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Smallmouth Bonanza On Tap For Bassmaster Elite Series Event At Massive Lake Oahe

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August 11, 2022

Smallmouth Bonanza On Tap For Bassmaster Elite Series Event At Massive Lake Oahe

For the first time since 2018, the Bassmaster Elite Series will be back in South Dakota for the Guaranteed Rate Bassmaster Elite at Lake Oahe August 18-21.

Photo by B.A.S.S.

August 11, 2022

Smallmouth Bonanza On Tap For Bassmaster Elite Series Event At Massive Lake Oahe

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MOBRIDGE, S.D. — Just over a year ago, Troy Diede landed the new South Dakota state-record smallmouth bass on Lake Oahe, a 7-pound, 4.7-ounce monster.

Now, as 91 professional anglers prepare for the 2022 Guaranteed Rate Bassmaster Elite at Lake Oahe on Aug. 18-21, Diede said he wouldn’t be surprised if his record is given a run for its money.

“It is definitely possible. It wouldn’t surprise me one bit,” said Diede, a B.A.S.S. Nation regular who qualified for the 2015 Bassmaster Classic. “I’m honestly surprised no one has caught one bigger yet. Oahe has giant fish in it and both Lake Sharpe and Lake Francis Case (two other premier South Dakota fisheries) have giant smallies in them too.

“It is only a matter of time before someone catches an 8-pound-plus fish. It is going to happen. The fisheries are all pretty healthy right now.”

Anglers will take off from Indian Creek Recreation Area at 7 a.m. CT each day while weigh-ins will be held on Park Blvd., near the Walleye Up Statue in Mobridge starting at 3 p.m. The field will be cut to the Top 47 anglers after the Day 2 weigh-in, and the Top 10 will compete on Championship Sunday for a first-place prize of $100,000.

This will be the second trip to the massive 231-mile-long impoundment for the Elite Series. During the first visit to Lake Oahe in June 2018, Mark Daniels Jr. won with 69 pounds, 9 ounces.

This time around, the Elites will face off against smallmouth bass that are in a full summer pattern on a venue that is lower than normal. Even still, Diede expects quality smallmouth to be caught throughout and bags to exceed the 20-pound mark. Largemouth may also be caught, but they are hard to pattern and he doesn’t expect them to factor into a winning bag.

“We are down about 10 to 12 feet right now,” Diede said. “The river is coming back up. This is the first drawdown we’ve had in a while. It is mainly due to the Montana snowmelt. There hasn’t been a lot of snowmelt and water coming into the basin. So, there are a lot of spots that are high and dry right now.

“It has challenged everyone to dig for some new stuff this year. Where you would normally be fishing, you might be another 50 yards farther (toward the main river).”

Lake Oahe has a slow-moving current and largely features rocks, boulders and hard structures, but the most productive areas for smallmouth tend to be long, tapering points. While much of it is out of the water, there are also willow bushes, and standing timber is featured in isolated sections of the river.

“They will hunker down on the ends of points and they will bunch up and sit there in 18 to 30 feet of water. That is kind of the sweet spot,” Diede said. “That’s where a lot of the fish summer. They will hold to those areas and they will wander from there. Guys are going to have to find four or five of those spots and try to milk them.”

While structure will be an important aspect, the presence of bait will also play an important role. The lake features large cisco (or lake herring), shad and rainbow smelt. Diede said the bass will eat all three types of bait — and with an abundance of bait, topwater lures like Spooks and poppers will come into play.

“Right now, we have a lot of roamers,” Diede said. “It is kind of like chasing ghosts out there. A lot of those fish that are chasing can be quality fish. You might only get six bites, but five of those bites might be the right ones.”

While this year’s tournament is taking off farther north than in the 2018 season, Diede predicts many of the same areas that produced big bags in 2018 will again play. Expect some anglers to stay near the bridges around Mobridge and the Moreau River while others will run south to places like the Whitlock Bay area, the Highway 212 bridge, Sutton Bay and even the Cheyenne River.

Typical smallmouth catchers like drop shots and Ned rigs will produce, and Diede added things like magnum tubes, crankbaits, spybaits, tail spinners and some larger baits will come into play.

The X factor will be the wind. If relatively calm conditions are present, Diede estimates the VMC Monster Bag of the tournament could exceed 22 pounds. If the wind blows hard from the south, and with no trees to block the onslaught, the lake can get rough in a hurry and fishing could become extremely difficult.

Even areas that seem protected could end up being affected.

“The wind just has so much room to build,” he said. “It’s not like another lake where you have a shoreline within a couple miles of you. The way the terrain is around the river, it directs and guides the wind in different directions.”

Entering these final two tournaments of the 2022 Elite Series season, Rathdrum, Idaho, native Brandon Palaniuk leads the Progressive Insurance Bassmaster Angler of the Year standings with 612 points. Tennessee’s David Mullins is in second place with 571 points and Floridian John Cox is third with 561 points.

Wisconsin pro Jay Przekurat sits atop the Falcon Rods Bassmaster Rookie of the Year race with 455 points. He is followed closely by Tennessee pro Jacob Foutz who sits in second with 444 points, while Missouri pro Cody Huff is third with 388 points.

Full coverage from all four days at Lake Oahe will be available on Bassmaster.com and the FOX Sports digital platforms. FS1 will also broadcast live with the tournament leaders on Saturday and Sunday, August 20-21 beginning at 7 a.m. CT.

Omnia Fishing and B.A.S.S. have also partnered to simulcast Bassmaster LIVE as a shoppable stream on Omnia’s website and mobile app for Days 1 and 2 of the event.

The Mobridge Chamber of Commerce is hosting the tournament.

Do You Believe In Magic? Then Come Along With Me by Bruce Callis Jr

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August 11, 2022

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Do You Believe In Magic?
Then Come Along With Me
by Bruce Callis Jr

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Do you believe in magic? No, not witches, warlocks, or wizards. The Lovin’ Spoonful had a hit back in 1965 with Do You Believe in Magic, and like the lyrics say, If you believe in magic come along with me. Of course, we are talking about the magic of John Crews and the new Missile Baits Magic Worm. John got together with the folks over at Roboworm for that custom hand poured worm that he wanted to add to his arsenal of weapons for catching bass.

Why would he team up with them, it’s simple really. He could make the worm himself, but it’s the way Roboworm does the custom hand poured worm that allows for the perfect colors that he wanted. And the Magic Worm at 6” long, has the proportions that allow for perfect rigging options. Having one go to worm for many finesse presentations is fantastic.

I have been testing the Magic Worm for a while and I can tell you that it is a true bass catching machine. And I have been catching plenty of big ones using it. I’ve been using it in a variety of situations, from fun fishing to tournaments. And it will always be in my fish catching toolbox.

Rigging the Magic Worm

The first time I laid my hands on it, I was fishing a tournament and I had it rigged wacky style with a VMC Crossover on it. I loved the way it would fall and then stretch back out straight. And I was catching keeper bass on it as well. My partner also got to use them, as always, it’s about catching them bass. He was rigging his Texas rigged without a weight and even caught the big bass of the day. If catching bass doesn’t make you a believer, you are in trouble.

Since that tournament, I have experimented with other rigging options and rigging it Texas style on a light weight as produced a lot of bass. It is like they just can’t resist it and all of them have been choking it. I like to use a 1/8 ounce weight or even a 1/16th ounce mostly as it allows the bait to fall slower, giving the bass a good look at it. And when throwing it around brush and laydowns, it can be the deal sealer. The slower fall will help it weave through everything and drive the bass crazy. I like to rig it on a 2/0 Gamakatsu Skip Gap hook as it helps hold it more securely to the hook and weight.

