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Becker Takes Big Lead Early at Major League Fishing Minn Kota Stage Seven at the St. Lawrence River

August 6, 2024

Becker Takes Big Lead Early at Major League Fishing Minn Kota Stage Seven at the St. Lawrence River

Reigning Angler of the Year catches 30 smallmouth weighing 106-7 to take 26-pound lead in Group A – Group B to begin competition Wednesday

MASSENA, N.Y. (Aug. 6, 2024) – High expectations greeted the Bass Pro Tour field as it launched onto the St. Lawrence River for Minn Kota Stage Seven Presented by Humminbird. During the first day of qualifying for Group A, the famed smallmouth factory didn’t disappoint.

Fish hit SCORETRACKER® in both impressive size and numbers, with 16 anglers eclipsing the 50-pound mark. Leading the charge was reigning Fishing Clash Angler of the Year Matt Becker of Ten Mile, Tennessee, who landed 30 scorable smallmouth for 106 pounds, 7 ounces — easily enough to claim the top spot on the leaderboard, 26-2 ahead of pro Nick Hatfield of Greeneville, Tennessee, in second place.

“This place is incredible,” Becker said of the St. Lawrence River. “Just the amount of smallmouth in there is absolutely insane.”

Link to Photo Gallery of Group A’s Day 1 Qualifying Round Highlights

With the Bass Pro Tour’s every-fish-counts scoring format bringing a unique wrinkle to this popular tournament venue, one of the primary questions competitors had to answer was how much to prioritize quantity of bass versus quality.

Becker went ahead and led the way in both categories. Not only were his 30 scorable bass the most caught by any angler Tuesday, he also earned an extra $1,000 by catching quality – namely a 5-pound, 8-ounce smallmouth that earned him the Berkley Big Bass on the day. That was one of nine smallmouth he boated that weighed at least 4 pounds.

With bites not hard to come by for most of the field, Becker said searching for bigger fish was central to his strategy.

“That’s kind of what I focused on, I wanted to catch that better quality,” he said. “You’re going to always get the bites, but if you’re around that better quality, you can rack up the weight in a hurry. So, that’s what I kind of focused on was areas where I know I can get a little bit better quality, and it worked out perfect today.”

Becker triggered the fish in those areas by “doing things a little bit different” than most of his competitors. While he didn’t want to reveal many details, he said he stumbled on this presentation during a past Toyota Series event on the St. Lawrence and expanded on it during practice. He thinks standing out from the heavy tournament traffic on the river helped generate some of those bigger bites.

“It’s a really, super unique deal, and I really don’t think anybody else is fishing the way I am as far as presenting their bait,” Becker said. “So, I’m excited about it, for sure.”

Becker started the day strong, racking up 23-5 on eight fish in the first hour after lines in. After hovering near the top of the standings for the rest of the morning, he separated himself from the pack with a furious flurry between 12:50 and 1:50 p.m. During that hour (which included a 15-minute period break), Becker boated nine fish totaling 36-11.

“It was the right place at the right time, and it was fresh — nobody had fished there yet today,” he said. “I could pretty much call my shot for about that hour there. And there was a lot more there with them that, once I caught a couple, they kind of got spooked. So, I’m definitely excited about revisiting some of those areas.”

With more than 50 pounds between his total and that of 11th-place angler Oklahoma pro Zack Birge, Becker plans to use Group A’s second day of qualifying to explore new water. He thinks having that opportunity will be important as he tries to keep tabs on the river’s dynamic brown bass.

“In my experience on this river, the fish are constantly changing, so staying on top of them is really key,” he said. “I felt like I was pretty dialed in today, but two days from now or by the weekend for the Knockout Round, things could be totally different.”

With his spots in REDCREST 2025 and Heavy Hitters now assured, Becker has adopted a win-or-bust mindset for the regular-season finale. He knows how to close the season with a flourish, having won both Stage Seven on Saginaw Bay and clinched the Angler of the Year award in the final event of 2023. He’s also won a Toyota Series event that launched out of the St. Lawrence in 2017.

That experience combined with his strong start has him cautiously optimistic about his chances of contending for a second straight walk-off win.

“I’m as confident as ever with this place and what I’m doing,” Becker said. “I feel like I have it really dialed in right now, and I could literally just call my shot today. But, like I mentioned, the smallmouth like to change. These Northern fisheries, they have such a short summer that one week of time is a huge amount of time in their summer pattern, so things change really fast. But I feel good about today, and I feel like I have enough experience here that I should be able to make the right adjustments going into the weekend.”

