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MLF Bass Pro Tour Opens Sixth Season in Louisiana with B&W Trailer Hitches Stage One Presented by Power-Pole

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January 18, 2024

MLF Bass Pro Tour Opens Sixth Season in Louisiana with B&W Trailer Hitches Stage One Presented by Power-Pole

Season opener to showcase 80 pro anglers competing on Toledo Bend for $659,000 purse

MANY, La. (Jan. 18, 2024) – Major League Fishing (MLF) will kick off the sixth season of the MLF Bass Pro Tour in Many, Louisiana, Jan. 30–Feb. 4, showcasing the top anglers in the sport of professional bass fishing at the B&W Trailer Hitches Stage One at Toledo Bend Presented by Power-Pole.

The six-day tournament, hosted by Toledo Bend Lake Country and the Louisiana Office of Tourism, will feature a field of 80 professional anglers, including superstars like Ott DeFoe, Jacob Wheeler, REDCREST 2023 Champion Bryan Thrift and Louisiana pros Gerald Spohrer of Gonzales, Cliff Crochet of Pierre Part and Justin Cooper of Zwolle. They’ll be competing for a purse of $659,000, including a top payout of $100,000 and valuable Angler of the Year (AOY) points in hopes of qualifying for the General Tire Heavy Hitters all-star event and REDCREST 2025, the Bass Pro Tour championship.

“The Sabine Parish Tourist Commission, along with the Louisiana Office of Tourism, is excited to host the 2024 Bass Pro Tour season opener at Toledo Bend,” said Georgia Craven, Executive Director, Sabine Parish Tourist & Recreation Commission. “We’re looking forward to showcasing our outstanding fishery, as well as the great food, culture and people of Louisiana, and we are delighted to have the anglers, their families and MLF staff come and experience Toledo Bend Lake Country.”

The tournament will feature the MLF catch, weigh, immediate-release format, in which anglers catch as much weight as they can each day, while also feeling the pressure and intensity of the SCORETRACKER® leaderboard. The tournament is being filmed for broadcast later this year on Discovery.

The event will mark the first time that the MLF Bass Pro Tour has visited Many, Louisiana. Although there is no prior history on the books in the MLF format, Cooper – a Bass Pro Tour rookie and local pro – said it has the potential to be a record-breaking event.

“I think the weights are going to be phenomenal,” said Cooper. “The fishing was impressive before it went off limits, and I anticipate it will be just as good once we get back out on the water. I wouldn’t be surprised if the winner has over 100 pounds per day, and I figure Championship Round may take 150 pounds to take home the trophy.”

While the event will feature typical prespawn, winter fishing, Cooper said the fishery offers excellent diversity this time of year.

“Toledo Bend is a little unique,” Cooper said. “Other fisheries may only have opportunities out deep in the winter, but that’s not necessarily the case on Toledo Bend. I think we’re going to see a few different techniques come into play. We’ll definitely see guys fishing out deep with forward-facing sonar, but the grass is really healthy on the lake. Anytime you have hydrilla and milfoil in the winter in Louisiana, grass is a big player. I could also see deep brush piles being key players as well, so there will be a variety of ways to catch a bass.

“I think a jerkbait, jig and some type of Texas-rigged bait will be key for fishing brush piles. I’m sure we’ll see a swimbait or Damiki rig being thrown with forward-facing sonar and in the grass, I’d expect to see a lipless crankbait, ChatterBait and a bladed jig being utilized as well.”

While it’s still early to predict the weather for the six-day event, Cooper said anglers will have to be on guard while running their boats across the fishery and be mindful of high winds.

“The lake is currently 4 feet low, and it’s full of timber, so guys will really need to stay in the boat lanes during this event,” Cooper said. “If you get out of the lanes, it’s best just to idle. There are some places you can run outside the boat lane, but if you aren’t familiar with the lake and haven’t been there several times, the stumps and timber may not be obvious to the naked eye. Just because you don’t see them, that doesn’t mean they aren’t there.

“Hopefully we won’t contend with much wind, but if it picks up during the event, it can be treacherous. It’s super windy today – I drove across the lake and it’s like a mini-ocean out there. If the wind blows out of the north or south, it can get really rough and dangerous, really quick.”

