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Bass Forecast: A Digital Revolution in Bass Fishing.

Bass Forcast.com

In the stillness of dawn, as the unperturbed water paints a perfect canvas with the swirling mists of an early morning, a ripple disrupts the tranquility: a bass fisherman casting his line. The whirr of the fishing reel, the quiet anticipation, the sudden rush of adrenaline—it’s a dance as old as time. Yet, in recent years, this traditional dance has found a new rhythm, made possible by the shift in the world of bass fishing to the digital spectrum.

The progression of technology has truly invigorated the fishing world, introducing cutting-edge electronics and user-friendly app interfaces that are revolutionizing how anglers pursue their hobby. Bass fishing apps—once a concept as alien as space travel—have now become must-have tools for anglers, bridging the gap between man and the restless underwater world.

One app that is making waves (quite literally, one might say), is the BassForecast. I delved into this digital tool, examining its features and usability, and suffice to say, the results were impressive. It brings a wealth of knowledge and predictive ability right into an angler’s palm, making it one of the finest fishing companions of our digital age.

Bass Forecast goes beyond being just a basic app. It offers comprehensive features that aid anglers in planning their fishing journeys. With pinpoint accurate weather predictions sourced from AccuWeather, it assesses factors like moon phases, seasonal changes, sky conditions, just to name a few, providing that crucial edge for a successful catch.

A standout feature is its unique bass activity analysis. Through comprehensive data analytics, BassForecast analyzes numerous factors that may affect bass feeding activity, providing timely advice on the best fishing conditions. Whether you’re a casual weekend angler or a hardcore bass hunter, such information can prove invaluable.

Moreover, it offers beneficial lure selection tips, suggesting the most suitable tactics and lure choices in real-time, based on the ever-changing conditions. Its premium version even offers features such as solunar charts, detailed past weather data, and push notifications for advanced planning purposes—tools of the trade, digitalized.

That said, in the fishing world where community connection is almost as invaluable as the fish itself, BassForecast goes a step further. It fosters a place for like-minded individuals to share, learn, and feel a sense of unity in their shared love for bass fishing.

However, it begs the question: does Bass Forecast, or any fishing app, truly boost your catch success rate, or are they merely platforms to connect with fellow anglers? There is no definitive answer. Yet, do remember technology—no matter how advanced—is but a tool. While it can provide vital insights, it cannot replace the tried-and-true skills necessary for bass fishing, skills honed by experience and the intimate knowledge gained by countless hours spent on the water.

So, gear up, download the Bass Forecast, and go out there to experience bass fishing like never before. Whether it reels in a big catch, or simply brings you closer to a passionate community of anglers, the digital revolution in bass fishing is here to stay. Happy fishing, tight lines! ?



MLF Cancels Day 1 of Abu Garcia College Fishing National Championship Due to High Winds and Inclement Weather

WHAT:
Major League Fishing (MLF) announced today that Day 1 of the 2024 Abu Garcia College Fishing Presented by YETI National Championship at Lake Toho has been cancelled due to high winds and inclement weather.

The full field of 138 teams will battle it out on Wednesday, Jan. 10 and Thursday, Jan. 11, with the winner determined by heaviest two-day cumulative weight.

NOTES:
Anglers will launch at 7:30 a.m. ET on Wednesday and Thursday from Big Toho Marina, located at 69 Lakeview Drive in Kissimmee, Florida. Weigh-ins will be held at the marina starting at 3:30 p.m. and will be livestreamed daily. 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.

The MLF NOW!® broadcast team of Chad McKee and Rob Newell will break down the extended action both days of competition from 8 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. ET. MLF NOW!®  will be live streamed on MajorLeagueFishing.com  and the MyOutdoorTV (MOTV) app. 

Hosted by Experience Kissimmee, the 15th annual College Fishing National Championship will feature 138 teams of the nation’s best collegiate anglers competing for a $43,500 prize package, including a new Phoenix 518 Pro bass boat with a 115-horsepower outboard, an additional $10,000 and the chance to advance to the 2024 Toyota Series Championship and REDCREST 2025 – MLF’s most prestigious championship – to fish for top prizes of $235,000 and $300,000, respectively.

Both members of the winning team and the runners-up at the 2024 Abu Garcia College Fishing National Championship will advance to the 2024 Toyota Series Championship, where they will compete as pros for a top prize of up to $235,000. The winning team’s highest finishing member at the Toyota Series Championship will advance to REDCREST 2025 to compete against the world’s best pros for the sport’s top prize of $300,000.