As a shaky head bait, it can be true magic. Something about the way the bait dances as you shake it and hop it. Remember, if they tear the head up, don’t worry, pinch it off and rig it back up to catch more big girls.

I also have used it on a drop shot with a light wire 2/0 ewg worm hook. The action is amazing and it will stick straight out from the hook, driving the bass crazy. I’ll throw it around brush piles and the big bass just can’t resist it.
And don’t forget about using it on a Gika Rig. I prefer the Gamakatsu 1/8 ounce with a 2/0 hook when possible. The best part is you can order different size weights and change them out quickly when you need something heavier due to depth, current or just a quicker drop to make the bass strike.

Use it on a Neko rig, as the worm will stick straight up off the bottom. I like to use a G-Finesse Weedless Stinger or a Straight Shank Worm with Wire Guard so that I don’t have to worry about getting hung up on anything. Something magic about the way it dances across the bottom as well.

These are just some of the ways to rig it, but as with any bait, everyone rigs it differently. There is no right or wrong way, as the Magic Worm does all the work for you. The Magic Worm has you covered in 12 custom color choices and comes 14 worms per bag. It sells for $10.99 a bag on the Missile Baits website and the same price at Tackle Warehouse. And is available at leading tackle shops that carry the Missile Baits, like GreenTop in Ashland, VA.

What way do you want to rig it? What do you think will work? Carolina rig, Texas, Shaky head or some other way? Do you believe in Magic? Then come along with me and watch it land plenty of big bass.

https://youtu.be/vbQ1EZKDTXU

Connell Cruises in Knockout Round, Final 10 Set at MLF Bass Pro Tour Fox Rent A Car Stage Six at Cayuga Lake Presented by Googan Baits

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August 10, 2022

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Connell Cruises in Knockout Round, Final 10 Set at MLF Bass Pro Tour Fox Rent A Car Stage Six at Cayuga Lake Presented by Googan Baits

Alabama Pro Catches 22 Scorable Bass Totaling 82-2 to Front Knockout Round Field, Final 10 Anglers Set for Championship Thursday and Final-Day Shootout for $100,000

UNION SPRINGS, N.Y. (Aug. 10, 2022) – Googan Baits pro Dustin Connell of Clanton, Alabama, caught 22 scorable bass weighing 82 pounds, 2 ounces, to best the 38 anglers competing Wednesday and win the Knockout Round at the Major League Fishing (MLF) Bass Pro Tour Fox Rent A Car Stage Six on Cayuga Lake Presented by Googan Baits in Union Springs, New York. The final 10 anglers are now set, and competition will resume Thursday with the final-day Championship Round. Weights are zeroed, and the angler that catches the heaviest one-day total will earn the top payout of $100,000.

Link to Hi-Res Photo of Knockout Round Winner Dustin Connell
Link to Photo Gallery of Day 5 Knockout Round Highlights

This six-day tournament, hosted by the Village of Union Springs, showcases 80 of the best professional anglers in the world competing for a purse of more than $805,000. The tournament is livestreamed each day at MajorLeagueFishing.com and the MOTV app, and also filmed for television broadcast later this fall on the Discovery Channel.

The top eight pros from Wednesday’s Knockout Round that will compete in Thursday’s Championship Round on Cayuga Lake are:

1^st:          Dustin Connell, Clanton, Ala., 22 bass, 82-2
2^nd:         Jacob Wheeler, Harrison, Tenn., 23 bass, 73-3
3^rd:         Terry Scroggins, San Mateo, Fla., 24 bass, 72-5
4^th:         Cody Meyer, Star, Idaho, 22 bass, 68-11
5^th:         Alton Jones, Lorena, Texas, 23 bass, 68-5
6^th:         Andy Montgomery, Blacksburg, S.C., 23 bass, 68-1
7^th:         Zack Birge, Blanchard, Okla., 18 bass, 67-4
8^th:         Dakota Ebare, Brookeland, Texas, 17 bass, 62-2

They’ll be joined by Qualifying Round Winners:

Group A: Justin Lucas, Guntersville, Ala.
Group B: Michael Neal, Dayton, Tenn.

Full results for the entire field can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.

“I can’t complain about anything , that was an awesome day,” said Connell, who won a Bass Pro Tour event earlier this year at Alabama’s Lewis Smith Lake. “There wasn’t much wind, it was a beautiful day in New York, and the smallmouth were biting. So, it feels good. This will be my fourth Championship Round this year, and it feels good to be in it and I feel like we’ve got a great chance.

“I set the hook today on a few that I didn’t want to, but I’m glad that I did, just knowing where they were at,” Connell continued. “It gives me confidence in those areas. There are a ton of fish in this lake, and I backed off a bunch of areas. There were several places I went to that had 10 to 12 fish on them, and I’d catch one then leave. But these guys are catching them too, and it all zeroes out tomorrow, so we shall see.”

Like his Qualifying Round, Connell targeted smallmouth with a couple of different drop-shot baits and credited his Lowrance electronics as being crucial to his success.

“I was using a 7-(foot)2-(inch) medium(action) Hex, by Favorite Rods,” Connell said. “It is an awesome drop-shot rod, with enough backbone to get those big smallmouth up. I was using 12-pound Seaguar Gold Label, with a straight-shank Googan Baits drop-shot hook and a ¾-ounce weight with a (Googan) Drag N Drop. I was switching between goby baits and shad baits. Just using my electronics, panning around, finding these smallmouth and catching them.

“I’m looking forward to tomorrow,” Connell went on to say. “I’ve got a good shot. I’m in it. You can’t win it unless you in it. And we’re in it.”

Rounding out the top 40 finishers on Cayuga Lake were:

11^th:       Britt Myers, Lake Wylie, S.C., 19 bass, 57-10, $10,000
12^th:       Cliff Pace, Petal, Miss., 18 bass, 57-3, $10,000
13^th:       Dylan Hays, Hot Springs, Ark., 18 bass, 56-13, $10,000
14^th:       Luke Clausen, Spokane, Wash., 17 bass, 54-3, $10,000
15^th:       Todd Faircloth, Jasper, Texas, 18 bass, 54-0, $10,000
16^th:       Jeremy Lawyer, Sarcoxie, Mo., 16 bass, 53-0, $10,000
17^th:       Fletcher Shryock, Guntersville, Ala., 16 bass, 52-8, $10,000
18^th:       Josh Bertrand, Queen Creek, Ariz., 14 bass, 51-8, $10,000
19^th:       Jared Lintner, Covington, Ga., 17 bass, 49-14, $10,000
20^th:       Matt Lee, Cullman, Ala., 15 bass, 47-12, $10,000
21^st:       Anthony Gagliardi, Prosperity, S.C., 11 bass, 46-12, $10,000
22^nd:      Ott DeFoe, Blaine, Tenn., 15 bass, 44-9, $10,000
23^rd:      Jonathon VanDam, Kalamazoo, Mich., 13 bass, 44-4, $10,000
24^th:       Andy Morgan, Dayton, Tenn., 12 bass, 43-13, $10,000
25^th:       Brent Ehrler, Redlands, Calif., 12 bass, 42-6, $10,000
26^th:       Fred Roumbanis, Russellville, Ark., 13 bass, 41-7, $10,000
27^th:       James Watson, Lampe, Mo., 12 bass, 37-10, $10,000
28^th:       Roy Hawk, Lake Havasu City, Ariz., 13 bass, 37-3, $10,000
29^th:       Jordan Lee, Cullman, Ala., 11 bass, 37-1, $10,000
30^th:       Mark Davis, Mount Ida, Ark., 10 bass, 36-1, $10,000
31^st:       Alton Jones, Jr., Waco, Texas, 11 bass, 35-10, $10,000
32^nd:      Randall Tharp, Port Saint Joe, Fla., 10 bass, 31-10, $10,000
33^rd:      James Elam, Tulsa, Okla., 10 bass, 31-9, $10,000
34^th:       Timmy Horton, Muscle Shoals, Ala., nine bass, 28-12, $10,000
35^th:       Bobby Lane, Lakeland, Fla., eight bass, 28-7, $10,000
36^th:       Paul Elias, Laurel, Miss., 10 bass, 28-3, $10,000
37^th:       Adrian Avena, Vineland, N.J., eight bass, 28-1, $10,000
38^th:       Mark Daniels, Jr., Tuskegee, Ala., six bass, 23-2, $10,000
39^th:       Casey Ashley, Donalds, S.C., five bass, 18-11, $10,000
40^th:       David Walker, Sevierville, Tenn., five bass, 13-7, $10,000

Overall, there were 544 scorable bass weighing 1,775 pounds, 2 ounces caught by the 38 pros Wednesday.

