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Zach Fryer & Greg McKelvey Win CATT Waccamaw River, SC FALL FINAL Dec 4, 2021

What a year on the Waccamaw River! 2021 CATT Payback on the Waccamaw River — $61,585.00! Thanks to Chris Jones for running the CATT Trail on the Waccamaw River!

The 2022 Waccamaw River Summer Trail Schedule is posted on the Waccamaw River Division page! PLUS the 2022 Phantom Outdoors Invitational Waccamaw River is schedule for July 22, 2022 launching out of Bucksport Marina

Zach Fryer & Greg McKelvey weighed in 5 bass at 14.05 lbs earning them the win PLUS they weighed in the Academy BF at 6.82 lbs! All total Zack & Greg took home $3,150.00!

Britt Brown & Danny Martin earned 2nd Place with 5 bass weighing 13.97 lbs worth $1,100.00!

3rd went to Ben Harmon & John Wilocks with 13.85 lbs! They collected $700.00

Ed Owens & Chris Jones claimed 4th with 13.18 lbs and they earned $600.00! Ed & Chris were also our 2021 Waccamaw River Points Champs!

2nd BF went to RD Prince & Anthony Lee with a 4.31 lb bass!

Team BF Weight Winnings
Zack Fryer & Greg McKelvey 6.82 14.05 $3,150.00
Danny Martin & Britt Brown 4.12 13.97 $1,100.00
John Wilocks & Ben Harmon 4.06 13.85 $700.00
Chris Jones & Ed Owens 3.20 13.18 $600.00
Casey Warren & Nick Anderson 3.30 11.99 $250.00
JD Farrand & Casey Stamey 2.81 11.86 $150.00
Ryan Thompson & John Ferralasco 3.06 11.74
RD Prince & Anthony Lee 4.31 11.70 $110.00
Johnny Johnson & Wesley Howell 3.40 11.19
Steve & Jacob Martin 2.91 11.13
Mark & Kyle Johnson 4.20 10.68
Reid McDowell & Danny Allen 0.00 10.62
Darren Cook & Peter Horne 2.70 10.14
Shawn Todd & Keaton Harrelson 3.50 9.74
Robby Byrum & Eric Cox 3.28 9.60
O’Joe Gabella & Lee Floyd 0.00 9.45
Timmy Squirers & Seth Rabon 3.16 9.29
Scott & Andrew McCellan 0.00 8.97
Charles Fryer & Rich Gade 0.00 8.91
Timmy Williamson 2.98 8.90
Mike Gerald & Jesse Norris 0.00 8.84
Jesse & Keith Harrold 0.00 8.73
Matthew & Terry Goheen 0.00 7.60
Cody Squirers & Dillon Thomson 0.00 0.00
John Proctor & Jacob Barfield 0.00 0.00
Ron Terwilliger 0.00 0.00
Robbie Boyd & Dalton Warren 0.00 0.00
Richard McConnell & Brian Howard 0.00 0.00
Benny Carter 0.00 0.00
Johnny Duarte 0.00 0.00
John Alford & Glenn Altman 0.00 0.00
Cody & Jerry Edwards 0.00 0.00
Total Entrys $3,790.00
Final Fund $1,790.00
2021 Waccamaw River Final Total Payback $6,060.00
2021 Waccamaw River FALL  Total Payback $19,825.00
2021 GRAND TOTAL Waccamaw River Payback $61,585.00

Britt & Meyers & Britt Meyers Win CATT Lake Wylie, SC Nov 27, 202

Next Lake Wylie FALL CATT is Dec 11 at Buster Boyd Bridge! This is the last Fall qualifier and you  only have to enter 1 Qualifier to be eligible to enter the Final!

Britt & Meyers & Britt Meyers Jr took 1st Place with 5 bass weighing 16.92 lbs!

Josh Warren took 2nd with 14.01 lbs!

