Search
Subscribe
Sunday, December 14, 2025
Home Blog Page 138

Gill Fishing Launches Quest Layers: Your Ultimate Versatile Layers

Brian Carter
-
0
Gill Fishing Launches Quest Layers: Your Ultimate Versatile Layers

Gill Fishing Launches Quest Layers: Your Ultimate Versatile Layers

Buford, GA, November 2024 – Gill Fishing, a leader in performance-driven outdoor and fishing apparel, is proud to introduce its latest innovation: Quest Layers. This cutting-edge collection features leggings, ¼ zip tops, and hoodies, all engineered to provide an extra layer of warmth and style for your day, whether you’re braving the elements on the water, exploring the slopes, woods, or simply staying cozy during everyday activities.

The Quest Layers collection reflects Gill Fishing’s commitment to creating high-performance apparel that blends functionality, comfort, and durability. Designed for active lifestyles on and off the water, these pieces are crafted with advanced materials and thoughtful construction to ensure superior warmth without sacrificing mobility or breathability.

Performance Meets Comfort: What Sets Quest Layers Apart:

Each item in the Quest Layers collection is thoughtfully designed to meet the demands of outdoor enthusiasts while maintaining a sleek, versatile look suitable for any occasion:

  • Leggings: Crafted with thermal, moisture-wicking fabric, these leggings offer a snug, supportive fit perfect for layering under outerwear or wearing on their own. Reinforced seams and stretchy material ensure comfort and durability during any activity.
  • ¼ Zip Tops: Featuring a streamlined design, these mid-layers are made from breathable yet insulating materials to regulate body temperature. The zip neckline provides customizable ventilation, while flatlock seams prevent chafing for all-day comfort.
  • Hoodies: Designed for ultimate coziness, these hoodies combine warmth and practicality. With a fleece-lined interior and water-resistant exterior, they are perfect for unpredictable weather. The tailored fit ensures they layer easily under jackets or over base layers.

“At Gill, we’re always looking to create products that enhance our customers’ experiences, whether they’re out on the water or navigating their day-to-day adventures,” said Matt Clark, Production Development Director at Gill. “The Quest Layers collection was developed with this in mind—a functional, stylish solution for staying warm and comfortable no matter where life takes you.”

Built for Every Season

The Quest mid layers are designed to perfectly fit beneath protective outer layers such as the Gill Apex Pro-X, Meridian-X or Aspect without unnecessary bulk and without restricting freedom of movement. Pocket positions, garment length and fabric selection have all been carefully considered to make this an integral component of any fishing clothing system.

The Quest Layers collection is available now on Gill Fishing’s gillfishing.com and at select retailers. Explore the full range of colors, sizes, and styles to find the perfect layering pieces for your needs.

About Gill Fishing

Gill Fishing is a global leader in technical apparel designed for the outdoor and marine lifestyle. With a focus on innovation, durability, and sustainability, Gill creates products that empower people to embrace their passions, no matter the conditions.

Elevate your adventure and embrace the warmth of the season with Quest Layers—crafted to keep you moving, exploring, and thriving in any environment.



Myers/Scroggins and Gill/Robinson Advance after Elimination Round Match 2 on Headwaters Lake at General Tire Team Series Bass Pro Shops Summit Cup

Brian Carter
-
0
Myers/Scroggins and Gill/Robinson Advance after Elimination Round Match 2 on Headwaters Lake at General Tire Team Series Bass Pro Shops Summit Cup

Team Lucas Oil (Myers/Scroggins) catches 18 scorable bass totaling 43 pounds, 10 ounces to win Elimination Round Match 2, top two teams move on to Knockout Round

INDIAN RIVER COUNTY, Fla. (Nov. 18, 2024) – Four new teams set out on Headwaters Lake early Monday morning for Elimination Match 2 of the Bass Pro Shops Summit Cup Presented by B&W Trailer Hitches, the final event of the 2024 General Tire Team Series Presented by Bass Pro Shops season. Whether due to the fact that he was the only Florida native in the field or celebrating his birthday, no one could keep pace with Terry Scroggins.

The Team Lucas Oil duo of Scroggins and Britt Myers held the top spot on SCORETRACKER® for much of the day and finished in first place with 43 pounds, 10 ounces on 18 scorable bass. Scroggins accounted for 38-9 of that by himself — more than any other two-angler team. That tally was bolstered by a 7-8 lunker, which easily represented the biggest bass caught through two days of competition on Headwaters.

Meanwhile, the other three teams waged a tight race for second place during an explosive third period. Team Coign, made up of Drew Gill and Marshall Robinson, ultimately slid into the second-place spot thanks to a 3-9 in the final 2 minutes. They finished the day with 15 scorable bass weighing 28-15.

Team Lucas Oil and Team Coign will advance to the Knockout Round, to be contested Wednesday and Thursday. The Ferguson team of Marty Robinson and Jonathon VanDam and Team Builders FirstSource – Nick Hatfield and Takahiro Omori – were eliminated from the competition.

Link to Hi-Res Photo of Summit Cup Elimination Round Match 2 Winner Team Lucas Oil
Link to HD Video Clip of Summit Cup Elimination Round Match 2 Highlights
Link to Photo Gallery of Summit Cup Elimination Round Match 2 Highlights

Team Lucas Oil spent the competition day on the east side of Headwaters Lake punching heavy, dense vegetation. The pair held the lead most of the day, relinquishing it briefly to Team Ferguson at the end of the first period. But as the sunshine peeked out, burning off the cloud cover, Team Lucas Oil regained the lead and never looked back.

“We started off this morning, hit a little stretch and had seven or eight bites real quick,” said Scroggins. “We caught a few, lost a few, and then we ran away from them — there’s just so many targets out here to fish. So, we went back to that area during Period 2 and was able to capitalize on them.

“It’s like a needle in a haystack out there — there are mats and hydrilla everywhere. You can go and go and not get a bite, but then you’ll run into seven or eight bites. So, we knew we just needed to keep moving. Once we had a little sun and had a break from the cloud cover, that made a big difference for us.”