Oklahoma pro Zack Birge earned the $1,000 Berkley Big Bass award Wednesday, catching a 6-pound, 15-ounce largemouth on a medium-diving crankbait in Period 1. Berkley awards $1,000 to the angler who weighs the heaviest bass each day, and a $3,000 bonus to the angler who weighs the heaviest bass of the tournament.

The 40 Anglers in Group A competed in their two-day qualifying round on Saturday and Monday – the 40 anglers in Group B on Sunday and Tuesday. After the two-day Qualifying Round, the anglers that finished in 2nd through 20th place from both groups advanced to Wednesday’s Knockout Round, while the winner of each group advanced directly to Thursday’s Championship Round. In the Knockout Round weights were zeroed, and the remaining 38 anglers competed to finish in the top 8 to advance to the Championship Round. Tomorrow, in the final day Championship Round, weights are zeroed and the highest one-day total wins the top prize of $100,000.

The final 10 anglers will launch Thursday at 7:30 a.m. ET from Frontenac Park, located at 15 Creamery Road in Union Springs.

Also on Thursday, MLF will host a Celebration Event from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. for fans of all ages, inviting fans to come out and celebrate with the professional anglers from the Bass Pro Tour as they crown the champion of the Fox Rent A Car Stage Six on Cayuga Lake Presented by Googan Baits. Before the celebration, an MLF watch party starts at 1:30 p.m., and the first 50 middle school or high school anglers in attendance will receive a free Abu Garcia rod and reel combo valued at $100. The final 10 Championship Round Bass Pro Tour anglers will be on hand at the trophy celebration to meet and greet fans, sign autographs, and take selfies.

The Fox Rent A Car Stage Six on Cayuga Lake Presented by Googan Baits features anglers competing with a 2-pound minimum weight requirement for a bass to be deemed scorable. Minimum weights are determined individually for each competition waters that the Bass Pro Tour visits, based on the productivity, bass population and anticipated average size of fish in each fishery.

The Bass Pro Tour features a field of 80 of the top professional anglers in the world competing across seven regular-season tournaments around the country, competing for millions of dollars and valuable points to qualify for the annual General Tire Heavy Hitters all-star event and REDCREST IV, the Bass Pro Tour championship, which will be held next March on Lake Norman in Charlotte, North Carolina.

The MLF NOW!® broadcast team of Chad McKee, Marty Stone and J.T. Kenney will break down the extended action on Championship Thursday from 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. ET. MLF NOW!® will be live streamed on MajorLeagueFishing.com and the MyOutdoorTV (MOTV) app.

Television coverage of the Fox Rent A Car Stage Six on Cayuga Lake Presented by Googan Baits will premiere as a two-hour episode at 7 a.m. ET, on Saturday, Nov. 12 on the Discovery Channel. New MLF episodes premiere each Saturday morning on the Discovery Channel, with additional re-airings on the Outdoor Channel. Each two-hour long reality-based episode goes in-depth to break down each day of tournament competition.

Proud sponsors of the 2022 MLF Bass Pro Tour include: 13 Fishing, Abu Garcia, A.R.E. Truck Caps, B&W Trailer Hitches, Bally Bet, Bass Cat, Bass Pro Shops, Berkley, Covercraft, Favorite Fishing, Garmin, General Tire, Googan Baits, Grundéns, Guaranteed Rate, Humminbird, Lowrance, Luminox, Mercury, Minn Kota, Mossy Oak, Nitro Performance Boats, Onyx, Plano, Power-Pole, Power Stop, Rapala, Starbrite, Toro, Toyota, Wrangler, Yellowstone Bourbon and Zoom.

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

First Helen Sevier Pioneer Scholarships Awarded To Eastman And Morris

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August 10, 2022

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August 10, 2022

First Helen Sevier Pioneer Scholarships Awarded To Eastman And Morris

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — B.A.S.S. and Shimano have partnered to award the inaugural Helen Sevier Pioneer Scholarships to Elizabeth Eastman of Fairhope, Ala., and Dixie Morris of Valley, Ala. These scholarships not only honor Sevier’s leadership and long-term vision for the growth of sportfishing, but also recognize the efforts of young female anglers as they pursue fishing at the collegiate level.

“Shimano is thrilled to support Elizabeth and Dixie in their future ambition as anglers,” said Sarah Harper Burke, senior marketing manager, Shimano North America Fishing. “They are exemplary young women who are claiming their space within the fishing industry. We applaud their drive and encourage their pursuit of taking their fishing to the next level.”

Eastman, who is entering her senior year at Fairhope High School, grew up fishing the biodiverse Mobile-Tensaw Delta with her dad and sister. She plans to attend Louisiana State University, where she will compete on the fishing team while pursuing a degree in Fisheries and Aquaculture. In addition to a Top 15 finish at the 2022 Alabama B.A.S.S. Nation High School State Championship and serving as treasurer for her fishing team, Eastman is also active in dance, archery team, art club, marine life club, Mu Alpha Theta, National Honor Society, National Art Honor Society and Future Business Leaders of America and was named a National Archery in the Schools Program Academic Archer.

“Winning this scholarship connects me to some amazing women,” said Eastman. “It gives me a sense of support that will help me push through any barrier I may encounter. It also creates a sense of obligation to carry on the legacy that Helen Sevier started.”

Morris is a freshman on the Southern Union Community College Bison Fishing Team with plans to complete a pre-veterinary bachelor’s degree at Auburn University before veterinary school and a master’s degree. Morris had the initial idea to start her high school’s fishing team, the Valley Bass Team, and earned Top Angler (along with her teammate) three times while also helping to grow the team. Morris lives on the Chattahoochee River, with West Point Lake and Lake Harding providing other rich “home waters” for family fishing excursions. In addition to fishing, Morris is active in 4-H, Future Farmers of America and National Honor Society, an award winner in the SkillsUSA program and earned a Bronze Award from Girl Scouts.

“Winning the Helen Sevier Pioneer Scholarship has meant so much to me,” said Morris. “I was already looking forward to fishing on the Southern Union fishing team, but now I am even more excited because this helps to show women and young girls that they can achieve great things in a male-dominated sport. This has really encouraged me to step out and try for more scholarships and things that seemed unachievable.

“I want to thank B.A.S.S. and Shimano for choosing me for this award. I also want to thank Helen Sevier for making the pathway for the entire sportfishing industry.”

Sevier, the second full-time member of B.A.S.S. hired by founder Ray Scott in 1970, was a pioneer at all levels of the organization. During her 31-year career at B.A.S.S., Sevier oversaw a boom in membership as well as the expansion of Bassmaster’s media operation to include seven magazines and two television shows. Sevier was also instrumental in recruiting young people to the sport through the innovative CastingKids program. In 2004, Sevier was inducted into the National Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame, and her induction into the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame came in 2018.

Both Eastman and Morris earned a $2,500 scholarship.

