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MLF 2021 Lucas Oil Challenge Cup presented by B&W Trailer Hitches to Premiere Saturday on Outdoor Channel

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MLF 2021 Lucas Oil Challenge Cup presented by B&W Trailer Hitches to Premiere Saturday on Outdoor Channel

Thirty MLF Anglers Compete in Neenah, Wisconsin, over Six Days for Prestigious Challenge Cup

TULSA, Okla. (Dec. 29, 2020) – The Major League Fishing (MLF) 2021 Lucas Oil Challenge Cup presented by B&W Trailer Hitches is set to premiere with a two-hour episode this Saturday, Jan. 2, at 2 p.m. ET on the Outdoor Channel. The event, shot over six days in mid-September in Neenah, Wisconsin, showcases 30 MLF pro anglers kicking off the 2021 Cup season.

The first episode premiering Saturday will feature the 10 anglers in Group 1 competing in their opening Elimination Round. Episode two will feature the 10 anglers in Group 2; Episode three the 10 anglers in Group 3. The top six finishers from each group’s Elimination Round advance to the two-day Sudden Death Round – episodes four and five – where nine anglers compete each day and try to finish in the top four. The sixth and final episode will feature the final eight anglers competing in the Championship Round to catch the most weight that they can to be crowned the 2021 Challenge Cup Champion.

“The main factor for anglers in this Challenge Cup in Neenah, Wisconsin, is the fall transition,” said Marty Stone, MLF Director of Event Research and Program Analyst. “Throughout this event, the temperatures were dropping. That was a signal for these fish to feed, and in a hurry. And we see it play out throughout this event.

“Every one of the lakes that the anglers competed on in the Fox Cities was so uniquely different,” Stone continued. “From round to round, there was never a specific tactic or pattern that the anglers could carry over as they advanced. There was a lot of wind, a lot of adjustments, and these guys had to fly by the seat of their pants. We get to see it all – anglers in the rivers and canals, shallow-water vegetation, fishing boat docks, offshore stops. This was an extremely fun tournament and will make for some dramatic, must-see television episodes.”

The 10 Anglers in Group 1 that compete this Saturday (Jan. 2) on Day One of the 2021 Lucas Oil Challenge Cup are:

  • Zack Birge of Blanchard, Okla.
  • David Dudley of Lynchburg, Va.
  • Chris Lane of Guntersville, Ala.
  • Jordan Lee of Cullman, Ala.
  • Dave Lefebre of Erie, Pa.
  • Mike McClelland of Blue Eye, Mo.
  • Andy Montgomery of Blacksburg, S.C.
  • Takahiro Omori of Tokyo, Japan
  • Jeff Sprague of Point, Texas
  • Kevin VanDam of Kalamazoo, Mich.

The 10 Anglers in Group 2 that compete next Saturday (Jan. 9) on Day Two of the 2021 Lucas Oil Challenge Cup are:

  • Adrian Avena of Vineland, N.J.
  • Stephen Browning of Hot Springs, Ark.
  • Brent Chapman of Lake Quivira, Kan.
  • Ott DeFoe of Blaine, Tenn.
  • Edwin Evers of Talala, Okla.
  • Anthony Gagliardi of Prosperity, S.C.
  • Alton Jones, Jr. of Waco, Texas
  • Britt Myers of Lake Wylie, S.C.
  • Jacob Powroznik of Prince George, Va.
  • Wesley Strader of Spring City, Tenn.

The 10 Anglers in Group 3 that compete in the final Elimination Round (Jan. 16) on Day Three of the 2021 Lucas Oil Challenge Cup are:

  • Josh Bertrand of Queen Creek, Ariz.
  • Dustin Connell of Clanton, Ala.
  • Greg Hackney of Gonzales, La.
  • Andy Morgan of Dayton, Tenn.
  • Michael Neal of Dayton, Tenn.
  • Mark Rose of Wynne, Ark.
  • Fletcher Shryock of Newcomerstown, Ohio
  • Scott Suggs of Alexander, Ark.
  • Randall Tharp of Port Saint Joe, Fla.
  • Jacob Wheeler of Harrison, Tenn.

The 2021 Lucas Oil Challenge Cup presented by B&W Trailer Hitches is hosted by the Fox Cities Convention & Visitors Bureau. The event will air on the Outdoor Channel as six, two-hour original episodes each Saturday afternoon starting Jan. 2, 2021, and running through Feb. 6, airing from 2 to 4 p.m. ET. Each episode will be available for viewing on the MyOutdoorTV (MOTV) streaming app on the Monday morning following each episode’s Saturday premiere.

“Hosting the Major League Fishing Challenge Cup was a unique opportunity that we were honored to be chosen for,” said Matt Ten Haken, Director of Sports Marketing for the Fox Cities Convention & Visitors Bureau. “It was extremely exciting for us to have some of the best anglers in the world come to the Fox Cities and be tested by our fisheries. I look forward to this event showcasing our community and our abundance of fishing options here in Eastern Wisconsin.”