Abu Garcia College Fishing Presented by YETI teams compete in nine regular-season qualifying tournaments around the country. The top 12% of teams from each qualifying event advance to the following year’s Abu Garcia College Fishing Presented by YETI National Championship.

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.



Lufkin’s Heck Uses Home-Water Experience to Kick Off Season With Win at Phoenix Bass Fishing League Event at Sam Rayburn Reservoir

Boater winner Hayden Heck of Lufkin, Texas, and Strike-King co-angler winner Tim Sink of San Antonio, Texas.
San Antonio’s Sink Tops Strike King Co-Angler Division

BROOKELAND, Texas (Jan. 8, 2024) – Boater Hayden Heck of Lufkin, Texas, caught a five-bass limit weighing 29 pounds, 3 ounces, Saturday to win the MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League (BFL) Presented by T-H Marine on Sam Rayburn Reservoir. Hosted by the Jasper County Development District, the tournament kicked off the season for the BFL Cowboy Division. Heck earned $6,199 for his victory.

“I decided to go to a spot where I had been seeing fish for a couple of weeks,” Heck said. “It’s been really spotty, though – one day they’d be there and the next they wouldn’t.

“I was fishing a little bit offshore,” Heck continued. “Nothing super deep. I was using a brown and purple football jig and a drop-shot rig. There was a lot of bait around the area, and that kept the fish around for a bit.”

Heck said his boat was sitting in about 10 feet of water while fishing the jig, and his efforts produced 20 bites from the south part of Sam Rayburn during the event.

“I fish Rayburn a lot,” Heck said. “It’s the only lake I fish, and the last couple of weeks have been tough here. The fish seem to be moving around a lot, like saltwater fish. They’re on the move daily with the bait. So, if you can time it right, you can really catch them.

“On Rayburn, unless you bust a really big bag, you don’t think you really ever have a chance to win,” Heck said. “Once it gets cold on Rayburn anyone can come in with 40-plus pounds. So, I’m really happy to get the win.”

The top 10 boaters finished the tournament:

                1st:        Hayden Heck, Lufkin, Texas, five bass, 29-3, $6,199
                2nd:       Wesley Baxley, Cypress, Texas, five bass, 25-2, $2,675
                3rd:       Jeffery Rice, Shreveport, La., five bass, 22-4, $1,782
                4th:        Glen Webb, Bethel, Okla, five bass, 20-9, $1,248
                5th:        Riley Harris, Orange, Texas, five bass, 19-5, $1,070
                6th:        Tater Reynolds, Florien, La., five bass, 18-11, $1,236
                6th:        Bobby Vice, Orange, Texas, five bass, 18-11, $936
                8th:        Jaden Parrish, Liberty, Texas, five bass, 17-3, $802
                9th:        Colby Miller, Elmer, La., five bass, 16-14, $713
                10th:     Darren Taylor, Coldspring, Texas, five bass, 16-2, $624

Complete results can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.

Heck caught a bass that weighed 9 pounds, 14 ounces, and earned the Berkley Big Bass Boater award of $850.


Tim Sink of San Antonio, Texas, won the Strike King co-angler division and $3,088 Saturday, after bringing five bass to the scale that totaled 14 pounds, 13 ounces.

The top 10 Strike King co-anglers finished:

                1st:        Tim Sink, San Antonio, Texas, five bass, 14-13, $3,088
                2nd:       Brad Poole, Roanoke, Texas, five bass, 14-4, $1,334
                3rd:       Derek Swindler, Waxahachie, Texas, five bass, 12-9, $888
                4th:        Robert Joslin, Fort Smith, Ark., five bass, 11-12, $623
                5th:        Dakota Posey, Orange, Texas, five bass, 11-1, $534
                6th:        Mitchel Martin, Washington, La., five bass, 10-15, $489
                7th:        James Moore, Jr., Lampasas, Texas, five bass, 10-12, $595
                8th:        Kenneth Venable, Fred, Texas, five bass, 10-11, $378
                8th:        Michael Wall, Montgomery, Texas, five bass, 10-11, $378
                10th:     Bradley Sullivan, Shawnee, Okla., four bass, 10-10, $295
10th:     Casey Craig, Nacogdoches, Texas, five bass, 10-10, $295

Sink also earned the Berkley Big Bass co-angler award of $420, catching a bass that weighed in at 6 pounds, 14 ounces – the largest co-angler catch of the day.