Cooper said the biggest tournament he’s fished on Toledo Bend was a Southwestern Division Toyota Series in January of 2000, where he finished fifth. The Louisiana pro finished second in points that same year, qualifying him for the Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit (now known as the Tackle Warehouse Invitationals), where he eventually qualified for the 2024 Bass Pro Tour.

“It’s phenomenal that my first Bass Pro Tour event is taking place on my home lake,” Cooper said. “There’re definitely some nerves, and it’s a double-edged sword sometimes. You know a lot, but that can be a hindrance at times as well. There are so many different spots and techniques running through your mind, especially if you get behind the eight ball. So, I’m just going to have to trust myself, fish free and not fish based on history alone.”

At the end of the day, Cooper said he’s just excited and happy to be in this place, at this time.

“This is what I’ve worked so hard for, to get the opportunity to fish at the highest level of professional bass fishing,” Cooper said. “That’s been a dream and goal of mine my entire life, so to finally get that opportunity is the biggest blessing. I just want to seize the moment, and make my family, friends and sponsors proud.

“I feel like I’m going into the event with a lot of confidence, verses if we were starting off on a body of water that I’d never been to. It’s a big confidence-booster starting out, and I just plan to use that to my advantage.”

Anglers will launch at 7:30 a.m. CT each day from Cypress Bend Park, located at 3462 Cypress Bend Drive in Many. Each day’s General Tire Takeout will be held at the park, 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.

On Friday, Feb. 2, Toledo Bend Lake Country will host an Education Day in conjunction with the tournament at Cypress Bend Park, where 260 eighth-grade students from local area schools will have the opportunity to learn about lake ecology, casting techniques and the Toledo Bend fishery. Bass Pro Tour pros will be onsite throughout the event providing instruction and working with students.

On Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 3-4, from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. MLF welcomes fans of all ages to visit Cypress Bend Park 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. 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 B&W Trailer Hitches Stage One at Toledo Bend Presented by Power-Pole 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 Bass Pro Tour features a field of 80 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 the REDCREST 2025 championship.

The 40 Anglers in Group A compete in their two-day Qualifying Round on Tuesday and Thursday – the 40 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.

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. CT. MLFNOW!® will be live streamed on MajorLeagueFishing.com and the MyOutdoorTV (MOTV) app.

Television coverage of the B&W Trailer Hitches Stage One at Toledo Bend Presented by Power-Pole Knockout Round will air as a two-hour episode starting at 7 a.m. ET, on Saturday, July 20 on Discovery, with the Championship Round premiering on July 27. 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, Garmin, General Tire, Humminbird, Lowrance, Mercury, MillerTech, Minn Kota, Mossy Oak Fishing, NITRO, Onyx, Plano, Power-Pole, Rapala, StarBrite, Suzuki, Toyota 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.

Searching for Monster Bass: Fishing in January by Bruce Callis Jr.

Bruce Callis

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January 17, 2024

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Searching for Monster Bass: Fishing in January by Bruce Callis Jr.

It’s January of another year and the weather has been rough. Cold fronts, rain, wind, we just can’t catch a break. But if you are like me, the urge to feel the tug on the end of the line never dulls. And so we brave the elements and go searching for that fix!

For me, my number one bait this time of year is a lipless crankbait. It covers water and can be fished a variety of depths. It is something I have a lot of confidence in as well. But you can’t go out with just one and expect it to work in every situation.

For me, on bright sunny days, I prefer something with some flash to it. Here is where the chromes come into play. Straight chrome, chrome with blue back, chrome with blue back, Chrome Shad, and chrome with a green back are all great. They work from just under the surface to ticking the bottom.
For those overcast days, I prefer to go with brighter colors. It’s winter so think about Nasty Shiner, and more subtle colors like Purple Haze, Clear Chartreuse, Red Head, Blue Gill, Cell Mate, Magic Shad, Purple Rain, or Pearl Shad. These will show up a lot better in the water.