Team BF Weight Winnings Points
Britt Meyers/Britt Meyers Jr 3.97 16.92  $671.00 110
Josh Warren 3.74 14.01  $180.00 109
Ron and Roger Farrow 4.18 12.45 $84.00 108
Gene Webster 3.94 12.15 107
David Winters/Brandon Williams 3.06 11.98 106
Glen Sparrow/Chris B 2.79 9.99 105
Clay and Randy Williams 2.16 9.10 104
Brent Long/Sydney Weaver 3.74 6.29 103
Dave Calbert/Bill Carothers 0.00 4.80 102
Tom Russell/Adam Freeman 0.00 3.49 101
Brent Kukowski/Pat Carter 0.00 0.00 91
Josh Cannon 0.00 0.00 91
Total Entrys $960.00
BONUS $ $275.00
Total Paid At Ramp $935.00
Wylie 2021 Fall Final Fund $200.00
2022 CATT Championship Fund $50.00
2021 Wylie Fall Final Fund Total $615.00

MLF Announces 2022 Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit Roster

157 Pros to Compete Across Six Regular-Season Five-Biggest-Fish Format Tournaments with a Total Purse of More Than $6 million

TULSA, Okla. (Dec. 7, 2021) – Major League Fishing (MLF) announced today the roster for the 2022 Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit, showcasing a field of 157 of the top professional anglers in the world competing in the five-biggest-fish format across six regular-season tournaments. In its 27th season, the 2022 Pro Circuit roster features a solid field of veterans and a fresh crop of rookies from across the country, all competing for a total season purse of more than $6 million.

“We had a fantastic 2021 season and are excited to be going into the upcoming year stronger than ever,” said Daniel Fennel, MLF Senior Director of Tournament Operations. “We’re thrilled to offer our top pros an exciting 2022 schedule with expanded media coverage and more opportunities than ever before. We’re extremely proud of what we have accomplished over the last few years, and with this power-packed group of pros, we’re looking forward to very tough competition and the opportunity to continue that legacy in 2022.”

The 2022 Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit roster features former FLW Cup champions Darrel Robertson (1999), Dion Hibdon (2000), Randall Tharp (2013), Brad Knight (2015) and John Cox (2016), TITLE champions Rusty Salewske (2020) and Jimmy Washam (2021), along with former Pro Circuit Angler of the Year (AOY) winners David Walker (1999), Ron Nelson (2020) and Michael Neal (2021). Bass-fishing legend “The General” Larry Nixon also returns to the field for his 24th season on the Pro Circuit.

They’ll be joined by 23 rookies from the MLF Toyota Series, including Plains Division AOY Andy Newcomb, Southern Division AOY Lance Oligschlaeger, Western Division AOY Phillip Dutra and Ricardo Gonzales, who qualified via the MLF Mexico International Division. The star-studded roster also includes 16 Bass Pro Tour anglers, including reigning 2021 Pro Circuit AOY Michael Neal, Pro Circuit 2021 Lake Okeechobee champion Skeet Reese, Wesley Strader, Justin Lucas and seven other pros who fished both circuits in 2021.

Competition kicks off on Sam Rayburn Reservoir, Jan. 27-30, in Brookeland, Texas and culminates with the 2022 Tackle Warehouse TITLE, the Pro Circuit championship, on the St. Lawrence River, Aug. 16-21, in Massena, New York. Each stop will be broadcast live on the Major League Fishing app, MyOutdoorTV (MOTV), and MajorLeagueFishing.com. The 2022 MLF Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit will air on the CBS Sports Network and the Sportsman Channel beginning in July 2022.

The full field will compete on Days 1 & 2 of each regular-season event, with the top 50 pros based on cumulative weight from days 1 & 2 moving on to Day 3. Weights will be zeroed on Day 4, where the top 10 pros based on cumulative weight from the first three days will compete for the grand prize of up to $135,000, including the lucrative $35,000 Phoenix MLF Bonus for qualified anglers. The MLF Tackle Warehouse TITLE championship features a top award of $235,000, including a $35,000 Phoenix MLF Bonus.

For complete details and updated information, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow the Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit on FacebookTwitterInstagram and YouTube.

The 157 professional anglers that will compete on the Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit are:

