of anglers signing up to compete as co-anglers diminished due to state restrictions and general health concerns during that time. The numbers have remained low since.

Last year, boaters expressed concerns that there was a fairness issue if they had a co-angler, and competed against a portion of the field who did not have co-anglers. Out of an abundance of caution to maintain the integrity of the sport for the Opens boaters, the elimination of co-anglers became a topic of discussion. This concern, paired with the reduction of non-boaters since 2020 led to the final decision.

“It was a tough call,” said Hank Weldon, Bassmaster Opens tournament director. “But, now that we have a home for our co-anglers in the new B.A.S.S. Nation Qualifiers, it just makes sense. These avid anglers will still have the opportunity to compete at a high level and our Opens pros will be able to pursue their dreams in a league that couldn’t be more fair … or more competitive.”

The 2025 Bassmaster Opens will kick off at Clarks Hill Reservoir on Jan 23-25 (Full Opens Schedule), while the first B.A.S.S. Nation Qualifier will be held at Pickwick Lake March 12-14.



The Clean Water Act: Critical Protections for American Waters and Fish Populations

Brian Carter
-
0
The Clean Water Act: Critical Protections for American Waters and Fish Populations

The Clean Water Act’s Impact on America’s Waterways: A Comprehensive Analysis

In 1972, while bass anglers were still using the original purple Mister Twister Grubs and first-generation Lowrance Fish-N-Temp fish finders, Congress overrode President Nixon’s veto to create the Clean Water Act – a landmark decision that would transform America’s bass fisheries. Before this legislation, industrial pollution had turned many prime bass waters into toxic dead zones. The Cuyahoga River had literally caught fire in 1969, marking a turning point in public awareness. In those days, bass anglers often found their favorite fishing spots choked with industrial waste, raw sewage, and chemical runoff, making successful catch rates plummet and raising concerns about consuming their catch. The Clean Water Act changed the game for bass fishing – establishing water quality standards, limiting pollutant discharges, and protecting spawning grounds. Now, as potential changes to this vital protection loom in 2025, bass anglers who have enjoyed decades of cleaner waters and healthier fisheries face a critical moment. The proposed modifications to WOTUS definitions, discharge regulations, and enforcement mechanisms could directly impact prime bass habitats – from the shallow spawning flats where anglers sight-fish in spring, to the deep, clear waters where summer tournaments are won. Just as the original Act helped transform America’s waters from industrial dumping grounds into world-class bass fisheries, these upcoming changes could reshape the future of bass fishing for generations to come.

Water Quality Management and Scientific Standards


The Clean Water Act establishes specific numerical limits for various pollutants and requires regular monitoring. For example, dissolved oxygen levels must typically remain above 5 mg/L to support healthy bass populations. The law mandates testing for:

  • Dissolved oxygen content
  • pH levels (ideally 6.5-8.5 for bass)
  • Temperature variations
  • Turbidity measurements
  • Chemical contaminant levels

Ecosystem Interconnections Bass populations depend on complex food webs that the Clean Water Act protects. Consider this chain:

  • Phytoplankton require clear water for photosynthesis
  • Small invertebrates feed on phytoplankton
  • Smaller fish consume invertebrates
  • Bass prey on these smaller fish
    Disrupting any link through pollution can collapse entire populations.

Economic Impact Data Research shows significant economic value in protected waterways:

  • Recreational fishing generates over $47 billion annually in retail sales
  • Supporting approximately 800,000 jobs nationwide
  • Property values near clean lakes average 25% higher than comparable properties near impaired waters
  • Tourism revenue in fishing communities can represent 40-60% of local economy

Specific Threats from Regulatory Changes Recent proposals could affect:

Industrial Discharge

  • Relaxed requirements for treatment of industrial wastewater
  • Reduced monitoring frequency requirements
  • Modified definitions of “point source” pollution

Agricultural Runoff

  • Changed oversight of fertilizer and pesticide runoff
  • Altered requirements for buffer zones near waterways
  • Modified regulations on livestock operation waste management

Wetland Protection

  • Redefined criteria for protected wetlands
  • Changed requirements for mitigation when wetlands are developed
  • Modified standards for wetland water quality maintenance

Scientific Evidence of Impact Research demonstrates clear correlations between water protection and fish population health:

  • Bass spawning success rates decrease 45% in waters with elevated pollution levels
  • Survival rates of juvenile fish drop by 60% in areas with compromised water quality
  • Adult fish show reduced growth rates and increased disease susceptibility in polluted waters

Legal Framework and Enforcement Current enforcement involves:

  • Regular water quality testing
  • Mandatory reporting requirements
  • Significant penalties for violations
  • Interagency cooperation for monitoring
  • Public access to water quality data

Proposed changes could affect each of these mechanisms, potentially reducing overall effectiveness of water protection efforts.