Neal Outlasts Field to Top Group B at MLF Bass Pro Tour Fox Rent A Car Stage Six at Cayuga Lake Presented by Googan Baits

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August 9, 2022

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Neal Outlasts Field to Top Group B at MLF Bass Pro Tour Fox Rent A Car Stage Six at Cayuga Lake Presented by Googan Baits

Tennessee Angler Boats Two-Day Haul of 139 Pounds, 11 Ounces to Punch Ticket to Championship Round, Field of 38 Set for Wednesday’s Knockout Round

UNION SPRINGS, N.Y. (Aug. 9, 2022) – Pro Michael Neal of Dayton, Tennessee, who led Group B after the first day of competition, added another 14 scorable bass weighing 56 pounds, 8 ounces to finish the charge and earn the Group B Qualifying Round win Tuesday at the Major League Fishing (MLF) Bass Pro Tour Fox Rent A Car Stage Six on Cayuga Lake Presented by Googan Baits in Union Springs, New York. Neal’s two-day total of 35 bass weighing 139 pounds, 11 ounces, earned him the win by an 11-pound, 12-ounce margin and advanced the Tennessee pro directly to Thursday’s final-day Championship Round.

Link to Photo Gallery of Group B – Day 2 Highlights
Link to Video – Full Event Livestream of Group B Qualifying Round Day 2 on Cayuga Lake

B&W Trailer Hitches pro Mark Davis of Mount Ida, Arkansas, caught a two-day total of 37 bass weighing 127-15 to end the round in second place. Lorena, Texas, angler Alton Jones caught 39 scorable bass weighing 116-15 to finish the round in third. Both Davis and Jones held the lead for periods of time Tuesday, but both were eventually overtaken by a Neal flurry.

The remaining 38 anglers – 19 from each group – now advance to Wednesday’s Knockout Round, where weights are zeroed, and the anglers compete to finish in the top eight to advance to the Championship Round on Thursday. The Championship Round will feature Group A winner Justin Lucas, Group B winner Michael Neal, and the top eight finishers from the Knockout Round competing in a final-day shootout for the top prize of $100,000.

“I really didn’t want to catch as many as I had to today, especially at the end of the day. But I kept feeling like everyone else was catching too many for me to totally let up and go practice,” Neal said in his post-game interview. “I wish I could have. Sometimes it works out where you can, and sometimes you can’t. The good news is that I don’t think there is much else in this section of the lake for me to find, so it might have been a good thing that I didn’t have any time to go look and spread myself out even further.”

On Day 1 of competition Sunday, Neal caught both species – 10 largemouth and 11 smallmouth – to jump out to the early lead. On Tuesday, Neal caught only smallmouth.

“Coming out of practice, I thought the majority of the fish that I caught during this event would be smallmouth, but after the first day of the tournament it was basically half and half,” Neal said. “I definitely didn’t expect it to be all smallmouth today. It’s always fun to catch them, though, and the last time I did that and won a round with big smallmouth was when I won last year at Lake St. Clair. So hopefully we can keep that momentum rolling, now that we’ve won the round maybe we can move on and win the Championship Round, too.

The biggest key for me today was downsizing my line,” Neal continued. “On Sunday I was using 8-pound (test) Sunline Shooter (line), but today I used 7-pound. I just feel like with as much pressure as these fish are getting, any advantage is important and I feel like the smaller diameter of that line makes a big difference.

“I think the Championship Round is going to be pretty difficult – these fish are getting a ton of pressure on the places where they’re really schooled up, and where they’re not there is hardly any singles or anything. I’m going to regroup, get a good gameplan together tomorrow, hopefully, and we’ll see what happens in the Championship Round.”

The top 20 pros in Qualifying Group B that now advance to Wednesday’s Knockout Round on Cayuga Lake are:

1^st:          Michael Neal, Dayton, Tenn., 35 bass, 139-11
2^nd:         Mark Davis, Mount Ida, Ark., 37 bass, 127-15
3^rd:         Alton Jones, Lorena, Texas, 39 bass, 116-15
4^th:         Mark Daniels, Jr., Tuskegee, Ala., 29 bass, 100-0
5^th:         James Elam, Tulsa, Okla., 31 bass, 96-0
6^th:         Dakota Ebare, Brookeland, Texas, 25 bass, 93-15
7^th:         Brent Ehrler, Redlands, Calif., 25 bass, 93-13
8^th:         Jared Lintner, Covington, Ga., 31 bass, 92-14
9^th:         Anthony Gagliardi, Prosperity, S.C., 25 bass, 92-14
10^th:       Jordan Lee, Cullman, Ala., 29 bass, 92-1
11^th:       Andy Morgan, Dayton, Tenn., 26 bass, 86-14
12^th:       Britt Myers, Lake Wylie, S.C., 28 bass, 84-15
13^th:       Cody Meyer, Star, Idaho, 26 bass, 84-9
14^th:       James Watson, Lampe, Mo., 25 bass, 80-3
15^th:       Bobby Lane, Lakeland, Fla., 27 bass, 78-10
16^th:       Andy Montgomery, Blacksburg, S.C., 25 bass, 78-6
17^th:       Fred Roumbanis, Russellville, Ark., 24 bass, 76-9
18^th:       Paul Elias, Laurel, Miss., 24 bass, 72-5
19^th:       Randall Tharp, Port Saint Joe, Fla., 22 bass, 70-7
20^th:       Timmy Horton, Muscle Shoals, Ala., 20 bass, 69-11

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

Overall, there were 363 scorable bass weighing 1,224 pounds, 11 ounces caught by the 40 pros Tuesday.

Pros Cody Meyer of Star, Idaho, and Spring City, Tennessee’s John Murray each earned a share of Tuesday’s $1,000 Berkley Big Bass award, as both caught fish weighing 6 pounds, 2 ounces. Meyer’s largemouth came on a drop-shot rig during Period 2, while Murray’s largemouth came on a deep-diving crankbait during Period 1. Berkley awards $1,000 to the angler who weighs the heaviest bass each day, and a $3,000 bonus to the angler who weighs the heaviest bass of the tournament.

This six-day tournament, hosted by the Village of Union Springs, showcases 80 of the best professional anglers in the world competing for a purse of more than $805,000. The tournament is livestreamed each day at MajorLeagueFishing.com and the MOTV app, and also filmed for television broadcast later this fall on the Discovery Channel.

The 40 Anglers in Group A competed in their two-day qualifying round on Saturday and Monday – the 40 anglers in Group B on Sunday and Tuesday. Now that each two-day qualifying round is complete, the anglers that finished in 2nd through 20th place from both groups advance to Wednesday’s Knockout Round, while the winner of each group advances directly to Thursday’s Championship Round. In tomorrow’s Knockout Round, weights are zeroed, and the remaining 38 anglers compete to finish in the top 8 to advance to the Championship Round. In the final day Championship Round on Thursday, weights are zeroed, and the highest one-day total wins the top prize of $100,000.

Anglers will launch each day at 7:30 a.m. ET from Frontenac Park, located at 15 Creamery Road in Union Springs. Each day’s General Tire Takeout will be held at the park, beginning at 4 p.m. Fans are welcome to attend all launch and takeout events and also encouraged to follow the event online throughout the day on the MLF NOW!® live stream and SCORETRACKER® coverage at MajorLeagueFishing.com.

On Championship Thursday, Aug. 11, from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. MLF will host a Celebration Event for fans of all ages, inviting fans to come out and celebrate with the professional anglers from the Bass Pro Tour as they crown the champion of the Fox Rent A Car Stage Six on Cayuga Lake Presented by Googan Baits. Before the celebration, an MLF watch party starts at 1:30 p.m., and the first 50 middle school or high school anglers in attendance will receive a free Abu Garcia rod and reel combo valued at $100. The final 10 Championship Round Bass Pro Tour anglers will be on hand at the trophy celebration to meet and greet fans, sign autographs, and take selfies.