The 2021 Lucas Oil Challenge Cup presented by B&W Trailer Hitches features 30 MLF pro anglers visiting Eastern Wisconsin to compete on four different fisheries across the region, including Lake Poygan and Winneconne, Lake Butte des Morts and Lake Winnebago. The fisheries are unknown to the anglers – they do not learn where they are competing until they arrive to the launch ramp each morning of competition.

The full television schedule can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.

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

Justin Diekemper and Ken Morgan Win CATT Savannah River, GA Dec 19, 2020

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Justin Diekemper and Ken Morgan Win CATT Savannah River, GA Dec 19, 2020

Next and last Savannah River Winter Qualifier is Jan 23rd at Stokes Bluff! You only have to enter 1 Savannah River Qualifier to be eligible to enter the Savannah River Winter Final!

We had a great crowd with 16 teams entering and the fishing was great! Justin Diekemper and Ken Morgan took 1st Place with 5 bass weighing 17.09 lbs!

2nd went to Victor Belagorska & landon Caldwell with 14.74 lbs!

Aaron Saucy & Barry Descaro finished 3rd with 14.62 lbs!

Team BF Weight Winnings Points
Ken Morgan/Justin Diekemper 0.00 17.09 $860.00 110
Victor Belagorska/Landon Caldwell 0.00 14.74 $210.00 109
Barry Descaro/Aaron Saucy 0.00 14.62 $90.00 108
Tim Roundtree/Al Pittman 3.82 13.81 $48.00 107
Patrick Findley 4.69 12.83 $112.00 106
Joe Toth 0.00 12.09 105
Mel Long/Felix Stanley 0.00 11.86 104
Alston Long/Michael Stanley 0.00 11.55 103
Chris Chavis/Nick Hager 0.00 11.09 102
Tyrone Gadson/Matt Laskey 0.00 10.42 101
Brian Gunn/Matthew Gunn 0.00 10.03 100
Davis English 0.00 9.22 99
Matt Cantrell/Wesley Mullins 0.00 8.96 98
Colby Balnchard/Tony Masters 0.00 8.91 97
Ron Welch 0.00 6.32 96
Todd Spandler 0.00 5.90 95
Total Entrys $1,280.00
BONUS $ $375.00
Total Paid At Ramp $1,320.00
Savannah River 2020 Winter Final Fund $250.00
2021 CATT Championship Fund $35.00
2020 Savannah River Winter Final Fund $625.00
2021 CATT Championship Fund Total $420.00

Bassmaster College Series 2021 Regular-Season Stops Announced

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Bassmaster College Series 2021 Regular-Season Stops Announced

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December 28, 2020

Bassmaster College Series 2021 Regular-Season Stops Announced

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Talented teams from across the country can officially start marking their calendars after B.A.S.S. officials announced the 2021 schedule and a format change for the Carhartt Bassmaster College Series presented by Bass Pro Shops today.

The circuit will include four regular-season events, plus a Wild Card tournament and season-ending National Championship. Each two-angler team will not only be vying for Bassmaster College Series Team of the Year honors, but one skilled angler will advance from the College Classic Bracket with a berth to the 2022 Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic presented by Huk.

“There are thousands of young anglers who are hungry to compete — and as we’ve seen with so many former college anglers now competing at the highest levels of bass fishing, it’s changing the sport from top to bottom, ” said Hank Weldon, Tournament Director for B.A.S.S.’s College Series. “The 2021 season offers these college teams an opportunity to test their skills on a variety of fisheries.”

Based on feedback from coaches and anglers, for 2021 all regular-season tournaments will be two-day events with the full field fishing both days. The National Championship will still be a three-day tournament.

The Bassmaster College Series will begin March 5-6 on Lake Norman in Cornelius, N.C. It will then include two more springtime events on Lewis Smith Lake in Cullman, Ala., Apr. 16-17 and Lake Cumberland in Russell County, Ky., Apr. 30-May 1. The trail’s final stop June 9-10 will be held on a Northern fishery, but the exact location will not be announced until a later date.

The leading anglers in the Bassmaster College Series Team of the Year points standings will be determined after those four events. The Team of the Year will punch their ticket to the College Classic Bracket event, which will be held in September.

Due to overwhelming interest in the series, B.A.S.S. will once more cap the field size at 250 boats. Those teams who register but remain on the waitlist for the four regular-season events will enjoy an opportunity to qualify for the National Championship via the Wild Card tournament June 23-24 on Alabama’s Lay Lake.

“The Bassmaster College Series has always been about giving young anglers a chance to compete,” said Weldon. “While we want to limit field size at events, it was important that we not limit the opportunity for these teams. The Wild Card event is a great way to ensure any team that couldn’t compete previously still has a shot at fishing for a national title.”

More information on the July Bassmaster College National Championship and September College Classic Bracket event will be released in 2021.

Registration for the College Series will open January 19. For more information, visit Bassmaster.com.

2021 Carhartt Bassmaster College Series presented by Bass Pro Shops

March 5-6, Lake Norman, Cornelius, N.C.
Apr. 16-17, Lewis Smith Lake, Cullman, Ala.
Apr. 30-May 1, Lake Cumberland, Russell County, Ky.
June 9-10, TBA

June 23-24, Wild Card Tournament, Lay Lake, Shelby County, Ala.