These are my primary colors, but don’t leave out the others like the Western Chartreuse Black Back, Golden Perch, Pink Perch, or Frozen Perch. Pick something that matches the primary food source and hold on.
I prefer to rig mine up on 10 pound test Seaguar Red Label Fluorocarbon. I trust the line and it won’t break the bank. Since I am not burning it along the bottom, I prefer to use a 6.3:1 gear ratio reel on a 7’2” medium heavy rod with a fast tip. This allows me to feel the action of the bait as its coming through the water column. I reel it just fast enough to make the tip of the rod quiver. The tip has a slight bend in it, but still leaves plenty of action once the bass hits. Be ready, for sometimes they will hit it so hard it can yank the rod out of your hand. And a long cast is a must. I use Reelsnot on my line to keep the line conditioned and to achieve a longer cast. It also helps with cutting ice in the colder weather. A must have.

There are plenty of ways you can work the bait, it all takes practice. Yes, you can just throw it out and reel it back, and it will work. I like to start off by throwing it out and letting it sink about 3 feet (I count it down) and giving the rod a quick snap, to engage the lure. Sometimes that is all you need to entice a strike. And then start back with a constant retrieve. Make repeated casts to the same area, sometimes the bass can be fussy and you will need to put it in front of them multiple times. Make a fan cast, covering every hour on the clock. Once you have done it at that depth, change the depth until you are finally crawling it along the bottom.

Another technique is to let it hit bottom, give it a snap up off the bottom, and let it fall back down to the bottom. It doesn’t have to be a huge lift either. Just enough to make the lure rise about a foot and then flutter back down. Do this all the way back and then cast to the same area and do it again. Do a fan cast all around before changing retrieves or areas.

Work around the points and channel, especially the drop near the spawning areas. Bass will pull out until the feel safe and still stay near to areas they can move up to feed when the sun warms the shallows. It is a game of seek and find. Use your electronics to find schools of baitfish and there the bass will be.

My second choice for January is a suspending jerkbait. My favorite is a McStick 110 from SPRO. And I generally follow the same choices for the baits. Again, long casts are important. I still use 10 pound fluorocarbon line, but I have it on a medium action rod. This gives you the ability to fight the bass better, allowing the rod to absorb the surges the bass will make.

Long casts and going slow. Work the bait down and then start your retrieve. I’ll start by making to quick jerks on a slack line followed by a pause of at least 3 seconds. Sometimes you may have to make longer pauses. Here is where counting comes in handy. Its easier to keep constant that way. If you want to get deeper, go with the 110+ and work it the same way. Just be sure to make plenty of repeated casts.
These are my primary baits, but not all I will use. I am trying out the New SPRO Megalojohn 6” swimbait. I have used plenty of small swimbaits, but this is a beautiful looking swimbait with a good thump. I can’t wait to hook into a big bass.

I am also looking forward to the NEW Missile Baits Ike’s Monster Jig. It is a swim jig on steroids. It is available in 1 ounce and 1.5 ounce sizes and due to hit the market this month. You can pair it with a big swimbait and really cover some water.

Just because the water is cold and the weather colder doesn’t mean we have to sit inside and dream of those big bass. Now is the time to get out and find one of those big ladies, and maybe a new personal best. Will you be doing it, or just dreaming of it? See you at the EXPOS coming up!

Two Teams Disqualified from Abu Garcia College Fishing National Championship

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Brian Carter

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January 17, 2024

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Two Teams Disqualified from Abu Garcia College Fishing National Championship

WHAT:
Major League Fishing (MLF) announced updated results from the 2024 Abu Garcia College Fishing Presented by YETI National Championship at Lake Toho after two teams were disqualified.

Following the conclusion of the event, evidence was presented to MLF Tournament Director Kevin Hunt that the University of Montevallo team of Brandon Berry and Hunter Bright, as well as the Dallas Baptist University team of Braxon Hightower and Luke Wenger, had violated rule No. 12, which states that “ Alabama rigs and similar umbrella-type rigs are limited to a maximum of five wires with a maximum of five spinners, five lures and three hooks (single or treble) unless state regulations are more restrictive, in which case state regulations prevail.”

As a result of the violations, each team’s catch during both days of the weather-shortened event was disqualified.

