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Daiwa Introduces New Lexa-WN for Big Fish Hunters

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Daiwa Introduces New Lexa-WN for Big Fish Hunters

New Lexa-WN brings improved features and performance to expanded low-profile reel offerings

Cypress, CA (May 12, 2020) – Delivering all the power and performance that anglers have come to expect from the Lexa Series, the recently introduced Daiwa Lexa WN 300 and 400 casting reels offer even more comfort and control with the addition of custom Winn Grip handles, and much more. Built to handle just about anything – from bass to muskies to redfish and tuna – the Daiwa Lexa WN 300 and 400 casting reels utilize Daiwa’s Ultimate Tournament Drag (UTD) that outputs 22 lbs. (300 Size), 25 lbs. (400 Size) of maximum drag, yielding anglers true stopping power.

On the freshwater side, avid bass anglers can employ the new Lexa-WN to throw big swimbaits, A-rigs, and outsized deep-diving crankbaits. Likewise, muskie anglers are using the reel on big fish quests, while its exceptional performance has been discovered by Great Lakes salmon and trout chasers.

Lexa WN 300

Saltwater anglers are equally as impressed. West coast anglers are using the reel to throw big swimbaits, sardines, and poppers, while east coast anglers are cranking the Lexa-WN on stripers, as well as mighty redfish and snook.

A major upgrade to the Lexa-WN is the improved clutch system, which greatly diminishes locking, making easier and better for throwing large baits; it will not drop into gear, unlike many low-profile reels. This is especially helpful for muskie fishermen throwing big Cowgirls, spinners, and big topwaters that are especially heavy. The weight of the lures themselves can impart wear and tear on inferior clutch systems. Its brilliant design combined with robust springs in the clutch prevent dropping into gear mid-cast, which can lead to snapping off expensive baits.

Improvements have also been made to the star drag knob with a move toward graphite, making the Lexa-WN more comfortable when you tighten down the drag. The 300 size outputs approximately 22 lbs. of maximum drag while the 400 size outputs 25 lbs. of drag.

Lexa WN 400

Additionally, the new Lexa-WN family comes complete with two (CRBB) corrosion-resistant ball bearings, four stainless-steel shielded standard ball bearings and a one-way roller bearing.

The cosmetics have been elevated as well. These new models are finished in a smooth and refined gray.

Daiwa’s Lexa-LN is available in a multitude of gear ratios, from 5:1 to 6.3:1 to a 7.1:1, accommodating multitudes of species and applications, including the size of bait in play.

“The new Lexa-WN is part of a great growing category of reels,” says Marc Mills, Daiwa Field Marketing Manager. “Just when we thought it’s tapped out; a new fishery pops up that’s ideal for the reels. We are even seeing them utilized on the Great Lakes for trolling, versus conventional round reels. The fact is, the Lexa-WN is the ideal reel for big fish, and with the design improvements, it’s quickly becoming a favorite with anglers coast to coast.”

Lexa WN 400

LEXA WN Features:

  • Aluminum frame and side-plate handle side
  • Magforce cast control
  • Ultimate Tournament Drag (UTD)
  • Winn Grip Handle Knob
  • Heavy Cranking Power Handle
  • Double Power Handle
  • Ergonomically Palmable

MSRP $199/$249

Lexa WN 400

For Daiwa’s latest color catalog and/or information on Daiwa dealers in your area, call Daiwa’s Customer Service Department at 562-375-6800 or e-mail inquiries to: [email protected]. The URL for Daiwa’s web site is http://www.daiwa.com/us/

The 4 Biggest Misconceptions of Frog Fishing By Walker Smith

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The 4 Biggest Misconceptions of Frog Fishing By Walker Smith

Fishing a hollow-bodied frog is one of the most exciting ways to catch giant bass. Whether you’re fishing from a boat or simply from shore, there’s plenty of frog-fishing action for every angler to enjoy. I can’t name a single red-blooded human being who doesn’t smile ear-to-ear when a big bass explodes on their frog.

It’s been interesting, however, to see how many misconceptions have been formed about this effective technique. I was talking to my longtime friend and Elite Series pro Patrick Walters a few weeks ago and we got on the subject of frog fishing. He got a little fired up because in his opinion, anglers simply aren’t using the frog to its full advantage. After our conversation, I have to admit—he made some darn good points.

I’ll let you in on our conversation and give you a look inside the mind of one of the best shallow-water anglers on tour.