The duo spent the day targeting fish in big fields of hydrilla but said the key was finding the matted pennywort and water hyacinth on top of the hydrilla.

“That’s what the fish were keying in on, so we just kept running those mats,” said Scroggins. “Today was just one of those absolute fun days fishing. We only fished two baits — a little creature-style bait, black, blue and silver-colored, and then a craw in the same color — on 65-pound braid. We threw that on a little MHX light flipping stick with a 1 1/2-ounce weight on a 3/0 hook.”

“I couldn’t ask for a better General Tire Team Series event, being out here with one of my best friends,” said Myers. “We room together, but when the tournaments are over, we’re both busy. We hardly ever get to fish together, so this has been great.”

After a rough start to the day, Team Coign was 9 pounds 14 ounces below the Elimination Line at the start of the third and final period. The duo racked up nearly 21 pounds in Period 3 alone to finish in second place.

“It was on overwhelming first period to say the least,” said Gill. “We had five or six scoreable bites but only put two of them in the boat. We just had several missed opportunities. It’s easy to get lost in the sauce in a place like Florida and all of the good options, all the good-looking cover.

“We tried to run some places that might have some flow, some depth access and places with a clean bottom. We just tried to fish a little fast, burn some water and stay around one of those deeper stretches.”

With two minutes remaining in the final period, Robinson boated a 3-9 to put them over the Elimination Line and earn the berth to the Knockout Round — knocking his father, Marty, out of the second spot in the process.

“That was freaking clutch,” said Gill. “That was our second-biggest fish of the day. We said we just needed one fish a piece in the last hour or so, and we did it.”

“I’d just told Drew we needed a 5-pounder, and we immediately caught a 3-9 and a 4,” said Robinson, laughing.

The top two teams from Elimination Match 2 at the Bass Pro Shops Summit Cup Presented by B&W Trailer Hitches that now advance to the Knockout Round are:

1st:         Team Lucas Oil, 18 bass, 43-10
                Britt Myers, Lake Wylie, S.C., three bass, 5-1
                Terry Scroggins, San Mateo, Fla. 15 bass, 38-9
2nd:        Team Coign, 15 bass, 28-15
                Drew Gill, Mount Carmel, Ill., five bass, 8-11
                Marshall Robinson, Landrum, S.C., 10 bass, 20-4

Eliminated from competition are:

3rd:         Team Ferguson, 14 bass, 27-3
                Marty Robinson, Lyman, S.C., eight bass, 16-8
                Jonathon VanDam, Kalamazoo, Mich., six bass, 10-11
4th:         Team Builders FirstSource, 13 bass, 24-0
               Nick Hatfield, Greeneville, Tenn., three bass, 4-3
                Takahiro Omori, Tokyo, Japan., 10 bass, 19-13

Complete results from throughout the week can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.

Overall, there were 60 bass weighing 123 pounds, 12 ounces caught by the four teams in Elimination Match 2 on Headwaters Lake. Team Lucas Oil pro Terry Scroggins caught the Berkley Big Bass of the day – a largemouth weighing 7 pounds, 8 ounces.  

The Bass Pro Shops Summit Cup Presented by B&W Trailer Hitches is hosted by Visit Indian River County and Play Treasure Coast Sports Tourism and takes place over six days in Indian River County, Florida. The competition water for each day is top-secret and is only revealed to the anglers when they arrive at the boat ramp each morning. Anglers are driven directly to the day’s competition area launch ramp by their officials. Competition begins on the water at 8:45 a.m.

The MLFNOW!® broadcast team of Chad McKee and J.T. Kenney will break down the extended action live every day of competition from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. ET. MLFNOW!® is live streamed on MajorLeagueFishing.com, the MyOutdoorTV (MOTV) app and Rumble.

The Summit Cup features 12 two-man teams divided into three groups as they enter the one-day Elimination Round matches. Each of the three Elimination Round matches will feature four new teams, with the top two teams from each match of the Elimination Round advancing to the Knockout Round on Days 4 & 5. In the Knockout Rounds, three teams compete each day, with the top two teams from each Knockout Round match moving on to the Championship Round on Day 6. In Friday’s Day 6 Championship Round, the final four teams will compete in a one-day shootout to determine which team will win the 2024 Bass Pro Shops Summit Cup Presented by B&W Trailer HItches.

The 2024 General Tire Team Series is comprised of four events – Challenge Cup, Heritage Cup, Patriot Cup and Summit Cup – featuring two-man teams of MLF Bass Pro Tour pros competing from the same boat. Each event features a roster of 24 anglers, teamed up and working together to claim part of a season purse of more than $720,000. Teams were formed through a selection process, where 48 team captains – based on Fishing Clash Angler of the Year (AOY) standings throughout the 2024 Bass Pro Tour season – selected a teammate. Teams will compete throughout the fall of 2024.

Television coverage of the Bass Pro Shops Summit Cup Presented by B&W Trailer Hitches will premiere on Outdoor Channel as six two-hour episodes in May 2025. New MLF General Tire Team Series episodes will premiere each Saturday morning on Outdoor Channel and posted to MOTV.

Proud sponsors of the MLF General Tire Team Series include: 7 Brew Coffee, Abu Garcia, B&W Trailer Hitches, Barbasol, Bass Boat Technologies, Bass Pro Shops, Berkley, BUBBA, Builders FirstSource, C-MAP, Coign, Epic Baits, Ferguson, Fishing Clash, General Tire, Knighten Industries, Kubota, Lowrance, Lucas Oil, Mercury, Mossy Oak, Nitro Boats, Onyx, Plano, Power-Pole, Ranger Boats, Rapala Baits, REDCON1, Smokey Mountain Herbal Snuff, Star brite, Toyota, USAA, WIX Filters and YETI.

For complete details and updated information on Major League Fishing and the General Tire Team Series Presented by Bass Pro Shops, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow MLF’s social media outlets at Facebook, X, Instagram and  YouTube.



Mike Nichols & Mark Winn Win CATT Smith Mountain Lake with 19.29lbs

Brian Carter
-
0
Mike Nichols & Mark Winn Win CATT Smith Mountain Lake with 19.29lbs

A special thank you to Alicia Matherly for the coverage & Kevin Dawson for hosting this great event.