The top 20 pros in Group A after Day 1 on the St. Lawrence River are:

1st:        Matt Becker, Ten Mile, Tenn., 30 bass, 106-7
2nd:      Nick Hatfield, Greeneville, Tenn., 26 bass, 80-6
3rd:       Brent Ehrler, Redlands, Calif., 25 bass, 77-4
4th:        Mark Davis, Mount Ida, Ark., 22 bass, 70-13
5th:        Marshall Robinson, Landrum, S.C., 20 bass, 66-12
6th:        Marty Robinson, Lyman, S.C., 19 bass, 65-5
7th:        Jonathon VanDam, Kalamazoo, Mich., 21 bass, 60-6
8th:        Jason Vance, Battle Ground, Ind., 21 bass, 60-1
9th:        James Elam, Tulsa, Okla., 19 bass, 58-12
10th:     Alton Jones, Jr., Waco, Texas, 20 bass, 58-0
11th:     Zack Birge, Blanchard, Okla., 18 bass, 56-2
12th:     Jesse Wiggins, Addison, Ala., 20. bass, 56-0
13th:     Bobby Lane, Lakeland, Fla., 18 bass, 54-2
14th:     Greg Vinson, Wetumpka, Ala., 16 bass, 53-9
15th:     John Hunter, Shelbyville, Ky., 17 bass, 53-6
16th:     Dustin Connell, Clanton, Ala., 17 bass, 50-13
17th:     Cliff Crochet, Pierre Part, La, 20 bass, 49-3
18th:     Justin Lucas, Guntersville, Ala., 17 bass, 48-4
19th:     Bradley Roy, Lancaster, Ky., 15 bass, 47-10
20th:     Kelly Jordon, Flint, Texas, 16 bass, 45-6

A complete list of results can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.

Becker earned the Day 1 $1,000 Berkley Big Bass Award Tuesday with a 5-pound, 8-ounce smallmouth that he caught in Period 2. Berkley awards $1,000 to the angler who weighs the heaviest bass each day, and another $3,000 bonus to the angler who weighs the heaviest bass of the tournament.

By the end of this week, the season-long battle for the Fishing Clash Angler of the Year title and the $100,000 that comes with it will have a winner. Two of the remaining contenders took to the water in Group A in pro Alton Jones, Jr. of Waco Texas, and Clanton, Alabama’s Dustin Connell . While both are in the mix to qualify for the Knockout Round, and thus keep their hopes alive of claiming the trophy, they each have some work to do — and will need some help from points leader Jacob Wheeler of Harrison, Tennessee.

After the first day of qualifying, Jones sits 10th in Group A with 58-0. Connell isn’t far behind him with 50-13, which has him 16th. With Jones entering Stage Seven 19 points back of Wheeler in the season-long standings and Connell another 16 behind him, both anglers almost certainly need to make the Knockout Round to have a shot at catching Wheeler. They’ll also need Wheeler to finish outside of the Top 20 for the first time in his past 11 regular-season BPT events. Wheeler will take to the water with Group B on Wednesday.

The 39 Anglers in Group A compete in their two-day Qualifying Round on Tuesday and Thursday – the 39 anglers in Group B on Wednesday and Friday. After each two-day Qualifying Round is complete, the anglers that finish first through 10^th from both groups advance to Saturday’s Knockout Round. In the Knockout Round, weights are zeroed, and the remaining 20 anglers compete to finish in the top 10 to advance to Sunday’s Championship Round. In the final-day Championship Round, weights are zeroed, and the highest one-day total wins the top prize of $100,000.

Anglers will depart at 6:45 a.m. ET each day from the Massena Intake Boat Launch, located at 1415 State Highway 131 in Massena. Anglers are allowed to trailer to any ramp of their choosing within the fishing boundaries, and competition will begin on the water at 7:30 a.m. Each day’s General Tire Takeout will be held at Massena Intake Boat Launch, beginning at 4 p.m. Fans are welcome to attend all launch and takeout events and also encouraged to follow the event online throughout the day on the MLFNOW!® live stream and SCORETRACKER® coverage at MajorLeagueFishing.com .

The MLFNOW!® broadcast team of Chad McKee and J.T. Kenney will break down the extended action live on the final four days of competition from 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. ET. MLFNOW!® will be live streamed on MajorLeagueFishing.com, the MyOutdoorTV (MOTV) app and Rumble.

On Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 10-11, from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. MLF welcomes fans of all ages to visit the Massena Intake Boat Launch for the MLF Watch Party. Fans can watch the pros live on the MLFNOW! big screen, enjoy free food, enter to win hourly giveaways and cheer on their favorite pros. Live music will begin each day at 4 p.m. The first 50 kids 14 and under will receive a free rod and reel from Pure Fishing each day. The final 10 Championship Round Bass Pro Tour anglers will be on hand at the trophy celebration on Championship Sunday to meet and greet fans, sign autographs and take selfies.

The Minn Kota Stage Seven at the St. Lawrence River Presented by Humminbird will feature anglers competing with a 2-pound minimum weight requirement for a bass to be deemed scorable. The MLF Fisheries Management Division determines minimum weights for each body of water that the Bass Pro Tour visits, based on the productivity, bass population and anticipated average size of fish in each fishery.