 

Boat Docks were the key for Brannon Hurst and Mike Freeman winning Alabama Bass Trail on Logan Martin Lake By Jason Duran

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Boat Docks were the key for Brannon Hurst and Mike Freeman winning Alabama Bass Trail on Logan Martin Lake By Jason Duran

The Alabama Bass Trail is back and Covid-19 has made for a very interesting time in our country. Stay at home orders, quarantines and social distancing are now all common practice in every home. The lack of social interaction has really take its toll on a lot of people. The Alabama Bass Trail worked closely with the state of Alabama make things as safe as possible in this new way of life. The  ABT team worked hard to adjust everything including  no pretournament meetings, using face coverings and limited contact during boat check, trailered weigh- in to allow for social distancing for anglers and staff, and no crowds at weigh-ins. This allowed for the Alabama Bass Trail to be back in action and still able to keep everyone as safe as possible.  At the close of scales on Saturday from Lake Logan Martin Brannon Hurst and Mike Freeman take home the win with 17.64.

The team of Hurst and Freeman made about a five minute run to fish boat docks in 1 – 10 feet of water. They were pitching a home-made white Jig on boat docks. They found this pattern late in the day in a tournament last weekend and this week they were able to build on it. Like many other anglers they were expecting a shad spawn to be a factor in this event. Though they weren’t really targeting the shad spawn, they did catch a fish off one dock that was probably a shad spawn fish.

The keys for them was “trying to flip as many boat dock piers as they can in a day and skipping the jig as far back into the shade of the dock as they could where the bass were.” They also said “you have to have a lot of places now because there are so many people fishing” They areas they target were from Stemley bridge to the dam.

It is important for them to “fish well together as a team for example; they both don’t fish the jig the same way, one might fish it deep and slower while the other will fish a little faster and higher up in the water column” The team has been fishing together for over 25 years and for the past four years they have fished the ABT south division.

The Dock and Jig pattern produced a mixed bag of spots and largemouth weighing in at 17.64. Fishing docks from 1 foot to 10 feet.  They both have fished Logan Martin their whole life and to win here was “unbelievable and incredible” Mike said it is hard to win against this level of competition and it really feels awesome. .

Their homemade jig set up was paired with Lew’s Reel, Fitzgerald Rod and 20 lb Seaguar fluorocarbon line.

The first-year team of Rickey Dunn and Trent Davis came in second place. Rickey is Trent’s father in-law and they have been fishing together for about 10 years. This year they decided to fish the ABT and at the second stop they had a really good day. They made a run up to Choccolocco Creek throwing topwater and spinnerbaits and targeting seawall and shallow points in the sun. Like many other anglers said the first thirty minutes of their day was really productive. Their second spot was up around Broken Arrow Creek and from there they ran small cuts that seemed to produce fish at every stop. Later in the day they worked their way back down river to their final stop on a boat dock where Rickey had caught one in practice the previous week. On this dock they both caught a keeper. Trent caught one over four pounds with one that Rickey believed he probably caught in practice and released. That four pounder helped them move up enough to make in to second place with 15.84.

The third place team of Todd Murphy and Kopeland Rosser caught a limit within five cast. They made a run up river towards the I20 bridge to a spot that Kopeland found in practice. It was really a flurry for about thrity minutes with about 15-20 fish catches and sometimes they were doubled up. Todd describes this spot as a flat and “can’t really explain why these spotted bass were stacked up there.”  That flurry of fish catches only lasted about 30 minutes. They left that spot with a limit of spotted bass and had two fish over three pounds. From there they went to another spot and caught two large mouth in back-to-back cast. When the wind picked up later in the morning they said it helped their fish set up on the cover better.

The baits that were productive were a Spook in bone color, black and blue swim Jig, swimbait and a drop shot. They said they just stuck to the basics and just went fishing.

Over all anglers were really excited to see the ABT family back out on the water. Next week the North Division gets back in action on Weiss Lake.

 

The top ten standings are below for a full list of results visit. 

https://www.alabamabasstrail.org/tournament-series/lml-results/

Download and listen to the ABT Podcast on your favorite Podcast app by searching for “Alabama Bass Trail Podcast.”  The Podcast is released each week on Tuesday.

The sponsors of the 2020 Alabama Bass Trail include; Phoenix Bass Boats, Bill Penney Toyota, Garmin, Academy Sports & Outdoors, America’s First Federal Credit Union, Sweet Home Alabama, Alabama Tourism Department, Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association, T-H Marine Supplies, Wedowee Marine, Strike King, Buffalo Rock, Mountain Dew, Jack’s, Fish Neely Henry Lake.com, Alabama Power Company, Lew’s Fishing, Berkley, YETI, Power Pole, Big Bite Bait Company, E3 Apparel and Hydrowave.