  • Shannon Abbott, Oceanside, Calif.
  • Jason Abram, Piney Flats, Tenn.
  • Barron Adams, Mineral Bluff, Ga.
  • *Stephen Albertson, Stuart, Fla.
  • Tai Au, Glendale, Ariz.
  • Evan Barnes, Hot Springs, Ark.
  • Clayton Batts, Butler, Ga.
  • *Mickey Beck, Lebanon, Tenn.
  • Matt Becker, Finleyville, Pa.
  • Jason Blair, West Palm Beach, Fla.
  • Greg Bohannan, Bentonville, Ark.
  • Terry Bolton, Benton, Ky.
  • Josh Bragg, Jacksonville, Ala.
  • *Jeff Bridges, Prosper, Texas
  • Aaron Britt, Yuba City, Calif.
  • Grae Buck, Green Lane, Pa.
  • Miles Burghoff, Dayton, Tenn.
  • Josh Butler, Hayden, Ala.
  • Jon Canada, Helena, Ala.
  • *Keith Carson, DeBary, Fla.
  • Joey Cifuentes, Clinton, Ark.
  • Ramie Colson, Jr., Cadiz, Ky.
  • Justin Cooper, Zwolle, La.
  • Kyle Cortiana, Coweta, Okla.
  • John Cox, DeBary, Fla.
  • Mitch Crane, Columbus, Miss.
  • Lance Crawford, Broken Bow, Okla.
  • Darrell Davis, Dover, Fla.
  • Alex Davis, Albertville, Ala.
  • Randy Despino, Colfax, La.
  • Tommy Dickerson, Orange, Texas
  • Scott Dobson, Clarkston, Mich.
  • *Phillip Dutra, Antioch, Calif.
  • Dakota Ebare, Brookeland, Texas
  • Charlie Evans, Berea, Ky.
  • Ron Farrow, Rock Hill, S.C.
  • Mark Fisher, Wauconda, Ill.
  • Trevor Fitzgerald, Belleview, Fla.
  • Cole Floyd, Leesburg, Ohio
  • Tim Frederick, Leesburg, Fla.
  • Nick Gainey, Charleston, S.C.
  • Jacopo Gallelli, Wetumpka, Ala.
  • Grant Galloway, Houlka, Miss.
  • Kyle Gelles, Pingree, Idaho
  • *Ricardo Gonzãlez, Monterrey, N.M.
  • Shonn Goodwin, Moore, Okla.
  • Matt Greenblatt, Port St. Lucie, Fla.
  • *Christian Greico, Tampa, Fla.
  • Chad Grigsby, Maple Grove, Minn.
  • Chris Groh, Spring Grove, Ill.
  • *Blake Hall, Guntersville, Ala.
  • Kyle Hall, Granbury, Texas
  • *Cole Harris, Raleigh, N.C.
  • *Nick Hatfield, Greeneville, Tenn.
  • Dylan Hays, Hot Springs, Ark.
  • *Cole Hewett, Orange Park, Fla.
  • Dion Hibdon, Versailles, Mo.
  • Lawson Hibdon, Versailles, Mo.
  • Billy Hines, Vacaville, Calif.
  • Brett Hite, Phoenix, Ariz.
  • Jamie Horton, Centerville, Ala.
  • Miles Howe, San Juan Capistrano, Calif.
  • Randy Howell, Guntersville, Ala.
  • John Hunter, Shelbyville, Ky.
  • Charlie Ingram, Centerville, Tenn.
  • Clabion Johns, Social Circle, Ga.
  • Brad Knight, Lancing, Tenn.
  • Takayuki Koike, Otsu Shiga, Japan
  • Bobby Lane, Lakeland, Fla.
  • Cal Lane, Guntersville, Ala.
  • Christopher Lane, Guntersville, Ala.
  • Brian Latimer, Belton, S.C.
  • Nick Lebrun, Bossier City, La.
  • *River Lee, Nacogdoches, Texas
  • *Robby Lefere, Jackson, Mich.
  • Jason Lieblong, Conway, Ark.
  • *Andrew Loberg, Rocklin, Calif.
  • *Steve Lopez, Oconomowoc, Wis.
  • Richard Lowitzki, Hampshire, Ill.
  • Justin Lucas, Guntersville, Ala.