CLICK TO SEE RESULTS



Coulter/Hunter and Roy/Vance Advance from Elimination Round on Headwaters Lake at General Tire Team Series Bass Pro Shops Summit Cup

Brian Carter
-
0
Coulter/Hunter and Roy/Vance Advance from Elimination Round on Headwaters Lake at General Tire Team Series Bass Pro Shops Summit Cup

Team Knighten Industries leads the way with 22 bass totaling 44 pounds, 11 ounces to advance, less than 10 pounds separate entire field in closely contested matchup

INDIAN RIVER COUNTY, Fla. (Nov. 17, 2024) – Florida’s 10,000-acre manmade Headwaters Lake was the playing field, Sunday, for Match 1 of the Elimination Round at the fourth and final General Tire Team Series Presented by Bass Pro Shops event of the 2024 season. The four two-man teams competing at the Bass Pro Shops Summit Cup Presented by B&W Trailer Hitches were greeted by near optimal conditions – light wind, slightly overcast skies, and temperatures in the upper 70s.

The beautiful day set the stage for an extremely competitive matchup – the closest Team Series event so far this season. At one point in the third period, with just under two hours remaining in the competition, less than 1 pound separated first place from last place. But, as time expired at 2:15 p.m. ET, it was Team Knighten Industries who sat alone atop the leaderboard.

Link to HD Video Clip of Summit Cup Elimination Round Match 1 Highlights
Link to Photo Gallery of Summit Cup Elimination Round Match 1 Highlights

The Knighten Industries duo of Brandon Coulter and John Hunter caught 22 scorable bass weighing 44 pounds, 11 ounces, to win the first Elimination Round match and become the first team to advance to the Knockout Round. Also advancing, in second place, was Team Kubota – Bradley Roy and partner Jason Vance – who boated 16 scorables weighing 37 pounds even.

The B&W Trailer Hitches team of Matt Becker and Spencer Shuffield and Team U.S. Air Force – Stephen Browning and Cliff Crochet – were eliminated from the competition.

“Man, that was a fun afternoon,” said Hunter, who caught seven bass for 20-12. “We got into an area in the second period that seemed really promising. We got some bites and then were able to slow down, and then in the third (period) we just expanded on it.”

“We talked about it for the whole first and second periods, and if you ever fish in Florida just remember it,” Coulter said. “You just gotta keep moving. When you find where they are, in Florida, you catch them. But there is a lot of water that you have to cover where the fish are not grouped up. You can go all day and only catch three fish. But when you get in an area that’s got fish moving in, or fish setting up, you can have a third period like we had today.”

The Knighten Industries duo started the final period in third place, but the bite turned on and got better in the third period – for all teams. Coulter boated 10 of his 15 scorable keepers in the third to lift Team Knighten to the top, and all told 36 of the 74 bass caught by the four teams came in the third period.

“Every bass that I caught today came on a little (Berkley) Slobberknocker – the vibrating jig did all the work for me,” Coulter said. “I had confidence that it would work today, and it did. It is a fish-catcher, simple as that. It was a great day, today, and we are excited we get to stick around in Florida for a little while.”

Team Knighten Industries’ dramatic final period was shared with Team Kubota, who also had a high octane finale. With just four minutes remaining in competition, Team U.S. Air Force was in second place and Team Kubota was in third, 2-9 below the elimination line.

Then things got exciting.

“It was like someone turned on a switch. Earlier they had just been swiping at the bait, but all of a sudden they just started eating,” Vance said. “We came down the same path we had been. We figured if we were going to get one at the end, it would be down that stretch. So, we turned around and hit it again, and they just started committing.”

Vance landed a chunky 3-pound, 11-ounce largemouth – their biggest bass of the day – to overtake Team U.S. Air Force and vault Team Kubota into second place and the final qualifying spot.

“No kidding, we should have had another 20 pounds, today,” Vance continued. “I’m grateful that big one bit at the end, though. You can’t script that.”

To add insult to injury for Team U.S. Air Force, Team B&W Trailer Hitches then added two scorable bass of their own in the final two minutes – both by Spencer Shuffield – to overtake Browning and Crochet for the third-place finish and push Team U.S. Air Force down to fourth place.  

The top two teams from Elimination Round Match 1 at the Bass Pro Shops Summit Cup Presented by B&W Trailer Hitches that now advance to the Knockout Round are:

1st:        Team Knighten Industries, 22 bass, 44-11
                Brandon Coulter, Knoxville, Tenn., 15 bass, 23-15
                John Hunter, Shelbyville, Ky., seven bass, 20-12
2nd:       Team Kubota, 16 bass, 37-0
                Bradley Roy, Lancaster, Ky., eight bass, 19-7
                Jason Vance, Battle Ground, Ind., eight bass, 17-9

Eliminated from competition are:

3rd:       Team B&W Trailer Hitches, 16 bass, 36-8
                Matt Becker, Ten Mile, Tenn., five bass, 14-10
                Spencer Shuffield, Hot Springs, Ark., 11 bass, 21-14
4th:        Team U.S. Air Force, 20 bass, 35-13
                Stephen Browning, Hot Springs, Ark., 12 bass, 23-10
                Cliff Crochet, Pierre Part, La., eight bass, 12-3

Complete results from throughout the week can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.

Overall, there were 74 bass weighing 154 pounds even caught by the four teams in Elimination Round Match 1 on Headwaters Lake. Team B&W Trailer Hitches pro Matt Becker caught the Berkley Big Bass of the day – a largemouth weighing 4 pounds, 9 ounces.  

The Bass Pro Shops Summit Cup Presented by B&W Trailer Hitches is hosted by Visit Indian River County and Play Treasure Coast Sports Tourism and takes place over six days in Indian River County, Florida. The competition water for each day is top-secret and is only revealed to the anglers when they arrive at the boat ramp each morning. Anglers are driven directly to the day’s competition area launch ramp by their officials. Competition begins on the water at 8:45 a.m.