The top 45 boaters and co-anglers in the region based on point standings, along with the five tournament winners of each qualifying event, will qualify for the Oct. 17-19 BFL Regional tournament on Wright Patman Lake in Texarkana, Texas. Boaters will fish for a top award of $60,000, including a new Phoenix 819 Pro with a 200-horsepower Mercury or Suzuki outboard and $10,000, while co-anglers will compete for a top award of $50,000, including a new Phoenix 819 Pro with a 200-horsepower Mercury or Suzuki outboard.

The 2024 Phoenix BFL Presented by T-H Marine is a 24-division circuit devoted to weekend anglers, with 128 events throughout the season, five qualifying tournaments in each division. The top 45 boaters and Strike King co-anglers from each division, along with the five qualifying event winners, will advance to one of six BFL Regional tournaments where they are competing to finish in the top six, which then qualifies them for one of the longest-running championships in all of competitive bass fishing – the BFL All-American.

The next event for BFL Cowboy Division anglers will be held Jan. 27, at Lake of the Pines in Jefferson, Texas. To register for the event as a boater or a co-angler, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com or call (270)-252-1000.

Proud sponsors of the 2024 MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine include: 7Brew, Abu Garcia, B&W Trailer Hitches, Berkley, BUBBA, E3, Epic Baits, General Tire, GSM Outdoors, 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 tournament information, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular Bass Fishing League updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow MLF5’s social media outlets at Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.



University of North Alabama Wins MLF Abu Garcia College Fishing Tournament on Harris Chain of Lakes

LEESBURG, Fla. (Jan. 8, 2024) – The University of North Alabama duo of Dylan Nutt and Carter Nutt, both sophomores from Nashville, Tennessee, won the MLF Abu Garcia College Fishing Presented by YETI event on the Harris Chain of Lakes with a five-bass limit weighing 21 pounds, 12 ounces. The victory earned the Lions’ bass club $2,000 and a qualification into the 2025 MLF College Fishing National Championship.

“Right off the bat, we hit a wave, and I lost my hat,” Dylan said.  “It was a pretty negative way to start the day. We got into the lock to go into Lake Griffin and one of my buddies gave me a nice University of Tennessee visor to wear.

“I think that was the thing that made the difference,” Dylan added with a laugh. “I had the Clifford Pirch look.”

With headwear properly settled, the Nutt team started catching bass in Lake Griffin – the first was a 5-pounder. Dylan said the team relied heavily on a Scottsboro Tackle Company ½-ounce top-hook swimbait that Dylan said was “amazing” for fishing grass. They added a few additional bass on a Z-Man Evergreen Chatterbait Jack Hammer and a Carolina rig.

The team rotated through a couple of fishing areas and culled up to an estimated 19 pounds before locking back down to Big Lake Harris to finish the last two hours of competition.

“In the last 10 minutes before we were about to check in, Carter caught a 4½-pounder,” Dylan said. “At that point, we thought that we had secured a top-10 finish. We had no idea we had the tournament won at the time – it’s the Harris Chain, and it takes big weights to win here. There very easily could have been a 30-pound bag caught.”

“This is just an indescribable feeling,” Carter added. “For us to win our first major college tournament – it’s pretty special. The Harris Chain is one of the hardest lakes to win a tournament on.”

The top 10 teams finished:

                1st: University of North Alabama – Dylan Nutt and Carter Nutt, Nashville, Tenn., five bass, 21-12, $2,000
                2nd: Lander University – Anderson Jones and Hampton Shull, both of Greenville, S.C., five bass, 20-13, $1,000
                3rd: Bethel University – Colten Drawdy, Plant City, Fla., and Hunter Shelton, Cadiz, Ky., five bass, 17-14, $700
                4th: Carson-Newman University – Nicholas Dellaporta, Pequannock, N.J., and Drew Pitts, Lutz, Fla., five bass, 17-0, $600
                5th: University of Louisiana-Monroe – Kade Hillestad, Grayson, La., and John Kyle Pearce, Frierson, La., five bass, 16-15, $500
                6th: LSU-Shreveport – Ian Carter, Bastrop, La., and Levi Thibodaux, Thibodaux , La., five bass, 16-12
                7th: University of South Carolina-Union – Jacob Butts, Starr, S.C., and Mark Kershaw, Fort Mill, S.C., five bass, 15-15
                8th: University of Tennessee – Joseph Bissing, Libertyville, Ill., and Jackson Paden, Knoxville, Tenn., five bass, 15-11
                9th: Murray State University – Jonah Potts, Albion, Ill., five bass, 15-8
                10th: Campbellsville University – Evan Fields, Shelbyville, Ky., and Karsten Raney, London, Ky., five bass, 15-6

A total of 225 teams participated in the event, meaning 27 teams now advance to the College Fishing National Championship. The full list of National Championship Qualifiers and complete results for the entire field can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.