  • Terry Luedtke, Burton, Texas
  • Lendell Martin, Jr., Nacogdoches, Texas
  • Michael Matthee, Centurion, South Africa
  • *Cameron Mattison, Benton, La.
  • Mike McClelland, Blue Eye, Mo.
  • Bill McDonald, Greenwood, Ind.
  • *Jeff McLain, Columbus, Miss.
  • Brandon McMillan, Clewiston, Fla.
  • Jared McMillan, Clewiston, Fla.
  • Jason Meninger, Fernandina Beach, Fla.
  • Colby Miller, Elmer, La.
  • Kerry Milner, Fisher, Ark.
  • Kurt Mitchell, Milford, Del.
  • Brandon Mosley, Choctaw, Okla.
  • Jim Moynagh, Shakopee, Minn.
  • Robert Nakatomi, Sacramento, Calif.
  • Michael Neal, Dayton, Tenn.
  • Corey Neece, Bristol, Tenn.
  • Jim Neece, Jr., Bristol, Tenn.
  • Ron Nelson, Berrien Springs, Mich.
  • Dicky Newberry, Houston, Texas
  • *Andy Newcomb, Camdenton, Mo.
  • James Niggemeyer, Van, Texas
  • Larry Nixon, Quitman, Ark.
  • *Lance Oligschlaeger, Gallatin, Tenn.
  • Eric Olliverson, Lampe, Mo.
  • Lane Olson, Forest Grove, Ore.
  • Jordan Osborne, Hallsville, Texas
  • *Bruce Parsons, Arbela, Mo.
  • Dave Parsons, Yantis, Texas
  • Cody Pike, Powhatan, Va.
  • Pete Ponds, Madison, Miss.
  • Tom Redington, Winnsboro, Texas
  • Matt Reed, Madisonville, Texas
  • Clark Reehm, Elm Grove, La.
  • Jimmy Reese, Witter Springs, Calif.
  • Skeet Reese, Auburn, Calif.
  • Jason Reyes, Huffman, Texas
  • Jeff Reynolds, Calera, Okla.
  • Darrel Robertson, Jay, Okla.
  • Ricky Robinson, Greenback, Tenn.
  • Mark Rose, Wynne, Ark.
  • Rusty Salewske, Alpine, Calif.
  • Casey Scanlon, Eldon, Mo.
  • Colby Schrumpf, Highland, Il.
  • Chase Serafin, White Lake, Mich.
  • Braxton Setzer, Wetumpka, Ala.
  • Spencer Shuffield, Hot Springs, Ark.
  • Blake Smith, Lakeland, Fla.
  • Derrick Snavely, Piney Flats, Tenn.
  • Matthew Stefan. Junction City, Wis.
  • Tyler Stewart, Dubach, La.
  • Troy Stokes, Southgate, Mich.
  • Wesley Strader, Spring City, Tenn.
  • Laramy Strickland, Bushnell, Fla.
  • Mike Surman, Boca Raton, Fla.
  • Randall Tharp, Port Saint Joe, Fla.
  • Scott Towry, Lawrenceburg, Tenn.
  • Rusty Trancygier, Hahira, Ga.
  • J. Todd Tucker, Moultrie, Ga.
  • Jim Tutt, Longview, Texas
  • Jason Vance, Battle Ground, Ind.
  • *Martin Villa, Charlottesville, Va.
  • John Voyles, Petersburg, Ind.
  • David Walker, Huntingdon, Tenn.
  • Jacob Wall, New Hope, Ala.
  • Todd Walters, Kernersville, N.C.
  • Chad Warren, Sand Springs, Okla.
  • Jimmy Washam, Covington, Tenn.
  • Joshua Weaver, Macon, Ga.
  • *Mitchell Webb, Skiatook, Okla.
  • Kyle Weisenburger, Columbus Grove, Ohio
  • Joe Wieberg, Freeburg, Mo.
  • Scott Wiley, Bay Minette, Ala.
  • Tyler Woolcott, Port Orange, Fla.
  • Gary Yamamoto, Palestine, Texas
  • Steve York, Bronson, Mich.
*Denotes 2022 Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit Rookie