Bass Fishing’s Great Divide: Additional Anglers Leave MLF by Josh Boyd

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Bass Fishing’s Great Divide: Additional Anglers Leave MLF by Josh Boyd

Bass Fishing’s Great Divide: Additional Anglers Leave MLF

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The last year has been a relatively tumultuous time in the world of professional bass fishing. The rumor mill has been operating at a break-neck pace, as speculation continues to surround the future of the industry’s two largest professional fishing organizations, B.A.S.S. and MLF.

Last fall, it was announced that Gerald Swindle and Brandon Palaniuk would leave MLF, in favor of a return to the B.A.S.S. Elites. Instantly, rumors began to swirl as to the reason behind these abrupt departures. Further fanning these flames of speculation was a relative lack of background information surrounding the terms of Swindle and Palaniuk’s return to B.A.S.S.

For all intents and purposes, neither angler has publicly delved into the reasoning behind their decisions. While both anglers stated that rejoining B.A.S.S. signaled a return “home”, many felt as if there might be more to the story.

However, the waters have been muddied even further over the last month, as the 2021 MLF angler lineup was announced. Notably absent from this roster were several big names, including Greg Hackney, Jason Christie, Justin Atkins, Jacob Powroznik, and Mike Iaconelli.

Where To Now?

In order to fully understand the dynamic shift that has taken place, one must first analyze what the future holds for each angler that has chosen to forgo MLF competition. At this point, we know that Justin Atkins, Greg Hackney, and Jason Christie have departed to fish the Elites, which adds these anglers to the list of those that have opted out of continued MLF competition, in favor of future competition with B.A.S.S.

Up to this point, the reason for each angler’s departure from MLF appears vague. Hackney recently confirmed his decision in a Facebook post, stating, “2021 Bassmaster Elite Series here we come!!” Likewise, Christie made a similar Facebook announcement in late November, which simply read, “It’s official. We’re going back.”

On December 4th, Justin Atkins also officially announced his plans for 2021 via Facebook, in a heartfelt post that described this change of pace as the fulfillment of a dream. In this post, Atkins stated the following.

“Today, with the help of the Good Lord I was able to make some childhood dreams a reality. My whole life I have dreamed about this moment, and it just wouldn’t go away until I made it. In 2021, I will be fishing the Bassmaster Elite Series!”

At the current moment, far less is known regarding Jacob Powroznik’s 2021 plans. Unlike those named above, Powroznik has not made an official statement of intent via Facebook, nor does there appear to be any credible information in circulation as to what such plans might include.

The Ike Equation

For those keeping score at home, it might be apparent that we have yet to discuss Mike Iaconelli’s plans for 2021. This is for good reason. Iaconelli’s situation appears to be somewhat more complicated.

Those who were keeping tabs a few years prior, likely recall that Iaconelli was initially a monumental supporter of MLF, and all that the organization stood for. In fact, Iaconelli served as a charter member of MLF, as well as one of its most vocal cheerleaders.

However, Iaconelli has now opted out of MLF competition for the 2021 season, and thus far, few answers have been provided as to what his future plans are. The 2003 Bassmaster Classic Champion has offered little insight regarding his intentions and has simply stated that he could not come to terms with signing a contract with MLF before the provided deadline.

Iaconelli has insisted that even he does not know what the future holds at the current moment. He has gone on record, stating, “I want to continue to fish tournaments, but for next year I don’t know if that means Toyota Series events and Opens or if I’ll end up doing other things to help facilitate that competitive drive.”

So what possibilities exist for Iaconelli, and what might the legendary angler’s 2021 itinerary look like? In truth, it is difficult to say. Much speculation has existed that Iaconelli could break from tournament angling to focus on his numerous media-related endeavors. He already devotes an enormous amount of time and effort to his various social media channels, a hugely popular podcast, and seminar schedule.

Talk has also centered around a new fishing television concept that Iaconelli has been promoting, and is slated to launch. This in itself would require a significant devotion of time, which might be limited when fishing in one tour or another.

Others have questioned whether or not Iaconelli is holding out for contractual leverage, whether in connection with B.A.S.S. or MLF. If this is the case, little to no proof has surfaced, and it would be unlikely that the bass fishing world would be keen to such dealings until the dotted line has already been signed.

Whatever the case might be, it seems that only time will tell. At the current moment, we will have to wait until Iaconelli himself makes a move, to understand the gravity of this situation in its entirety.

Where Does MLF Stand?

The other side of this story relates to the future of MLF as a whole, and what is to be expected over the next one, two, or even five years. While MLF has certainly lost some enormous names from its roster as of late, a great deal of bass fishing’s most renowned anglers remains on board.

With names such as Kevin VanDam, Ott Defoe, Jacob Wheeler, Edwin Evers, and Jordan Lee all slated to return for action on the 2021 Bass Pro Tour, one would be hard-pressed to say that MLF is in a state of decline. The organization has retained the vast majority of anglers that they signed from the onset.

However, one must also consider whether or not such high-profile departures from MLF will prove to be a continuing trend. If so, the next couple of years will certainly prove interesting. On the other hand, if the events of the past twelve months prove to be a series of isolated events, MLF should be poised for continued success well into the future.

