Search
Subscribe
Wednesday, December 17, 2025
Home Blog Page 296

Major League Fishing General Tire Team Series Wraps Production at First Event of 2024 Season in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Brian Carter
-
0
Major League Fishing General Tire Team Series Wraps Production at First Event of 2024 Season in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Bass Fishing Event Completes Week-Long Television Shoot in Grand Rapids, Michigan, with Nine Three-Man Teams Competing to Advance to Bass Pro Shops Team Series Championship

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (Sept. 15, 2023) – Major League Fishing (MLF) and 27 of the best pro anglers in the world officially wrapped production this week at the first event of the 2024 General Tire Team Series – the Lucas Oil Qualifier Presented by B&W Trailer Hitches in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The competition was filmed entirely for television broadcast and shot over six days this past week, featuring nine teams of three anglers competing to finish in the top three to advance to the Bass Pro Shops Team Series Championship.

The General Tire Team Series Lucas Oil Qualifier Presented by B&W Trailer Hitches event marked the first time that MLF had visited the Grand Rapids, Michigan, area with an event that showcases the catch, weigh and immediate-release tournament format.

The event featured professional anglers visiting the Grand Rapids area to compete on one of three fisheries on each day of competition: Muskegon and Bear Lakes, White Lake and Grand River. The competition waters for each day of the event were not disclosed until the anglers arrived at the launch ramp each morning, creating a reality-based television episode that showcases how the top anglers in the world work with their teammates to break down new and unfamiliar waters.

The nine teams that competed in the General Tire Team Series Lucas Oil Qualifier Presented by B&W Trailer Hitches in Grand Rapids, Michigan, were:

Team B&W Trailer Hitches:
Adrian Avena, Vineland, N.J.
Spencer Shuffield, Hot Springs, Ark.
Ryan Salzman, Huntsville, Ala.

Team Builders FirstSource:
Zack Birge, Blanchard, Okla.
Mark Rose, Wynne, Ark.
Cliff Pace, Petal, Miss.

Team Crockett Creek:
Jonathon VanDam, Kalamazoo, Mich.
James Elam, Tulsa, Okla.
Matt Lee, Cullman, Ala.

Team Ferguson:
Dakota Ebare, Brookeland, Texas
Justin Cooper, Zwolle, La.
Tommy Biffle, Wagoner, Okla.

Team Knighten Industries:
Wesley Strader, Spring City, Tenn.
Scott Suggs, Alexander, Ark.
Matt Becker, Ten Mile, Tenn.

Team Kubota:
Jacob Wheeler, Harrison, Tenn.
Dylan Hays, Hot Springs, Ark.
Boyd Duckett, Guntersville, Ala.

Team Smokey Mountain Herbal Snuff & Pouches:
Bryan Thrift, Shelby, N.C.
Luke Clausen, Spokane, Wash.
Josh Butler, Hayden, Ala.

Team Sqwincher:
Dustin Connell, Clanton, Ala.
Cole Floyd, Leesburg, Ohio
Roy Hawk, Lake Havasu City, Ariz.

Team Star brite:
Chris Lane, Guntersville, Ala.
Jared Lintner, Covington, Ga.
John Hunter, Shelbyville, Ky.

The MLF General Tire Team Series Lucas Oil Qualifier Presented by B&W Trailer Hitches will air on Outdoor Channel as six, two-hour original episodes each Saturday afternoon starting Jan. 6, 2024, airing from 2 to 4 p.m. EDT. The full television schedule can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com/tv-schedule.

The 2024 General Tire Team Series is comprised of three qualifying events, filmed for production in the fall of 2023, where teams compete for advancement to the Bass Pro Shops Teams Series Championship, set to film in early December 2023. Each of the three Team Series Qualifiers consist of nine teams, each comprising three anglers.

Nearly a half a million dollars will be paid out over the three no-entry fee Qualifiers, and the total season-long purse for the General Tire Team Series is more than $720,000.

Proud sponsors of the MLF General Tire Team Series include: Abu Garcia, B&W Trailer Hitches, Barbasol, Bass Pro Shops, Berkley, Bubba, Builders FirstSource, Costa, Crockett Creek Beef Jerky, Ferguson, General Tire, Knighten Industries, Kubota, Lowrance, Lucas Oil, Mercury Marine, Mossy Oak, NITRO Boats, Onyx, Optima Batteries, Power-Pole, Quad Lock, Smokey Mountain Herbal Snuff & Pouches, Sqwincher, St. Croix Rods, Star brite, Toyota and YETI.

For complete details and updated information on Major League Fishing and the General Tire Team Series, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow MLF’s social media outlets at Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.



DAIWA launches “significantly changed”, high-performing FUEGO mid-price spinning reel.

Brian Carter
-
0
DAIWA launches “significantly changed”, high-performing FUEGO mid-price spinning reel.
En Fuego!
DAIWA launches “significantly changed”, high-performing FUEGO mid-price spinning reel.
FOOTHILL RANCH, CA (September 15, 2023) – We know a lot of fishing guides who swear by the current DAIWA FUEGO LT, even though they could fish with any spinning reel in DAIWA’s line-up. For example, Minnesota’s National Freshwater Fishing Hall of Famer, Tom Neustrom, who’s still guiding in his mid-70s.“The FUEGO just gets the job done. Day-in, day-out, it’s a reel I can trust to fish walleyes, bass, pike, whatever—as well as my clients—because it’s smooth, provides great drag performance, and stands up to real-world fishing. It should cost a whole lot more, I’ll tell you that,” says Neustrom. 
Well, guides like Neustrom and everyone else are going to be even more impressed with the performance of DAIWA’s improved FUEGO.Looking at the new DAIWA FUEGO—compared to the existing FUEGO LT generation—the design changes are significant. “First,” says DAIWA Senior Marketing Manager, Marc Mills, “we went to a true ZAION V carbon-fiber body, not a nylon-based plastic that you see in other manufacturers’ reels at this price. The new FUEGO stands alone in the marketplace at this price. You get some weight reduction because of this material design change. We also went to an AIRDRIVE ROTOR that reduces weight, too, and incorporated a solid AIRDRIVE BAIL versus a tubular design. The reason for that is the metal we’re using is very strong, rigid, and doesn’t bend—yet, it’s thinner and lighter. Our goal was to reduce the weight of the rotation, which decreases the weight of the reel as well. It also makes it easier to turn the handle. We’re making the performance better and better with each generation of FUEGO.”
“The other big deal with the FUEGO redesign is we added true 5000- and 6000-size reels, which allows us to step into the inshore market, especially with northeast anglers chasing striped bass,” Mills adds.
DAIWA FUEGO Features: NEW! ZAION V Body (3%-5% lighter than current model) NEW! AIRDRIVE ROTOR NEW! SOLID AIRDRIVE BAIL NEW! MAGSEALED NEW! 5000 and 6000 sizes for saltwater TOUGH DIGIGEAR® Machined aluminum screw-in handle Ball Bearing-Supported Advanced Tournament Drag (ATD™) Gear ratios between 5.2:1 and 6.2:1 for effectively playing fish Line-Per-Turn: 25.5-inches (1000 size) to 36.2-inches (6000 size) MSRP $109.99-$129.99
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



How to Lose a Tournament by Justin Largen

Brian Carter
-
0
How to Lose a Tournament by Justin Largen

I’ve spent a lot of time competing in tournaments over the last few years. While I’ve had some success, there have been a lot of failures too. I fished a tournament recently on the Rappahannock River that falls into the latter category. I did a lot of things right, but also made a costly mistake. That blunder gave me an idea. Why not compile a list of my favorite ways to lose a tournament. And this isn’t just a theoretical exercise. I actually committed every one of these errors. Enjoy.

5. Get lost

Have you ever punched in directions with Google Maps and ended up nowhere near your intended location? It’s only happened to me a few times and seemingly at random. I still don’t know how or why, but the one time it happened during a tournament was an unforgettable nightmare. At the ’22 KBF National Championship, I was due to reach the ramp a few minutes before first launch. It was just starting to get light when I suddenly realized that nothing looked familiar. When I pulled over to check my phone, Google, to my horror, was taking me to a field in the middle of nowhere, an hour in the wrong direction. When I reentered the ramp pin, it routed to the same wrong spot. So, I dropped a new pin just down the road from the original. Magically, the correct directions loaded, and two hours later I arrived at the ramp. Technically, that lost time didn’t prevent me from winning, but it certainly didn’t help things.

4. Hands in the no-touch zone

At that same ’22 KBF NC, I made another costly mistake. Even with the shortened day, I had managed a small limit, which felt like a win. Then three of my fish submissions were denied because of hand placement. When you only catch five fish, that’s a big problem! KBF rules don’t allow any part of your hand to extend beyond the caudal or anal fins. This wasn’t a new rule, but I’d recently fished Hobie and B.A.S.S. events – both with looser rules on hand placement – and the KBF specifications slipped my mind. I wasn’t touching the tail, but my hand was clearly in the no-touch zone for the three denied fish. KBF judges made the right call. My mental error left me with only two keepers for the day and no chance to recover.