2022 MLF Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit Schedule:

  • Jan. 27-30                          Stop 1 at Sam Rayburn Reservoir in Brookeland, Texas
  • March 13-16                      Stop 2 at Harris Chain of Lakes in Leesburg, Fla.
  • April 21-24                        Stop 3 at Pickwick Lake in Counce, Tenn.
  • May 12-15                          Stop 4 at Lake Guntersville in Guntersville, Ala.
  • June 16-19                         Stop 5 at the James River in Richmond, Va.
  • July 29-Aug. 1                   Stop 6 at Lake Champlain in Plattsburgh, N.Y.
  • Aug. 16-21                         TITLE at the St. Lawrence River in Massena, N.Y.

B.A.S.S. Hooks VMC As New Tournament Trail Supporting Sponsor

December 7, 2021

B.A.S.S. Hooks VMC As New Tournament Trail Supporting Sponsor

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — VMC, a Rapala Respected Brand known for their award-winning hooks for every style of fishing, rigs, jigs and terminal tackle, has signed a multiyear agreement to serve as a supporting sponsor for the Bassmaster Tournament Trail. Additionally, the new VMC Monster Bag prize will award an additional $2,000 to the angler who weighs in the heaviest single-day catch of the event at every Elite Series tournament.

The addition of the VMC Monster Bag prize is capturing the attention of fans and Elite Series pros alike.

“Take it from me, VMC is the sharpest, baddest hook in tournament fishing,” said two-time Bassmaster Angler of the Year Gerald Swindle. “I can’t wait to get paid to carry the VMC Monster Bag to the scales.”

As a tournament sponsor, VMC will not only be featured during Bassmaster LIVE broadcasts on the FOX Sports platforms, but will also enjoy exposure to enthusiastic fans of sportfishing and B.A.S.S. members during tournament weigh-ins as well as across Bassmaster.com, Bassmaster and B.A.S.S. Times magazines and various social media platforms.

“Our fans tune in to Bassmaster LIVE for incredible coverage of every catch, learning from the pros about techniques that will help them become a better angler, and then eagerly cheer on their favorite pros during weigh-ins,” said B.A.S.S. chairman and CEO Chase Anderson. “We’re excited to welcome VMC as a new partner and showcase the hooks some of the sport’s most successful pros — like Seth Feider, Brandon Palaniuk and Mike Iaconelli — use when landing every fish matters. The last few years, B.A.S.S. fans have been treated to record-breaking limits, and we can’t wait to see who will take home the new VMC Monster Bag prize when the Elite Series heads to some of the country’s best big bass factories during the 2022 season.”

In addition to sponsoring the Elite Series VMC Monster Bag prize, VMC will be a supporting sponsor for the Bassmaster Elite Series, Bassmaster Opens Series, Bassmaster College Series presented by Bass Pro Shops, Mossy Oak Fishing Bassmaster High School Series presented by Academy Sports + Outdoors, Bassmaster Team Championship and the grass-roots TNT Fireworks B.A.S.S. Nation regional and championship tournaments.

“VMC is one of our most historic brands under the portfolio of brands at Rapala VMC,” said Matt Jensen, Rapala USA director of marketing. “Here in the U.S., it has been our fastest-growing brand year after year for the past eight years. With the innovation VMC has brought to market it has proven itself to be a top hook brand in tournament fishing today, and we are excited to partner with Bassmaster and grow VMC into a supporting sponsor.

“The VMC Monster Bag at Elite events is going to be the talk of the town. Bassmaster is all about ‘Big Bass. Big Stage. Big Dreams.’ Well now, VMC will add ‘Big Bags’ to the mix, and excite pros and fans with the new VMC Monster Bag prize!”

About VMC
With more than two centuries of experience, the innovative craftsmanship of VMC® design shows in every product. Award-winning hooks for every style of fishing, many with first-to-market features, plus rigs, jigs and terminal tackle second to none. VMC is one of several legendary fishing lure brands that belong to the Rapala family. Learn more, visit Rapala.com.

About B.A.S.S.
B.A.S.S., which encompasses the Bassmaster tournament leagues, events and media platforms, is the worldwide authority on bass fishing and keeper of the culture of the sport, providing cutting edge content on bass fishing whenever, wherever and however bass fishing fans want to use it. Headquartered in Birmingham, Ala., the 515,000-member organization’s fully integrated media platforms include the industry’s leading magazines (Bassmaster and B.A.S.S. Times), website (Bassmaster.com), TV show, radio show, social media programs and events. For more than 50 years, B.A.S.S. has been dedicated to access, conservation and youth fishing.

The Bassmaster Tournament Trail includes the most prestigious events at each level of competition, including the Bassmaster Elite Series, Basspro.com Bassmaster Opens Series, TNT Fireworks B.A.S.S. Nation Series, Carhartt Bassmaster College Series presented by Bass Pro Shops, Mossy Oak Fishing Bassmaster High School Series presented by Academy Sports + Outdoors, Bassmaster Team Championship, Bassmaster Kayak Series powered by TourneyX, Yamaha Bassmaster Redfish Cup Championship presented by Skeeter and the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing, the Academy Sports + Outdoors B

December 2021 Smith Mountain Lake Fishing Report by Captain Dale Wilson

SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE FISHING REPORT
December 2021
DALE WILSON’S
SML GUIDE SERVICE
PHONE NO: 540-297-5650 / 540-874-4950
www.captaindalewilson.us

Charles Burks from Lynchburg caught this 42.5 inch striper recently while fishing with Capt. Dale Wilson.

[print_link]

Fishing will be good the next several weeks. The water temperature will be in the low 50s to upper 40s. Look for striper fishing to continue improving during the month of December. The bait fish are in shallow water in the back of the creeks and the upper sections of both rivers.

