Search
Subscribe
Friday, December 19, 2025
Home Blog Page 711

Smith Mountain Lake April 2020 fishing report by Captain Dale Wilson

wpalert
-
0
Smith Mountain Lake April 2020 fishing report by Captain Dale Wilson

John Jones from Vinton,Va. with a nice striper caught & released 3/17/20.

[print_link]

Fishing has been good the past few weeks. Water temperature has risen the past several days and is now in the 60s. Baitfish are in shallow water spawning this month. Most species of fish will start spawning this month as the water temperature rises.

Largemouth bass: Fishing will be good. Best lures will be jigs, drop shot rigs, wacky worms, senkos, crank baits, swim baits, Ned rigs and top water lures. Most largemouth bass will be caught on secondary points, shallow coves, stumps and docks. Best depths will be from 2 to 6 feet. Largemouth bass will feed at night this month. Rocks, stumps and shallow brush are a key factor to finding them. Anglers should release the bass when they are spawning. Please release the bass while they are spawning.

Smallmouth bass: Fishing should be good this month. Best areas will be rocks, stumps and secondary points. Best lures will be jig and pig, Ned rigs, hair jigs, top water lures and shallow-running crank baits. Best areas will be in the mid- to the lower sections of the lake. Most smallmouth bass will start spawning this month. Cloudy days are good times to fish. Light line will increase the chances of catching a smallmouth bass.

Striped bass: Fishing will be good this month. Stripers will be caught in the lower sections of the lake and in the larger creeks. Best lures will be red fins, Alabama rigs, swim baits, top water lures and Zoom flukes fished on 1/4- to 3/8-ounce lead heads. The best depths will be from near the surface to 40 feet. Try to find areas with the largest concentrations of baitfish. Fishing at night will be best this month. Some striper will surface, too. Live bait fished on planer boards and down lines also should work.

Crappie: Fishing for crappie will be good. Crappie will continue to spawn and will be found at 2 to 10 feet. Best areas will be in the main creeks around docks, fallen trees, stumps and brush piles in the mid- to upper parts of the lake. Small live minnows and 1½- to 2-inch tubes or shad-shaped plastic lures fished on 1/32- to 1/16-ounce lead heads will work best to catch them. Some crappie will continue to spawn this month.

Tips of the month: Fishing during the early morning, late afternoon and night are the best times.

The fish will move to shallow areas because of the warmer water temperature, and they will be spawning.

Night fishing will be good because the bait fish will be spawning this month.

Always wear a life jacket, be careful when boating, be courteous and obey all the boating laws. Practice catch and release.

Take a kid fishing.

MLF Postpones Stage Five of the Bass Pro Tour, Originally Scheduled for late April 2020

wpalert
-
0
MLF Postpones Stage Five of the Bass Pro Tour, Originally Scheduled for late April 2020

April 2, 2020 (Tulsa, Okla.) Major League Fishing (MLF) announced the league will postpone Stage Five of the Bass Pro Tour originally scheduled for April 24-30, 2020 on Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees. This decision is a result of recommendations by federal, state, and local officials to minimize the transmission of COVID-19. The League will monitor the situation and follow the advice of medical and Public Health officials to reschedule as quickly as possible.

“While we’re disappointed that we can’t move forward with the Bass Pro Tour in April, the safety and health of our anglers, volunteers, staff, and host community are our primary concern,” said Jim Wilburn, Major League Fishing President and CEO. “Our format inherently allows for social distancing and other recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control to minimize the spread of novel coronavirus, but this unprecedented global pandemic cannot be taken likely and we must follow the advice of medical and government officials.”

The Phoenix Boats Stage Five presented by Mercury was scheduled to launch from the Wolf Creek Park Boat Ramp and is hosted by the City of Grove.

“While it saddens us, we fully understand the decision by MLF to postpone the event,” commented Donnie Crain, Director of the Grove Convention & Tourism Bureau. “These proactive, preventative measures are tough decisions but in the best interest for all involved. Grove and Grand Lake look forward to welcoming the MLF Pros and staff back to Northeastern Oklahoma and showcasing our beautiful lake and its great fishing in the future.”

Major League Fishing will continue to assess the impact of COVID-19 and take the advice and mandates set forth by local, state, and national medical and Public Health officials to address the potential impact on future events and potential dates for rescheduling Stages Four and Five.