The MLFNOW!® broadcast team of Chad McKee and J.T. Kenney will break down the extended action live every day of competition from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. ET. MLFNOW!® is live streamed on MajorLeagueFishing.com, the MyOutdoorTV (MOTV) app and Rumble.

The Summit Cup features 12 two-man teams divided into three groups as they enter the one-day Elimination Round matches. Each of the three Elimination Round matches will feature four new teams, with the top two teams from each match of the Elimination Round advancing to the Knockout Round on Days 4 & 5. In the Knockout Rounds, three teams compete each day, with the top two teams from each Knockout Round match moving on to the Championship Round on Day 6. In Friday’s Day 6 Championship Round, the final four teams will compete in a one-day shootout to determine which team will win the 2024 Bass Pro Shops Summit Cup Presented by B&W Trailer HItches.

The 2024 General Tire Team Series is comprised of four events – Challenge Cup, Heritage Cup, Patriot Cup and Summit Cup – featuring two-man teams of MLF Bass Pro Tour pros competing from the same boat. Each event features a roster of 24 anglers, teamed up and working together to claim part of a season purse of more than $720,000. Teams were formed through a selection process, where 48 team captains – based on Fishing Clash Angler of the Year (AOY) standings throughout the 2024 Bass Pro Tour season – selected a teammate. Teams will compete throughout the fall of 2024.

Television coverage of the Bass Pro Shops Summit Cup Presented by B&W Trailer Hitches will premiere on Outdoor Channel as six two-hour episodes in May 2025. New MLF General Tire Team Series episodes will premiere each Saturday morning on Outdoor Channel and posted to MOTV.

Proud sponsors of the MLF General Tire Team Series include: 7 Brew Coffee, Abu Garcia, B&W Trailer Hitches, Barbasol, Bass Boat Technologies, Bass Pro Shops, Berkley, BUBBA, Builders FirstSource, C-MAP, Coign, Epic Baits, Ferguson, Fishing Clash, General Tire, Knighten Industries, Kubota, Lowrance, Lucas Oil, Mercury, Mossy Oak, Nitro Boats, Onyx, Plano, Power-Pole, Ranger Boats, Rapala Baits, REDCON1, Smokey Mountain Herbal Snuff, Star brite, Toyota, USAA, WIX Filters and YETI.

For complete details and updated information on Major League Fishing and the General Tire Team Series Presented by Bass Pro Shops, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow MLF’s social media outlets at Facebook, X,  Instagram and  YouTube.



Mastering the Fall Shad Migration: Your Complete Guide to Epic Bass Fishing

Brian Carter
-
0
Mastering the Fall Shad Migration: Your Complete Guide to Epic Bass Fishing

If you’ve ever experienced that magical moment when bass are absolutely crushing shad on the surface, you know exactly why fall fishing holds a special place in every serious angler’s heart. Today, we’re diving deep into the fall shad migration – not just what it is, but how you can consistently capitalize on this incredible fishing phenomenon.

The Science Behind the Feast

Let’s get into the nitty-gritty of why this migration happens in the first place. As summer gives way to fall, dropping water temperatures trigger an ancient biological response in shad populations. When surface temperatures dip below 70°F, something remarkable happens: massive schools of shad begin their journey from main lake areas into tributaries and coves.

But here’s what many anglers miss: this isn’t just about temperature. These baitfish are following their food source (plankton) while seeking more oxygen-rich waters. Understanding this biological drive is your first step toward consistent success.

Finding the Migration Highway

Think of fall shad migration like a massive interstate system underwater. Just like we have preferred routes for travel, shad have their own migration highways. Here’s where you need to focus:

Main Lake Points

These aren’t just random pieces of structure – they’re literal underwater highways. Points act as natural pathways guiding shad from deep main lake areas into creeks and coves. The best points typically have:

  • Sharp depth changes
  • Multiple “lanes” (depth contours) for bait to follow
  • Access to both deep and shallow water

Creek Arms

Once shad leave the main lake, creek arms become their primary destination. But not all creek arms are created equal. The most productive ones feature:

  • Gradual depth changes
  • Protected pockets
  • Abundant plankton (often visible as slightly stained water)

Protected Coves

These are the “rest stops” along the migration route. Coves provide shelter from main lake winds and often maintain more stable temperatures. The key is finding coves that:

  • Connect to major creek channels
  • Offer multiple depth zones
  • Provide wind protection

Reading the Water Like a Pro

Success during the shad migration isn’t just about knowing where to look – it’s about knowing what to look for. Here are the telltale signs that you’re in the right spot:

Surface Activity

  • Subtle dimpling (looks like rain drops)
  • “Nervous” water
  • Active splashing from feeding bass
  • Bait “flicking” at the surface

Bird Activity

Nature’s fish finders are working for free – use them! Pay attention to:

  • Diving birds (especially gulls and terns)
  • Birds hovering over specific areas
  • Groups of birds working together

Weapons of Mass Attraction

Now that you know where to look, let’s talk about what to throw. Your bait selection during the fall shad migration can make or break your success.

The Alabama Rig Revolution

The A-rig has revolutionized fall fishing, and for good reason. It perfectly mimics a small school of shad, triggering both reaction and feeding strikes. Here’s how to fish it effectively:

Rigging Tips:

  • Use 3.5-4″ swimbaits in pearl or natural shad colors
  • Vary jighead weights based on depth (1/8 oz shallow, 1/4 oz deep)
  • Ensure your swimbaits are running true and in sync

Retrieval Methods:

  1. The Steady Swim
  • Perfect for covering water
  • Keeps baits in the strike zone
  • Mimics normal shad movement
  1. The Yo-Yo
  • Imitates dying shad
  • Triggers reaction strikes
  • Effective in cooler water

Beyond the A-Rig

While the Alabama Rig is a powerhouse, don’t limit yourself. Here are other must-have baits:

Topwater Arsenal

  • Walking baits for calm conditions
  • Poppers for choppy water
  • Prop baits for generating extra noise

Subsurface Weapons

  • Lipless crankbaits for covering water
  • Soft jerkbaits for finicky fish
  • Swimbaits for matching the hatch