For information about Alabama Bass Trail and for complete tournament standings visit www.alabamabasstrail.org.

 

 

Watch Major League Fishing Pros Cast Their Best Trick Shots

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Watch Major League Fishing Pros Cast Their Best Trick Shots

May 11, 2020 (Tulsa, Okla.) The Major League Fishing (MLF) anglers would prefer to be on the water, fishing. The best bass anglers on the planet, like most Americans, have been sheltering at home to help slow the spread of COVID-19, but that hasn’t stopped them from practicing their casting and nailing some impressive trick shots.
To watch the MLF Trick Shot Challenge, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com

Pros were recently tasked with showing off their expert casting skills to the world and submitting their best “Trick Shot” to the MLF media team. The best trick shots were compiled into a video that can currently be viewed at MajorLeagueFishing.com and the MLF social media outlets.

New Jersey’s Mike Iaconelli kicks the fun off with some impressive target practice casts, then Wesley Strader tries to one-up him by knocking the cap off of a Coca-Cola bottle. Randy Howell has some fun around his house showing off multiple trick shots using his family, a skateboard, and a basketball hoop, while the Lane brothers – Chris and Bobby – and Brent Chapman also get assists from their children as they show their skills.

South Carolina’s Britt Myers demonstrates some impressive accuracy, cracking an egg hanging from a bridge, while reigning Bass Pro Tour RedCrest Champion Edwin Evers flips a moving target attached to his truck. Gerald Spohrer shows off his precision, casting into a tiny drain at the top of his shed, while California angler Jared Lintner demonstrates a unique way to drink an ice-cold can of your favorite beverage. Fred “Boom Boom” Roumbanis also gets in on the fun, displaying picture-perfect MLF fish-landing form, hooking up with an enormous kicker “bass”.

Despite no tournament competition at this time, it’s good to see the MLF pros keeping their precision casting skills sharp.

For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow MLF’s social media outlets at Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Major League Fishing Returns June 7 to Kissimmee Chain:

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Major League Fishing Returns June 7 to Kissimmee Chain:

Major League Fishing Returns June 7 to Kissimmee Chain:
2020 Bass Pro Tour Schedule Cut Short in Wake of COVID-19

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 8, 2020 (Tulsa, Okla.) Major League Fishing (MLF) announced today the return of the 2020 Bass Pro Tour on June 7-12 with Heavy Hitters featuring a $745,000 purse and the full field of 80 Pros. The 2020 Tour will conclude July 10-15 on Lake Champlain after five Stages. For the safety of all involved, fan events and gatherings are cancelled for the remainder of the season. This revised schedule permits MLF to deliver an additional 100+ hours of live-action sports as well as meet television production deadlines to fulfill sponsorship agreements despite the unprecedented season. On March 23rd following three successful Stages, MLF paused the Bass Pro Tour in an abundance of caution due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Major League Fishing announced today the return of the 2020 Bass Pro Tour June 7-12 with Heavy Hitters presented by Venmo on the Kissimmee Chain, which features $745,000 in prize money and the full field of 80 Pros.
 “After working with state, local, and Public Health officials, we feel we can return to the water for two final tournaments in 2020,” said Boyd Duckett, MLF Co-Founder and pro angler.  “Fishing is an inherently socially distant sport and while we will miss seeing our fans face-to-face, the Bass Pro Tour can deliver the drama of live-action sports to fans, while participating responsibly in a phased approach to help restart the economy.”

Heavy Hitters presented by Venmo will take place on Lake Tohopekaliga (Toho) and the Kissimmee Chain two weeks later than originally planned, June 7-12. No longer a mid-season qualifier, the event will feature all 80 MLF Pros in a traditional six-day, Bass Pro Tour format while still featuring an untraditional $745,000 purse and full-field payout. Heavy Hitters will serve as Stage Four toward the season-long Bass Pro Tour Points Championship, awarded to the angler with the most points at the conclusion of the season.

In addition to the traditional payout schedule based on finishing order, the biggest bass caught for each Group over the two-day Qualifying Rounds (June 7-10) will pay a $25,000 big bass bonus ($50,000 total). The Knockout Round on day five (June 11), will feature a $50,000 big bass bonus, while the Championship Round (June 12) will feature a $100,000 big bass bonus, on top of the Stage Title $100,000 prize.

