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Carr Gets His First Win at Phoenix Bass Fishing League Event at St. Lawrence River

July 22, 2024

Carr Gets His First Win at Phoenix Bass Fishing League Event at St. Lawrence River

Boater winner Ethan Carr of Massena, New York, and Strike-King co-angler winner Hunter Navari of Colchester, Vermont.

It’s Getting Hot!: Hotter Baits for July by Bruce Callis Jr

Bruce Callis

July 22, 2024

It’s Getting Hot!:
Hotter Baits for July
by Bruce Callis Jr

July can be a tough month for fishing! Why? Simply because it is HOT. But that doesn’t mean that the fishing is impossible, just it can be changing our habits. So let’s talk about the baits I choose this time of year.

I love a topwater strike just like most of us do. I have two choices for topwater. I love fishing the pads and for that I love a frog. For me, it’s a SPRO Br onzeye Frog. I can fish it in the heavy pads or over the grass mats. I like to use 65 pound Seaguar 65 pound Smackdown braid so I have the ability to fight the bass out. I use a 7’ to 7’6” medium heavy rod. I prefer a reel with a higher power rating over a faster reel. If you get a lot of pad or grass on the bass, you need it to help pull it out. I don’t want to go in to get the bass, as this can mess up the entire area.

For my other topwater choice, I like a popper. I like the SPRO E Pop. It works great over cover and laydowns. It also works along the edges of the grass mats and pads. I like to use 30 pound braided line on a medium heavy rod with a fast tip. This allows me to really work the bait. Popping it slowly and allowing it to sit or working it quickly back to you. Now, quickly can vary from time to time, it can be a steady popping to steady popping with a pause and a big pop before working it steady.

If you have a lot of submergent grass in your lake or pond, there are a few choice I like to use. The first is a swim jig. I like the Missile Baits Mini Swim jig with either a Shockwave or Spunk Shad trailer. Swim it just so it ticks the grass. If it gets hung up, rip it free. But be ready for a strike as you do so. It can also be used around sparse pads as well.

The next choice is either a spinnerbait or a chatterbait. Both work great but offer a little different presentation to the bass. I’m old school and love a 1/2 ounce spinnerbait with tandem blades, but have found that the chatterbait works just as well. I’ll use a Shockwave or Spunk Shad for a trailer on both. And realize that as the day changes, so can the choice of trailer.

My last choice is by far one of my favorite baits that works year round. The old reliable lipless crankbait. You can use it at any depth, it’s just not the idea bait around wood. But over grass, it is amazing. Just like the swim jig, work it just above the grass beds, ripping it free when it gets snagged. It is a big bass catching machine too. I like to use the SPRO Aruku Shad on a 7’ to 7”6” medium heavy rod with a fast tip and a higher speed reel, 7.1:1 or higher. This will allow you to really burn it at times. I’ll also use 10-12 pound test Seaguar Fluorocarbon. I really like the Red Label but for maximum castability and strength, I like Seaguar Tatsu.

And finally, it comes to working the bottom. Now is the time to break out the old ball and chain, the Carolina rig. For most, it is a love-hate relationship, but it is a big bass catcher. I use a 20-30 pound main line of braid to a 10-12 pound test fluorocarbon leader. And for bait, I love the Missile Baits D Stroyer or Baby D Stroyer. This offer a nice big profile for the bass and offers plenty of action too.

For flipping around the laydowns and in the pads, I switch up between two baits. I will use a Missile Baits Ike’s Mini Flip with either a Baby D Bomb or Mini D Chunk. This smaller profile can be just the ticket at times for some big strikes. And then there is the Texas rigged D Bomb or a worm. Here, let the bass tell you which is better. I’ll switch between the 6” Magic Worm, The 48, and the 6.5” Quiver. But there are times when a big 10-12” worm really is what they want during the hot months.

July can be a challenging month for fishing between the slower bites and staying hydrated. Whether you are working them fast or slow, let your baits work for you. Stay focused on what you are doing and have fun. And share those pictures of your big bass with us here at The Bass Cast.

