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Bassmaster Classic Audience Expected To Grow In 2015 Through Innovative New Media

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Feb. 13, 2015

Bassmaster Classic Audience Expected To Grow In 2015 Through Innovative New Media

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — The GEICO Bassmaster Classic presented by GoPro next week on Lake Hartwell, South Carolina, is expected to become the most widely watched and thoroughly covered fishing event in history, B.A.S.S. officials predict.

“It will certainly be covered in more different ways than previous Classics, which historically have reached more fishing fans than any other tournament,” said Jim Sexton, VP/Digital for B.A.S.S. “With new live coverage of fishing action on Bassmaster.com and advances in content for mobile devices, we’re hoping to surpass 1 million unique visitors on our website alone.”

The 2014 Classic on Lake Guntersville attracted 979,000 unique visitors to the site, and they generated a total of 33 million page views in February 2014, including 22 million during Classic Week.

In addition to web coverage, ESPN2 will air 12 hours of programming on the Classic, which is being held Feb. 20-22 on Lake Hartwell, with weigh-ins to be held in Greenville, S.C. The programs will be re-aired on ESPN2, ESPN Classic and on The Outdoor Channel. The 2014 Classic on Lake Guntersville attracted more than 1.3 million viewers, including approximately 880,000 on ESPN2 and 400,000 on The Outdoor Channel.

Bassmaster Magazine will cover the 45th Classic in its April issue, reaching 500,000 B.A.S.S. members and 3.7 million readers.

The “Super Bowl of Bass Fishing” also has attracted a record number of journalists representing independent media ranging from websites to magazines and newspapers to television networks. Approximately 275 media representatives have applied for credentials to cover the event.

Among the media contingent, a crew from The Weather Channel will be broadcasting live from the take-off site, Green Pond Landing in Anderson, S.C., Friday and Saturday mornings, Feb. 21-22.

Another form of live broadcast from the Classic will be “huge,” predicts Mike McKinnis, producer of the award-winning The Bassmasters TV show. Internet coverage of the Classic will feature live on-the-water video of anglers on Lake Hartwell.

Employing somewhat new technology built into the same cameras used for the television show, video is transmitted through cell service and streamed live on the website, McKinnis explained. “We do things that inspire us, and we know if we get excited, typically the fans can get excited about it,” he added. “I think the fans will be blown away.”

The video will be streamed in the “Bassmaster Classic Live presented by Lowrance” programs on Bassmaster.com each competition day, Feb. 20-22, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. ET.

Classic television coverage on ESPN2 will premiere Saturday, March 7, with a three-hour block covering Day 1 and Day 2 of the competition, and the final round will be covered in a two-hour show Sunday, March 8, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on ESPN2. (See Bassmaster.com for complete listings.) The programs are videoed, edited and produced by the same team that’s responsible for The Bassmasters show on ESPN2 and the Outdoor Channel. That show recently received the prestigious Golden Moose award for “Best Fishing Show” — the third such award in the past four years for the program.

In addition to “Bassmaster Classic Live,” the Bassmaster.com website offers several other ways to keep up with the fishing competition in real time. BASSTrakk uses cellphone technology to record the location of each angler on a GPS map. Marshals assigned as observers for each of the anglers operate the BASSTrakk devices and send in updates immediately after each fish is caught and kept or released. That information is displayed in the Real Time Leaderboard, an unofficial ranking of each of the competitors, and is sent automatically to followers of @BASSTrakk on Twitter.

Teams of writers and photographers prowl the lake, following the leaders and filing reports and photos in the “Live Blog” feature on the website, which also publishes photos taken by marshals of the angler’s biggest bass. “Near-live” video interviews will be posted online in the BASSCam section, and select video from GoPro cameras installed on all 56 contender boats will be posted daily on the website.

Fans will be able to contribute to the Classic coverage as well through Twitter and/or Instagram. By using the hashtag #BassmasterClassic, their Tweets and photos will appear on video screens in the Bassmaster Classic Outdoors Expo presented by Dick’s Sporting Goods, on the big screen during weigh-ins at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena and on Bassmaster.com.