In response to the shortened season, MLF revised the payout schedule for Heavy Hitters presented by Venmo to include all 80 anglers: 1st $100,000; 2nd $40,000; 3rd $15,000; 4th $13,000; 5th $12,000; 6th $11,000; 7th $10,000; 8th $9,000; 9th $8,000; 10th$7,000; 11th – 20th $6,000; 21st – 40th $5,000; 41st – 80th $4,000. Each competitor is guaranteed a $4,000 check.

“As an angler-driven league, we worked with the Pros to identify a schedule that preserves as many opportunities as possible for our guys to compete and receive a paycheck during this unprecedented time,” said Jim Wilburn, MLF President and CEO.  “Our media-centric format and exceptional production team enables us to create significant exposure for our field with over 550 hours of original programming via livestream, Discovery Channel, CBS, CBS Sports, and Sportsman Channel.”

As the economy begins to reopen in Florida, Experience Kissimmee looks forward to welcoming Major League Fishing to their community.

“We are thrilled to welcome back Major League Fishing to Kissimmee for another successful event,” said Kissimmee Sports Executive Director John Poole. “While the destination is following the Florida governor’s plan to reopen in phases, we are grateful to have the opportunity to provide both live and recorded television content for viewers across the country to continue experiencing Kissimmee from home.”

The 2020 Bass Pro Tour will conclude with the Evinrude Stage Five presented by Covercraft July 10–15 on Lake Champlain hosted by Experience Vermont. The abbreviated five-stage Bass Pro Tour encompasses the race to qualify for the 2021 REDCREST Championship and win the overall 2020 points race. After the General Tire Stage Three presented by TrueTimber on Lake Fork, Ott DeFoe leads the field with 227 points, while reigning Champion Edwin Evers sits near the Elimination Line at 29thplace with 146 points.

“I’m glad that we’re able to return to fishing at this point,” said DeFoe. “Five stages are better than three and the fisheries that we have ahead of us are outstanding fisheries that will make for great contests. Despite being only five stages, this is a very diverse schedule and we will take what we can get in what has turned into an unprecedented season.”

“I’m excited to get back to fishing,” said Evers. “It’s in our blood and for me to have the National Anthem go off and get back in the boat and compete against the best guys in this race for a REDCREST qualifier will be fantastic. Over these last few weeks, this competition has been missing in my life!”

With the remainder of the 2020 season cut short due to the worldwide pandemic, MLF continues to work with 2020 host Bass Pro Tour hosts – Greater Raleigh Sports Alliance, the Fox Cities Convention and Visitors Bureau, and the City of Ogdensburg – for future events. As announced last month, Grand Lake O’ The Cherokees will serve as the competition waters for REDCREST 2021 hosted by Tulsa Sports Commission, February 23-27, 2021 with the inaugural REDCREST Outdoor Expo February 26-28, 2021.

About the Bass Pro Tour:

The Bass Pro Tour began in 2019 and features 80 of the best professional anglers in the world, including Kevin VanDam, Edwin Evers, Aaron Martens, Mike Iaconelli, Jordan Lee, and Skeet Reese. Each stage includes six days of competition using the Major League Fishing, catch-weigh-and-immediately-release format, where every bass over a variable minimum weight, which is two pounds on Lake Eufaula for Stage One, toward a cumulative weight total for the day.  Variable minimum weights are determined by fishery akin to a golf course handicap. The field of 80 anglers is divided into two groups (Group A and B) of 40 to compete in the Qualifying Round where a two-day cumulative weight total determines the winners. The winners of Groups A and B receive automatic berths to the Championship Round and the anglers finishing in places 2-19 (38 total) advance to the Knockout Round on day five. The top eight from the Knockout Round join the winners in Groups A and B (field of 10) to compete in the Championship Round and a shot at the $100,000 top prize and Stage Title.

Each of Eight Stages of the Bass Pro Tour have the following payout schedule: 1st $100,000; 2nd $42,000; 3rd $30,000; 4th$24,000; 5th $18,000; 6th $16,800; 7th $15,600; 8th $14,400; 9th $13,200; 10th $12,000; 11th – 40th $6,000; Big Bass Daily $1,000; Big Bass Overall $1,000.

In addition to the economic impact on a host community, Major League Fishing showcases the region through their award-winning, live and linear programming. Each Stage of the Bass Pro Tour is broadcast live on the Major League Fishing app, MyOutdoorTV (MOTV), and majorleaguefishing.com, totaling more than 325 hours of original programming. Fans can follow the fast-paced nature of the MLF format as it unfolds on the live leaderboard through “SCORETRACKER® updates.” Highlights from each Stage of the 2020 Bass Pro Tour will air on Discovery Network beginning in July 2020 and Sportsman Channel in early 2021.