MLF strongly encourages everyone to follow the recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) on everyday prevention of viral infection, which include:

  • Clean your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
  • Avoid close contact with sick persons
  • Practice social distancing among your community
  • Stay home if you’re sick
  • Cover the nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing
  • Routinely clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and objects
  • Consult a healthcare provider as needed
  • For more information about the novel coronavirus, visit cdc.gov.

MLF fans can tune into the Outdoor Channel and Sportsman Channel to see original airings of the MLF Cup events including the Premiere of the 2020 Patriot Cup on Saturday, April 4, 2020. MLF Cup events feature 30 Pros from the Bass Pro Tour filmed exclusively to premiere on Outdoor Channel. 2020 MLF Cup events were filmed in late 2019.  For a complete listing of the MLF television schedule, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com/tv-schedule.

Buddy Gross breaks down a Spring Tournament & more great tips

wpalert
-
0
Buddy Gross breaks down a Spring Tournament & more great tips

On this episode of Bass Cast Radio Buddy Gross gives us a look at how he breaks down a lake he has never been to before.. Plus how he would fish an event on that lake & many more great spring tips you can use the next time you are fishing an event or just out on the water.

[spreaker type=player resource=”episode_id=24738186″ width=”100%” height=”350px” theme=”light” playlist=”show” playlist-continuous=”false” autoplay=”false” live-autoplay=”false” chapters-image=”true” episode-image-position=”right” hide-logo=”false” hide-likes=”false” hide-comments=”false” hide-sharing=”false” hide-download=”true” color=”00d084″]

Bassmaster Classic TV Coverage Debuts On ESPN2 Sunday Morning

wpalert
-
0
Bassmaster Classic TV Coverage Debuts On ESPN2 Sunday Morning

Cameras capture the action for new episodes of The Bassmasters during the Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic presented by Huk.

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

[print_link]

April 1, 2020

Bassmaster Classic TV Coverage Debuts On ESPN2 Sunday Morning

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Tens of thousands of fishing fans crowded the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex in Birmingham, Ala., March 6-8 to watch some of the world’s best bass anglers weigh in their catches from historic Lake Guntersville during the Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic presented by Huk.

Those who couldn’t attend in person — as well as those who want to relive the excitement of Hank Cherry’s win — can tune in to the first episode of a three-part series of The Bassmasters devoted to the world championship.

“The Bassmaster Classic: Day 1” will debut on Sunday, April 5 at 11 a.m. ET on ESPN2. The show sets the stage for a three-day competition as North Carolina pro Cherry weighs in five big bass totaling 29 pounds, 3 ounces and takes a commanding lead despite injuring his arm during competition.

“The challenge in covering an event like the Classic, which has already been watched on Bassmaster LIVE or followed on Bassmaster.com and other media by millions of people, is making it fresh and compelling,” said Bruce Akin, B.A.S.S. CEO. “Our talented team produced a series of shows worthy of the historic 50th Bassmaster Classic.”

Coverage of Day 2 of the Classic, a two-hour show, will begin at 10 a.m. Sunday, April 12, and the Championship Sunday episode, also two hours, will air at 10 a.m. Sunday, April 19, both on ESPN2. These and other episodes of The Bassmasters will be reaired on ESPN2 and ESPN Classic, as well as on The Pursuit Channel.

This year marks the 21st consecutive Bassmaster Classic to be aired on ESPN networks.

The Bassmasters TV Shows

(All times Eastern. For a full TV schedule, visit Bassmaster.com/television, or check local listings.)

ESPN2 Sun 4/5/2020 11:00 AM 2020 Bassmaster Classic Day 1

ESPN2 Sun 4/12/2020 10:00 AM 2020 Bassmaster Classic Day 2

ESPN2 Sun 4/19/2020 10:00 AM 2020 Bassmaster Classic Championship

2020 Bassmaster Classic Title Sponsor: Academy Sports + Outdoors

2020 Bassmaster Classic Presenting Sponsor: Huk Performance Fishing Apparel

2020 Bassmaster Classic Platinum Sponsor: Toyota

2020 Bassmaster Classic Premier Sponsors: Abu Garcia, Berkley, Humminbird, Mercury, Minn Kota, Nitro Boats, Power-Pole, Ranger Boats, Skeeter Boats, Talon, Yamaha

2020 Bassmaster Classic Local Partners: Alabama Power, Black Rifle Coffee, Books-A-Million, Coca-Cola Bottling Company United, Jack’s Family Restaurants, Thompson Tractor, TNT Fireworks, TVA, Wind Creek Casino