The Fox Rent A Car Stage Six on Cayuga Lake Presented by Googan Baits features anglers competing with a 2-pound minimum weight requirement for a bass to be deemed scorable. Minimum weights are determined individually for each competition waters that the Bass Pro Tour visits, based on the productivity, bass population and anticipated average size of fish in each fishery.

The Bass Pro Tour features a field of 80 of the top professional anglers in the world competing across seven regular-season tournaments around the country, competing for millions of dollars and valuable points to qualify for the annual General Tire Heavy Hitters all-star event and REDCREST IV, the Bass Pro Tour championship, which will be held next March on Lake Norman in Charlotte, North Carolina.

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

Television coverage of the Fox Rent A Car Stage Six on Cayuga Lake Presented by Googan Baits will premiere as a two-hour episode at 7 a.m. ET, on Saturday, Nov. 12 on the Discovery Channel. New MLF episodes premiere each Saturday morning on the Discovery Channel, with additional re-airings on the Outdoor Channel. Each two-hour long reality-based episode goes in-depth to break down each day of tournament competition.

Proud sponsors of the 2022 MLF Bass Pro Tour include: 13 Fishing, Abu Garcia, A.R.E. Truck Caps, B&W Trailer Hitches, Bally Bet, Bass Cat, Bass Pro Shops, Berkley, Covercraft, Favorite Fishing, Garmin, General Tire, Googan Baits, Grundéns, Guaranteed Rate, Humminbird, Lowrance, Luminox, Mercury, Minn Kota, Mossy Oak, Nitro Performance Boats, Onyx, Plano, Power-Pole, Power Stop, Rapala, Starbrite, Toro, Toyota, Wrangler, Yellowstone Bourbon and Zoom.

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

Whatley Returns To Bassmaster Elite Series After Medical Hardship

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August 9, 2022

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August 9, 2022

Whatley Returns To Bassmaster Elite Series After Medical Hardship

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Bassmaster Elite Series angler Brad Whatley of Bivins, Texas, is returning to fish the final two Elite Series tournaments of 2022 after missing three tournaments due to a medical hardship.

Whatley, who has been battling the effects of Crohn’s disease for nearly two decades, had been in and out of the hospital since January. By the end of the Guaranteed Rate Bassmaster Elite at Chickamauga Lake, he had to take the medical hardship that B.A.S.S. offers anglers on the Elite Series once during their career.

“Don’t get me wrong, I’ve been to the emergency room several times,” said Whatley. “But I’ve never been admitted to the hospital for several days. I wound up spending five days in the hospital.”

Whatley’s body was doing all it could to fight off infection after infection, but it was time for medical intervention.

“They thought my small intestine was completely closed off. That’s why I was getting the infections. I got really, really sick at Harris Chain.”

Whatley, who was rooming with fellow Elite Series pros Brock Mosley, Hank Cherry and Tyler Rivet, was so sick during practice that he couldn’t get out of bed.

“They’d come in there and check on me, and I’d be in the bed with three jackets on and covered up. It wasn’t that it was cold. I’d get an infection, and then I’d get a fever and freeze to death. Then the fever would break and I’d sweat like a hog. It was a vicious cycle. And then while all that was going on I’d feel like I’m getting my guts ripped out.”

After starting a new medication and having a small procedure done, Whatley’s Crohn’s disease is finally in remission again.

“I started infusions at the end of April and wound up getting sick again. I thought the medicine wasn’t working. But that wasn’t the case. It takes eight to 10 weeks for it to get into your system. I have not been sick since the last day of that Fork event and feel better than I’ve felt in 10 years.”

The medication Whatley started taking in April, Stelara, helped to fight off the infection, and once that was under control, it was then time to talk about surgery.

“I had two options: They could cut out part of my small intestine and reattach it, or, if we got the inflammation down, they could put me under and basically put a balloon in me and blow it up and stretch out where I have a lot of scar tissue and I’m really constricted.”

Whatley was able to undergo the second and less aggressive surgery a few weeks ago, and it has made an enormous difference in his quality of life. This is a procedure that is not expected to have to be done again. Though there are certainly still some negative effects of having Crohn’s, Whatley is feeling optimistic.

“From what I understand, if you can get to your golden years, it finally lessens up and you don’t have the problems.”

Focusing on the near future, Whatley is excited to get back onto the Elite Series trail. He’s certainly missed the competition and camaraderie.

“I’m no different than anybody else out there. I eat, breathe and sleep competition. If we’re going to sit down and play dominoes, I’m here to beat you.”

It was tough for Whatley to sit out for three events, especially with those fisheries traditionally being good to him. Whatley has finished fifth, ninth and 26th at Lake Fork, the St. Lawrence River and Pickwick Lake respectively.

“Feeling like I feel now, I could go ahead and not fish the remaining couple of tournaments on the schedule. At the same time, I’m a competitor and I want to fish. It’s killing me to not fish.”

Whatley will be rejoining the remainder of the Elite field for the final two events, and he’s happy B.A.S.S. has set it up to where he is unable to negatively affect the outcome of the Progressive Bassmaster Angler of the Year points race.

“I’m going to fish to win, but I’m going to stay out of everybody’s way. I wouldn’t come back if I was going to affect somebody’s points. And I haven’t had any negative feedback. I’ve had lots of guys that have texted me, ‘Man I miss you out here.’ Everybody’s been cool about it and checked up on me pretty often, which I appreciate.”

Whatley will not receive AOY points for the remainder of the year, and the cut to fish Day 3 will remain at 47 boats. The last check will still go to the angler who finishes in 61st place.

The Elite Series field takes to the water again August 18-21 at the Guaranteed Rate Bassmaster Elite at Lake Oahe in South Dakota.

Omnia Fishing Will Simulcast Bassmaster LIVE From Lake Oahe As Shoppable Feed

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August 9, 2022

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August 9, 2022

Omnia Fishing Will Simulcast Bassmaster LIVE From Lake Oahe As Shoppable Feed

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — For the second time this season, fishing fans will be able to watch, learn and shop in one seamless experience during Days 1 and 2 of the Guaranteed Rate Bassmaster Elite at Lake Oahe. Omnia Fishing and B.A.S.S. have partnered to simulcast Bassmaster LIVE as a shoppable stream on Omnia’s website and mobile app.

Omnia’s simulcast will identify the baits and gear used by the pros during the event, making them available for purchase in real time. Plus, new for Oahe, the shoppable simulcast will feature special guests, behind-the-scenes content and discounts.

“The response that we got from our first shoppable livestream of a Bassmaster Elite event was great,” said Matt Johnson, CEO of Omnia Fishing. “We’re excited to see what the Lake Oahe event brings and will be ready with info on the gear, as well as a bunch of new goodies for viewers.”

Anglers often use their time on camera during Bassmaster LIVE to help educate anglers of all levels on how to break down a fishery and what techniques and gear will help them be most successful. The Omnia Fishing Bassmaster LIVE simulcast will provide an opportunity for enthusiastic fans to follow along as their favorite Elite anglers adjust to current conditions while Omnia’s live shopping platform guides detail-hungry anglers through the pros’ bait, rod and reel selections.

Omnia Fishing currently sponsors three Elite Series anglers — Wisconsin’s Bob Downey, who is coming off a Top 10 on the St. Lawrence River, 2021 Bassmaster Angler of the Year Seth Feider of Minnesota and South Carolina’s Patrick Walters, who has earned Century Belts in two consecutive seasons.

Fans will be able to shop along with the pros August 18-19 during the Bassmaster Elite at Lake Oahe at OmniaFishing.com and on the Omnia Fishing app, which is available free in the Apple and Google Play stores.