“MLF offers the strongest broadcast presence in the industry to fans and sponsors,” said Jim Wilburn, President and CEO of Major League Fishing. “And with these lakes planned for this coming Bass Pro Tour, we know 2020 will be our best year yet as we continue to capture a broad audience of both longtime fishing fans and those new to the sport, thanks to our fast-paced, fan-friendly format,”

FLW Revamps 2020 Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit Schedule:

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FLW Revamps 2020 Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit Schedule:

FLW Revamps 2020 Tackle Warehouse
Pro Circuit Schedule:
Extends Invitation to Major League Fishing Pro Anglers

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BENTON, Ky. (May 9, 2020) – FLW, the world’s largest tournament-fishing organization, announced today a revised 2020 Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit schedule, which will return June 23-26 on Lake Chickamauga. The regular season will conclude on the Detroit River, Aug. 11-14. The Tackle Warehouse TITLE, the FLW Pro Circuit Championship will remain on the St. Lawrence River, but will now take place Aug. 24-29. The 2020 Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit regular-season schedule has been shortened from seven events to six. After completing three events in the original 2020 schedule, FLW suspended the Pro Circuit on March 22 in an abundance of caution surrounding the coronavirus pandemic.

2020 Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit Updated Schedule:

  • June 23-26                  Lake Chickamauga   Dayton, Tenn.

Hosted by Fish Dayton and the Rhea Economic & Tourism Council

 

  • July 29- Aug. 1          Mississippi River       La Crosse, Wis.        

Hosted by the La Crosse County Convention & Visitors Bureau

 

  • Aug. 11-14                  Detroit River             Trenton, Mich.

Hosted by the Detroit Sports Commission

 

2020 Tackle Warehouse TITLE, the FLW Pro Circuit Championship:

  • Aug. 24-29                  St. Lawrence River   Massena, N.Y.          

Hosted by the Town of Massena

 

By its nature, the Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit allows for social distancing as anglers compete in individual boats on thousands of acres of water. Fans are encouraged to watch the tournaments and daily weigh-ins online from their homes through expanded live on-the-water broadcasts rather than attend weigh-ins, in an effort to avoid crowds. FLW will livestream all four days, instead of only the final two days as previously done, and the on-the-water camera crew will also be expanded to help capture more of the action. The events will proceed with marshals unless COVID-19 mitigation guidance in the host community at the time of each event dictates otherwise.

“It’s an understatement to say that these are historic times in professional bass fishing, but that’s exactly what we’re dealing with – a situation our industry has never faced before,” said FLW Executive Vice President and General Manager Kathy Fennel. “We had no choice but to shift some of our previous host commitments to finish out the 2020 season, but we are confident that the revamped schedule will make for a very exciting conclusion to the season. We will return to Lake Hartwell, Cherokee Lake and Lake Dardanelle in the future.

 

The abbreviated season for both MLF and FLW enabled FLW to extend invitations to Major League Fishing’s (MLF) Pros for the three final events, which will grow the field and create “Super Tournaments.” All current Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit anglers will retain their spots on the roster, but the field size will be expanded to include any MLF pros who commit to compete in all three events.

“The major changes to the remainder of our season offered us the opportunity to create what will arguably be the most memorable bass fishing tournaments in history,” Fennel said. “FLW has extended an invitation to all MLF Pros to compete with us.

“As we discussed how FLW should emerge from the quarantine period, we realized that we could work together with MLF to give both organizations’ anglers more opportunities to earn money and represent their sponsors for the remainder of this season. We’re going to give fans an incredible show, with the best anglers in the world fishing for five-bass limits. FLW and MLF will come out of quarantine even stronger.”

As has been the case throughout the 2020 season leading up to the shelter-at-home orders that paused competitive fishing, numerous MLF pros had elected to fish other FLW tournaments. Jacob Wheeler, Jordan Lee, Marty Robinson and Michael Neal have all represented their sponsors at Toyota Series events earlier this year. The 2020 Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit “Super Tournaments” will also offer the chance for fans to tune in and see major stars from MLF compete in the traditional five-bass format against FLW’s top pros. FLW has asked that MLF pros indicate their intent to fish by May 15, 2020.