3. Identifier problems

Identifiers are an important part of kayak fishing. They’re a way to promote tournament sponsors, and, equally important, they ensure that the fish being submitted are actually caught during the tournament, not before. I’ve made several blunders with these identifiers. At the ’21 KBF National Championship, my first one, I didn’t realize that there were special identifiers for that event. I submitted my fish using the standard KBF identifier. That meant every fish I caught was (deservedly) denied, and I got a big fat zero for the tournament. Another identifier mistake came on the Susquehanna River last year. I was fishing a Hobie tournament and decided to sign up for the joint MAKBF event. As I was finishing tackle prep late on Friday night, it dawned on me that MAKBF probably uses a unique identifier. A quick search on my phone confirmed my fear. Naturally, no print stores were open at that hour, and I didn’t know anyone from the club, so there was nothing I could do. The next day my fish counted in the Hobie standings but not the MAKBF, where I would’ve had a top 5 finish. My final identifier story hurt the worst. I was competing in a KBF Trail event on the Potomac River in ’21. I was amped up for my first tournament on my home water, and I got in a hurry with one of my fish. I took four or five pictures of the 17-incher before releasing it, but the identifier was cut off in every photo. The fish was rightfully denied, which took 3 inches off my total. Instead of a 4th place finish and a nice check, I slid down to 10th and outside the money. Brutal.

2. Use an unauthorized launch

This mistake is the most painful one I’ve experienced in tournament fishing. I was competing in a KBF Trail event on the Trinity River in ’21. I booked a campsite at a Corps of Engineers park that had boat ramps. Before booking, I confirmed on the Texas Parks and Wildlife site that the ramps were public. It was a springtime tournament and during practice I found two areas with big bedding fish. I couldn’t wait to get after them on the morning of the tournament, but as I pedaled into the area, another angler pulled up behind me and started yelling. He was accusing me of using an illegal launch. I told him it was public according to the website, then I called the tournament director to make sure. After getting confirmation, I went fishing and caught enough fish for a 7th place finish. The next day I used a different ramp to fish the other side of the lake, but another angler beat me to my spot. Rather than crowd the other competitor, I decided to go back to my spot from the day before. I had checked out of my campsite earlier that morning, and when I pulled up to the gate, the park attendant informed me that they only allow campers to use the ramps. This meant that those ramps, while open to the public, did not meet the criteria for use during our tournament. I had to call the director and report the new information, knowing that it would lead to a day 1 disqualification. I felt sick to my stomach for hours. My only consolation was that my buddy Lance got the 7th place check, so at least it’s in good hands.

1. Don’t submit your fish

My final mistake came at the recent NVKBA tournament on the Rappahannock River. Fishing was tough. I caught my first bass at noon, then picked up four more over the next hour and a half. My limit totaled 79 inches, well short of my target. Based on prior tournament results, I thought it would take at least 85 inches to win. Meanwhile, I was miles from the ramp and had no service. So, I had a decision to make. I could start back toward the ramp, get back in cell range, and submit my fish before the 2:30 deadline. Or I could keep fishing – knowing that I need an upgrade or two to win – and risk missing the cutoff. As you can probably deduce, I gambled for the win. I fished hard for the final 30 minutes of the competition but couldn’t cull up. When the 2:00 alarm sounded, I paddled as hard as I could, but I didn’t reach the ramp and service until 2:45. I had missed the deadline, and my fish didn’t count. While disappointed, I was content with my decision to try to win. It wasn’t until the award ceremony that the sucker punch was delivered. It was a tough day for the entire field, and the winning total was – you guessed it – 79 inches! In fairness, I would’ve lost the big fish tiebreaker, but it stung to know that I would’ve finished 2nd. To add salt to the wound, because I didn’t submit any fish, I earned zero points, eliminating me from AOY contention. Ouch.
Reliving my tournament blooper reel has been oddly therapeutic. Those failures hurt at the time, and I definitely stewed over some of them. Now they don’t bother me so much. I’ve had some tournament success, which makes the stories kind of funny. Also, it’s good to have the ego checked every once in a while. Hopefully my failures will be inspirational for those of you who have made similar – though hopefully smaller – mistakes. Don’t let failures define you. You can’t go back and erase them, but you can use them as fuel to propel you upward. Regardless of what happened in the last derby, you can still win the next one. Good luck out there!



? Dive Deeper: Breaking Down the World of Swimbaits ?

Brian Carter
-
0
? Dive Deeper: Breaking Down the World of Swimbaits ?

? Dive Deeper: Breaking Down the World of Swimbaits ??‍♂️

Swimbaits are the chameleons of the fishing world, adapting to various scenarios and tempting an array of species. In this in-depth exploration, we’ll dissect the fascinating universe of swimbaits, unraveling their different types, and providing expert tips on how each should be used. Join us on this angling adventure spanning a thousand words, enriched with expressive emojis:

The Swimbait Spectrum ??

Swimbaits come in an astounding variety, each designed to mimic specific prey fish and cater to various fishing conditions. Let’s dive into the swimbait spectrum and explore the distinct types:

1. Soft Plastic Swimbaits: ??

Appearance: Soft plastic swimbaits are pliable, often featuring lifelike details like scales, fins, and eyes. They can resemble baitfish, shad, or even crawfish, depending on the style.

Tail Design: Soft plastic swimbaits typically have paddle tails, which produce a pronounced side-to-side swimming action when retrieved.

Best Use: These versatile lures are ideal for imitating baitfish in various water conditions. Fish them with a slow, steady retrieve to mimic an injured fish. They are effective for bass, pike, walleye, and a range of other predators.

Expert Tip: Experiment with different sizes and colors to match the local forage and water clarity. A natural color pattern can often entice more strikes.

2. Hard Body Swimbaits: ??

Appearance: Hard body swimbaits are rigid, often crafted to resemble specific prey fish. They may have realistic finishes and color patterns.

Lip Design: These swimbaits feature a lip or bill on the front, allowing them to dive to specific depths when retrieved.

Best Use: Hard body swimbaits are excellent for targeting larger predators like muskies, pike, and trophy-sized bass. Vary your retrieval speed and depth to trigger strikes.

Expert Tip: Use a pause-and-go retrieve to mimic the stop-and-start movement of injured prey, enticing lurking predators.

3. Glide Baits: ??

Appearance: Glide baits are typically elongated with a sinuous, eel-like design. They often feature multiple joints that create a realistic, undulating swimming motion.

Tail Design: Glide baits have a single, large paddle tail that imparts a sweeping side-to-side action.

Best Use: Glide baits are favored for targeting larger, predatory fish in both freshwater and saltwater environments. Their lifelike motion triggers aggressive strikes.

Expert Tip: Experiment with different retrieves, including a slow and steady glide, to mimic the movements of injured prey fish.

4. Swimbait Grubs: ??

Appearance: Swimbait grubs are smaller, grub-shaped soft plastics. They often have a segmented body and a small paddle tail.

Tail Design: These grubs feature a subtle, fluttering tail action that mimics the movements of smaller baitfish and aquatic creatures.

Best Use: Swimbait grubs are effective for catching panfish, trout, and smaller bass. They are versatile and can be used in various fishing scenarios.

Expert Tip: Use a light jighead to impart a subtle, natural-looking action. Vary the retrieval speed to match the mood of the fish.

5. Line-Through Swimbaits: ??

Appearance: Line-through swimbaits have a unique design where the fishing line passes through the bait’s body and exits at the top of the lure.

Tail Design: These swimbaits often have a soft, flexible tail that imparts a lifelike swimming motion.

Best Use: Line-through swimbaits are effective for targeting large predators like trophy bass and pike. They offer a natural presentation and a secure hookup.

Expert Tip: When using line-through swimbaits, consider using a fluorocarbon leader to reduce visibility and increase your chances of landing a trophy fish.

6. Paddle Tail Swimbaits: ?‍♂️?

Appearance: Paddle tail swimbaits have a segmented body with a flat, paddle-shaped tail. They are often designed to mimic baitfish.

Tail Design: The paddle tail imparts a tight, vibrating action, making it a go-to choice for imitating fleeing or injured baitfish.

Best Use: Paddle tail swimbaits are versatile and can be used in various fishing scenarios. They are effective for bass, walleye, pike, and many other species.

Expert Tip: Experiment with different retrieval speeds and depths to find the sweet spot that triggers strikes. In colder water, a slower presentation may be more effective.

7. Weedless Swimbaits: ??

Appearance: Weedless swimbaits are designed with features that minimize snagging on vegetation and structure. They often have a weed guard to protect the hook.

Tail Design: The tail design can vary, but paddle tails are common, providing excellent swimming action.

Best Use: Use weedless swimbaits in areas with heavy vegetation or structure where other lures might get snagged. They are effective for bass, pike, and other ambush predators.

Expert Tip: Focus on casting near cover and retrieving your weedless swimbait with a slow, enticing motion to draw fish out of hiding.

8. Live-Action Swimbaits: ?️?

Appearance: Live-action swimbaits often feature cutting-edge technology, such as built-in motors or electronic features that mimic the movements of live prey.

Tail Design: Tail designs can vary, but the focus is on creating lifelike, dynamic motions.

Best Use: Live-action swimbaits are excellent for anglers looking to harness the latest technology for a highly realistic presentation. They can be effective for various species, including largemouth bass and muskies.

Expert Tip: Pay attention to battery life and ensure your live-action swimbait is fully charged before hitting the water. Adjust the settings to match the behavior of the local prey.

Expert Tips for Swimbait Success ??

Regardless of the type of swimbait you choose, here are some expert tips to maximize your success:

  1. Match the Hatch: Observe the local baitfish and choose a swimbait that closely resembles them in size, color, and movement.
  2. Vary Your Retrieve: Experiment with different retrieval speeds, pauses, and erratic motions to trigger strikes from curious or aggressive fish.
  3. Use the Right Gear: Ensure your rod, reel, line, and hooks are appropriate for the size and type of swimbait you’re using.
  4. Fish with Confidence: Trust your chosen swimbait and commit to your presentation. Confidence often translates into success.
  5. Pay Attention to Depth: Adjust the depth of your swimbait based on where you believe the fish are holding. This can make a significant difference in your catch rate.
  6. Keep Learning: Swimbaits offer endless opportunities for learning and experimentation. Keep a fishing journal to record your successes and failures, refining your techniques over time.

