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Christie Pushes Deep For Lead In Bassmaster Elite Series Event At Sabine River

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April 10, 2021

Christie Pushes Deep For Lead In Bassmaster Elite Series Event At Sabine River

With a two-day total of 28 pounds, 15 ounces, Jason Christie of Park Hill, Okla., is leading after Day 2 of the 2021 Dovetail Games Bassmaster Elite at Sabine River sponsored by Bassmaster Fishing 2022 – the official video game of B.A.S.S.

Photo by Seigo Saito/B.A.S.S.

April 9, 2021

Christie Pushes Deep For Lead In Bassmaster Elite Series Event At Sabine River

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ORANGE, Texas — Putting significant distance between himself and the rest of the 98-boat field, Jason Christie amassed a two-day total of 28 pounds, 15 ounces and took over the Day 2 lead of the 2021 Dovetail Games Bassmaster Elite at Sabine River sponsored by Bassmaster Fishing 2022 – the official video game of B.A.S.S.

Placing second on Thursday with 15-1, the pro from Park Hill, Okla., added 13-14 Friday.

Christie is running nearly two hours up the Sabine River to fish a small backwater area with abundant shallow cover and clear water. He caught fish flipping yesterday, but with more inflowing water, a 1/2-ounce chartreuse/white/blue Booyah Covert spinnerbait with tandem nickel and gold Colorado blades produced best Friday.

“The water was high and the current was ripping in there and I’m starting to think that the best thing to do is just cover water when it’s high,” Christie said. “Tomorrow, I might go up there and it might be low and the current’s slowed down and I can catch them flipping again. I’ll just have to see what happens when I get there.”

Christie had previously visited his general area when the Elites last visited the Sabine in 2018. Expanding his waters led him to greater opportunity.

“I just didn’t go far enough the last time we were here, and it seems like they’re tucked in there a little ways,” Christie said. “I had practiced up there and, honestly, I had written it off, but I got home and looked at Google Earth and there was one place I hadn’t been.

“The bites I had in other places had been one here, one there, so I needed a place like I found that had a lot of fish.”

Christie has the place to himself, but that’s largely because of the daunting run through a winding river peppered with sandbars, floating logs and other day-wreckers. He’s running up and back at a cautious 35 to 40 mph.

“I could run faster, but maybe that was a blessing, because as soon as you start thinking you can run up there, you hit something,” Christie said. “So, I’m just cruising.”

The other consideration is fuel consumption. Christie runs a 21-foot XPress aluminum boat, which is significantly lighter than similar-sized fiberglass boats. To further lighten his load and increase fuel economy, he removed about 150 pounds of tackle from his boat.

Nevertheless, with no fueling options upriver from the takeoff site, Christie had to account for the extra weight of a cameraperson and related gear.

“I ran it in practice and I ran it the first day of the tournament by myself and, both times, when I shut down in my place, I’d have 20.8 or 20.6 gallons left, which is almost half of what I can carry,” Christie said. “Today, when I shut down, I had 19.4, so I knew that I had to do some switching

“I dropped two gallons per hour and cruised at 10 to 11 and it really helped. The best I can figure, I (returned with) 3/4 gallon left.”

Christie said his conservative approach was essential for making the Top 49 cut On Saturday, he’ll still carefully monitor fuel flow on his Garmin unit, but he may fish longer

“Tomorrow, I feel like to have a chance to win I’m going to have to push it a little bit,” he said. “But it’s very nerve-wracking as far as fuel and getting back.

Day 1 leader Brock Mosley again made the long run to the Houston area, added 12-4 to his opening weight of 15-10 — the event’s largest bag — and tallied 27-14. Facing windier conditions today, Mosley was initially planning to remain in the Sabine, but he made a spontaneous call to replicate his first day’s game plan

“I asked a lot of my buddies on tour what they would do; most of them said they would go in a heartbeat,” Mosley said. “I made up my mind last night that I wasn’t going, but I was sitting there before takeoff and (fellow Elites) Drew Benton and Drew Cook were like, ‘Why aren’t you going?’

“I said, ‘I don’t think I can make it,’ and they said, ‘You know you already have enough to make the cut, you might as well try to win this thing and you’re not going to win it over here.’”

Returning to the same bayou on Houston’s east side, Mosley again targeted seawalls, docks and shoreline wood with a 1/2-ounce chartreuse/white Z-Man ChatterBait JackHammer with a white Yamamoto Zako trailer.

“I got over there, caught a couple of good ones really quick, left a little before 12 and got back a little after 2,” Mosley said. “I actually made it there quicker than I did yesterday, but I gave myself over three hours to get back. It only took me a little over two.”

Caleb Kuphall of Mukwonago, Wis., held steady in third place with 22-3. Adding 9-3 to the 13 pounds he weighed in on Day 1, Kuphall returned to the same area and fished a series of small channels off the main river.

“I spent most of my day in there and caught most of my keepers, but it’s getting hit hard and I may have to get something else going,” Kuphall said. “I caught my biggest fish in a different area with a similar scenario.

Kuphall caught most of his fish on a homemade 3/8-ounce green pumpkin flipping jig with a craw chunk-style trailer. He caught his biggest fish on a spinnerbait.

Marc Frazier of Newnan, Ga., is in the lead for Phoenix Boats Big Bass honors with his 6-6 largemouth that he caught on Day 1.

Seth Feider of New Market, Minn., leads the Bassmaster Angler of the Year standings with 340 points, followed by Patrick Walters of Summerville, S.C., with 331 and Christie with 303.

Bryan New of Belmont, N.C., leads the Rookie of the Year standings with 261 points.

Saturday’s takeoff is scheduled for 6:45 a.m. CT at the City of Orange Boat Ramp. The weigh-in will be held at the ramp at 3 p.m., with the Top 10 anglers advancing to Championship Sunday.

Live coverage of the event can be streamed on Bassmaster.com and the FOX Sports digital platforms. FS1 will also broadcast the action live with the leaders beginning at 7 a.m. CT.

The tournament is being hosted by the Greater Orange Chamber of Commerce.

2021 Dovetail Games Bassmaster Elite at Sabine River is sponsored by Bassmaster Fishing 2022 – the official video game of B.A.S.S. 4/8-4/11
Sabine River, Orange TX.
(PROFESSIONAL) Standings Day 2

Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$

1. Jason Christie Park Hill, OK 10 28-15 100
Day 1: 5 15-01 Day 2: 5 13-14
2. Brock Mosley Collinsville, MS 10 27-14 99
Day 1: 5 15-10 Day 2: 5 12-04
3. Caleb Kuphall Mukwonago, WI 10 22-03 98
Day 1: 5 13-00 Day 2: 5 09-03
4. Chris Johnston Otonabee Ontario CANADA 10 21-08 97
Day 1: 5 09-04 Day 2: 5 12-04
5. Lee Livesay Longview, TX 10 21-02 96
Day 1: 5 12-08 Day 2: 5 08-10
6. KJ Queen Catawba, NC 10 21-01 95 $1,000.00
Day 1: 5 11-05 Day 2: 5 09-12
7. Seth Feider New Market, MN 10 20-10 94
Day 1: 5 09-13 Day 2: 5 10-13
8. John Cox Debary, FL 10 20-09 93
Day 1: 5 09-04 Day 2: 5 11-05
9. Matt Robertson Kuttawa, KY 10 19-11 92
Day 1: 5 10-11 Day 2: 5 09-00
10. Luke Palmer Coalgate, OK 10 19-08 91
Day 1: 5 09-01 Day 2: 5 10-07
11. Brandon Card Salisbury, NC 10 19-06 90
Day 1: 5 07-11 Day 2: 5 11-11
12. Caleb Sumrall New Iberia, LA 10 19-04 89
Day 1: 5 09-11 Day 2: 5 09-09
13. Brandon Cobb Greenwood, SC 10 18-12 88
Day 1: 5 11-14 Day 2: 5 06-14
14. Tyler Rivet Raceland, LA 10 18-07 87
Day 1: 5 10-09 Day 2: 5 07-14
15. Hank Cherry Jr Lincolnton, NC 10 18-04 86
Day 1: 5 10-09 Day 2: 5 07-11
16. Brett Preuett Monroe, LA 10 18-04 85
Day 1: 5 08-07 Day 2: 5 09-13
17. Kyle Welcher Opelika, AL 10 17-13 84
Day 1: 5 10-02 Day 2: 5 07-11
18. Ray Hanselman Jr Del Rio, TX 10 17-09 83
Day 1: 5 07-09 Day 2: 5 10-00
19. Taku Ito Chiba JAPAN 10 17-07 82
Day 1: 5 09-02 Day 2: 5 08-05
20. Drew Cook Cairo, GA 10 17-06 81
Day 1: 5 09-15 Day 2: 5 07-07
21. Bob Downey Hudson, WI 10 17-04 80
Day 1: 5 10-01 Day 2: 5 07-03
22. John Crews Jr Salem, VA 10 17-02 79
Day 1: 5 09-02 Day 2: 5 08-00
23. Yusuke Miyazaki Forney, TX 10 16-15 78
Day 1: 5 08-10 Day 2: 5 08-05
24. Brian Snowden Reeds Spring, MO 10 16-08 77
Day 1: 5 08-12 Day 2: 5 07-12
25. Scott Martin Clewiston, FL 10 16-03 76
Day 1: 5 07-04 Day 2: 5 08-15
26. Harvey Horne Bella Vista, AR 10 15-15 75
Day 1: 5 07-05 Day 2: 5 08-10
27. Randy Sullivan Breckenridge, TX 10 15-15 74
Day 1: 5 08-03 Day 2: 5 07-12
28. Justin Atkins Florence, AL 10 15-12 73
Day 1: 5 09-11 Day 2: 5 06-01
29. Skylar Hamilton Dandridge, TN 10 15-08 72
Day 1: 5 10-00 Day 2: 5 05-08
30. Pat Schlapper Eleva, WI 10 15-08 71
Day 1: 5 07-13 Day 2: 5 07-11
31. Matt Herren Ashville, AL 10 15-05 70
Day 1: 5 09-03 Day 2: 5 06-02
32. Jake Whitaker Fairview, NC 10 15-05 69
Day 1: 5 07-09 Day 2: 5 07-12
33. Matt Arey Shelby, NC 10 15-03 68
Day 1: 5 07-08 Day 2: 5 07-11
34. Patrick Walters Summerville, SC 10 15-02 67
Day 1: 5 08-09 Day 2: 5 06-09
35. Quentin Cappo Prairieville, LA 10 15-02 66
Day 1: 5 06-10 Day 2: 5 08-08
36. Steve Kennedy Auburn, AL 10 15-02 65
Day 1: 5 06-13 Day 2: 5 08-05
37. Marc Frazier Newnan, GA 7 15-01 64 $1,000.00
Day 1: 5 12-02 Day 2: 2 02-15
38. Mark Menendez Paducah, KY 10 15-00 63
Day 1: 5 05-12 Day 2: 5 09-04
39. Gerald Swindle Guntersville, AL 10 15-00 62
Day 1: 5 06-11 Day 2: 5 08-05
40. Brad Whatley Bivins, TX 10 14-15 61
Day 1: 5 05-14 Day 2: 5 09-01
41. Destin DeMarion Grove City, PA 10 14-15 60
Day 1: 5 06-02 Day 2: 5 08-13
42. Hunter Shryock Ooltewah, TN 10 14-15 59
Day 1: 5 06-13 Day 2: 5 08-02
43. Bill Lowen Brookville, IN 10 14-15 58
Day 1: 5 07-02 Day 2: 5 07-13
44. Paul Mueller Naugatuck, CT 10 14-13 57
Day 1: 5 04-02 Day 2: 5 10-11
45. Robbie Latuso Gonzales, LA 7 14-13 56
Day 1: 2 05-10 Day 2: 5 09-03
46. Koby Kreiger Alva, FL 10 14-13 55
Day 1: 5 07-10 Day 2: 5 07-03
47. Clark Wendlandt Leander, TX 10 14-12 54
Day 1: 5 07-14 Day 2: 5 06-14
48. Drew Benton Blakely, GA 10 14-11 53
Day 1: 5 07-04 Day 2: 5 07-07
49. Stetson Blaylock Benton, AR 9 14-10 52
Day 1: 5 10-03 Day 2: 4 04-07
50. Buddy Gross Chickamauga, GA 10 14-09 51 $5,000.00
Day 1: 5 09-02 Day 2: 5 05-07
51. Cliff Prince Palatka, FL 10 14-07 50 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 06-00 Day 2: 5 08-07
52. Greg Hackney Gonzales, LA 10 14-04 49 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 08-03 Day 2: 5 06-01
53. Jason Williamson Wagener, SC 10 14-03 48 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 08-09 Day 2: 5 05-10
54. Chris Groh Spring Grove, IL 9 14-01 47 $2,500.00
Day 1: 4 05-11 Day 2: 5 08-06
55. Carl Jocumsen Queensland AUSTRALIA 8 14-01 46 $2,500.00
Day 1: 3 06-04 Day 2: 5 07-13
56. Ed Loughran III Richmond, VA 10 14-00 45 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 05-00 Day 2: 5 09-00
57. Joshua Stracner Vandiver, AL 10 14-00 44 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 07-03 Day 2: 5 06-13
58. Justin Hamner Northport, AL 10 13-05 43 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 08-01 Day 2: 5 05-04
59. Darold Gleason Many, LA 9 13-03 42 $2,500.00
Day 1: 4 06-07 Day 2: 5 06-12
60. Kenta Kimura Osaka JAPAN 6 13-01 41 $2,500.00
Day 1: 1 01-00 Day 2: 5 12-01
61. Brandon Palaniuk Rathdrum, ID 9 13-00 40 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 07-07 Day 2: 4 05-09
62. Chris Zaldain Fort Worth, TX 9 12-12 39 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 06-04 Day 2: 4 06-08
63. Rick Morris Lake Gaston, VA 7 12-07 38 $2,500.00
Day 1: 3 05-04 Day 2: 4 07-03
64. Shane LeHew Catawba, NC 10 12-06 37 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 05-01 Day 2: 5 07-05
65. Wes Logan Springville, AL 10 12-03 36 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 07-12 Day 2: 5 04-07
66. Keith Combs Huntington, TX 8 12-03 35 $2,500.00
Day 1: 3 04-11 Day 2: 5 07-08
67. Bill Weidler Helena, AL 9 12-01 34 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 06-06 Day 2: 4 05-11
68. Randy Pierson Oakdale, CA 10 11-15 33 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 06-05 Day 2: 5 05-10
69. Brandon Lester Fayetteville, TN 10 11-13 32 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 06-08 Day 2: 5 05-05
70. Cory Johnston Cavan CANADA 8 11-04 31 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 07-15 Day 2: 3 03-05
71. Scott Canterbury Odenville, AL 7 11-03 30 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 08-10 Day 2: 2 02-09
72. Jeff Gustafson Keewatin Ontario CANADA 8 10-13 29 $2,500.00
Day 1: 3 04-10 Day 2: 5 06-03
73. Austin Felix Eden Prairie, MN 8 10-11 28 $2,500.00
Day 1: 4 04-05 Day 2: 4 06-06
74. Clifford Pirch Payson, AZ 6 10-10 27 $2,500.00
Day 1: 1 02-10 Day 2: 5 08-00
75. David Mullins Mt Carmel, TN 8 10-10 26 $2,500.00
Day 1: 3 03-09 Day 2: 5 07-01
76. Jay Yelas Lincoln City, OR 6 10-08 25
Day 1: 1 01-02 Day 2: 5 09-06
77. Gregory DiPalma Millville, NJ 8 09-15 24
Day 1: 5 06-14 Day 2: 3 03-01
78. Gary Clouse Winchester, TN 7 09-13 23
Day 1: 3 04-04 Day 2: 4 05-09
79. Bryan New Belmont, NC 8 09-10 22
Day 1: 4 04-10 Day 2: 4 05-00
80. Jamie Hartman Newport, NY 8 09-09 21
Day 1: 3 03-04 Day 2: 5 06-05
81. Derek Hudnall Denham Springs, LA 8 09-09 20
Day 1: 4 05-00 Day 2: 4 04-09
82. Mike Huff Corbin, KY 8 09-07 19
Day 1: 5 06-02 Day 2: 3 03-05
83. Clent Davis Montevallo, AL 10 09-06 18
Day 1: 5 05-06 Day 2: 5 04-00
84. Frank Talley Temple, TX 8 09-05 17
Day 1: 5 06-09 Day 2: 3 02-12
85. Micah Frazier Newnan, GA 8 08-15 16
Day 1: 3 03-00 Day 2: 5 05-15
86. Todd Auten Lake Wylie, SC 8 08-15 15
Day 1: 3 03-08 Day 2: 5 05-07
87. Rick Clunn Ava, MO 8 08-08 14
Day 1: 5 05-09 Day 2: 3 02-15
88. David Fritts Lexington, NC 8 08-05 13
Day 1: 3 03-03 Day 2: 5 05-02
89. Shane Lineberger Lincolnton, NC 8 08-02 12
Day 1: 5 04-10 Day 2: 3 03-08
90. Bryan Schmitt Deale, MD 6 07-06 11
Day 1: 1 01-02 Day 2: 5 06-04
91. Cody Hollen Beaverton, OR 5 07-05 10
Day 1: 1 01-05 Day 2: 4 06-00
92. Kyle Monti Okeechobee, FL 5 07-01 9
Day 1: 5 07-01 Day 2: 0 00-00
93. Garrett Paquette Canton, MI 5 06-03 8
Day 1: 2 02-07 Day 2: 3 03-12
94. Chad Morgenthaler Reeds Spring, MO 5 06-02 7
Day 1: 1 01-11 Day 2: 4 04-07
95. Chad Pipkens Dewitt, MI 5 05-13 6
Day 1: 1 01-01 Day 2: 4 04-12
96. Kelley Jaye Dadeville, AL 3 04-09 5
Day 1: 1 01-05 Day 2: 2 03-04
97. Rob Digh Denver, NC 2 02-15 4
Day 1: 2 02-15 Day 2: 0 00-00
98. Bernie Schultz Gainesville, FL 1 01-09 3
Day 1: 1 01-09 Day 2: 0 00-00