Assuming a 200-boat field, the total purse in each tournament will expand from $820,000 to $1,279,000, for an increase of $1,377,000 over three events. The first-place prize will increase from $100,000 to $125,000, and FLW will pay out $10,000 through 100th place. Contingency prizes will also remain in effect, meaning qualified FLW PHOENIX BONUS pros fish for a top award of $160,000 in each tournament.

MLF pros who choose to compete in the final three Pro Circuit “Super Tournaments” will fish for prize money only. No points will be awarded toward any championship or title to MLF competitors. Only the original Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit anglers will compete for the Angler of the Year (AOY) title throughout the remainder of the season. AOY points in the final events will be awarded based on Pro Circuit anglers finishing order. The top-finishing FLW pro will receive “first-place points” regardless of where he finishes in the overall standings, and so on.

Qualification into the Tackle Warehouse TITLE, the FLW Pro Circuit Championship, is also open only to the original Pro Circuit field based on the anglers’ finishing order in the season-long, points standings. The TITLE remains a six-day, MLF-style catch-weigh-immediately-release tournament.

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

13 Fishing Rabbit Ear Joy Stick Worm Review By Jason Sealock

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13 Fishing Rabbit Ear Joy Stick Worm Review By Jason Sealock

I love to flip and pitch as do a lot of bass anglers. But I fish on very pressured fishery and it always seems like after the initial wave of largemouth bass comes in the spring, the pitching seems to get tougher. My theory is they get conditioned to the same presentation over and over. So as the season progresses, I generally go from a bulkier bait like a jig and trailer, to a more compact plastic beaver style plastic, until I finally end up pitching a stick bait or small worm.

The 13 Fishing Joy Stick Worm offers a solution to fishing pressure by giving you a skinny profile that still has a little action with the Rabbit Ear Tail.

Major League Fishing Cancels 2020 MLF College Faceoffs presented by Wiley X

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Major League Fishing Cancels 2020 MLF College Faceoffs presented by Wiley X

 

May 7, 2020 (Tulsa, Okla.) Major League Fishing (MLF) announced today the cancellation of the 2020 MLF College Faceoffs presented by Wiley X in an effort to minimize risks associated with the coronavirus pandemic.

Originally announced in early March, the four-tournament series featuring the MLF-style catch-weigh-immediately-release format was set to feature 20 College Fishing teams that qualified through the Abu Garcia College Fishing presented by YETI circuit. MLF officials are hopeful that the Faceoff events will return in 2021.

“The health and safety of our anglers, staff and the communities that we visit will continue to be our No. 1 priority as we assess the ongoing health crisis related to the coronavirus,” said Todd Walker, MLF Vice President of Operations. “We remain hopeful that the Faceoffs will return in 2021 and will continue to look for unique opportunities that allow College Fishing anglers to experience the thrill of competing in MLF-style events.”

As previously announced, the 2020 College Fishing season is set to resume for anglers on May 29, 2020, with the Abu Garcia College Fishing presented by YETI at the Mississippi River in La Crosse, Wisconsin. Participation in the event is limited to only registered anglers and essential tournament staff, and fans are asked to follow the event online to minimize crowds.

Abu Garcia College Fishing presented by YETI teams compete in regular-season qualifying tournaments in one of five conferences – Central, Northern, Southern, Southeastern and Western. The top ten teams from each division’s regular-season tournaments and the top 20 teams from the annual Abu Garcia College Fishing Open advance to the following year’s Abu Garcia College Fishing presented by YETI National Championship.

For complete details and updated information on the MLF College Faceoffs, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For updated schedules, photos, tournament news and more, follow Abu Garcia College Fishing presented by YETI at FLWFishing.com and on FLW’s social media outlets at Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

About Major League Fishing  
Founded in 2011, Major League Fishing (MLF) brings the high-intensity sport of competitive bass fishing into America’s living rooms on Outdoor Channel, Discovery, CBS, CBS Sports Network, World Fishing Network, Sportsman Channel, and on-demand on MyOutdoorTV (MOTV). The Bass Pro Tour consists of eight events and a championship streamed live on http://www.MajorLeagueFishing.com and MOTV.

In late 2019 MLF acquired FLW, which expands their portfolio to include the world’s largest grassroots fishing organization, including the strongest five-fish format professional bass fishing tour, the Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit, as well as the Toyota Series, Phoenix Bass Fishing League presented by T-H Marine, and Abu Garcia College Fishing presented by YETI, and High School Fishing presented by Favorite Fishing.