The 2024 Bass Pro Tour features a field of 78 of the top professional anglers in the world, competing across seven regular-season tournaments around the country, for millions of dollars and valuable points to qualify for the annual General Tire Heavy Hitters all-star event and REDCREST 2025, the Bass Pro Tour championship, set for April 3-6, 2025, on Lake Guntersville in Huntsville, Alabama.

Fishing Clash, an interactive 3D fishing simulation game that’s played by more than 80 million people worldwide, is the official AOY sponsor of the Bass Pro Tour, Tackle Warehouse Invitationals, Toyota Series and Phoenix Bass Fishing League. You can download Fishing Clash for free in the App Store and on Google Play or log on to www.fishingclash.game for more information.

Television coverage of the Minn Kota Stage Seven at the St. Lawrence River Presented by Humminbird will premiere as a two-hour episode starting at 7 a.m. ET, on Saturday, Nov. 16 on Discovery. New MLF episodes premiere each Saturday morning on Discovery, with re-airings on Outdoor Channel.

Proud sponsors of the 2024 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, Onyx, Plano, Power-Pole, PowerStop Brakes, Rapala, REDCON1, StarBrite, Suzuki, Toyota, WIX Filters and U.S. Air Force.

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.

Learn More About Norsk Lithium® and Join the Waitlist Now

Brian Carter

August 6, 2024

Learn More About Norsk Lithium® and Join the Waitlist Now
Staggering Enthusiasm for New Norsk Lithium® Products at ICAST 2024 Creates Huge Demand For More Information – Here’s the Intel!

New Hope, Minn. (August 5, 2024) – ICAST 2024 was a truly electric show for Norsk Lithium® in Orlando, July 16 – 19. Dealers, wholesalers, distributors, media, pro anglers, guides and charter captains were all in consensus – the new Norsk Lithium battery designs showcased angler-friendly features that could only have been conceived by anglers themselves. The Norsk Lithium team has decades of experience fighting power issues on the water and in real-world situations; the only kind of knowledge that could have given birth to such a spot-on, problem-solving product line. As such, the company heard a lot of positivity about the paradigm-changing battery designs poised to make fishing easier, better, and more powerful for all anglers.

“It was an awesome ICAST,” says Norsk VP of Strategy & Development, James Holst.

“The new product releases—the batteries, the DC to DC chargers, improved features and functionality, were all incredibly well-received and the excitement was palpable.”

Now, one of the most common questions the company is receiving is: ‘Where can we get additional product information and when will everything be available?’

The answer to the first part couldn’t be easier. Simply visit www.norsklithium.com and you will experience the most advanced battery lineup yet!

With regards to the second part of the question, the ground-breaking Norsk Lithium products will be available 4th quarter (fall), but consumers can sign up to ‘The Waitlist’ to receive product updates with additional information, including availability updates. Simply choose the product of interest, click “Waitlist” and enter your e-mail. It’s that easy!

If you join the Waitlist, the moment the products become available, you will receive an e-mail directing you to the purchase process to be one of the first boaters or anglers to benefit from Norsk’s new, problem-solving battery and charger designs.

“From our Deep Sleep technology, Emergency Start Reserve, dual voltage options for trolling motor and forward-facing sonar off one battery, and a host of other features, including the 10 year + 2 year warranty, took a lot of people by surprise at ICAST,” adds Holst.

“People thought they knew everything they needed to know about what a lithium battery was capable of and I think we totally reset expectations. As our saying goes ‘you don’t know lithium, until you know Norsk Lithium!’”

NEW NORSK LITHIUM TECHNOLOGIES RE-CAP

Re-capping the company’s new technologies, Holst reiterates that the response couldn’t have been better at ICAST 2024 as the company demonstrated an entirely new paradigm of design-by-anglers-for-anglers features to combat age-old power issues unaddressed by other lithium battery companies.

For example, Norsk’s solution to batteries discharging in storage, at the dock, or in the garage: Deep Sleep™ technology.

True: One of the most maddening, frustrating and time-consuming problems any boat owner can ever be forced to deal with is having to track down a passive or phantom draw that slowly and painfully sucks the energy out of boat batteries when the boat is in storage or simply off-the-water.

Sometimes these low amp draws point back to faulty wiring that needs to be painstakingly tracked down and rewired. At other times, the source of the problem is the boat owner themselves. Ever accidentally left a radio or light on in your boat? Or perhaps you’ve forgotten to turn off all the master power switches? Yeah, we’ve done that more times than we care to admit and our oversight typically resulted in a boatload of dead batteries which is why we knew we needed to come up with a fix that would address the problem and provide an “easy button” solution.

“So we came up with the Deep Sleep concept, where we can use the BMS that sits on top of the battery to make it really easy for users to shut down every battery or selected groups of batteries in their boat through the Guardian™ app with the simple touch of a button,” says Holst.