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PHOENIX BOATS BIG BASS
Day
1 Marc Frazier Newnan, GA 06-06 $1,000.00
2 KJ Queen Catawba, NC 04-06 $1,000.00

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Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 71 420 679-12
2 73 440 680-14
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144 860 1360-10

Michael Neal Grabs Early Lead Friday at General Tire Heavy Hitters Presented by Bass Pro Shops

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April 9, 2021

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Michael Neal Grabs Early Lead Friday at General Tire Heavy Hitters Presented by Bass Pro Shops

Dayton, Tennessee Pro Weighs 13 Bass Totaling 51 Pounds, 15 Ounces to Lead Qualifying Group A after Day 1, Group B to Compete Saturday

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RALEIGH, N.C. (April 9, 2021) – The big bass were chewing on Jordan Lake, Friday. Pro Michael Neal of Dayton, Tennessee, caught 13 scorable bass weighing 51 pounds, 15 ounces to jump out to the early lead on day 1 for Qualifying Group A at the General Tire Heavy Hitters Presented by Bass Pro Shops . The six-day all-star tournament showcases 40 anglers that qualified from the 2020 season competing for more than $535,000, with a top prize of $100,000 going to the winner of the event, and Big Bass Bonuses during the competition with payouts of $25,000, $50,000 and $100,000 being awarded for the single biggest fish in the Qualifying, Knockout and Championship rounds.

Link to Photo of Qualifying Round Group A Leader Michael Neal
Link to Photo Gallery of Highlights from Day 1 on Lake Jordan

Neal will bring a 5-pound, 3-ounce, lead into Sunday’s second day of competition for Group A. In second place on the SCORETRACKER® leaderboard is pro Boyd Duckett of Guntersville, Alabama, who has 24 top-10 finishes and more than $1.8 million in career winnings, who caught 12 bass totaling 46-12. Fellow Guntersville, Alabama pro Chris Lane sits in third place, 6 pounds, 8 ounces back of Neal with 12 bass weighing 45-7.

The 20 anglers in Group A will now enjoy a day off Saturday, while the 20 anglers in Group B will begin their Day 1 Qualifying Round. Group A resumes competition on Sunday.

“Today was awesome – everything worked out just like I thought it would,” said the 29-year-old Neal, who has more than $1 million in career earnings. “Not catching a bass in the second period was disappointing, but at the same time I had some other ideas that I thought might work and it allowed me to get those our of the way.

“The fish are still much more prespawn than I thought that they would be,” Neal continued. “The water temperature is over 70 degrees, and I would have thought that the fish would be in the backs of the creeks and bays and pockets trying to spawn. But, when you look at them, they’re all real fat, healthy, big fish and about to bust. And they’re still on more of what I would call wintertime or early spring jerkbait-type looking banks, and I’m really not sure why they are still there.”

Neal said that every bass that he landed Thursday came on a Z-Man ChatterBait.

“I caught everything today, every single one of them, on a ½-ounce ChatterBait,” Neal said. “I threw it on 7-foot, 2-inch medium-heavy Denali Kovert rod with 20-pound Sunline Sniper line. These are big fish, and you don’t want to come out here with light line.

“Jordan is a great lake and I can’t wait to get back out here Sunday,” Neal went on to say. “It’s going to be another knockdown, drag-out fight all the way to the end. I’ve got a good pattern, and I really don’t think it’s going to go anywhere. I’m hoping that the wind will blow a little more like it did this afternoon – it really helped the bite.”

Second-place angler Boyd Duckett would almost assuredly have had the day one lead over Neal if he hadn’t lost some key fish.

“It was a very frustrating day for me. I lost a lot of big fish today – I think I lost around 23 pounds, visibly, and that hurts a lot,” Duckett said. “I had a good lead at one point, but that’s how it goes some days. The good news is that I had a great day and I’m right there at it in second place. It’s all going to come down to what happens on Sunday.”

Third-place pro Chris Lane said he had a very fun day on the water, despite having to fish much slower than usual.

“Anytime you’re in contention to win the round after the first day, that’s a good thing,” Lane said. “I think the biggest for me today was that I had to fish slow. And that’s very hard to do when you’re on the clock. I was casting a Bass Pro Shops soft plastic on a 7-foot, 3-inch medium-heavy Duckett rod and just having fun. We were able to catch a lot of really nice fish, and I think moving forward it will continue to be good.”

The standings for the 20 pros from Qualifying Group A after Day 1 on Jordan Lake are:
1^st:          Michael Neal, Dayton, Tenn., 13 bass, 51-15
2^nd:         Boyd Duckett, Guntersville, Ala., 12 bass, 46-12
3^rd:         Chris Lane, Guntersville, Ala., 12 bass, 45-7
4^th:         Jeff Sprague, Point, Texas., 12 bass, 41-15
5^th:         Randall Tharp, Port Saint Joe, Fla., 12 bass, 38-13
6^th:         Andy Morgan, Dayton, Tenn., 12 bass, 37-6
7^th:         Zack Birge, Blanchard, Okla., 11 bass, 37-1
8^th:         Mike McClelland, Blue Eye, Mo., 10 bass, 36-12
9^th:         Ish Monroe, Oakdale, Calif., 10 bass, 34-8
10^th:       Brent Chapman, Lake Quivira, Kan., nine bass, 30-13
11^th:       Fletcher Shryock, Guntersville, Ala., nine bass, 28-5
12^th:       Mark Rose, Wynne, Ark., 10 bass, 27-15
13^th:       Adrian Avena, Vineland, N.J., eight bass, 24-15
14^th:       Mike Iaconelli, Runnemede, N.J., nine bass, 24-6
15^th:       Anthony Gagliardi, Prosperity, S.C., five bass, 21-1
16^th:       Fred Roumbanis, Russellville, Ark., five bass, 16-7
17^th:       Britt Myers, Lake Wylie, S.C., four bass, 15-1
18^th:       David Dudley, Lynchburg, Va., five bass, 13-14
19^th:       Luke Clausen, Spokane, Wash., three bass, 12-10
20^th:       Dean Rojas, Lake Havasu City, Ariz., two bass, 5-10

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

Overall, there were 173 bass weighing 591 pounds, 10 ounces caught by the 20 pros on Thursday, which included two 7-pounders, six 6-pounders and ten 5-pounders caught from Jordan Lake.