B.A.S.S. Announces Revised 2020 Tournament Schedule

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B.A.S.S. Announces Revised 2020 Tournament Schedule

May 7, 2020

B.A.S.S. Announces Revised 2020 Tournament Schedule

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — After the coronavirus national health emergency forced the postponement of spring competition, B.A.S.S. officials have announced a new schedule for the remainder of 2020 designed to ensure all Bassmaster Elite Series and Basspro.com Bassmaster Opens tournaments can be completed.

“Any time we are forced to postpone a tournament it is disappointing to our anglers, fans, hosts, sponsors and staff,” said Bruce Akin, B.A.S.S. CEO. “After this break of nearly three months, our anglers are looking forward to fishing on these incredible waters, and we know fans are ready to see big bass being weighed in again.

“Our team has worked diligently alongside our local hosts to ensure that we are ready to get back to the competition and fun of tournament fishing in a safe and responsible way.”

B.A.S.S. has emphasized that it will heed each state’s mandates on crowd sizes and public spaces as well as monitor federal guidelines to ensure both competition and fan activities can resume safely.

Three Elite Series events and two Bassmaster Opens tournaments originally scheduled between March and May were initially postponed. An alternate date for the tournament originally planned on the Sabine River in Orange, Texas could not be identified, prompting an official reschedule of that event for Spring 2021. Instead, the Elite Series will compete on Cayuga Lake in Union Springs, N.Y., where last year Jamie Hartman won with a four-day total of 80 pounds, 13 ounces.

Competition resumes in June, when the Elite field heads to historic Lake Eufaula in Alabama June 10-13. B.A.S.S. hasn’t visited the fishery since 2006.

“We are so excited to welcome B.A.S.S. back to the ‘Big Bass Capital of the World,’” said Ann Sparks, Tourism and Main Street Executive Director for the City of Eufaula. “We are thankful (for) their dedication to rescheduling the tournament. Now we just have to wait and see what they catch!”

Competition for Opens Series anglers resumes in June as well, when the Central Open launches on the Arkansas River in Muskogee, Okla., for their first event of the season June 18-20.

“When originally setting up the schedule, B.A.S.S. took into account the times of year when each fishery would be at its best,” said B.A.S.S. Tournament Director Trip Weldon. “The revisions, while challenging, should present excellent catch opportunities for our field.”

Bassmaster Elite Series

June 10-13, Lake Eufaula, Eufaula, Ala.

July 14-17, Cayuga Lake, Union Springs, N.Y.

July 23-26, SiteOne Bassmaster Elite at St. Lawrence River, Waddington, N.Y.

July 30-Aug. 2, Lake Champlain, Plattsburgh, N.Y.

Aug. 20-23, Lake St. Clair, Macomb County, Mich.

Oct. 8-11, Santee Cooper Lakes, Clarendon County, S.C.

Oct. 16-19, Chickamauga Lake, Dayton, Tenn.

Nov. 5-8, Toyota Bassmaster Texas Fest benefiting Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Lake Fork, Quitman, Texas
Basspro.com Bassmaster Opens Series

Eastern Division:

Aug. 6-8, Oneida Lake, Syracuse, N.Y.

Sept. 23-25, Lake Hartwell, Anderson, S.C.

Oct. 29-31, Cherokee Lake, Jefferson County, Tenn.

Central Division:

June 18-20, Arkansas River, Muskogee, Okla.

Sept. 10-12, Sam Rayburn Reservoir, Jasper, Texas

Oct. 22-24, Neely Henry Lake, Gadsden, Ala.

Nov. 19-21, Lewisville Lake, Lewisville, Texas

About B.A.S.S.
B.A.S.S. 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), television show (The Bassmasters on ESPN2 and The Pursuit Channel), radio show (Bassmaster Radio), 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, new Huk 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.

The Ned Rig: Bass Fishing’s Ultimate Finesse Technique? by Josh Boyd

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The Ned Rig: Bass Fishing’s Ultimate Finesse Technique? by Josh Boyd

The Ned Rig: Bass Fishing’s Ultimate Finesse Technique?

The majority of bass fishermen have come to understand that a solid finesse fishing strategy will allow bass to be pulled from the water with fair consistency, even when conditions are less than ideal. This knowledge has created a unique scenario that is characterized by the continual rise of new and exciting Finesse presentations, on an almost yearly basis.

This continued finesse fishing renaissance has given birth to a number of innovative rigs, which all show promise for boating bass, even when the going gets tough. However, few such rigs have received as much attention as of late, as the Ned Rig. This particular rig has grown exponentially in popularity over the last couple of years, and for good reason.

What Is The Ned Rig?

