Wheeler’s Lanier lead cut in half – flwoutdoors.com

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August 11, 2012

Wheeler’s Lanier lead cut in half

Wheeler battles a nice fish, but loses it at the boat. (Photo by Shaye Baker)

Indianapolis pro stays consistent on day two of Forrest Wood Cup

10.Aug.2012 by Brett Carlson

DULUTH, Ga. – Pro leader Jacob Wheeler knew day two of the Forrest Wood Cup would be a balancing act. On one hand, he knew he needed to be consistent after whacking an unthinkable 21-pound, 15-ounce limit on day one. On the other, he didn’t want to fish too conservative with a $500,000 payout on the line.

While both Wheeler’s weight and his lead were trimmed in half, he was pleased with his performance.

“Obviously I didn’t get any big bites, but I wanted to make sure I got five and was consistent,” said the 21-year-old, who officially caught 11 pounds, 12 ounces. “I knew with a lead like that you’ve got to be careful.”

Wheeler shed some more light on his pattern after weighing in. He’s junk-fishing up the river – throwing an X-Rap Prop, a Rapala DT Fat (size 3) and a vibrating jig. The topwater pattern is focused mainly around bluegill beds. The bluegills started spawning with the recent full moon and there are still enough up to attract the attention of both largemouths and spotted bass.

Yesterday Wheeler had his success with a smaller prop bait, but today the X-Rap Prop did most of the damage. He also stops and flips isolated targets from time to time.

“It was an all-day grind today. I had to put a few distractions behind me and just fish the moment. I ended up with about 10 keepers and I weighed four spots and one largemouth.”

While the moon is definitely waning, Wheeler is pleased with how the bluegill pattern is replenishing.

“I caught a 2-pounder off a bluegill bed and then I came back an hour later and I saw another 2 ½-pound spot there, although it wouldn’t bite. Its funny how certain beds never have any bass on them and certain ones continue to be productive.”

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Andrew Upshaw eyes Elites – BassMaster.com

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August 11, 2012

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Andrew Upshaw eyes Elites

Mark Hicks

Andrew Upshaw, 25, has long dreamed of competing on the Bassmaster Elite Series tour. His other dream, fishing in the Bassmaster Classic, has already come true.

By Mark Hicks

Aug 10, 2012

After the first two Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Northern Opens of 2012, Texan Andrew Upshaw finds himself in third place in the points standings. A strong finish at New York’s Cayuga Lake, the site of the final Northern Open, and Upshaw will finish among the top five that qualify for next season’s Elite Series.

Upshaw, 25, has long dreamed of competing against the world’s best bass anglers on the Bassmaster Elite Series tour. His other dream, fishing in the Bassmaster Classic, has already come true.

That happened at the 2012 Red River Classic. Upshaw earned his berth to bass fishing’s biggest event by winning the Carhartt College Series championship in 2011. He finished in 31st place at the Classic, which left him longing for more.

“I know I still have a lot to learn, but I want to prove that I deserve to fish at the top level,” Upshaw says.

The fastest way to earn respect in the world of bass fishing is by making your mark in one of the Bassmaster Open circuits. Upshaw is on the verge of doing just that.

A resident of Hemphill, Texas, Upshaw began working on his bass fishing Bachelor’s long before he matriculated to Stephen F. Austin University in Nacogdoches, Texas, where he graduated with a degree in marketing.

Hemphill is a short cast from storied bass fisheries Toledo Bend and Sam Rayburn Reservoir. Hemphill is also home to legendary bass angler Tommy Martin, who, at age 70, still competes in major bass tournaments, including the Bassmaster Opens.

Upshaw’s father was the football coach for Martin’s son. Martin returned the favor by teaching Upshaw the fine points of bass fishing. Upshaw’s bass tutelage under Martin began when he was 15.

“Tommy mentored me for a long time,” Upshaw says. “The first thing he taught me was how to use electronics on deep structure to find the spot-on-the-spot that holds fish.”

That training paid dividends when Upshaw fished the second 2012 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Northern Open at Lake St. Clair in July. He found scads of smallmouth bass in a mile-long reach of cabbage grass in 16 to 17 feet of water.

However, only a 40-yard stretch within the grassbed held the 4- to 5-pound bass he needed to do well in the tournament. Upshaw could have caught many more bass had he moved about. Instead, he kept his cool and concentrated on the key area within the grass bed. He milked 64 pounds, 13 ounces, of brown bass from it, good enough for third place.