NOTES:
The University of Montevallo team of Berry and Bright finished third in the event and were slated to advance to the 2024 Toyota Series Championship to compete as co-anglers for a shot at winning a $33,500 Phoenix 518 Pro with a 115-horsepower outboard. As a result of this disqualification, the University of Montevallo team of Nicholas Dumke and Easton Fothergill move from fourth place into the third-place spot and will advance to the 2024 Toyota Series Championship to compete as co-anglers.

“This is tragic for both teams who inadvertently violated the rule,” said Kevin Hunt, MLF Tournament Director. “However, we have an obligation to our anglers and the sport to enforce the rules, in letter and intent, without exception. We encourage all our anglers to know and understand the rules for each circuit and tournament they participate in and to adhere to those rules to ensure a quality tournament.”

Updated standings for the top 10 teams on Lake Toho are:

1^st:     Adrian College – Braylon Eggerding and Lucas Washburn, both of Grand Rapids, Mich., 10 bass, 42-4, $43,500
2^nd:    Campbellsville University – Carter Doren of Las Vegas, Nev., and Ryan Lachniet of Gum Spring, Va., 10 bass, 42-3, $33,500
3^rd:     University of Montevallo – Nicholas Dumke and Easton Fothergill, both of Grand Rapids, Minn., 10 bass, 38-9, $3,000
4^th:     Emmanuel University – Robert Miller of Savannah, Ga., and John Micheal Ortman of Douglas, Ga., 10 bass, 38-4, $2,000
5^th:     Florida Gateway College – Bryson O’Steen of Live Oak, Fla., 10 bass, 37-3, $1,000
6^th:     University of Montevallo – Neal Braddy of Ailey, Ga., and Merritt Arnold of Watkinsville, Ga., 10 bass, 37-0, $1,000
7^th:     Carson-Newman University – Ben Cully of Rockwall, Texas, and Hayden Gaddis of Seymour, Tenn., 10 bass, 36-8, $1,000
8^th:     Tarleton State-Stephenville – Garett Cadenhead of Fort Worth, Texas, and Jared Mizell of Pearland, Texas, 10 bass, 36-3, $1,000
9^th:      Adrian College – Gerald Brumbaugh of Martinsburgh, Penn., and Mitchell Straffon of Fenton, Mich., 10 bass, 35-0, $1,000
10^th:   University of North Alabama – Dylan Nutt and Carter Nutt of Nashville, Tenn., 10 bass, 34-12, $1,000

For complete details and updated tournament information, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular College Fishing updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow MLF5’s social media outlets at Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

KNOW THE SYMPTOMS: FROSTBITE AND HYPOTHERMIA

Brian Carter

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January 17, 2024

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KNOW THE SYMPTOMS: FROSTBITE AND HYPOTHERMIA

TheWeatherChannel.com

Exposure to extreme cold can lead to serious health problems, the most common being frostbite and hypothermia. Here’s what to know.

First, know who’s at higher risk: the very young and very old, people with certain medical conditions or jobs that keep them outside for long periods of time. And finally, people who drink or smoke.

Next, know the symptoms. Frostbite usually starts as a “pins and needles” feeling in your extremities, so pay attention to your hands, feet, ears, nose and lips. If parts of your body start to feel frozen, maybe a burning sensation – seek medical attention immediately.

Hypothermia can affect the brain and the body’s ability to move. So watch for people who seem tired, confused, weak and shivering. If you think someone has hypothermia, take their temperature. If it’s lower than 95 degrees, get help fast.

Uncover Pro Fishermen’s Secret: The Exclusive Headache Jig!

Brian Carter

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January 17, 2024

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Uncover Pro Fishermen’s Secret: The Exclusive Headache Jig!

The Headache Jig by Faithful Baits is a one-of-a-kind fishing accessory that offers an unparalleled competitive edge. Created by Brandon from Morgan, North Carolina, this patented jig is both unique and highly effective. Available exclusively at Faithful Baits, the Headache Jig features an innovative design that enables it to behave like a Shaky Head upon touching the bottom. Moreover, it comes equipped with live rubber skirts to maximize action and trigger bites that would usually be missed with standard jigs.