About Omnia Fishing
Omnia Fishing is a new kind of tackle buying experience, with a massive selection plus the tools to find just the right gear for you based on the lake you fish, all powered by local anglers. See what’s trending in your local area, read fishing reports organized by lake or consult with a team of Omnia experts in real time at OmniaFishing.com and on the Omnia Fishing app.

BROTHERS MINOR TOP THE CHART AT HOBIE B.O.S. SUSQUEHANNA RIVER EVENT

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August 9, 2022

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BROTHERS MINOR TOP THE CHART AT HOBIE B.O.S. SUSQUEHANNA RIVER EVENT

Nolan Minor captures first tourney victory, brother Ewing snags second on one of country’s premiere smallmouth rivers.

OCEANSIDE, Calif. (August 8, 2022) – Nolan Minor panned the shallows of the Susquehanna River and sifted up a bounty full of bronzebacks to seal his first professional tournament victory at the 2022 Hobie Bass Open Series (B.O.S.) Anchored by Power-Pole® Susquehanna River event held July 30-31. Throwing an Evergreen Gizmo to tempt shy but surface feeding smallies in mostly shin-deep water, the 24-year-old from Charlottesville, VA, tallied 187.75 total inches of bass to top the field – and his brother, Ewing Minor, who finished second – buy a full two inches. Jake Harshman grabbed third as all three finished in the top four slots on both days of the catch, photograph and release (CPR) event.

“It really was a great weekend if your last name was ‘Minor’” said tournament director, Cody Prather. Not only did Nolan grab the gold while Ewing captured silver but their dad, Todd Minor, finished in the top 20 on Day 1 before falling off the pace. What a great weekend he must have had tracking his boys as they battled it out for the top two spots.”

Which is exactly what the Minors squared had set out to do, explained Nolan. “Ewing and I don’t really share waters because we’d be splitting the potential catch, but we do exchange information during tournaments. So, when I found myself on a solid pattern, I clued him in. He managed to find a comparable spot that offered a similar bite, but his fish were just slightly smaller on Day 1. He’s had some serious success in these competitions, so I was glad I managed to hold him off down the stretch.”

Nolan Minor spent most of his time working the famed smallmouth river on foot since, due to the shallow nature of the Susquehanna, the rules allowed safe portaging and wading as long as the boat remained tethered to the angler.

“I had a few bass on a Berkley Choppo, but most of the fish I saw were giving it a look and then shying off,” said Nolan. “Fortunately, I brought along a couple of Ever Green Gizmos after talking to a friend who had said he was experiencing a solid topwater bite on the James River back home in Virginia. At 1.5 inches and 3/64-ounces, that lure is a lot more subtle, and it proved just the ticket for those cautious smallies. I was simply floating black and green pumpkin patterns on the surface for those ‘bug fish,’ adding a twitch for any that seemed interested but wouldn’t commit. The bass just crushed ‘em.”

Nolan, who is no stranger to shallow water river smallmouths, having grown up targeting them at home, planned out his entire approach to the Susky event more than two weeks prior. “I know from experience that big shallow water smallmouths will smack topwater offerings in the heat of summer, but I still can’t believe how perfectly things worked out,” he said with a laugh. “Usually, you need to make some adjustments at any event – but this game plan proved spot-on right from the start.”

While Nolan walked the flats, Ewing, 20, chose to stay in his vessel but used a novel approach to round up his fish. “I was floating down past my spots and then looping back upriver to approach them from below,” he revealed. “I didn’t find quite the concentrations of fish that Nolan was able to locate, but I had plenty of action. I was mostly sight-fishing, letting that Gizmo float and giving it just a slight twitch or two if a bass nosed-up and didn’t eat it.”

While this was Nolan’s first win on the tournament trail, it didn’t come as a surprise to his brother. “He can fish,” said Ewing. “He’s as good an angler as you’ll ever meet. He’s taught me more about fishing than anyone else. Having him and my father as mentors has really helped me grow into the successful angler I’ve become.”

“It was nice to have the whole family out there this weekend,” continued Ewing, “and I’m thrilled my brother got it done against such stiff competition. You had anglers like back-to-back champion Jody Queen and Drew Gregory at this event, plus a packed field of river smallmouth sharpies. When you win a Hobie B.O.S. event, there’s no doubt you’ve beaten the best.”

Both Minor brothers were using Hobie Kayaks for the event with Nolan in a PA12 360 and Ewing in an Outback loaned to him by Carson-Newman University in Jefferson City, TN, where he is currently a sophomore member of the fishing team. Nolan totaled 95.5inches of bass on Day 1 to lead the field while Ewing took the third spot with 92.5 inches. On Day 2, Ewing charged hard to lead the pack with a 95.5-inch total while Nolan drilled 92.23 inches for fourth place.

Harshman, 37, of Pennsylvania, chose to focus his efforts on stretches of fast-moving, highly oxygenated water, buzzing a spinnerbait so the blades mostly fluttered on the surface. “I found about four spots in a 200-yard stretch of the river that were holding a lot of bait and just kept rotating through them,” he revealed after finishing fourth on Day 1 with 91.75 inches, and second on Day 2 with 93.25 inches. “Congratulations to Nolan and Ewing, they are both class acts and solid fishermen. For his youth, Nolan has a wealth of knowledge about bass and his victory was well deserved.”

For their efforts, Nolan Minor banked $10,500, Ewing Minor earned $5,500, and Harshman pocketed $3,200. Bassin’ Big Bass honors and a $500 check for the tourney’s largest fish went to Collin Lamkin, of Chicago, IL, for a 21.50-inch lunker smallmouth caught on Day 2 using a Whopper Plopper 75.

Additionally, AFTCO Angler of the Year (AOY) points were awarded to the top 100 finishers in the 192-angler field. Nolan Minor, Jake Harshman and fourth-place finisher Chris Blair also punched tickets to the 2022 Hobie Tournament of Champions (TOC) on Caddo Lake, November 11-13, in Shreveport-Bossier City, Louisiana. Ewing Minor had previously qualified by winning the Broken Bow event. The TOC is a three-day 50-angler championship with a $100,000 payout guarantee and $45,000 first-place prize.

“The Susquehanna River welcomed us with open arms once again,” summed up Prather following the award ceremony. “When it comes to river fishing, this place is a smallmouth heaven and a kayaker’s dream. There are very few boats to pressure the fish here, and our competitors basically have the waters to themselves when the Hobie B.O.S. comes to town. Big thanks to the Hershey Harrisburg Sports & Event Authority for inviting us out. We had a slugfest from the first cast to the last cast which is just the way we like it. All of our participants seemed to catch well with a lot of limits, plenty of smiles and even some personal bests. Everyone went home happy.”

Especially Nolan Minor, who expressed his admiration for the tournament’s competitors in general and the Hobie B.O.S. Anchored By Power Pole in particular. “It’s really neat to be able to fish for river smallmouths from a kayak while cutting in some wade fishing,” he remarked. “And to have a chance to win $10,500 doing it is a unique opportunity that’s so new to the kayak fishing scene. Payouts like this simply didn’t exist on the kayak trail a few years ago. The Hobie B.O.S. is undisputedly the most competitive kayak series right now, and that’s drawing even more great anglers to these contests. I love the opportunity to fish with the best, and I get that chance every time I launch in a Hobie competition.”

Up next on the Hobie® B.O.S. Series Anchored By Power-Pole® schedule is the Wolf and Fox Rivers event in Appleton, August 20-21. Registration is now underway.

Such a Large Bounty for a Small Package: The Daiwa Exist by DAIWA

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August 9, 2022

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Such a Large Bounty for a Small Package: The Daiwa Exist

Tackle Tour Total Score: 8.58 – ULTIMATE ENTHUSIAST AWARD

Republished with permission from Tackle Tour.