In conclusion, swimbaits are a captivating category of lures, offering anglers versatility, realism, and the potential for thrilling catches. By understanding the different types of swimbaits and how to use them effectively, you can elevate your angling game and unlock exciting fishing experiences. So, dive deeper into the world of swimbaits, experiment, and embrace the adventure of chasing trophy fish. ???



Lane leverages key spot for Bassmaster Open lead on Watts Bar Reservoir

Brian Carter
-
0
Lane leverages key spot for Bassmaster Open lead on Watts Bar Reservoir

Bobby Lane of Lakeland, Fla., is leading after Day 1 of the 2023 St. Croix Bassmaster Open at Watts Bar Reservoir with 15 pounds, 2 ounces. 

Photo by Andy Crawford/B.A.S.S.

September 14, 2023

Lane leverages key spot for Bassmaster Open lead on Watts Bar Reservoir

KINGSTON, Tenn. — Bobby Lane didn’t want to overstay his welcome, but protecting a special spot allowed the Lakeland, Fla., pro to bag a limit of 15 pounds, 2 ounces to lead Day 1 of the St. Croix Bassmaster Open at Watts Bar Reservoir.

In a tight Top 10 with 2-7 separating first place from 10th, Lane leads second-place Tyler Williams by 3 ounces.

“The problem with where I was this morning was I caught ‘em quick and there were about eight boats around, so I couldn’t leave the spot,” Lane said. “That was where the fish were and the minute I left they would go right there because no one was catching anything around me.

“I would have loved to have had the place to myself where I could have caught five and gotten out of there. As tough as it is to get bit out here right now, I really wish I could have saved some of those fish for Day 2, but I couldn’t leave as early as I wanted to.”

Having grown up fishing Florida’s grassy lakes, Lane said he enjoyed fishing familiar habitat, although he had to adjust his Sunshine State tactics for local scenarios.

“I felt at home, but it doesn’t fish like home,” Lane said. “The grass fishes differently and it sets up differently. There are so many different kinds of grass here. Back in Okeechobee, we have hydrilla and eelgrass. Up here, you have coontail, you have hydrilla, you have milfoil, you have this leafy grass and it’s all mixed together.

“A lot of it’s matted up and some of it’s thin and you kind of had to fish your way through in practice to figure out which grass they wanted. After today, I decided they didn’t care which grass it was. You just had to fish your backside off.”

An early topwater bite with the new Berkley Swamp Lord popping frog in the copperhead color yielded seven keepers, two of which crossed the weigh-in stage. Lane ended up filling his limit by fishing Texas-rigged Berkley Powerbait plastics.

“I hadn’t caught many on topwater this week,” he said. “But this morning, one of those big ones came on the frog. Right after that, one came up schooling, so I threw over there and caught it. It was a 2 1/2-pounder.”

Notably, Lane said he initially had not planned on fishing what turned out to be a surprisingly productive area.

“It finally clicked today. It was a tough practice, and I only had a limit one day,” Lane said. “I shook a few fish off (in practice) and I said, ‘Man, I’ve got to go back.’

“I put that Power-Pole Move trolling motor on about 10 and just cruised through that grass.”

Lane said the key to maximizing his main area’s productivity was dialing in a specific habitat element. Once he finally yielded his spot, he did so for the purpose of checking on a possible Plan B that might serve his Day 2 objective.

“I left one little area alone today. I ran into it, made one cast, caught one almost 3 pounds and left,” Lane said. “I’m hoping that will pan out for tomorrow.”

Hailing from Belgrade, Maine, Williams is in second place with 14-15. He did most of his work without his trolling motor and Power-Poles, which stopped functioning early into his day.

Anchoring his bag with a 4-12, Williams salvaged his day by drifting across promising areas and doing his best to fish as many isolated targets as he could. Defining resilience, Williams overcame what he termed the most mentally taxing day he’s ever spent on the water and made the best of what he had to work with.

“I don’t get spun out on the water and I was getting spun out today,” Williams said. “I nearly gave up this morning, but I sat down, ate some Jack’s Links beef jerky — the barbecue flavor — and gave myself a pep talk.

“I figured the best thing to do was to fish areas with these isolated targets — a stump, a brushpile, a grass clump — but because I couldn’t use my trolling motor, I couldn’t turn my (forward-facing sonar transducer), so I had to lean over the bow and turn it by hand. I nearly fell in three times.”

Dale Hightower of Mannford, Okla., is in third place with 14-8. Similar to Lane’s story, Hightower was not planning to fish the area that carried his first-round effort, but a last-minute decision delivered surprisingly favorable results.

“I almost didn’t go to this spot, but then I thought, ‘No better than what my practice was, I’d better go,’” Hightower said. “I never really keyed in on a topwater bite all through practice. It happens early and it’s only a short window. In practice, I don’t think I was getting out there early enough to cover enough water to see.

“I got 15 bites doing that today. Later in the day, I just went fishing in the area where I’d caught some fish in practice. I just slowed down and caught them on finesse baits.”

Jason Abram of Piney Flats, Tenn., is in the lead for Phoenix Boats Big Bass honors with his 4-14.

Darren Kelly of Wartburg, Tenn., leads the co-angler division with 6-14. With a 3-pounder boosting his day’s efforts, Kelly said diversity was the key to his success.

“We did a little bit of everything today,” Kelly said. “I had a fish on every bait I threw. I’d catch one flipping, then I’d turn around and catch one on a shaky head, then I’d turn around and catch one on a ChatterBait.

“I was rotating a lot of rods and the good Lord gave me three keepers. That’s what I needed.”

Kelly caught his big fish around 12:30 p.m. by flipping a Berkley Havoc Pit Boss with a 5/16-ounce tungsten weight.

Harold Addison of Columbia, S.C., holds the Phoenix Boats Big Bass lead among co-anglers with a 3-4.

Friday’s takeoff is scheduled for 7:15 a.m. CT at Kingston Boat Ramp. The weigh-in will be held at the ramp at 3:15 p.m. Full coverage will be available on Bassmaster.com. 

The City of Kingston is hosting the tournament.