This versatile jig can be fished off the bottom like a regular jig, thanks to its handy trailers, or alternatively, baited with a 3.5-inch swimbait and utilized like a swim jig. This eliminates the need for jig swapping based on presentation requirements. The Headache Jig also offers variability with its included Ned rig, which can be exchanged for a larger worm if desired. This customization feature slows its sinking speed and alters its appearance on the seabed.

Sold in packs that include a trailer and a Ned rig, the Headache Jig is just a part of a diverse product range that Faithful Baits offers, which also includes chatterbaits, spinner baits, and custom versions. The world of fishing opens up with innovative gear like this – check out the Faithful Baits website to see their entire suite of offerings.

CLICK HERE TO ORDER

Bassmaster Elite Series Pro Bill Lowen Announces New Partnership with Ark Fishing

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Brian Carter

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January 16, 2024

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Bassmaster Elite Series Pro Bill Lowen Announces New Partnership with Ark Fishing

Brookville, Ind. Pro to endorse Rods, Reels Hardbaits and Tungsten

Brookville, Ind. – January 15, 2024 – Bill Lowen, the Bassmaster Elite Series pro from Brookville announces his joining the pro staff of Ark Fishing International. Lowen, entering his 20^th season in Bassmaster competition, has signed on to promote Ark Rods, Reels, tungsten and hardbaits.

A veteran of 184 Bassmaster entries since his career began in 2005, he joined the Elite Series in its inaugural 2006 season and has placed in the money 138 times in his career. Along the way he has finished in the top 10 22 times and notched a victory at the Guaranteed Rate Bassmaster Elite at Pickwick Lake in 2021 and is an 11-time Bassmaster Classic qualifier.

Lowen said the decision to join Team Ark was an easy one because of high quality of the products, the relationships he has with current Tean Ark pros, but also because the more he got to know Ark Fishing’s Louie Zhang, the more he felt like he had found the place he wanted to call home. “I have worked with a lot of different companies in my career and I get that family vibe from Louie and that’s exactly what I look for in a partnership,” said Lowen. “On top of that, he has the kind of mind that has taken the input of his team, listened to their needs and made products that help them exceed what they wished for in the finished product; I’ve never known anyone like him, and I am looking forward to being a part of this family for a long time to come.”

On the water, Lowen said that the Team Ark lineup will give hm the tools he needs to compete from the outset because at every level, Ark makes what he needs to perform. “These are some of the best feeling fishing rods I have ever felt throughout the lineups,” he said. “The Gravity reels are the freest and smoothest casting reels I have ever used, and they have all of the necessary gear ratios to make every presentation we need; it is a very full lineup, and they are working to make it complete in every area.”

On top of the feelings, Lowen said that he appreciated the honest communications he has received from Zhang. “Louie is so genuine that you know where you stand with him without question,” said Lowen. “I know how I can help promote the company immediately and what we can expect to do in the future. There will be opportunity for me to work on projects with him and the team, and that clarity is something I know I can count one with Ark.”

Team Ark Captain Randall Tharp said that Lowen is exactly the type of angler the company looks for. “We are a family here at Ark Fishing. We work very closely, we communicate frequently, and we have the kind of relationships that foster great camaraderie,” said Tharp. “Bill is without a doubt a great angler, but he is the kind of person that not only fits in here, but he has the kind of character on and off the water that strengthens a group, and we’re proud to have him as a part of the team.”

Wes Logan, who began his Elite Series career with Ark, echoed Tharp’s comments. “I’ve been around Bill for several years now, he is a well-respected angler with amazing on the water skillsets, and it says a lot about our company that he wants to join our team,” said Logan. “That respect doesn’t stop once he leaves the water, he is one of the nicest, most well-liked guys on tour and he is a great addition to the Ark team.”

Ultimately, the decision to add an angler to the pro staff falls on the final decision maker, and in the case of Ark Fishing, that is Zhang. He said that his decision to partner with Lowen was twofold. “We are thrilled to welcome Bill Lowen to Team ARK Fishing this season, he is an amazing addition to our roster,” said Zhang. “His exceptional skill in tournament fishing speaks volumes about his prowess on the water, he showcases a mastery that aligns seamlessly with our team’s commitment to excellence.”