Maurice & Arvie Oakes Win LU Smith Mountain Lake Summer Shootout Stop #1 with 13.5lbs

Brian Carter

July 21, 2024

Maurice & Arvie Oakes Win LU Smith Mountain Lake Summer Shootout Stop #1 with 13.5lbs

What a great start to the LU Smith Mountain Lake Summer Shootout. Twenty two teams fished the first event with over half the anglers weight in fish it was a good day for the stop #1. Now this event goes off at 6 & weigh in is at noon with a three fish limit. Congratulations to the Oakes on winning stop #1 & don’t forget you have to fish 5 events to qualify for the championship where the Bass Cast will be giving an extra $200 to the Championship winners. See you all at the next one on JUlt 28th.

ICAST 2024: Fishing Industry Buzz or Social Media Overload?

Brian Carter

July 21, 2024

ICAST 2024: Fishing Industry Buzz or Social Media Overload?

The International Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trades (ICAST) 2024 has wrapped up, and wow, what a whirlwind it’s been! If you’re like me, your social media feeds have been flooded with posts from pro anglers showing off the latest and greatest fishing gear.

For the past four days, it seemed like every professional angler out there was sharing pictures, videos, and hot takes on the newest rods, reels, lures, and gadgets. It’s enough to make your head spin!

So, what’s the big takeaway from ICAST 2024? Well, that depends on how you look at it.

On one hand, it’s pretty exciting to see all the new fishing tech and innovations. Some of the gear looks like it could really up your fishing game. Plus, it’s cool to get a behind-the-scenes look at what the pros are excited about.

On the other hand, was it all just too much? With so many posts and so much hype, it can be hard to tell what’s actually worth getting pumped about. Sometimes it feels like more of a show than anything else.

What do you think? Did you find the ICAST coverage inspiring, or was it information overload? Were there any products that caught your eye, or did it all start to blur together after a while?

Let us know in the comments! We’d love to hear what stood out to you from ICAST 2024, or if you think the whole thing is just a big marketing frenzy.

Outdoor Essentials You Should Never Leave Home Without

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Brian Carter

July 21, 2024

Outdoor Essentials You Should Never Leave Home Without

Venturing into the great outdoors is always an adventure, whether you’re hiking, camping, fishing or simply enjoying a day at the park. However, having the right gear can make all the difference in ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience. Here are five essential outdoor items you should never leave home without.

Being prepared with the right equipment can turn a potential outdoor mishap into a minor inconvenience. Make sure to add these five essential items to your packing list before heading out on your next adventure.

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Lightweight Waterproof Men’s Rain Jacket with Hood – Ideal for Hiking and Outdoor Activities

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Catch Bass on the Hottest Summer Days!

Brian Carter

July 19, 2024

Wearing the right clothing is essential when fishing in extreme heat. Long-sleeved shirts, face masks, and gloves designed for sun protection can help prevent sunburn and other skin damage. These garments are typically made from materials that enhance breathability and keep anglers cool even under the scorching sun. It’s also crucial to stay hydrated. Bringing along plenty of water and drinking regularly can prevent dehydration and heat exhaustion, allowing you to fish longer and more comfortably. Applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen to exposed skin areas is recommended to further prevent burns and long-term skin damage. Using UV-blocking sunglasses not only protects your eyes but also improves visibility on the water by reducing glare. Invest in quality footwear that provides comfort and protection, especially when spending long hours standing or walking on boat decks. Cooling towels or neck wraps can be beneficial, as they can be soaked in water and worn to help lower body temperature during the hottest parts of the day. It is also wise to take regular breaks in the shade or a covered area to cool down and assess your hydration needs.Our newest FreshBaitz Mandingo Trick Worm is the ultimate game-changer for anglers with a passion! Engineered for the angler who knows SIZE does matter, this lure is designed to attract only the BIGGEST bass with a penchant for the larger bait. The Mandingo Trick Worm boasts a solid 7-inch body enhanced with a hyperactive ribbed design, ensuring irresistible mouth-watering action for those trophy bass. Officially available in a vibrant array of 8 colors. Each worm is made from durable, high-grade Non-Salted plastic for lifelike action and unparalleled durability. Perfectly balanced for a variety of rigging options and scented for total and maximum attraction, the Mandingo Trick Worm promises year-round effectiveness in lakes, rivers, and streams. Whether you’re rigging it on a Shakey Head, Drop Shot, Texas Rig, or Carolina Rig, these worms are your ticket to landing the big ones. Proudly made in the USA by real anglers to help elevate your fishing experience and catch more bass year-round!