The Abu Garcia College Fishing Presented by YETI event on Harris Chain of Lakes was hosted by Discover Lake County Florida. The next tournament for MLF College Fishing anglers will be the Abu Garcia College Fishing Presented by YETI event on Clear Lake, March 8, in Lakeport, California.

The 2024 MLF Abu Garcia College Fishing Presented by YETI season features college teams from across the country competing in nine regular-season tournaments. The top 12 percent of teams from each regular-season tournament advance to the 2025 Abu Garcia College Fishing Presented by YETI National Championship.

Proud sponsors of the 2024 MLF Abu Garcia College Fishing Presented by YETI include: 7Brew, Abu Garcia, B&W Trailer Hitches, Berkley, BUBBA, E3, Epic Baits, General Tire, GSM Outdoors, 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 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.



Central Florida Teens Win MLF Abu Garcia High School Fishing Presented by Tackle Warehouse Open on Harris Chain of Lakes

LEESBURG, Fla. (Jan. 8, 2024) – The MLF High School Fishing team of Dylan Quilatan of Windermere, Florida, and Tommy Rust of Winter Springs, Florida, representing Club Florida, brought five bass to the scale Sunday weighing 29 pounds even to win the MLF Abu Garcia High School Fishing Presented by Tackle Warehouse Open at Harris Chain of Lakes in Leesburg, Florida.

A field of 38 teams competed in the no-entry fee tournament, which was hosted by Discover Lake County Florida. In MLF High School Fishing competition, the top 10 percent of teams competing advance to the High School Fishing National Championship.

The top three teams that advanced to the 2024 High School Fishing National Championship are:

                1st: Club Florida – Dylan Quilatan, Windermere, Fla., and Tommy Rust, Winter Springs, Fla., five bass, 29-0
                2nd: Alcoa Fishing Team, Alcoa, Tenn. – Walker Larue and Joe Vaulton, five bass, 17-8
                3rd: Heard County High School, Franklin, Ga. – Blalock Eskew and Ellis Turner, five bass, 17-6

Rounding out the top 10 teams were:

                4th: Covington Catholic High School, Park Hills, Ky. – Phoenix Parks and Brandon Smith, five bass, 14-1
5th: Central Florida Youth Anglers – Ryder Krueger, Myakka City, Fla., and Carson Yero, Lake Placid, Fla., five bass, 14-1
                6th: Kaneland High School, Maple Park, Ill. – J.D. McBroom and Carter Pjesky, four bass, 11-2
                7th: Lakeland Junior Hawg Hunters, Lakeland, Fla. – Jaxon Johnson and Brody Kauffman, five bass, 10-0
                8th: Williston Middle High School, Williston, Fla. – Wylie North and Wyatt North, five bass, 9-4
                9th: HS Potomac River Bass Master – Jarren Crowder, Clearspring, Md., and Zach Schrock, Williamsport, Md., five bass, 8-13
                10th: Denmark High School, Alpharetta, Ga. – Diego Alea and Carson Taylor, four bass, 8-8

Complete results from the event can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.

MLF Abu Garcia High School Fishing presented by Tackle Warehouse tournaments are free, two-person (team) events for students in grades 7-12 and are open to any MLF and TBF Student Angler Federation-affiliated high school club. The top 10 percent of teams at each Open event, along with the TBF High School Fishing state championships, advance to the High School Fishing National Championship. Tournaments held on or before May 6, 2024, advance teams to the 2024 National Championship. Tournaments held after May 6, 2024, advance teams to the 2025 National Championship.

The 2024 Abu Garcia High School Fishing National Championship & World Finals events will take place June 19-22, at Lake Hartwell in Anderson, South Carolina. The High School Fishing National Champions each receive a $5,000 college scholarship to the school of their choice and advance to the 2024 MLF Toyota Series Championship to compete as co-anglers.