He added that the decision went beyond his angling abilities. “Bill has a sterling reputation as a person, both on and off the water, he exudes integrity, sportsmanship, and has a positive influence within the fishing community,” continued Zhang. “These qualities make him a perfect fit for Team ARK Fishing. He has a dedication to fair play, camaraderie, and unwavering passion for the sport not only enhances our team’s competitive edge but also contributes to fostering a positive and collaborative team culture.

“With Bill Lowen on board, Team ARK Fishing anticipates a season marked by shared success on the water, a strengthened sense of camaraderie within the company and a broader reach of visibility to the fishing community.”

Additional information about Ark Fishing the company and its products can be found at: https://arkrods.com/

About Bill Lowen:
Bill Lowen is a professional angler on the Bassmaster Elite Series entering his 20^th season competition in B.A.S.S. competition. Known as a shallow water angler, Lowen has built a reputation as the premier swim jig fisherman in the business and has displayed those skills throughout his career. Although he is deserving of this reputation, he is wildly versatile as an angler, evidenced by his “Dollar Bill” nickname, given to him for his ability to finish in the money most of the events he enters. In his career, Lowen has finished in the top 10 22 times, qualified for 11 trips to the Bassmaster Classic, is an Elite Series Champion and posted nearly $1.6 million in career earnings.

Lowen resides in Brookville, Ind. with his wife Jennifer, daughter Neveah and son Fischer. He is an avid outdoorsman with a burning passion for waterfowl hunting and hunting in general during the offseason. Lowen is sponsored by Xpress Boats, Yamaha Motors, Drake Waterfowl, Mossy Oak, RAILBLAZA, Lure Parts Online, Seaguar, T-H Marine, Ark Fishing International, Grosse Savanne, BOSS Shot Shells, HUMMINBIRD, MINN KOTA, Impulse Lithium and Weida’s Marine. Follow Lowen on his website at http://billlowen.com/ and on his social media channels: https://www.facebook.com/TurtleLowen/ and https://www.instagram.com/billlowenfishing/.

Mastering the Classics: Unleashing the Power of the Shad Rap Crankbait

Brian Carter

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January 16, 2024

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Mastering the Classics: Unleashing the Power of the Shad Rap Crankbait

As anyone who takes bass fishing seriously can tell you, the Shad Rap crankbait has been a staple in every professional angler’s tackle box for decades. This school-style lure, which has been turning heads and topping leaderboards since its birth into the fishing world back in the 1970s, is just as efficient today as it ever was. In this feature, we will delve into the depths and reveal why the Shad Rap should not only find a home in your fishing arsenal but also how to use it effectively to elevate your own angling experience.

At first glance, the Shad Rap may seem like just another crankbait in the market line-up. But, to dismiss it as such would be to overlook an angling tool that has proven its worth time and time again. The secret to its ageless allure can be pegged down to three factors: its discreetness, the versatility of its function, and its lifelike imitation of a small shad.

Crafted from balsa wood, the Shad Rap comes with a stealthy quality often missing in the artificial lures littering today’s high-tech market. Its lack of rattles equates to less noise underwater, allowing it to fly under the radar and fool the most wary of fish. The subtle, tight vibration it emits while in motion does not aggressively grab attention, but rather subtly lures in its prey, piquing their curiosity.

Another winning factor is its year-round versatility. Unlike many lures that excel in specific environments or seasons, the Shad Rap warrants its place in your tackle box 365 days a year, yielding results in varying water temperatures, conditions, and environments. Whether you’re throwing it over weedy growth in summer, bouncing it off rocky river banks in autumn, or tapping into pre-spawn instincts in cool spring waters, the Shad Rap consistently satisfies a bass’s dietary desires.

The Shad Rap’s success also comes from its realistic appearance. In the underwater world where survival depends on deceit, looking like the real thing is half the battle. And the Shad Rap undisputedly looks like a small shad, a preferred meal of the bass, in terms of its size and its natural swimming rhythm. This bait’s ability to drape a shroud of credibility over itself with such authenticity is what underscores its predominance in the crankbait community.