Gagliardi weighed in the biggest bass of the day Thursday, a 7-pound, 15-ounce largemouth that he caught flipping a creature bait during Period 2. If Gagliardi’s fish remains the largest bass weighed by Group A after the conclusion of the Qualifying Round on Sunday, he will take home a $25,000 Big Bass Bonus. Big Bass Bonuses are awarded throughout the competition, with payouts of $25,000, $50,000 and $100,000 being awarded for the single biggest fish in the Qualifying, Knockout and Championship rounds

The MLF General Tire Heavy Hitters Presented by Bass Pro Shops is hosted by the Greater Raleigh Sports Alliance.

The 20 Anglers in Group A compete in their two-day qualifying round on Jordan Lake on Friday and Sunday – the 20 anglers in Group B on Falls Lake on Saturday and Monday. After each two-day qualifying round is complete, the anglers that finish in 2nd through 10th place from both groups advance to Tuesday’s Knockout Round on Shearon Harris, while the winner of each group advances directly to Wednesday’s Championship Round on Shearon Harris. In the Knockout Round, weights are zeroed and the remaining 18 anglers compete to finish in the top 8 to advance to the Championship Round. In the final day Championship Round, weights are zeroed and the highest one-day total wins.

Attendance is limited to competing anglers, essential staff and media covering the event only. Fans are encouraged to follow the event online through the MLF NOW!® live stream and SCORETRACKER® coverage at MajorLeagueFishing.comThe MLF NOW!® broadcast team of Chad McKee, Marty Stone and J.T. Kenney will break down the extended action each day of competition from 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. MLF NOW!® will be live streamed on MajorLeagueFishing.com. and the MyOutdoorTV (MOTV) app.

Television coverage of the General Tire Heavy Hitters Presented by Bass Pro Shops will be showcased across six two-hour episodes, premiering at 7 a.m. ET, July 17 on the Discovery Channel. A one-hour special episode of MLF Inside Heavy Hitters will also air on CBS in late 2021. New MLF episodes premiere each Saturday morning on the Discovery Channel, with additional re-airings on the Outdoor Channel and the Sportsman Channel. Each two-hour long reality-based episode goes in-depth to break down each day of competition.

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

Donny Soto Smokes the Field at Georgia ABA

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April 9, 2021

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Donny Soto Smokes the Field at Georgia ABA

Donny Soto of Bryon, Georgia smoked the field to take the win in the American Fishing Tour Division 99 tournament presented by American Bass Anglers. Running out of Highland Marina near LaGrange, Georgia 22 anglers went out with hopes of a victory, but when the scales closed it was Donny Soto who secured the win. Donny brought back a 5-fish limit that locked in the scales at 17.04lbs anchored by a 4.22lb kicker that also took big fish. For the victory, Donny took home a check for $559.

Donny reported using a shad colored crankbait fishing lay downs out of his Mercury powered Triton.

Second place was claimed by Blake Tomlin with 14.15lbs scoring him $331.

Kenny Carol took third with 5 fish and a total weight of 11.09lbs and took home $108 in prize money.

Top Five finishers
1.Donny Soto 17.04-lbs
2.Jason Tomlin 14.15
3.Kenny Carroll 11.09
4.Warren York 9.35
5.Josh Harrison 9.25

The next tournament in this division will take place on May 15, 2021 launching from Highland Marina.
For more information on this event or division please contact local director Deacon Collins, 404-862-4233 or visit www.americanbassanglers.com

These anglers earn valuable points toward the divisional angler of the year title. The points champion from each division will compete in the annual American Bass Anglers AFT Angler of The Year Final Round at the AFT Championship. In addition, the top 500 anglers from the various divisions will earn the right to compete in the three-day ABA, AFT National Championship tournament.

The American Fishing Tour offers low cost, close to home bass tournaments that are designed for the weekend angler. All anglers fish for both money and points. The points advance the angler to their divisional championship and the top 500 anglers in the US are invited to the American Fishing Tour National Championship for this fall on Kerr Lake in Virginia.

American Bass Anglers is sponsored by Bass Pro Shops, Triton Boats, Mercury Motors, Motor Guide, Berkley, Abu Garcia, T-H Marine, Power Pole, Garmin, Monster Energy, Lucas Oil, Engel Coolers, OPTIMA Batteries, REKS Sunglasses, and HotelPlanner.com.

KAYAK BASS ANGLERS EXPECTING BIG SCORES AT LAKE DARDANELLE

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April 9, 2021

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KAYAK BASS ANGLERS EXPECTING BIG SCORES AT LAKE DARDANELLE

Super spring action should be on tap as Hobie B.O.S. Anchored by Power-Pole® launches its third event of the season.

OCEANSIDE, Calif. (April 9, 2021) – With an abundance of bass, 315 miles of shoreline, and a reputation for producing lunkers under tournament pressure, Lake Dardanelle is widely considered Arkansas’ premiere fishing venue. Last year, Hobie’s elite kayak bass anglers tested the big lake under a September sun with exciting results. This year, the 2021 Hobie Bass Open Series (B.O.S.) Anchored by Power-Pole^® offers a shot at super springtime action.

“This is our second visit to this terrific bassin’ hot spot,” notes tournament director, A.J. McWhorter. “Last year we came in late summer and it was a real shootout as Drew Gregory of Kent, Ohio, edged out Eric Siddiqi of Cincinnati via a tie-breaker with both anglers tallying 171 inches of catch, photograph and release (C.P.R.) largemouth bass during the two-day event. This year’s competition has the potential to be even more explosive as warming spring weather should kick spawning season into high gear, with three stages of bass ready to chomp competitor’s lures and trophy-class fish a distinct possibility. Anglers will find a diverse fishery here where current, vegetation and hard structure can all come into play.”

Indeed, at 34,000 acres, this impoundment of the Arkansas River really can produce. Host to many top professional tournaments each year, Dardanelle is the primary pool on the McClellan-Kerr Navigation System. Featuring an average depth of 15 feet, maximum depth of 61 feet, and over 300 miles of shoreline, these expansive waters stretch for 50 miles, offering kayak bass fans tons of potential to focus on individual strengths. In addition to largemouths, the diverse fishery also includes white bass, spotted bass, smallmouths, hybrid stripers, big catfish and more.

“I really like that when Hobie revisits an event site they do it at a different time of season,” says the 42-year-old Gregory, who in addition to winning the Lake Dardanelle competition last year also claimed the 2020 Angler of the Year award. “That makes it fair for everyone because the previous winner has to face a brand-new set of conditions. I’d love to repeat as champion here, but the timing is different from last year and the competition will certainly be challenging. That said, I’ll be giving it my all.”

Although he’s never fished Dardanelle in the spring, Gregory is looking forward to the opportunity. “April is a great month to catch big bass,” he continues. “It’s the absolute prime season in this part of the country. I figure the water will be high and muddy, which means anglers are going to have to either choose between, or combine, two primary approaches. They’ll have to either fish the muddy water where big pre-spawn bass might be easier to fool, or search for limited clear water to target bass already on their beds.”

Gregory suspects he’ll actually combine these strategies, working dingy water early each morning until catching his limit, then trying to upgrade by isolating big bass on beds identified during pre-fishing. “If you can put that combo together maybe you get a win,” he says, “but that’s easier said than done.”

In terms of lure selection, Gregory suggests tying on a spinnerbait, ChatterBait® or swim jig and backing any of these with a soft-plastic jerkbait or floating worm. “This lake has a lot of grass, but floating worms come through that pretty well,” he adds.

Like Gregory, local sharpie Cody Milton is rearing to go. He’ll be looking for current pinch-points and throwing squarebill crankbaits because they are fairly weedless, dig in well, and have dominated the catches of pro bass legends like Rick Clunn on these waters in recent years.

“This lake fishes really well in the spring,” reveals Milton, 27, from Searcy, Arkansas. “I’m expecting the fish to be more evenly distributed than they were last summer. The way the weather is trending, the spawn should be in full swing by the time we get started. That means the fish should be relatively easy to find and big bags will likely be prevalent. I’m thinking it will take 93 inches or more per day to win.”

“That sounds about right,” agrees Gregory. “Last September, 112 competitors at this event caught nearly 700 bass. With the timing of this competition being right on cue for fast action and big fish, those numbers might push significantly higher.”