Long-term Environmental Consequences Extended projections indicate potential impacts:

  • Accelerated eutrophication of lakes and streams
  • Increased frequency of harmful algal blooms
  • Reduced biodiversity in aquatic ecosystems
  • Compromised groundwater quality
  • Degradation of spawning habitat

Practical Solutions and Community Action Effective advocacy requires:

Technical Understanding

  • Learn to interpret water quality data
  • Understand local watershed dynamics
  • Study historical trends in local water quality

Documentation

  • Maintain detailed records of water conditions
  • Track changes in fish population and behavior
  • Document unusual events or changes

Community Organization

  • Form local watershed protection groups
  • Coordinate with existing environmental organizations
  • Develop relationships with local officials
  • Create citizen science monitoring programs

This comprehensive approach to water protection combines scientific understanding, economic awareness, and practical action to maintain the health of our waterways for current and future generations.



B.A.S.S. announces high-powered 2025 Elite Series field

Brian Carter
-
0
B.A.S.S. announces high-powered 2025 Elite Series field

With all invitations to the 2025 Bassmaster Elite Series accepted, the stage is set for the 20th season of Elite Series competition.

Photo by B.A.S.S.

Dec. 19, 2024

B.A.S.S. announces high-powered 2025 Elite Series field

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — On the heels of a record-setting 2024 Bassmaster Elite Series, where attendance and viewership numbers were equaled only by record weights and nail-biting finishes, the competitive field for the 2025 season has been set. Although last year’s rookie class took the Elites by storm, the young guns stepping up to the big stage this year are just as fierce. However, the veterans will have something to say about who will be holding the blue trophies when the scales settle.

All 104 anglers invited to join the 2025 Elite class accepted the challenge, including seven former Bassmaster Classic champions and eight former Angler of the Year champions. The rookie class is led by Easton Fothergill, who won two Bassmaster Opens events in 2024 and the points race in the 2024 Elite Qualifiers division to punch his ticket to the big show. Cody Meyer, Tucker Smith, Paul Marks, Emil Wagner, Andrew Loberg, Dakota Ebare, Beau Browning and Evan Kung are also part of the stacked freshman class.

Two legends will be joining the 2025 Elites, both dragging a Classic trophy alongside them. Randy Howell won the world championship in 2014 and has almost $2 million in B.A.S.S. winnings. Cliff Pace hoisted the Ray Scott Bassmaster Classic trophy in 2013 and has almost $1.7 million in career earnings.

Each event will kick off with the full field of 104 anglers on Days 1 and 2 before the field is cut to 50 for the semifinal round. The field will then be cut to the Top 10 on the final day, with the winner taking home the title and the $100,000 first-place prize.

The 2025 Elite Series will kick off with the Bassmaster Elite at St. Johns River February 20-23. From there, the competitors will rattle rods through six other states while battling for the Progressive Insurance Bassmaster Angler of the Year title and a berth into the 2026 Bassmaster Classic.

2025 Bassmaster Elite Series Field

Matt Arey, Shelby, N.C. 

Justin Atkins, Florence, Ala. 

Drew Benton, Panama City, Fla. 

Stetson Blaylock, Benton, Ark. 

Beau Browning, Hot Springs, Ark. 

Scott Canterbury, Odenville, Ala. 

Blake Capps, Muskogee, Okla.

Brandon Card, Salisbury, N.C. 

Hank Cherry, Lincolnton, N.C. 

Jason Christie, Welling, Okla.

Joey Cifuentes III, Clinton, Ark. 

Brandon Cobb, Greenwood, S.C. 

Keith Combs, Huntington, Texas

Drew Cook, Cairo, Ga.  

John Cox, DeBary, Fla. 

John Crews, Salem, Va.  

Will Davis Jr., Sylacauga, Ala. 

Greg DiPalma, Millville, N.J. 

Bob Downey, Detroit Lakes, Minn.

Tim Dube, Nashua, N.H. 

Dakota Ebare, Brookeland, Texas

Seth Feider, New Market, Minn.

Austin Felix, Eden Prairie, Minn.

Easton Fothergill, Grand Rapids, Minn.

Jacob Foutz, Charleston, Tenn.

Marc Frazier, Newnan, Ga.  