The best times to fish during the hottest days are in the early morning and late evening when temperatures are cooler. During these times, bass are more active and likely to feed, making them easier to catch. Planning your fishing trips around these windows can significantly increase your chances of a successful outing. Avoid the midday heat when bass are less active and seek shelter, which makes them harder to locate and catch. These optimal times, often referred to as the golden hours, are also when the natural light conditions create a more favorable environment for both anglers and bass. During early mornings, the water temperature is at its coolest, which can stimulate bass to hunt more aggressively before the day heats up. Similarly, as the sun sets, the diminishing light triggers feeding behaviors as bass prepare for the night. Utilizing lures that are effective during low light conditions, such as those with reflective surfaces or ones that create vibrations, can enhance your chances of attracting bass. Understanding the lunar phases and their significant impact on fish behavior can further refine your timing and strategy for maximum effectiveness in your fishing trips.The new FreshBaitz Lizards deliver a realistic profile that excels in both power and finesse techniques. Act fact, we just released new Hot Sauce, MidNight, Ghost and 10w30 Syntheic Lizard designs! The unique forward-facing leg design creates drag that holds it in the strike zone longer or produces wild flapping action with every pull of the rod. Additionally, its slightly ribbed solid body and large head hold your hook in place and provide much better weedless performance making it the ideal bait to use in any condition. Water clarity always plays a super big role in color selection but in any season year-round, you can’t miss when using colors such as Watermelon Red, Black & Blue, or Green Pumpkin. Its flexible tail design ensures added movement, tempting even the most cautious fish. The superior 5.5-inch profile stretches to a whole 7 inches which is perfect for predatory fish including bass year round. Made from long-lasting durable high-grade non-salted plastic for total and maximum attention-grabbing action underwater.

Bass often retreat to shaded areas during the heat of the day to stay cool. Identifying these spots, such as under boat docks, near fallen trees, or along steep banks, can be crucial for successful fishing. Casting your line so that your bait skirts the edges of these shaded areas can entice hidden bass to strike. As the sun moves, these shaded areas will shift, so anglers need to be observant and adapt their positions accordingly. Observing the water’s surface for signs of bass or baitfish activity near these shaded spots can provide additional clues to their locations. It’s also beneficial to use baits that mimic the natural prey found in these habitats, increasing the likelihood of attracting a bass. Periodically changing your angle of approach can help present your bait more naturally within these areas, adapting to how the shade and bass positions change over the day. Paying attention to the type of shade whether it’s from vegetation, man-made structures, or topographical features can affect the type of bass and their behavior. Employing quieter, more subtle fishing techniques can effectively prevent spooking bass in these often calm and secluded spots, ensuring more success.We use our Fresh Scorpion because it closely imitates a crawfish. Our newest 10w30 Synthetic, Slimer Green, and Barbie Pink Scorpion colors work wonders. The Scorpion is a revolutionary new look to soft plastics. Its intricate detailing and texture mimic the nuances of a real crawfish, making it hard for bass to resist. Of course, water clarity always plays a role in color selection but in any season, you can’t miss using colors such as Green Pumpkin Seed, Brown Bark, Magneto. This bait not only appears natural to fish but gives them something to become curious about. The Scorpion paired with a stand-up jig is deadly because the jig actually sits the bait upright in a defensive stance. The subtle color variations across the bait further enhance its appeal, mimicking the natural color shifts found in live prey. Each Fresh Scorpion has a unique and exclusive 3-axis tail design that is engineered like no other soft plastic bait. Our Scorpions are made by anglers from high-grade non-salt plastic to provide superior life-like action-triggering strikes!