Social media is expected to play a major role in telling the story of the event this year, according to Social Media Editor Tyler Wade. “More than 2,500 Instagram photos were posted with our hashtag during last year’s Classic, and we had barely established our Instagram presence then. With 25,000 fans on our Instagram account, @bass_nation, the number of posts will be much higher this year.”

FLW LANDS FROGG TOGGS AS LATEST SPONSOR

FLW LANDS FROGG TOGGS AS LATEST SPONSOR
MINNEAPOLIS (Feb. 13, 2015) – FLW, the world’s largest tournament-fishing organization, has announced a sponsorship deal with Frogg Toggs, the undisputed leader in lightweight, breathable, affordable rainwear. 2015 marks the first season the two organizations will partner. Specific terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Patterson Leeth, vice president of marketing at FLW, said: “Many tournament anglers on our circuits rely on Frogg Toggs products to stay dry on the water and make their fishing experience more enjoyable. They are a natural fit with FLW and we are very excited to add them to our sponsorship lineup.”
Per the deal, the Frogg Toggs brand will receive exposure across multiple FLW’s platforms including its website, world-class tournaments and expos, social media outlets and FLW Bass Fishing magazine. The organization will also receive time on the “FLW” television show which is broadcasted on NBC Sports Network, the Pursuit Channel and WFN in high-definition to over 564 million viewers making it the most widely distributed weekly outdoors-sports television show in the world.
“Frogg Toggs and FLW are a natural fit. Frogg Toggs is the most recognized name in performance outerwear and FLW is the most recognized name in professional bass fishing,” said Will Fowler, Frogg Toggs vice president of sales and marketing. “Being a part of the FLW tournament scene gives anglers an up-close view of Frogg Toggs brand, products, and people and gives Frogg Toggs ground-level access to the best professional and semi-pro anglers in the world. To say we are excited about the partnership is greatly understated. We are anticipating an enjoyable, long-term, and exciting partnership with FLW and its anglers and cannot wait to get started.”
Since their founding in 1996, Frogg Toggs has focused on providing outdoor enthusiasts with gear that they can trust to perform when they need it to. Frogg Toggs extensive line of outerwear is waterproof, windproof, breathable, lightweight, and won’t break the bank. For more information on the Alabama based company’s line of rainwear, wadewear, cooling products, and extensive line of accessories, please visit www.froggtoggs.com.
ABOUT FLW
FLW is the industry’s premier tournament-fishing organization, providing anglers of all skill levels the opportunity to compete for millions in prize money nationwide in 2015 over the course of 240 tournaments across five tournament circuits, four of which provide an avenue to the sport’s richest payday and most coveted championship trophy – the Forrest Wood Cup. FLW tournament fishing can be seen on the Emmy-nominated “FLW” television show and is broadcast to more than 564 million households worldwide, making it the most widely distributed weekly outdoors-sports television show in the world. For more information about FLW visit FLWFishing.com and look for FLW on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
ABOUT FROGG TOGGS
The strategy that has made Frogg Toggs the undisputed leader in lightweight, breathable, affordable rainwear and one of the most recognized names in the rainwear industry is simple – they listen to their customers.
Located in one of the “wettest” parts of the country, Frogg Toggs was founded in 1996 on the promise of total customer satisfaction, and to this day doesn’t introduce a product, make a change, or commit a resource unless they know that it will result in giving their customers even more reason to seek out and purchase the Frogg Toggs brand. As the customer base expands from the traditional sporting segments into other outdoor activities, this commitment is strengthened rather than diluted. Frogg Toggs understands that a growing market means increased demand for and scrutiny of product quality. Their response to this is embodied in the quality found in their ever-expanding product line. They have every confidence that each and every Frogg Toggs product will provide its customers with the quality, performance, and value associated with the Frogg Toggs brand.

XCalibur XCS Square Lip Crankbait Review By Walker Smith

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XCalibur XCS Square Lip Crankbait Review

Walker Smith 
 

This often overlooked crankbait is one of the dark horses of the bass fishing world

I’ve always found it odd that a small percentage of bass fishing lures get the majority of attention in our community. Dig into most anglers’ tackle boxes and you’ll likely find the same handful of baits and lures. But hear me out on this, folks—there’s a lot of fishing tackle that simply doesn’t get the consideration and credit it deserves.