Kyoya Fujita, Minamitsuru, Yamanashi, Japan

Cooper Gallant, Bowmanville, Ontario, Canada       

John Garrett, Union City, Tenn.

David Gaston, Sylacauga, Ala. 

Robert Gee, Knoxville, Tenn.

Wesley Gore, Clanton, Ala. 

Buddy Gross, Chattanooga, Tenn.  

Jeff Gustafson, Keewatin, Ontario, Canada  

Greg Hackney, Gonzales, La.  

Justin Hamner, Northport, Ala. 

Ray Hanselman, Del Rio, Texas

Jamie Hartman, Newport, N.Y.

Matt Herren, Ashville, Ala. 

Randy Howell, Guntersville, Ala. 

Cody Huff, Ava, Mo.  

Mike Iaconelli, Pittsgrove, N.J. 

Taku Ito, Chiba, Japan

Carl Jocumsen, Toowoomba, Australia

Chris Johnston, Otonabee, Ontario, Canada

Cory Johnston, Otonabee, Ontario, Canada 

Jonathan Kelley, Old Forge, Pa.  

Steve Kennedy, Auburn, Ala. 

Kenta Kimura, Hirakata, Osaka, Japan

Evan Kung, Pickering, Ontario, Canada         

Caleb Kuphall, Mukwonago, Wis.

Logan Latuso, Gonzales, La.  

Jordan Lee, Cullman, Ala. 

Shane LeHew, Catawba, N.C. 

Brandon Lester, Fayetteville, Tenn.

Lee Livesay, Longview, Texas

Andrew Loberg, Guntersville, Ala. 

Wes Logan, Springville, Ala. 

Ed Loughran III, Richmond, Va.  

Bill Lowen, Brookville, Ind. 

Paul Marks, Cumming, Ga.  

Scott Martin, Clewiston, Fla. 

Trey McKinney, Carbondale, Ill. 

Mark Menendez, Paducah, Ky.  

Cody Meyer, Eagle, Idaho

Ben Milliken, New Caney, Texas

Brock Mosley, Collinsville, Miss.

Paul Mueller, Naugatuck, Conn.

David Mullins, Mt. Carmel, Tenn.

Bryan New, Leesville, S.C. 

Kyle Norsetter, Cottage Grove, Wisc

Cliff Pace, Ovett, Miss.

Brandon Palaniuk, Rathdrum, Idaho

Luke Palmer, Coalgate, Okla.

Logan Parks, Auburn, Ala. 

Kyle Patrick, Cooperstown, N.Y. 

Chad Pipkens, DeWitt, Mich.

Clifford Pirch, Payson, Ariz.

Jacob Powroznik, North Prince George, Va.  

Jay Przekurat, Plover, Wis.

KJ Queen, Catawba, N.C. 

Alex Redwine, Blue Ash, Ohio 

Tyler Rivet, Raceland, La.  

Matt Robertson, Kuttawa, Ky.  

Cole Sands, Calhoun, Tenn.

Pat Schlapper, Eleva, Wis.

Bryan Schmitt, Deale, Md.  

Bernie Schultz, Gainesville, Fla. 

Hunter Shryock, Ooltewah, Tenn.

Bryant Smith, Roseville, Calif.

Tucker Smith, Birmingham, Ala. 

Caleb Sumrall, New Iberia, La.  

Gerald Swindle, Guntersville, Ala. 

JT Thompkins, Myrtle Beach, S.C. 

Emil Wagner, Marietta, Ga.  

Patrick Walters, Summerville, S.C. 

Kyle Welcher, Opelika, Ala. 

Alex Wetherell, Middletown, Conn.

Brad Whatley, Bivins, Texas

Jake Whitaker, Hendersonville, N.C. 

Tyler Williams, Belgrade, Maine

Jason Williamson, Aiken, S.C. 

Matty Wong, Honolulu, Hawaii

Chris Zaldain, Fort Worth, Texas

About B.A.S.S.

B.A.S.S., which encompasses the Bassmaster tournament leagues, events and media platforms, is the worldwide authority on bass fishing and keeper of the culture of the sport, providing cutting-edge content on bass fishing whenever, wherever and however bass fishing fans want to use it. Headquartered in Birmingham, Ala., the organization’s fully integrated media platforms include the industry’s leading magazines (Bassmaster and B.A.S.S. Times), website (Bassmaster.com), TV show, radio show, social media programs and events. For more than 50 years, B.A.S.S. has been dedicated to access, conservation and youth fishing.