In addition to substantial cash prizes, the top three non-qualified anglers at the Lake Dardanelle event will qualify for the Hobie Tournament of Champions (T.O.C.) to be held on Lake Eufaula, Alabama, November 12 – 14. All-important points toward Angler of the Year, Presented by FarWide, the Outdoor Access App, will be distributed to the top 100 competitors. The angler catching the largest bass of the two-day tournament will earn a $400 check for the Bassin’ Big Bass Award, and winner of the Dakota Lithium Power Move, which recognizes the person with the greatest leap up the leader board from Day 1 to Day 2, will receive a Dakota Power Box with 10-amp lithium battery.

Whether records fall or not at the Dardanelle event, there’s no doubt competitors will be welcomed with enthusiasm upon arrival. “Russellville is super excited to have the Hobie B.O.S Anchored by Power- Pole® back in town!” says Christie Graham, Executive Director, Russellville Tourism and Visitor Center. “Anglers can expect to catch the big one on Lake Dardanelle as they find the perfect cove. With this being one of the top bass-fishing destinations in the country, I’m sure you’ll all quickly fall in love with our waters and hometown feel. We can’t wait to see you!”

Mosley’s Long Run Earns Lead In Bassmaster Elite Series Event At Sabine River

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April 9, 2021

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Mosley’s Long Run Earns Lead In Bassmaster Elite Series Event At Sabine River

With a first-day weight of 15 pounds, 10 ounces, Brock Mosley of Collinsville, Miss., is leading after Day 1 of the 2021 Dovetail Games Bassmaster Elite at Sabine River sponsored by Bassmaster Fishing 2022 – the official video game of B.A.S.S.

Photo by Seigo Saito/B.A.S.S.

April 8, 2021

Mosley’s Long Run Earns Lead In Bassmaster Elite Series Event At Sabine River

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ORANGE, Texas — A last-minute decision to run two hours to the Houston area rewarded Brock Mosley with a five-fish limit of 15 pounds, 10 ounces, which leads Day 1 of the 2021 Dovetail Games Bassmaster Elite at Sabine River sponsored by Bassmaster Fishing 2022 – the official video game of B.A.S.S.

Familiar with the potential of the tournament’s western boundary, Mosley, who hails from Collinsville, Miss., ran the Intracoastal Waterway, crossed Galveston Bay and settled into a narrow waterway on Houston’s east side. While he was pleased with his decision, he admitted he made the commitment shortly before takeoff.

“I was one of the last boats to check out (Boat 97), so I knew all the spots around Orange would be covered up,” Mosley said. “I spent three days of practice trying to talk myself out of making that run, but this morning, I decided to go.

“Also, I knew the wind wasn’t going to blow today, but it’s supposed to blow tomorrow and I know I can’t go back tomorrow. It’s going to be 20- to 30-mph winds and there’s no way.”

Refueling near his starting spot allowed Mosley to fish uninterrupted until making the 100-plus-mile ride back to weigh-in. Targeting a mix of docks, seawalls, cypress trees, shade and current breaks, Mosley said he saw evidence of recent spawning.

“I saw a lot of fry (recently hatched bass); I don’t know if those fish were guarding fry or what they were doing, but they were biting,” he said. “I don’t know if they even get fished very often.”

Mosley caught his fish on a 1/2-ounce chartreuse/white Z-Man ChatterBait JackHammer with a white Yamamoto Zako trailer.

“There are other ways to catch them, but that’s the way I like to catch them because I can fish so fast,” Mosley said. “I know guys like to slow down and flip, but in tough tournaments, I like to cover as much water as I can.”

Mosley said his day exceeded his expectations, both in terms of quality and quantity.

“I had no idea I was going to catch that kind of weight today,” he said. “I went over there hoping to catch 9 or 10 pounds and I got a 5 1/2-pound kicker. It took me 20 minutes to catch a limit when I got there.

“It’s a long ride and it’s hard on you; it’s a lot of wear and tear. It just paid off today.”

Fishing pressure in the Sabine River and its local tributaries was Mosley’s main motivator to even consider the Houston trip. Having competed in a previous Elite event on the Sabine in 2018, he recognized that he’d be facing a more limited scenario this year.

“After being here in ’18, there’s not as many places to get multiple bites,” he said. “Where there are, there’s a lot of boats. That was the key.

“I tried to catch all I could catch today, and then if I can catch 7 or 8 pounds tomorrow around Orange, I’ll still be in the game.”

Jason Christie of Park Hill, Okla., is in second place with 15-1. Focusing on a shallow backwater area, Christie said he fished a variety of shallow cover and used a wide selection of reaction and flipping baits.

Noting that he had a busy day with several keepers, Christie said he was pleasantly surprised with the caliber of fish he caught.

“I was fortunate enough the last day of practice to find two areas that had some fish in them,” Christie said. “I really didn’t think they were that big. What I thought were keepers turned into good ones.

“I had two areas; I used one of those today, went to another area, caught one and started heading back. It was really fast and furious.”

Caleb Kuphall of Mukwonago, Wis., is in third place with 13 pounds.

While he expected to be picking through high numbers of bass in hopes of finding a quality bite, Kuphall said he was thankful to find two “luck bites.”

“Out here, anything over 3 pounds, I’d consider it a luck bite,” Kuphall said. “My practice didn’t go that well; on my best day, I probably had 8 pounds. Today, I got lucky and caught two giants (approximately 4-2 and 3-11).”

Kuphall said he caught four of his keepers on an unspecified jigging presentation. He also caught one on a topwater bait.

“My two kickers were in two completely different areas,” Kuphall said. “Where I caught the first one, I had high hopes for that one. I culled out everything I caught early this morning in that area. I didn’t hit it too hard today, so I think there’s more there.”

Marc Frazier of Newnan, Ga., is in the lead for Phoenix Boats Big Bass honors with his 6-6 largemouth.

Patrick Walters of Summerville, S.C., leads the Bassmaster Angler of the Year standings with 336 points, followed by Seth Feider of New Market, Minn., with 331 and Greg Hackney of Gonzales, La., with 311.

Justin Hamner of Northport, Ala., leads the Rookie of the Year standings with 274 points.

Friday’s takeoff is scheduled for 6:45 a.m. CT at the City of Orange Boat Ramp. The weigh-in will be held at the ramp at 3 p.m., with the Top 49 anglers advancing to Saturday’s semifinal round.

Live coverage for the event can be streamed on Bassmaster.com and the FOX Sports digital platforms.

The tournament is being hosted by the Greater Orange Chamber of Commerce.

2021 Dovetail Games Bassmaster Elite at Sabine River sponsored by Bassmaster Fishing 2022 – the official video game of B.A.S.S. 4/8-4/11
Sabine River, Orange TX.
(PROFESSIONAL) Standings Day 1

Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$

1. Brock Mosley Collinsville, MS 5 15-10 100
Day 1: 5 15-10
2. Jason Christie Park Hill, OK 5 15-01 99
Day 1: 5 15-01
3. Caleb Kuphall Mukwonago, WI 5 13-00 98
Day 1: 5 13-00
4. Lee Livesay Longview, TX 5 12-08 97
Day 1: 5 12-08
5. Marc Frazier Newnan, GA 5 12-02 96 $1,000.00
Day 1: 5 12-02
6. Brandon Cobb Greenwood, SC 5 11-14 95
Day 1: 5 11-14
7. KJ Queen Catawba, NC 5 11-05 94
Day 1: 5 11-05
8. Matt Robertson Kuttawa, KY 5 10-11 93
Day 1: 5 10-11
9. Hank Cherry Jr Lincolnton, NC 5 10-09 92
Day 1: 5 10-09
9. Tyler Rivet Raceland, LA 5 10-09 92
Day 1: 5 10-09
11. Stetson Blaylock Benton, AR 5 10-03 90
Day 1: 5 10-03
12. Kyle Welcher Opelika, AL 5 10-02 89
Day 1: 5 10-02
13. Bob Downey Hudson, WI 5 10-01 88
Day 1: 5 10-01
14. Skylar Hamilton Dandridge, TN 5 10-00 87
Day 1: 5 10-00
15. Drew Cook Cairo, GA 5 09-15 86
Day 1: 5 09-15
16. Seth Feider New Market, MN 5 09-13 85
Day 1: 5 09-13
17. Justin Atkins Florence, AL 5 09-11 84
Day 1: 5 09-11
17. Caleb Sumrall New Iberia, LA 5 09-11 84
Day 1: 5 09-11
19. John Cox Debary, FL 5 09-04 82
Day 1: 5 09-04
19. Chris Johnston Otonabee Ontario CANADA 5 09-04 82
Day 1: 5 09-04
21. Matt Herren Ashville, AL 5 09-03 80
Day 1: 5 09-03
22. John Crews Jr Salem, VA 5 09-02 79
Day 1: 5 09-02
22. Buddy Gross Chickamauga, GA 5 09-02 79
Day 1: 5 09-02
22. Taku Ito Chiba JAPAN 5 09-02 79
Day 1: 5 09-02
25. Luke Palmer Coalgate, OK 5 09-01 76
Day 1: 5 09-01
26. Brian Snowden Reeds Spring, MO 5 08-12 75
Day 1: 5 08-12
27. Scott Canterbury Odenville, AL 5 08-10 74
Day 1: 5 08-10
27. Yusuke Miyazaki Forney, TX 5 08-10 74
Day 1: 5 08-10
29. Patrick Walters Summerville, SC 5 08-09 72
Day 1: 5 08-09
29. Jason Williamson Wagener, SC 5 08-09 72
Day 1: 5 08-09
31. Brett Preuett Monroe, LA 5 08-07 70
Day 1: 5 08-07
32. Greg Hackney Gonzales, LA 5 08-03 69
Day 1: 5 08-03
32. Randy Sullivan Breckenridge, TX 5 08-03 69
Day 1: 5 08-03
34. Justin Hamner Northport, AL 5 08-01 67
Day 1: 5 08-01
35. Cory Johnston Cavan CANADA 5 07-15 66
Day 1: 5 07-15
36. Clark Wendlandt Leander, TX 5 07-14 65
Day 1: 5 07-14
37. Pat Schlapper Eleva, WI 5 07-13 64
Day 1: 5 07-13
38. Wes Logan Springville, AL 5 07-12 63
Day 1: 5 07-12
39. Brandon Card Salisbury, NC 5 07-11 62
Day 1: 5 07-11
40. Koby Kreiger Alva, FL 5 07-10 61
Day 1: 5 07-10
41. Jake Whitaker Fairview, NC 5 07-09 60
Day 1: 5 07-09
42. Ray Hanselman Jr Del Rio, TX 5 07-09 59
Day 1: 5 07-09
43. Matt Arey Shelby, NC 5 07-08 58
Day 1: 5 07-08
44. Brandon Palaniuk Rathdrum, ID 5 07-07 57
Day 1: 5 07-07
45. Harvey Horne Bella Vista, AR 5 07-05 56
Day 1: 5 07-05
46. Drew Benton Blakely, GA 5 07-04 55
Day 1: 5 07-04
46. Scott Martin Clewiston, FL 5 07-04 55
Day 1: 5 07-04
48. Joshua Stracner Vandiver, AL 5 07-03 53
Day 1: 5 07-03
49. Bill Lowen Brookville, IN 5 07-02 52
Day 1: 5 07-02
50. Kyle Monti Okeechobee, FL 5 07-01 51
Day 1: 5 07-01
51. Gregory DiPalma Millville, NJ 5 06-14 50
Day 1: 5 06-14
52. Steve Kennedy Auburn, AL 5 06-13 49
Day 1: 5 06-13
52. Hunter Shryock Ooltewah, TN 5 06-13 49
Day 1: 5 06-13
54. Gerald Swindle Guntersville, AL 5 06-11 47
Day 1: 5 06-11
55. Quentin Cappo Prairieville, LA 5 06-10 46
Day 1: 5 06-10
56. Frank Talley Temple, TX 5 06-09 45
Day 1: 5 06-09
57. Brandon Lester Fayetteville, TN 5 06-08 44
Day 1: 5 06-08
58. Darold Gleason Many, LA 4 06-07 43
Day 1: 4 06-07
59. Bill Weidler Helena, AL 5 06-06 42
Day 1: 5 06-06
60. Randy Pierson Oakdale, CA 5 06-05 41
Day 1: 5 06-05
61. Chris Zaldain Fort Worth, TX 5 06-04 40
Day 1: 5 06-04
62. Carl Jocumsen Queensland AUSTRALIA 3 06-04 39
Day 1: 3 06-04
63. Destin DeMarion Grove City, PA 5 06-02 38
Day 1: 5 06-02
63. Mike Huff Corbin, KY 5 06-02 38
Day 1: 5 06-02
65. Cliff Prince Palatka, FL 5 06-00 36
Day 1: 5 06-00
66. Brad Whatley Bivins, TX 5 05-14 35
Day 1: 5 05-14
67. Mark Menendez Paducah, KY 5 05-12 34
Day 1: 5 05-12
68. Chris Groh Spring Grove, IL 4 05-11 33
Day 1: 4 05-11
69. Robbie Latuso Gonzales, LA 2 05-10 32
Day 1: 2 05-10
70. Rick Clunn Ava, MO 5 05-09 31
Day 1: 5 05-09
71. Clent Davis Montevallo, AL 5 05-06 30
Day 1: 5 05-06
72. Rick Morris Lake Gaston, VA 3 05-04 29
Day 1: 3 05-04
73. Shane LeHew Catawba, NC 5 05-01 28
Day 1: 5 05-01
74. Ed Loughran III Richmond, VA 5 05-00 27
Day 1: 5 05-00
75. Derek Hudnall Denham Springs, LA 4 05-00 26
Day 1: 4 05-00
76. Keith Combs Huntington, TX 3 04-11 25
Day 1: 3 04-11
77. Shane Lineberger Lincolnton, NC 5 04-10 24
Day 1: 5 04-10
78. Bryan New Belmont, NC 4 04-10 23
Day 1: 4 04-10
79. Jeff Gustafson Keewatin Ontario CANADA 3 04-10 22
Day 1: 3 04-10
80. Austin Felix Eden Prairie, MN 4 04-05 21
Day 1: 4 04-05
81. Gary Clouse Winchester, TN 3 04-04 20
Day 1: 3 04-04
82. Paul Mueller Naugatuck, CT 5 04-02 19
Day 1: 5 04-02
83. David Mullins Mt Carmel, TN 3 03-09 18
Day 1: 3 03-09
84. Todd Auten Lake Wylie, SC 3 03-08 17
Day 1: 3 03-08
85. Jamie Hartman Newport, NY 3 03-04 16
Day 1: 3 03-04
86. David Fritts Lexington, NC 3 03-03 15
Day 1: 3 03-03
87. Micah Frazier Newnan, GA 3 03-00 14
Day 1: 3 03-00
88. Rob Digh Denver, NC 2 02-15 13
Day 1: 2 02-15
89. Clifford Pirch Payson, AZ 1 02-10 12
Day 1: 1 02-10
90. Garrett Paquette Canton, MI 2 02-07 11
Day 1: 2 02-07
91. Chad Morgenthaler Reeds Spring, MO 1 01-11 10
Day 1: 1 01-11
92. Bernie Schultz Gainesville, FL 1 01-09 9
Day 1: 1 01-09
93. Cody Hollen Beaverton, OR 1 01-05 8
Day 1: 1 01-05
93. Kelley Jaye Dadeville, AL 1 01-05 8
Day 1: 1 01-05
95. Bryan Schmitt Deale, MD 1 01-02 6
Day 1: 1 01-02
95. Jay Yelas Lincoln City, OR 1 01-02 6
Day 1: 1 01-02
97. Chad Pipkens Dewitt, MI 1 01-01 4
Day 1: 1 01-01
98. Kenta Kimura Osaka JAPAN 1 01-00 3
Day 1: 1 01-00
99. Dale Hightower Mannford, OK 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
———————————————————————–

PHOENIX BOATS BIG BASS
Day
1 Marc Frazier Newnan, GA 06-06 $1,000.00

———————————————————————–
Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 71 420 679-12
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71 420 679-12

Top 7+ ElaZtech® Hacks – By Z-Man

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April 8, 2021

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Top 7+ ElaZtech^® Hacks

Buckle your seatbelt Dorothy, because your perceptions of soft plastics are about to go bye-bye.

Ladson, SC (April 8, 2021) – Strolling the soft plastics aisle at your favorite tackle shop, you’re tempted to believe the baits inside those blue packs labeled “Z-Man^® 10X Tough ElaZtech^®” are just like all the others. The reality of Z-Man’s space-alien softbait material, however, stretches far beyond its physical façade.