Seasonal Progression: Timing Is Everything

The fall shad migration isn’t a single event – it’s a progression. Here’s how to adapt as the season unfolds:

Early Fall (September)

  • Focus on main lake points
  • Look for surface activity
  • Use faster moving baits

Mid-Fall (October)

  • Target creek arms
  • Find bait balls
  • Mix power and finesse techniques

Late Fall (November)

  • Fish deeper structure
  • Slow down presentations
  • Stay with the remaining bait

Weather Matters: Making Conditions Work for You

Understanding how weather affects the migration can give you a serious edge:

Wind

  • Creates feeding opportunities
  • Positions bass on windward banks
  • Concentrates bait in predictable areas

Barometric Pressure

  • Falling pressure often increases activity
  • Stable pressure provides consistent action
  • Rising pressure may require finesse approaches

Tournament Tactics: When Money’s on the Line

For my competition anglers out there, here’s how to approach practice and tournament day:

Practice Strategy

  1. Map primary creek arms
  2. Identify migration routes
  3. Document bait concentrations
  4. Track daily movement patterns

Competition Day

  • Start with high-percentage areas
  • Stay mobile
  • Track weather changes
  • Document pattern evolution

Gear Up for Success

Having the right equipment makes a huge difference. Here’s what you need:

Rod Selection

  • 7’3″ Medium-Heavy for A-rigs
  • 7′ Medium for topwater
  • 6’8″ Medium for finesse

Line Choice

  • 65lb braid for A-rigs
  • 40lb braid for topwater
  • 12lb fluorocarbon for finesse

Avoiding Common Pitfalls

Learn from others’ mistakes:

  1. Don’t overlook subtle surface activity
  2. Don’t fish too fast in cold water
  3. Never ignore bird activity
  4. Avoid camping in unproductive areas
  5. Always match bait size

Final Thoughts

The fall shad migration is more than just a seasonal pattern – it’s an opportunity to experience some of the best bass fishing of the year. Success comes from understanding the biological drivers, recognizing key location indicators, and implementing the right techniques based on conditions.

Remember, the key to consistent success during the fall shad migration is staying observant and adaptable. The pattern can change daily, sometimes hourly. Those who master these concepts and remain flexible in their approach will find themselves consistently on big bass when the leaves start to turn.

Now get out there and make the most of this incredible time of year. The bass are feeding up for winter, and they’re waiting for your presentation!



B.A.S.S. announces registration dates for rebranded Elite Series AmBASSador program

Brian Carter
-
0
B.A.S.S. announces registration dates for rebranded Elite Series AmBASSador program

Nov. 15, 2024

B.A.S.S. announces registration dates for rebranded Elite Series AmBASSador program

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — B.A.S.S. has announced registration dates for the newly rebranded AmBASSador program that pairs individuals with Elite Series anglers during competition. AmBASSadors, formerly known as marshals, have the best seat in the tournament to view the biggest names in professional bass fishing.

Registration dates for the AmBASSador program are:

  • Life and Nation Members online Dec. 3 at 9 a.m. CT
  • All other B.A.S.S. members online Dec. 10 at 9 a.m. CT
  • Registration will remain open until all spots are filled
  • More information on registration is coming soon

“The AmBASSador rebrand more accurately reflects what the program embodies,” said Elite Series Tournament Director Lisa Talmadge. “Any B.A.S.S. member can be an AmBASSador. There’s no special training or knowledge of rules needed; AmBASSadors aren’t present to enforce rules. Being an AmBASSador is a fun way for fishing fans to get an on-the-water experience with an Elite angler and an opportunity to learn new techniques and bodies of water.

“AmBASSadors also should be willing to help with BassTrakk and Skype and to take photos that may be featured on Bassmaster.com as part of tournament coverage,” Talmadge added.

AmBASSadors can sign up for one Elite event or multiple events over the course of a season. For the $99 AmBASSador program fee, fans will receive an AFTCO shirt, an AFTCO hat, an AFTCO gift card, a B.A.S.S. hat and, most importantly, the best view in professional bass fishing.

“I had been away from bass fishing and wanted to get back into it when I retired,” said Rick Moore, an 11-year veteran of the marshal program. “A lot of baits and methods had changed over the past 20 years, so I did it to accelerate my learning, and I did (within) two years of participating in the program.

“I didn’t have the opportunity to go to the lakes I had read about in Bassmaster Magazine, and the program gave me the opportunity to do that,” added Moore, who currently resides in California. “Also, I get the chance to fish on the lake a couple of days after the event to try out techniques I’ve observed, and I get to experience the communities.”

Moore said he spends his time on the water taking plenty of photos and videos as well as observing the Elite pros fish the latest techniques and technology.
 

“One of the best things I think about watching the pros is I get to see how they react when they’re struggling,” Moore said. “As a fisherman, that’s critical — learning how to deal with difficult situations such as when the bite stops. If you’re serious about fishing, this is how you learn — by watching the best in the world in action.”

Visit Bassmaster.com to register for the AmBASSador program.



Bennett Lawshe Wins CATT Santee Cooper, SC Nov 9, 2024

Brian Carter
-
0
Bennett Lawshe Wins CATT Santee Cooper, SC Nov 9, 2024

Next Santee Cooper Fall Qualifier is Nov 23 at John C Land! This is the last qualifier for the Fall, and you only need to enter 1 Qualifier to be eligible to enter the Final December 14.

Bennett Lawshe made it 2 in a row with 5 bass weighing a whopping 30.22 lbs! His bag also included the BF at 6.68 lbs!

Randy Gibson & Michael Craven took 2nd with 5 bass weighing 14.63 lbs!