So how should one fish with the Shad Rap? While the Shad Rap is versatile, understanding the environment and scenarios where it excels will improve your results. Small rocky structures, rip rap banks, clay clods, and shallow drop-offs over grass flats are prime spots. Key in on the water clarity and sunlight conditions to decide on the type of Shad Rap to use. Craw patterns work well in visibility of 2 to 3 feet, while a Shad pattern is suitable for 2 to 4 feet visibility, and a black backed silver Shad Rap excels in visibility exceeding 4 feet.

When it comes to reeling technique, don’t be afraid to switch up your approach. A common strategy is to throw it out, slowly crank it down to its deepest point, then alternately crank and pull, almost like a jerkbait. This sweep motion provides a dynamic presentation that can incite strikes from even the wariest of fish.

While the Shad Rap is a lure old in years, it still possesses a modern-day application for any angler. It’s not just a lure; it’s a fishing confidante that has, and will continue to, stand the test of time. So make your way to the tackle store, invest in a few Shad Raps, and see how they elevate your angling prowess.

CLICK HERE TO ORDER SOME TODAY

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Revolutionary Tech is Changing Fishing Forever – Discover How!

Brian Carter

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January 16, 2024

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Revolutionary Tech is Changing Fishing Forever – Discover How!

Welcome to the Nasty Lure Company, where innovation takes the bait! We redefine the art of angling with cutting-edge fishing lures designed to captivate both fish and anglers alike. Our commitment to pushing the boundaries of traditional fishing gear ensures an unparalleled experience on every cast. Join us as we dive into a world where technology meets the timeless thrill of the catch, setting a new standard for fishing enthusiasts everywhere.

CLICK HERE TO ORDER

MLF Toyota Series Presented by Phoenix Boats Prepares to Launch 2024 Season at Lake Okeechobee

Brian Carter

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January 16, 2024

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MLF Toyota Series Presented by Phoenix Boats Prepares to Launch 2024 Season at Lake Okeechobee

CLEWISTON, Fla. (Jan. 16, 2024) – The Major League Fishing (MLF) Toyota Series Presented by Phoenix Boats is set to visit Clewiston, Florida, next week, Jan. 25-27, for the 2024 season-opening event – the Toyota Series at Lake Okeechobee.

The three-day tournament is the first event of the year for Southern Division anglers and hosted by the Hendry County Tourism Development Council. The event will feature a roster of the region’s best bass-fishing pros and Strike King co-anglers competing for a top prize of up to $100,000 in the pro division and a new Phoenix 518 Pro boat with a 115-horsepower outboard motor plus $5,000 in the co-angler division.

“This is going to be a great tournament – there is nowhere better to start the season than in Florida,” said Bass Pro Tour angler Bobby Lane of Lakeland, Florida, the REDCREST 2022 Champion with more than $2.5 million in career earnings. “Lake Okeechobee is a fantastic fishery, and if the weather stays stable, we are going to see a good one.

“The lake is really high – we’ve had a lot of water this year,” Lane continued. “If I was approaching this tournament, I’d be spending time on the south end, the north end and the shoal. I’d also look around the J&S canal to see if anything was going on, and pretty much cover all four sides of the lake. This tournament could be won from one end of the lake to the other.”

Lane said that he expects the tournament competitors to start the event on popular community holes, but top finishers will need to have a backup plan in place.

“The angler that wins is going to catch them in a community hole on the first day, but the amount of pressure on those schools will only hold up for a day or day and a half,” Lane said. “You’ll need a backup plan for the afternoon of the second and then the third day, and whoever has that will win this tournament.

“I think the fish are going to be moving,” Lane added. “Moving baits, and lipless baits will be good. If it’s cold, the (Berkley) Slobberknocker will be hard to beat, especially in the golden shiner color. If it gets really warm and the spawn starts moving around, we’ll see more traditional (Berkley) PowerWorm and (Berkley) MaxScent The General type baits working.”