We can only guess what the future will hold, on many levels. Will Mike Iaconelli return to B.A.S.S., or make his way back to MLF? Will anglers continue to depart from MLF competition, opting to fish the Elites instead? These are all questions that we currently have no answer to. At the present, it appears that only time will tell.

 

 

The “Grind” of a Champion By Brandon Overstreet

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The “Grind” of a Champion By Brandon Overstreet

The “Grind” of a Champion
By Brandon Overstreet

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In the sport of fishing we hear people talk about “grinding”. But what does that mean? How does an angler really put in the grind? In 8 years of tournament kayak fishing I seeked the answer to this simple term. I will tell you how I came to learn what it really meant to grind.

I started tournament fishing out of a kayak 8 years ago. I remember going to my first tournament just wanting a fun, leisure day of fishing. It did not matter to me if I did well at all. I started out my day on the James River in Buchanan, Virginia with a quick small limit. So I took the rest of the day off, just floating and enjoying the scenery. At the end of the day I ended up in 3rd place. This was great for my first time, but it always haunted me, that what if I actually tried. From that day on I started trying harder.

Then 3 years ago, I decided to fish the whole schedule and to actually put in a full season’s effort. The first year I just tried to get through the season. I had my ups and downs and ended up 7th in the year end points. That off season I heard a podcast about a guy who won the Championship that year and he mentioned “grind”. I thought to myself that maybe that’s what I needed. So I set out with a goal of getting a limit of 5 bass in each tournament the coming year. I was blessed to accomplish that and finished 4th in the points for the year. But I still felt I was missing “the grind”.

Going into the 2020 season I knew I needed to find “the grind”. I started listening to podcasts, reading articles, and asking pros questions. I spoke with my wife and let her know the amount of time it would take away from our family. She agreed to it, knowing it was my dream. I had all my plans set in place and knew exactly what I needed to do. I was going to grind to a Championship.

The 2020 schedule was released months prior to the start and even delayed due to Covid. I immediately started researching all the waters we were fishing. I watched countless YouTube videos, articles on past tournaments, VDWR Data, and several different aerial maps. I went to work on my kayak, adding a trolling motor and new fish finder. I bought new rods and reels and new tackle. I was fully invested to start grinding.

Our season started out on Leesville lake. I met a new kayak angler at the ramp that morning named Jonathan Graham. Jonathan was a bass boat fisherman but wanted to try his hand at kayak fishing. At the end of the day I finished 1st and Jonathan was 2nd.

The next tournament was a smallmouth only, month long tournament. I was unable to fish the first 5 days but had heard from friends that Jonathan was fishing hard everyday. I knew at this moment that he had “the grind” and I was going to have to match that. I hit the water everyday from that point. After work, weekends, and I burnt everyday of PTO I had. Jonathan would end up winning and I was tied for 5th.

Through out the season we went back and forth for the points lead. It has a heavyweight fight, matching each other blow for blow. In our series we have a unique format. The top 3 anglers going into the final Championship tournament fish off for the Angler Of the Year Championship. Me and Jonathan had such a commanding lead going into the last tournament before the Championship that it didn’t matter how we fished.

The last tournament of the season before the Championship, a guy named James Stanley would show us that he had “the grind” as well. Coming from a couple spots back, he earned the final third spot for the fish off. James is a good friend of mine, so I was really excited for him. I could not of picked 2 better guys to go head to head against for a Championship.

The Championship was held on Smith Mountain Lake, which is basically all of our home water. I live the closest being about 5 minutes up the road. I started prefishing for the Championship 2 months in advance. With only a month until the Championship, I fished it every day. I knew if I wanted to win, I needed to grind 10x harder than those guys.

It come down to the Championship. That morning I got to my spot and said my pre tournament prayers waiting for first cast. At first cast I immediately started catching fish. I had a limit in about 30 minutes. Then I landed 2 really good fish back to back. It was magical and emotional. The over 150 days of fishing in 2020 had paid off. 2 hours into the tournament I knew I had it locked up with the limit I had.

I took my foot off the pedal. I went to the marina and got me an early lunch and relaxed. I decided to go back out and check on everyone for the last 2 hours. I was coming out of the marina and met my really good friend Chris Johnston. He said, man I just talked to James Stanley and he had a really big bag. I knew I had 1 small fish and immediately went into panic mode. I scrambled to an offshore rock pile. I was able to upgrade my smallest fish by 1.75 inches. I was still worried after hearing about James.

Back at weigh-in I am met by my family and friends, and fellow anglers I look up to dearly. I was repeatedly asked over and over if I think I had done it. Did I “grind enough? The results are read and that 1.75 inch upgrade is exactly what I was able to beat James Stanley by. I knew at that moment Chris Johnston was that one last piece I was missing of “the grind”.

As you sit here reading this looking for “the grind”, look at the over 150 days on the water, countless hours of research, every day on the car ride home listening to motivational speeches, casting until the last minute, investment in your fishing equipment, and most of all friends and family. That is “the grind!”

I want to thank my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, my beautiful wife and 3 children, Journey Outdoors for the support and love, my friends and family, my competitors, and Chris Johnston for keeping me grinding.