Aquatic vegetation offers shade and protection for bass seeking relief from the heat. Fishing in areas with plenty of vegetation can be very effective, especially when using techniques that allow the bait to reach where bass are most likely to be hiding. Techniques such as using weights to drop baits into thicker parts or pulling lures through the vegetation can yield good results. Understanding the types of vegetation in your fishing area and how bass use them for cover will guide your strategy. Different types of aquatic plants attract different aquatic life, serving as a rich feeding ground for bass. When targeting these areas, it is important to match your lure to the prey that bass might be hunting within the vegetation. Slow, methodical presentations can also be more effective in dense vegetation, as they allow bass more time to strike the bait. Using lures that are less likely to get tangled, such as weedless setups, can enhance your fishing experience and reduce frustration. Regular scouting for changes in vegetation patterns can consistently reveal new fishing spots or indicate where bass might have moved to based on the seasonal changes or the water conditions.Our Fresh HellaMite is scented for complete and total attraction underwater along with being made in the USA by real fishermen just like you. Grab our newest Hot Sauce, MidNight, Glow, 10w30 Synthetic, Slimer Green, and Barbie Pink HellaMite colors. Act quickly, these new colors won’t stay in stock for long. We also recently restocked our Ghost, Red Bug, Purple Rain, Brown Bug, Electric Chicken, and Goby Wan colors. The HellaMite’s solid body and hyperactive ribbed tail design produce a life-like quivering action with every twitch of the rod. Additionally, its unique flat underbelly detail enables this bait to be fished as a drop shot, Ned rig, neko rig, and even a small Carolina-rig, making it the ideal bait in any condition year-round. When the water is clear, the fish can see the bait and look like real food, causing strikes. Each cast becomes an opportunity for an exhilarating catch, thanks to the HellaMite’s superior performance and versatility.

Moving water is cooler and more oxygenated, making it an ideal habitat for bass during hot weather. Areas with natural currents, or where water is circulated by human-made structures, attract bass because these waters are more comfortable and full of baitfish. Anglers should focus on casting into these currents with lures that mimic the natural prey found in these waters. Techniques that involve moving baits can be particularly effective in these environments. It is beneficial to observe the behavior of smaller fish and insects in these areas to determine what bass might be feeding on. Fishing downstream and allowing your lure to drift naturally with the current can create a more enticing presentation. Anglers can also experiment with different retrieval speeds and patterns to see what triggers strikes from the bass. In faster-moving waters, heavier lures might be necessary to maintain control and ensure proper depth. Paying attention to eddies and convergence zones in the current can lead to successful fishing spots, as bass often wait in these areas to ambush prey. These natural traps create ideal conditions for bass to conserve energy while feeding opportunities increase.Our Fresh Beetle delivers ultimate versatility in a soft plastic bait. Its slim yet wide body design and four claws are engineered to naturally glide and wobble as it moves through the water. This design ensures they remain enticingly active longer than conventional baits. Its unique texture also provides a realistic feel, making bass hold on longer once they bite. Water clarity plays a big role in color selection but year-round you can’t miss when using go-to colors such as Chocolate Mint, Ox Blood, or 10w30 Synthetic beetles. The hyper-active swimming claws are designed thin with long-lasting durable non-salt plastic to make them come alive with the slightest movement. The Fresh Beetle offers an enticing 4-inch profile and is scented for complete and total attraction! You can rig these Beetles as a Jig/ Chatter Trailer, Flippin/ Punching, Texas Rig, Swing Jig, and Carolina Rig. Making the beetle beyond perfect in any weather condition year-round!

In warm waters, choosing the right bait is crucial due to the increased metabolism of bass. Soft plastics that exhibit a lot of action are particularly effective because they mimic the lively movements of natural bass prey. Using a variety of baits that move differently underwater can appeal to the predatory instincts of bass. Experimenting with different sizes and colors, depending on the clarity and depth of the water, can also improve catch rates during the warm months. Incorporating scented baits can enhance the attractiveness of your setup, as smell can be a powerful trigger for bass. Paying attention to how bass are feeding can guide your selection. For instance, if bass are feeding aggressively, faster-moving baits might be more successful. On the other hand, during slower periods, baits that require a more subtle presentation can be more effective. Adapting bait types throughout the day to match bass activity levels, such as using jigs or swimbaits, can be beneficial. Keeping a comprehensive log of what baits worked under specific environmental conditions can be a useful reference for future fishing trips, helping to refine and optimize bait selection.Using a stick-styled worm is the most tried and true ways to catch fish. We have a variety of 5-inch Worms to choose from but we just added new MidNight, Glow, and Ghost Worms! You can also experience our new wacky rigging kit while it’s ON SALE! The WACKY Pack offers our most popular colors and essential tools for wacky rigging. If you’re fast enough you might be able to grab the limited-release Pumpkin Spice Worm before it’s completely sold out along with some of our newest colors including the Brown Worm, Electic Chicken Worm, and Goby Wan Worm colors. The high-grade non-salt plastic they’re made from provides positive buoyancy and it even floats underwater! We also released new 6-inch Worms including Charmeleon, Rainbow TRT, Bone, Chocolate Mint, and Fire TGR are all available in 5 and 6-inch. We’ve also recently released new 8-count packs of worms available in Watermelon Red, Black & Blue, and Green Pumpkin. We also offer worms that have the unique ability to shift from one color to another. Scented for total attraction underwater.