Cypress, CA (August 9, 2022) – We’ll let one of the fishing industry’s strongest voices describe the new Exist in their own words…

Introduction: Crafted with exotic materials and a slew of new features that are designed to improve everything from the feel of the retrieve to the way the drag delivers pressure, Daiwa’s new Exist redefines what a flagship spinning reel should be, in more ways than one. Blurring the lines between functionality and art the Daiwa Exist delivers a new level of refinement but also comes with a very steep price.

Impressions: Breaking barriers in both design and price points the incredibly expensive Daiwa Exist G LT spinning reel is the brand’s new flagship offering. This reel features a magnesium monocoque frame, Zaion rotor, Magsealed frame and line roller, and a whole new Air Drive system. Basically, it has all the newest Daiwa features all crammed into one eccentric looking reel. This new Exist has the sleekest and most elegant lines I’ve ever seen on any Daiwa reel and the choice of using varying shades of silver and gunmetal that are different yet very close in coloration give this reel a very high-end look. The entire reel looks like it is made from some exotic alloy, and the first time I saw it I joked that it was made from “Mandalorian Beskar.”

Though the Exist was unveiled prior to ICAST it was officially launched at the recent show and is available in five sizes ranging from 2000 to 5000 and though the reel’s frame is made from magnesium it is sealed so well with gaskets and Magseal electronic oil that it is rated for use in saltwater.

Real World Tests: I started fishing the Daiwa Exist a few months before ICAST with the goal of completing this review before the show. Unfortunately, I couldn’t log enough hours on the water until after finishing the event to be able to complete this article. Though the Exist is a halo reel and primarily pursued by enthusiasts there has been a very high level of interest in this new reel since it was unveiled earlier this year. Perhaps it is the curiosity of what a near $900 reel offers or simply the radically elegant design of the new reel. I’ve had more anglers reach out to me over IG asking about the Exist than any other spinning reel this season. I had the opportunity to start fishing the Stella FK first but was eager to see what the new Exist offered and have been putting it to use targeting both spotted and largemouth primarily paired with the NRX+ spinning rods and spooled with Daiwa J-Braid with a long Seaguar Tatsu leader.

Casting: While casting metrics with baitcasters are more cut and dry the free flow of line off spinning reels makes discerning the subtle differences between reels more challenging. How much better does a nearly $900 reel cast versus a $300 one? There really isn’t much difference in casting distance, if any. Daiwa claims that the “Long Cast-ABS” design, which features a dual stage lip, helps reduce resistance to improve casting distance by 5%. I couldn’t measure any noticeable difference and found the Exist to cast similarly to other higher end reels.

Line: I think the more important factor is just how well a spinning reel manages line, essentially how well can it stay out of trouble. Line loops and twists are all part of the game with spinning reels, and the older the line the more likely these issues will arise. The Exist manages these issues well and the team at Daiwa adjusted the angle of the bail so it tapers slightly up towards the line roller creating a more natural path for the line. Once line enters the roller a second groove on the line roller itself comes into play. Daiwa plays up their technology with fancy names, and this implementation is called “Twistbuster III.” While this may seem like a minor change, I did notice the effects on both fluorocarbon main line and braid to fluoro leader setups in which the line naturally wants to get pulled towards the groove under pressure, which helps flatten the line, improving lay on the spool, and efficiently minimizing line twists.

Retrieve: The Exist’s fancy Air Drive Rotor is made from Zaion so that it is as light as previous generation reels but in this new reel the engineers redesigned the rotor so that it now weighs 16% lighter than the previous generation. They accomplished this by porting out the core of the rotor and re-shaped it to improve balance while placing extra reinforcement on high stress areas.

The goal of the design is to reduce the amount of inertial force that is required to turn the rotor. This is one area that absolutely translates to real-world performance and the Exist just feels lighter on startup than Daiwa’s other reels including the Certate and Steez. Not only does the reel feel lighter on startup it also requires less force to stop, creating a reel that feels more responsive.

“The EXIST has the lightest startup of any reel I’ve ever fished.”

Besides the monocoque body the second most visually apparent feature is the smooth and angular spool. Daiwa considers these one of the four key elements in their Air Drive design, and the Air Drive Spool features a new shape that tapers down for a unique look. Even the mid-sized 3000D Exist spool is incredibly light at 30.2 grams and Daiwa has reduced the thickness of the spool to decrease weight to improve balance and oscillation at all speeds.

Another subtle improvement is a skirted edge at the bottom of the spool which is designed to deflect line and prevent it from getting caught behind the spool and tangling with the main shaft. This didn’t happen a single time to me when fishing this reel, which is more than I can say for just about every other spinning reel I’ve fished for an extended period.

A final element that helps give the Exist such a smooth and refined retrieve is the redesigned shaft. Yes, you guessed it the “Air Drive Shaft.” This design builds on the previous Daiwa high-end reels by taking the linear shaft and supporting the pinion gear with two bearings to improve cranking torque from the handle to the rotor. Daiwa also adds two sets of collars to better support the main shaft, isolating it and helping deliver a smoother and quieter rotation. The system works and all this translates to a light winding reel, even under the pressure of a big fish.

Drag: The Exist also features an updated drag system called the ATD TYPE-L which is basically a multi-disc drag system that makes use of a combination of materials to deliver both a more powerful and smoother drag. As usual, Daiwa includes their greased felt washers but there is now a series of interlocking metal washers that provide additional friction surfaces to help deliver consistent pressure while improving the ability to make more fine-tune adjustments.

The biggest difference in the new drag system is that it is engineered to deliver consistent drag force during the line acceleration versus the regular ATD which provides increasing drag pressure as the line is pulled faster. In theory this provides smoother and more consistent line-protecting performance throughout the course of the battle.

“The drag on the EXIST is incredibly satisfying, making each battle that much more enjoyable.”

Ergonomics: Beskar, admantium, vibranium, what all these mythical elements and alloys have in common is their legendary durability and light overall weight. While the Exist looks like it is made from an otherworldly material the Daiwa engineers do a great job creating a reel that looks beautifully refined and yet remains extremely lightweight. The same monocoque body that makes this reel so smooth is also what makes it so small and lightweight. Combine that compact aluminum body with the Zaion based rotor and the Exist feels both light and balanced.

“Clean lines, the EXIST doesn’t look like any other Daiwa reel.”

The Exist has the cleanest lines of just about any spinning reel out there, and even the spool is abnormally clean and devoid of any porting. Daiwa could easily have shaved more weight out of the spool if they ported it like some of their other reels and we asked Marc Mills, Director of Marketing at Daiwa, to see if this was ever an option considered the design team.

“I believe the final implementation is more about an elegant design. The Exist’s spool has been shaved down and thinned quite a bit and adding ports could potentially decrease durability especially since many anglers still use all sizes in saltwater/inshore and put lots of drag and line pressure with braid on the reel,” Marc explained. “Porting could also be a step in the gaudy direction and may take the look in a $900 classy reel to a you over did it level, like Daiwa you tried too hard…”

“The more I fished the EXIST the more I felt the reel really hit the mark when it came to performance and refinement. The last Exist was great, this one is better.”

Conclusion: With a focus on smooth lines and clean angles the Exist’s monocoque frame and Zaion rotor blend together with an elegance that sets it apart from every other spinning reel in the Daiwa lineup, as well as the competition. This reel was designed as a statement piece, the pinnacle of where Daiwa engineering and art coalesce, and it shows. This is a reel that feels like more than a fishing tool, it is a reel that you cannot help but look at and the desire to fish is strong with this one.

“More than a tool. The EXIST is truly a functional work of art.”

See the full review at Tackle Tour.