Sportsman’s Warehouse purchased by Bass Pro owners

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Sportsman’s Warehouse purchased by Bass Pro owners

Sportsman’s Warehouse to join The Great American Outdoors Group to better serve outdoorsmen and women

Historic union of world’s finest outdoor brands to further strengthen steadfast commitment to customers and conservation

Sportsman’s Warehouse Holdings, Inc.

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SPRINGFIELD, Mo. and WEST JORDAN, Utah, Dec. 21, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — In an effort to better serve its loyal customers, Sportsman’s Warehouse has entered into a definitive agreement to join the Great American Outdoors Group, parent company of Bass Pro Shops, Cabela’s, White River Marine Group and a collection of nature-based resorts. The Great American Outdoors Group will remain a private company with a long-term view to do what is best for its customers, team members and conservation initiatives. As part of the agreement, Sportsman’s Warehouse will be acquired for $18.00 per share in cash.

The driving force behind the partnership is the two companies’ similar histories and highly complementary business philosophies and geographic footprints. Both entities share a passion with their customers for fishing, camping, hunting, boating and other outdoor activities. Likewise, both are highly acclaimed retailers with well-deserved reputations for a broad offering of outstanding brand name and proprietary products, superior customer service, deeply knowledgeable team members and an unwavering passion for conservation. Uniting together represents an unprecedented “win-win” opportunity for outdoor enthusiasts.

“We are excited to be joining the Great American Outdoors Group. This merger brings together the greatest brands in the outdoor industry. As we look to the future, the combined entities provide our passionate associates with greater opportunities to serve the outdoor enthusiast. I couldn’t be more proud of the nearly 8,000 Sportsman’s Warehouse associates and their success in building our brand over the last 33 years. We look forward to a smooth transition and building our partnership,” said Sportsman’s Warehouse CEO Jon Barker.

“Today is a happy day for our companies, outdoor enthusiasts and for the cause of conservation,” said Bass Pro Shops Founder and Great American Outdoors Group Leader, Johnny Morris. “As outdoor sports specialists with unwavering dedication to people who fish, hunt and enjoy the outdoors, we greatly admire the passionate team at Sportsman’s Warehouse for their commitment to their customers and the sports we all love. By combining our best practices, our aim is to give our customers a best-of-the-best experience while further uniting them to support conservation,” added Morris.

Sportsman’s Warehouse customers can expect all of what they love now plus a whole lot more

Widely expanded product offerings including:

  • Access to the world’s largest selection of premium fishing tackle including legendary Bass Pro Shops and other premier brands
  • The largest selection of premium hunting gear including the iconic Cabela’s brand
  • Sportsman’s Warehouse will be able to offer customers the world’s leading boat brands, side-by-sides and ATVs at money-saving prices. The company’s great family of brands, Tracker, Nitro, Ranger, Ascend Kayaks and other products, are all built right here in the USA by American craftsmen and sold directly to customers through our stores and a select group of dealers, effectively giving customers the opportunity to buy factory-direct at money-saving prices.

Low prices – guaranteed.

  • Sportsman’s Warehouse customers will enjoy The Great American Outdoors Group “Low Price Guarantee” which offers the lowest everyday price on its full assortment, and will match or beat any qualified competing offers in store or online.

Greater convenience and expanded online services and selection

  • Receiving the best products faster by leveraging the combined company’s extensive network of distribution centers and stores to get the best products the fastest way possible in stores or online.
  • Maintaining a strong commitment to a regional and seasonal focus. Customers will continue to enjoy localized merchandise and efforts like area weather conditions, hunting and fishing reports, photo braggin’ boards and the opportunity to get “hands-on” with products alongside the guidance of local experts.

Uniting together to better serve customers and the outdoors

The companies have collectively demonstrated unmatched commitment to customer service and satisfaction. Bass Pro Shops recently ranked as the number three most reputable retailer in America by Reputation.com. Both companies are keenly focused on conservation initiatives and recognized for their commitment to serving their communities responsibly, ranking at the top of outdoor retailers on firearm safety and compliance.

Conservation First

More than anything, the partnership will invite Sportsman’s Warehouse employees and customers to become a part of something bigger – a legendary commitment to conservation.

Inspired by the vision of Johnny Morris, The Great American Outdoors Group is leading North America’s largest conservation movement – bringing together millions of passionate customers alongside dedicated team members, industry partners and leading conservation organizations – to collectively shape the future of the outdoors and all who love it for generations to come.

This unprecedented alliance is bringing together sportsmen and women to protect millions of acres of wildlife habitat every year, introduce thousands of kids and families to nature, and achieve major legislative victories that advance the outdoors and all who love it.

 

The Transition into Winter: Finding the Bass by Bruce Callis

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The Transition into Winter: Finding the Bass by Bruce Callis

The Transition into Winter:
Finding the Bass

By Bruce Callis

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As the weather continues to change, and nighttime temperatures continue to fall, the water temperatures continue to fall. And when it starts to high the low 50s to high 40s, the bass will start to move back to their winter haunts. The late fall transition starts to happen and we know it.