Fishing at night is a great alternative during the peak heat of summer. It allows anglers to take advantage of cooler temperatures and active bass behavior. Night fishing requires careful preparation, such as using appropriate lighting and safety gear. Lures that produce vibrations or noises can enhance success rates, as bass rely more on their lateral line in the dark to detect prey. Patience and adaptability to less visibility and different fishing conditions are key to mastering night fishing for bass. It’s important to use lights sparingly to avoid spooking the bass, as they can be more sensitive to disturbances in the quieter night environment. Choosing darker colored lures can be more effective at night because they create a more defined silhouette against the lighter night sky. Moving slowly and deliberately helps maintain safety and increases your chances of success by minimizing noise and disturbance in the water. Using a common GPS or familiarizing yourself with the fishing area during daylight can prevent navigation difficulties and enhance your overall night fishing experience. Fishing closer to the shore can yield better results, as bass may move to shallower waters to feed.We have a wide variety of terminal tackle to choose from. For Scorpions, we love to use the Stand-Up Jig because it sits your bait up-right in a defensive stance! The popular All Purpose Hooks are built with an extra-wide gap and are made to accommodate a wide range of soft plastics. The Mosquito Hooks work for drop-shotting and perfectly accommodates a wide range of soft plastics. The Block Head Jig is perfect for ned rigging the HellaMite with its mushroom-style head that seamlessly matches a wide variety of soft plastics. The Offset Block Head Jig, offers the same mushroom-style head with a unique offset hook, making it a go-to for weedless Ned Rig applications. The Shakey Ultrahead can permanently secure baits by inserting the pin in the center and screwing the twist lock coil spring for perfect rigging every time! The Ultrahead Wacky Jig features precise weight positioning and hook orientation for the ultimate wacky presentations. For fast Texas rigging, we use the Bullet-Type Rig which has an attached weight saving you pressure time when fishing cover. The 4x Jungle Flippin Hook is designed for big fish and the toughest conditions. The Range Roller Jig Head is crafted for precision with its high center axis design, perfect for hover-strolling and mid to bottom strolling with forward facing sonar, ensuring an enticing rolling action for soft plastics.

Lake Champlain ready to shine during Mercury B.A.S.S. Nation Qualifier

Brian Carter

July 19, 2024

Lake Champlain ready to shine during Mercury B.A.S.S. Nation Qualifier

New York’s Lake Champlain will host the 2024 Mercury B.A.S.S. Nation Qualifier presented by Lowrance July 24-26.

Photo by Craig Lamb/B.A.S.S.

July 19, 2024

Lake Champlain ready to shine during Mercury B.A.S.S. Nation Qualifier

PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. — Anglers will visit Lake Champlain for the final Mercury B.A.S.S. Nation Qualifier presented by Lowrance and Elite Series rookie Tim Dube expects anglers to find plenty of bass on the historic fishery this go-round.

“This is a great time to be up at Champlain,” the New Hampshire pro said. “You’ll have favorable weather patterns and shouldn’t have to deal with too much wind. The lake is full of fish. You are going to see a lot of fish catches and a lot of limits weighed in. It won’t be a struggle to catch them; it will be a struggle to catch the right five.”

Tournament days are scheduled for July 24-26 with daily takeoffs and weigh-ins to take place at the Plattsburgh City Marina. This is the last chance for anglers to qualify for the Mercury B.A.S.S. Nation Championship presented by Lowrance at Grand Lake.