2023 St. Croix Bassmaster Open at Watts Bar 9/14-9/16
Watts Bar Reservoir, Kingston  TN.

(BOATER) Standings Day 1    Angler                   Hometown              No./lbs-oz  Pts   Total $$$
1.  Bobby Lane Jr.         Lakeland, FL             5  15-02  200
  Day 1: 5   15-02   
2.  Tyler Williams         Belgrade, ME             5  14-15  199
  Day 1: 5   14-15   
3.  Dale Hightower         Mannford, OK             5  14-08  198
  Day 1: 5   14-08   
4.  Tucker Veronee         Gilbert, SC              5  13-14  197
  Day 1: 5   13-14   
5.  Jacob Bigelow          Cecil, WI                5  13-07  196
  Day 1: 5   13-07   
6.  Mike Surman            Boca Raton, FL           5  13-04  195
  Day 1: 5   13-04   
7.  John Garrett           Union City, TN           5  13-01  194
  Day 1: 5   13-01   
8.  Jason Abram            Piney Flats, TN          5  13-00  193
  Day 1: 5   13-00   
9.  Sam George             Athens, AL               5  12-13  192
  Day 1: 5   12-13   
10. Jason Lambert          Savannah, TN             5  12-11  191
  Day 1: 5   12-11   
11. Adam Rasmussen         Sturgeon Bay, WI         5  12-09  190
  Day 1: 5   12-09   
12. Jason Carpenter        Castle Pines, CO         5  12-07  189
  Day 1: 5   12-07   
13. Trey McKinney          Carbondale, IL           5  12-04  188
  Day 1: 5   12-04   
14. Kyle Austin            Ridgeville, SC           5  12-03  187
  Day 1: 5   12-03   
15. Wesley Gore            Clanton, AL              5  12-02  186
  Day 1: 5   12-02   
16. Lucas Murphy           West Columbia, MI        5  12-00  185
  Day 1: 5   12-00   
17. JT Thompkins           Myrtle Beach, SC         5  11-13  184
  Day 1: 5   11-13   
18. Chad Warren            Sand Springs, OK         5  11-12  183
  Day 1: 5   11-12   
19. Harvey Horne           Bella Vista, AR          5  11-11  182
  Day 1: 5   11-11   
20. David Williams         Newton, NC               5  11-08  181
  Day 1: 5   11-08   
21. Kyle Patrick           Cooperstown, NY          5  11-07  180
  Day 1: 5   11-07   
22. Jeff Salmon            Mechanicsville, VA       5  11-06  179
  Day 1: 5   11-06   
23. Daisuke Kita           Ostu Shiga JAPAN         5  11-05  178
  Day 1: 5   11-05   
24. Wil Dieffenbauch III   Hundred, WV              4  11-05  177
  Day 1: 4   11-05   
25. Lafe Messer            Warfield, KY             5  11-04  176
  Day 1: 5   11-04   
26. Yusuke Miyazaki        Forney, TX               5  11-03  175
  Day 1: 5   11-03   
27. Chris Kingree          Inverness, FL            5  11-01  174
  Day 1: 5   11-01   
28. Takayuki Koike         Otsu-City JAPAN          5  10-14  173
  Day 1: 5   10-14   
29. Jonathan Dietz         Corry, PA                5  10-13  172
  Day 1: 5   10-13   
30. Jake Maddux            Birmingham, AL           5  10-12  171
  Day 1: 5   10-12   
30. Kyle Monti             Okeechobee, FL           5  10-12  171
  Day 1: 5   10-12   
32. Shaine Campbell        Brookeland, TX           5  10-09  169
  Day 1: 5   10-09   
33. Rob Digh               Denver, NC               4  10-09  168
  Day 1: 4   10-09   
34. Brett Cannon           Willis, TX               5  10-07  167
  Day 1: 5   10-07   
35. Shane Lineberger       Lincolnton, NC           5  10-05  166
  Day 1: 5   10-05   
36. Alex Murray            Lake Charles, LA         5  10-04  165
  Day 1: 5   10-04   
37. Pete Gluszek           Mount Laurel, NJ         5  10-03  164
  Day 1: 5   10-03   
38. Jack York              Emory, TX                3  10-03  163
  Day 1: 3   10-03   
39. Greg Bohannan          Bentonville, AR          5  10-02  162
  Day 1: 5   10-02   
39. Chris Hellebuyck       White Lake, MI           5  10-02  162
  Day 1: 5   10-02   
41. Clark Reehm            Elm Grove, LA            4  10-02  160
  Day 1: 4   10-02   
42. Hunter Sales           Blaine, TN               5  10-00  159
  Day 1: 5   10-00   
43. Paul Browning          Pecos, TX                4  10-00  158
  Day 1: 4   10-00   
44. John Conway Jr         Henrico, VA              5  09-15  157
  Day 1: 5   09-15   
44. Jack Dice              Lynchburg, VA            5  09-15  157
  Day 1: 5   09-15   
46. Blake Smith            Lakeland, FL             5  09-15  155
  Day 1: 5   09-15   
47. Logan Johnson          Jasper, AL               4  09-15  154
  Day 1: 4   09-15   
48. Zeke Gossett           Pell City, AL            5  09-14  153
  Day 1: 5   09-14   
48. Andrew Upshaw          Hemphill, TX             5  09-14  153
  Day 1: 5   09-14   
50. Allan Nail             Sand Springs, OK         5  09-13  151
  Day 1: 5   09-13   
51. Chase Clarke           Virginia Beach, VA       5  09-12  150
  Day 1: 5   09-12   
52. Cody Detweiler         Guntersville, AL         5  09-11  149
  Day 1: 5   09-11   
53. Robert Gee             Knoxville, TN            5  09-10  148
  Day 1: 5   09-10   
54. Ryan Broughman         Corapeake, NC            5  09-09  147
  Day 1: 5   09-09   
55. Jacob Thompkins        Myrtle Beach, SC         3  09-08  146
  Day 1: 3   09-08   
56. Kenji Yamada           Hixson, TN               5  09-07  145
  Day 1: 5   09-07   
57. Keith Tuma             Brainerd, MN             5  09-05  144
  Day 1: 5   09-05   
58. Brad Knight            Lancing, TN              5  09-04  143
  Day 1: 5   09-04   
58. John Soukup            Sapulpa, OK              5  09-04  143
  Day 1: 5   09-04   
60. Alex Heintze           Denham Springs, LA       5  09-02  141
  Day 1: 5   09-02   
60. Brandon McMillan       Clewiston, FL            5  09-02  141
  Day 1: 5   09-02   
62. Austin Cranford        Norman, OK               5  09-01  139
  Day 1: 5   09-01   
63. Logan Parks            Auburn, AL               4  09-01  138
  Day 1: 4   09-01   
64. Chris Dillow           Waynesboro, VA           4  09-00  137
  Day 1: 4   09-00   
65. Victor Alford          Kingston, TN             5  08-14  136
  Day 1: 5   08-14   
66. Charlie Hartley        Grove City, OH           5  08-13  135
  Day 1: 5   08-13   
66. Josh Hubbard           Dunnellon, FL            5  08-13  135
  Day 1: 5   08-13   
68. Julius Mazy            Phoenix, AZ              5  08-11  133
  Day 1: 5   08-11   
69. Teb Jones              Yalaha, MS               4  08-11  132
  Day 1: 4   08-11   
69. Brayden Rakes          Winston Salem, NC        4  08-11  132
  Day 1: 4   08-11   
71. Bo Thomas              Edwardsburg, MI          5  08-10  130
  Day 1: 5   08-10   
72. Kurt Mitchell          Milford, DE              4  08-08  129
  Day 1: 4   08-08   
73. Matt Pangrac           Shawnee, OK              5  08-07  128
  Day 1: 5   08-07   
74. Ish Monroe             Oakdale, CA              4  08-07  127
  Day 1: 4   08-07   
75. Tommy Williams         Shepherdsville, KY       4  08-06  126
  Day 1: 4   08-06   
76. Ty Faber               Pagosa Springs, CO       4  08-05  125
  Day 1: 4   08-05   
76. Louis Monetti          Brielle, NJ              4  08-05  125
  Day 1: 4   08-05   
78. Destin DeMarion        Harborcreek, PA          4  08-02  123
  Day 1: 4   08-02   
79. Miles Burghoff         Dayton, TN               3  08-00  122
  Day 1: 3   08-00   
79. Taylor Watkins         Clinton, TN              3  08-00  122
  Day 1: 3   08-00   
81. Denny Fiedler          Wabasha, MN              3  07-14  120
  Day 1: 3   07-14   
82. Keith Brumfield        Vicksburg, MS            4  07-09  119
  Day 1: 4   07-09   
83. Matt Henry             Milledgeville, GA        4  07-06  118
  Day 1: 4   07-06   
83. Andrew Mlotek          Indianapolis, IN         4  07-06  118
  Day 1: 4   07-06   
85. Chris Whitson          Louisville, TN           4  07-06  116
  Day 1: 4   07-06   
86. Powell Kemp            Scotland Neck, NC        3  07-06  115
  Day 1: 3   07-06   
87. Craig Chambers         Midland, NC              3  07-05  114
  Day 1: 3   07-05   
88. Rich Ortiz             Fort Ann, NY             4  07-03  113
  Day 1: 4   07-03   
89. Chase Henley           Kingston, TN             4  07-01  112
  Day 1: 4   07-01   
90. Brady Vernon           Sterrett, AL             3  07-01  111
  Day 1: 3   07-01   
91. Blake Sylvester        Plaquemine, LA           4  07-00  110
  Day 1: 4   07-00   
92. Brandon Tallhamer      Parkersburg, WV          4  06-14  109
  Day 1: 4   06-14   
93. Cole Drummond          Effingham, SC            4  06-12  108
  Day 1: 4   06-12   
94. Jamie Bruce            Kenora Ontario CANADA    3  06-12  107
  Day 1: 3   06-12   
94. Christian Shoda        Homosassa, FL            3  06-12  107
  Day 1: 3   06-12   
96. Brad Leuthner          Victoria, MN             4  06-10  105
  Day 1: 4   06-10   
97. Kenta Kimura           Osaka JAPAN              2  06-05  104
  Day 1: 2   06-05   
98. Trey Swindle           Cleveland, AL            4  06-04  103
  Day 1: 4   06-04   
99. Buck Mallory           Lawton, MI               3  06-03  102
  Day 1: 3   06-03   
100. Kyle Goltz             Cornell, WI              3  06-02  101
  Day 1: 3   06-02   
101. Matt Messer            Warfield, KY             2  06-02  100
  Day 1: 2   06-02   
102. Tyler Lubbat           Wheeling, IL             3  06-00   99
  Day 1: 3   06-00   
103. Jason Meninger         Yulee, FL                2  06-00   98
  Day 1: 2   06-00   
104. Chris Dover            Blacksburg, SC           3  05-15   97
  Day 1: 3   05-15   
104. Casey Smith            Victor, NY               3  05-15   97
  Day 1: 3   05-15   
106. Andrew Harp            Linden, TX               2  05-14   95
  Day 1: 2   05-14   
107. Phil Killian           Solomon, AZ              4  05-13   94
  Day 1: 4   05-13   
108. Tim Frederick          Leesburg, FL             3  05-12   93
  Day 1: 3   05-12   
108. Billy McDonald         Greenwood, IN            3  05-12   93
  Day 1: 3   05-12   
108. Casey Scanlon          Eldon, MO                3  05-12   93
  Day 1: 3   05-12   
111. Bronk Mcdaniel         Alexandria, LA           2  05-10   90
  Day 1: 2   05-10   
112. Tommy Brown            Louisville, TN           3  05-08   89
  Day 1: 3   05-08   
112. Griffin Phillips       Mount Olive, AL          3  05-08   89
  Day 1: 3   05-08   
114. Tripp Noojin           Bryant, AL               2  05-08   87
  Day 1: 2   05-08   
115. Scott Hamrick          Denver, NC               3  05-05   86
  Day 1: 3   05-05   
115. Dane Mitchell          Ten Mile, TN             3  05-05   86
  Day 1: 3   05-05   
115. JT Russell             Mc Calla, AL             3  05-05   86
  Day 1: 3   05-05   
118. Joey Hanna             Corsicana, TX            3  05-04   83
  Day 1: 3   05-04   
119. Shayne Berlo           Mclean, VA               3  05-03   82
  Day 1: 3   05-03   
120. James Niggemeyer       Van, TX                  3  05-02   81
  Day 1: 3   05-02   
121. Joey Nania             Cropwell, AL             3  05-01   80
  Day 1: 3   05-01   
122. Chad Grigsby           Maple Grove, MN          3  04-15   79
  Day 1: 3   04-15   
123. Chris Keeble           Lenoir City, TN          2  04-13   78
  Day 1: 2   04-13   
124. Michael Vanosdale      Knoxville, TN            1  04-11   77
  Day 1: 1   04-11   
125. B.J. Usie              Bourg, LA                2  04-09   76
  Day 1: 2   04-09   
126. John Murray            Spring City, TN          2  04-06   75
  Day 1: 2   04-06   
127. Jimmy Washam           Stantonville, TN         1  04-05   74
  Day 1: 1   04-05   
128. Ben Milliken           New Caney, TX            2  04-04   73
  Day 1: 2   04-04   
129. Scott Kerslake         Okeechobee, FL           3  04-03   72
  Day 1: 3   04-03   
130. Chancy Walters         West Des Moines, IA      2  04-02   71
  Day 1: 2   04-02   
131. Tom Frink              Southside, AL            2  04-01   70
  Day 1: 2   04-01   
131. Danny Ramsey           Trinidad, TX             2  04-01   70
  Day 1: 2   04-01   
133. Cody Stahl             Barnsville, GA           2  03-15   68
  Day 1: 2   03-15   
134. Clay Samples           South Boston, VA         2  03-12   67
  Day 1: 2   03-12   
135. Johnathan Crossland    Chapin, SC               2  03-10   66
  Day 1: 2   03-10   
136. Scout Echols           Monticello, AR           2  03-08   65
  Day 1: 2   03-08   