It can be a fun but difficult time to be on the water. But what do we look for and how do we approach this time? Where will the bass be? What baits should we be throwing? Ask any pro angler and you will find many answers. Who is right? I think they all are. Wait, they all are? Yes, because we are all different and have different strengths and weaknesses. One person may be able to make one bait work so much better than others, and they are super confident in that bait. Then yes, they will make it work.

Where do we start looking for the bass. In the early fall, the bass move into the shallows and no, they just don’t make a swift movement from 20 feet to 2 feet. They make stops along the way. In late fall, they make that same trip and stop along the same stops as they sat on earlier.

Points are key. Be it main lake points or secondary points, the bass will be making those stops. We can see some of these easily, as the land just comes out perfectly and we know it is there. But there are so many points that happen just below the surface that you can’t tell from looking at the shore. This is where electronics and good mapping come in handy. These are the places to start looking. But what else is there?

Bass are going to follow contours as they move out and move at a given depth. You have to look for certain features along this route. Find those points that may have a stump or a rock beside it. Something that the bass can relate to and feed on. Not everything will you find on a map or even with the electronics. It may be a small hump with a stump that is right on the contour line that they are traveling. Sometimes it’s your bait that finds these. And when you find that spot within a spot, it can be magic. You may catch one or two, or it could be that magic spot that holds 10-20 bass, the times we live for.

Wait, your bait finds it? Yes, it is true. And everyone may use different baits that allow them to feel the bottom. The crankbait is one of those. A diving lure like the Little John series by SPRO is a perfect choice. You need to pick one that dives to the depth you want or digs in a little. A lot of times it’s all about making multiple cast, letting your bait do it’s job. Sometimes it may be the difference of a couple feet that finds that golden spot. Bass are still feeding as they move out, but as we all know, they don’t always chase. But if you put it in their face, it’s a reaction. Feel the bottom as you come through, letting your bait run into what is there, and be ready for that bass to just engulf your lure. Crankbaits are my prime choice of baits.

My second choice is a jig with a trailer. You can work it down the points and up over stumps and laydowns. It is a great bait for feeling out the bottom and exactly what is there. A football head style is great, as it comes through so much easily. As to the trailer, you want something that has a little action. A craw bait like the Missile D Bomb or the Power Team Lures Craw D’oeuvre are two types that fit that style. They have action, but it isn’t overpowering like some do.

My third choice is a spinnerbait or vibrating jig. These two are great choices as they can be worked at any depth from the shallows to the points. I grew up throwing a spinnerbait a lot, and have caught so many big bass on it. Maybe my little brother is better at it at times, but it is that good. While there are many choices, a lot prefer the old school of just one or two blades, and they work great. You can slow roll them along the bottom and find a lot of structure that hold bass. Today we have spinnerbaits with up to 4 or 5 blades on them, to mimic a school of bait fish. Then there is the multiple arm spinnerbaits. Everyone has a preference as to what they like, and have the most confidence in. A bladed jig is the same thing. There are tons of them on the market and, while they are in general the same, each is different. Blade design, jig head design, how it attaches the two together, and even in the action it gives. As to a trailer, less is more. Most do not need a lot of action in the trailer, as it actually over powers the bait itself. If the bait hunts, a paddle tail may cause it to run straight and not hunt.

Another choice is the swimbait. And it can be used in two different ways. A single swimbait can be an awesome presentation rigged on a jig head or on a swimbait hook. I like to use a Woo Tungeston swimbait hook to rig mine. This allows me to work it in and through cover better, in my opinion. But also a Gamakatsu spring lock spinner, a G-Finesse Tricky Head or a Cobra 27 are also great choices. These can also be worked at any depth and paired with a sweet paddle tail swimbait can be deadly.

The last option is in an Alabama Rig. It doesn’t matter what you want to call it, they are all basically the same. A headed lure with multiple wires coming off the head and an attachment for a hook or weighted swimbait hook to which you attach a swimbait. And from there, it can be 3 wires, 5 wires, 7 or even 9. Some arms are plain, while others have spinners on the arm itself. Some have spinners on the end of the arm and only the center arm has a swimbait and hook. It becomes a choice of which you like, how many single hooks you can have legally, and how big you want to throw. They all work and can produce some big bass.

Just remember, these bass are moving from shallow to deeper water. The key word is moving. What you may find today may not be tomorrow or even what you found this morning may be empty this afternoon. Be ready to move as they move. Keep searching and finding. It’s a great time to be on the water and maybe find your new personal best. How big will it be?

Major League Fishing Announces REDCREST 2021 Shift to Texas’ Lake Palestine

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Major League Fishing Announces REDCREST 2021 Shift to Texas’ Lake Palestine

MLF Moves Championship Tournament to Proven Big-Fish Factory, REDCREST 2022 to Remain in Tulsa

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TULSA, Okla. (Dec. 22, 2020) – Major League Fishing (MLF) announced today that REDCREST 2021, the MLF Bass Pro Tour Championship, has been shifted to Lake Palestine in Flint, Texas. Originally scheduled to be held Feb. 23-27, 2021 in Tulsa, Oklahoma, the dates have also shifted slightly to Feb. 21-25. REDCREST 2021 will showcase the top 40 Bass Pro Tour anglers from the 2020 season competing for the prestigious REDCREST title and the top prize of $300,000.