Proud sponsors of the 2024 MLF Abu Garcia High School Fishing Presented by Tackle Warehouse include: 7Brew, Abu Garcia, B&W Trailer Hitches, Berkley, BUBBA, E3, Epic Baits, General Tire, GSM Outdoors, 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 tournament information, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular High School Fishing updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow MLF5’s social media outlets at Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.



Bait & Switch: Unraveling the Impact of Industry Titans Shrinking the Big Bass Landscape

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If you missed the recent news of Rapala VMC Corporation taking full ownership of the esteemed 13 Fishing brand comes as a stark reminder that the world of the fishing tackle market is ever tightening when it comes to true variety. It emphasizes a trend we’ve seen unfolding over the past decade — consolidation, and the consequential shrinkage of options for the angler.

For those unfamiliar, Rapala VMC is one of the biggest names in the fishing gear market. They aren’t a small town startup trying to make a splash in a shark tank; they are the shark. The acquisition of the remaining shares of 13 Fishing from James Coble not only grants Rapala VMC a high-performing brand but also a foot in the door of the US rod and reel market, a space that they’d been eyeing for a while.

However, the implications of this for the fishing community are more cloudy. One might argue, as indeed does Rapala’s CEO Lars Ollberg, that this will be beneficial. After all, what can be more reassuring than knowing your new fishing rod comes backed by the heavyweight that is Rapala, a company triumphant in manufacturing and supply chain distribution?

But on another note, what does this new merger mean for the distinctiveness and diversity that many credit to 13 Fishing? Innovation has been the brand calling card, offering alternatives from the usual market staples. But now with Rapala at the helm, will 13 Fishing’s novelty appeal and alternative identity eventually be minimized or altogether forgotten?

Rapala’s take over of 13 Fishing is another name added to a disturbingly growing list of unique brands being absorbed by industry titans. The colossal shadow these big names cast often lead to a reduction of variety within the industry, particularly amidst the suppliers of big bass wares. From a business perspective, this can streamline operations and lead to financial savings. From the angler’s vantage point, however, this means a potentially smaller selection of equipment and perhaps less innovation in the market.

Let’s not forget the impact corporate mergers have on the world of professional angler sponsorships. These partnerships are lifelines for anglers, fueling careers and passions alike.

But with big fish like Rapala swallowing up independent brands, the pool of potential sponsors is shrinking. This could spell tighter competition and fewer opportunities for anglers gunning for those funds.

These changes might also threaten finances for lesser-known or emerging talent. Smaller brands have a history of betting on these underdogs, but what happens when there are fewer of them around?

While it’s possible that behemoths like Rapala will step up their sponsorship game, the scary possibility remains: we could be witnessing a slow drain on sponsorship opportunities for both new and veteran professional anglers. As in fishing and in its related business, adaptability to rippling changes remains key.

True, the worst-case scenario might not come to pass. Rapala might well uphold 13 Fishing’s stunt for offbeat creativity. Still, the question remains and will remain — are we on the precipice of an industry where fishermen gear shops bear the logos of just a few big names, instead of a diverse array of inventive manufacturers? And if this is the case, are we, the anglers, truly better off? For those who love the craft and what each unique brand brings to the sport, this is a question worth fishing for.



Let’s Make 2024 the Best Bass Fishing Season Yet!

Dear Editor,

As we brush off the dust of 2023 and usher in the triumphant arrival of 2024, every angler worth their salt knows it’s time to set those resolutions for a stellar new year of Bass fishing. Here are a few tips to make this year’s Bass fishing season the best one yet.

Firstly, instead of setting rigid resolutions, try creating attainable intentions. This means setting daily, weekly, and monthly goals. For instance, you may want to learn a new casting technique, try out different fishing gear each month, or aim to catch a certain number of Bass each week. Writing down your goals can help crystalize your intentions in your mind, making them more achievable.

Secondly, let’s not forget the power of variety. Consider discovering a new fishing spot or exploring a new style of Bass fishing. These fresh experiences could ignite a renewed passion for the sport and create potential for impressive catches.

Don’t be afraid to venture out of your comfort zone. Perhaps you’ve always wanted to compete in a Bass fishing tournament, but something’s held you back — this is the year to face that fear head-on. Even small acts of bravery, such as trying out a risky bait or implementing a new strategy, can significantly enhance your fishing skills.