Splitting the border of New York and Vermont, Lake Champlain has been a gem of the bass fishing world for many years and a favorite stop amongst any angler fishing with B.A.S.S. Most recently, Kyoya Fujita won an Elite Series event with a four-day total of smallmouth weighing 86 pounds, 12 ounces.

This year, Dube said the bass are progressing through the spawn quicker than usual, which means the bass should be fat and healthy by the time anglers arrive for the tournament.

While a healthy largemouth population still exists in Champlain, smallmouth get much of the attention on the lake these days. Dube said there are plenty of 4-pound brownies that either chase alewives out in open water or hunker down to ambush perch in the shallows.

“There are more 4-pound smallmouth in that lake than 4-pound largemouth,” Dube said. “Numbers wise, the smallmouth guys are going to figure out the pelagic smallmouth. The Inland Sea has the largest population. But there will be a lot of people over there, so you could see a lot of bass being split up.”

Forward-facing sonar and a jighead minnow will be key to catching the roaming smallmouth while a more traditional approach like a drop shot or Carolina rig will be key for the perch eaters. The “old school Champlain” also exists still.

“You’ve got humps, individual rocks out on deep flats and you have grasslines,” Dube said. “Grasslines haven’t played in a couple years, but they might this year. But it is so easy to put the trolling motor down with forward-facing and see them versus dragging a Carolina rig down a grassline or over a rockpile.

“Big fish live shallow on that lake.”

The X factor in this event, according to Dube, will be the anglers who decide to spend some time attempting to catch largemouth. The lake features several different types of grass, including milfoil, which will attract most of the largemouth population.

Although it hasn’t played much in the last two Elite Series events, the Ticonderoga area on the south end of the lake could set up well in this tournament.

“That has potential as long as the wind doesn’t blow,” Dube said. “Someone could find a group of largemouth that are healthy, fat and potentially the winning kind of fish. The water is shallower and dirtier down there.”

Missisquoi Bay, meanwhile, tends to be the best largemouth area on the lake. Dube said the best way for an angler to separate themselves in what will likely be a tight leaderboard is to catch several 4-pound smallmouth and then land a 5-pound largemouth.

The event is hosted by The Adirondack Coast.

Expect competitive weights at Junior/High School Championships at Chickamauga

Brian Carter

July 19, 2024

Expect competitive weights at Junior/High School Championships at Chickamauga

The best young anglers from around the country will be on Chickamauga Lake for the 2024 Strike King Bassmaster High School National Championship presented by Bill Dance Signature Lakes Aug. 1-3 and the Bassmaster Junior National Championship July 26-27.

Photo by Kyle Jessie/B.A.S.S.

2024_HS_SeriesChamp_fordarkbkgrnd_SK_BDance copy.jpg

July 19, 2024

Expect competitive weights at Junior/High School Championships at Chickamauga

DAYTON, Tenn. — For the second time, Chickamauga Lake will welcome some of the best youth anglers from across the country to compete in the Strike King Bassmaster High School National Championship presented by Bill Dance Signature Lakes as well as the Bassmaster Junior National Championship. Elite Series pro Jacob Foutz expects both tournaments to produce bi bass.

“The lake has been fishing good this year,” the Tennessee native said. “The weights have been fairly consistent with what they have been the last few years. It took 42 pounds to win a local tournament in March. I was out the other day and I caught 50 or 60 in an eight-hour day. 20 pounds a day should be pretty good.”

The Junior Championship will be held July 26-27 before the high schoolers take center stage Aug. 1-3. The City of Dayton will host both events, with daily takeoffs and weigh-ins held at Dayton Boat Dock.

The youth teams that qualified for this event did so with top finishes in the four regular-season High School or Junior events or through state qualifying events through the B.A.S.S. Nation. Each Junior team will compete for the entire duration of the tournament, while the high school field will be cut to the Top 12 after Day 2.

Known for big bass, Chickamauga has turned into one of the most popular destinations on the Tennessee River system. In recent years, the youth series has visited the fishery several times. Carson Falk and Trey Blackmon III won the 2023 High School Series regular-season event with a one-day, five-bass limit of 25 pounds, 3 ounces. In 2021, Banks Shaw and Gage King won the first High School National Championship held at Chickamauga in late July with a three-day total of 45-6.