“Press the button in the app, and selected batteries go into Deep Sleep, stopping current from hitting the battery terminals. This also makes sure that if your boat has any parasitic voltage draws that your batteries aren’t going to drain when docked, in the parking lot, or long-term storage,” offers Holst.

Holst elaborates: “And instead of having to crawl through your compartments and flip switches—we typically remember the master switches immediately after the cover is safely and securely on the boat—you can stand by the side of your boat looking like the smartest guy at the launch, hit one button in the Guardian App, and presto, all the batteries disconnect power to the terminals in an instant. Same thing for waking them back up when you’re ready to hit the water. Just open the Norsk Guardian™ app and tap a button. That’s just another example of how we’ve made our new batteries more efficient and user-friendly.”

But what if you forget your phone or want to do it manually?

Norsk Lithium has gone yet another step further by building in a Power Management Button right into the top of each battery.

“You’ve got a built-in State of Charge (SOC) battery meter built into the top of the battery case. You’re going to get a SOC read-out with a quick push of the battery management button which provides a quick visual check of the battery’s status without the need for the App on your phone. That same battery management button will also give you the opportunity to wake up the battery from Deep Sleep. A simple tap of the button and your battery wakes from Deep Sleep and you’re ready to roll.

But our commitment to innovation doesn’t end with Deep Sleep. For example, most experienced anglers carry a jump pack in the boat to ensure they can start their big motor if needed. Get this: Norsk has eliminated the need for this with their new product design.

“Instead of anglers having to dig out a jump pack that all too often gets left at home, to eliminate the chance that the starting battery can be so deeply discharged that there’s not enough juice left to start the outboard, we built in an Emergency Start Reserve (ESR) right into our new line of starting batteries. 25% of the battery’s capacity is set aside, almost like an internal starting pack that you’ll never forget on the kitchen counter, so the angler can avoid ever being caught on the water or at the landing with a dead starting battery ever again! To access the Emergency Start Reserve you have the option to do so in the Norsk Guardian™ App or by pressing and holding the Battery Management button for 5 seconds. With the touch of a button you go from being dead on the water to running across the lake with the wind in your hair! With our new batteries, an angler will never get caught by surprise on the water with a dead starting battery.”

Norsk Lithium Exclusive – Dual Voltage Batteries

How about a 36V 60Ah Deep Cycle battery for your trolling motor with… what’s that? A second set of terminals? Yup. Norsk Lithium is introducing the first dual voltage battery to the marine marketplace in response to the overwhelming consumer demand for batteries that can power their sonar modules at higher voltages. Remember, the operating voltage range of a sonar module, regardless of brand, is in excess of 30V, so feeding these power-hungry devices 28V, instead of the standard 12V, allows them to run more efficiently, offer longer runtimes when compared to a 12V battery due to the lower amp draw, and many feel better overall performance of their sonar system as a whole. Now, in most scenarios users chasing higher voltage solutions are forced to implement complicated wiring, additional power shut off switches, and external voltage regulators to provide higher voltage power. You won’t find any of that run-around over here. With Norsk Lithium’s Dual Voltage 36V 60Ah Deep Cycle, providing 28V of clean, consistent, regulated power is as simple as attaching the red wire from your sonar module to the positive 28V terminal and the black wire from the sonar wire to the negative 28V terminal and you’re ready to hit the water. All the power regulation, power management, and fancy wiring is handled INSIDE the battery.

Did we mention we like to use our engineering prowess to solve problems and make things easier for anglers?

“Our mission is to make ownership of Norsk Lithium batteries enjoyable through increased efficiency and their ability to solve problems for you. We’re continually asking ourselves how our batteries can do more than provide power. We want to make boating better, easier, more user-friendly and you can see that in everything we’re doing right now with the new line of marine batteries” reiterates Holst.

Holst concludes: “What’s really exciting is not only this new line of products and unprecedented design and technologies, but our forward-looking engineering, which promises to stay ahead of the cutting edge as we move forward into the ever-changing landscape of fishing in today’s world.”

At the end of the day, when you compare Norsk Lithium’s laundry list of new, high-tech features, it’s painfully clear. Norsk is at the head of the pack when it comes to competition in the marine lithium battery space. If you’re not using green, you’re not using the be-all, end-all.

ABOUT NORSK LITHIUM
When it’s time to start catching fish and taking names, you want NORSK Lithium on your side. We aren’t some overseas battery manufacturer. We are open-water anglers and ice fishermen who traverse the U.S. and Canada chasing the best bites. We make the bone-jarring 50-mile run across big water. We live for the adrenaline rush of a 40-mile trek by snowmobile in the freezing cold just to snag the best ice fishing hits.
Our lithium batteries have been tested in the harshest conditions by the harshest critics – us. We push our lithium batteries to the limit because we crave the finest fishing experience possible. No angler should be thwarted by second-rate battery performance. You don’t need to settle for your grandpa’s technology.
Utilizing the super-efficient, unbeatable potency of lithium technology, NORSK Lithium batteries reduce cheap knock-offs to fancy paperweights. Every NORSK Lithium battery is built to endure. Our batteries outwork the competition every time.
Norsk Lithium powers your passion so you can chase adventure. We personally rely on these same batteries to power our pursuit of an exhilarating outdoor experience.
Our commitment to you is the same promise we make to ourselves – we will never cut corners, we will never stop improving our battery technology – and we will always take care of our customers after the sale.
Your story is our story. We have intentionally tethered our business’s success to our customers’ satisfaction. Including us. NORSK Lithium exists to power your passion for the great outdoors.