Lane predicted that with stable weather, fans can expect to see single-day high weights in the 27-to 30-pound range, and he expects the overall winner to weigh in 69 to 70 pounds over three days of competition.

Anglers will launch at 7 a.m. ET each day from Roland & Mary Ann Martin’s Marina & Resort, located at 920 E. Del Monte Avenue in Clewiston. Weigh-ins will also be held at the resort and will begin at 3 p.m. Fans are welcome to attend and encouraged to follow the event online through the “MLF Live” weigh-in broadcasts and daily coverage at MajorLeagueFishing.com.

In Toyota Series regular-season competition, payouts are based on the number of participants competing in the event, scaling up for every 20 boats over 160 and scaling down for every boat below 160. With a 160-boat field, pros fish for a top prize of up to $75,000, if Phoenix MLF Bonus qualified. Strike King co-anglers cast for the top prize of a new Phoenix 518 Pro bass boat with a 115-horsepower Mercury or Suzuki outboard (valued at $33,500). With a 260-boat field, pros fish for a top award of up to $100,000, if Phoenix MLF Bonus qualified. Strike King co-anglers cast for the top prize of a new Phoenix 518 Pro bass boat with a 115-horsepower Mercury or Suzuki outboard plus $5,000 cash.

The 2024 Toyota Series Presented by Phoenix Boats consists of six divisions – Central, Northern, Plains, Southern, Southwestern and the Western Division Presented by Tackle Warehouse – each holding three regular-season events, along with the International and Wild Card divisions. Anglers who fish in any of the six divisions or the Wild Card division and finish in the top 25 will qualify for the no-entry-fee Toyota Series Championship for a shot at winning up to $235,000 and a qualification to REDCREST 2025. The winning Strike King co-angler at the championship earns a new Phoenix 518 Pro bass boat with a 115-horsepower Mercury outboard. The 2024 Toyota Series Championship will be held Nov. 7-9 on Wheeler Lake in Huntsville, Alabama, and is hosted by the Huntsville/Madison County Convention & Visitors Bureau, the Madison County Commission, and the Huntsville Sports Commission.

Proud sponsors of the 2024 MLF Toyota Series include: 7Brew, Abu Garcia, B&W Trailer Hitches, Berkley, BUBBA, E3, Epic Baits, FX Custom Rods, General Tire, Lew’s, Mercury, Mossy Oak, Onyx, Phoenix, Polaris, Power-Pole, Strike King, Suzuki, Tackle Warehouse, T-H Marine, Toyota and YETI.

For complete details and updated information visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular Toyota Series updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow the MLF5 social media outlets at Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

Tab Anderson & Bill Francis Win CATT Lake Hartwell, SC Fall Final Jan 13, 2024

Brian Carter

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January 15, 2024

0

Tab Anderson & Bill Francis Win CATT Lake Hartwell, SC Fall Final Jan 13, 2024

We had a great Fall and will be back again next Fall! Thanks for fishing with us!

BASSKINGS is coming! HUGE Payback with no Co angler! Championship is on Lake Murray! Tap on the link for info and the schedule brought to you by Palmetto Home Outlet in Lexington SC!

Tab Anderson & Bill Francis weighed in 5 bass at 15.78 lbs and the BF at 4.24 to take the win and a total of $2,225.00!

Team	BF	Weight	Winnings
Tab Anderson – Bill Francis	4.24	15.78	$2,225.00
TJ Souther – Blake Teshaw	3.48	13.98	$910.00
Landon Stacy – Toby Stacy	3.20	12.12
Darrin Jeter – Eric Jeter	0.00	11.98
Justin Reigns – Brian Anthony	0.00	11.60
John Bloomfield – Brian King	3.42	11.24
Jimmy Blackwell – Caleb Wyatt	0.00	10.50
Ryan Lesley	3.90	10.44
Roger Gosnell – Logan Gosnell	0.00	8.24
Chance Griffith – Brent Black	4.00	7.24	$50.00
Will Bryson	0.00	0.00
Chad Pitt – Robbie Gwinn	0.00	0.00
Caleb Gordon – Burt Gordon	0.00	0.00
Blake Burdette – Grayson Brewster	0.00	0.00

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