With summer reaching its peak in the southern part of the country, Foutz believes several different bites will come into play.

“There will be a few things going on. They will be catching the tail end of the ledge bite, while the grass bite is starting to get into full swing. Brushpiles are always good,” Foutz said. “You have a plethora of options. You’ve got bluff walls, and you can run up some of the rivers and flip wood and docks.”

For Foutz, late July and early August is his favorite time to start targeting the grass on Chickamauga. There are several different types of grass in the lake right now including hydrilla, milfoil, eelgrass and coontail.

“It will be topped out in some places, but most of it will be submerged,” he said. “You can catch them flipping a jig in some of the deeper clumps and there are places you can punch through it. You can catch them on a topwater, ChatterBait and on a worm, too.”

On the ledges, some of the bigger schools will still be gathered in the community areas of the lake. Foutz said he tries to find several smaller groups of bass to avoid some of the pressure.

Foutz expects topwaters, ChatterBaits and worms like a Zoom Ol’ Monster to play the most during this tournament, as well as a Damiki rig for anglers confident with their forward-facing sonar.

New Book, Familiar Name

Brian Carter

July 19, 2024

New Book, Familiar Name

Veteran PR expert and freelance writer pens first children’s book: All Fish are Awesome

CORPUS CHRISTI, TX (July 19, 2024) – The world is a subjective place. We’re constantly judging people, places, and things. Regrettably, God’s creatures fall into this same prejudicial box. “Critters,” as author Noel Vick calls them, are easily and superficially labeled.“There’s an unwritten weighting system for animals – fish included,” said Vick, whose ‘real job’ is President at industry communications company Traditions Media. “Anglers regularly rank fish by how they taste or fight. In a pet store, a colorful fantail goldfish or angelfish get all the attention, while the equally as important Plecostomus – that prehistoric looking bottom feeder – goes unnoticed.”

In All Fish are Awesome, the fair-and-balanced author features both freshwater and saltwater fish, some well-known, others not so much. “I really wanted to feature unique fish species that live in the same environments. Moreover, my goal was to show a more popular species alongside one that’s not so loved, even considered inferior or less important.”For example, in one spread the curious-looking saltwater lizardfish appears opposite a redfish, which are prized by saltwater anglers for their fight and deliciousness blackened on the grill. And it was these two species that motivated Vick to write the book. “I was shore fishing in my hometown of Corpus Christi, Texas when I saw woman catch a fish in the distance and then instantly chuck it in the brush – couldn’t help but walk over and ask her what it was. She said, ‘It was a lizardfish, and they taste bad and steal my bait.’ I thought, that’s all part of the deal and doesn’t entitle you to killing it.”“I knew at that point I needed to say something. Well not to her, but in words, especially for kids, so they can appreciate the value of all living things.”

Page after page of All Fish are Awesome shares fascinating facts about fish to young readers. Did you know that goliath grouper ‘talk’ to each other by making rumbling sounds or that rainbow trout have two hearts? Probably not. And that’s the point. The author encourages youngsters to read on and see what else they can learn about our awesome fish.Clever and colorful illustrations that blend anatomical accuracy with some personality also make All Fish are Awesome a page-turner. “Being a legitimate fish guy, I didn’t want the book to get overly cartoonish,” said Vick. “At the same time, the fish needed to be fun, make kids smile right along with their teachers and parents.”In the end, All Fish are Awesome is a fun read with a healthy message for kids to appreciate all critters, big or small, colorful or drab, popular or not.All Fish are Awesome is available now for preorder, stocking and shipping in fall 2024.

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ABOUTNoel Vick grew up fishing in the “Land of 10,000 Lakes” and now wets lines near his home in coastal Texas, where he co-owns a public relations company that focuses on fishing. A widely published fishing expert, he has a special interest in conservation and aquatic ecosystems. He has owned a fishing publication and fished throughout North and Central America, and he loves sharing his expertise with new anglers, especially kids. This is the first in a series of books that will extol the “awesomeness” of every living creature, big or small, colorful or drab, popular or not.BOOK DEDICATIONTo my children—Carly, Amelia, and Calvin—who grew up living an outdoors lifestyle and continue the family tradition today; my Grandpa, Harry, who taught me how to fish; and my parents, who encouraged my pursuits and never (well, rarely) complained about the aquariums and critters I studied in the garage.