Smallmouth Bass Fishing Success in Low Water!

Brian Carter

August 6, 2024

Smallmouth Bass Fishing Success in Low Water!

River water levels are constantly influenced by various weather conditions, such as storms, droughts, and seasonal changes. During late summer and fall, rivers often experience lower water levels due to reduced rainfall, creating unique fishing opportunities for anglers. These low-water conditions expose more of the riverbed, making it easier to target smallmouth bass that are typically spread out during higher water levels. Anglers should pay attention to weather patterns and plan their fishing trips accordingly to take advantage of these conditions. Understanding how water levels affect fish behavior and habitat is crucial for successful fishing. Lower water levels can also reveal hidden structures and cover, such as rocks and submerged logs, which can serve as prime locations for bass to hide and ambush prey. Tthese conditions can lead to higher water temperatures, which can influence the feeding patterns and activity levels of smallmouth bass. It’s important for anglers to adjust their techniques and gear to match these changing conditions. For instance, using lighter tackle and more natural presentations can be more effective in clear, low-water environments.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.

Low water levels make rivers clearer, allowing smallmouth bass to see better and become more cautious. This increased visibility means that anglers need to use more natural-looking lures that closely mimic the bass’s natural prey. Soft plastics that resemble small fish, insects, or crawfish are particularly effective in clear water. Anglers must approach fishing spots with stealth to avoid spooking the fish, as smallmouth bass can become wary of any disturbances. Adapting your fishing strategies to these conditions will increase your chances of a successful catch. It’s also beneficial to fish during times when the sun is brightest, as bass can see the best and are more likely to strike. Using lighter line and smaller lures can help reduce visibility and make your presentation more appealing to cautious bass. Pay attention to the direction of your casts and position yourself to keep the fish in front of you, minimizing the chance of alerting them to your presence. Consider using a downstream approach, casting at a 45-degree angle to land your lure a few feet in front or behind the bass. Being mindful of how clear, low-water conditions affect fish behavior, you can up your success on the water.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!

The best time to catch large smallmouth bass during low-water conditions is between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. This timeframe is when the sun is brightest, which helps aquatic vegetation produce the most oxygen through photosynthesis. Higher oxygen levels in the water make bass more active and likely to feed. Anglers should capitalize on this window of increased fish activity by planning their fishing trips during these hours. Understanding the relationship between oxygen levels and fish behavior can significantly improve your fishing success. The right sunlight enhances the bass’s ability to see and hunt for prey, making them more aggressive during this period. It’s essential to use this knowledge to your advantage by targeting areas with ample vegetation and structure where bass are likely to be feeding. Keep in mind that as the sun’s intensity wanes, bass activity may decrease, making it harder to get bites. By aligning your fishing efforts with these optimal times, you can maximize your chances of landing trophy-sized smallmouth bass. Adapting to the natural rhythms of the river environment is key to becoming a more effective angler and being able to trick bass into biting.Our Fresh HellaMite is designed to imitate a major aquatic food source, delivering a realistic profile of an insect larva that fish can’t resist. 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

Contrary to common belief, large smallmouth bass can be found in very shallow water during low-water periods. These fish often seek shelter along the banks or in mid-river structures where they can ambush prey. Anglers should not overlook these shallow areas, as they can be highly productive fishing spots. Techniques such as casting downstream at a 45-degree angle and keeping the fish in front of you can help minimize disturbances and improve your chances of a catch. Recognizing that big fish can thrive in shallow waters will broaden your fishing strategy and opportunities. Shallow water often contains more cover, like rocks and submerged logs, providing bass with excellent ambush points. Using lures that mimic the natural prey found in these areas can entice large bass to strike. It’s also important to move stealthily and avoid casting shadows that might spook the fish. By adapting your approach to include shallow water fishing, you can target some of the biggest and most elusive smallmouth bass in the river. Anglers exploring different depths within these shallow areas can uncover perfectly hidden hotspots where bass are actively feeding.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 low and clear water, smallmouth bass are more aware of their surroundings and can easily detect anglers. To avoid spooking the fish, it’s important to cast downstream at a 45-degree angle, aiming to land the lure a few feet in front or behind the target area. Keeping the fish in front of you as you drift downstream or walk the bank helps prevent them from detecting your presence. Planning your approach and making strategic casts will increase your chances of successfully hooking smallmouth bass. Employing stealth and precision in your fishing technique is essential in clear, low-water conditions. This includes wearing muted clothing to blend in with the surroundings and minimizing noise and vibrations from your movements. Using longer, lighter fishing lines can help reduce visibility and avoid startling the fish. Adjusting your casting technique to make your presentation as natural as possible will also increase your effectiveness in summer. Understanding the behavior and habits of smallmouth bass in these conditions allows for more effective targeting. Just by combining strategic casting with a stealthy approach, anglers can significantly improve their catch rates during any season.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.