137. Bryan Bickell          Newcastle CANADA         2  03-06   64
  Day 1: 2   03-06   
137. David Perdue           Wirtz, VA                2  03-06   64
  Day 1: 2   03-06   
139. Jason Tibbetts         Centreville, VA          2  03-04   62
  Day 1: 2   03-04   
140. Scott Isaacs           Ladonia, TX              2  03-04   61
  Day 1: 2   03-04   
141. Chris Blanchette       Edisto Island, SC        1  03-00   60
  Day 1: 1   03-00   
142. Josh Bragg             Fayetteville, GA         3  02-13   59
  Day 1: 3   02-13   
143. Darrell Davis          Dover, FL                1  02-07   58
  Day 1: 1   02-07   
144. Lucas Bogosian         Harrington Park, NJ      1  02-05   57
  Day 1: 1   02-05   
145. Chris Beaudrie         Princeton, KY            1  02-04   56
  Day 1: 1   02-04   
146. Destry Ford            Tuscaloosa, AL           1  02-03   55
  Day 1: 1   02-03   
147. Paul Bouvier           Kingston CANADA          1  02-00   54
  Day 1: 1   02-00   
147. Mike Mayo              Athens, TX               1  02-00   54
  Day 1: 1   02-00   
149. Chad Pipkens           Dewitt, MI               1  01-15   52
  Day 1: 1   01-15   
149. Whitney Stephens       Waverly, OH              1  01-15   52
  Day 1: 1   01-15   
151. Stacey Jefferson       Conway, SC               1  01-14   50
  Day 1: 1   01-14   
152. Evan Barnes            Dardanelle, AR           1  01-13   49
  Day 1: 1   01-13   
152. Evan Kung              Pickering Ontario CANAD  1  01-13   49
  Day 1: 1   01-13   
152. Lance Owen             Greer, SC                1  01-13   49
  Day 1: 1   01-13   
152. Zack Williams          Nashville, TN            1  01-13   49
  Day 1: 1   01-13   
156. Brock Belik            Orchard, NE              1  01-12   45
  Day 1: 1   01-12   
156. Flash Butts            Roanoke Rapids, NC       1  01-12   45
  Day 1: 1   01-12   
156. Trevor McKinney        Benton, IL               1  01-12   45
  Day 1: 1   01-12   
159. Jerry Gallogly Jr      North Tazewell, VA       1  01-11   42
  Day 1: 1   01-11   
160. Jonathan Bowling       Harriman, TN             1  01-10   41
  Day 1: 1   01-10   
160. Angela Mayo            Maiden, NC               1  01-10   41
  Day 1: 1   01-10   
160. Brian Post             Janesville, WI           1  01-10   41
  Day 1: 1   01-10   
163. Wesley Cashwell        Roanoke Rapids, NC       0  00-00    0
  Day 1: 0   00-00   
163. Tony Dumitras          Winston, GA              0  00-00    0
  Day 1: 0   00-00   
163. Andrew Hargrove        Moody, TX                0  00-00    0
  Day 1: 0   00-00   
163. Justin Kimmel          Athens, GA               0  00-00    0
  Day 1: 0   00-00   
163. Jeff Mcbeth            New Phila, OH            0  00-00    0
  Day 1: 0   00-00   
163. A.J. Menssen           Bloomington, IL          0  00-00    0
  Day 1: 0   00-00   
163. Brian Mullaney         Ijamsville, MD           0  00-00    0
  Day 1: 0   00-00   
163. Jenny Nevans           Dayton, TN               0  00-00    0
  Day 1: 0   00-00   
163. Jonathan Reames        Helena, AL               0  00-00    0
  Day 1: 0   00-00   
163. Jordan Sanderlin       Kill Devil Hills, NC     0  00-00    0
  Day 1: 0   00-00   
163. Steve Tennison         Lexington, OK            0  00-00    0
  Day 1: 0   00-00   
163. Jack Tindel III        Orange, TX               0  00-00    0
  Day 1: 0   00-00   
163. William Patrick Turner Crossville, TN           0  00-00    0
  Day 1: 0   00-00   
163. Daniel Valois Gomez    Caracas FL VENEZUELA     0  00-00    0
  Day 1: 0   00-00   
177. Derek Lehtonen         Woodruff, SC             1  -0-05   24
  Day 1: 1   -00-05   
178. Ryan Clark             Whitby Ontario CANADA    0  -1-00    0
  Day 1: 0   -01-00   
178. John Watts Jr          Flushing, MI             0  -1-00    0
  Day 1: 0   -01-00   
———————————————————————–
Totals
Day   #Limits    #Fish      Weight
 1        61       569      1212-08
———————————-
          61       569      1212-08
  2023 St. Croix Bassmaster Open at Watts Bar 9/14-9/16
Watts Bar Reservoir, Kingston  TN.
(NON_BOATER) Standings Day 1    Angler                   Hometown              No./lbs-oz  Pts   Total $$$ 1.  Darren Kelly           Wartburg, TN             3  06-14  200
  Day 1: 3   06-14   
2.  Bird Jones             Loxahatchee, FL          3  06-10  199
  Day 1: 3   06-10   
3.  Alex Reece             Greenville, SC           3  06-09  198
  Day 1: 3   06-09   
4.  Harold Addison         Columbia, SC             3  06-08  197
  Day 1: 3   06-08   
5.  David Waack            Cary, NC                 3  05-10  196
  Day 1: 3   05-10   
6.  Akira Okuyama          Forest Hills, NY         3  05-09  195
  Day 1: 3   05-09   
7.  Sakae Ushio            Tonawanda, NY            3  05-08  194
  Day 1: 3   05-08   
7.  Alex  Watts            Salem, VA                3  05-08  194
  Day 1: 3   05-08   
9.  Ray Lehrman            Spring City, TN          2  05-06  192
  Day 1: 2   05-06   
10. Travis Nelson          Wartburg, TN             3  05-04  191
  Day 1: 3   05-04   
11. Levi Allgeier          Bardstown, KY            3  04-14  190
  Day 1: 3   04-14   
12. Chad Stahl             Barnesville, GA          2  04-11  189
  Day 1: 2   04-11   
13. Curtis Crooke          Washburn, TN             3  04-10  188
  Day 1: 3   04-10   
14. Brandon Smith          Knightdale, NC           2  04-10  187
  Day 1: 2   04-10   
14. Joe Tucker             Osceola, MO              2  04-10  187
  Day 1: 2   04-10   
16. Steven Robbins         Piketon, OH              2  04-06  185
  Day 1: 2   04-06   
17. George Malcolm         Gainesville, FL          2  04-01  184
  Day 1: 2   04-01   
18. John Sanderlin         Chesapeake, VA           2  04-00  183
  Day 1: 2   04-00   
19. Keith Gunsauls         Dandridge, TN            2  03-15  182
  Day 1: 2   03-15   
20. Joseph Essary          Knoxville, TN            2  03-12  181
  Day 1: 2   03-12   
21. Rick Cheatham          Carterville, IL          2  03-10  180
  Day 1: 2   03-10   
22. Harvey Reece           Chesterfield, VA         2  03-09  179
  Day 1: 2   03-09   
23. David Chamberlain      Hampton, VA              2  03-08  178
  Day 1: 2   03-08   
24. Russell Nicewander     Bluefield, WV            2  03-04  177
  Day 1: 2   03-04   
24. Scott Peters           Knoxville, TN            2  03-04  177
  Day 1: 2   03-04   
26. Nathan Isaacs          Knoxville, TN            1  02-15  175
  Day 1: 1   02-15   
27. Riley Nielsen          Murray, UT               2  02-12  174
  Day 1: 2   02-12   
28. Gary Haraguchi         Murfreesboro, TN         2  02-10  173
  Day 1: 2   02-10   
29. Dylan Mayo             Athens, TX               1  02-10  172
  Day 1: 1   02-10   
30. Eric White             Vinemont, AL             1  02-09  171
  Day 1: 1   02-09   
31. Don Bible II           Knoxville, TN            1  02-07  170
  Day 1: 1   02-07   
32. Alicia Raytrowsky      Delaware CANADA          1  02-04  169
  Day 1: 1   02-04   
33. Ricky Fulk             Shenandoah, VA           1  02-03  168
  Day 1: 1   02-03   
34. David Booth            Tazewell, TN             1  02-02  167
  Day 1: 1   02-02   
34. Robert Bruguiere       Roseland, VA             1  02-02  167
  Day 1: 1   02-02   
36. Josh Roberts           Ocala, FL                1  02-01  165
  Day 1: 1   02-01   
37. Travis Branstetter     Deer Lodge, TN           1  02-00  164
  Day 1: 1   02-00   
37. James Roten            West Jefferson, NC       1  02-00  164
  Day 1: 1   02-00   
39. Ryan Patterson         Scott Township, PA       1  01-15  162
  Day 1: 1   01-15   
39. Sergio Render          Crockett, VA             1  01-15  162
  Day 1: 1   01-15   
41. Mark Guhne             Hixson, TN               1  01-14  160
  Day 1: 1   01-14   
41. Scott Walker           Morristown, IN           1  01-14  160
  Day 1: 1   01-14   
43. Melvin Fults           Hendersonville, TN       2  01-13  158
  Day 1: 2   01-13   
44. David Booth            Erin, TN                 1  01-12  157
  Day 1: 1   01-12   
44. Tristan Bramblett      Tiger, GA                1  01-12  157
  Day 1: 1   01-12   
46. Bryant Bradley         Murfreesboro, TN         1  01-11  155
  Day 1: 1   01-11   
46. Todd Mowery            Madison, AL              1  01-11  155
  Day 1: 1   01-11   
46. Travis Turcotte        Pembroke CANADA          1  01-11  155
  Day 1: 1   01-11   
49. RD Roulston            Little Rock, AR          1  01-10  152
  Day 1: 1   01-10   
50. Johnnie Garrett        Union City, TN           1  01-08  151
  Day 1: 1   01-08   
51. George Headden         Oakdale, TN              1  01-07  150
  Day 1: 1   01-07   
51. Joshua Torres          Port Tobacco, MD         1  01-07  150
  Day 1: 1   01-07   
53. Bob Harper             Lombard, IL              1  01-06  148
  Day 1: 1   01-06   
54. Peter Bates            Dayton, TN               0  00-00    0
  Day 1: 0   00-00   
54. Charlie Beasley        Maryville, TN            0  00-00    0
  Day 1: 0   00-00   
54. Charles Bowman II      Kernersville, NC         0  00-00    0
  Day 1: 0   00-00   
54. Cole Burdine           Dandridge, TN            0  00-00    0
  Day 1: 0   00-00   
54. Wesley Carroll         Wartburg, TN             0  00-00    0
  Day 1: 0   00-00   
54. Michael Cochran        Mount Pleasant, SC       0  00-00    0
  Day 1: 0   00-00   
54. Colin Cooper           Roanoke, VA              0  00-00    0
  Day 1: 0   00-00   
54. Marrell Deering        Rome, GA                 0  00-00    0
  Day 1: 0   00-00   
54. Laz Durham             Dumfries, VA             0  00-00    0
  Day 1: 0   00-00   
54. Dustin Dyer            Johnson City, TN         0  00-00    0
  Day 1: 0   00-00   
54. Terry Ford             Harriman, TN             0  00-00    0
  Day 1: 0   00-00   
54. Jason George           Farragut, TN             0  00-00    0
  Day 1: 0   00-00   
54. Dean Gibbs             North Chesterfield, VA   0  00-00    0
  Day 1: 0   00-00   
54. Anthony Glassco        Powhatan, VA             0  00-00    0
  Day 1: 0   00-00   
54. Gary Hall              Wardville, OK            0  00-00    0
  Day 1: 0   00-00   
54. John Higginbotham      Slaughter, LA            0  00-00    0
  Day 1: 0   00-00   
54. Dj Holland             Murfreesboro, TN         0  00-00    0
  Day 1: 0   00-00   
54. Yu Kawamura            Kashiwashi JAPAN         0  00-00    0
  Day 1: 0   00-00   
54. Tim Kellam             Crittenden, KY           0  00-00    0
  Day 1: 0   00-00   
54. Ty Kenyon              Dodgeville, WI           0  00-00    0
  Day 1: 0   00-00   
54. Dennis Lane            Rutledge, TN             0  00-00    0
  Day 1: 0   00-00   
54. Michael Leach          Shenandoah, TX           0  00-00    0
  Day 1: 0   00-00   
54. Joe Lineberry          Ramseaur,, NC            0  00-00    0
  Day 1: 0   00-00   
54. Kevin Mallow           Kansas, OK               0  00-00    0
  Day 1: 0   00-00   
54. Nick Melcher           Gypsum, CO               0  00-00    0
  Day 1: 0   00-00   
54. Ed Mlotek              Naperville, IL           0  00-00    0
  Day 1: 0   00-00   
54. Dalton Munsey          Washburn, TN             0  00-00    0
  Day 1: 0   00-00   
54. Kenneth Ott            Manahawkin, NJ           0  00-00    0
  Day 1: 0   00-00   
54. Steve Ouellette        Knoxville, TN            0  00-00    0
  Day 1: 0   00-00   
54. John Rico              Daisytown, PA            0  00-00    0
  Day 1: 0   00-00   
54. Perry See              Rochester, MN            0  00-00    0
  Day 1: 0   00-00   
54. Jim Short              Liberty Twp, OH          0  00-00    0
  Day 1: 0   00-00   
54. Tyler Smith            Portage, MI              0  00-00    0
  Day 1: 0   00-00   
54. Randy Tallhamer        Brandenton, FL           0  00-00    0
  Day 1: 0   00-00   
54. Tim White              Welaka, FL               0  00-00    0
  Day 1: 0   00-00   
54. Avery Williams         Murrells Inlt, SC        0  00-00    0
  Day 1: 0   00-00   
90. Thomas Crosswhite      Hartwell, GA             0  -1-00    0
  Day 1: 0   -01-00   
———————————————————————–
Totals
Day   #Limits    #Fish      Weight
 1        11        92       175-03
———————————-
          11        92       175-03