The decision to move the event was made after numerous Bass Pro Tour anglers suggested a new fishery location for the championship tournament after MLF announced the cancellation of the Outdoor Sports Expo in Tulsa in late November. With no Expo taking place, MLF officials agreed to shift the event to Lake Palestine, an 18-mile long Texas reservoir known for its tremendous bass-fishing and the numerous 10-plus-pound largemouth that live throughout the lake. The fishery is known for annually producing multiple bass that are recognized by the Texas Parks and Wildlife’s popular Toyota ShareLunker program.

“Grand Lake is an awesome fishery, but when we found out that MLF was open to the consideration of shifting REDCREST 2021, it was something that most of us were really excited about,” said Ott DeFoe, who won the Bass Pro Tour Stage Three event on Texas’ Lake Fork last season and will be making his second REDCREST appearance. “When we found out that we were moving to Lake Palestine, it was even better. Texas certainly has a special place in my heart. REDCREST 2021 is going to be a tremendous way to kick off the season and a really fun tournament for the fans to follow. We’re going to see some absolute giants caught in this one – we’re hitting it just right – and we will likely see quite a few records broken there.”

In addition to the opportunity to feature the Championship event on an exciting fishery, the shift also made sense logistically, according to MLF Senior Director of Events & Partnerships Michael Mulone.

“It makes sense, from a business standpoint, to shift to Lake Palestine and save Tulsa and Grand Lake for REDCREST 2022,” Mulone said. “Grand Lake is a championship fishery, but when we postponed the Expo in Tulsa we realized that we could do a better job of highlighting Grand Lake with the Expo component. The fact that this will be our inaugural Expo, in the home of Major League Fishing, we want to ensure we are doing everything possible to not dilute the event in any way. We truly want to blow it out of the water next year and fully expect it to be the biggest show in town. We are grateful to our partners with the City of Grove, the Grove Area Chamber of Commerce and VisitTulsa that gave their blessings to shift the REDCREST 2021 tournament. We expect Lake Palestine and REDCREST 2021 to produce one of the most exciting tournaments in our company’s history.”

MLF announced in November that Tulsa and Grand Lake of the Cherokees will host REDCREST 2022, with the River Spirit Expo Square set to host the inaugural REDCREST 2022 Outdoor Sports Expo on March 25-27, 2022. Those dates remain unchanged.

For complete details and updated information on REDCREST 2021, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow MLF’s social media outlets at Facebook, Twitter, Instagram , and YouTube.

Bassmaster Marshal Registration Opens In January For 2021 Elite Season

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Bassmaster Marshal Registration Opens In January For 2021 Elite Season

Bassmaster Elite Series marshals ride along with the pros in competition, learning tips for breaking down a fishery. 

Photo by B.A.S.S.

December 22, 2020

Bassmaster Marshal Registration Opens In January For 2021 Elite Season

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BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Bass fishing enthusiasts who want to learn from the world’s best anglers while exploring legendary fisheries will be able to register as marshals for the 2021 Bassmaster Elite Series beginning January 5. Plus, new for the 2021 season, AFTCO will be rewarding marshals with a shirt, hat, sun mask, gift card and other items with a total value of $100, plus a 20% off coupon for future purchases.

According to past participants, marshaling is the ideal way to learn while enjoying a day on the lake getting to know your favorite pro.

“Being able to see how the top pros fish a body of water you may fish frequently or may fish in a future tournament is absolutely invaluable,” said Rick Moore, a retired California resident who has served as a marshal in 23 B.A.S.S. events. “The enthusiasm among the Elite pros is great, and their connection and interaction with marshals was exceptional!

“I have been able to see many of the new bait prototypes, learn new techniques and receive personal tips from the Elite pros at many tournaments. As a marshal, the pros will be candid about what and why they are fishing a certain way. I can’t count the number of times a pro has had me join him on the front deck to show how he was interpreting his graphs or reading the movements of a bedding fish.”

The marshal program, created by B.A.S.S. in 2009 as a way to attract observers who would ride along with the pros, allows people to spend two to three days on the water with some of the best professional anglers in the sport. Marshals are not allowed to fish, but they are encouraged to take photos, send blog posts to Bassmaster.com and serve as an extra set of eyes for B.A.S.S. tournament officials, making sure all rules are observed. Additionally, marshals operate the digital BASSTrakk scoring system that enables fans to follow the action in real time.

For Moore, both enforcing the rules and chronicling the tournament are part of the benefit of serving as a marshal.

“I enjoyed the responsibility of being the ‘eyes and ears’ on the water,” said Moore. “B.A.S.S. has a long history of big bass tournaments, and being able to do my part to assist with ensuring the sanctity of the event has been a welcomed challenge.”

Marshal spots are available for just $99 per tournament. Every marshal is guaranteed to be on the water for the first two competition days. As the Elite Series field is cut throughout the weekend leading up to the Championship, marshals are chosen for additional competition days based on how early they register for the event as well as their video, blogging and photography in the preliminary rounds.