When fishing in low water, using natural-looking lures is critical for attracting smallmouth bass. These fish rely heavily on sight to locate their prey, so lures that closely resemble small fish, insects, or crawfish are highly effective. Soft plastics, finesse worms, and topwater lures can mimic the easy targets that bass are hunting. Enhancing your lures with subtle features, such as adding a rattle or a touch of color, can draw the fish’s attention and provoke strikes. Selecting the right lures that closely match the natural prey in the environment is key to successful fishing. Experimenting with different retrieve speeds and techniques can make your lure appear more lifelike and appealing to the bass. Observing the behavior of local prey species can provide insights into the most effective lure presentations. Matching the hatch by using lures that imitate the current forage can increase your chances of success. Pay attention to the color and size of the natural prey in the water to ensure your lure is an accurate representation. Understanding the preferences and habits of smallmouth bass in various conditions will help refine your lure selection and improve your overall fishing experience.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!

Low-water conditions bring more snags and abrasive rocks closer to the fishing action, requiring anglers to adjust their gear accordingly. Using a medium-heavy power rod provides better control over hooked fish, while braided line with a high pound test offers durability and strength. Attaching a fluorocarbon leader helps maintain lure invisibility, which is crucial in clear water. For topwater lures, monofilament line is preferred due to its floating properties. By choosing the right gear and making necessary adjustments, anglers can effectively navigate the challenges of low-water fishing and increase their success rates. Opting for high-quality hooks and terminal tackle can prevent break-offs and ensure solid hook sets. Regularly checking your line for abrasions and retying knots as needed can also enhance your fishing efficiency. Employing the right reel with a smooth drag system can help manage powerful runs from the larger smallmouth bass. Paying attention to gear maintenance and functionality can make a difference in low-water fishing conditions. Anglers can confidently tackle the obstacles presented by low water and maximize their opportunities.We have a wide variety of terminal tackle to choose. For creature baits, we love to use the Stand-Up Jig because it sits your bait up-right in a defensive stance! Mosquito Hooks work for drop-shotting and perfectly accommodates a wide range of soft plastics. The popular All Purpose Hooks are built with an extra-wide gap and are made to accommodate 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.

Ken Duke Joins the NPFL as Media and Communications Coordinator

Brian Carter

August 6, 2024

Ken Duke Joins the NPFL as Media and Communications Coordinator

WILKESVILLE, Ohio, August 6, 2024—The National Professional Fishing League today announced that it has contracted with longtime industry media professional Ken Duke to lead its media and communications efforts. Duke previously served as senior editor of B.A.S.S. Publications and as managing editor of Fishing Tackle Retailer. In addition, he has authored two books on bass fishing and currently hosts several bass fishing podcasts, including NPFL’s “Round Table.”

Duke’s title will be “Media and Communications Coordinator.”

“We’re excited to be working with Ken,” said NPFL President Brad Fuller. “He has the experience and knowledge to help our team reach greater heights, grow our fan base, and foster our relationships with sponsors, advertisers and other stakeholders. After four years of developing our tournament efforts, we’re ready to put additional focus on media, which is ultimately how we reach our audience.”

Having worked with B.A.S.S., Major League Fishing, FLW, and Game & Fish Magazine as a content creator and editor, Duke is excited by the prospect of contributing to the NPFL’s content platforms and communications efforts.

“I’ve been watching and admiring the NPFL since it held its first tournaments in 2021,” said Duke. “They’ve come a long way in a short time and have a field of anglers that combines youth and experience, tremendous accomplishments and great potential. NPFL has the best angler relations I’ve ever witnessed and an extraordinarily talented staff. I truly admire them as people and as professionals, and I’m looking forward to contributing in any way I can.”

In addition to creating content and fostering communications, Duke looks forward to working with NPFL on industry relations.

“I’ve always enjoyed the relationships I’ve had within the fishing industry, and I’m excited about finding ways to work with existing and new sponsors. NPFL is moving in a great direction and offers a new and unique option for any company interested in growing its market share in the fishing world.”

About the National Professional Fishing League
The National Professional Fishing League debuted in March of 2021 as an angler-centric fishing tour dedicated to the highest principles of competition, fair play, and sportsmanship. Our goal is to bring the best anglers together to compete at the highest level and with the highest ethics and standards and to share their skills and passion with the bass fishing community.