Largemouth bass
Fishing will be fair this month. December is a good month to catch bigger largemouth. Best lures will be jerk baits, drop shot rigs, crank baits, shaky heads, spoons, spinner baits, Carolina rigs, Alabama rigs and plastic worms. Most largemouth bass will be caught on points, rock piles, brush piles and docks. Best depths will be from the surface to 30 feet. Bass will be caught both deep and shallow this month. Practice catch and release.

Smallmouth bass
Fishing for smallmouth will be good this month. Best areas will be rocky areas, ledges, humps and main channel points. Best lures will be Ned rigs, hair jigs, drop shot rigs, crank baits, jerk baits, Alabama rigs and Carolina rigs. Best areas will be in the mid- to the lower sections of the lake. Smallmouth bass will feed heavily on crawfish this month. Light line will increase chances of catching a smallmouth. Night fishing will be fair.

Striped bass
Fishing has been good. Stripers will be caught in the mid- to upper sections of the lake and in the larger creeks. Best lures will be swim baits, jigging spoons, Alabama rigs and Zoom flukes fished on 1/2- to 3/4-ounce lead heads. The best depths will be from near the surface to 60 feet. Vertical jigging is a good method to catch striper this month. Look for areas with the greatest concentrations of baitfish. Some stripers will surface in the early morning or late afternoon this month. Live bait fished on planer boards and down lines are also good methods.

Crappie
Fishing for crappie will be good this month. They will be found 5 to 20 feet, and the best areas will be in the main creeks around docks, fallen trees, stumps and brush piles in the mid- to upper parts of the lake. Small live minnows and 1½- to 2-inch tubes or shad-shaped plastic lures fished on 1/32 to 1/16 ounce lead heads will work best to catch them.

Tips of the month
Fishing should be good as the water temperature cools. Fishing in the early morning, late afternoon and at night are usually the best times to fish for striper. Wear a life jacket and never fish alone at night or in cold weather. Also, keep running lights on after dark. Remember to practice catch and release and take a kid fishing.

Daniel Smathers & Ryan Suhy Win CATT Smith Mountain Lake December 5th 2021

Congratulation goes out to back to back CATT Smith Mountain Lake winners Daniel Smathers & Ryan Suhy weighing in 17.61lbs & going up against a tough field of 61 boats.

Special thanks to Alicia Matherly for covering this event.

CLICK HERE TO SEE RESULTS

Locking Targets on Versatility : The Missile Craw by Missile Baits by Tackle Tour

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Locking Targets on Versatility : The Missile Craw by Missile Baits

Total Score: 7.83 – GOOD

Introduction: You’d think after such great success fishing Missile Bait’s DBomb trailer bait, we’d have been full bore into the manufacturer’s remaining catalog of soft plastic baits. Trouble is, we were having so much fun fishing that bait, we found it difficult to move away from it. We’ve finally pulled our collective heads out from inside our tackle bags and have slowly been working out way through the other product Missile Baits has to offer. Today, we drill down into the bait that is the namesake of the company. Here now is our look at Missile Baits’s Missile Craw.

Missile Baits Missile Craw Specifications

Type Craw/Punch Bait
Material Soft Plastic
Colors/Patterns 10
Sizes 4″
Scent/Plastic Treatment None Advertised
# per package 8
Resealable Bag? Yes
MSRP $3.99

 


The Missile Baits’s Missile Craw is a staple in the arsenal of many tournament anglers

Impressions: Missile Baits’s Missile Craw is a really interesting take on the crawdad bait. It has a tapered body almost like a half, elliptical cylinder with a hollowed out underside to facilitate rigging and two very slender, teardrop shaped claws extending out from one end of the bait. Between those claws, the bait’s body extends into a point forming a single antennae. This bait definitely leans on the side of not-realistic and prefers to blur the lines between bait types.