Develop a routine for your fishing escapades. Regularly scheduled fishing trips – whether weekly or monthly – can help you stay engaged and improve your angling skills. If fitness is a part of your 2024 goals, include some workouts specifically tailored for fishing — strength and conditioning exercises will definitely give you added endurance for those long fishing trips.

Eating healthy can skyrocket your energy levels for those extensive hours by the water. Consider replacing processed snacks with more wholesome options, providing you the energy to keep you alert at your hook-line.

One of the highlights after every fishing adventure should be celebrating your accomplishments, regardless of their size. Did you manage to hook a particularly crafty Bass? Did you learn a new knot? Each of these victories merits a hearty celebration.

Lastly, consider finding a mentor or fishing buddy who can help motivate and hold you accountable to your 2024 fishing goals. Genuine progress and improvement often come from constructive feedback and shared expertise.

Let’s make 2024 the year we all become better anglers, creating lasting memories not just of the Bass we caught, but of the personal milestones we conquered along the way.

Tight lines!



Chasing the Perfect Catch: The Amateur Angler’s Guide to Lake Conner, Virginia


This modestly sized water body covering 77 acres is nestled quietly in Halifax County, Virginia. Not just a fishing hub, Lake Conner offers serene surroundings ideal for nature enthusiasts keen on enjoying a tranquil setting away from the hustles and bustles of city life. Wildflowers dot the bank with their vibrant colors, songbirds frequently pay visits, and the water is usually calm, except for when a fish occasionally indulges in a quick leap.

Modern-Day Fishing at Lake Conner:
Today, Lake Conner, with its lush ecosystem, continues to attract both amateur and seasoned anglers. A visit to Lake Conner promises a thrilling fishing day with abundant largemouth bass, along with a healthy population of bluegill, redear sunfish, and channel catfish. While waiting for that trophy catch, you can enjoy the peace and tranquility this idyllic setting offers.

If your planing on fishing at lake Conner in VA here are some recommendations

  1. Jumbo Shiner- Try using a large swimbait or soft plastic bait in a shiner color pattern. Look for lures that have a realistic shiner profile and swimming action.
  2. Small Bluegill– Use a bluegill imitating crankbait or soft plastic bait. Look for lures that mimic the shape, color, and movement of a small bluegill.
  3. Minnows- Opt for small jerkbaits or swimbaits that mimic the appearance and swimming action of a minnow. Look for lures with a realistic minnow profile and lifelike swimming motion.
  4. Crayfish- Select crawfish imitating jigs or soft plastic baits. Look for lures that resemble the color, shape, and movement of a crayfish.
  5. Nightcrawlers- Use soft plastic worm baits or rubber worms in natural colors. Look for lures that resemble the size and texture of a nightcrawler.
  6. Frogs- Choose topwater frog lures that replicate the appearance and movement of a frog. Look for lures with lifelike frog patterns and a realistic frog hopping action.

These artificial baits are effective because they mimic the natural prey of largemouth bass, such as minnows, crayfish, and frogs. The realistic appearance, color, and movement of these lures can attract the attention of largemouth bass and trigger their predatory instincts. Remember to experiment with different sizes, colors, and retrieval techniques to find what works best in the specific fishing conditions at Lake Conner, Virginia.



VMC extends partnership with B.A.S.S. for another three years

January 5, 2024

VMC extends partnership with B.A.S.S. for another three years

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — After a successful three-year partnership that began in 2021, B.A.S.S. announced today that it has extended its relationship with VMC, a Rapala Respected Brand, for another three years, through 2026.

VMC is known for making award-winning hooks for every style of fishing and, most recently, for its RedLine Series, which is made from extra-light, extra-strength VMC Vanadium steel — the same material used to make Formula One racecars.

Several anglers have used VMC products to make history on the Bassmaster Elite Series in recent years, including Minnesota’s Seth Feider, who won the Progressive Insurance Bassmaster Angler of the Year title in 2021, Idaho’s Brandon Palaniuk, who won his second AOY title in 2022 and South Carolina’s Patrick Walters, who caught the biggest four-day catch of smallmouth in B.A.S.S. history in 2023 with 105 pounds on the St. Lawrence River.

“The accomplishments speak for themselves when you talk about the effect VMC products have had on the sport of fishing,” said B.A.S.S. CEO Chase Anderson. “We’re excited to continue our partnership with VMC — and to watch their anglers use their hooks to entertain and enlighten fishermen around the world.”