Learning how to find the spot-on-the-spot in deep water made it easier for Upshaw to do the same thing when he fishes shallow cover he can see. Upshaw nabbed 16th place at the first 2012 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Northern Open at the James River by concentrating on large, isolated windfalls and bypassing secondary cover.

The success Upshaw is enjoying this season didn’t come overnight. He fished the Northern Opens for the first time in 2010. It was his initial experience fishing natural bass waters in the Northeastern U.S. and he fared poorly.

“It was a big learning experience,” Upshaw says. “It really helped me do better this time around.”

Upshaw is a quick study. A good finish at Cayuga will earn him a Master’s degree in bass fishing.

Ohio, Indiana teens win junior divisional – Bass Master.com

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August 11, 2012

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Ohio, Indiana teens win junior divisional

John Neporadny, Jr.

Caleb Taylor (left) won the 15-18 age group and Alexander Datz topped the 11-14 age division in the Junior Bassmasters competition of the Cabela’s B.A.S.S. Federation Nation Northern Divisional.

By John Neporadny Jr.

Aug 10, 2012

Savanna, Ill. – A newcomer and a veteran were the age group winners of the Junior Bassmasters segment of the Cabela’s B.A.S.S. Federation Nation Northern Divisional on the Mississippi River.

Fishing in only his third Junior Bassmasters event, 14-year-old Alexander Datz of Ohio won the 11- to 14-year-olds age division with one bass weighing 3 pounds, 1 ounce. Eighteen-year-old Caleb Taylor of Indiana won the 15-18 age group with two bass weighing 5-4. The youngsters both qualified for berths in the Junior Bassmasters World Championship (JWC) to be held in conjunction with the Federation Nation Championship in Alabama in October.

Datz caught some keepers in practice, but managed to catch only the one keeper today on a green pumpkin 3/8-ounce swimming jig he concocted in the boat and matched with a green pumpkin craw. The Boat Boys Junior Club member said he was “jigging it” in downed trees about 10 feet deep along the river channel. “I also caught one or two shorts, but that was it.”

Taylor got to fish his strength during practice and in the tournament since he enjoys frog fishing and the river is full of grass. “When we were practicing we found a ditch that had fish just stacked up in it. It had grass, wood and rock.” He caught his fish flipping a 3/8 ounce black-and-blue beaver-style bait in the grass and working a plastic frog along the edge of the grass.

The Indiana Junior and Adult Club member caught both of his keepers by 9 a.m. “We really hammered that area we found in practice,” said Taylor. “We knew there were fish in there and just made multiple passes. Every time I would go through I would get a couple of shorts or hook a keeper.”

The river was especially tough for the juniors as eight of the 16 competitors blanked.

News Patton pulls off a squeaker – BassMasters.com

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August 11, 2012

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Patton pulls off a squeaker

John Neporadny, Jr.

Iowa angler JJ Patton had double-digit limits each day to win the Cabela’s B.A.S.S. Federation Nation Northern Divisional.

By John Neporadny Jr.

Aug 10, 2012

SAVANNA, Ill. — Iowa angler JJ Patton cashed in on his home waters advantage to win the Cabela’s B.A.S.S. Federation Nation Northern Divisional on the Mississippi River today. Results

The tournament launched out of the Illinois side of Pool 13, but the Eldridge, Iowa angler frequently fishes the same pool, which gave him a slight edge over fellow river fisherman Mark Dove of North Vernon, Ind. Dove held a 5-ounce lead over Patton yesterday, but Patton caught the bigger sack today and won by 6 ounces with 38 pounds, 6 ounces.

Fishing in his second divisional, Patton was a co-angler who credited his partners with giving him a chance to fish his areas. “They respected that I am kind of a local,” said the 42-year-old family doctor. “I can’t say enough about the partners I had this week for them to put their trust in me and go to my fish and let me catch them. I made great friends with all three of them (Larry Paul, Kevin Fassbind and David Junk) and that is part of what this is all about. You meet new people and it was great.”

The Elite Anglers of Iowa club member caught limits of largemouth every day to win this tournament even though he had to fish from other anglers’ boats. “You just have to work together and make this like a team tournament even though obviously it is not,” Patton said. “If you have a good day and get along well and respect each other’s equipment you will be better off.”