“Just sitting in the boat would make for a long day without photographing the tournament, Skyping with the TV team during live coverage and helping with Bassmaster media content,” Moore said. “And many of my photos have also been used by the pros for their social media content.”

One of the 2020 season’s most exciting clips — rookie Kyle Welcher catching a 10-pounder at the St. Johns River — was shot on an iPhone by his marshal, Les Cook, and has since been reaired during television and Bassmaster LIVE coverage.

“Kyle had a few bites throughout the day, and I tried to make it a point to capture all of his catches on video, but when he said, ‘Big one dude,’ I knew something was different,” said Cook, of St. Augustine, Fla.

Serving as a marshal at the AFTCO Bassmaster Elite at St. Johns River fulfilled what Cook said had been a longstanding bucket list activity. Having spent earlier years fishing South Dakota club tournaments, he was intrigued by the opportunity of taking a front-row seat to live-action learning.

“I’ve always wanted to be in a position to sit with a pro, learn their techniques and thought processes and become a better fisherman myself,” Cook said. “I wanted to go to new waters and figure out how to fish those new waters.”

The marshal experience appeals to those from all walks of life and anyone ready to gather tips and tricks from seasoned fishermen.

“From the first morning with your angler to behind the stage with the winner on the final day, a lot of inside stories develop that you would never know as a strict observer,” Moore said. “It takes the serious bass fisherman to a different level as a fan.”

Registration for B.A.S.S. Life and Nation members opens online January 5 and by phone Jan. 7. All other B.A.S.S. members may register online beginning Jan. 12 and by phone beginning Jan. 14. To learn more and register for the Elite Series marshal program, visit Bassmaster.com or call (877) BASS-USA.

2021 Bassmaster Elite Series schedule

Feb. 11-14, AFTCO Bassmaster Elite at St. Johns River, Palatka, Fla.
Feb. 25-28, Tennessee River, Knoxville, Tenn.
April 8-11, Sabine River, Orange, Texas
May 6-9, Neely Henry Lake, Gadsden, Ala.
May 20-23, Lake Guntersville, Scottsboro, Ala.
June 10-13, Pickwick Lake, Florence, Ala.
July 8-11, Lake Champlain, Burlington, Vt.
July 15-18, St. Lawrence River, Waddington, N.Y.

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 B.A.S.S. Nation Kayak Series powered by TourneyX presented by Abu Garcia and the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing, the Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic presented by Huk.

Jason Morse Win’s CATT Santee Cooper, SC Fall Final Dec 19, 2020 with 25.68lbs

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Jason Morse Win’s CATT Santee Cooper, SC Fall Final Dec 19, 2020 with 25.68lbs

Santee Cooper 2020 is a wrap! We had a shortened season but it was still a good one! Our heaviest bag at Santee Cooper in 2020 was 28.37 lbs! 2021 is just around the corner and the 2021 Santee Cooper Spring schedule is posted!

NEW for 2021! 2021 Phantom Outdoors Phantom Open April 24th at John C Land! $5,000 1st Place! More info coming!

Use PHANTOMCATT15 at checkout and earn 15% off your order! Tap in the Phantom Logo to get started!

Jason Morse fishing solo won the Santee Fall Final Saturday with 5 bass weighing 25.68 lbs! Add in the BONUS $ and Jason took home $2,200.00!

2nd Place went to Don Pendavis & Bobby Gibbs with another great bag weighing in at 25.21 lbs! They received a Lews Baitcast reel for weighing in the BF at 7.96 lbs!

Justin Cromer finished 3rd with 21.62 lbs!

4th went to Nelson Walker and Chris Brunson with 19.86 lbs!

Brian Scott & Brad Beatson weighed in  the 2nd BF at 7.25 lbs and took home $66.00 plus an Academy Gift Card!

Bucky DeBerry & William Thigpen win the Santee Cooper Fall Points!

Team BF Weight Winnings
Jason Morse 6.36 25.68 $2,200.00
Don Pendarvis – Bobby Gibbs 7.96 25.21 $1,154.00
Justin Cromer 5.45 21.62 $500.00
Nelson Walker – Chris Brunson 0.00 19.86 $150.00
Jason Smith – Mike Stone 0.00 19.83
Brain Scott – Brad Beatson 7.25 18.81 $66.00
Freddie Gamble – LaTonya Blanding 0.00 17.28
Garrett Brown 0.00 17.16
Max Terry – Bugsy Terry 0.00 16.84
Patrick Cook 0.00 16.15
Robert Clarke 0.00 15.84
Trey Bryan – Chad Ardis 0.00 15.71
Freddie Gibbs – Joey Bramlett 0.00 12.31
Chad Crosby – Keith Britt 0.00 8.61
Davy Goodman – Josh Brogden 0.00 8.49
Steve Borton 0.00 5.15
Sandy Montgomery 0.00 0.00
Bucky DeBerry – William Thigpen 0.00 0.00
Illya Smith – Frank Celestine 0.00 0.00
Billy Willis – Glen Porter 0.00 0.00
Jamie Partee 0.00 0.00
James Gibbons 0.00 0.00
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