2020 Bassmaster Classic Hosts: Greater Birmingham Convention & Visitors Bureau, Alabama Tourism Department and Marshall County Convention & Visitors Bureau

Bassmaster Postpones Events Amid Continuing Coronavirus Concerns

wpalert
-
0
Bassmaster Postpones Events Amid Continuing Coronavirus Concerns

March 31, 2020

Bassmaster Postpones Events Amid Continuing Coronavirus Concerns

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Public boat ramp closures in South Carolina and Kentucky, as well as extended federal guidelines limiting social gatherings to reduce the spread of the coronavirus, have prompted B.A.S.S. to postpone four additional upcoming tournaments.

The Bassmaster Elite at Santee Cooper Lakes in Clarendon County, S.C., Carhartt Bassmaster College Series at Lake Cumberland presented by Bass Pro Shops, Mossy Oak Fishing Bassmaster High School Series at Lake Cumberland presented by Academy Sports + Outdoors and Mossy Oak Fishing Bassmaster Junior Series at Lake Cumberland, all three to be held in Jamestown, Ky., are being rescheduled for later in the year, B.A.S.S. officials announced today.

“B.A.S.S. believes it is imperative to heed the advice not only of the CDC but of our elected officials as our country navigates this national crisis,” said Bruce Akin, B.A.S.S. CEO. “We are encouraging our anglers, staff and fans to live smart and fish smart, practicing responsible social distancing measures and doing their part to help limit the spread of this disease.”

B.A.S.S. has postponed eight events originally scheduled between March and May and is evaluating upcoming tournaments based on precautions and advice from the CDC and public officials as well as local mandates regarding public spaces and events.

“Although we are disappointed to postpone the Bassmaster Elite Series event previously scheduled for April 16-19, the health and safety of event organizers, the anglers and our community is our top priority,” said Tiffany Myers, Director of Tourism for the Clarendon County Chamber of Commerce. “We are continuing to work with the B.A.S.S. organization to reschedule the event at a later date.”

While the national State of Emergency is in place, South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster has closed boat ramps and landings on the state’s lakes, rivers and waterways. Additionally, he has ordered anyone arriving into South Carolina from New York, New Jersey, Connecticut or New Orleans to self-quarantine for two weeks.

As more states adopt “shelter in place” recommendations and continue to limit operation of nonessential businesses, B.A.S.S is also considering the impact that potential logistical issues and travel restrictions, including Canadian border closures, may have on anglers’ ability to travel to tournaments.

During this national crisis and uncertain time, B.A.S.S. is encouraging people, where possible, to use this unexpected time to enjoy the outdoors and recreational fishing in a safe and responsible way with their new “Live Smart, Fish Smart” campaign.

B.A.S.S. is also producing stories and videos designed to ensure those staying inside can still connect to the sport, and people, they love. This includes upcoming content covering topics such as teaching fishing skills to kids and bank fishing basics.

Fans of fishing and the Bassmaster Elite Series anglers can find live Q/A videos, inspiring stories, helpful tips and more at Bassmaster.com. B.A.S.S. is also encouraging outdoor enthusiasts and tournament anglers alike to share photos with the hashtags: #livesmart #fishsmart #bassmaster.

Bass Edge The Edge Episode 323 Brad Hallman

wpalert
-
0
Bass Edge The Edge Episode 323 Brad Hallman

Bass Edge Radio, presented by Megaware KeelGuard features 2-Time FLW Tour Champion Bradley Hallman in this episode of their top-rated podcast.  Bass Edge hosts Aaron Martin and Kurt Dove have a round table discussion with Brad about the proper hook selection for multiple techniques and bass fishing scenarios.

Sportfishing Industry Asks Governors to Support Recreational Fishing

wpalert
-
0
Sportfishing Industry Asks Governors to Support Recreational Fishing

Sportfishing Industry Asks Governors to Support Recreational Fishing
[print_link]

Amid growing closures and restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic, the American Sportfishing Association (ASA) recently sent letters to each of the fifty governors requesting that they keep recreational fishing opportunities and businesses open as much as possible.

The letters were delivered to the governors’ offices on Friday, March 27.