? Feeding Frenzy Unleashed: ? Swim Baits as the Fall Angler’s Secret Weapon

Brian Carter
-
0
? Feeding Frenzy Unleashed: ? Swim Baits as the Fall Angler’s Secret Weapon

Photo Courtesy of Game & Fish

The fall season brings with it a magnificent spectacle in the world of fishing—the great fall feeding frenzy. In this chapter, we plunge deeper into the heart of this natural phenomenon, exploring why it’s a momentous period for anglers and how swim baits play a pivotal role. Join us on this immersive journey spanning a thousand words, enriched with expressive emojis:

The Appetite Awakens ?️?

As summer’s warmth relinquishes its grip and the leaves don their fiery hues, something magical stirs beneath the water’s surface. It’s a time when fish, driven by instinct and the impending chill of winter, embark on a voracious feeding spree.

  • A Seasonal Shift: ?? Fall is a transitional period in the aquatic world. As temperatures cool, fish undergo metabolic changes that trigger a sharp increase in their appetite. They sense the need to stockpile energy reserves for the impending winter hibernation.
  • The Lure of Easy Meals: ??️ During this time, fish become opportunistic hunters, actively seeking out prey with an almost insatiable appetite. The prospect of easy meals is irresistible, and it’s during the fall feeding frenzy that anglers can truly capitalize on this feeding behavior.

Swim Baits: The Tempting Offerings ??

In the midst of this piscine feast, swim baits emerge as the irresistible offerings that anglers present to voracious fish. Here’s a deeper dive into why swim baits are the ultimate temptation during this period:

  • Mimicking Prey in Distress: ?? Swim baits excel at replicating the appearance and movements of injured or distressed baitfish. As fish scour the waters for weakened prey, swim baits present an eerily convincing illusion of an easy target, triggering their predatory instincts.
  • Heightened Aggression: ?? During the fall feeding frenzy, fish display heightened aggression in their pursuit of prey. Swim baits, with their lifelike action, become magnets for these voracious predators. Their realistic appearance and tantalizing motion provoke strikes that are often swift and aggressive.
  • Versatility in Presentation: ?️? Swim baits offer versatile presentation options. Anglers can adapt their retrieval techniques to match the behavior of the prey fish in that specific area. Whether it’s a slow, fluttering descent or a quick, erratic retrieve, swim baits can emulate it with finesse.

Timing is Everything ?️?

The fall feeding frenzy isn’t a constant state of affairs; rather, it’s a symphony of activity with crescendos and lulls. Understanding the timing of this phenomenon is essential for anglers looking to capitalize on it.

  • Dawn and Dusk Delights: ?? Fish are most active during the transition periods of dawn and dusk. These low-light conditions are prime times for hunting, as they provide cover for both predators and prey. Anglers who venture out during these magic hours often reap the rewards of a more fruitful catch.
  • Monitoring Water Temperature: ?️? Monitoring water temperature is another key aspect of timing. Fish are temperature-sensitive, and understanding the temperature thresholds at which they become most active can help anglers pinpoint the best times to cast their swim baits.

A Recipe for Success ??

  • Swim Bait Selection: ?? Choosing the right swim bait is critical during the fall feeding frenzy. Opt for swim baits that closely resemble the local baitfish species in both size and color. Natural hues like shad, perch, and bluegill are reliable choices.
  • Sizing Matters: ?? Matching the size of your swim bait to the prevalent baitfish is equally important. Smaller swim baits are ideal for enticing panfish and smaller predators, while larger baits are more likely to entice trophy-sized bass, muskies, and other apex predators.
  • Retrieval Techniques: ?️? Experimentation with retrieval techniques is essential. Sometimes, a slow, steady retrieve is the key to success, as it imitates the movements of exhausted prey. On other occasions, a more erratic, stop-and-go motion may be needed to trigger aggressive strikes.

Stories of Triumph ??

Anglers who have wholeheartedly embraced swim baits during the fall feeding frenzy have tales of triumph to share:

  • Improved Catch Rates: ?? Anglers consistently report higher catch rates during this period. Swim baits, with their ability to mimic vulnerable prey, have a remarkable track record for enticing strikes, even from wary fish.
  • Trophy Fish: ?? The fall feeding frenzy often yields trophy-sized catches. Anglers chasing a personal best or aiming for a record-breaking fish find swim baits to be their trusted allies in the pursuit of these aquatic giants.