Patton relied on three lures — a 1/4-ounce white/gold Brovarney Baits Swim Jig with a 5-inch white Yamamoto single tail grub; a black/blue vibrating spin jig and 1/4-ounce black/brown Arkie Jig by A.C.T. Custom Lures with a beaver-style trailer — to catch fish from one primary area. “I am not exactly sure what the fish were doing,” he said. “There was quite a bit of bait there but it was really a nothing bank. It was probably something most guys would drive by and not even fish. But having fished around here, I kind of knew what to look for and I found them.”

Winning the divisional and finishing as the top angler on his state team also earned Patton a berth in the B.A.S.S. Federation Nation Championship (FNC) to be held on Wheeler Lake in Alabama, Oct. 25-27. Other state winners qualifying for the FNC are Dove of Indiana; Curt Samo, Illinois; Jamie Sochocki, Michigan; Jonathan Patrick, Minnesota; Eddie Levin, Ohio; Corey Peterson, South Dakota; and Brady Farrell, Wisconsin.

Iowa won the team championship for the second straight year with 312 pounds, 9 ounces while the host Illinois squad finished second with 243-6. See the full results here.

News Patton pulls off a squeaker – BassMasters.com

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August 11, 2012

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Patton pulls off a squeaker

John Neporadny, Jr.

Iowa angler JJ Patton had double-digit limits each day to win the Cabela’s B.A.S.S. Federation Nation Northern Divisional.

By John Neporadny Jr.

Aug 10, 2012

SAVANNA, Ill. — Iowa angler JJ Patton cashed in on his home waters advantage to win the Cabela’s B.A.S.S. Federation Nation Northern Divisional on the Mississippi River today. Results

The tournament launched out of the Illinois side of Pool 13, but the Eldridge, Iowa angler frequently fishes the same pool, which gave him a slight edge over fellow river fisherman Mark Dove of North Vernon, Ind. Dove held a 5-ounce lead over Patton yesterday, but Patton caught the bigger sack today and won by 6 ounces with 38 pounds, 6 ounces.

Fishing in his second divisional, Patton was a co-angler who credited his partners with giving him a chance to fish his areas. “They respected that I am kind of a local,” said the 42-year-old family doctor. “I can’t say enough about the partners I had this week for them to put their trust in me and go to my fish and let me catch them. I made great friends with all three of them (Larry Paul, Kevin Fassbind and David Junk) and that is part of what this is all about. You meet new people and it was great.”

The Elite Anglers of Iowa club member caught limits of largemouth every day to win this tournament even though he had to fish from other anglers’ boats. “You just have to work together and make this like a team tournament even though obviously it is not,” Patton said. “If you have a good day and get along well and respect each other’s equipment you will be better off.”

Patton relied on three lures — a 1/4-ounce white/gold Brovarney Baits Swim Jig with a 5-inch white Yamamoto single tail grub; a black/blue vibrating spin jig and 1/4-ounce black/brown Arkie Jig by A.C.T. Custom Lures with a beaver-style trailer — to catch fish from one primary area. “I am not exactly sure what the fish were doing,” he said. “There was quite a bit of bait there but it was really a nothing bank. It was probably something most guys would drive by and not even fish. But having fished around here, I kind of knew what to look for and I found them.”

Winning the divisional and finishing as the top angler on his state team also earned Patton a berth in the B.A.S.S. Federation Nation Championship (FNC) to be held on Wheeler Lake in Alabama, Oct. 25-27. Other state winners qualifying for the FNC are Dove of Indiana; Curt Samo, Illinois; Jamie Sochocki, Michigan; Jonathan Patrick, Minnesota; Eddie Levin, Ohio; Corey Peterson, South Dakota; and Brady Farrell, Wisconsin.

Iowa won the team championship for the second straight year with 312 pounds, 9 ounces while the host Illinois squad finished second with 243-6. See the full results here.

Quick Bites: Forrest Wood Cup, Lake Lanier, Day 2 – flwoutdoors.com

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August 11, 2012

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Quick Bites: Forrest Wood Cup, Lake Lanier, Day 2

Bass-fishing fans soak in the sights and sounds of day-two weigh-in at the 2012Forrest Wood Cup. (Photo by Gary Mortenson)

Wheeler is human after all, Chevy pros have a banner day and the ‘Chicken Dance’ rears its ugly head once again

10.Aug.2012 by Gary Mortenson

2012 Forrest Wood Cup

Lake Lanier – Duluth, Ga.