TeamBFWeightWinningsPoints
Bennett Lawshe6.6830.22$810.00110
Randy Gibson – Michael Craven0.0014.63$290.00109
Don Pendarvis0.0011.50108
Dusty Hardy – Gunner Bowen0.0011.21107
Rob Richburg – Wyatt Sims3.478.78106
La’Tonya Blanding3.583.58105
Billy Willis – Glenn Porter0.000.0095
Jacob Stafford – Brandon Smith0.000.0095
Brett Mitchell – Jerry Montjoy0.000.0095
Pee Wee Geddings – Ricky Irick0.000.0095
Total Entrys$800.00
BONUS $$550.00
Total Paid At Ramp$1,100.00
2024 Santee Cooper Fall Final Total$150.00
CATT$50.00
2025 CATT Championship Fund$50.00
2024 Santee Cooper Fall Final Total$435.00



Sprinting to the Scales and Other Tales from a Bass Tournament in China

Brian Carter
-
0
Sprinting to the Scales and Other Tales from a Bass Tournament in China
By: Mitchell Forde When he flew halfway across the world to compete in a tournament in Zanhuang, China, last month, Brent Chapman didn’t really know what to expect. One of his first clues that the competition on Tiantai Lake would be different than anything else he’d experienced across his 30-year pro career came while reading the rules.  Chapman and fellow KastKing pro James Elam, who competed together as a team in the first-of-its-kind international event hosted by MLF China, noticed a clause in the rulebook that urged all competitors to be in good physical condition and to consult a doctor for an exam before competing.   That’s odd, Chapman thought. But once the competition got underway, it didn’t take long for the guideline to make sense.  Somewhat like the Bass Pro Tour, this tournament featured every-fish-counts scoring. The difference, however, was instead of having an official in each boat to weigh bass right away, anglers drove back to the launch ramp every time they put 10 keepers in the livewell. They’d weigh the haul and return to the water as fast as they could, then do it all over again. Chapman and Elam caught 72 bass on the first day, running up the steep boat dock eight times to weigh in their catch.  “It’s like, oh wow, this is quite a workout, lugging a Rubbermaid container of fish up this hill,” Chapman said with a laugh. “If you move slow, the clock’s ticking. You better run up there, because you’re costing yourself casting time. You do that seven times throughout the day, and it’s like, man, this is a workout.”  The unorthodox weigh-in procedure was one of several memorable experiences that Chapman, Elam and fellow BPT pro Matt Becker enjoyed during their trip to China. Now all back in the U.S., the three anglers shared a few highlights from the trip. 

Breaking down a foreign fishery
Matt Becker competed alongside former MLF angler Thomas Wang. Photo courtesy of MLF China. 
The three anglers traveled to China with just a suitcase or two of tackle apiece — no rods, no boats and no information about the competition venue. They found Tiantai Lake to be a small, manmade reservoir — Elam didn’t know the exact size, but said it appeared smaller than anywhere he’s visited in General Tire Team Series or MLF Cup event competition — with plenty of standing timber, rock and manmade cover.   While Becker said it reminded him of some Texas fisheries, one significant difference was the forage.  “They had kind of a smaller shad in the lake, but there was a lot of shrimp,” Becker said. “A lot of bass were eating shrimp in there.”  The anglers thought they would have a day of practice (or “test fishing,” as the Chinese called it) prior to the start of competition. But it turned out test fishing entailed only a brief opportunity to ride around the lake and make a few casts at the launch site.  “We got down and got to see what was going to be our boat and just kind of get a feel for what the boat was going to be like, and we got to make a few casts off the dock,” Chapman said. “But just a few casts off the dock catching 1-pounders to 3-pounders, it was like, wow, if the rest of the lake is anything like what it is inside this marina, it’s going to be awesome. And it was.” 
James Elam shows off two of the 72 keeper bass he and Brent Chapman caught during their first day on China’s Tiantai Lake. Photo courtesy of MLF China
While a few of the Chinese anglers sported bass boats that Chapman said were as tricked-out as anything an American pro might use on tour, most of the field fished from aluminum vessels. Chapman and Elam were given a 17- or 18-foot aluminum boat with an outboard that wasn’t powerful enough to get it on plane, a 12V trolling motor and no electronics.  That didn’t prevent the duo from catching bass in a hurry, though. On the first morning of competition (after an opening ceremony that consisted of some colorful pyrotechnics), Chapman said he caught a 3-pounder on his fifth cast. It took him and Elam about 35 minutes to put their first 10-fish limit in the boat. “Everywhere we went, we were catching fish,” Chapman said. “It seemed like every hour we were catching 10. So, it was a lot of fun.”  Becker teamed up with Thomas Wang, a former MLF angler who moved to China around 2010 and who Becker said introduced tournament bass fishing to the Chinese people. Despite neither having been to the lake prior to the week of competition, they had similar success, catching 50 scorable bass on Day 1.   Every time they returned to the dock with a 10-fish limit, Becker saw other anglers hustling up and down the ramp to the scales. So, he figured he better run, too. (See for yourself on Becker’s YouTube channel, where he’s posted videos from test fishing and both days of competition.)  “I wasn’t really sure how serious everyone was going to be,” he said. “But the first 10 that we brought in, I look up and there’s guys literally sprinting back and forth on the dock with buckets of fish, running up to the scale. So, it was mayhem, for sure, but it was fun.”  ‘A bass is a bass’
Every time they weighed in, anglers had to hustle up the ramp to the scales. Photo courtesy of MLF China
All three of Chapman, Elam and Becker relied primarily on standard American power-fishing tactics: winding ChatterBaits and spinnerbaits, pitching jigs and creature baits. In Becker’s words: “A bass is a bass on either side of the world.”  While effective, those techniques stood in stark contrast to most of the local anglers’ presentations.  Becker said he saw a few Chinese anglers throwing traditional hard baits like bladed jigs and crankbaits, but it was clear that the Japanese bass fishing scene has had a major influence on Chinese anglers. Even though the bass didn’t seem to be shy about biting big baits on heavy line, most of the top local performers opted for small finesse presentations. With the minimum length of a keeper bass being just 20 centimeters (7.87 inches), their goal was to get as many bites as possible.  “A lot of guys were throwing tiny little baits — little craws or little Ned rig type baits — just to catch as many fish as they could,” Becker said. 
KastKing pros Brent Chapman and James Elam finished eighth in the 45-boat field. Photo courtesy of MLF China
In another similarity to the Japanese lure scene, the Chinese offerings were quite a bit more detailed than most American baits.  “The guy who won was a fellow KastKing pro, but he was a Chinese KastKing pro, and he won the tournament throwing a finessey-type spinnerbait,” Chapman said. “But he’s throwing it on like 8-pound braid with a fluorocarbon leader, and he’s throwing some little, tiny Texas-rigged craw that was probably an inch and a half long.  “The second day, I’m throwing a 1/2-ounce War Eagle spinnerbait. The War Eagle spinnerbaits, they don’t have eyes on their heads. This guy didn’t understand how I was catching bass on a spinnerbait that didn’t have eyes.”  Like just about everyone else, Chapman and Elam found the bite slower the second day, which Elam attributed to fishing pressure put on the small body of water by the 45-boat field. Still, they brought another 30 to 40 bass to the scales. “You could definitely notice that pressure took a toll, because all the fish had gotten caught and moved,” Elam said. “So, that really did make a big difference. And they were holding the fish (in tanks) also during the tournament. So, naturally, there’s just less to be caught.”  The event concluded with an awards ceremony that could rival just about any American tour-level event. Each international duo received an commemorative trophy, while Chapman and Elam also earned an award for finishing eighth overall.  Food, traffic and other new experiences
The anglers reported a strong turnout from Chinese fans, many of whom had never witnessed a bass tournament or seen a foreigner. Photo courtesy of MLF China
While the competition brought Becker, Chapman and Elam to China, it was far from the only memorable aspect of their trip. Their sightseeing itinerary included a day in Beijing and stops at Tiananmen Square and The Forbidden City. All three anglers raved about the opportunity to experience a new culture and how welcoming the Chinese people were.   That was especially true in Zanhuang, a small, remote town that Becker said had never received foreign visitors before. Several locals asked his girlfriend, Brittany, to pose for photos because they’d never seen a woman with blonde hair in person.  “They had never seen Americans before, ever,” Becker said. “We were the first foreigners to ever go to this little town. So that was kind of cool to see that and be a part of that.”  Trying new food represented another highlight. All three anglers noted that the cuisine in China is drastically different from the “Chinese food” found in the U.S. 