The Future of Fall Fishing ??

The angling world is dynamic, and the future promises even more exciting possibilities for fall fishing:

  • Technological Advancements: ?? The fishing industry continues to embrace technological advancements. In the future, anglers may encounter electronic swim baits that perfectly mimic fish movements or AI-powered lures capable of adapting to changing conditions.
  • Innovation Awaits: ?? The fusion of traditional angling skills with cutting-edge technology promises to revolutionize fall fishing experiences. Anglers can eagerly anticipate more exciting developments on the horizon.

In conclusion, the fall feeding frenzy is a momentous period in the angler’s calendar, and swim baits are the



Title: “? Feeding Frenzy Unleashed: ? Swim Baits as the Fall Angler’s Secret Weapon

Brian Carter
-
0
Title: “? Feeding Frenzy Unleashed: ? Swim Baits as the Fall Angler’s Secret Weapon

Current Bassmaster Opens EQ leader JT Thompkins will try to hold on to his top spot at the 2023 St. Croix Bassmaster Open at Lake of the Ozarks Sept. 22-24. 

Photo by Andy Crawford/B.A.S.S.

September 14, 2023

Excellent bass population could counter boat traffic for Bassmaster Open at Lake of the Ozarks

OSAGE BEACH, Mo. — Lake of the Ozarks has much to offer, but during the St. Croix Bassmaster Open Division 2 event on the 54,000-acre Osage River impoundment, Elite Series pro Cody Huff said anglers have to take the good with the not-so-good.

Competition days will be Sept. 22-24 with daily takeoffs from Public Beach #2 at 7 a.m. CT and weigh-ins each day at 3 p.m. Full coverage will be available on Bassmaster.com with FS1 broadcasting live with the leaders on Sunday morning beginning at 7 a.m.

Huff, who hails from Ava, Mo., said the combination of a 93-mile-long waterway and the seasonably pleasant boating weather will present the most formidable challenge for competitors seeking to uncover the largemouth treasure that lives here.

“If we get warm, sunny, pretty conditions, the pleasure boaters are going to absolutely trash some of the areas anglers want to fish,” Huff explained. “Their wakes are going to make it super-hard to get around, and they’re going to make it super-hard to get back (to weigh-ins) in the afternoon.

“People are going to make a nice, long run in the morning; it’s going to be nice and slick, and then, after that, there are going to be a lot of giant boats on the water. You’re going to have to be very careful.”

As Huff notes, recreational boating traffic won’t necessarily deter bass feeding activity. The fish see this every summer, so they’re used to it. The challenge, he said, is safely and efficiently fishing the lake’s primary cover — docks.

“The boat wakes won’t mess up any of the fishing. It’s just going to make it pretty hard for guys to get around without beating up their equipment,” Huff said. “They’re going to be trying to fit into small spaces and skip a bait back behind docks.

“When you have big waves, it’s hard to make that jig go where you want it to. The boat wakes will make it hard for them to get to the targets they want to fish a lot of the time.”

On the upside, Lake of the Ozarks offers plenty of areas where anglers can flee the main-lake mayhem. Even departing the main tributary arms and fishing smaller creeks and pockets will offer relief from the daily increasing wave action.

“This lake is absolutely huge, so they can get into some more protected areas where they can fish,” Huff said. “It bends and twists and you can run as far as you want. It’ll just be hard to get back.

“That will be something to consider in practice. You’ll want to have some stuff to fish if it does get busy out there.”

About a week prior to the tournament, the Lake of the Ozarks water level stood at approximately 1.85 feet below full pool. Huff said he’s not expecting any dramatic changes — and considering this lake’s annual drawdown typically starts in December, significant fluctuation is unlikely.

Rainfall can bear some degree of impact, mostly via the runoff that can affect the river section and the lake’s numerous major and secondary creek arms. The long-range forecast suggests thunderstorms just before the start of the event, but duration and volume will determine their effects.

Fortunately, no major weather changes are expected, so Huff predicts the usual summer reservoir scenario.

“From everything I’ve been hearing, it should be pretty normal,” he said. “When you get up the river, the water is going to have some stain to it. Down at the lower end, you’ll have probably 4 to 6 feet of visibility, while up the river, you’ll have 2 to 3 feet.”

While points, laydowns and various offshore sneaky spots will factor into this event’s action, those docks will see most of the attention. As Huff observes, Lake of the Ozarks offers an enormous number of structures, but time efficiency will require anglers to dial in the high-value targets.

“It can be kind of overwhelming,” Huff said. “You have to get on a pattern on that lake and run with it. You might get on a pattern where you fish the first three docks in a pocket, or it might be the last three docks in the back of a pocket.

“The docks with the best brushpiles will be the most productive. You’ll see some guys catching them behind docks, but most of it will be on stuff you can’t see.”

In addition to skipping docks with jigs, Huff looks for Texas-rigged plastics, shaky heads and buzzbaits to produce. Crankbaits and swimbaits could play into the equation, and if the bite gets tough, someone may figure out a finesse pattern to save the day.

Overall, Huff said he’s looking for a strong showing. With plenty of 5-pounders and the occasional 6-plus making an appearance, Lake of the Ozarks is well known for its big-bag potential. Huff predicts 18 pounds a day will make the Top 10 cut and 20 pounds a day will win.

“I’ve been seeing some weights from local tournaments, and they are smashing them,” he said. “It looks like they’re biting, so it will be a fun tournament.”

The Lake of the Ozarks Convention & Visitor Bureau is hosting the tournament.



Randy Gibson Wins CATT Cooper River, SC Sept 9, 2023

Brian Carter
-
0
Randy Gibson Wins CATT Cooper River, SC Sept 9, 2023

Next Cooper River Fall Qualifier is Sept 23rd at Cypress Gardens!

Use PHANTOMCATT15 at checkout and earn 15% off your next order!

Randy Gibson wins the Cooper River with 5 bass weighing 18.45 lbs and weighed in the Academy BF at 6.94 lbs!

Michael Craven 2nd Place with 17.75 lbs!

James Fender & Kyle Welch took 3rd with 16.40 lbs!

Dewayne Reine 5th with 11.59 lbs!

TeamBFWeightWinningsPoints
Randy Gibson6.9418.45$1,050.00110
Michael Craven4.8217.75$240.00109
James Fender – Kyle Welch3.9516.40$130.00108
Charlie Baker – Matt Baker0.0012.41$100.00107
Dewayne Reine5.6711.59$75.00106
Jared Boles –  John Campbell0.0011.38105
Travis Osborn – Kayla Osborn4.0011.35104
Bubba Dennis – Kevin Brock3.2410.34103
Brian Crosby – Benjamin Crosby0.0010.13102
Justin Harvey – Jonathan Brindle3.0710.12101
Joseph Giampa0.009.93100
Johnny Cribb – Joey Timmerman3.109.6399
Dale Hanna – Shawn Hanna0.008.9598
Michael Ard – Jeff Parsons0.008.5397
Brandon McMillin0.008.4096
David Kelly – Brad Matthew0.008.2595
Nick McPherson – Frankie Hayes0.007.6894
James Skelton0.007.0493
Jimmy McCants – Grant Powell0.006.7192
Daniel Knies0.004.8991
Willie Weatherford – Wyatt Weatherford0.003.6690
Garvin Miles0.000.0080
Ray Taylor0.000.0080
Ed Gaskins – Brice Gaskins0.000.0080
Timothy Tyson0.000.0080
Total Entrys$1,250.00
BONUS $$425.00
Total Paid At Ramp$1,595.00
Cooper River 2023 Fall Final Fund$80.00
2024 CATT Championship Fund$0.00
Cooper River 2023 Fall Final Fund Total$80.00



The Intricacies of Swim Bait Design?️?

Brian Carter
-
0
The Intricacies of Swim Bait Design?️?

Swim baits are a symphony of artistry and science, where form and function converge to create a fishing lure that’s more than just a bait—it’s a masterpiece. Let’s plunge deeper into the fascinating world of swim bait design, with an exploration spanning a thousand words, richly adorned with emojis:

The Artistry of Imitation ?

The genesis of a swim bait lies in its ability to replicate the essence of the natural world beneath the water’s surface. From the scales that shimmer like precious jewels to the fins that sway like delicate leaves in the current, every detail is meticulously designed. ?✨

  • Realistic Scales: ?? Fish scales are nature’s exquisite ornamentation. Swim bait designers painstakingly recreate this iridescent armor, ensuring each scale reflects light just like the real thing. The shimmering effect is nothing short of mesmerizing, luring fish with the promise of an easy meal.
  • Mimicking Fins: ?? Fish fins are more than just propellers; they are graceful instruments of navigation. Swim bait designers recognize the importance of fin-like appendages in creating lifelike movements. From the pectoral fins that steer the bait to the dorsal fin that adds stability, every aspect is an homage to the beauty of aquatic grace.

The Tale of the Tail ??

The secret behind the swim bait’s allure lies in its tail, an appendage that transforms a lifeless lure into a dynamic performer. It’s the tail that breathes life into the bait, making it wobble, shimmy, and swim with the grace of living prey. ??

  • Paddle-Shaped Precision: ?‍♂️?️ Swim bait tails often adopt a paddle-like design, resembling the tail fin of a real fish. This shape is no coincidence; it’s engineered for maximum water displacement, creating a lifelike swimming action that fish can’t resist.
  • Tail Material Matters: ?️? The material used for the tail is meticulously chosen. Soft plastics are a popular choice due to their flexibility and natural movement in water. This suppleness allows the tail to flutter and wag, imitating the motion of injured or fleeing baitfish—a spectacle no predator can ignore.