Learn more at TheNationalProfessionalFishingLeague.com or by contacting Ken Duke at ken@tnpfl.com.

Connecticut’s Legendary Largemouth: The Mashapaug Lake Monster

Brian Carter

August 6, 2024

Connecticut’s Legendary Largemouth: The Mashapaug Lake Monster

In the world of fishing, some catches become legendary. That’s exactly what happened in 1961 when Frank Domurat pulled a massive largemouth bass from Mashapaug Lake in Connecticut. Weighing in at 12 pounds 14 ounces, this fish wasn’t just big – it was a state record that still stands today, over 60 years later!

Why Mashapaug Lake?

Mashapaug Lake isn’t just any old fishing spot. It’s a bass fishing paradise! The lake has clear water, which helps anglers see what’s going on beneath the surface. It’s also full of underwater plants that bass love to hide in. Some parts are shallow, and others are deep, giving bass lots of options for where to hang out.

The Secret to Domurat’s Success

So how did Frank Domurat manage to catch such a monster bass? Well, a few things probably worked in his favor:

Perfect Timing: Bass are more aggressive at certain times of the year, especially before and after they spawn. Domurat might have gotten lucky with his timing.
Ideal Conditions: Mashapaug Lake’s clear water and plentiful plants create a perfect home for big bass to grow.
Skill and Patience: Let’s not forget that Domurat was probably an experienced angler. He likely knew the lake well and understood how bass behave.

Want to Catch Your Own Monster?

If you’re dreaming of landing a record-breaking bass like Domurat’s, here are some tips to keep in mind:

Know Your Lures: Different lures work better at different times. In the morning or evening, try topwater lures. During the day, plastic worms or jigs might work better.
Understand Seasons: Bass act differently depending on the time of year. In spring, they’re often in shallow water. In summer, they might go deeper to stay cool.
Use Good Gear: Make sure your rod, reel, and line are strong enough to handle a big fish. You don’t want your equipment failing when you hook the big one!
Be Patient: Big fish don’t come easy. You might have to spend a lot of time on the water before you get lucky.

Mashapaug Lake Today

Even though Domurat’s record has stood for decades, Mashapaug Lake is still a great place to fish. Who knows? Maybe you’ll be the one to finally break the record! Just remember to follow all fishing rules and regulations.

The Legacy Lives On

Frank Domurat’s incredible catch in 1961 put Mashapaug Lake on the map for serious bass anglers. It shows that with the right conditions, skills, and a bit of luck, amazing things can happen in the world of fishing.

So next time you’re in Connecticut, why not give Mashapaug Lake a try? Even if you don’t catch a record-breaker, you’ll be fishing in a place that’s part of angling history. And who knows? Maybe you’ll create a fishing story of your own to tell for years to come!

August Smith Mountain Lake Fishing Report by Captain Chad Green

Brian Carter

August 5, 2024

August Smith Mountain Lake Fishing Report by Captain Chad Green

SMITH MOUNTIAN LAKE FISHING REPORT
By: Captain Chad Green
www.lastcastguideservicesml.com

August is one of the best months of the summer. Get out on the water when you can and enjoy the sunrises and sunsets. Practice catch and release as much as possible to preserve our great fisheries out there. As always, just make one more Last Cast as it could be the next trophy fish.

Visit Indian Point Marina for any tackle that you may need and they will fix you up.
Visit https://missilebaits.store/and check out all they have to offer.
Special Thanks to Brian Carter at the https://thebasscast.com/
Check out Smith Mountain Boat and Tackle Penhook for your boating needs https://www.smboats.com

PRACTICE CATCH AND RELEASE ON CITATION SIZE FISH

Largemouth Bass/Smallmouth Bass
The Bass have moved full swing in to the summer and the crawfish have become first priority as well. They will be located on primary point areas that have transition areas near them. The depth range will vary each day this month depending on rain, sunlight and temperatures. Target rocky areas, flat points shallow drop offs and deeper docks. Topwater in the mornings can be productive this month and will produce some quality fish. Primary baits in July are usually soft plastics producing the most bites. Shakey Heads, Plastic worms, Drop shots and Jigs in the 10-20 ft range. Night time fishing will be great this month as well. Try large profile baits in the same depth ranges especially around dawn and dusk. This is a great opportunity to catch some trophy fish and multiples per night is very common. Smallmouth will still be found near humps, shoals and rocky areas using the same lures. Make sure you take care of your fish in the summer as they can have Barotrauma and may need air released to survive.

Striped Bass
Striper fishing will be good this month and look for them in larger schools as they start to group up for summer. They will travel in smaller schools searching for feeding opportunities. This jigging in the 30-50ft range will produce fish throughout the day as well and larger fish will show up this month as well at times and may be in smaller schools. The lower end of the lake to mid lake is where most of the action will be this month. Some fish can be found on the surface feeding early mornings on the lower end of the lake and can be fast and furious action. Larger topwater plugs can be productive.