You want to see what the hype’s about, so you grab a pack ElaZtech and pull out a worm. The material feels softer, more malleable—yet somehow, it’s also tougher— than any softbait you’ve fished before. How is that possible?

Put the bait on a jighook and drop it to the bottom of the lake. Watch as its tail rises up and hovers enticingly off the substrate, just like a living thing. That’s not supposed to happen, is it?

After catching your 23^rd bass on the same exact ElaZtech worm you started with, you realize something crazy and a little awesome might be happening. Sort of like the first time you tried to break braided superline with your bare hands, only a lot less painful.

First, don’t try that again. Second, take a spin through the ElaZtech hacks below (don’t forget to click the video) and try not to let your mind be blown.

(1) Stretch and Swim

Z-Man adds salt to baits like the Finesse TRD™ and ZinkerZ™ to provide casting weight and texture and neutralize buoyancy for certain fishing applications. But if you’re after a more buoyant presentation and a bait with a bit more off-bottom motion, simply stretch the material to shed salt and add underwater elevation.

(2) Lock it Down

To lock an ElaZtech bait to the base of a jighead for the duration, a simple dab of Loctite Super Glue Gel to the jig’s collar creates a nearly permanent connection.

(3) Pop ShadZ™ Topwater Rigging

The advanced properties of ElaZtech allow baits like the Pop ShadZ surface bait to be easily rigged with a traditional EWG style hook or modified with a treble hook for open water schooling action, where fish tend to slash at a bait. Thank Z-Man sales manager extraordinaire Glenn Young for this sweet little ditty!

(4) Weedless TicklerZ™

January 24, 2012. La Cygne Lake, Kansas. Ned Kehde remembers the day he first experimented with a new, crazy-cool weedless rig. Ned also recalls the box score: 25 largemouth bass, three wipers, four white bass and one crappie— just another day for the legendary Ned-man. The lure? A reverse-weedless rigged Hula StickZ™, but it works just as well with a TicklerZ, Bang StickZ™, or, well, you get the idea.

(5) ElaZtech Over-the-Eye Trick

This interesting little hack gives you one more weird, wild thing you can do with ElaZtech that actually improves your lure’s performance, preventing baits from sliding down the hook shank—even after repeated strikes and catches. Check the video for the how-to.

(6) Pro-Cure It!

Ever tried washing pine sap off your hands? Slather your favorite ElaZtech bait with Pro-Cure Super Gel for similar scent stick-to-it-ness. Turns out, a special bond forms between ElaZtech and oil based scents like Pro-Cure and Bang Aerosol—the stuff bonds to the bait and doesn’t easily wash off. For a super concentrated fish-attracting cocktail, try pre-marinating your baits in scent. Or, try stretching a salt-impregnated ElaZtech bait, which removes salt and leaves tiny pockets in the material that act like an attractant sponge.

(7) A Little Chin Music

Add bling to any ElaZtech bait by impaling it with a TRD SpinZ™. Stick the spinner in the tail of a Finesse TRD for extra flash and vibration. Plant it in the underside of a MinnowZ™ or other paddletail swimbait for an underspin affect.

(BONUS) Silicone Implants

The soft toughness of ElaZtech lets you get wiggy with off-the-wall bait mods and other plastic surgery. Take a threading device such as a bobbin threader (used for fly tying) and add multiple strands of silicone or living rubber to your favorite bait. The result is a whole other level of action and something bass potentially haven’t seen before.

(BONUS) Anti-Dentite

When you’re done munching boat snacks or chowing lunch, simply stretch out the tail end of a StreakZ™ and in a pinch, you’ve got yourself a nice little strand of dental floss. (Yes, we’ve tried it. Yes, it works. And yes, it tastes nothing like wintergreen.)

Bagley Baits and Classic Bass Champions Tour Join Forces

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April 8, 2021

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Bagley Baits and Classic Bass Champions Tour Join Forces

Midwest’s premier bass fishing circuit receives support from Bagley

BEMIDJI, Minn. (April 8, 2021) – Since 1994, Classic Bass’s mission has been to support bass tournament anglers of all skill levels with access to comprehensive information on tournaments, techniques, results and products. To further support tournament anglers, Classic Bass added a tournament series to its portfolio in 2017.

The Classic Bass Champions Tour, presented by Skeeter Boats and Yamaha Outboards, was launched, and thus began the most exciting tournament circuit in the Upper Midwest. A four-event regular season schedule plus a year end Championship captivated and engaged bass fishing anglers as they watched the Champions Tour events unfold via live scoring updates, photos and video via the Classic Bass website and social media channels.

The tournament series was created by Classic Bass owner, and longtime bass tournament angler, Scott Bonnema. The goal of this circuit is to bring the finest anglers from various regions of the Midwest together to compete.

Support of the tour has been massive with the likes of Skeeter, Yamaha, Minn Kota, Humminbird, and other fishing companies sponsoring the circuit. The big news now for the Classic Bass circuit is Bagley Baits has stepped on as the official hardbait sponsor of the Classic Bass Champions Tour for the 2021 season.

Classic Bass marketing specialist Glenn Walker of Providence Marketing Group remarks, “Scott Bonnema and Classic Bass are looking forward to helping Bagley become more well known in the bass community here in the Upper Midwest. They’re definitely great baits that anglers need to know about. Bagley has a fish-catching past and all the different crankbaits have application today to produce big fish in a lot of different conditions.”

Along those lines, Classic Bass has created a special Bagley Baits Champions Tour Pro Team with anglers Tony Hatten and Noah Schulz as the face of Bagley Baits on the tour. Walker comments, “Noah Schulz was our Championship winner in 2019 and Tony is a seasoned tournament angler not just in Minnesota but has spent time down south and is currently fishing the MLF Toyota Series circuit in addition to the Classic Bass Champions Tour. We couldn’t be happier to have these anglers represent Bagley on the water.”

Classic Bass founder and owner Scott Bonnema remarks, “Personally, I am very excited to have Bagley Baits come onboard. They’ve been a staple to the Midwest region for many, many years and they’ve grown their product line to cover a very large base of anglers. The exciting news of Jarmo Rapala serving as chief bait designer for Bagley Baits and Northland is truly exciting. I had the chance to meet him many years ago, and he’s a man of integrity and has done a lot for the fishing tackle industry. And they’re still known as one of the finest original lure manufacturers, period. I’m excited to see it all come together. I think our anglers will benefit greatly from this relationship.”

CEO of Bagley Baits and Northland Fishing Tackle, Gregg Wollner concludes,” Bagley Baits is honored and proud to be associated with Classic Bass. At Bagley, we are committed to serving the markets where these anglers live and compete with products that are uniquely made for their success. I look forward to working with the entire team at Classic Bass.”

Douglas Lake May Be Heading To Opportune Scenario For Bassmaster Open

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April 8, 2021

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Douglas Lake May Be Heading To Opportune Scenario For Bassmaster Open

Tennessee’s Douglas Lake will host the Basspro.com Bassmaster Southern Open April 15-17, 2021.

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

April 8, 2021

Douglas Lake May Be Heading To Opportune Scenario For Bassmaster Open

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DANDRIDGE, Tenn. — Consistency will be critical at the Basspro.com Bassmaster Southern Open on Douglas Lake, but Tennessee pro John Garrett says Mother Nature has been stirring the pot.

Fluctuations have been significant, but the long view shows a potential scenario that could work out well for competitors.

Competition days will be April 15-17 with daily takeoffs from Dandridge Boat Ramp at 6:45 a.m. ET. Weigh-ins Days 1 and 2 will take place at the ramp at 2:45 p.m., with the final-day weigh-in moving to the Bass Pro Shops in Kodak, Tenn., at 3:45 p.m.

“I’ve been keeping up with the water level, and it’s insane how much Douglas is changing day by day right now,” Garrett said about a week before the tournament. “We had a lot of rain (two weeks prior to the event) and it was coming up a foot a day for five days

“It reached 990 feet, which is full pool, it remained stable for about two days and it’s been falling back about a foot a day for the past four days. It is projected to fall a foot a day for (several more days).”

As Garrett explains, muddy water is the immediate concern, while falling water also reduces the amount of fishable shoreline habitat. In Douglas’ case, a lot of the rock and wood that will soon be drained was only temporarily in play during the high water, so that may not have a dramatic impact.