 

December 2021 Potomac River Fishing Report by Capt. Steve Chaconas

DECEMBER 2021
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Open the tacklebox and go fishing! You’ll be able to use spinnerbaits, crankbaits, jerkbaits and even possibly some topwater (primarily during the warmest part and lower tide of the day!). Bridges in DC are good for smallmouth, largemouth and stripers using pilings as current breaks and in the dead zone waiting for prey. Depth and how bass are using cover are more important now as water drops to 45 degrees and below. Slow down and keep baits into these zones.  The Spoils, Smoot Bay (National Harbor), Fox Ferry, Hogg Island, Belle Haven, Oxen Cove, Blue Plains are the typical hangouts in the northern end of the Potomac River. Also check out the warm water discharge at Possum Point. Colder water, fish slower and generally deeper.  Some fish are shallow and easier to catch just about every day especially in stable weather. Several techniques produce under most conditions. Most are slow presentations!
Start with main river points and work your way north ambushing them at creek points of shallow creeks like Piscataway and Broad.  Into the deeper creeks, follow them in the ditches and channels.  In the Wilson Bridge area, follow the excavation ditches rimming the Spoils and Smoots (National Harbor).  Fish closer to drops near water 10 feet deep when temperatures get down to 45, and near 4-6 foot drops when water is 50 or above. Look for deep water close by and sharp drops in those areas to find wintering bass.  In Blue Plains, expect more active fish.  When water gets below 45, cast and work 1/2-ounce Silver Buddy’s down drops on the bottom with short “burps” on 1o-pound test Gamma Edge Fluorocarbon on a medium action casting rod. I prefer casting gear.

For plastics fishing, downsize to 8 or even 6-pound test Edge to feel more bites when water gets colder and fish aren’t aggressive.  They’ll feel the drag of “bigger lines” and let go, before you feel them.  Also, you’re fishing deeper and further from the boat than in summer.  Thinner lines get to the bottom and stay in wind and current.  You’ll feel bites better and have less drag in the water for hooksets.  Downsized baits like Mud Puppy 3-inch avocado SR grub on 1/4 ounce round jig heads made with Mustad hooks worked slowly down drops will produce. A dab of PRO’s Soft Bait Glue keeps the Stingray on. A good soaking in spray attractant keeps fish holding on longer with all soft plastics! TIP: keep the bag in your pocket to keep the Stingrays warm…they go on the hook easier!

Drag 4-inch tubes with tube heads, gliding down drops. Green pumpkin tubes are the best place to start. Other colors: Blue Craw, Green Pumpkin Copper. Try 4 inch grubs with the tail rigged UP on a 1/4-ounce round jig head.

Use drop shot once fish are found.  A 3/16-ounce Water Gremlin Bullshot weight is perfect in current on 8-pound test GAMMA EDGE leader tied to 10 pound test Gamma Torque braided line. A 2/0 Mustad wide gap Mega Bite worm hook works with Mud Puppy Custom Lures DS (drop shot) worms.  Feel pressure, set the hook.  Remember, you’re using lighter line; you don’t need a giant hookset. This is a great way to catch them at Blue Plains. Probe flats near drops and points in Spoils and Smoots with split shot rigs with 3/16 ounce Water Gremlin Bullshot weights and Carolina rigs.  Use a 2/0 Mustad Ultra Point Mega Bite hook with Mud Puppy Custom Lures DS (drop shot) worms.

This month use hair jigs in black/blue, green/orange and green-pumpkin/orange with plastic matching chunks. Insert a rattle.  Pitch to cover, drops and flats near drops and let it sit, occasionally shaking.  Really good at Blue Plains, just let current move the bait.  Most bites are light pickups, watch line!

When water is a bit warmer to around 50, target shallower fish with a tight wiggle crankbait diving about 4 feet deep with 10-pound test line. Rattles are better in slightly stained water. You can also go deeper with 8-10 foot divers on 12-pound test.

Also suspending jerkbaits are very effective in clear water around 50. Fish around hard cover that is warmer with the sun on it. Baby Bass, Mat Pumpkin, Black Gold are my favorites.  Use 10-pound Gamma fluorocarbon and a jerk, jerk, jerk, pause retrieve.  Let it sit a while; vary cadence and length of pause.  Works at Blue Plains, Four Mile Run, around Spoils and Fox Ferry.  Not a lot of guys throw jerkbaits, so you’ll have an edge.

When water warms above 45 degrees don’t put away spinnerbaits especially on windy days!  Go to the bank the wind is blowing on and toss a 3/8-ounce with a white skirt, and a gold willow/Colorado tandem. Slowly retrieve, bumping bottom.  You’ll catch the biggest fish of the season this way.  To slow down, use a slower ratio reel with 12-pound test Gamma Fluorocarbon. A medium 7’ graphite rod has give for the subtle winter bite and enough backbone to set the hook! Dress in layers; protect your eyes with Maui Jim Polarized gray lenses.