MLF Unveils 2025 Bass Pro Tour Schedule

Brian Carter

July 18, 2024

ORLANDO, Fla. (July 18, 2024) – Major League Fishing (MLF) announced today at ICAST the schedule for the seventh season of professional bass fishing’s most competitive circuit – the 2025 Bass Pro Tour. The 2025 season will showcase 65 of the world’s top professional bass anglers competing for millions of dollars, including the sport’s top award of $150,000 at every regular-season event, plus valuable points in the Fishing Clash Angler of the Year (AOY) race, and qualification into REDCREST 2026 and the General Tire Heavy Hitters all-star event.

The 2025 Bass Pro Tour season, consisting of seven stages, begins in late January with Bass Pro Tour Stage One at Lake Conroe, where all anglers start with zero AOY points and look to get their season off to a strong start in the race for the Fishing Clash AOY title. The schedule continues through six more regular-season events – with three venues never fished before on the Bass Pro Tour – along with REDCREST 2025 and the sixth annual General Tire Heavy Hitters All-Star Event (also at a new venue). The seven-event regular season culminates with REDCREST 2026 in the spring of 2026.

“We’re excited about the rollout of the Bass Pro Tour 2025 schedule and what the season will offer to our fans: a fun mixture of new and familiar destinations, with a variety of fishery types and styles,” said MLF Executive Vice President & General Manager Kathy Fennel. “The schedule includes some of the best bass lakes and rivers in the country, which will create consistent excitement for our fans. We’re grateful to our fans, local partners and Bass Pro Tour anglers as we’re set up for an exciting 2025 season.”

For the first time in Bass Pro Tour history, the full field will compete simultaneously in the Qualifying Round on days one and two. From there, top anglers will advance to the Knockout Round on day three and ultimately the Championship Round on day four. Every day of catch, weigh, immediate-release competition will be broadcast live on MLFNOW! and streamed to the Major League Fishing app, MyOutdoorTV (MOTV) and Rumble apps, and at MajorLeagueFishing.com.

2025 MLF Bass Pro Tour Schedule:

Jan. 30- Feb. 2                 Stage One at Lake Conroe Conroe, Texas
Hosted by Visit Conroe

Feb. 13-16                        Stage Two at the Harris Chain of Lakes Leesburg, Fla.
Hosted by Discover Lake County Florida

March 6-9                         Stage Three at Lake Murray Columbia, S.C.
Hosted by the Capital City Lake Murray Country Regional Tourism Board

April 3-6                            Bass Pro Shops REDCREST 2025 at Lake Guntersville Huntsville, Ala.
Hosted by Huntsville/Madison County Convention & Visitors Bureau, the Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association and the Madison County Commission

May 1-4 Stage Four at Lake Chickamauga/Nickajack Lake Chattanooga, Tenn.
Hosted by Chattanooga, Tennessee and Fish Tennessee

May 17-22                        General Tire Heavy Hitters at Smith Mountain Lake Franklin County, Va.
Hosted by Visit Franklin County, VA and Visit Virginia’s Blue Ridge

June 5-8                             Stage Five at Kentucky Lake Calvert City, Ky.
Hosted by the Kentucky Lake Convention & Visitors Bureau

June 26-29                       Stage Six at the Potomac River Marbury, Md.
Hosted by Charles County Recreation, Parks and Tourism

Aug. 7-10                          Stage Seven at Saginaw Bay Bay City, Mich.
Hosted by Go Great Lakes Bay and the Bay Area Chamber of Commerce

Proud sponsors of the MLF Bass Pro Tour include: Abu Garcia, B&W Trailer Hitches, Bass Pro Shops, Berkley, BUBBA, Epic Baits, Fishing Clash, Garmin, General Tire, Humminbird, Lowrance, Mercury, MillerTech, Minn Kota, Mossy Oak Fishing, NITRO, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Onyx, Plano, Power-Pole, PowerStop Brakes, Rapala, REDCON1, Star brite, Suzuki, Toyota, U.S. Air Force and WIX Filters.

For complete details and updated information on Major League Fishing and the 2025 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.

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MLF Unveils 2025 Bass Pro Tour Schedule

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