“In no way do we want to stand in the way of states’ efforts to limit the spread of COVID-19 and we recognize that in certain cases fishing access restrictions are warranted,” said Mike Leonard, ASA’s vice president of Government Affairs. “In general, ASA believes that recreational fishing should be promoted as a safe outdoor activity compatible with physical distancing guidelines.”

“Given that recreational fishing provides health benefits associated with being outdoors, and a source of food for many individuals, we support state efforts to maintain fishing opportunities while keeping physical distance, and to allow sportfishing businesses to stay open as much as possible,” said Leonard.

ASA is monitoring state parks and fisheries agencies responses to the COVID-19 pandemic, providing updates on its website through an interactive map. In addition, ASA is working with states to have recreational fishing-related businesses be considered “essential” and therefore allowed to remain open in some form to help facilitate fishing opportunities for the public.

COVID-19 Relief Bill Signed into Law

On Friday, March 27, President Trump signed into law a $2 trillion COVID-19 relief bill, the Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, to provide relief to Americans and businesses during the COVID-19 crisis.

Notably for small businesses, the CARES Act includes $350 billion for a new Paycheck Protection Program to help small businesses make payroll and cover expenses from February 15, to June 30. If the employer maintains the payroll, the loan would be forgiven.

The administration soon will release more details including the list of lenders offering loans under the program. In the meantime, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce has prepared a guide to help small businesses and self-employed individuals prepare to file for a loan.

Companies who are in need of a quick infusion of a smaller amount of cash to cover immediate needs are encouraged to explore the Small Business Association’s (SBA) Economic Injury Disaster Loans.

Statement from FLW Executive Vice President Kathy Fennel

wpalert
-
0
Statement from FLW Executive Vice President Kathy Fennel

Statement from FLW Executive Vice President Kathy Fennel

[print_link]

BENTON, Ky. (March 30, 2020) – The following statement was released by FLW Executive Vice President & General Manager Kathy Fennel today regarding the postponement and rescheduling of FLW tournaments:

In response to the ongoing spread of COVID-19 and guidance from the Centers for Disease Control to slow its progression, we announced March 17 that all tournaments through April 5 would be rescheduled along with the May 7-9 Toyota Series tournament on Neely Henry Lake.

Today we are taking the additional steps of rescheduling all tournaments through May 3. This unprecedented action, taken out of an abundance of caution and continued uncertainty of venue availability, will help protect the health and welfare of our anglers, staff, fans, sponsors and host communities.

Rescheduled dates for all affected tournaments will be announced as soon as possible. Entries will roll over to the rescheduled events unless instructed otherwise. Balance due dates will also be adjusted in accordance with rescheduled events. 

In addition to tournaments through May 3, the Toyota Series Championship and Phoenix Bass Fishing League Wild Card will be moved to later dates to accommodate rescheduling.

Tournaments already rescheduled include:

  • Abu Garcia College Fishing presented by YETI Open on Kentucky Lake in Gilbertsville, KY, was March 17-18 now Sept. 16-17.
  • Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit on Cherokee Lake in Jefferson City, TN, was April 2-5 now June 11-14.
  • Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit on Lake Hartwell in Anderson, SC, was April 23-26 now May 28-31.
  • Phoenix Bass Fishing League All-American on Lake Hartwell in Anderson, SC, was April 30-May 2 now Nov. 11-13. 
  • Toyota Series Championship on Lake Cumberland in Burnside, KY, was Nov. 5-7 now Dec. 3-5.
  • Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine Wild Card was Nov. 13-14 now Nov. 20-21.

We will continue to monitor CDC, federal, state and local guidelines and adjust tournament operations as necessary to reschedule events. As an open-air sport that disperses competitors on thousands of acres of water, tournament fishing allows for social distancing. We are, therefore, hopeful that tournaments will proceed on schedule starting with the May 7-9 Toyota Series tournament on Table Rock Lake in Branson, Missouri. 

We encourage everyone to follow CDC, federal, state and local guidelines to help prevent infection. Please watch FLWFishing.com, the FLW Facebook page and your inbox for ongoing updates. Our prayers are with everyone impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and those on the front line in the fight against it. Let’s all do our part. 

Sincerely,
Kathy Fennel
Executive Vice President & General Manager, FLW

About FLW
FLW is the world’s largest tournament-fishing organization, providing anglers of all skill levels the opportunity to compete for millions in prize money across five tournament circuits. Headquartered in Benton, Kentucky, FLW and its partners conduct more than 290 bass-fishing tournaments annually around the world, including the United States, Canada, China, Italy, South Korea, Mexico, Namibia, Portugal, South Africa, Spain, and Zimbabwe.