Becker said that, while there were quite a few items that might make most Americans squeamish (the Chinese cook every part of an animal and thus made dishes out of chicken feet or tendons), he found just about everything he tried to be tasty. Both he and Elam pointed to the duck as one of their favorites. 

“I gotta say, American Chinese food is nothing like Chinese food,” Becker said with a chuckle. “It’s a little different, but much better. We ate a lot of strange things, that’s for sure. But it was all good. Everything we ate was good and fresh. You could tell that they took pride in their food.” 

Another shared observation: Motorists in China drove quite a bit faster and more aggressively than in America. That translated to the water, too, even though most of the boats weren’t equipped with high-power outboards. Yet Elam noted that he never saw a wreck. 

“They drive a lot more aggressively, like close to the dock and things like that,” he said. “That’s how they drive on the road, and I just saw that mirrored in the way that they drive their boat. And they don’t ever really get into any accidents or anything like that. You don’t ever see a car wreck over there.” 

All in all, each of the anglers enjoyed the experience. Chapman hopes the event achieves its intent of growing the sport of bass fishing in China, because he wants to make the competition an annual trip. 

“I said, ‘hey, sign me up.’” he said. “I’ll gladly come back to the next one.” 

For complete details and updated information on Major League Fishing and the Bass Pro Tour, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow MLF’s social media outlets at Facebook, X,  Instagram and  YouTube.



B.A.S.S. Nation Qualifier Series schedule set for 2025

Brian Carter
-
0
B.A.S.S. Nation Qualifier Series schedule set for 2025

The 2025 Mercury B.A.S.S. Nation Qualifier Series presented by Lowrance schedule features four diverse regular-season stops and culminates with the B.A.S.S. Nation Championship.

Photo by B.A.S.S.

Nov. 14, 2024

B.A.S.S. Nation Qualifier Series schedule set for 2025

Nation_Mercury_Lowrance_4C_Raster.png

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — B.A.S.S. officials have announced the 2025 Mercury B.A.S.S. Nation Qualifier Series presented by Lowrance schedule, and the slate features some of the hottest bass fisheries in America to give anglers the opportunity to qualify for the Mercury B.A.S.S. Nation Championship presented by Lowrance and a shot at the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour.

“We’re thrilled to unveil the 2025 Bass Nation tournament schedule, featuring an exciting lineup of iconic fisheries and new locations that will challenge and inspire our anglers,” said GL Compton, tournament manager for the B.A.S.S. Nation. “Each venue has been carefully chosen to showcase diverse fishing conditions and vibrant communities, providing opportunities for competition and camaraderie at every level. We can’t wait to see what this season holds and are looking forward to the unforgettable moments that lie ahead on the road to the championship.”

The 2025 season will kick off March 12-14 at Pickwick Lake in Florence, Ala. Pickwick hosted the 2022 B.A.S.S. Nation Championship, where Bassmaster Elite Series angler Will Davis Jr. won with 43 pounds, 8 ounces.

The qualifiers will then head west to Lake Eufaula in Eufaula, Okla., April 9-11. The St. Croix Bassmaster Opens presented by SEVIIN last visited Eufaula in June of 2024, where Easton Fothergill weighed in 52-8 over three days of competition to take the victory, and Nation anglers will find ample bassing opportunities on the largest lake in Oklahoma; the body of water covers 105,500 surface acres and features 800 miles of shoreline.

The third qualifier is scheduled for the James River in Richmond, Va., April 23-25, where Nation anglers will get a rare chance to compete on Virginia’s largest river. Although the James has hosted numerous Opens events in the past, there has not been a B.A.S.S. Nation event held there in more than 10 years.

The July 16-18 Lake Erie qualifier in Monroe, Mich., will be the last of the season and promises to provide anglers with ample opportunities for healthy limits.

“Explore Monroe is thrilled to host the B.A.S.S. Nation qualifier at Sterling State Park,” said Cody Cooper, director of event coordination and education for Explore Monroe. “This event highlights Monroe County’s exceptional outdoor recreation and the beauty of our Great Lakes shoreline. We can’t wait to welcome competitors and spectators alike for a memorable experience.”