Much like any new finesse fishing technique that comes from obscurity to take the bass fishing scene by storm, many anglers’ initial reaction to hearing about the Ned Rig is one of skepticism. This is often followed by a myriad of questions relating to how this particular finesse rig is different from those to come before it, and how it is fished.

The Ned Rig is easily recognizable when compared to other finesse rigs, primarily for its small overall size in relation to other finesse offerings. It simply consists of a 2”-3” soft plastic, threaded onto an ultra-lightweight jig head. When rigged correctly, the jig head’s hook will protrude at the approximate halfway point of the plastic’s body.

Much of the Ned Rig’s attraction stems from the enticing flutter that is presented upon its descent. This is where the use of a lightweight jig head pays dividends. The slow methodical fall that is standard of the Ned Rig, is often more than even the most picky of bass can handle.

The Ned Rig can be fished in several different ways, all of which are based on the bait’s ability to be retrieved with a subtle, yet lively presentation. Some of these retrieval methods include hopping, drag-and-deadsticking, and a shaking-swim retrieval.

ZMan Fishing Products’ Ned Rig Revolution

There are few individuals better equipped to discuss the Ned Rig’s rise to prominence than ZMan Fishing Products President, Daniel Nussbaum. ZMan has been at the forefront of the Ned Rig’s continued development, and produces some of the finest rig specific jig heads and soft plastics available on the market today.

“We came out with it five or six years ago, and it actually took two or three years for it to really catch on,” Nussbaum said, regarding ZMan’s jump into the production of Ned Rig specific plastics and heads. “At first, it was something that tournament fishermen really kind of laughed at. They didn’t think that it was going to be a significant tool for them, until they got faced with tough conditions, began throwing it, and were getting bites when nothing else would get bit,” Nussbaum continued.

Zman Fishing Products now offers the Finesse TRD series of soft plastics, that are specifically built for optimal use with the company’s Shroomz jig heads. This line of soft plastics utilizes an ElaZtech composition to produce a precise sink rate that perfectly compliments the Ned Rig, and produces a desirable action that proves deadly on even the most finicky of bass.

“That’s really the key to the Ned Rig system. ElaZtech plastic floats, allowing it to stand up off the bottom, and slows down the sink rate. It is a completely different look that fish haven’t seen,” says Nussbaum. When asked about the best color of Finesse TRD plastics to use, Nussbaum said, “Green Pumpkin is always the best seller.” He explained the reasoning behind this by saying, “As the bass fishermen always say, ‘it doesn’t matter what color it is, as long as it is green pumpkin’.”

Shaw Grigsby on the Ned Rig

Anglers all across the nation have found notable success fishing the Ned Rig, including some competitive bass fishing’s biggest names. One such angler is legendary pro, Shaw Grigsby. Grigsby recently touched on the role that the Ned Rig has played in his fishing, as of late.

“The Ned Rig has really come on strong, and it is something that I use when I’m fishing in clear water, especially when fishing around smallmouths and spots. They just can’t handle this thing,” said Grigsby.

Like many bass anglers, when Grigsby first laid eyes on the Ned Rig, he didn’t initially see the appeal. “When I first learned about it, I studied the Ned Rig and thought, ‘What is this?’ It’s just a little itty bitty chunk of plastic,” Grigsby said. “But then I started fishing it, and it was really good,” he continued.

When fishing the Ned Rig, Grigsby definitely has a preferred retrieve that he has found much success with. “I normally throw it out and let it go to the bottom. You will get a lot of strikes on the fall. But, when it’s on the bottom, I let it sit, and barely move my rod a little bit, jig it a little bit off the bottom, pick it back up, and do it again,” said Grigsby.

Grigsby says that he has had great success out of fishing the Ned Rig in conjunction with Strike King’s line of purpose-specific soft plastics. “Now, Strike King has a whole line on Ned baits,” said Grigsby. “Most of the baits I use are like a green pumpkin color. I like the natural colors like that. Then there is the new color called Moon Juice that I love,” Grigsby continued.

A Tactic for the Masses

One of the most valued characteristics of the Ned Rig is that there is virtually no wrong way for it to be fished. From a minimalistic slow jig, to a sweeping retrieve, the Ned Rig provides ample opportunity for anglers of all ages and experience levels.

Though various techniques and rigs have a way of coming and going throughout the years, it seems that finesse fishing is here to stay. If the present is any indicator, it is likely safe to say that the Ned Rig will continue to play a pivotal role for both competitive and weekend bass anglers alike, for many years to come.

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