The Bassmaster Tournament Trail includes the most prestigious events at each level of competition, including the Bassmaster Elite Series, St. Croix Bassmaster Opens Series presented by SEVIIN, Mercury B.A.S.S. Nation Qualifier Series presented by Lowrance, Strike King Bassmaster College Series presented by Bass Pro Shops, Strike King Bassmaster High School Series, Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Team Championship, Newport Bassmaster Kayak Series presented by Native Watercraft, Yamaha Bassmaster Redfish Cup Championship presented by Skeeter and the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing, the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour.



Jigging the Winter:Making the Bite

Bruce Callis
-
0
Jigging the Winter:Making the Bite

Winter can be a challenging month to go fishing! But the reward can often be some of the biggest bass all year. Everyone thinks spring with the spawn, but winter bass are feeding up getting ready for the real cold weather. And that makes them nice and fat! While some bass will stay up in the shallows most of the time, the big ones move deeper. And remember, deeper is uniquely relative to every body of water. Some ponds may only have 7 feet of water in the deeper areas and some lakes can get deeper than 20 feet.


Look for those areas that offer bass the opportunity to move up and down in the water column easily. Long points that stretch out into the deeper water are prime areas. Deep flats next to shallow flats offer the bass the opportunity to move up and chase baitfish when the sun warms them. And never pass up laydowns! The wood will warm the water on those sunny days. And look for ditches or channels that offer the bass a freeway to move about. Some places can be tricky, especially those that don’t offer a lot of depth changes.
There are a lot of baits that can be worked in all of these areas, and they will all work. And I enjoy using them. But sometimes I like to slow down and work an area that offers the potential for a big bass. And for that, I turn to a jig. I prefer a Missile Baits Ike’s Mini Flip with a Chunky D trailer. It gives it a little action without being overwhelming. The skirt gives it a bigger profile and action to bring in plenty of bass.


I like to throw a 1/4 ounce most of the time, but I will go up to 3/8 or 1/2 ounces to speed up the rate of fall. And depending on the bass, I will switch to a D Bomb or Baby D Bomb, depending on what the bass wants. If I need to go bigger and heavier for deeper water, I will switch to an Ike’s Flip Out Jig or Head Banger. The Head Banger gives me the option to go up to 1 ounce.


Hit up the drop-offs and work it down them. Drag it or hop it slowly making stops along the way. Let it sit before making it move again, and be ready for that strike. It can be subtle or it can be aggressive, every bass will be different. And don’t think that a light tick is a small bass, even the monsters can do a light tick. Set that hook hard. You need to make sure to hook them. Nothing like watching a big bass come half out of the water and throw your jig because you didn’t set the hook hard enough.


And don’t miss those big bass holding to the laydowns, soaking up the warmth as they lay in ambush. Normally we start out in the tips, but this time of year, go straight for the meat of the laydown. The tip doesn’t warm up like this area does. Again, a lot of times they will hit it on the fall. Some like it slower, while others can’t resist that fast fall. Slowly work it around, use small hops and drags, letting it sit before moving it again. The jig will be moving on it’s own as it sits there with the skirt flowing out as it settles down.
And it works great dragging it across the flats. Drag and let it stop. Then either drag it or hop it. It’s winter and the water is cold, so small hops mimics more of what the bait is doing. Cover as much water is possible and don’t be afraid to change the size of your jig, covering the same area.


And the trailer is just as important. Sometimes you may need a trailer with a little more action when you are dragging it. You can switch over to a Baby D Stroyer which will offer that little tail motion to help draw the strikes. It is also great on a Carolina rig, so why not on a jig. Just don’t let the secret out.


Winter is a great time to put that jig we love to pitch during the rest of the year to work. Make sure you are ready for those big winter hawgs! They love to eat a good and a jig is just that. Go have fun and let’s see some of those monsters!



1...130131132...1,533Page 131 of 1,533

Follow Us

The latest

Gill Sets the Bar as MLF’s Youngest Bass-Fishing Millionaire

Breaking News 0
By: Jody WhiteWhen Drew Gill put a bow on his primary...

Seth Dixon & Thanos Tsoumbous win Lake Gaston with 5 bass weighing 18.56 lbs!

CATT Lake Gason 0
Next up is the Lake Gaston Final on January...

Matt Robertson wins the CATT Lake Norman Fall Final with 5 bass weighing 16.50 lbs!

CATT Lake Norman 0
Matt Robertson wins the Lake Norman Fall Final with...

© 2023 The Bass Cast. All Rights Reserved.