The Quest for Balance ⚖️

Swim bait designers are akin to architects, meticulously balancing form and function to craft a lure that’s not only visually enticing but also performs flawlessly in the water. Achieving this equilibrium requires a deep understanding of hydrodynamics and physics. ?️?

  • Weight Distribution: ?? Swim baits are engineered with strategic weight distribution. By placing weight precisely within the lure, designers ensure it swims horizontally and exhibits a natural, balanced posture. This calculated approach minimizes roll and maximizes realism.
  • Buoyancy and Sinking Rate: ??️ Different swim baits are designed to have varying buoyancy and sinking rates. Some are buoyant, floating at the water’s surface, while others have a slow sink, hovering enticingly in the water column. These variations cater to different fishing scenarios and target species.

The Palette of Colors ??

Swim baits offer a vivid spectrum of colors, allowing anglers to mimic local baitfish species or experiment with striking, attention-grabbing hues. Color choice is an artful consideration in swim bait design. ?️?

  • Naturalistic Hues: ?? Earthy tones like shad, perch, and bluegill are go-to choices, especially in clearwater environments. These natural colors mimic local baitfish, making them effective in a wide range of fishing situations.
  • Bold and Bright: ?? However, swim bait designers also recognize the effectiveness of bold and bright colors, especially in murky waters or when targeting aggressive predators. Electric blues, fiery reds, and vibrant yellows can provoke powerful reactions from fish.

The Lure of Lifelike Eyes ?️?

Swim baits often sport lifelike eyes that add another layer of realism to their appearance. These eyes serve a dual purpose—enticing fish and fooling them into thinking they’re targeting real prey. ??

  • Holographic and 3D Eyes: ?? Many swim baits feature holographic or 3D eyes that capture and reflect light. These eyes create the illusion of depth and movement, enhancing the bait’s overall appeal. To a predator, those gleaming eyes can be an irresistible target.
  • Matching the Hatch: ?? Swim bait designers take the concept of “matching the hatch” seriously. By replicating the eyes of local baitfish species, they increase the likelihood of fooling fish into striking.

Texture and Taste: ?️?

While swim baits are primarily visual lures, designers also consider the tactile aspect. Fish often explore potential prey with their mouths, and a lifelike texture can make the difference between a hesitant nibble and a committed strike. ??

  • Soft vs. Hard Baits: ?? Swim baits come in both soft and hard variants. Soft baits, made from materials like silicone, offer a more natural texture, while hard baits, often constructed from wood or plastic, provide durability and a different tactile experience.
  • Added Scents and Attractants: ?? Some swim baits are infused with scents or attractants that mimic the odor of real prey. This multisensory approach can further entice fish, particularly in situations where visibility is limited.

The Evolution of Technology ??

In recent years, technology has become an integral part of swim bait design. Advances in materials, manufacturing techniques, and even electronic components have opened up new possibilities for creating even more realistic and effective swim baits. ??

  • Electronic Swim Baits: ?? Some swim baits now incorporate electronic components that can generate vibrations and sound to mimic the movements and distress calls of prey. These high-tech baits can be incredibly effective in enticing fish, especially in challenging conditions.
  • Material Innovation: ?? Modern materials, such as advanced plastics and composites, have revolutionized swim bait design. These materials offer greater durability, buoyancy control, and enhanced realism.

In conclusion, the intricacies of swim bait design are a testament to the art and science of angling. Every aspect, from the lifelike appearance to the subtle movements and even the choice of colors and scents, is meticulously crafted to create a lure that entices fish and triggers their predatory instincts. Swim bait designers are, in essence, storytellers who weave narratives of temptation beneath the water’s surface—a language that fish can’t help but understand. ???️



? Unveiling the Secret of the Overlooked Fall Bait ??: Why Swim Baits Belong in Your Tackle Box

Brian Carter
-
0
? Unveiling the Secret of the Overlooked Fall Bait ??: Why Swim Baits Belong in Your Tackle Box

Photo Courtesy of Major League Fishing

? Introduction

Autumn brings with it a magical transformation in nature and an exhilarating change in fishing opportunities. Yet, amidst the array of shiny lures and proven baits that fill anglers’ tackle boxes, the unassuming swim bait often lurks in obscurity. In this comprehensive exploration, we will plunge deeper into the reasons behind the swim bait’s habitual neglect during fall and, more importantly, why they deserve an exalted spot in your tackle box.

? Chapter 1: The Fall Transition – A Fisherman’s Conundrum ??

  • Elusive Behavior: The fall season ushers in significant changes in fish behavior. As water temperatures drop, fish become more elusive, retreating to shallower waters and adopting a finicky attitude toward feeding.
  • Swim Bait’s Tactical Edge: Swimbaits emerge as a critical tool during the fall transition due to their impeccable imitation of baitfish movement. Their lifelike appearance and mesmerizing motion can be the game-changer when other baits struggle to entice bites.
  • Spot Selection: Mastering the art of identifying transitional zones, like points, ledges, and drop-offs, is pivotal when employing swim baits. Understanding where fish congregate during this period is key to boosting your chances of a successful catch.

? Chapter 2: The Intricacies of Swim Bait Design ?️?

  • Artistry in Detail: Swimbaits are a testament to the craftsman’s art. Meticulously designed, they replicate the minutest details of baitfish, from the iridescent scales to the wispy fins, fooling even the most discerning of fish.
  • Tail Magic: The secret sauce of swim baits lies in their tails. Typically paddle-shaped, these tails induce a lifelike swimming motion when retrieved. This mirroring of injured or struggling baitfish is a sight that ignites the predatory instincts of fish.

? Chapter 3: Versatility at Its Zenith ??

  • Adaptable All-Rounder: Swimbaits boast unparalleled versatility. They are equally at home in serene lakes, rushing rivers, tranquil ponds, and expansive reservoirs. This chameleon-like quality ensures their effectiveness remains unwavering across multifarious environments.
  • Accessible to All: Swim baits are the perfect leveller in the angling world. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or nurturing newcomers in the family, these baits are intuitive and guarantee an enjoyable fishing experience for all.

? Chapter 4: Indulging in the Fall Feeding Frenzy ???

  • Whetted Appetite: As autumn progresses, fish exhibit an insatiable appetite. With winter looming, they embark on a feeding frenzy to amass energy reserves, making them more aggressive in their pursuit of prey.
  • Swim Bait’s Allure: Swimbaits capitalize on this heightened appetite by emulating the appearance and behavior of wounded or struggling baitfish. This triggers a primal predatory response in fish, leading to more frequent, robust strikes.
  • Timing is Everything: Success during the fall feeding frenzy hinges on timing. Dawn and dusk are the golden hours when fish are at their most active and receptive to your offerings.

? Chapter 5: Curating Your Tackle Box Arsenal ??

  • The Palette of Colors: Swimbaits come in an extensive array of colors. Opt for shades that mimic the indigenous baitfish species in your chosen fishing locale. While natural hues such as shad, perch, and bluegill are tried-and-true, don’t shy away from experimenting with bolder, brighter colors.
  • Size Crafting: The size of your swim bait should mirror the predominant baitfish. Smaller baits entice panfish and juvenile predators, whereas larger baits tantalize trophy-sized specimens such as bass and muskies.
  • Choreographing Retrievals: A successful swim bait presentation involves a delicate dance of retrieval techniques. Sometimes, a languid, steady retrieve is the siren song; other scenarios demand a frenetic, start-and-stop cadence to provoke the coveted strikes.

? Chapter 6: Chronicles of Triumph ??

  • Elevated Catch Rates: Anglers who have wholeheartedly embraced swim baits during the fall report remarkable surges in catch rates. This isn’t mere storytelling; it’s a testament to the bait’s efficacy in an array of fishing scenarios.
  • Pursuing Monstrous Trophies: Swimbaits have a storied history of yielding monumental catches. Whether you’re pursuing a personal record or setting your sights on a gargantuan fish, swim baits consistently deliver outstanding results.

? Chapter 7: The Shape of Things to Come in Fall Fishing ??

  • Technological Horizon: Fishing technology continually evolves, and the future may unveil electronic swim baits designed to flawlessly mimic fish movements or AI-infused lures capable of adapting to dynamic conditions.
  • Innovative Expeditions Await: As technology and tradition intertwine in the angling world, anglers can eagerly anticipate groundbreaking developments in the realm of swim baits. Fall fishing experiences are poised for a transformative evolution.

? Conclusion ?

  • Hidden Treasures: Swimbaits, often cast aside during fall’s bounty, emerge as the unsung heroes of autumn fishing. Their lifelike appearance and captivating motion can hold the key to success when chasing transitioning fish and during the relentless fall feeding frenzy.
  • A Must-Have Arsenal: To maximize your autumn fishing endeavors, it’s not merely advisable but imperative to carve out a hallowed niche in your tackle box for swim baits. Their boundless versatility, uncanny realism, and innate ability to awaken predatory instincts secure them a permanent position in the toolkit of every angler. Disregard the swim bait no more—it’s your covert weapon for achieving fall fishing glory.



1...295296297...1,533Page 296 of 1,533

Follow Us

The latest

Matt Robertson wins the CATT Lake Norman Fall Final with 5 bass weighing 16.50 lbs!

CATT Lake Norman 0
Matt Robertson wins the Lake Norman Fall Final with...

Surviving the Cold While Catching Monster Bass by Bruce Callis Jr

Bruce Callis 0
Surviving the Cold While Catching Monster BassBruce Callis Jr The...

Turtlebox Audio named Title Sponsor of Bassmaster Opens Tournament Series

Bassmaster Open 0
Dec. 16, 2025 Turtlebox Audio named Title Sponsor of Bassmaster...

© 2023 The Bass Cast. All Rights Reserved.