Crappie
Most of the Crappie have started their summer journey as well. Try deeper trees and larger docks with deep water in the 15-25 foot range.

Lake Anna August Fishing Report by Captain Tyler Heuple

Brian Carter

August 5, 2024

Lake Anna August Fishing Report

Water Temperatures: Low 90’s

Water Clarity: Clear to Clear Stained

With continuous record-high temperatures, the largemouth have been sluggish. The large majority of fish are still schooled up close to deep water in creeks or main lake flats, points, humps, brush, drop-offs, or around shade and SAV (sub-aquatic vegetation). I have seen a thermocline and some fish pushing up shallower looking for oxygenated water. I hope the cooler temperatures and rainfall get the fish more active towards the end of the week. This is the time of year when feeding windows are tight. You can be around the motherload, however, if your timing is off, bites can be hard to come by and you’ll have to mix your presentations up.

As we move into August I have a topwater (the Berkley choppo has gotten more bites recently over a walking bait), swimbait, drop shot, some sort of dragging bait (big texas rigged worm, or shaky head), some mid-deep diving crankbaits to fire schools up and get reaction bites, and a damiki rig tied on. I usually search for offshore schools, fish relating to bait, or individual bigger fish suspending or relating to a specific piece of cover. I have noticed a lot of fish relating to the bottom recently and wanting to feed down.

Personally, I’ve found the mid-section of the lake to be more active recently. However nice bass have been caught throughout the lake the past few weeks.

You can do some damage up shallow this time of year. Keep an eye out for shallow surface activity as the striper and largies push bait up shallow on flats near channels in the hot summer months.

As with last month, pay attention to pre-frontal conditions. The fishing before a good storm this time of year can be phenomenal.

The lake is busy this time of year. Be safe out there!

Tight Lines!

Website Link: lakeannabassfishing.com

High Pole Guide Service at Lake Anna

Pinckney’s Sitko Earns Seventh Career Win at Phoenix Bass Fishing League Event at Lake Erie

Brian Carter

August 5, 2024

Pinckney’s Sitko Earns Seventh Career Win at Phoenix Bass Fishing League Event at Lake Erie

Boater Michael Sitko of Pinckney, Michigan, and Strike-King co-angler Bryan Wilson of Marion, Ohio.

The Truth About Bait Color in Summertime Bass Fishing

Brian Carter

August 4, 2024

Bait Courtesy of Louie’s Lures

The Truth About Bait Color in Summertime Bass Fishing

As the summer sun beats down on the water, bass fishing can become a challenging but rewarding experience. While many factors contribute to a successful catch, one often-debated topic is the importance of bait color. Does it really matter, or is it just a myth perpetuated by tackle manufacturers?

In this post, we’ll dive deeper into the world of bait color and explore its significance in summertime bass fishing.

Understanding Bass Vision

Before we discuss color, it’s essential to understand how bass see their surroundings. Bass have a unique visual system that allows them to detect movement, contrast, and vibrations in the water. Their eyes are sensitive to different wavelengths of light, but their color vision is not as complex as humans.

Color Considerations

While color may not be the primary attractant for bass, it can still play a role in certain situations:

Shallow Water: In clear, shallow water, natural colors like green pumpkin, watermelon, and shad-imitating colors can help your lure blend in with the surroundings.
Deep Water: In deeper water, darker colors like black, blue, and purple can help your lure stand out against the dimly lit background.
Murky Water: In murky or stained water, bright colors like chartreuse, orange, or yellow can help your lure get noticed.

Action and Vibration Trump Color

In the summer, bass are often more attracted to the action, vibration, and profile of a lure rather than its color. This means that factors like:

Lure movement: A lure that imitates the natural movement of a baitfish or crawdad can be irresistible to bass.
Vibration: The vibration created by a spinnerbait or crankbait can attract bass from a distance.
Profile: The shape and size of your lure can mimic the appearance of a baitfish or other prey.

Conclusion

While bait color can play a minor role in summertime bass fishing, it’s essential to remember that action, vibration, and profile are often more critical factors. Experiment with different colors, but don’t rely solely on them to catch bass. Pay attention to the presentation, location, and movement of your lure, and you’ll be well on your way to a successful summer of bass fishing.

What’s your experience with bait color in summertime bass fishing? Share your thoughts in the comments!

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Smallmouth Bass Fishing Success in Low Water!

Ken Duke Joins the NPFL as Media and Communications Coordinator

Connecticut’s Legendary Largemouth: The Mashapaug Lake Monster

August Smith Mountain Lake Fishing Report by Captain Chad Green

Lake Anna August Fishing Report by Captain Tyler Heuple

Pinckney’s Sitko Earns Seventh Career Win at Phoenix Bass Fishing League Event at Lake Erie

The Truth About Bait Color in Summertime Bass Fishing

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