In this case, I’m referring directly to the XCalibur XCS Square Lip Crankbait. I was cranking some shallow docks with it several weeks ago and it hit me—nobody ever talks about this lure. You don’t see it on television very often and it’s rarely reviewed by the fishing media, yet I strongly believe it’s one of the most effective and well-built crankbaits you can get your hands on.

To consider it the “dark horse” of the crankbait family would be quite accurate.

I’ve used it for years and have caught fish all over the country with it. Here’s why I think it deserves more attention from anglers.

Click Here To Read More

 

GoPro Signs Multiyear Agreement As Exclusive Camera Of B.A.S.S.

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GoPro Signs Multiyear Agreement As Exclusive Camera Of B.A.S.S.

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Following a picture-perfect inaugural association with the world championship of bass fishing last year, GoPro, enabler of some of today’s most immersive and engaging content, once again will be a presenting sponsor for the GEICO Bassmaster Classic, set for Feb. 20-22 at Lake Hartwell out of Greenville, S.C.

The agreement also makes GoPro the exclusive camera of B.A.S.S., and it provides GoPro premier-level sponsorship of Bassmaster events and circuits, including the Classic, Bassmaster Elite Series, Bassmaster Opens, B.A.S.S. Nation events, Bassmaster Team Championship, Bassmaster College Series and Bassmaster High School events.

“Installing GoPro cameras in the anglers’ boats at last year’s Classic proved a huge success, and we are excited to introduce creative new ways to use these innovative products to help put B.A.S.S. fans right there in the boat with the pros,” said Bruce Akin, CEO of B.A.S.S. “With these versatile, durable and high quality cameras and accessories, our fans will be able to watch America’s best anglers from all new angles.”

The 2015 GEICO Bassmaster Classic presented by GoPro is the 45th annual championship of professional bass fishing. GoPro cameras and gear will be used throughout the event to deliver the most compelling bass tournament content ever seen.

During the three-day competition, 56 of the world’s best bass fishermen will compete for an overall cash payout of more than $1 million on Lake Hartwell.

“When the world’s best fishermen gather on the biggest stage in the sport, fans around the world will have access to some of the most incredible content ever created and shared, powered largely by the capabilities of GoPro HERO4 cameras,” said Paul Crandell, VP of Marketing at GoPro. “This affiliation will continue to give anglers and outdoors enthusiasts inspiration and ideas to capture and share their own epic adventures and stories on and off the water.”

As the exclusive camera of the Bassmaster Classic, GoPro will exhibit at the Classic Outdoors Expo presented by Dick’s Sporting Goods, it will receive prominent exposure during arena weigh-ins, and it will be featured in some of the 12 hours of television coverage on ESPN2.

GoPro has wide appeal among outdoor sports enthusiasts and people pursuing their passion, whatever it may be, around the world as well as professional photographers and videographers who have discovered the versatility of the HERO4 camera simply by watching The Bassmasters on ESPN2. JM Outdoors, the TV production arm of B.A.S.S., has been using GoPro cameras for more than two years, said Mike McKinnis, producer of the award-winning sports show.

“With GoPro cameras and gear, we have achieved cutting-edge video on — and under — the water, as well as of the professional anglers themselves,” McKinnis said. “The HERO cameras and innovative mounts such as chest harnesses and cap clips offer a compelling point of view for our videos.”

GoPro also will be featured on Bassmaster.com, the largest fishing site on the Internet. Content will include how-to segments, tournament coverage and “Best of GoPro” collections during 2015 and 2016.

Widely recognized as the world’s most versatile cameras, GoPros have generated some of most popular photos and video online. Founded in 2004 by Nicholas Woodman, the company’s product line includes the new HERO4 models, as well as more than 50 mounts and accessories, available at retailers worldwide. GoPro also offers the free GoPro App and GoPro Studio editing software to quickly and easily capture, edit and share photos and video across social networks.

To see how Bassmaster Elite Series pro Brent Ehrler uses GoPro cameras and accessories, see the video here: http://youtu.be/PLqS9Px0Rl8

For more information about the company and the GoPro HERO4 camera, go to http://gopro.com.