VMC will be featured during Bassmaster LIVE broadcasts streamed daily on Bassmaster.com and on the FOX Sports platforms. They’ll sponsor the daily VMC On-Point segment, highlighting an exciting catch from that day’s competition.

As a tournament sponsor, they will also be exposed to the sport’s most rabid fans with coverage on Bassmaster.com, in Bassmaster and B.A.S.S. Times magazines and on the organization’s various social media platforms.

In addition to sponsorship of the Elite Series, VMC will be a supporting sponsor for the St. Croix Bassmaster Opens, Strike King Bassmaster College Series presented by Bass Pro Shops, Strike King Bassmaster High School Series, Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Team Championship and the grass-roots Mercury B.A.S.S. Nation Qualifier Series presented by Lowrance and championship tournaments.

VMC’s RedLine Series, which was introduced earlier this year, is comprised of eight hooks — all designed for tournament bass anglers who demand a better hook set and more landing certainty. With their velvety-smooth P.T.F.E. coating, RedLine hooks penetrate 50% faster than ordinary hooks — and with the company’s unique, compressed Needle Point design that produces an ultra-sharp point, fish practically hook themselves.

“In my opinion, you can have the best equipment in boats, motors, electronics, baits, rods, reels and line, but if you cut corners on your hook you will fail,” said Gerald Swindle, a member of the Rapala pro team and a two-time Angler of the Year (2004, 2016). “The most important piece of the puzzle to tie all of that equipment together is the hook that you tie on. The VMC RedLine is the ultimate fishing hook.”

Matt Jensen, vice president of marketing for Rapala VMC, agreed — and expressed his excitement about the continuing partnership with B.A.S.S.

“VMC is invested into products for tournament anglers, especially with the launch of the VMC RedLine Series,” he said. “This makes Bassmaster a vital partner of ours to help tell the story of the innovation and pro experience we put into all the new hooks and jigs available today. We listen to our pros and build products for the best of the best anglers.”



New Year, New Digs

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New Year, New Digs
DAIWA kicks off 2024 in new corporate headquarters and USA warehouse facilities.
Foothill Ranch, CA (January 5, 2024) – With the installation of the DAIWA logo sign above the main entrance this week, the tackle manufacturer has officially completed its office and warehouse move – doubling its space and capacity to ship product – to a new facility located at 20155 Ellipse in Foothill Ranch, Calif.Planning for the new facility started in 2019, but issues from the COVID-19 pandemic to supply chain delays, to construction and warehouse materials shortages and changes in their working environment slowed down the process. “We wanted to make sure the new facility met our needs in these post-Covid times, so we did a pause with selecting the right location,” said DAIWA USA president Carey Graves. “By discussing and collaborating with our warehouse and office operations managers on what was needed to run our business more efficiently, the new facility sets us up to grow DAIWA’s business and better serve our dealers and customers.”
According to warehouse operations manager Brian Nolte, the new facility gives DAIWA 20 truck bays dedicated to both inbound and outbound shipping. “We’ll also be able to use the added bays as flex space for extra storage needs and stage product for value-added builds of special combos,” said Nolte. “The extra warehouse space and bays give us the in-house capability to efficiently add UPCs, hang tags, and dealer stickers, giving us unique benefits to offer our dealers.”Nolte notes the added square footage enabled DAIWA to add both a dedicated shipping office and an after-service reel maintenance/repair center within the warehouse and main entrance area. A complete revamp of DAIWA racking systems for pick-and-ship needs also provides more efficient operations.
“While the warehouse needs were the main priority in the new facility, the secondary focus was our office needs,” Graves said. “With changes in the business environment to accommodate both in-office and out-of-office working capabilities, we’ve set up our corporate area with dedicated space for customer service, our accounting/financial operations, and our sales and marketing office needs. While many of our office staff work a hybrid in-office/OOF schedule, we have an excellent set-up in the new facility for the various teams to come together for in-person discussions and collaboration for our business.”Graves noted the entire DAIWA team is anxious to welcome its manufacturer reps, dealers, and distributors to the new facility in 2024. “It shows our commitment to the DAIWA tackle business, which in turn shows our commitment to their businesses,” said Graves.
DAIWA USA President, Carey Graves
For Daiwa’s latest color catalog and/or information on Daiwa dealers in your area, call Daiwa’s Customer Service Department at 562-375-6800 or e-mail inquiries to: [email protected]. The URL for Daiwa’s web site is daiwa.us