Opening round, Friday

Wheeler comes back down to Earth … After stunning the field and electrifying bass-fishing fans everywhere with his amazing 21-pound, 15-ounce stringer during the opening round of 2012 Forrest Wood Cup competition, 21-year-old Jacob Wheeler found the going a lot tougher during Friday’s action. After playing it a bit more conservative during today’s contest, Wheeler only managed to record a five-fish limit of 11 pounds, 12 ounces – slightly better than half of his opening total.

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Krekovich captures Lanier lead – flwoutdoors.com

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August 11, 2012

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Krekovich captures Lanier lead

Illinois co-angler Matt Krekovich jumped out to a big lead on day two of the Forrest Wood Cup. (Photo by David A. Brown)

Illinois co-angler surges ahead in Forrest Wood Cup

10.Aug.2012 by David A. Brown

GAINESVILLE, Ga. – Fishing from the back of the boat is always a lesson in adjustment, as co-anglers must adapt to whatever their pro decides to do. Well, Matt Krekovich displayed his adaptive abilities today, as he overtook the lead on day two of the Forrest Wood Cup on Lake Lanier.

After placing second on day one with 11 pounds, 9 ounces, the Granite City, Ill. competitor sacked up four fish that weighed 7-5 today and moved to the top of the field with a two-day total of 18-14 and 4-pound, 1-ounce lead. Krekovich fished deep on day one, but spent day two on the bank.

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Wheeler maintains lead at 2012 Forrest Wood Cup – flwoutoors.com

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August 11, 2012

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Wheeler maintains lead at 2012 Forrest Wood Cup

Wheeler battles a nice fish, but loses it at the boat. (Photo by Shaye Baker)

Illinois’ Krekovich paces co-anglers on Lake Lanier

10.Aug.2012

DULUTH, Ga. – Forty-six of the best professional bass anglers from all over the world continued their four-day battle for a top cash award of $500,000 at the Forrest Wood Cup presented by Walmart, the world championship of bass fishing, on Lake Lanier on Friday.

Overcast skies and wind greeted anglers on the second day of competition. After weighing a massive 21 pounds, 15 ounces on the opening day of competition, Fatheadz pro Jacob Wheeler of Indianapolis, Ind., retained his lead after Day 2 by weighing a five-bass limit for 11 pounds, 12 ounces. Wheeler’s two-day catch of 10 bass weighing 33 pounds, 11 ounces gives him a 3-pound, 3-ounce lead heading into the third day of the tournament.

“I just never got that big bite,” said Wheeler, who won the Bass Fishing League All-American in 2011. “It was a struggle this morning to catch what I caught. I pulled into the area that I really thought was a good area where I caught three big ones yesterday and didn’t catch any good ones there today.”

Wheeler said he had only three fish at 1 p.m. He started to scramble, and managed to eke out seven keepers during the day.

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Wheeler's dealing – flwoutdoors.com

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August 10, 2012

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Wheeler’s dealing

More cloudy conditions greeted Forrest Wood Cup anglers at the start of day two. (Photo by David A. Brown)

Young pro seeks to retain Forrest Wood Cup lead

10.Aug.2012 by David A. Brown

DULUTH, Ga. – Jacob Wheeler has already posted some impressive numbers in the Forrest Wood Cup on Lake Lanier, but he’s very mindful of one particular statistic upon which his championship dream hinges.

First, let’s look at what he has already written in the record books. (Cue the “intrigue” music.)

• At 21, he’s the event’s youngest competitor.

• His day-one leading weight of 21 pounds, 15 ounces was the second heaviest bag in FWC history.

• His first-day lead of 5-6 was the largest leading margin in event history.

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Wheeler’s dealing – flwoutdoors.com

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August 10, 2012

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Wheeler’s dealing

More cloudy conditions greeted Forrest Wood Cup anglers at the start of day two. (Photo by David A. Brown)

Young pro seeks to retain Forrest Wood Cup lead

10.Aug.2012 by David A. Brown

DULUTH, Ga. – Jacob Wheeler has already posted some impressive numbers in the Forrest Wood Cup on Lake Lanier, but he’s very mindful of one particular statistic upon which his championship dream hinges.

First, let’s look at what he has already written in the record books. (Cue the “intrigue” music.)

• At 21, he’s the event’s youngest competitor.

• His day-one leading weight of 21 pounds, 15 ounces was the second heaviest bag in FWC history.

• His first-day lead of 5-6 was the largest leading margin in event history.

Click to Read More

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