FLW tournament fishing can be seen on the Emmy-nominated “FLW” television show while Bass Fishing magazine delivers cutting-edge tips from top pros. Acquired by Major League Fishing in late 2019, FLW is expanding its programming in 2020 to the Outdoor Channel and the Sportsman Channel as well as on-demand at MyOutdoorTV (MOTV).

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.

Bass Edge THE EDGE Epiode 322 Stetson Blaylock

wpalert
-
0
Bass Edge THE EDGE Epiode 322 Stetson Blaylock

Bass Edge Radio interviews BASS Elite Series professional angler Stetson Blaylock as the featured angler in the latest podcast presented by Megaware KeelGuard. Show hosts Aaron Martin and Kurt Dove visit with Stetson on his new sponsorship with Academy Sports, his amazing success in the 2019 Elite Series and the Bassmaster Classic.  This episode also features a segment about High School fishing with special guest Wyatt Wimberley of East Texas.

4 SPOOKY Facts About Ghost Colored Lures- MTB

wpalert
-
0
4 SPOOKY Facts About Ghost Colored Lures- MTB

4 SPOOKY Facts About Ghost Colored Lures

[print_link]

Bass anglers do believe in ghosts when they are fishing gin clear water.
When you look at a shad or minnow it almost seems as if you can see through the fish’s body so a translucent or ghost color lure best imitates the hue of a baitfish in clear water. A ghost color lure basically features a mostly see-through body with a back painted in a subtle dark color of black, blue, purple or red.

When Fish Get Picky

Ghost Colored Lures - Googan Squad Banger
Googan Squad Banger

Bass in gin clear water tend to be pretty picky about what they eat because the fish can see a prey so well. Brightly colored lures look unnatural to bass in ultra-clear water so the fish tend to shy away from those baits. When bass are feeding heavily on shad or minnows, the fish are more inclined to bite a translucent bait that best mimics the colors of the baitfish then. Weather conditions also dictate when you should throw ghost lures in clear water.

What The Pro’s Throw

Ghost Colored Lures - Lucky Craft Gunfish
Lucky Craft Gunfish

Bassmaster Elite Series pro Paul Mueller favors throwing translucent suspending jerkbaits for smallmouth bass on bright sunny days in clear water. He opts for a jerkbait with a transparent body and a chartreuse belly to trick clear water smallmouth in the sunshine. Former Bass Fishing League (BFL) All American Champion Marcus Sykora prefers fishing a ghost color suspending jerkbait for winter and early spring largemouth bass in clear water on days with intermittent clouds and sunshine.

Ghost color swimbaits are also great baitfish imitators for catching bass in gin clear water. You can throw these lures individually on a jighead or as a conglomeration on an Alabama rig.

Going In DEEP With Tube Baits

Ghost Colored Lures - Googan Squad Scout
Googan Squad Jr. Scout

Tube baits are also ideal ghost lures for catching bass in either deep or shallow clear water. Table Rock and Bull Shoals anglers have used clear tubes with black or blue flakes to vertical jig for spotted bass at depths ranging from 20 to 60 feet throughout the years. One of my favorite tactics for catching spawning bass is skipping a clear tube with red and blue flakes in shallow clear water. The clear tube skipping across the surface mimics the action of a frightened shore minnow hopping on top of the water.

Jerking One Past Them

Ghost Colored Lures - Googan Squad Hound
Googan Squad Hound

Soft jerkbaits in ghost colors are also great baitfish imitators that bass will gobble up in clear water. These lures provide plenty of action for either spawning fish in the shallows or during the summer when bass school in open deep water and attack pods of baitfish on the surface.

1...710711712...1,533Page 711 of 1,533

Follow Us

The latest

Tyler & Ricky Trent win the Kerr Lake Fall Final with 18.83 lbs

Buggs Island/Kerr Lake Tournament Results 0
We are currently working on a 2026 BassKings schedule...

Battery Tender named Presenting Sponsor of the 2026 Turtlebox Bassmaster Opens

Bassmaster Open 0
Dec. 18, 2025 Battery Tender named Presenting Sponsor of the...

FISHING: Kit for a King

Bass News 0
Kit for a King EGO Fishing’s new BLACKWATER Tool Kit...

© 2023 The Bass Cast. All Rights Reserved.