Punching mats might not be the best choice this week with cloud cover as bass won’t be seeking shade as much., So, use swim jigs and chatterbaits in these areas where water is a bit clearer.

December 2021 Albermarle Sound Fishing Report by Capt. Scooter Lilley

Capt. Scooter Lilley
Albermarle Sound
Striped Bass update:
It’s that time of year again! The Stripers have showed up in big numbers. The fish are mainly concentrated in the Sound with a few fish showing up in the river. More fish will be moving into the river as the month progresses. We’ve been doing good in the 10 to 20 ft range with swimbaits and a 3/8 oz head targeting bait under the birds. Catches exceeding the 50 fish mark are not uncommon when a big school is located, of course this depends on the wind and type of weather conditions we have for the day. There are a few fish shallow hanging around stumps during the midday hours. Z man swimbaits have been the ticket! If your looking a great way to cure the cabin fever give me a shout for your day of Striper fishing on the Albermarle Sound! 252-799-9536

Bassmaster Fantasy Games Feature More Than $100,000 In Prizes, Including Dream Fishing Trips

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December 3, 2021

Bassmaster Fantasy Games Feature More Than $100,000 In Prizes, Including Dream Fishing Trips

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BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Sports fans who enjoy watching the top bass pros in the world compete head-to-head on the Bassmaster Elite Series can take their passion to the next level and compete for more than $100,000 in prizes — including dream fishing trips — with Rapala Bassmaster Fantasy Fishing and the Mercury Drain the Lake Challenge.

“We’re launching early this year because there is so much fan interest,” said B.A.S.S. vice president of digital Jim Sexton. “Over the past two years with Rapala entitling Bassmaster Fantasy Fishing, the game has grown by 45%, and even though Drain the Lake launched midway through last season, it still had more than 14,500 players.

“We wanted to give players more time to set their teams. The 2022 games have more prizes and there will be enhancements to the game coming next year.”

In 2021, Fantasy Fishing provided nearly 40,000 engaged fans with a competitive platform to test their knowledge of professional fishing and prognostication skills to win more than $90,000 in prizes, including Rapala gear packages, gift cards and more.

New for 2022, the Bassmaster Fantasy Fishing champion will win a trip to South Carolina to fish with former Bassmaster Classic champion and current Bassmaster LIVE host Davy Hite. The grand prize winner will also receive a $15,000 Bass Pro Shops gift card, $5,000 cash and a Rapala package — a total prize valued at more than $21,000.

“Fantasy Fishing has really been great for our sport,” said Hite. “It gives the fans an opportunity to engage and be a part of every single event.

“As much fun as Fantasy Fishing is, it is also very difficult, which is why the winner deserves a good prize. I’m really glad that I get to be a part of the prize pack.”

Participants select their best five-angler team for each of the nine Bassmaster Elite Series events and the 2022 Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic presented by Huk, then compete against other players to score the highest number of points. Points are awarded based on each angler’s final standings at the end of an Elite Series event, and every event will feature $6,500 in prizes, including an additional $500 Bass Pro Shops gift card if the winner is a B.A.S.S. member.

The Mercury Drain the Lake Challenge, using elimination pool rules, requires players to use an entirely different strategy than standard Fantasy Fishing. When building their team, players can only use an Elite Series angler once over the course of the season. Unlike traditional Fantasy Fishing, there are no buckets. Tournament players select any eight Elite Series anglers. After choosing an angler for a specific event, players can no longer select that angler for the remainder of the season.

Casey Kmiecik of Wisconsin won the inaugural season of the Mercury Drain the Lake Challenge, and while he has played Fantasy Fishing for a decade, he enjoyed the strategy behind selecting anglers for Drain the Lake: “I think they’re both a lot of fun. I’ll always play both of them, but I like Drain the Lake better because I feel like there is way more strategy involved.”

Kmiecik went on to remind other players, “If there is a smallmouth swing at the end, make sure to save your smallmouth anglers for those tournaments because they’re almost a lock on those Northern smallmouth fisheries.”

The Drain the Lake Challenge winning player, along with the rest of the Top 5 points leaders for each event, will receive a $200 Mercury gift card plus an additional $500 Bass Pro Shops gift card if they are a B.A.S.S. member. The 2022 Mercury Drain the Lake Challenge overall winner will enjoy a fishing trip with Bassmaster LIVE host Mark Zona in Michigan, with airfare, hotel and $150 in spending money included.

Registration for both games, along with full rules and a description of each prize package, can be found at Bassmaster.com/fantasy.