Missile Baits Reloads with the D Stroyer

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Missile Baits Reloads with the D Stroyer

Salem, Va. – February 11, 2015 – Missile Baits is reloading their lure line up with the all-new D Stroyer. This new bait is a monster creature bait like the D Bomb that has morphed into a bait with more arms, bigger appendages, and twin tails on the back that will not stop moving. Dick’s Sporting Goods has begun arming all of their stores with four colors of the D Stroyer that will be complete by the middle of March. Dick’s will also be featuring the D Stroyer in their booth at the Bassmaster Classic. The full run of D Stroyers is expected to land in early March.
“The D Bomb has been a great bait for me and many anglers but I have wanted a big profile creature with action to add in my mix,” says pro angler and company owner, John Crews. “The D Stroyer is a beast of a bait with great action but it is not too big. I am already dreaming of all the events that I will be using the D Stroyer this year.”
The D Stroyer will come with 6 baits in a pack for a suggested retail price of $4.99. The big creature bait will come in 8 colors: Green Pumpkin, Bruiser, Superbug, California Love, Bruiser Flash, Watermelon Red, and Green Pumpkin Flash. Applications for the D Stroyer include pitching, flipping, Carolina rigging, punching, or dragging on a wobble head jig.

BRIDGFORD FOODS CORPORATION BACK WITH FLW FOR 2015

BRIDGFORD FOODS CORPORATION BACK WITH FLW FOR 2015
MINNEAPOLIS (Feb. 11, 2015) – FLW, the world’s largest tournament-fishing organization, announced today that Bridgford Foods Corporation has signed a sponsorship renewal for the 2015 season. Financial terms of the deal were not released.

Bridgford Foods will receive exposure across all of FLW’s platforms, including its tournaments and expos, multiple websites, FLW Bass Fishing magazine and the “FLW” television show which airs on NBC Sports Network, the World Fishing Network and the Pursuit Channel. “FLW” is broadcast in high-definition (HD) to more than 564 million households worldwide, making it the most widely distributed weekly outdoors-sports television show in the world.
“Bridgford Foods are known for their high-quality products that have been a huge hit with anglers, hunters and outdoorsman alike,” said Patterson Leeth, vice president of marketing. “They are a natural fit with FLW and we look forward to building our relationship this coming season.”
Founded more than 80 years ago, Bridgford is recognized as the “Premium Brand” of pepperoni, beef jerky, summer sausage and meat snacks. Bridgford’s brand of Sweet Baby Ray’s Beef Jerky is currently one of the fastest growing meat snacks in the United States. All products made by Bridgford Foods are made in the USA with only the highest quality American beef and pork.
“Bridgford Foods is proud to continue our support and partnership of the Walmart FLW Tour”, said Bridgford Professional Angling Team Captain and Marketing liaison Randy Blaukat. “The FLW Tour’s involvement in high school, college, grass-root and Tour-level competition is second to none, and the exceptionally strong demographic for our product line is incredible.”
In addition to their FLW partnership, Bridgford Foods has secured long-term title sponsorships and will be represented by nine-time Forrest Wood Cup qualifier Randy Blaukat, 2004 Forrest Wood Cup Champion Luke Clausen, 2015 Rayovac FLW Series Lake Havasu Champion Joe Uribe Jr., 2014 Forrest Wood Cup qualifier Matt Stefan, and 2014 Forrest Wood Cup co-angler qualifier Chad Randles.

2015 4th Annual Buggs Island Bass Challenge 2015 Schedule

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Phoenix Bass Boats

2015 4th Annual Buggs Island
Bass Challenge Team Tournament Trail

Hosted by: Brandon Gray Local Lure Adventures

TOURNAMENT DATES
DATE LOCATION RESULTS
March 15, 2015 Occoneechee State Park – Ramp #1
April 26, 2015 Occoneechee State Park – Ramp #1
May 31, 2015 Ivy Hill
June 28, 2015 Occoneechee State Park – Ramp #1
July 19, 2015 Occoneechee State Park – Ramp #1
September 20, 2015 Occoneechee State Park – Ramp #1
October 25, 2015 Occoneechee State Park – Ramp #1
November 14-15, 2015 – CLASSIC Occoneechee State Park – Ramp #1