Images compliments of Tackle Tour.

Michael Brannon & Jacob Compton Win CATT James River, VA July 30, 2022

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August 9, 2022

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Michael Brannon & Jacob Compton Win CATT James River, VA July 30, 2022

Next James River CATT is this coming weekend August 13th at Osbourne!

We had 69 teams enter the July 30th James River Qualifier competing for a purse totaling up over $8,000.00!

Michael Brannon & Jacob Compton took 1st Place with 5 bass weighing 20.41 lbs earning $2,100.00!

2nd Place went to Josh & Zach Durham with a limit weighing 18.95 lbs worth $1,000.00!

Justin Faison & Brian Bersick claimed 3rd with 18.94 lbs taking home $750.00!

Richard Rodriguez Jr & Richard Rodrigues took 4th with 18.68 lbs plus weighed in the 1st BF at 7.54 lbs! Add in the 12st Side Pot and they collected $1,423.00!

Team	BF	Weight	Winnings	Points
Michael Brannon – Jacob Compton	7.00	20.41	$2,100.00	110
Josh Durham – Zach Durham	7.04	18.95	$1,000.00	109
Justin Faison – Brian Bersick	0.00	18.94	$750.00	108
Richard Rodriguez Jr – Richard Rodrigues	7.54	18.68	$1,423.00	107
Scott Rodgers – Mike Milton	0.00	18.02	$730.00	106
Greg Cooper – Clay Lewis	7.46	17.98	$617.00	105
Clyde Baldwin – Jeff Davis	4.63	16.00	$310.00	104
Matt Noraas – Soctt Blanton	0.00	15.92	$275.00	103
Marshall Johnson – Ryan Luckniete	0.00	14.87	$250.00	102
Luke Nickert – Jared Bass	0.00	14.81	$225.00	101
Roger Walters – Renee Walters	6.16	14.63	$200.00	100
Brandon Hill – Kevin King	0.00	14.37	$160.00	99
Joey Deluke	0.00	14.23	$140.00	98
Ray Hogge – Donnie Daniels	0.00	14.22		97
Brian Green – Jamie Pitts	0.00	13.96		96
Trey Goodman – Tim Chaffin	0.00	13.64		95
Matt Holt	0.00	13.52		94
Joey Cook – Justin Hall	0.00	13.00		93
Bo Boltz – Mickey Anderson	0.00	12.83		92
Rob Uzzle – Mike Cherry	0.00	12.76		91
Jamie Nealy – Greg Ball	0.00	12.65		90
Audie Murphy – Chris Dorman	6.64	12.57		89
Donnie Meade – Brian Books	0.00	12.44		88
Ryan Drewery – Wayne Drewery	0.00	12.27		87
Cory Dunnavant – Kennon Ball	5.67	12.25		86
Howard Austin – Mark Austin	0.00	12.10		85
Kelly Robinette – David Barlow	0.00	12.08		84
Garrett Geouge – Mike Grogan	0.00	11.82		83
Jason Bishop – Stan Bishop	0.00	11.81		82
Paul Martin – Francis Martin	0.00	11.50		81
Jarred Sutton – Nick Pass	0.00	11.47		80
Chuck Conner – Don Warren	0.00	11.46		79
Tommy Little – Robert Bruquire	0.00	11.06		78
Tripp Mistr – Brent Mistr	0.00	10.82		77
Duane Hodge – Brad Colgin	0.00	10.50		76
Dave Carney – Andy Bollhorst	0.00	10.43		75
Harrison Baker – Chase Huffman	0.00	10.42		74
Richard Mistr – Tom Owens	0.00	10.36		73
Mike Green – Billy Wilson	0.00	10.36		72
James Condrey – Jimmy Condrey	0.00	10.34		71
Luke Carson – Darrin Zollar	0.00	10.03		70
Curtis Combs – CJ Combs	0.00	9.77		69
Neil Jernigan – Hunter Warren	0.00	8.81		68
Jared Williams – Alex Richard	0.00	8.53		67
Chris Cockrell – Brian Snipes	0.00	8.41		66
Andy Walker – Jim Rowe	0.00	8.37		65
Charles James – John James	0.00	8.20		64
William Woodel – Walter Woodel	0.00	8.07		63
Bryan Keane – Evan Anderson	0.00	7.52		62
Jeff Ludlow – Billy Edwards	0.00	7.48		61
Stacy Vasser	0.00	7.34		60
Jeff Valentin – Daryl Moody	0.00	6.99		59
Rusty Alley – Dan Robinson	0.00	3.55		58
Kevin Davis – Melissa Davis	0.00	1.90		57
Harvey Reece – Anthony Weithers	0.00	0.00		47
Mike Knapp – Jeff Knapp	0.00	0.00		47
Ben Knapp – Scott Shaffer	0.00	0.00		47
Richard Bates – Greg Sakimura	0.00	0.00		47
Shawn Dunlap – Ken Kipler	0.00	0.00		47
James Funk – Matt Funk	0.00	0.00		47
Aaron Lucy – Reed Clay	0.00	0.00		47
Jerry Davis – Donnie Estes	0.00	0.00		47
Neal Allen – Rodney Allen	0.00	0.00		47
Eddie Griggs – Eric Rowe	0.00	0.00		47
Jacob Rudd – Brandon Rideout	0.00	0.00		47
TJ Milton – Ed Milton	0.00	0.00		47
Matt Kite	0.00	0.00		47
P Jones – Jennifer Bennett	0.00	0.00		47
James Byrd	0.00	0.00		47
Total Entrys			$8,160.00
BONUS $			$550.00
Total Paid At Ramp			$8,180.00
2022 James River Spring Final Fund			$510.00
2022 CATT Championship Fund			$90.00
2022 James River Spring Final Fund Total			$2,340.00

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Smallmouth Bonanza On Tap For Bassmaster Elite Series Event At Massive Lake Oahe

Do You Believe In Magic? Then Come Along With Me by Bruce Callis Jr

Connell Cruises in Knockout Round, Final 10 Set at MLF Bass Pro Tour Fox Rent A Car Stage Six at Cayuga Lake Presented by Googan Baits

First Helen Sevier Pioneer Scholarships Awarded To Eastman And Morris

Neal Outlasts Field to Top Group B at MLF Bass Pro Tour Fox Rent A Car Stage Six at Cayuga Lake Presented by Googan Baits

Whatley Returns To Bassmaster Elite Series After Medical Hardship

Omnia Fishing Will Simulcast Bassmaster LIVE From Lake Oahe As Shoppable Feed

BROTHERS MINOR TOP THE CHART AT HOBIE B.O.S. SUSQUEHANNA RIVER EVENT

Such a Large Bounty for a Small Package: The Daiwa Exist by DAIWA

Michael Brannon & Jacob Compton Win CATT James River, VA July 30, 2022

Next James River CATT is this coming weekend August 13th at Osbourne!

We had 69 teams enter the July 30th James River Qualifier competing for a purse totaling up over $8,000.00!

Michael Brannon & Jacob Compton took 1st Place with 5 bass weighing 20.41 lbs earning $2,100.00!

2nd Place went to Josh & Zach Durham with a limit weighing 18.95 lbs worth $1,000.00!

Justin Faison & Brian Bersick claimed 3rd with 18.94 lbs taking home $750.00!

Richard Rodriguez Jr & Richard Rodrigues took 4th with 18.68 lbs plus weighed in the 1st BF at 7.54 lbs! Add in the 12st Side Pot and they collected $1,423.00!

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Shawn Holland & Aaron Scott Win CATT Smith Mountain Lake Championship with 23.03 lbs

Winter Is Prime for Trophy Bass

Bassmaster Elite Angler and St. Croix Rod Pro, Bob Downey, Joins SEVIIN Reels Team