Both individual B.A.S.S. Nation anglers and club members from each state will be able to enter national qualifier events, with the top finishers advancing to the B.A.S.S. Nation Championship. Additionally, club anglers will be able to qualify directly from their state tournaments to the championship. 

The 2025 B.A.S.S. Nation Championship is slated for Oct. 22-25 on the familiar Upper Mississippi River in La Crosse, Wis., where anglers will target feisty smallmouth in current in pursuit of the $50,000 first-place cash prize that accompanies the title of B.A.S.S. Nation champion.

The Top 3 anglers from the overall standings will compete in the 2026 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour. Also, the winning angler will be named the Nation’s Best, punch their ticket to the 2026 Elite Series and enjoy the use of a fully rigged Nitro boat. The second- and third-place finishers and nonboater champion will each earn paid entry fees for all divisions of the St. Croix Bassmaster Opens presented by SEVIIN with the opportunity to qualify for the Elite Series.

For more information on registration, visit Bassmaster.com/b-a-s-s-nation.

2025 B.A.S.S. Nation Schedule

March 12-14                      Pickwick Lake                  Florence, Ala.

April 9-11                          Lake Eufaula                     Eufaula, Okla.

April 23-25                        James River                       Richmond, Va.

July 16-18                          Lake Erie                           Monroe, Mich.

2025 B.A.S.S. Nation Championship

Oct. 22-25                         Upper Mississippi River    La Crosse, Wis.

2024 Bassmaster Nation Series Title Sponsor: Mercury

2024 Bassmaster Nation Series Presenting Sponsor: Lowrance

2024 Bassmaster Nation Series Platinum Sponsor: Toyota
2024 Bassmaster Nation Series Premier Sponsors: Bass Pro Shops,Dakota Lithium, Humminbird, Mercury, Minn Kota, Nitro Boats, Power-Pole, Progressive Insurance, Ranger Boats, Rapala, Skeeter Boats, Yamaha
2024 Bassmaster Nation Series Supporting Sponsors: AFTCO, Daiwa, Garmin, Lew’s, Lowrance, Marathon, Triton Boats, VMC

2024 Bassmaster Nation Series Youth Sponsors: Seaguar, Shimano



Tod Haynes & Jeremy Talbert Win CATT Yadkin High Rock Lake, NC Nov 9, 2024

Brian Carter
-
0
Tod Haynes & Jeremy Talbert Win CATT Yadkin High Rock Lake, NC Nov 9, 2024

Next Yadkin Fall Qualifier is at Haigh Rock Lake launching out of Dutch Second Creek!

Tod Haynes & Jeremy Talbert win High Rock With 5 bass weighing 18.90 lbs!

Ladd & Landon Whicker 2nd with 17.61 lbs!

Todd Harris & Travis Dodson took 3rd with 16.54 lbs!

Sam Cole & Chris Brown 4th 16.43 lbs!

5th Place Bart & Wyatt Hill 16.31 lbs!

Jeff Proctor & Derrick Crumbley took 6th with 16.25 lbs!

TeamBFWeightWinningsPoints
Tod Haynes – Jeremy Talbert5.9618.90$1,433.00110
Ladd Whicker – Landon Whicker5.9617.61$692.00109
Todd Harris- Travis Dodson4.7816.54$320.00108
Chris Brown – Sam Cole4.5016.43$210.00107
Bart Hill – Wyatt Hill0.0016.31$140.00106
Derrick Crumbley – Jeff Proctor5.5616.25$110.00105
Shawn Knight – Ron Wolfarth0.0016.22$100.00104
Rodney Thomas – Jason Thomas0.0016.01103
Mike Ray – Orlando Giles0.0015.83102
Dusty Taylor – Kolton Hawks6.1115.73101
Randy Weddington – Ronnie Smith6.6815.39$380.00100
Zach Scelsi – Kris Scelsi0.0015.3099
Dwayne Hughes – Dalton Leonard0.0015.1898
Austin Garland6.5714.8097
David Wright – Scott Faulkner0.0014.5496
Mike Allen – Shawn Williams0.0014.1895
Herby Young0.0014.1394
Aaron Harwood – Dylan Newton0.0014.0993
Michael Huffman – Mike Alman0.0013.8692
Harrsion McCall – Barry McCall0.0013.7791
Michael Swaringen – Alan Shinn0.0013.7490
Robbie Walser – Mack Lowe5.0313.7289
Manny Leneau0.0013.6088
Jeff White – Tommy Coleman0.0012.6587
Grant Rutter0.0012.3886
Shane Kennedy0.0012.2485
Parrish Payne – Hayden Payne0.0012.2485
Mike Kiser0.009.6783
Brad Connell – Will Connell0.009.3182
Kevin Stowell – Richard McDuffie0.008.3781
Todd Shoaf5.168.3280
Curt Lare – Devin Kennedy0.000.0070
Scott Eggleton – Bryant Gobble0.000.0070
Tom & Tate Coleman0.000.0070
Rodney Adams – Trayden Freeze0.000.0070
Graeme Bosch – Mark Mohler0.000.0070
Thomas Ludwick – Tom File0.000.0070
Brian Robbins0.000.0070
Total Entrys$3,040.00
BONUS $$875.00
Total Paid At Ramp$3,385.00
CATT$50.00
2024 Yadkin Fall Final Fund$430.00
2025 CATT Championship Fund$50.00
2024 Yadkin Fall Final Fund Total$1,495.00



1...137138139...1,532Page 138 of 1,532

Follow Us

The latest

Mike Stephens Wins CATT Lake Wylie! 5 Bass weighing gup at 16.05 lbs!

CATT Lake Wylie 0
Up next is the Lake Wylie Fall Final on...

Zack LeMaster & Josh Whalen Win 2025 Bass Cast Championship with 20.33 lbs

Smith Mountain Lake Tournament Results 0
CLICK TO SEE RESULTS We would like to thank everyone...

Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit Presented by MillerTech Locks in Full Field of 150 pros for 2026

Breaking News 0
With every spot claimed, Pro Circuit momentum reaches a...

© 2023 The Bass Cast. All Rights Reserved.