CLICK HERE FOR CURRENT POINT STANDINGS – Pending initial results

Download printable 2015 Entry Form and Rules (PDF) | 2015 Liability Release (PDF)

Registration Tournament Day begins at 5:00am.
Entry Fee:  $110 by mail posted 7 days prior to the tournament date, or pay cash or check at Bobcat’s the day prior to the tournament. (5% processing fee if paid by credit card at Bobcats). $120 CASH ONLY at Ramp.
Big Fish:  $20 (Optional) Pays 2 places.
Membership: $25 per angler.
Payback: 1 Place / 5 Boats at Qualifiers, 80% Payback at Qualifiers, 10% held in Classic Fund. Classic: $150.00 entry fee – fish or pay 4 of 7 to quailify.
100% Payback Big Fish.
Classic: $150 entry fee, Big Fish $40, will pay 2 Big Fish each day of Classic. Fish 4 of 7 to qualify, 100% Payback for Classic + Classic fund + Sponsor bonus. Point champion wins $$$$.
Contact Info: Brandon Gray @ Phone: 919-690-1349, Cell: 252-213-2949
or by e-mail: [email protected]

Set the Hook! with Pat Rose Featuring Chris Lane, Pro Michael Iaconelli, Val Osinski.

Set the Hook! with Pat Rose – Jan 31, 2015

chris_lanemike_iaconellival_osinskiThis week’s guests were Bassmaster Elite Series Pro Chris Lane, Bassmaster Elite Series Pro Michael Iaconelli, and winner of the FLW Tour Rayovac on Okeechobee Val Osinski.

If 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).

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Chris Marshall & Josh Gardner win stop #1 Carolinas Bass Challenge SC Division

 

  • Lake Murray, SC(Feb 7, 2015)

    Click Here for Results

    Carolinas Bass Challenge SC Division Qualifier #1 – Lake MurrayChris Marshall & Josh Gardner topped the 173 boat field with 23.91lbs of bass including an 8.31lbs Big Fish earning them a total of $11,000!Daryl Watson and Ken McFarland were out Top Finishing Skeeter team boosting their winnings to $2,760. $5,000 in Skeeter Bonus was paid overall!

WALMART BASS FISHING LEAGUE PREVIEW FOR SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 21

WALMART BASS FISHING LEAGUE PREVIEW FOR SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 21
Advisory for Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2015
WHAT: The Walmart Bass Fishing League continues its 2015 tournament season the weekend of Saturday, Feb. 21 with a Gator Division tournament on Lake Okeechobee in Okeechobee, Florida. Up to 400 boaters and co-anglers will be competing for a top award of up to $8,000 and $3,000 respectively in the one-day event.
WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 21, 2015
Gator Division
Lake Okeechobee
C. Scott Driver Park
10100 W. Highway 78
Okeechobee, Fla.
NOTES: According to local fishing reports, Lake Okeechobee is expected to fish well. Bass have begun moving into their prespawn patterns which means a lot of action could be found at all water depths as they move in and out of their feeding areas. Fishing the grass and creek channels as well as looking for bass on beds will all play a role in this tournament.  Anglers will most likely opt for flipping and pitching jigs, Texas-rigged soft plastics, vibrating jigs and Gambler Big EZ swimbaits in this event. The winning five-bass stringer is expected to be right around 25 pounds.
The BFL is a 24-division circuit devoted to weekend anglers, with 120 tournaments throughout the season, five in each division. The top 50 boaters and co-anglers from each division qualify for a regional tournament and are competing to finish in the top six, which then qualifies them for one of the longest-running championships in all of competitive bass fishing – the Walmart BFL All-American. The 2015 BFL All-American is being held June 18-20 on Kentucky Lake in Buchanan, Tenn. Top winners in the BFL can move up to the Rayovac FLW Series or even the Walmart FLW Tour.
For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow the BFL on Facebook at Facebook.com/FLWFishing and on Twitter at Twitter.com/FLWFishing.