The real story here is bass fishing 101: Spawning fish do not like fluctuations. They want to know it is safe to commit to a shallow-water move and if there’s any hint of significant depth and/or clarity changes, bass hit the pause button.

“The water’s still muddy, so we’re currently looking at prespawn conditions because the water level hasn’t stabilized yet,” Garrett said. “Those fish aren’t going to go into full-blown spawn mode until that water level stabilizes for a couple of days.

“If it stabilizes (soon), we could be looking at possibly a spawning movement by the time we’re there. Even if it’s not an all-out spawn, we’ll have enough color in the water where everything is going to be shallow. I’m thinking it’s going to be a pretty good tournament.”

Douglas Dam impounds Eastern Tennessee’s French Broad River — about 32 miles upstream from where its confluence with the Holston River creates the storied Tennessee River. The 30,400-acre Douglas Reservoir extends 43 miles upriver through the Smoky Mountain foothills.

The entire lake could be in play, with accessibility possibly dwindling in the extreme upper reaches based on water level. While the Tennessee Valley Authority manages Douglas, Garrett notes that this lake doesn’t resemble the more notable TVA reservoirs downstream.

“Douglas acts like a mix between a TVA lake and a highland reservoir,” Garrett said. “It fluctuates 45 feet from winter to full pool and that has a lot to do with it.

“Also, the current on Douglas is very, very minimal, so a lot of times, these fish don’t set up on current-oriented places like they do on Chickamauga, Pickwick or Kentucky Lake.”

Garrett said there’s an outside chance that could factor into the equation. Specifically, if the region’s mostly warm weather continues, a seasonal acceleration might see a postspawn movement to offshore structure.

In the more likely shallow scenario, Garrett points to water clarity as the key. If the tournament finds Douglas with a favorable level of visibility, sight fishing could become one of the dominant patterns, if not the winning deal.

“Also, a lot of smallmouth bass could come into play if that water cleans up,” Garrett said. “On lakes that don’t fluctuate a lot, the smallmouth normally spawn a little before; but on Douglas they all tend to push up at one time — when the water level stabilizes.”

With smallmouth spawning deeper on bluff banks, rocky humps, etc., this is more of a drop shot, swimbait, Ned rig or cranking strategy. For largemouth, Texas-rigged worms, lizards and creature baits handle the sight-fishing opportunities, while buzzbaits, shallow crankbaits and bladed jigs will tempt staging prespawners.

With conditions generally moving in the right direction, Garrett said he’s expecting Douglas to make a good showing. He thinks it will take 13 to 14 pounds a day to reach the Top 10, with the winner averaging 15 to 16.

“You’ll have to get a couple of good (kicker) bites; I think you’ll have to run into a couple of 3 1/2- to 4 1/2-pound bites. Also, you’ll have to have enough water to rotate for at least two days.

“The only way I can see a particular spot winning this tournament is if we get a big spawning wave (before the event) and we get an offshore bite. It won’t be eight of the Top 10 doing that. It might be one or two schools of fish that move out and one person might key in on it.”

The full field will compete the first two days before the boater side is cut to the Top 10 anglers for Championship Saturday. The co-angler champion will be crowned after the Day 2 weigh-in.

Visit Jefferson County and the Town of Dandridge are hosting the event.

Native Watercraft Partners with Major League Fishing to Give Fans Chance to Win Fishing Kayak

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April 7, 2021

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Native Watercraft Partners with Major League Fishing to Give Fans Chance to Win Fishing Kayak

ULSA, Okla. (April 7, 2021) – Major League Fishing (MLF), the world’s largest tournament-fishing organization, along with Native Watercraft announced today a new opportunity for MLF fans to enter to win a new Slayer Propel Max 12.5 Fishing Kayak, valued at $2,599.

Fans can enter for a chance to win, once per day, at MajorLeagueFishing.com/promos.

“We are excited to contribute a brand-new Slayer Propel Max 12.5 fishing kayak to a well deserving MLF fan.” said Native Watercraft COO, Tyler Brown. “We hope this kayak will help the winner access places on the water they have never been before and land hundreds of bass for years to come.”

“At Major League Fishing we’re making a concerted effort to offer more fan engagement, on and off the water, and we’re excited to share this unique opportunity with our fans and anglers,” said John Acosta, Vice President of Marketing & Business Development for MLF. “This giveaway is one lucky fan’s chance to own one of the top fishing kayaks in the game and undoubtedly catch more fish, thanks to Native Kayak.”

One of Native Watercraft’s most popular designs of all time, the Slayer Propel has been updated to the max, providing ultra-comfortable, adjustable and elevated seating, an extended rudder for tracking and turning efficiencies, hands-free forward to reverse Propel Pedal Drive, horizontal rod storage and a rockered bow to get up and over chop.

The addition of stern and bow anchoring and a transducer recess in the hull makes the motoring ready Slayer Propel one serious kayak fishing platform that will perform in both freshwater and saltwater environments.

The Native Watercraft Fishing Kayak sweepstakes will end on April 30.

For more information about the promotion and to see the full rules, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com/promorules. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow MLF’s social media outlets at Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

Two of the hottest talents in scholastic angling create victory by consistently overcoming challenges

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April 7, 2021

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Two of the hottest talents in scholastic angling create victory by consistently overcoming challenges

VOICES OF VICTORY:

Lee Rose and Carter Koza

Two of the hottest talents in scholastic angling create victory by consistently overcoming challenges

PARK FALLS, Wisc. (April 7, 2021) – Carter Koza is senior at Mount Paran Christian School in Kennesaw, Georgia. His sister, Lee Rose Koza, is a sophomore at Carson-Newman University in Knoxville, Tennessee. Both siblings have fished competitively for the past several years, and credit their father, Jamie, for their love of fishing and drive to compete.

“My dad fished tournaments ever since he was a little kid, so he got us involved early,” says Carter, adding that their dad also runs a tackle shop. “We were surrounded by fishing all the time. We’d go to school, then to the shop, and the rest of the time we were fishing,” adds Lee Rose, who admits that her decision to fish competitively did not come without challenges.

“I really had to get over my fears of jumping into the sport. Carter was already fishing and having success on our high school team, but I didn’t join until my junior year,” Lee Rose says. “It took a lot for me to make that leap of being one of the only girls in high school bass angling in the State of Georgia. But I’m proud and grateful that I did. Putting myself in that boat and fishing in a male-dominated sport turned out to be a great decision and I consider that my first personal fishing victory. My second was when Carter and I fished together and won Angler of the Year in 2019 – our last year fishing together as a team. When we got handed that Angler of the Year trophy for the whole entire State of Georgia, that moment was victorious; it was indescribable.”

Carter agrees, and dives deeper into what it takes to earn consistent success as a tournament angler. “We fish all over the place. Showing up to a new lake at a certain time of year, you’ve got to figure it out. It’s like a puzzle,” he says. “Being able to not only catch fish, but also have a good finish and cash a check in any tournament… that’s victory.”

Carter and Lee Rose have been partners with St. Croix for almost five years now. “Being able to work with a company that stands behind me, not only providing support but treating me like I’m a member of the family is another great victory,” says Carter. “My tournament career is still relatively young, but I know and appreciate how special St. Croix is as a company and am truly grateful to be a part of their team.”

Both Lee Rose and Carter were among the St, Croix pros who had early access to the new Victory Series rods for beta testing and input. “I’m really excited to see where this series goes,” Lee Rose says. “Being college and high school anglers, we are definitely on a budget. We can’t go spend $500 for a single rod, and a lot of other anglers can’t either. Seeing these American-made technique-specific high-performance rods being offered at such an affordable price with a 15-year warranty is a really big deal. For the weekend angler or someone striving to fish the Bassmaster Classic, these rods are attainable for almost anyone and will definitely help give anglers the upper hand on the water.”

St. Croix’s all-new made-in-the-USA Victory Series rods were conceived and designed to deliver bass anglers more victories on the water – no matter how they’re defined. Featuring technique-specific lengths, powers and actions that yield lightweight performance with extreme sensitivity, durability and balance via an all-new SCIII+ material, eight new Victory rods are available right now at select St. Croix dealers and online retailer. Angler-friendly retail prices for these new, American-crafted Victory rods range from $180 to $200.

#stcroixrods #stcroixvoiceofvictory

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